Aaron Walton

Marcellus Fernandez Sinclair AKA “FOOTS” was born on July 16, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida to the union of Mercedes and Archie P. Sinclair. He attended local schools and graduated from Ribault Senior High School in 1978.

After high school, Marcellus matriculated to the University of Florida where he attended for one year, pledging Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity before leaving to pursue job interests and assist his family. He dedicated himself to the task of assisting his mother in raising his deceased sister’s five juvenile children. He had various jobs during this time as he debated with himself as to whether to continue his education. Eventually he would decide with gentle prodding from friends and family, to continue his education, graduating from Jacksonville University Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in general studies on May 6, 2000.

This degree served to open several new doors for his working career. Marcellus worked for Sprint as a customer service representative (Jacksonville), Caremark, as a customer care supervisor, USA 800, CVS, Truman Medical Center (All in Kansas City, MO)  and lastly UF Health of Jacksonville as a Customer Service Representative.

Marcellus prided himself on his volunteerism. He would support various philanthropic causes in any way he could, either monetarily or giving his time and energy. He was proud of the citation he received from TV channel 12 WTLV in 1995, being selected as one of the “12 Who Cares” award recipients for his efforts in hospice care.

Marcellus developed several passions during his time. He enjoyed watching classic cartoons. He loved football, primarily the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Gators, but he had a soft spot also for the Jacksonville Jaguars with whom he became an initial booster. He was a train fanatic, if you wanted his undivided attention, show him, or take him to see a train. He loved tasty food, both eating, and preparing it. You were in for a treat if he elected to cook dinner for you because like everything else, he put his heart into it. He could suggest and lead you to some of the better eating establishments in town based on his own experiences. He also loved all genres of music including classical, country, blues, jazz, and R&B.

Marcellus was a marvelous communicator and genuinely enjoyed meeting and interacting with people. He never met a stranger. His friends and acquaintances included individuals from all races, genders, ages, and levels of society. Meeting him would leave a lasting and memorable impression on those fortunate enough to experience it. If Marcellus was your friend, you probably received a call from him from time to time just to check on you with that initial greeting “This is Marcellus” to start the conversation. If you were family, you were automatically on a call rotation for updates on what was happening in his life as well as the status of other family members. He took it upon himself to love those he met. He cared unconditionally and without reservation. His pleasant, bubbling, magnetic personality and inviting smile will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mercedes Kittles Sinclair; father, Archie P. Sinclair; brother Martin D. Kittles; Sister, Brenda L. Kittles Sanford and Nephew, Isaac Sanford Jr.

Still here to carry on his legacy, his brothers, Acosta F. Kittles (Mary) of New Orleans, LA; Edward C. Kittles of Cincinnati, OH; Thaddeus E. Kittles (Angela) of Bowie, MD. The nieces and nephews he helped nurture Michael D. Sanford; Darrell “Chain Chain” Sanford; Christina Sanford Edwards (Joe); and Bernadetta Sanford Dixon. Several other nephews, nieces and an enormous quantity of relatives and friends.