David Barnes
STARKE David Alex “LD” Barnes II, 31, of Starke passed away suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. He was born in Gainesville on July 26, 1990, to his loving parents, David Alan Barnes and Wendy Strickland Barnes. He was raised in Bradford County where he was a longtime member of Bayless Highway Baptist Church. Shortly after graduating Bradford High School in 2009, he pursued a career in law enforcement. He earned his certification as a Correctional Officer and proudly served at both Bradford Sheriff’s Office and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for seven years until finding his main passion in construction. He was currently employed at Vallencourt Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He was a jack of all trades and loved life. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed precious time with his family and friends. He was an avid outdoors-man who loved dog hunting, fishing, and riding his side by side. He thoroughly enjoyed music and singing; and was known for his prankster personality. He was amazing with kids and had a deep love for children. Three years ago, he met the love of his life, Victoria Floyd, the woman he was soon to publicly vow his love for and take her hand in marriage. He was filled with so much love and he gave that to all he knew. He was irreplaceable, a true treasure to those around him and will forever be loved and greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Strickland.
He is survived by his parents, David and Wendy Barnes; sister, Taylor (Jake) Pickett; paternal grandparents, David and Connie Barnes; maternal grandmother, Jenny Strickland; fiancé and best friend, Victoria Floyd; son, Kyson Floyd; parents-in-law, Shawn (Kelly) Thagard and Mike (Shellie) Floyd; sisters-in-law, Farren Floyd, Taylor Floyd (Patrick) Register, Payton Quinif; aunts, Linda (Mike) Collins, Cindy Strickland, and Christy Strickland; uncle, John (Missy) Strickland; cousins, Courtney Martin, Shelby Parmenter, Kaylyn Clemons, Dalton Cassell, Makayla Carlton, McKenzie Beck, Braden Strickland, and Arielle Strickland; niece, Kayden Floyd; along with numerous extended family members and many friends who were considered family.
A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Sampson City Church of God with Bishop Billy R. Canterbury and Pastor Mike Conner officiating. Interment followed at Conner Cemetery.
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
Roberta Frey
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Roberta “Birdie” Mae Frey, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. She was born in Canton, Ohio Sept. 27, 1947, to the late Robert and Florence (Stutler) Bennett. She was a heavy equipment operator and a member of Fresh Start Fellowship. She actively enjoyed playing bingo, and being with her loving family.
Her survivors include her children, Allen Ritter of Gainesville, Madeline Battis of Georgia, Donald Frey of Keystone Heights, Marc Frey of Calhoun, and Melinda Frey of Keystone Heights; numerous grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all friends and family.
There are no services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Dr. Mark Frost
Dr. Mark M. Frost, 73, passed away quietly in his sleep on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Jacksonville on March 4, 1948. He attended public schools in Jacksonville until his mother’s death when he was 15, when he transferred to Washington, DC, to finish high school while living with his Uncle Dick. He attended the University of Florida for undergraduate work, and Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He worked with Dr. John Plant in the Herschel Animal Clinic from his Vet School graduation until his early retirement due to illness in 2006. His love of people and devotion to the health of animals made him a most special veterinarian to many. He was also very focused on civic activities as well as a dedicated lifelong Gator fan. He was a lifelong Rotarian, serving on many committees and was a past president of the Westside Rotary Club. He served on the Greater Jacksonville Fair Board for many years, including being a past president of the Greater Jacksonville Fair (1994-96). He was also a past president of the Jacksonville Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order, a past president of the Beta Zeta Housing Corporation and a member of the Kappa Alpha Court of Honor. He was an avid outdoors-man; enjoying boating, fishing, and hunting, virtually all of his adult life. He was gregarious and a friend to all. He remembered all his friends and was always glad to see them. He loved to listen to stories and tell his own. He hated casseroles and asked that that be included in his obituary. He was a Christian and appreciated all that the Lord provided, especially his loving family and friends. Mark played poker in the Timuquana Tuesday-night “prayer meeting” for decades and will be remembered among his friends there for his laughter and stories. He married Tommye Morehead in Bryan, Texas, after graduation from Vet School in 1983. Mark and Tommye have two children, Elizabeth “Beth Anne” Frost and Kevin Edward Frost. Both went to the University of Florida for undergraduate and master’s degrees. Beth Anne followed in her dad’s footsteps and earned her DVM from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and now practices at her two clinics, Pottsburg Creek Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, and Nassau Animal Hospital in Yulee. After receiving his BS and ME in civil engineering at UF, Kevin went on to Texas A&M and received a further MS in ocean engineering. He now works for Xylem in St. Petersburg as a sales engineer and project manager. Mark’s greatest wish was to be a grandfather, an event accomplished with the birth of his twin grandchildren, Ellis Elizabeth and Graham Everett Frost, on Aug. 1, 2020, to Beth Anne. They were truly the light of his life!
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tommye Frost; and both children, Beth Anne (Ashlie) of Jacksonville and Kevin Edward (Brenna) of St. Petersburg; two grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Woolfe of Nocatee; and one brother, John “Skip” (Terry) Frost of Bartow; and several nieces and nephews who, along with many friends and acquaintances, are profoundly saddened by his passing.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his residence in Melrose later in the Spring. Remembrances may be made to the Dr. Mark M. Frost Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine or a charity of your choice. Remembrances to the scholarship endowment may be forwarded directly to Ms. D. Turner, AUCVM, 317 S. College St., Auburn, AL 36849.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176.
www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Michael Kane
HAWTHORNE Michael Anthony “Mike” Kane, 69, of Hawthorne, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at his home following an extended illness. A native of Syracuse, New York, he resided in Hawthorne for 23 years, moving there from Starke. He was a motorcycle mechanic and had owned and operated Kane Cycle Repair in Starke for 40 years. In addition to his love of riding his bike; he enjoyed sailing and looked forward each year to his excursions to the Bahamas. He also cherished time spent with his family and was rich in friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Anthony Kane and Rosemarie Pecor Kane.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Kane, of Hawthorne; a daughter, Mary Catherine Horsley of Starke; two stepchildren, Carrie Ann Arnold (fiancé Kevin) and Edward Jason (Loren) Christensen, all of Jacksonville; three sisters, Janet (Leslie) Whaley of Concord, North Carolina, Moureen (Surupong) Tansuwhat of Gainesville, and Theresa Kane of Chester, Virginia; and one grandchild, Cayden.
Private services will be held by the family at a later date. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Mike’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Interlachen.
PAID OBITUARY
Michael Paris
STARKE Michael James “Mike” Paris, 57, of Starke passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2022, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness due to cancer. He was a native of Florida and had lived in Starke. He served in the US Army and had worked in the construction industry. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Mike and Ginny Paris; sons, Joshua Paris and Brandon Paris; grandsons, Hayden Paris, Kye Paris, Jacob Paris and Jackson Paris; brother, Andrew Paris; sisters, Laura Harris, Joanne York, Terry Paris and Michelle Wray; nephew, Thomas Welsh; and nieces, Danielle Welsh and Jennifer Harris.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Interlachen. The family will begin receiving friends at the funeral home at 1 p.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Mike’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Interlachen.
PAID OBITUARY
Minnie Patray
STARKE Minnie Lou Patray, 90, of Starke, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. She was born in Gainesville on May 15, 1931, to the late Lucian Otis Hazen and Frankie Martin Hazen. Minnie Lou was a lifelong resident of Starke and graduated from Bradford High School. Shortly after high school, she met and married the love of her life, Ernie Don Patray, and together they spent 50 wonderful years. She had a passion for teaching and earned her associates degree from the University of Florida in elementary education and began teaching at Starke Elementary School. During this time she became a mother to three beautiful children: Donna, Lucian “Keith,” and Mark. She was very driven, and she didn’t stop there. She decided to enroll into the University of Florida and earn her master’s degree in elementary education. After earning her master’s degree, she continued teaching at Starke Elementary and briefly transferred to Brooker Elementary School but found her way back to Starke Elementary. She retired from Starke Elementary, but never truly left the school system. She spent her retirement being a teacher’s aide in her daughter’s classroom and helping at the school wherever needed. She enjoyed attending and worshiping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the First Presbyterian Church of Starke. She was an avid reader who loved reading all books, but her favorites were anything mysterious. More than anything she loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and nothing made her prouder than seeing them accomplish their goals in life. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and beloved dogs, FeFe and Leo.
She is survived by her children, Donna (Jeffrey) Jackson of Starke, Lucian “Keith” Patray of Deland, and Mark Terrell (Jean) Patray of Starke; grandchildren, Gary Don Brewer, Joshua Brewer, Marcus Patray, Jacob Patray, Caleb (Ashlyn) Patray; great- grandchildren, Megan (Cody) Tillman, Marcus Patray II, and Leslie Patray; soon to be great- granddaughter, Maddie Kay Starr Tillman; and her best friend, Betty Groves.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a late date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please make donations to First Presbyterian Church of Starke to assist with their building funds 921 E. Call St., Starke, FL 32091 (904)-964-7937.
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
Vivian Shafer
HAMPTON Vivian A. Shafer, 75, of Hampton passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. She was born on Dec. 12, 1946 in Bradford County to the late Lester and Mabel (Southerland) McCullough and moved back to Bradford County in 2011 from Leiper’s Creek, Tennessee. During her time in Leiper’s Creek she worked for Logan’s Steakhouse where she was known for her rolls and often saw George Jones dinning there. She enjoyed cooking, and was a Tennessee Titan and FSU fan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Shafer; her son, Roland Shafer; siblings, Iris Hart and Charles McCullough.
Survivors are: her daughter, Zina Beth Johns; siblings, Lucille (Edwin) Vickery, Lynn (Myrtice) McCullough, all of Starke. Also left are her grandchildren, Jonathan Johns, Lydia Shafer, Roland Shafer Jr., Shauna Shafer, Johnnie Lopez and Merikee Lopez.
The family will receive friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 4, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m.. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery with Pastor Steve Conner officiating all services.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
David Smith Jr.
David Bradley Smith Jr., 76, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022. He loved people, hunting, fishing, and growing vegetables to share. He was happiest when he was on his tractor. He loved mentoring students and spending time with his family. His first love was the Lord, Jesus Christ. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Starke since 1981. He served the Lord faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, department director, deacon and as the church moderator. He was a career educator. He taught vocational agriculture for many years. He served as the director of the Bradford-Union Area Vocational Technical Center (now North Florida Technical College), and as county vocational director for Flagler, Nassau, and Bradford counties. He also served four years as a member of the Bradford County School Board. For the last three and a half years, declining health forced him to live in a nursing home, first at Windsor Health and Rehab, then at Signature Health Care of Middleburg since July. We are grateful and appreciative for the staff of medical professionals who have taken care of him. He was preceded in death by his parents. David and Iduma Smith; and one brother, Harvey Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years, Martha Panaway Smith; one son, David Andrew (Andy) Smith and his wife Penny; grandson, Jacob Clouthier; and great-grandson, Gage Clouthier.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, at First Baptist Church of Starke at 11 a.m. with Pastor Chuck Register conducting his service. There will be no visitation before, but the family will receive visitors after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke. 904- 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Danny Stewart
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Danny M. Stewart, 81, of Keystone Heights, passed away unexpectedly at his home Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. He was born Aug. 29, 1940, in Titusville to Arnold and Laura Stewart. He attended Lee High School and proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. Prior to retiring he was employed for 36 years as a lineman with Bellsouth Telephone Company. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and the Florida Beach Boppers; he was a health enthusiast, enjoyed all types of dancing, but mostly he loved being with his family. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Cealwin Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Gayle (DeGarmo) Perry-Stewart of Keystone Heights; daughter, Heather (Paul) Campanale, of Fleming Island; Gayle’s children, Kimbell (Earl) Perry of Jacksonville, Brett (Linda) Perry of Keystone Heights, Tami (Thomas) VanNorstrand of Melrose, and Leah (Doug) Helton of Treasure Island. He was also lovingly called “Peepaw” or “Grandpa Danny” by his grandchildren, Emily (Adam) Brandle, Erin Campanale, Elliana Campanale, Elijah Campanale, Lexi VanNordstrand, Brittany Parsons, and Dustin (Paige) Perry; and great-granddaughter, Sydney.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 4, with Pastor Brandon Denmark officiating. Interment will be at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
