Phillip Arnold
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Phillip Woodrow Arnold passed away Saturday, October 30, 2021 at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Troy, Ohio and was a long time resident of Keystone Heights. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Cathrine Arnold.
He is survived by: his sister, Suzanne Scranton; Christine Arnold, his wife of 20 years; and three step children who he raised as his own, Dennis Clay Young, Amanda Clements, and Stanley Young; as well as three biological children from a previous marriage, Stephen Arnold, Michelle Vanleer and John Arnold. All together he had 13 grandchildren.
Phillip Arnold was not only a family man, but a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, earning numerous accolades, to include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. During his 23 years in the US Army Special Forces, Phil served three combat tours in Vietnam, serving as the Senior Medical Sergeant and Team Sergeant (highest ranking Enlisted Soldier) of a Special Forces “A” Team. After his time in Vietnam, and countless other non-combat deployments all over the world as a Special Forces Soldier, Phillip continued to follow his passion of medicine and became a Physician Assistant. Upon graduation of the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, Phil left the Special Operations Community and became the primary care provider for numerous Army organizations to include, the Storied Jungle Operations Training Center in Panama, until his retirement as CW2. During Phil’s civilian years as a P.A., he traveled the world countless more times working in remote areas caring for the indigenous workers of oil camps for both the Chevron and Shell corporations before spending the next 20 years of his impressive career at the University of Florida Student Infirmary. He was truly a treasure and an asset to those fortunate enough to be in his company and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
PAID OBITUARY
William Carlson
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS William “Bill” Douglas Carlson, Jr., 65, of Keystone Heights passed away suddenly Wednesday, November 3, 2021 in Gainesville. He was born August 13, 1956 in Stafford, Virginia to the late William Carlson, Sr. and Irene Weir. Following a long
career at Central Florida Office Supply, Bill retired from Home Depot in 2019. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed wood working, bird watching, and cheering for the Florida Gators. He was predeceased by his sister, Sonja Lovette.
He is survived by: his loving wife of 21 years, Wanita “Fern” (Dodge) Carlson; children, Teresa (Jim) Ayres, Deborah (Tim) Strickland, William Carlson III, Kimberly (Kenny) Williams; sister, Joan Carlson Grayson; brother, Paul Stuart; aunt, Betty Rokes; and six grandchildren, including grandson, Coty Collins. Also left behind are his two cats, Lois and Clark.
Funeral services will privately held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 1743, Melrose, FL 32666 or the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville.
PAID OBITUARY
James Crosby
STARKE James Vernon Crosby, 89, of Starke entered peacefully into his Savior’s arms on Monday, November 15, 2021. Jimmy was born on August 14, 1932 in Starke, the son of the late Lester A. Crosby and Iris McRae Crosby. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Carl Lavon Crosby, and Charles Crosby; and a sister, Gloria Brousseau. Jimmy was a graduate of Bradford County High School and served his country with honor in the Army National Guard. He spent most of his career at the local DuPont mining plant where he worked for 42 years. Jimmy was a man of strong faith in Jesus Christ and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Starke for 57 years where he served as the Sunday school director and deacon for 49 years, as well as the New River Baptist association music director, and State Board of missions of the Florida State Convention from 1971 to 1974. He loved his church family and visiting people to bring them to church to find Christ. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, which included watching and listening to the Grand Ole Opry, old country music, taking family and friends to the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Jimmy’s memories for years to come are his loving wife of 70 years, Helen Ida Barry Crosby; his son, Jimmy Jr. and his wife, Leslie and their son, Traye Crosby and his wife, Babybear and their children, Jeremiah, Cherokee, and Lakota; and their daughter, Brittany Crosby Alvarez and her husband, Justin and their children, Collin, Harper and Ridge; his son, Tommy and his wife, Cindy and their daughter, Jessica Crosby Wolfe and her husband, Russ and their children, Tucker, Adrienne, and Crosby; and their son, Thomas and his wife, Ariel and their daughter, Elena; three sisters, Pansy Taylor, Joyce (Fred) Broadwell, Sue (Raymond) Clay, and sister-in-law, Joyce Crosby: along with many nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome friends paying tribute to Jimmy’s well-lived life beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov 18, at First Baptist Church until the funeral service begins at 12 noon at the church. Rev. Ben Bryant will officiate. Burial will take place at Crosby Lake Cemetery on Nov. 17 with only family attending.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for memorial contributions made in Jimmy’s memory to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1258, Starke, FL 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Rhett Dean
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Rhett Campbell Dean of Auburn was born November 17, 1975, in Gainesville, and passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Rhett graduated from Keystone Heights High School in 1994. He received an Associate of Science from Tallahassee Community College, and later a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and Soils from the University of Florida in 2000. He later received an Associate of Nursing from Southern Union in 2003, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Alabama in 2006. In 2011 he received a Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati as a CRNP. Rhett was employed by East Alabama Physicians Group and Integrated Care Physicians. He was respected by many in the medical field and was always willing to help a fellow coworker. He worked in the Emergency Department on the front lines throughout the COVID pandemic. He provided care for many patients throughout his lengthy career in the ED. When not working, Rhett loved hunting and being outdoors. He also loved college football, especially the Gators, and would cheer for the Tigers with his wife. Rhett and his family loved to travel, and they always took their children with them wherever they went. Their children being with them, and the time spent together as a family, was important to them. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He always put his family first. He spent many hours helping his wife with her endeavors and spending time with his boys. His work ethic, devotion to his family, and sense of humor will be remembered by everyone. Rhett was preceded in death by his grandfather, Carl Dean of Wewahitchka, and Billie Jean and Carl Guilford of Overstreet.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Webster Dean; two sons, Robertson Porter and Remington Fuller Dean; his parents, Laura and Philip Dean of Keystone Heights; brother, Justin C. (Katie) Dean of Fleming Island; grandmother, Myrtice Dean of Wewahitchka; sister-in-law, Tiffany (Nolan) Dortch of Prattville, Alabama; and brother-in-law, William James Calvin (Sarah) Jones of Prattville, Alabama; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov 20, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to AHero organization at aherousa.org or, accounts have been established for both minor children for college tuition. Please reach out to (334)740-8402 for more information.
PAID OBITUARY
Joshua Demps
STARKE Joshua Christopher Demps of Starke, died on Friday, November 5, 2021. There are many who will miss him eternally. His memories are left to be cherished by: his devoted significant other, Karen Hollis; his loving mother, Leeshell Demps; father, Carlos Jones; grandparents, Sandra Demps, Robert Demps, and Gene Covington; three sisters, Brea Hankerson, Rashyai Green, and Breyonna Forman; a host of other family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Nov 20 at 11 a.m. at True Vine Outreach Ministries, 422 St. Clair Street, Starke. Joshua touched many hearts during his time here on earth. There will be a balloon release on Friday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. at Thomas Street Park, 885 Thomas Street Park, Starke.
Professional services are under the direction of D Williams Mortuary Services, 6120 SW 13th Street, Gainesville.
Carolyn Folsom
STARKE Carolyn Folsom, our cherished, mother, sister, and friend passed away on Sunday, October 31. Carolyn was born on June 21, 1941 to Helen and Bernard Westrick. As a child Carolyn grew up on a farm with her four sisters and three brothers in Defiance, Ohio. Carolyn graduated from Defiance High School in 1959. In 1962, Carolyn married Charles Downs, Sr. They had one son, Charles Donald Downs, Jr. Carolyn received her Bachelors Degree in Education from Defiance College in 1966 at the age of 25. Carolyn began her teaching career at St. Johns Catholic School in Defiance Ohio where she taught first grade for ten years. In 1976, Carolyn moved from Ohio to Ocala where she taught at Anthony Elementary School. In 1979, Carolyn moved to Starke and married Gene Folsom. Carolyn continued her teaching career in Starke at Lawtey Community School where she taught middle school. In 1981, Carolyn and Gene Folsom welcomed a daughter, Bonnie Jean Folsom. In 1987, Carolyn received her Master’s Degree in Education. She was a Curriculum Specialist at Lawtey Community School for the next 15 years. For the last five years of her career, Carolyn was the Title One Director at the Bradford County School District Office. Carolyn was very passionate and had a zeal and enthusiasm for life. The three areas Carolyn was most devoted to were: her faith in God, her family, and her teaching career which spanned 42 years. In her free time, Carolyn enjoyed spending time with her grandsons, Logan and Brian Downs. She also enjoyed spending time at Kingsley Lake where she lived with her family for 35 years. Carolyn will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Clifton Eugene “Gene” Folsom.
Survivors are: her children, Charles Donald “Chuck” Downs and Bonnie Jean Folsom. Also surviving her are her sisters, Rosanne (Jim) Nusbaum, Rita (Tom) Stouffer, Donna (Ronnie) Lingvai; her brothers, George (Rita) Westrick, Joe (Sue) Westrick, and Bill (Wendy) Westrick; her surviving grandchildren; Logan Downs, and Brian Downs. Her surviving stepchildren are, Danny Folsom, Suzanne Stone, Laura Folsom, Tabitha Brownfield, and Angela Watson.
A memorial service for Carolyn will be held Sunday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at Toledo Edison Memorial Hall, 2120 Baltimore Street Defiance Ohio 43512. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona Street, Starke. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Blanche Fowler
GAINESVILLE Blanche M. Fowler, 76, of Gainesville died on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. She was born in Jacksonville on July 7, 1945 to the late Alexander Patterson Wright and Mildred Kear Wright. She attended Orange Park High School. She resided in Starke for ten years, where she worked for Greshams Drug Store and as a convenience store manager. She attended First Baptist Church of Waldo. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Benjamin F. Powers, Jr; and her son, Benjamin F. Powers III.
Blanche is survived by: her daughters, Sherril (Gary) Alvers of Keystone Heights, Kelley Powers of Fairbanks, and Kimberly (Frank) Powers-Weaver of Gainesville; her six grandchildren; and 14 great- grandchildren
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Reverend Jim DuBois officiating. Interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery in Keystone Heights. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.
Roger Rowe
STARKE Roger Wayne Rowe, Sr., 73 of Starke died on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke. He born in Starke on November 11, 1947 to Hazel Marie Smart Rowe and the late Trubie Nathaniel Rowe. Roger was a lifelong resident of Starke and attended Bradford High School. He had a long-time career at Dupont working in the Zircon Mill for 30 years and then later worked at Tatum Brothers Lumber Co. He was preceded in death by his father; Trubie Nathaniel Rowe; brother, Freddie Rowe; and sister, Margie Gunner.
Roger is survived by: his mother, Hazel Marie Rowe of Starke; his wife, Angie Rowe of Starke; children, Karen (Chad) Packham of Theresa, Sharie Welch of Keystone Heights, and Roger (Cheryl) Wayne Rowe, Jr. of Macclenny; step-children, Gary Weeks and Amanda Giles, both of Starke; sister, Linda (Luther) Cadle of Starke; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren
A Graveside Celebration was held Friday, Nov. 12, at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.
Merle Smith
BROOKER Merle Betty Mann Smith, 75, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. She was born in Brooker, to A.I. (Rasty) and Nona (Groover) Mann. Merle worked in her early years at the University of Florida. She is preceded in death by her parents, A.I. and Nona Mann; two sisters, Ethel Underhill and Ruth Babcock; and one brother, Marvin P. Mann.
She is survived by: sisters, Elese (Ken) Guerrin and Martha Jane Lynn, both of Gainesville, Sandra (Bart) Lee of Hampton, Naomi M. Hines of Graham; brothers, James “Jimmy” Mann of Hampton, and T.J. (Nell) Mann of Brooker; brother-in-law, Harmon Underhill of Starke. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Merle will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, at Dedan Cemetery in Brooker.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
Ronald Thompson
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Ronald J. Thompson, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home Sunday, November 14, 2021. He was born January 10, 1947, in Jacksonville and served 14 years in the United States Army. He was a retired mechanic and avid fisherman. He loved being outdoors tinkering in his shop or working in his yard; he was also known for the countless hours he volunteered at the Lake City V.A. Hospital and always lending a hand to help others. His mother, Joyce Virginia (Hodges) Thompson preceded him in death.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his father, Kenneth Thompson; siblings, Jenny, Tina, Eddie and step-brother, Dennis. Also left behind is his best friend of many years, Robert Dietrich and fiancé, Sherri Sanders; along with a host of extended family members and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Thompson will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Shindler Baptist Church, 7100 Shindler Dr., Jacksonville. The viewing will be held 30 minutes prior to the services. Interment will be at a later date at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
