JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A sense of loss and unresolved questions persist among the family and friends who came together to honor Kenneth Mobley, a Jacksonville father who tragically lost his life in a shooting earlier this month near a Southside eatery.

Kenneth Mobley, who would have turned 39 on June 23, was described by loved ones as a go-getter who lit up the room.

Many gathered close to Copeland’s Restaurant, clutching candles and donning shirts bearing Mobley’s image. They held hands and prayed in tribute to him on what would have been his birthday.

“Anybody that knew him loved his smile, loved his spirit — never a bad vibe,” his cousin, Patricia Mobley, said.

A devoted father, son, and man of faith, Kenneth Mobley’s family says it is their belief that keeps them strong as they search for answers.

“We hold onto faith, as that is the kind of people we are,” she stated. “We have love for individuals and love for God — which makes what happened to Kenny unjustifiable.”

Police say Mobley went to Copeland’s on June 11 to meet someone, but the reason for that meeting and the motive behind his killing remain unclear. Investigators are still searching for a dark-colored four-door vehicle seen at the scene.

Mobley’s family is pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

“The way his mother feels — none of us appreciate it — so we want you to come forth,” Patricia Mobley said. “You were good enough to come over here to Copeland’s to do it, so it’s your time to come out, come out of hiding, go to JSO and turn yourself in.”

As of Monday evening, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had not provided an update on the investigation.