Dale Bivins
Dale Francis Bivins, also known as “Shrimp,” a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Haven-Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center in Lake City. He was born Nov. 16, 1951, to the late Leonard and Hazel Crawford Bivins and was a lifelong resident of Lake Butler. He dedicated 35 years of his life serving as an electrician for the University of Florida before retiring, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. His quiet and laid-back personality endeared him to all who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a man of simple pleasures and found joy in the tranquility of nature and the great outdoors. Family was everything to him. He shared 51 years of love and companionship with his devoted wife, Sandra Smith Bivins. He was a devoted and supportive father to Stephanie Bivins and Stephen (Ginny) Bivins. His legacy lives on through his adoring grandchildren, Garrett, Alyssa, Chesley, Gavin, Mila, and Charlee; as well as his great-grandchildren, Kashton, Kaleb, Kaden, and Brooks. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his uncle, Melvin Crawford; and his nephew and niece, Brandon Bivins and Lora Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Gary and Randel Bivins.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a visitation to be held Thursday, Aug. 15, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. A graveside service will take place the following day, Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at Midway Cemetery in Lake Butler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Haven-Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center in Lake City.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home, 386-496-2008, is honored to serve the family of Dale Bivins. www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Marcus Henry
Marcus Hamilton Henry, born Sept. 21, 1971, in Starke, passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, in Spokane, Washington after battling an extended illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sara Henry; his paternal grandparents, Alexander Hamilton Henry and Lila Anderson Henry; his maternal grandparents, Gerè and Jerome Johns; and his aunts, Martha Saunders and Mamie Norman.
He is survived by his daughter, Lacy Selph, and her husband, Michael; his mother, Debra Johns, and her husband, Frank Williams; his sister, Meaghan Church, and her husband, Matthew; his father, Patrick Alexander Henry, and his wife, Karen; his sister, Leslie Thornton; and his beloved grandson, Cayden Culpepper.
A private family memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to celebrate Marcus’s life and the impact he made on those around him. In his passing, may his spirit rest in peace, knowing he was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
PAID OBITUARY
Theodore Melton
Theodore “Arthur” Melton, 84, of Lake City passed away on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at Baya Pointe Nursing and Rehab in Lake City. He was born March 24, 1940, in Graham to the late Theodore and Nellie (Willis) Melton. After graduating from Gainesville High School in 1958, he began working as a machinist. His career spanned over 20 years, and he primarily worked for GE and, eventually, the University of Florida until his retirement. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed western country music and doing word searches. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a special brother in law, Phil Eunice.
He is survived by his sister, Carlene Eunice of Lake City; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service to honor him was held Friday, Aug. 9, at Santa Fe Cemetery in Hampton. His service was officiated by Emory Eunice.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Melvin Owen
Pastor Melvin J. Owen, 84, of Wellborn, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. He was born in Lake City, the oldest of three sons, to the late Davis Hawkins Owen and Katie Gertrude Mikell Owen. He was raised in Olustee and was a graduate of Baker County High School, class of 1957. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was called into the ministry and furthered his education and attained a doctorate in Theology at Luther Rice College and Seminary. He served as pastor for 52 years at many local churches, including Fellowship Baptist Church of Lake City, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Old Providence Baptist Church and he was currently serving as the pastor at Tiger Lake Baptist Church in Live Oak. Pastor Owen also worked for many years in the insurance industry with Farm Bureau, Avmed and Woodmen of the World. He loved all sports, especially the Florida Gators. He coached basketball for several years at the Lake City Academy, Forest Hills Academy and the Lake City Community College Timberwolves. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Laura Barnes Owen; and his brother, Kenneth Paul Owen.
Survivors include his children, Melvin L. “Larry” (Tammy) Owen of Providence and Emily Walker of Sanford; one brother, Jerry (Bonnie) Owen of Glen St. Mary; his sister-in-law, Glenda Owen of Olustee; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. at Tiger Lake Baptist Church in Live Oak with Dr. Virgil Lovett officiating. Interment will follow at Olustee Cemetery in Olustee with military honors. A time of visitation with the family will be Friday, Aug. 16, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
PAID OBITUARY
