About Walter (Pee-Wee) Sparrow and

the Memorial Scholarship Award

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$500.00

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Walter Sparrow was born in 1961 in St. Augustine, Florida.  He attended St. Augustine High School. After high school, he went on to serve in the United States Army. He served in the Army for only a short-time, before being sent to Lake Butler. Here, in Lake Butler, is where he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

 

Walter battled with mental illness most of his adult life.  Although his illness prevented him from maintaining full time employment and continuing his career in the military, it didn’t stop him from volunteering in his local community. He was a fixture in his neighborhood, as well as his community. He always helped with various charity events and providing aid to the elderly. He also enjoyed spending time with children; bringing fun and joy into their lives.

 

Walter was born premature at two pounds and eight ounces. He was so small that he could be held in the palm of your hand. The nurses in the hospital began calling him, Pee-Wee. And that’s how Walter “Pee-Wee” Sparrow was born. Walter died on September 19th, 2019. He was survived by his mother, seven siblings and their dependents. His favorite niece and her mother wanted to honor him by creating this memorial scholarship fund for a high school student entering the mental health field.

 

“Despite his mental illness, he was a wonderful person

 and tried to live his life to the fullest”

Demetrius Burns, niece