William Carter
William Thomas Carter, 82, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Hartwell, Georgia. Known to his family and friends as “Bill,” he was born in Lawtey on Oct. 28, 1941, to Carl “Bub” and Mildred Carter and was raised off Carter Road, where he was more commonly known by his childhood nickname, “Tommy.” Throughout his full and blessed life, he will be remembered by even more names. He grew up being “brother” to Margret Arwood (deceased), Linda Sweat (deceased), Ann Macy, and Donald Carter. After graduating from Bradford County High School, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning stateside, he married his high school sweetheart, Joy Ann Starling Carter, and became her devoted “husband” until her death in August 2020. He was “father” to Michelle Farmer and Brenda Smith; father-in-law to Scottie and Geoff. Known as “Pops” to his grandchildren, Kailyn MacLaurin, Samuel Smith, and Charlie Smith, and to his great-granddaughter, Adayln MacLaurin; and “Pops-in-law” to Michael. He was “Uncle” and “Cousin” to many more. He worked professionally as a computer programmer. His first position was on Saint Simons Island, working for The Sea Pack Corporation. In 1980, his job took him to Atlanta, where he worked for the remainder of his career for Beech Aircrafts. Upon retirement, he and Joy left city life and moved to a quiet cove on Lake Hartwell. There he was known as an avid gardener who took pride in growing many different types of crops that he loved to share with his family and friends. He also loved nothing more than being the captain of his ship, always ready to take anyone willing on a peaceful cruise or a wild tube ride. He was an adventurer. This started in his youth with many legendary tent camping trips with all the extended family and later moved to travels in the pop-up-camper with his daughters. In retirement, he took his adventures to the next level with memorable trips to Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, and Europe. No trip was complete without talking his friends and family into joining him. The role that most defined his life was that of “caregiver.” Once a need was discovered, he would go out of his way, sometimes by many, many miles, to offer his services. He was known to work tirelessly to repair homes, docks, cars, and equipment. He was quick to provide his own freshly picked vegetables, the best pecans, and the largest shrimp available if he thought it would brighten up someone’s day. He got to know all those he came into contact with and quickly became a friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke. A graveside service followed at Lawtey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank in his name.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Vera Chapman
Vera Joyce Clyatt Chapman of La Crosse passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. She was 90. Anyone who knew her well knew they had a friend for life. Her cheerful demeanor was a reflection of her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she was quick to welcome friends and strangers alike, making everyone she met feel right at home. She grew up on a farm in Union County, and she was no stranger to hard work. She’d often entertain her children and grandchildren with tales of working in the tobacco fields, evening peanut boils, and the bygone days of life without indoor plumbing. She spent her adult life in La Crosse alongside her husband, Johnny. Their love story spanned more than 68 years, and she now rejoins him in heaven. She was the first woman to serve on the La Crosse city council and was one of the first two women to serve as a volunteer firefighter. Both Joyce and Johnny made an indelible impact on the La Crosse community. It wasn’t unusual to find her passing the time by playing the piano or sewing quilts, clothes, or any number of other items for family and friends. She loved to stay busy! Whether selling Avon, driving a school bus, serving on the hospitality committee at Antioch Baptist Church, volunteering at Gainesville Ministries—or any number of other countless activities—she made a difference that will be felt for generations. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny; her daughter, Diane; her parents, Robert and Vera Clyatt; and her grandson, Michael.
She is survived by her children, Annette (Jim) of Lake Butler; John (Pam) of Gainesville; and James (Belinda) of La Crosse; six granddaughters; five great- grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Though gone from this world, her joyous spirit will always be remembered, cherished and shared in the lives of everyone she touched.
A service to honor her will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Antioch Baptist Church. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Dan Kendall.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Wilbur Groves
Wilbur James Groves, 85, of Keystone Heights passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at 7 p.m. He was born on March 24, 1938, in Baker County to the late John Theron and Myrtle (Starling) Groves. He was a graduate of Baker County High School Class of 1956 and was a high school football standout who was well known to his opponents. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he volunteered many hours. He retired from the United States Air Force and later retired from the State of Florida Department of Corrections. He and Shirley enjoyed traveling in their motor home. He was an avid Gator fan and was active in the Melrose Masonic Lodge #89. His love of football gave him the strength to become a referee for little league and high school football games, something he truly enjoyed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Shirley (Norman) Groves; daughter, Sandra Glenn; and sister, Dorothy Faye Groves.
Survivors are his children, Linda (Michael) Crosby of Colorado and Marie Moore of Oregon; stepdaughters, Sherry (Dennis) Stallings of North Carolina and Darlene Wise of Keystone Heights; brothers, Edward Wayne Groves of Lakeland, and Johnnie Theron (Patsy) Groves of Sanderson. Also left are grandchildren, James Robinson of Florida, John (Autumn) Robinson of Colorado, Danielle (Ryan) Bonish of Texas, David Glenn of Connecticut, Berkley Moore of Oregon, London (Leslie) Crosby of Colorado, Haylie Crosby of Colorado; stepgrandchildren, Grace Stallings, Kelsey Gentry, and Dilan Wise; along with several great-grandchildren.
The family received friends at Blackburn-Curry Funeral Home, 380 N. Lowder St., Macclenny, 32063 on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Funeral services followed with Pastor James Peoples officiating. Interment was at South Prong Cemetery in Sanderson.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights 32656. 352-471-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Peggy Long
Peggy Elizabeth Long passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, after an extended illness. Born in Tampa on June 22, 1953, she lived most of her life in Union & Baker counties. She lived a simple life, dedicated to working hard to raise her four children. Her passion for animals, especially cats, led her to stop traffic to rescue and save as many strays as she could. She was known to many in the community as a sweet lady with a loving heart. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Nicole Anderson; husband, Wendell Long; brother, Robert Barker; and her mother Mary Barker.
She is survived by her children Dana (Mark) Pelletier of North Carolina, Joshua (Lisa) Long of Live Oak, Stephanie (Brad) Crawford of Glen St. Mary, and Gina (Peter) Stefani of Cedar Key; her grandchildren: Jackie, Letha, Selene, Alan, Nicholas, Luke, Gunnar, Amelia, Ty, Leah, Pete, and Jaclyn; nine great-grandchildren; her sisters, Linda O’Steen of Lake City and Betty (Dean) Elixson of Worthington Springs; and a host of extended family.
A graveside service was held to honor her life on Monday, Dec. 18, at Elzey Chapel Cemetery in Lake Butler. Pastor Michael Ramondetta officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jeffrey Thornton
Jeffrey Allen Thornton, 41, of Lake Butler passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Born on March 6, 1982, in Gainesville, he was a loving husband, son, father, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched. Known for his warm and inviting personality, he never met a stranger. His kindheartedness and genuine nature made him beloved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He had a variety of hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He had a love for cooking and eating delicious meals, which he happily shared with loved ones. Fishing was another source of happiness for him; he found solace in casting his line and spending time in the quiet of a lake or riverbank. Above all else, he cherished moments spent with his boys, Tanner Allen Thornton (16), Tyler Lane Thornton (13), John Luke Thornton (10), and Jesseman Bailey Thornton (6). These precious moments formed lifelong memories that will forever hold a special place in their hearts. An avid Florida Gator fan, his enthusiasm for his favorite college team knew no bounds. He cheered them on with unwavering support and celebrated their victories as if they were his own. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Shelton and Ina Claire Arnold; paternal grandfather, Elzie Thornton; stepgrandfather, Harold Kelly; and cousin, Adam Sanderson.
Along with his sons, he leaves behind his wife, Alicia Danielle Thornton of Lake Butler; his loving mother and stepfather, Donna and Randy Salle; father and stepmother, Shelton “Huey” and Pauline “Ma” Thornton; stepsons, Blake Mathew Futch and Blane Daniel Futch; sister, Kelly Ann Thornton; stepsiblings, Randy Salle Jr., Sarah Salle, Adam Williams, Leamon Sharpe, and Johnathan Russell; and a host of extended family and friends.
Services to honor and celebrate his life will take place at the Archer-Milton Funeral Home. A visitation will occur on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, starting at 11 a.m. Brother Preston Gainey will officiate.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Beulah Todd
Beulah Davis Todd, 78, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Adel, Georgia.
Survivors are her children, Jeff (Jamie) Todd, Hank Todd, Adam Todd (Bridgett Hallman), and Rebecca (Jose) Aparicio; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four siblings.
Services were held Monday, Dec. 18, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Interment followed at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jeffrey Wade
Jeffrey Roberts Wade passed away suddenly in his sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, while resting between work shifts as a conductor for Amtrak. He was born Dec. 21, 1977, the son of Russell Alexander Wade Jr. and Sandra Roberts Wade. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lake Butler Ward. He grew up in Lake Butler and attended Union County High School, graduating in 1996. After graduating high school, he worked in the car stereo business in Lake City while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo’s University. He then worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Novartis Pharmaceutical. In 2008, he went to work for Amtrak as an assistant conductor and eventually became full conductor. He enjoyed all kinds of music, hunting, target shooting and the outdoors. He had a special way with small children and animals. He never met a kitchen gadget, tool, flashlight, or pocketknife that he didn’t want to buy. He was a fan of the Florida Gators and supporter of underdogs in general. He was fiercely loyal, not only to his family but to his many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Alexander Wade Jr.
He is survived and loved by his mother, Sandra Roberts Wade; brothers, Russell Alexander (Tammy) Wade III and Jordan Kimball (Kiley) Wade; and nieces and nephews, Katie, Maggie, Alex, Molly, Sadie, and Kimball.
A service to honor his life wase held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lake Butler. A visitation preceded the service. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
