Gregory Dion Jelks, age 55 of Australia, formerly of Cherokee County, passed away Friday, January 6th in Australia.
Gregory Dion Jelks was born August 16th, 1961 to the union of Frank and Mary Jelks. He was the baby boy and was welcomed by three siblings: Tyron, Vernon, and Patrick. Ten years later they were all joined by a sister named Fonda. He got away with everything and was even able to drive at the age of eight.
He was a boy scout from age of eight thru sixteen and went on to become an eagle scout. He attended Cherokee County High School and graduated in 1980. Later he attended Gadsden State Community College. He played basketball that led to a scholarship in baseball where he went to the minor leagues in Kansas in 1981 and to the majors in 1987. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2005 in Cherokee County
He came to know Christ at an early age thru the fellowship of Christian leaders. While everyone else would follow the rules, Greg did everything he could to break them. He would go places he wasn’t supposed to and would have to be found by his mom. His first car was a yellow volkswagon beetle. He received the nickname “Boo” from a lady named Ann Griffith and later became known to the world as Boo Jelks. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He moved to the continent of Australia for baseball and loved it so much he made it his home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Jelks, sister, Fonda Jelks and brother, Charles Jelks.
Greg leaves to cherish and pass along many memories, his mother; Mary Ruth Jelks of Centre, AL; 5 brothers: Ricky Hughes of Gadsden, AL, Tyron (Annette) Jelks, Vernon (Cescelie) Jelks of Centre, AL, Patrick (Beverly) Jelks of New Britain, CT and Darryl Hughes of Detroit, MI; 3 sisters: Sandra (Don) Moore of Gadsden, AL, Margie (Zack) Austin of Columbus, SC, and Theresa Harris of Fort Payne, AL; a loving companion: Tamara Burrell. 5 uncles: Henry, McKinley, Ralph Sr., Jimmy and John C. 6 aunts: Bobby, Minnie, Linda, Patricia, Earline and Jeanette. A host of nieces/nephews, cousins, friends, and relatives with a special place in his heart for Fanesha (Everett) Green and children: Ky’leigha and Everett Jr. He had great friendships with Keith Glass, Jason Hewitt and Steve Douglas.
A celebration of life service for Greg will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday February 4, 2017 at the Centre First United Methodist Church with a receiving of friends beginning at 11 AM.
Perry Funeral Home directing.
