Jerrel "Gerald" Eugene Sparks, 90, of Crescent City, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, Palatka. The son of Walter and Ethel (Hipps) Sparks, he was born on July 21, 1932 in Pinson, TN. Jerrel later entered into the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and honorably served his tour upon the USS Des Moines. After serving our great nation, he started a business building radios in Miami and later in Crescent City. Jerrel was employed as an officer with the Crescent City Police Department. He became the first person to open a laundromat in Crescent City, Snow White Laundry and he later opened a very thriving business, Crescent City Auto Parts, where he worked until he was almost 80 years old. Jerrel had a love for gardening and caring for animals. He was known for picking up many strays and late in life was known for his large number of cats who found their way to his house and were always fed. Jerrel's children and grandchildren and close friends will miss him greatly. There will be a big void south of Crescent City.

A graveside memorial in honor of Jerrel will be 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4 at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, 106 Beulah Church Road, Crescent City.