Judith Barnes
Judith “Ms. Judy” Ann Barnes, 70, of Keystone Heights died
Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Middleburg. She was born Jan. 2, 1953, in Jacksonville to the late Bill and Mary Davis.
Survivors are her husband, Andrew Barnes; sons, Eric Barnes and Stuart Barnes; a sister, Billie Johnson; and three grandchildren.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Stokes Cole
Stokes E. Cole, 86, of Keystone Heights died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at Haven Hospice E. T. York Care Center in Gainesville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steven Shelby Cole.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Morris) Cole; a son, Matthew Stokes Cole, both of Keystone Heights; a sister, Sharon Lope of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Lester Cooper
Lester Ray Cooper, 66, of Starke died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Violet Cooper; sister, Cindy Wilson; brother, Stanley Cooper; and niece, Morgan Renew.
Survivors are his daughter, Cassie Cooper of Starke; father, William “Bill” (Joan) Cooper of Georgia; brothers, Bradley (Linda) Cooper of Cape Coral, Darin Cooper, and David Cooper, both from Georgia; sisters, Tina (Ricky) Renew and Jane Price; and extended family members and friends.
Services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel in Starke.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Doyal Godwin Jr.
Doyal Virgil Godwin Jr., 93, passed peacefully at Lake City VA Medical Center on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. He was born and raised in Miami and enlisted in the US Army in 1950. While stationed in Korea, he received a letter of recognition for designing and crafting the best “Out House” door design for his company. This was just the beginning of many awards, recognitions, and medals he earned throughout his military career. After graduating from the Army Aviation Helicopter Flight School in 1958, he was known as “Pappy” Godwin. That is a name that stuck with him all of these years. He was a member of the 7th Special Forces, the Green Berets, and served in Vietnam from 1965-1966. After his retirement from the Army, the family moved from North Carolina to Union County in 1984. He worked for Alachua County Sheriff’s Department, and, for more than 20 years, as a volunteer with the Florida Wildlife and Game Commission. He taught Hunter Education Courses for young and old in North Central Florida. He volunteered with the County Extension Agriculture Agent, implementing many programs that benefited area farmers. He spent much time with his church family in whatever area that he was needed. He will be remembered for all of the times he “cooked for an army” for the church and community. In his later years, his favorite spot to hang out was close to any coffee machine. He entertained many with his quick wit, yodeling, singing (he often made up his own lyrics), and warm smile. He was predeceased by his parents, Lillian and Doyal Godwin Sr.; a sister, Martha Rudisill; and a brother, James Godwin.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wanda Dukes Godwin; children, Steve (Gerda) Godwin, Debra (Tom) McMillan, Sharon (Ray) Kinard, and Donna Godwin, all of Worthington Springs; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Also left behind is his brother-in-law, Wayne B. Dukes of Worthington Springs; and a host of family and friends across the country.
Services were held on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He was laid to rest following the service at North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Brian Greenstreet Sr.
Brian Richard Greenstreet Sr., died at his home in Lake Butler on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Beatrice Greenstreet.
Survivors are his children, Brian R. Greenstreet Jr., Holly Greenstreet, Todd Greenstreet, and Garrett Greenstreet, all of Pennsylvania; 17 grandchildren: a great-granddaughter; two sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service was held Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, Sardis Baptist Church, Lake Butler., FL 32054.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.
Tony Griffis
Tony Eugene Griffis, 61, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at his home in Lake Butler. He was born on Sept. 10, 1962, in Starke, to Gene Griffis and Mary (Clyde) Clemmons. His journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to helping others and pursuing his many passions. With his extraordinary skills and boundless determination, he could truly do anything. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed waiting patiently for the perfect catch or tracking game through the thick woods. In addition to his passion for hunting and fishing, he possessed a diverse range of talents. As a farmer, he nurtured the land with tenderness and enjoyed reaping the rewards of his labor. His green thumb brought forth bountiful harvests. A skilled welder, carpenter, and mechanic allowed him to build and fix anything he set his mind to. He would gladly lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need.
His surviving family members include his beloved wife, Mary Louise Taylor Griffis; his son, John Adam (Nikki) Griffis of Lake Butler; daughter, Miranda (David) Wentz from Idaho; stepson, Richard (Jamie) Lykins of Tennessee; grandchildren, Avery Griffis, Ethan Griffis, John Adam Griffis Jr., Summer Lewis, Elizabeth Lewis, Candance Clifton, Waylan Wentz, and Conrad Lykins; his sister, Elizabeth (Richard) Waters of Lake Butler; brother, Timmy (Cheryl) Griffis from Alabama; and multiple great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He will be memorialized by cremation under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.
PAID OBITUARY
Denise Harrison
Denise “Necie” Carol Harrison, born on Nov. 28, 1978, in Gainesville, passed away on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville.
She was raised in Lake Butler before moving to Virginia at the age of 11. She spent most of her life in Virginia until she returned to Lake Butler in 2018. Throughout her career, she worked in sales at various retail locations, including Skip’s Deli and, most recently, Macclenny Nutrition. Her dedication and friendly nature made her a valued team member and an indispensable asset to these businesses. Known for her quiet demeanor, she had a gentle presence that touched the lives of those around her. She possessed a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. One of her passions was collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, cherishing each piece as a nostalgic reminder of times gone by. Additionally, she had an affinity for all things Disney, especially Thomas Kincaid Disney puzzles. She delighted in the magic that these pieces brought into her world. Solving puzzles was yet another activity that she found great joy in, immersing herself in their complexities with determination and enthusiasm. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Charles Harrison and Janet Brannen Harrison; sister, Jori Harrison Morgan; Grandma Pearl Thomas; and Grandma Estelle Harrison.
She was a cherished member of her family and leaves behind her dear family members, siblings, Chuck Harrison, Susan (Ron) Bruneau, Matt (Monica) Harrison, DeDe (Billy) Stephens, and David Harrison; nieces and nephews: Jessica (Vick) Heidelberg, Tyler Bruneau, Shelby (Dusty) Reddish, Wyatt Thomas, Will (Sydnee) Stephens, Grant Stephens, Cody Wheeler, Evan Stephens, Caylee Harrison, Kendra Harrison, and Asher Stephens; great-nieces and nephews, Jailyn, Kaiden, Zane, Kason, and Sutton. Lastly, she shared a unique bond with her “Mema,” Angeline Brannen, who held a special place in her heart.
A visitation to honor and remember her life was held Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Funeral services followed the visitation. Immediately following the service, she was laid to rest at Dekle Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team of cancer doctors and nurses, as well as the Haven Hospice staff who have taken impeccable care of Necie in her final weeks.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-341-2882 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jackie Johns
Mrs. Jackie Johns, 80, of New River passed away at her home Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. She was born in Jacksonville to Barney Haltiwanger and Mary (Rice) Carter. Prior to retiring, she worked in accounting for different banking institutions, but first and foremost, she was a dedicated pastor’s wife. She was a member of Bayless Highway Baptist Church and most definitely loved being a “Nana” and G-Nana.” In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Rev. Fred Carlton Johns Sr.
She is survived by her three children, Carl (Cheryl) Johns of New River, Tammy (Wesley) Ross of Quitman, Georgia and Diane Wade of Citra. She was lovingly called “Nana” by grandchildren Sarah, Josh, Aleesa, Victoria, Jenna, Creighton, Carly, Scott, Tracy, and Heather; and “G-Nana” by 19 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at Bayless Highway Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mike Conner officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke. 904- 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Joel E. Kirby
Joel E. Kirby, 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Gainesville on Oct. 31, 1954, to his father, James Roswell “Buddy” Kirby, and his mother, Dora Earlene Benton Kirby-Rogers. Among many other attributes, he was a strong, determined, hard-working man who loved his family. In his younger adult life, he loved roping and rodeoing with his father. He was an avid hunter who loved to be in the woods whether it was running dogs, sitting in the stand, or coon hunting with his friends at night. He also enjoyed fishing, whether he was able to catch anything or not. He also had a love for music and singing karaoke. Joel was a very hard-working, dedicated family man who took great pride in what you have, stood firmly in his beliefs and encouraged his children to do the same. He worked with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before he moved his career to the Florida Department of Corrections where he retired, then became the owner and operator of Custom Cuts Lawn and Landscape. Many years after being a business owner is when he met and married his wife, Richelle L. Kirby. It wasn’t long before he decided to take life a little easier, where he chose to move into the trucking industry and started with Stevens Transport. He then worked for some time with Pritchett Trucking before he had a health issue that resulted in his complete retirement. He will always be loved and remembered by those he loved and knew closely. He was proceeded in death by his father, James Roswell “Buddy” Kirby; and his mother, Dora Earlene Benton Kirby-Rogers.
He is survived by his wife, Richelle Kirby; sister, Carol Kirby (Rob) Newborn-Reynolds; son, Chad (Kaycee) Kirby; daughter, Michelle N. (David) Nettles; and stepdaughter, Courtney (Joe) Edwards; his five grandchildren Dillion, Emily, Levi, Mackenzie, Blayke, and Emmett. He is also survived by his stepfather, Larry Rogers; stepsister, Sheryl Webster; stepbrother, Greg Rogers; one nephew; two nieces, and their children. In his later years, Joel had the opportunity to adopt another daughter by chance to help care for him when his health worsened and Richelle was unable to care for him alone, Candace P. Joseph (Jason Holton). He will be forever loved and greatly missed by all who loved him, along with many he crossed paths with or worked with in his life. He will be missed tremendously, but everyone who knew him is looking forward to seeing him again soon.
A service to celebrate his life was held Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest immediately after the funeral service at Antioch Cemetery in La Crosse. Services will be officiated by Pastor Terry Elixson.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.
PAID OBITUARY
Jeremiah Price
Jeremiah Lee Price died Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Thoms Lee Price Jr. and Christopher Price.
Survivors are his mother, Ruth (Matthew) Bryan; father, Thomas (Laurie) Price; sons, Jeremiah Lee Price Jr. and Corbin Price; brother, Jason Price; one stepsister; two stepbrothers; grandparents, Hoyet (Mabel) Daugherty; and extended family members.
A graveside service was held Friday, Aug. 25, at Wynn Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
James Williams
James T. Williams “Tuney,” 69 of Lawtey, passed on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Shands at University Hospital in Gainesville. A native of Lawtey, he was of the Baptist faith. He attended the Church of Christ in Lawtey. He attended the local schools of Bradford County and was self-employed in masonry.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Williams; brother, Edgar Williams; sisters, Caroline Long, Alberta Tyson and Louise Jones; and a host of grands, nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m on Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Church of Christ in Lawtey. Interment will be held at Peetsville Cemetery under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-7905. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 1, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Carl D. Haile and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel/Haile Funeral Home Inc. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The cortege will form at the home of Caroline Long on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. at 6487 N.W. C.R. 229, Starke, 32091.
PAID OBITUARY
