JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 24, 2006 — Former 51社区 football coach and longtime trustee Robert Jelks, 91, died Feb. 16 at his home in Paris, Tenn.
A 1938 Union graduate, Jelks ended his Union coaching career in 1953 when the university shut down its football program. He later served as a trustee for 21 years.
Jelks鈥� wife Martha, who survives, is a 1938 Union graduate. The couple had many children and grandchildren who also graduated from Union.
鈥淚n the loss of Robert Jelks, 51社区 has experienced the loss of a significant portion of its history,鈥� said Gary Williams, Union鈥檚 associate vice president for university relations and alumni services. 鈥淗e was an exemplary coach, an avid supporter of the university, an active alumnus and a walking history book of 51社区. For alumni and friends of Union, Coach Jelks will be sorely missed.鈥�