Reverend Elijah Eugene Emanuel, commonly known as "Sugar Pop," 70, of Bunnell, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Community Hospice Bailey Family Center for Caring, St. Augustine. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, pastor, and mentor, Rev. Emanuel touched countless lives through his unwavering faith, service, and love for his community.

Born on January 10, 1955, in St. Augustine, Florida, to Leroy and Rebecca Emanuel of Bunnell, Florida, he was the second youngest of eleven children. His nickname, "Sugar Pop," was given to him by his older brother due to his love for a favorite cereal and remained his beloved name throughout the community.

Rev. Emanuel's spiritual journey began at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Frank Giddens, Sr. He answered the call to preach and went on to serve under Rev. Alphonso Harvey and Pastor Charles Howard of Fellowship Restorational Church before becoming the pastor of Fellowship himself. His calling to minister was matched by his deep compassion and ability to uplift others with both scripture and spirit.

A 1973 graduate of Bunnell High School, Rev. Emanuel was a standout basketball player whose exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to North Florida Junior College in Madison, Florida. He became the FIRST Bunnell Varsity basketball player to be chosen as an All-State player, later obtaining this award 3x in Florida at Bunnell High School during his high school career. He became a rising star, scoring an astounding 55 points in a single game and earning a feature in Sports Illustrated – Faces in the Crowd. He later attended the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss") in Oxford, Mississippi and completed his education at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies.

In 1997, Rev. Emanuel discovered his passion for mentorship when he became an administrator at the Devereux Foundation in Flagler County. His natural ability to guide and motivate youth inspired many. In 2004, encouraged by his lifelong mentor Rev. Frank Giddens, Sr., he accepted a position as the Facility Manager at the G.W. Carver Center. His impact there was profound, and in 2017, he was honored with the Outstanding Community Leadership Award by the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency. In an interview with the Palm Coast Observer, Rev. Emanuel shared his heart:

"I want the children to be productive citizens, and I want to be remembered as a person who cared about those children. My purpose is to make sure I can give young people an avenue to make wise decisions."

He retired from the Carver Center in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of love, leadership, and laughter. However, in 2022, his passion for helping youth called him back. He came out of retirement to serve as an ISS Administrator at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he continued to mentor students, offering them support, guidance, and a reminder of their worth. Rev. Emanuel also returned to his love of basketball as an assistant coach for the FPC basketball team, working alongside Head Coach Greg Shirley.

Rev. Elijah Eugene Emanuel's life was one of purpose, perseverance, and profound love. He will be remembered not only for his leadership and accomplishments but for the way he made others feel seen, valued, and inspired.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Rebecca Emanuel, Reverend Willie Hymon and brother Joel Emanuel.

He leaves to cherish his memory, Survivors: his former wife of 43 years and mother of his children, Hattie Bass Emanuel of Palm Coast; two daughters, Salina (Dwight) Murray of Austell, GA; Cassondra (Jermaine Lynn) Emanuel of Lithia Springs, GA; son, Kedrick Emanuel of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves his beloved nephew, John Dudley, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; His legacy continues through his six cherished grandsons, Dwight Murray, Jr., Darius Murray, and Devin Murray, all of Austell, GA; Isaiah Lynn of Atlanta, GA; and Ian Lynn and Jackson Lynn of Lithia Springs, GA. He is also survived by a step-granddaughter, Alisha Kennedy (Tony) of Mableton, GA and step great-grandson, Trey Kennedy.

He is mourned by five loving sisters, Shirley Owens of Bunnell; Mary (Willie) Brown of Orlando; Rhondy (David) Johnson of Palm Coast; Elnora Emanuel of Bunnell; and Pastor Alice Emanuel of Bunnell, (House of Joy Ministries). In addition, he leaves behind two half-sisters, Dora Hymon Giddens of Palm Coast; Barbara Hymon of Bunnell; and four devoted brothers, Lawrence Emanuel of Bunnell; Leroy (Eleanor) Emanuel, Jr. of Palm Coast; Deacon Calvester (Candy) Emanuel of Holly Hill; and Cleveland "Grover" Emanuel of Bunnell. He will be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom he cherished deeply.

Visitation of family and friends will be 10-12 noon with Homegoing Celebration commencing at 12 noon, Saturday, May 31 at First Baptist Church of Bunnell, 2301 Commerce Parkway. Interment will follow in Masonic Cemetery.