SFC Jerry Sylvester Zanders, Sr. (U.S. Army Retired), 85, of Palatka, peacefully transitioned from his earthly home and entered eternal rest early Saturday morning, April 5, 2014 at Palatka Health Care Center. A native of Deland, Florida, he was born on Saturday, August 11, 1928 as the fifth of six children born to Reverend Jerry William "J.W." and Ever Lee (Clark) Zanders. The Zanders family resided in numerous Florida cities according to his father's pastoral assignment by the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his childhood years, the family settled in Palatka and was affiliated with Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Jerry was a graduate of Central Academy High School, class of 1946. Upon graduation, he was employed as a grader by Florida Furniture Industries. On August 14, 1952, Jerry was inducted into the United States Army through the Selective Service system. During his first tour of duty, he was assigned to the 21st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company and earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Medal; On November 29, 1954, Jerry enlisted in the Army, earning a Commendation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal; re-enlisted November 29, 1960 earning National Defense Service Medal attaining the rank of (E-6), #3 & #4 Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster and USA Engineer School (Construction Draftsman); November 29, 1966, #5 Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Military Justice & Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Warfare training while serving in Taipei, Taiwan; and November 29, 1969 (attaining the rank of SFC (E7) serving in Long Binh, Vietnam); Jerry subsequently entered military retirement (honorable discharge) at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma on October 31, 1974, following 22 years, 9 days of active, meritorious service. In 1975, Jerry became a tissue converting employee at Georgia-Pacific (formerly Hudson Pulp & Paper Mill). Jerry was united in marriage to the former Aileen "Pam" Hobbs. He retired from G-P on August 17, 1993 following 18 years of loyal service. He was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and enjoyed the worship experience. Affectionately called "Mr. Z" and well-known as "The Man," Jerry was always dressed "GQ" and was extremely passionate about maintaining his well-detailed vehicles. He likewise enjoyed serving others, chauffeuring many locals to their doctor's appointment and especially "executive chauffeur" to guest pastors, including his pastor and former Palatka Mayor Karl Flagg. He was formerly employed as a part-time funeral attendant at D. A. Boyd & Sons Funeral Home. "Mr. Z" served faithfully as a funeral attendant and "funeral coach driver" at Flagg-Serenity Memorial Chapel until his declining health prevailed. Jerry was preceded in eternal rest by his parents; two sons, Verl B. "Zip" Zanders and Jerry "Zeke" Zanders, Jr., (2/20/14); grandson, Jerry "Zar" Zanders III; sister, Dorothy "Sister" Zanders-Davis; four brothers, John Zanders, Sr., Nathaniel "Ship" Zanders, Wilton Alphonso "Fonso" Zanders, and Henry Milton Zanders. Those who cherish his memories: devoted & faithful wife of 33 years, Aileen "Pam" Zanders, Palatka; 3 sons, Darin Zanders, Richmond, CA; Reverend Kevin (Kim) Hankins, Tallahassee; Michael (Tiffany) Hankins, Miami Gardens; 2 daughters-in-law, Brenda Elaine Zanders, Silver Spring, MD; Brenda L. Zanders, Washington, D.C; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; "just like sons"- Kenneth "Kent" (Elnora "Pinky") James, Reverend Karl N. (Terricena) Flagg, both of Palatka; Willard Eugene (Annette) Smith, San Mateo; Steve (Mary) Williams, Baltimore, MD; Michael Gilmore, Atlanta, GA; "just like a brother," Calvin (Jeannette) Smith, Palatka; 19 godchildren; god-sisters, Frankie Mae (A.C.) Fulton, Interlachen; Sharice (Tobby) Williams, Palatka; Special friends, Lula Jones, Annette Green, Charlie W. (Helen) Boyd, Jr., all of Palatka; Jerald A. (Norma J.) Dewdney, Crescent City; Jim (Natterlene) Gilmore, Satsuma; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gladys B. Zanders, Mary (Clint) Thomas, Tammie (Douglas) Johnson, Cleveland Hobbs, George Hobbs, and Anthony "Bobby" (Von) Hobbs, all of Palatka; Earlene (Albert) Lewis, Bowie, MD; Alzada Hobbs, Daytona Beach; Christine (Joseph) Borden and Kenneth (Glorie) Hobbs, Jacksonville; Thelma (Willie T.) Johnson, Newark, DE; Tereatha (Donald) Robinson, Tallahassee; Freddie Mae Hobbs, Albany, GA; Albert (Dollie) Hobbs, Killeen, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and loving friends. Visitation of family and friends: 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing and Celebration of Life (with full military honors conducted at the church) will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Kevin Hankins, Community of Faith Church, Tallahassee and Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, Mount Tabor First Baptist Church, Palatka, are co-officiants. Interment will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 15 in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.