William Bright
William “Bill” Bright, passed away in hospice on his 86th birthday in Lake City. Born on Jan. 17, 1938, in Sevierville, Tennessee, he led a remarkable life filled with love and laughter. He dedicated 27 years to serving his country in the Navy. He retired as a Master Chief with honor and grace. Upon retiring from the Navy, he embarked on a new adventure as the proud owner of Bill’s Appliance Repair. For over two decades, he fixed appliances with skillful hands and an ever-present smile. He had an endearing personality that charmed everyone who crossed paths with him. With a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, he was a natural jokester who found immense pleasure in making others laugh. People naturally gravitated toward him for his warmth, kindness, and lighthearted spirit. Fishing and hunting were lifelong passions that gave him immense enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Joyce Bright; his daughters, Janet Thompson and Joan Lintz; brothers, Frank, Lee, Paul, and Darryl Bright; and granddaughter, Michelle.
He is survived by his son, Jimmy Pugh of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Aaron, Monica, Joshua, Michael, Michelle, and Mallory; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and his sister, Charlotte (Cord) Price of Tennessee.
A visitation ceremony to celebrate his life will take place Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Lake Butler. This will be followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors immediately following the service at McKinney Cemetery. Pastor Ralph Durham will officiate the services.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lynn Crossway
Mr. Lynn “Gator Bait” Crossway, 66, of Lawtey, passed away at his home unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. He was born Sept. 16, 1957, in Verona, New York to Eugene and Doris (Hill) Crossway. He was a retired car hauler and he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and watching NASCAR and Florida Gator football. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Linda (Nolan) Crossway.
His survivors are five children, Annie “Chosen One,” Jennifer, Adam, Gary, and Candice; along with three brothers, Wayne, Gene, and Donald. He was lovingly called “Pawpaw,” “Grandpaw” and “Crapaw” by 11 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to local VFWs, Soldiers Freedom Outdoors in Melrose, American Legion Post #250 in Middleburg, Florida BACA-7Bridges or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Mark Davis
Mark C. Davis, 56, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, surrounded by his family after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on June 17, 1967, in Buckhannon, West Virginia to Helen Lousie Lewis. In 1974, his family moved to Starke, and it has been home ever since. He graduated from Bradford County High School and went to work in sawmills as a lumber grader. His work ethic was unparalleled, and he took great pride in his profession. He was a friendly and kindhearted individual who loved to bring joy to others through humor. He had a knack for telling “dad jokes” that always brought smiles to the faces of those around him. He also thought of himself as a ladies’ man and affectionately dubbed himself “Big Papa.” Never one to shy away from putting in the effort, he was a true example of selflessness. He enjoyed hunting, but spending time with his grandsons brought him immeasurable happiness. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Luther Hosey II and Sidney James Hall Jr.
He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Helen (Ray) Griffis of Starke; daughters, Jennifer (L.J.) Forsgren of Lake Butler and Kelli (Kathryn) Davison of Lake City; adored grandsons, Lucas and Liam Forsgren and Malachi Davis; siblings, Allen Davis of Lake Butler, Perry Don Davis of Lake City, Samantha Jamison of Brunswick, Georgia, and Kalynn Hosey of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his faithful dog, Nuggett; and a host of West Virginia family.
To honor his memory, visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, beginning at 1:30 p.m., with the memorial service following at 2 p.m. The services will take place at Iglesia Cristiana Misionera Bautista, 4926 SW 107th Lane, Lake Butler, 32054. His final memorialization will be by cremation under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Carolyn Francis
Mrs. Carolyn D. Francis, 93, of Hampton died Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
Survivors are her children, Thomas “Tommy” Francis and Martha Van Vleet; and numerous extended family members.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Starke Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. jonesgallagherfh.com.
Ray Griffis
Ray F. Griffis, 92, of Starke, passed away at his home Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. He was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Starke to Eugene and Ada (Prevatt) Griffis. He started his career in the National Guard, retiring following 36 years of service. He then began his second career working at Camp Blanding and retiring as their CSMS. He enjoyed golf and college football, especially the Florida Gators. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel (Sullivan) Griffis; their daughter, Ada Louise Griffis; and his sister, Hazel Jolin.
Survivors are his wife, Helen Griffis of Starke; children, Karen Shepherd of Keystone Heights and Andy (Beth) Griffis of Starke; along with a brother, Clifton Griffis of Starke. Also left behind are four grandchildren; four great- grandchildren: and additional family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
A visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Mr. Ricky Griffis officiating. A private interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Gloria Holmes
Gloria Nell Howard Holmes passed away quietly at home after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. She was a beloved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. Gloria “Sugarnell” was born June 27, 1934, as the oldest child of William Shands Howard and Opal Baxter Howard during the Great Depression. She married her “Jimmy,” who joined the Marine Corps and whisked her away to spend 23 years and 32 house moves until his retirement in 1972. They then returned to their hometown of Lake Butler. She worked as a bookkeeper, kindergarten teacher, secretary, college instructor, and owner (three locations) of fabric stores. She retired at the age of 50 and went on to care for her aging relatives and parents. She was a member of Crosspoint Baptist Church in Middleburg. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Capt. James David Holmes, USMC; her sister, Ila (Skip) Woodington; sister-in-law, Fran Douglas Howard; and her grandson, David Lowell Shadd.
She is survived by her three daughters, Janice Ramos of Middleburg, Kathy Ritchie of Lake Butler, and Jeannie (Tim) Carson of Fleming Island; seven grandchildren, Crista Green and Ryan Green both of Middleburg, Hazen Willis, Jennifer (Brian) Dampier, and James Willis all of Alachua, Brandon (Crystal) Craig and Jared Cody (Krystal) Craig both of Lake City; great-grandchildren, Gage Jimenez, Troy French, Aubrey Propes, Dalton Dampier, Emily Dampier, Kiley Craig, Aubree Craig, Arya Craig, Raelyn Craig, Reagan Sterling, Bebo Sterling, and Caris Craig; sister, Barbara (Edward) Carter and brother, Shands (Lori) Howard, both of Lake Butler; and numerous beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins from all areas of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Lake Butler. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the service following at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Charlotte Marchetti
Charlotte Harris Jones Marchetti, at the age of 91, went to her heavenly home on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at the home of her son, Seeber Jones, in Starke. She was born on Dec. 15, 1932, in Worthington Springs to the late Sebe Harris and Ruby Thelma Thompson Harris and was their only child. She will be remembered by her family for her faith in God and the example she set for her children and grandchildren to follow the Lord. She was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church of Starke and faithfully served there for many years. Family was very important to her and her house was always open for family and friends to gather and make memories. Many of her days were spent with family, enjoying days at the beach or lake. She also loved to work in her flower garden, travel with her friends, bowl and shop and took every opportunity to go fishing. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Merrill H. Jones and Richard Marchetti; and her daughters, Janice Goolsby, Connie Harrington and Karen Jones.
She is survived by her sons, Seeber (Diane) Jones of Starke, Keith (Patricia) Jones of Dunnellon; and her grandchildren, Pam (Bobby) Martin, Randy (April) Goolsby, and Michelle Jones, all of Starke, Jennifer Keys (Tavis) Russell of Fleming Island, April (Shane) Joye of Clover, South Carolina, Christie (Jamie) Hosford of Homosassa, Ashley (Chad) Evans of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and Ryan (Brittany) Harrington of Gainesville. She was lovingly called “Nanny” by 17 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. at the River of Life Church of God, 2225 US Hwy 301-S. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Community Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Project in memory of her.
PAID OBITUARY
Daniel Rigano
Daniel Rigano of Lake Butler passed away peacefully, after complications following surgery, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at 11:27 a.m., with his wife and children at his side. He is now with our Heavenly Father. He was born on Feb. 16, 1962, in North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and became a proud U.S. citizen on March 20, 2008. He loved cooking, movies, board games, and spending time with his loving family.
He left behind his loving wife, Louanne Arlene Rigano (64), of 31-plus years; and two children, Daniel Salvatore Rigano (30) and Amelia Margaret Francesca Rigano (22), also of Lake Butler.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford, officiated by his nephew, Nicholas Burke.
PAID OBITUARY
Marlowe Smith
Marlowe Leroy Smith, 88, of Alachua, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the VA Hospital in Gainesville. He was born on Nov. 22, 1935 (1934 according to his Army documents) in Lincolnton, North Carolina. At the age of 15, after earning money from delivering newspapers, he hopped on a bus and headed to Florida. He was able to get as far south as High Springs. From there, he walked to Alachua and asked the jailer if he could stay a few nights at the jail. Those few nights turned into nearly a lifetime of calling Alachua home. A few years later, he was attending the theater in Alachua when he sat beside a young lady. After sharing popcorn and a ride home, they began dating and three years later, in 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Sue Wilson. He was working at Copeland Sausage when he was drafted into the United States Army. After serving several years, he returned home and began working as an electrical laborer for HT Dressler. He had his hands in everything; he was a volunteer fireman and eventually Fire Chief for the city of Alachua. He owned and operated the Maytag store in downtown Alachua, and in 1968, he opened Marlowe Smith Electrical, which he owned and operated for over 30 years. Outside of work, his passion was racing. He helped build the Ellisville Speedway and owned many race cars over the years. He also enjoyed camping and traveled across the country camping. He was a faithful attendant of New Oak Grove Baptist Church for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and eight siblings.
He leaves behind his wife of almost 68 years, Mary Sue Smith of Lake Butler; children, Wade (Lu Ann) Smith of Alachua, Pamela Dampier of Alachua, and Blair (Robin) Smith of Rocky Top, Tennessee; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and a second on the way; siblings, Reed, Marie, and Shirley, all of North Carolina; and numerous extended family also survive.
A funeral to honor his life was held on Saturday, Jan. 20, at New Oak Grove Baptist Church with Brother Terry Elixson, pastor, officiating. The family received friends for visitation prior to the service. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Forest Grove Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
