James Christian
James K. Christian, 86, of Melrose passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Palatka. He was born Sept. 30, 1935, in Tazewell County, Virginia to James L. and Margaret E. (Howery) Christian. He retired from the US Navy. He enjoyed restoring cars, fishing, and, in later years, visiting with his friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Christian.
He leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. There are no scheduled services at this time. He will be laid to rest in the 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
Jane Croft
Jane Henshaw Croft, 71, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. She was born in Hollywood on March 11, 1951, to the late Robert and Marianne Henshaw. After meeting her now husband in Bradenton, the two married in 1981. After a few years, they decided to move to back to his hometown of Lake Butler to raise their family. She took a position as a clerk with the Department of Transportation and worked there until her retirement. Even though she was a city girl, she loved country life. She enjoyed watching the wildlife and her horses, doing yard work, mowing, and she loved a bonfire. She also enjoyed searching for and collecting antiques. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of almost 41 years, Bobby Croft of Lake Butler; her son, Bryan (Samantha) Croft of Fleming Island; her daughter, Cindy (Brad) Bryant of Honolulu, Hawaii; grandchildren, Ian Bryant, Ella Bryant, Hadlee Croft, and Piper Croft; siblings, Helen Hodowal of Jupiter, Robin Henshaw of Phoenix, Arizona, Victor Henshaw of Waycross, Georgia, and Anne Marie Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday, July 31, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m. at Mt. Zion/Swift Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Oscar Crosby
Oscar Sherman Crosby, 86, died Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Marion County. He was born in Bradford County on Dec. 10, 1935.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jeanette Crosby; five children, Steve, Tom, Dale, Jeffrey, and Sandy (deceased); and numerous grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Mill Creek Baptist Church, 16350 NE 148th Terr Road, Fort McCoy, 32134.
Donald Elixson
Donald Albert Elixson, 58, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Lake City, Florida. He was born July 9, 1964, in Lake Butler to the late Donald and Doris (Finley) Elixson. In 1979, he started dating Debbie Mercier, and the two married on May 28, 1985. Together they made their home in Lake Butler with their children. He worked hard as a construction worker and as a truck driver. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, and spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Elixson; and his sister, Donue Lou Elixson.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debbie Elixson; his daughters, Shianne Elixson, Ashley (Garrett) Courson, and Aaron Thomas; his grandchildren, Daulton, Matthew Jr., Emily, Vanessa, Hunter, Kayleigh, Logan, and Kinsley; great-grandchildren, Matthew III and Brookelyn; his siblings, Doris (Michael) Teston, Davy (Shelia) Elixson, Danielle Sargent, Darren (Rebekah) Elixson, and Denise (Mikey) Hedrick; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A service to honor his life will be held Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Brother Ralph Durham.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sandra Price
Sandra Lee Price “Sandi”, 72, of Starke passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 25, 2022. She was born Nov. 18, 1949, in Racine, Wisconsin to Robert and Mary (Hinze) Black. She worked many years as a manager for Miller Enterprises before moving to Lake Wales. After retirement she devoted herself to caring for her parents. She attended Trinity Baptist Church of Lake Wales when her health allowed. She began everyday spending time with the Lord by reading her Bible while enjoying her coffee and praying faithfully for the needs of her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time outside, taking care of any animal in need, including wildlife, and especially spoiling her cats. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Raymond “Scott” Qualls.
Her survivors are her son, Michael (Virginia) Qualls; and a brother James (Jane) Black. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by her grandchildren, Cody Qualls and Kristin (Brad) Muse; and her great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Emery, Trenton, Chloe, Blake, and Zeke.
A celebration of her life, well-lived and loved, will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, on the site she planned to build her home.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Janet Reddish
Janet Joyner Reddish was born Dec. 23, 1947, and passed into her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. She will spend eternity with her Heavenly Father. She graduated from Bradford High School with the Class of 1965.
She was a very kind soul who greatly loved her family and friends. In Heaven we are promised eternity with no more heartaches and pain and there she resides. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Jewell Joyner, and her beloved daughter Missy White.
She is survived by her daughter, Monica (Will) Douglas of Prattville Alabama; grandsons, Ryan (Samantha) Siemer of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Cedric (Brittany) Perry of Lakeland, Georgia; granddaughter, Marissa White of Clyattville Georgia; great-grandchildren, Kaitlin, Audrey, Renee, Chloe and Caleb; brother, Randy (Brenda) Joyner of Alachua; sisters, Ann (Travis) Woods and Glenna Morgan of Starke; and many nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at a later date.
PAID OBITUARY
Carrie Stewart
Carrie Whitty Stewart, 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. She was born in Ocklawaha to Mamie and Herman Whitty on Dec. 26, 1933. She was a homemaker and raised a host of family and friends. She was a blessing to many as she opened her home and kitchen to all who needed it. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; two sons; two daughters; a godson, Bill Lee; and goddaughter, Betty L. Smith.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories her son, T. J. Stewart; two daughters, Margaret Stewart (Early) Holmes and Deloris Davis; 25 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Victory Christian Church on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for a visitation the night before on Friday, Aug. 5, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Call Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008.
PAID OBITUARY
William Varnes Jr.
William Henry Varnes Jr., 95, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Haven Hospice in Lake City. He was born March 15, 1927, in Sanderson, to the late Henry and Maggie Varnes. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the US Army and served our country in World War II from 1945 until 1947. After returning home, he made his living farming vegetables. He once grew a sweet potato that weighed over 40 pounds. He enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a generous man and would use his woodworking skills to make toys for children who were in need. He loved God and studying His word. He was a member of Abundant Life Church in Lake City. He loved helping others and was cherished and loved by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 70 years, Mattie Clemons Varnes.
He is survived by his children, Teresa (Greg) Little of Lake City, Linda Hammons of Lake City, and Isaac (Karen) Varnes of McAlphin; his brother, Clyde Varnes of Lake City; his special niece, Joni Parker; best friends, Sidney Keen and Pete Carroll; five grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren.
A service to honor him will be held Sunday, Aug. 7, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Swift Creek/Mt. Zion Cemetery immediately following the service. Services will be officiated by Brother Cagney Tanner.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Franklin Wilkes Sr.
Franklin “Frankie” G. Wilkes Sr., 76, of Starke passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Jacksonville on June 18, 1946, to Lois Cannon and the late Henry Hilton Wilkes Jr.. He was raised in Jacksonville and Starke. He had a long and successful career as a truck driver in Jacksonville for Cargill. After many years of dedicated service, he retired in 1994. After retirement, he loved collecting junk, fishing, drinking coffee, tending to his chickens, selling watermelons and spending time with his beloved dogs. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Hilton Wilkes Jr.; stepfather, Hance Brittain Thornton; and his longtime companion, Carolyn Harvey.
He is survived by his loving mom, Lois Cannon Thornton of Starke; daughters, Donna Gail of Williston, and Lonna Elaine of Macclenny; sons, Franklin “Babo” (Tina) Wilkes Jr. of Big Rapids, Michigan, Henry (Charlene Darrah) Wilkes and Jason Wilkes of Starke; brothers, Pete (Shirley) Thornton of Starke and Rev. Larry (Nancy) Thornton of Lawtey; 15 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Rev. Larry Thornton officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home an hour prior.
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
