Santos "Papo" Cruz, Jr., 61, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Friday, July 3, 2020 at UF Shands Hospital, Gainesville. A native of Manhattan, NY, he was the son of Santos Cruz, Sr. and Monserrate Rivera, born on Friday, November 28, 1958. He was educated in the New York City School System. Santos truly loved the Lord and enjoyed being self-employed as a skilled painter. He was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and served in the Men's ministry. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed baseball and wrestling. He was lovingly known as "The Bacon Man" and "The Painter."

In addition to his parents, Santos was preceded in eternal rest by his sister, Nilda Cruz; mother in law, Thelma Ward; father in law, Clarence Cook, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: loving, devoted wife, Elethyia Jewel (Cook) Cruz, Palatka; sons and daughters, Jonathan (Elizabeth) Cruz, Christopher (Cynthia) Cruz, both of Bronx, NY; Jennifer (Jose) Cosme, Leesville, LA; Christopher A. Rexach, Haverhill, MA; stepdaughters, Jennifer West, Deitra West, and Kindra West, all of Welaka; 16 grandchildren; numerous siblings, including, Miguel Santos, Willingboro, NJ; Noberto Cruz, Abilene, TX; Robert Cruz, Toms-River, NJ; sister, Rosario "Charito" Cruz Martinez, Manhattan, NY; brothers-in-law, Todd Cook and Wesley Cook, both of Fayetteville, NC; Clarence (Charlotte) Cook, III, Hampton, GA; sister-in-law, Bridgette (William) Hayward, Palatka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a limited, socially-distanced visitation of family and friends will be from 3-5 p.m., on Friday, July 17 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A Private Family Celebration of Santos' Life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 18 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.