Jerrel Grover Townsend

JERREL G. TOWNSEND

1943-2026

Jerrel Townsend passed away on April 16, 2026 in Pensacola, Florida.  Jerrel was born and raised in Lauderdale County, Mississippi.  In 1965 he moved to Pensacola to work at the Monsanto Chemical Company as a machinist.  He worked for Monsanto for over 33 years.  He was a strong, dedicated Christian and attended the Bagdad and Easthill Church of Christ.  Jerrel was a caring husband, loving father, and dedicated  grandfather.  He will be greatly missed!

Jerrel was born January 5, 1943 to Cecil Rhodes Townsend and Kathaleen (Kinard) Townsend in Mississippi. He has one brother Thoris Townsend and a sister Kathy Karrh (Townsend).  He enlisted in the Army, where he reached the rank of Specialist 5 (E-5), as a medic, in an aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC) unit. Jerrel was married to Bonnie M. Freeman for 53 years. 

Jerrel was an avid hunter and dedicated fisherman.  He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and spending time in the woods or fishing along the gulf coast (especially the Pensacola Beach area).  He always enjoyed traveling, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures.  He never met a stranger and enjoyed interacting with people.  

Both parents, Jerrel and Bonnie, were loving and caring.  They are missed.  Jerrel and Bonnie have two children Jeremy Townsend and Joy Townsend-Matzer.   He was blessed with three grandduaghters (Maelynn, Lydia & Hannah Townsend) and a grandson (Caleb Matzer).  He always enjoyed family time together and telling his life stories.

Jerrel was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Kathleen; his brother, Thoris Townsend; and his wife, Bonnie who passed away in 2019.

He is survived by his son, Jeremy (Denise); daughter, Joy (Bob); sister, Kathy Karrh; and grandchildren, Maelynn, Lydia, Hannah, and Caleb.

A Memorial Service will be held at Family-Funeral and Cremation, 5627 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola FL 32503.  The service will be Saturday, April 25, 2026 with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am and service at 11:00 am.  The memorial will be officiated by David Bouvin, minister at Bagdad Church of Christ. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.  Also, extend the gospel and give help to those that are in need. 

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