Obituaries — April 18, 2023

Jim Cason

 

Jim Cason

Jim Purvis Cason, 84, of Lake Butler, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Gainesville. He was born April 26, 1938, in Lake Butler, to Gurney “S” Cason and Merle (Whitehead) Cason-Brown. He was a lifelong resident of Lake Butler and a 1956 graduate of Union County High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served a total of six years. After the Marines, he served in the United States Army, before retiring after 23 years of service. During his service, he served one tour in Lebanon and three tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards. His service took him all over the world before finally returning him back home to Lake Butler. When he returned home, he soon began to work with the Department of Corrections, while also getting involved in local politics. He served on the City Commission for several years and was Mayor of Lake Butler. He was an avid gun and knife collector and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a member of First Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Billie Cason; and his brothers, Jesse M. Cason and Clifton Robert “Rob” Cason.

He is survived by his children, Diane Holder of Newberry, David (Mary) Scarborough of Gainesville, Dean (Nancy) Scarborough of Gainesville, and Beth Marie Cason of Anniston, Alabama; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nephews, Steve Cason of Charleston, South Carolina, Scott (Cindy) Cason of Lake Butler; and his sister-in-law, Margie F. Cason of Lake Butler; numerous extended family also survive.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 4 p.m. at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, April 21, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Shirley Clark

 

 

 

Shirley Clark

Shirley Ann Padgett Clark, 75, died at Haven Hospice Lake City on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Cecil and Johnny Bell; and her husband, Alfred Lewis Clark

She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany (Ronald Lee) Ford of Starke; non-blood daughter, Cindy (Christopher) Redding; siblings, Linda Sue (Roy) Bryant, David William Padgett, Patty Darlene (Rocky) Thompson, and Brad Brown; her grandpuppy, Taco Bell; and many extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com  

 

 

 

 

Carson Cognata

Infant Carson Michael Cognata, age 3 days, passed away in Gainesville on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with his parents at his side.  He was born Saturday, April 1, 2023, to loving parents, Nathan Cognata and Harlie Pye of Keystone Heights. Despite his short time on earth, he was deeply loved and brought joy to those around him.

Survivors are his parents; maternal grandmother, Kristal Sellers of Keystone Heights; aunt, Heather Sellers of Starke; paternal grandmother, Christine Taggart; and great-grandparents, Marty and Cheryl Phillips, all of Keystone Heights; and great-great-grandmother, Carolyn Conklin of Middleburg; in addition to aunts and uncles. 

There are currently no scheduled services.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

 

John Dempsey

 

John Dempsey

John Francis Dempsey, 79, of Starke passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Jan. 8, 1944, in Clyattville, Georgia to the late John Frances Dempsey Sr. and Carrie Dalene (Zipperer) Dempsey and moved to Starke in 1966 from Valdosta. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke, where he was a longtime usher. Prior to retirement, he was a deputy for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Department and later worked as a truck driver for Davis Express. He was an avid horseback rider and enjoyed many long trail rides with family and friends. In addition to his parents. he was preceded in death by his son, John Allen Dempsey.

Survivors are, his wife of 58 years, Sybil Mae (Sutton) Dempsey of Starke; daughter, Tamera Ann “Tammy” (Wade) Winkler of Starke; grandchildren, Austin Wade Winkler, John Riley (Morgan) Winkler, and Sheldyn Laine Winkler.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Starke on Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Rev. Mike Moore and Rev. Josh Reinken will officiate all services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.   

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Joseph Eddy

Joseph Hill Eddy, 79, of Starke, died Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Baldwin, on April 13, 1943, to the late Joseph John Eddy and Etta Howard Eddy. 

He is survived by his wife, Renate Eddy of Starke; son, Butch Jewell of Jacksonville; daughter, Tina Dayl of Starke, sister, Ruby Green of Starke; brother, Jim Eddy of Sanderson; five grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 Nona S., Starke 32091. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Wayne Hayes

 

Wayne Hayes

Wayne Hayes, 90, passed away peacefully at E. T. York Care Center in Gainesville on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. He was born in Brooker to the late Philip and Edna Strickland Hayes on May 10, 1932. He grew up in Gainesville and, after graduation, joined the U.S. Army. After a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War, he moved to Tennessee. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and worked in hospital administration for the next 40 years. After his retirement in 2000, he moved back to Brooker to spend time with his siblings, before traveling all seven continents. He also loved the Lord and his church, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Edna Hayes; and his four siblings.

Wayne is survived by his children, Doug (Darlene) Hayes of Clarksville, Tennessee, Don (Judy) Hayes of Portland, Tennessee, Jean (Chris) Zimnoski of Strafford, New Hampshire, and Joanie Hayes of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Wayne, Amanda, Michael, Lucas, Rachel, Rebecca, Robyn, Emily, and Jamie; 16 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family.

A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, April 18, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. The family received friends for a visitation prior to the service. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery with military honors.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Jason Lee

 

Jason Lee

Jason Matthew Lee, 47, of Bradford County passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his mother’s residence with his loving family by his side.  He was born on Feb. 26, 1976, in Gainesville to his parents, Edward Lamar Lee and Patricia Ann Rosier Bennett.  He was raised in Bradford County and graduated from Bradford High School in 1995. Shortly after school, he started his longtime career working with carbon fiber composite.  He traveled around the United States, serving in the aircraft maintenance industry for years, and was a truck driver for the last ten years.  He was very talented in many areas and enjoyed playing his guitar. He loved watching NASCAR, was an avid FSU football fan, enjoyed being outdoors, and most of all, loved spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Edmond Rosier, Minnie Griffis, Thelma Louise Bryan, and Joe Lee. 

He is survived by his loving parents, Edward Lee of Lake Butler and Patricia Bennett of Lawtey; sisters, Patricia (Scott) Whatley of Middleburg, Frankie Rizer of Macclenny, Amanda (Richard) Laffoon of Jacksonville, and Tabitha (Steve) Easley of Savannah, Tennessee; and  many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, April 16, at Ferreira Funeral Services with Pastor Kris Elkins officiating. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery.  The family received friends on Saturday, April 15, at the funeral home. 

Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 N. Lowder St. Macclenny, 32063.  904-259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com  to sign the family’s guest book.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Robert Mayer

 

Robert Mayer

Robert “Bob” E. Mayer, 88, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home Friday, April 14, 2023, following an extended illness.  He was born June 19, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John H. and Augusta (Brunke) Mayer.  Following three years of active military service in the United States Army, he attended Zion Bible Institute and then went on to Central Bible College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he decided he wanted to begin his career as a court stenographer until his retirement. He was a member of Keystone Heights First Assembly of God and enjoyed reading, history, and studying his Bible. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone, attending Bible study, having coffee time with his friends, and supporting the Royal Rangers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, John and Eunice; and his grandson, Jesse.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Dorothy (Fitzgerald) Mayer of Keystone Heights; and their two children, Pastor David (Sandy) Mayer of Keystone Heights and Dawn (Sam) Heck of Goddard, Kansas.  He was lovingly called “Grampy,” “Gramps,” and “Grampy Great” by his grandchildren, Annie, Sammy, Rebekah, Rachel (Jason), David (Kaley), Tabitha (Caleb) and Jonathan; along with great-grandchildren, Levi and Asher.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., on Saturday, April 22, at Keystone Heights First Assembly of God with his son, Pastor Dave Mayer officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m.  Graveside services will be on Monday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery.    

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Mollie McCall

Mollie Mae McCall, 75, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home on Sunday, April 16, 2023, following an extended illness. She was born Aug. 1, 1947, in Ada, Oklahoma to Raymond and Mildred (Powell) Dorsey. She had assisted hundreds of individuals and families to prepare their taxes while employed with Jackson Hewitt for 23 years before retiring. She enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and was very adventurous. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 33 year, James F. McCall.

She leaves behind her daughters, Tina Cown (A.J.) of Middleburg and Cathy (Johnny) Carey of Jacksonville; sisters, Amelia Ingram and Melissa Ingram; and half-brother, Michael Dorsey of Chesapeake, West Virginia. She was also called “Nanny” by six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Justin Brown officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m.  Interment will be private at Keystone Heights Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Arissa McCullouch

Infant Arissa Grace McCulloch, 4 months old, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Starke. She was born Nov. 25, 2022, in Gainesville.  She may have been here for just a short time on earth, but she definitely captured the heart of everyone who knew her and saw her precious smile. 

She leaves behind her mother, Skylyn McCulloch; grandfather, Robbie McCulloch; and aunt, Mckenzi McCulloch, all of Melrose.

There currently are no services scheduled.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

 

James H. Moore

 

 

James H.Moore

James H. “Jimmy” Moore II, 79, of White Springs, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at his home. He was born in Lawtey on Feb. 22, 1944, to the late William F. Moore Sr. and Mary (Boyer) Moore. He was a graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1962; and retired from Ring Power as a heavy equipment mechanic, having a little over 20 years of service. He also served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict, where he earned a Campaign Medal for his honorable service.

Survivors include his children, Mary Elizabeth Griffin of Moorehaven, Susan Ellen (Jason) Wilkin of Summerfield; brothers, Chuck (Celia) Moore of Cooper City, Mikey (Denise) Moore of Lawtey; and his sister, Reeney Houseman of Broadway, North Carolina. Four grandchildren also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at the Tatum Brothers Park in Lawtey. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Hisley Norman

Hisley Norman

Hisley Allen Norman, 96, of Hampton Lake passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born on Dec. 11, 1926, in Raiford, to the late Sam Norman and Everett Griffis Norman. He was raised in Sanderson and left school to enlist in the Merchant Marines.  He proudly served in the Merchant Marines and United States Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1948 and married the love of his life, Louise Davis, on Jan. 4, 1950.  They resided in Jacksonville for 34 years before making Hampton their forever home in 1984. He enjoyed his career as a Railroad Inspector with Amtrak and CSX where he was employed for 34 years until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed attending church and was a longtime active member of Pine Level Baptist Church. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and to this day loved to hunt.  More than anything, he was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Mildred Shadd, Purvis Norman, Joyce Hill, Paul Norman, Travis Norman, Vonda Shad, Gerald Norman, and Muriel Rosier.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Louise Davis Norman of Hampton Lake; daughters, Mary (Leon) Kinchen of Jacksonville, Sharon (Don) Burton of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Kathy (David) Eiland of Starke, Diane (Roger) Davis of Jacksonville, Lynn (Terry) Bacon of Starke; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

His family received friends for visitation on Friday, April 14, at Pine Level Baptist Church. His Celebration of Life service followed with Pastor Mark Ogle and Pastor Michael Norman officiating.  Interment was held at Santa Fe Cemetery in Hampton.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Florida 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Wayne Roberts

Wayne Roberts

Wayne S. “Shorty” Roberts, 91, of Lake Butler met Jesus face to face Easter morning, Sunday, April 9, 2023. He was born Aug. 31, 1931, in Charlotte Harbor. He spent his childhood and early adulthood in Charlotte Harbor, moved to California for many years, but has called Lake Butler home for the past 50 years. He loved Union County. He helped start the volunteer deputy program, served as an honorary deputy, and was a past announcer for the Tiger Football games. He spent 20 plus years with the Department of Corrections until his retirement. He proudly joined the US Navy out of high school and fought for our country in the Korean War. His best friend in the Navy, Johnny, was brother to Martha Scritchfield. Johnny brought Wayne to meet her when she was 12 and they were pen pals while he was stationed in Guam. He sent her an engagement ring and asked her to marry him at age 15. That union has lasted for 69 years. He has several hobbies, fishing, building birdhouses, woodworking, and never passing up a good hot dog. He had a love for horses as he was a jockey in his earlier years, was a foreman on the biggest cattle ranch in south Florida and worked on a ranch in California in his older years; however, his passion was sharing the love of Christ. He was pastor at many churches over the years, including Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church in Raiford and more recently he was the Seniors Pastor of Christ Central (The Anchor). He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Cecil Roberts; his son, Guy Wayne Roberts; his in-laws, James Henry and Lou Rena Scritchfield; two sisters; three brothers, one of which was his best friend, Colby; and his wife, Wanda Roberts.

He has left a legacy in his family, his loving wife of 69 years, Martha Raye Roberts; children, Kim (Bill) Thomas, Tony (Dawn) Roberts, Gary (Trina) Roberts, and Marlena (Rob) Jarvis; grandchildren, Jennifer, Ben, Dustin, Kayla, Tabatha, Kendice, Tianna, Robby, and Keaton; great-grandchildren, Cole, Hayden, Jackson, Olivia, Reagan, Carsen, Gavin, Malachi, Mason, Talia, Eli, Evan, Emmit, Easton, Matthias, Eydn, Honor, Keldon, Aiden, Zailey, Zoe, and Enzley.

A service to honor his life was held on Monday, April 17, at Christ Central Church (The Anchor), 16045 SE 71st Trail, Lake Butler. He was laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors following the service.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Weldon Starling

Weldon R. Starling, 82, died at Orange Park Medical Center on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hazel Starling; his wife of 56 years, Joan Starling; and his son, Nick Starling.

He is survived by his children, Mike Starling of Lawtey, Jeff Starling of Starke, Eric Starling of Starke, and Sara Starling of Lawtey; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Vonda Stevens of Starke, Shad Starling of Starke, and Brad Starling of Lawtey.

A graveside service was held April 19, at Lawtey Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

 

 

Virgil Walker

 

Virgil Walker

Virgil Eugene “Speck” Walker, 88, of Hampton, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Riverwood Health and Rehab Center in Starke following an extended illness. He was born in Macclenny and had resided in Hampton for the past 36 years.  He worked for Florida Power and Light Company in Macclenny for 35 years. He was a former City Commissioner and a former volunteer and fire chief for the City of Macclenny and a former member of the Macclenny Lions Club.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Macclenny and the last member of the Macclenny Hunting Club. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie Mae Walker; and his son-in-law, David Unkelbach; and five siblings.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary Kay Unkelbach of Jacksonville and Jeana (Phil) Duval of Sanderson; three stepchildren, Jeannie (Charlie) Baker of Hampton, Wendy Williams and Eddie Lloyd both of Starke; two grandsons, Klate (Karyn) Duval and Dane Unkelbach; three great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Kenadee and Kade; four step-grandchildren, Brandon Baker and Lee, Chris and Tim Chastain; seven step-great-grandchildren also survive.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21, in the Chapel of Guerry Funeral with Rev. Donnie Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, Fort White. Visitation and gathering with the family will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21 (One hour before services) at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Dane Unkelbach, Klate Duval, Brandon Baker, Eddie Lloyd and Lee Chastain; honorary pallbearers will be Benny Joe Bennett, Richard Raulerson, Danny Walker, Michael Walker, Mark Walker, Keith Walker, Kevin Walker and Walker Green.

Guerry Funeral Home, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny, is in charge of arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY