Thomas Barker Sr.
Thomas W. Barker Sr. of Starke passed away at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. He was born in Leavenworth, Kansas to Kenneth Wayne Barker and Elizabeth Whiner Barker Simeral on Nov. 13, 1953. He graduated from Newberry High School. He worked many years for the Florida Department of Corrections at Union Correctional and Florida State Prison. He served in the U S Army and the Florida National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents: and his brother, Jimmy Barker.
He is survived by his son, Thomas W. Barker (T.J.) Jr.; and brothers, Keith, George, Jerry, and Larry; and his sister, Christina Murphy.
Tommy will be missed by many, but especially by his son. They were ‘two peas in a pod.”
There will be no services at this time.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Chastain
Robert Lee Chastain, 50, of Keystone Heights, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at Shands in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Chastain; daughter, Kayla Dawn Chastain; and his brother, Randall Chastain.
He is survived by his son, Cameron Chastain of Starke; sisters, Patricia and Brenda Jackson; girlfriend, Linda Johns along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jay Baker officiating.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Harry Craig Sr.
Harry Jerome Craig Sr., 84, of Starke died Nov. 29, 2022, at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was preceded in death by parents; brother; and his daughters, Rosanne and Katerina Craig.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Chloe Gayle Craig of Starke; children, Leonard Craig of Texas, Harry Craig Jr. of Arizona, and Serena (Scott) O’Neil of Fruitland Park; along with many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, Dec. 5, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
James Dyal
James Edward “Eddie” Dyal, 60, of Starke, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at West Marion Community Hospital in Ocala. He was born on March 20, 1962, in Starke, to the late James Edward Dyal Sr. and Martha Sue Finley Dyal. He was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. He graduated from Bradford High School and was a star athlete in football and basketball and excelled in baseball. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He was a huge Florida Gator fan. He served our country in the United States Army and retired with a rank of Sergeant (E5) in the U.S. Army Reserve. After retirement, he worked at The Arc Bradford County and really enjoyed working with the residents, whom he shared a special bond with. He was a good soul and had a heart of gold. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Thomas M. Finley and Lucy F. Finley; and many close relatives.
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
Willard Fisk
Willard “Willy” Raymond Fisk, Jr., 57 of Keystone Heights died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at his home following an extended illness.
He is survived by children, Jacob Fisk of Keystone Heights, Terrance Fisher, and Candace Fisher; along with his sister, Cheryl Rossi, all of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Axl and Elizabeth; and a close family friend, Nicole Evancho and her son, Liam of Keystone Heights.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Charles Floyd Jr.
Charles Donald Floyd Jr., 76, passed away at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. He was born in Raiford on Oct. 27, 1945, to the late Charles D. Floyd Sr. and Jeannette Waters Cowart. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for two years. He traveled the country and the world, but always called Lake Butler home. While living in San Diego, he became an advocate for the AIDS community. He spent most of the 1980s providing emotional, as well as financial, support to those afflicted with the disease. He also proudly stood up for the rights of gay people, taking on several companies who had mistreated gay employees. He was charming and charismatic; never meeting a stranger. He loved people and people loved him. He was a phenomenal cook, especially when it came to Southern cuisine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jeannette; his grandparents, Charles and Olive Floyd; and brothers, Jesse and Gary Williams.
He is survived by his partner of 25 years, Jeffrey Sweet of Lake Butler; his sister, Sharon (John) Harris of Homosassa; and a host of extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler on Monday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Don Kerce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Operation Catnip of Gainesville at ocgainesville.org.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Michael Norman
Michael Lewis Norman, 70, of Melrose passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. He was born Aug. 7, 1952, to Harold Norman and Loca Rafuse. He graduated from Bradford County High School in 1970 and served in the National Guard for six years. He worked as a produce broker and traveled the country before establishing his own company, Fancy Brokerage in Texas. Mike was known for his fiery spirit and outgoing nature. He will be forever missed by his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles; his sister, Sheila; and his brother, Kevin.
He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Jaime; sons, Jason Norman of Keystone Heights, Joshua Norman and Matthew (Meghan) Norman, both of New Orleans of New Orleans; daughter, Erica (Mike) Bemiss of New Jersey; sisters, Vickie (Steve) Larkin and Cathy Norman; six grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Bruce Cubbedge to officiate. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
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
James Piper
We are sad to announce the passing of James “Jim” Piper of Keystone Heights. He died at the age of 95 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. He breathed his last breath at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was an active and beloved member of St. William Catholic Church. He will long be remembered for his volunteering and cheerful spirit and his devotion to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jim’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. William Catholic Church on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at the church hall. We invite you to make a donation to Haven Hospice in his honor in place of sending flowers.
PAID OBITUARY
John Powell
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John Powell of Bell. He was 60 years old and a graduate of Bradford County High School. Following graduation, he served in the US Army for two years. He then earned his nursing degree from Santa Fe Community College and served as a nurse for several years. John, with his wife Debi, was a horticulturist and lover of nature. He spent many hours on the Santa Fe River scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and fishing, and sharing the beauty of the river and its springs with nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Debi; his sons, John and Trevor; his stepsons, Justin and Johnny; his sister, Karen of Tennessee; and by his brothers, Tommy of North Carolina, Gene of Texas, and Lane of California. Luke 23: 42-43.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Rascicot
Robert “Bob” Rascicot, 82, of Keystone Heights died at his home Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022,
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doreen (Kelley) Rascicot; and their children, Doreen, Robert, Lisa, Bryan, Janette, Janel, and Jaime; two siblings, Albert and Sally; and many extended family members.
A memorial service will be held via Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 pm.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Larry Sapp
Larry Michael Sapp, 61, of Keystone Heights passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Middleburg. He was born on Oct. 21, 1961, to the late John William and Anna Fay (Beckam) Sapp.
Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 12, at Keystone United Methodist Church beginning at 4 p.m. Private interment will be in Windsor at Providence Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Roger Sanderson
Roger Neal Sanderson, 76, of Keystone Heights died Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Sanderson; brother, Walter (Helen) Sanderson of Barnesville, Georgia; son, Jason (Vanessa) Sanderson of Jacksonville; daughter, Angela (Bill) Hanssen of Gainesville; and three grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights on Friday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
William Williams Jr.
William Leroy Williams Jr., 80, of Miami passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. He was born in Augusta, Georgia on Dec. 15, 1941, to the late William L. Williams and Helen Francis Williams (Giddens). He was raised in Miami and attended school in Dade County. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served our great country for many years. He met Ruth Thornton at a friend’s house in Lake City and they were married Jan. 31, 1986. He was a devoted husband and loved Ruth very much. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Starke. He was employed at the Bradford Telegraph for 20 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and loving wife, Ruth.
He is survived by his nine children, Rebecca Ford, Joseph Klimczak, Kimberly Zakrajsek, Krista Kelley, Mary Mullins, Phillip Garver, Richard Garver, Sara Flannery, and Thomas Robinson; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at Dyal Cemetery later.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel of Starke, 904-964-5757.
Mary Zimmerman
Mary Lou Zimmerman was born in Huntington, West Virginia on Oct. 27, 1933, and, shortly thereafter, she was blessed with a baby sister named Betty. Mary and Betty had a very difficult childhood, in which, at a young age, their parents could no longer care for them and put the girls in a Catholic orphanage. Mary did not talk much about her childhood, but living in the orphanage shaped her outlook on life. During her later teen years, Mary and Betty were graciously taken in by an aunt. After she turned 18 years old, Mary was out on her own. With clerical skills that she learned in high school, Mary worked various secretarial positions. Coupled with her bigger than life personality, in 1959, she landed a job as the personal Secretary to the Ohio State Senate Majority Leader, Frank King. While working for the Senator, she met, entertained and had pictures taken with numerous VIPs and dignitaries, including United States Senator and future United States President John F. Kennedy and former First Lady Elenor Roosevelt. Mary met and married Dr. David Zimmerman of Cincinnati, Ohio and they have four wonderful children, Stephen, Matthew, Lisa (Nathan), and Heidi (Randy), as well as 10 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren, who were an absolute blessing to her life. While living in Oxford, Ohio, she served as the Office Manager at her husband’s busy dental practice. Even though Mary and Dave had a wonderful and picturesque life, they were spiritually searching for something greater. While attending Northern Hills Bible Chapel, Mary entered into a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is where her legacy began. She led her husband to the Lord and influenced the salvation of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and h
He used Mary to lead many family, friends and strangers to a saving knowledge of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Because of her childhood, Mary had a heart for the needy, and those who seemed to have been forgotten. She never met a stranger, and provided love, encouragement, and physical, spiritual and monetary assistance to anyone that required it. Regardless of the situation, Mary would literally give away her very last penny to someone less fortunate or in a time of need. Shortly after her husband sold his dental practice, Mary and Dave moved to Keystone Heights, where they both served in Christian ministry at Park of the Palms. Additionally, Mary served 14 years at Lake Swan Camp, where she was known for her amazing, sweet tea. Throughout the years, Mary and Dave hosted many missionaries in their home, held pool parties for Christian camp staff and, being the life of the party and having the gift of hospitality, Mary was known for her over-the-top Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas celebrations. Mary loved her family, her friends, Park of the Palms, Lake Swan Camp, the Keystone Inn, Johnny’s Barbeque, Diet Pepsi, Samaritans’ Purse, everything Christmas and, most importantly, Jesus Christ. Mary lit up the room with her warm smile, kind heart, and loving spirit. She was also quick-witted and funny. Some of her favorite sayings were “You keep that smile,” “Let go and let God,” “You are my favorite,” “For this I have Jesus” and “Shoot, dang,” which would make everyone laugh. If you were down or having a tough day or week, she was willing to listen; to provide a shoulder to lean on and she always knew the right thing to say. As most of you know, she suffered from a debilitating disease called Alzheimer’s. As her mind and body began to deteriorate, her spirit never died. For the last few years, she resided at the Willey Manor and eventually, ended up at Riverwood Nursing Home. Even with her memory fading, she enjoyed visits from family and friends, blowing bubbles, listening to the Gaithers, scripture reading; walks around the park and singing old hymns.
In closing, Mary Lou Zimmerman had an impact on this world. Like most of us, she wasn’t famous, powerful or rich. However, she was a sinner saved by the Grace of her Lord Jesus and was a godly lady that truly lived out her faith. She lived 89 earthly years and was married 60 years to the love of her life, Dave. She would not want us to be sad or mourn her passing, but rather, she would want us to rejoice, for Mary is now reunited with her loving husband, and is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On the morning of Monday, Nov. 28, she did not die, but transitioned from this life into everlasting glory. There, I am quite sure, she was met by the open arms of the Lord, and our Heavenly Father decreed, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
A graveside service was held Monday, Dec. 5. Internment followed at Keystone Heights Cemetery. Please omit flowers and make a memorial donation to Lake Swan Camp, 647 S.R. 26, Melrose, 32666.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
