Obituaries — Dec. 7, 2021

Edna Lee Bell

 

Edna Lee Bell

RAIFORD Edna Lee Bell, 62, of Raiford passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. She was born Dec. 19, 1958, in Munich, Germany, to Ronald Ray and Linda Knapp Russelburg. After graduating from high school, she joined the US Army where she proudly served our country. She loved to dance, play cards, knit, and bake sweets. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Russelburg, Sr.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Edward Bell of Raiford; her children, Edward Bell, Jr., Eric (Shannon) Bell, T.J. Bell, all of Raiford, Joey Abraham of Live Oak, and Alanna (Melton) Griffis of Raiford; her grandchildren, Shynne, Sierra, Saddie, and Moses.

A graveside service was held on Friday, Dec. 3, at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, 386-496-2008, archerfuneralhome.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

James Griffis Sr.

 

James Griffis Sr.

STARKE James “Mitchell” Griffis Sr., 68, of Starke passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County in Middleburg. He was born in Starke, on July 27, 1953, to the late Joe Melton Griffis and Dorothy Lee Cadle Griffis. Mitchell has been a lifelong resident of Bradford County where he attended Bradford High School. Shortly after high school Mitchell started his career at the Department of Transportation where he enjoyed working for 33 years before retiring. On October 5, 1976, he married the love of his life Sheila Starling Griffis and together they have spent a wonderful 45 years together. Mitchell enjoyed fishing, camping, and all family gatherings. More than anything, Mitchell loved his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jimmy Griffis, Robert Griffis, and Raymond Griffis; and sisters, Hazel Johnson, Patsy Luke, Elaine Griffis, and twin baby girls.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Griffis of Lawtey; children, Mitchell (Chastidy) Griffis, Jr. of Keystone Heights, Joni (Sam) Bryant of Starke, Billy (Kristin) Griffis of Lawtey, and Lance (Jessie) Griffis of Lake Butler; sister, Juanita Willingham of Lawtey; and grandchildren, Cassie, Heather, Leah, Trent, Laney, Ethan, Riley, and Wyatt.

A Celebration of Life was held on Dec. 6 at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Rudy Thornton and Rev. David Hodges officiating.  Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery in Starke. 

Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.  904-964-5757. Visit ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Greek

 

 

Carolyn Greek

LAKE BUTLER Carolyn Greek, 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born and raised in Lake Butler to the late Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd. She loved going to yard sales and tending to her flowers. She was a wonderful wife and great mother. She is preceded in death by her parents; sons, Daniel Isaiah Greek and Stephen Michael Greek; her brothers, Sidney, Mallie, Bennett, Frank, Kenneth, Ray, and Theodore Todd; and her only sister, Sadie Davis, who passed away only minutes after.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 55 years, George Daniel Greek; her children, Debbie Greek, Ray (Lori) Greek, Mark Greek, and Joseph (Sylisa “Lou”) Greek; her grandchildren Jonathan Greek, Casey Whitehead, Bradley Greek, Brandi Whitehead (Daryl Watkins), Chase Greek, Alora Greek, Dylan Greek, and Breanna Greek; great-grandchildren, Brayden Peterson and J.B. Pinkston; brothers, Vernon and Dave Todd; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A service to honor her was held on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She was laid to rest following her service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.  Bro. Mike Norman officiated.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, 386-496-2008, ArcherFuneralHome.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Sharon Harvey

 

 

 

Sharon Harvey

LAWTEY Sharon Alline Harvey, 53, of Lawtey, died on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at Shand’s UF in Gainesville. She was born on June 1, 1968 in Gainesville, to the late Lacy Dewey Harvey, Sr. and Mary Catherine Harvey. She has been a lifelong resident of Bradford County and graduated from Bradford High School. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Lacey “Chubby” Harvey, Jr.

Sharon is survived by her longtime companion, James “Pete” Olive of Lawtey; son, Alan (Brittnee) Harvey of Lawtey; sister, Janie Harvey of Starke; two nephews, and 3 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.

 

 

 

 

 

Spurgeon Massey

 

Spurgeon Massey

LAWTEY Spurgeon Boyce “Spud” Massey, 80, of Union City passed away Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, Tennessee. He was born Sept. 7, 1941, in Marion County, son of the late A.E. and Inez Wanda Mae (Hogue) Massey. He was the widower of Carol (Bradley) Massey who preceded him in death. He was a retired truck driver who enjoyed fishing. Prior to moving to Union City, he was a longtime resident of Lawtey, where he served on the city council and was the fire chief of the Lawtey Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jeannie Wilson; and two brothers, Daniel Massey and Edward Lee Massey.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan Massey Groves of Starke; two sons, Victor (Jo Ann) Massey of Union City, Tennessee and Kenny Boyce (Samira) Massey of Centerville, Alabama; 13 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; and one brother, Wayne (Abbie) Massey of Lawtey. 

Graveside services were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Salem Cemetery near Union City. Brother Chip Davis officiated.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. at Tatum Brothers Park, 22598 Park St., in Lawtey. 

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

John Pedrotty

 

 

John Pedrotty

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS John Paul Leo Pedrotty, 73, a longtime resident of Keystone Heights passed away at his sister’s home Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, following a brief illness.   He was born Jan. 30, 1948, in North Canton, Ohio to John Franklin and Irene (Krnach) Pedrotty. He served in the United States Army and was a retired millwright.  He was of the Lutheran faith and a member of the American Legion Post #202.  Fishing and boating was a passion of his, along with being outdoors, riding his John Deer tractor, taking care of his home, always keeping a fire burning for BBQ’s, and entertaining his friends and family. He also enjoyed pool tournaments and collecting hats, but mainly he loved being with his family and friends.  In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his son, Gary Pedrotty.

He is survived by his daughter, Veronica Pedrotty of Claremont, New Hampshire; and step-son, Steve Crenshaw of Washington State; mother, Irene (Krnach) Allen; and siblings, Patricia Hartman and Gerald Pedrotty all of Keystone Heights.  He was lovingly called “grandpa” by Kaitlyn, Garrett, Alec, Aleah, Bella, Kallan, Suzanne, and Savannah.  Also left behind are nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held Dec. 8 at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Conner officiating. His ashes will be buried at later date in Ohio.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights. 32656, 352-473-3176, jonesgallagherfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Martha Riley

UNION COUNTY Martha Ann Walker Riley was born in Madison County to Winston S. Walker and Annie Merle Shelfer Walker and resided in Union County throughout her childhood. She passed away at home in Bradford County on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at the age of 68 after a short illness. Martha was retired from Alachua County School Board. She enjoyed her pets, Jeter and Snow Baby, spending time with family and friends, shopping, and the great outdoors. Martha is preceded in death by her father, Winston and mother, Annie Merle.

She is survived by her two sons, Ross Riley and Benjamin “Ben” Riley; one granddaughter, Ava Riley; her sister, Nan Jeffcoat (Tina Wheeler); and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice Orange Park (beyourhaven.org/donate).

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, 386-496-2008.

PAID OBITUARY

 

Raymond Secrest

 

 

Raymond Secrest

Raymond R. Secrest passed away on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at 9:54 a.m. with his wife by his side after a long battle with COPD and dementia. He was born in Hollywood and attended South Broward High School. After high school he joined the service and went on to be a CW4 Warrant Officer and a chopper pilot. He spent 23 and a half years in the US Army, doing two tours in Vietnam and earning many medals. He was also a faithful Lutheran. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Bell Secrest; mother, Willa Mae Secrest Reddish; a son, Michael Ray Secrest; daughter, Janneth Jane Wright; and sister, Helen Mae Roberts.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Betty Secrest; two sons, Raymond K. Secrest of Michigan and Steven (Violet) Secrest of Starke; stepchildren, Leisa Green and Theresa (Mitchell) Gainey of Brooker; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A service to honor him was held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He was buried with full military honors at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, 386-496-2008, ArcherFuneralHome.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Joseph Stephenson

STARKE Joseph Hayward Stephenson, 100, of Starke, passed away Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Stephenson was born on Sept. 2, 1921 in Guyton, Georgia to the late Thomas Ellis and Hattie O’Gerta (Braxton) Stephenson. Prior to retirement, he was a Chief Petty Officer for the United States Navy. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Teresa Stephenson.

Survivors are: his nephews, Thomas E. Stephenson, Jr. (Alice Sprouse) of Starke, Mark (Tracy) Stephenson of Lakeland; great- nieces and nephews, Brian Sprouse, Oliver Stephenson, David Daly, Kaylee Stephenson, and Jazmine Sprouse.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200, jonesgallagherfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

Violet Stewart

STARKE Violet A. Stewart, 90, of Starke passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Windsor Manor Health and Rehabilitation. She was born Dec. 14, 1930, in Callahan to Robert and Leah (Knight) Nettles. She was a retired seamstress and a member of the Congregational Holiness Faith. She enjoyed cooking, gospel music, and gardening; but her main focus was her church and family. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Dannie Carl Stewart, and Freddie Woodrow Stewart; and her husband, Carl Stewart.

 Survivors are her grandson, Eric Stewart; great-grandson, Jensen Stewart; and daughter-in-law, Elaine Stewart all of Starke. Also left behind are several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

A memorial service for will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel, with Brother Larry Carter officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 620 E. Nona Street, Starke, 904- 964-6200, jonesgallagherfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

Owen Walter

Owen Walter

LAWTEY Owen Fulton Walter, 71, of Lawtey, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at his residence in Lawtey with his loving family by his side. He was born in Paso Robles, California on July 18, 1950, to the late Charles Walter and Ruth Fulton Walter. He was raised in California where he graduated from Paso Robles High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy, which relocated him to Florida. He earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and did several tours in Vietnam proudly serving his country for 21 years. After serving active duty in the Navy, he took on a new role as a civil service worker for 20 years at NADEP, Jacksonville Naval Air Station. On April 18, 1997, he married the love of his life, Barbara Sue Wilkinson Walter and together they have spent 24 beautiful years. He was a member of Grace Community Fellowship Church where he was an active member serving as the church treasurer. He loved his church family and worshiping his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with them. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling all over the United States with his wife, Barbara, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. If you knew him, then you probably heard him say its “it’s another fine day” & “just peaches and cream”. He was a great man who loved all of his family and friends dearly, and he will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kristy VanHoose; and his brother, Charles Walter Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Sue Walter of Lawtey; children, Jay Walter of Seattle, Washington, Virginia (Greg) Parsons of Keystone Heights, Debbie (Jim) Lawrence of Lawtey, Greg (Dayle) VanHoose of Tampa; brothers, Jim (Donna) Walter of Prescott, Arizona, Fred (Bonnie) Walter of Ashland, Oregon; sister-in-law, Chris Walter of Boise, Idaho; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and one great-great- grandson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Fellowship Church, with Pastor Greg Pusateri officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. A meal will be provided at the church after Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757. Visit ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

PAID OBITUARY