Emanuel F Safo was born to the late Lynnell Allen and Willie Huges on September 20, 1958 in Okeechobee, Florida. He attended the public schools of Okeechobee where he was a scholar athlete. Many will strongly argue that he was the best basketball player that ever came through Okeechobee High. Those basketball skills earned him a scholarship to Iowa Lake Community College where he began his college studies and college basketball career. He would later transfer to Youngstown State University to continue college studies and basketball. While attending YSU, he became connected to a lifelong brotherhood by joining the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Emanuel is preceded in death by his mother, Lynnell Allen and sister Loretta Jones. He is survived by his Stepfather Dallas Jones of Fort Pierce, Florida. Children, Shavonna McQueen-Vasquez (Antonio Vasquez Sr.) Avon Park, Florida and Naketa McQueen of Sebring, Florida. Brother Jeffery Jones. Sisters Brenda Smith (Ray Smith), Rochella Jones, and Natasha Jones, all of Okeechobee, Florida. Step sister Talonda Williams (Eric Williams) and Step brother Johnathan Robinson. Very close companion Marsha Joiner. Two aunts, 8 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.