Eddie Ash
Eddie George Ash, 67, passed away at his home at Kingsley Lake, with his devoted wife, Cathy, by his side. He was born on July 8, 1956, in Tampa to the late George Calvin Ash Jr. and Mary Gordon Ash. He was a beautiful soul who gave everything he could to the community, which he loved very much. He worked diligently to meet the needs of so many through his plumbing business, Eddie’s Drain Repair & Cleaning. He worked tirelessly with his hands to leave a legacy of love and integrity. If you ask his family, they will say he was a wonderful husband, father, and “Papa Eddie.” They’d say he exhibited the wonder of unending love and was pure fun. He ensured that his home was open to everyone. He knew no stranger. He had a love for hunting, gun safety, walking the woods, and tinkering in his yard. He enjoyed mechanics and loved building. Eddie built a fun backyard for others to enjoy and for years wanted to create laughter and a happy place for generations. He was filled with joy and the Lord’s light shined through him. He was such a treasure to so many, his presence will be deeply missed, the legacy of love and gifts he left behind will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Ash.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cathy Ash of Kingsley Lake; three children, Esther (Chad McKenzie) Nall and Mary Starling both of Starke and William (Janie Coe) Starling of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; two brothers; five sisters; nine grandchildren, Alex Starling, Jacob (Mackenizie) Nall, Dillon Starling, Destiny McKenzie, Leeann McCauley, Justin Gunter, Claryssa Starling, Allanah Starling, Collyn Starling; seven great-grandchildren, Arianna Starling, Aidynn Jones, Timberly Jones, Eli Starling, Bayleigh Starling, Mason Kapellen, Everleigh Starling; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, April 12, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. The family will receive friends on prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nellie’s Champions for Kids, Ensuring No Kid Fights Cancer Alone, 374 Morrison Rd. Suite C, Columbus, OH 43213, 614-300-3995,https://give.nc4k.org/give/221270/#!/donation/checkout .
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Barrett Carver
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barrett Edwin Carver, a cherished 3-year-old boy who left this world on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville with his loving parents by his side. Barrett’s gentle spirit and radiant smile brought immense joy to all who were blessed to know him. He was born on Dec. 20, 2020, in Gainesville to Eric Carver and Amber Templeton. He enjoyed playing outside with his big brother and dancing and he loved to make jokes. He was a loving child who cherished his family above all else. He had a special bond with his parents and his big brother, and his face would light up with delight whenever they were together. Barrett’s love knew no bounds, and he brought warmth and happiness to every moment he shared with his family.
He is survived by his parents, Eric Carver of Keystone Heights and Amber Templeton of Trenton; a brother, Calyx Cook of Trenton; and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Barrett’s Life will be held on Monday, April 22, at 6 p.m. at Belle Oaks Barn in Brooker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice, The Haven Foundation beyourhaven.org.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Mercedes Chitty
Mrs. Mercedes Agnes Chitty, 87, of Starke passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024, following an extended illness at Riverwood Health and Rehab in Starke. She was born April 1, 1937, in Jacksonville to Marian and Wilma (Mickler) Hoffman. She was a homemaker and longtime member of Bible Baptist Church. She loved serving her Lord through ministering to the elderly and handicapped through their tape ministry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Michael “Mike” Houston Chitty.
She leaves behind extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
There are currently no scheduled services. Interment will take place at Crosby Lake Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Bible Baptist Church, 150 S. Cherry St., Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
William Cloud
William “Bill” Russell Cloud, 85, of Starke, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Middleburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Middleburg. He was born to the late James Henry “Russell” Cloud and Lalie (Welch) Young on Feb. 8, 1939, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. He was the only son of only son James Henry “Russell” Cloud, who made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in action near the end of World War II in April 1945. Later, Bill voluntarily joined the United States Air Force in 1958 and was stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California until 1962. He had a long and fulfilling career working for pharmaceutical company McKesson in multiple locations that included Albany, Georgia, the Macon and Warner-Robins area, the Miami and West Palm Beach area, and Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He retired in 2000 after working with them in a variety of roles for about 33 years. These included warehouse supervisor and pharmaceutical buyer. After retirement, he moved from North Texas to Bradford County with his wife and youngest son. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 56 in Starke. Over the years, he was very active and participated in many Legion activities. He is also a past commander (July 2007-July 2009) and past historian. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Joshua Lyonnais of St. Cloud.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 34 years, Katie (Thomas) Cloud of Starke; and their loving son, Casey Cloud of Starke. He is also survived by four loving children from a previous marriage. His oldest daughter is Angela (Cloud) (Levi Jr.) Barnett of St. Mary, Missouri. His middle daughter is Celeste (Cloud) (John) Martin of St. Cloud. His youngest daughter is Rachael (Cloud) (Donald) Barnett of St. Mary, Missouri. His oldest son is Russell (Wilma) Cloud of Imperial, Missouri. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Janice McGough of Cabot, Arkansas, Bruce (Toni) Young of Leesburg, Georgia, and Debbie Ladwig of Columbus, Georgia.
A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke. The funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. A procession will then be made to Santa Fe Cemetery (across from Hampton Lake) in Hampton, where he will be laid to rest. He was beloved by many and will be deeply missed.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Isaac Cummings
Isaac Cummings of Starke, died on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the local schools of Bradford County. Mr. Cummings served in the United States Marines.
He is survived by his wife, Zephaniah Cummings; sons, DeWayne Cummings, Christopher Cummings, Cordell Strong, Timmothy Golden and Alex Cummings; daughters, Beatrixs Cummings, Patricia Moore, Cheryl Suewell and Marion Hamilton; and a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Pleasant Grove Community Church in Starke with Rev. Alvin Greene, eulogist. Interment will be held at Bob Love Cemetery, Starke under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-7905. Visitation for friends will be held on Friday, April 19, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel/ Haile Funeral Home. The cortege will form at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cummings at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20.
PAID OBITUARY
Rhonda Harrell
Rhonda Lynn Harrell, 70, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully with her sister by her side on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She was born and raised in Gainesville on Aug. 16, 1953, to Lee Orian and Ida Jackie Elizabeth Knight Harrell. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1971. She served an 18- month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nevada. Rhoda graduated from Brigham Young University and furthered her degree with a master’s from Nova. She was an educator, retiring after 35 years of service for Union County schools. She loved genealogy and family history. Family was everything to her, especially spending time with them. She did a family newsletter for years where she would spotlight various family members and include a picture. She enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Bermuda and every state except Alaska. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Jackie Harrell; brother, Roland Harrell; and nephew, Nicholas Harrell.
She is survived by her sister, Regina Harrell (Todd) Gainey; brother, Randall (Marylou) Harrell; nieces and nephews, Kaitlyn Gainey, Tanner Gainey, Abigail Gainey, Matthew Harrell, Rachael Webster, Trieste Mecham, Michael Harrell, Cameron Harrell, Kiersten Tate, Maranda Peterson, Randy Harrell, Jr., Robbie Harrell, and Melanie Guerrero; and several great-nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the nursing and medical staff at Haven Hospice of Gainesville for the loving care she received. Her request was to be cremated. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,1305 Raiford Road, Starke, with Bishop Brian Johns officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.
For those who wish, donations may be made to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund. https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund. Please visit her memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Michael Holmes
Michael J. Holmes, 61, died on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa. He attended the local schools of Bradford County and was of the Baptist faith. He was self-employed as a computer analyst.
Michael is survived by his mother, Carol Jean Holmes; sisters, Jarotha Reed and Maria Holmes; brothers, Eric Holmes and Elarndzo Powell; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and grieving friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Strong, eulogist. Interment will be held at Oddfellow Cemetery in Starke under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St. 904-964-7905. Visitation will be held for friends on Friday, April 19 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Carl and Elaine D Haile Memorial Chapel/Haile Funeral Home Inc. The cortege will form at the home of Carol Jean Holmes on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 14246 S.E. 47th Place Starke 32091.
PAID OBITUARY
Genevieve Langford
Genevieve “Ginny” Bishop Langford left this mortal life to enter her heavenly home at age 75, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She passed in her home in Lake Butler, surrounded by family. She was born March 28, 1949, to T. J. and Geneva Bishop of Lake City. She grew up in Leesburg and moved to Lake Butler in 1963. Everyone who knew her knew without a doubt she was truly a blessing from God. She worked as a secretary and an accountant and ran several businesses in Union County. Affectionately known as “Granny Ginny,” words like loving, caring, selfless, giving, affectionate, modest, humble, and kind only words begin to fully capture the personal qualities of our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-granny. She was blessed with five generations. Her passion was spending time with her family, friends, and her children playing cards, cookouts, and softball. She was preceded in death by her parents, T.J. and Geneva Bishop; three brothers, Clinton Bishop, Dan Bishop, and Gerald Dicks; and her loving husband of 54 years, Larry Wayne Langford.
She is survived by her three children, Kimberly Campbell Langford, Larry W. “Buddy” Langford Jr., and Brian “B.J.” Langford, all of Lake Butler; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Keisha, Cody, Colton, Matthew, Brianna, Jessey, Samantha, Amber, Dillon, and Colby; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Kenny (Martha) Bishop of Lake City, Jone F. Welch of Lake Butler, and Joe Dicks of Jacksonville; and numerous extended family also survive.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Her final memorialization by cremation is under the care of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY