The Reverend Joseph Eustaze Sanchez peacefully passed away on November 21, 2022 surrounded by his family. Born June 24, 1934 in Lake Butler, Florida, he was married for 63 years to Inez Gallaway Sanchez who preceded him in death in 2017.

The Rev. Sanchez served both as an educator and pastor. He served as the principal at R.V. Daniels Elementary, Long Branch Elementary, Moncrief Elementary, and Pinedale Elementary Schools until his retirement in 1992. As pastor, he served at St. James AME Church in Orange Park, Florida; Mount Olive AME Church in East Palatka, Florida; Fountain Chapel AME Church, Greater Payne AME Church, and Mount Olive AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida. From 1995 – 2009, he also served as the Presiding Elder of the Pensacola District of the West Florida Annual Conference, Central Jacksonville District of the East Annual Conference and the Alachua-Central District of the East Annual Conference in the 11the Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Sanchez will be greatly missed by his three children, Zina Sanchez, Yvette Sanchez, and Joseph F. Sanchez; Grandchildren, the Rev. Dr. Shakira Sanchez-Collins (Rev. Craig Robinson, Jr.) and Jamal Sanchez; and Sister, Lillie Mae Young. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Celebration of Life Service for Rev. Joseph E. Sanchez, Retired Presiding Elder, will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Paul AME Church, 6910 New Kings Road. Visitation of friends will be held at the mortuary on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and in the church from 9:00am until the hour of service. Interment in Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery, 111 Blanding Blvd.