James A. Dilts Jr.
James (Jimmy) A. Dilts Jr. died unexpectedly following a brief illness on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was born March 11, 1951, at Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan, the son of James A. Dilts Sr. and Betty S. (Mason) Dilts. He attended high school in Niles and Galien, Michigan, after elementary school at Sorter in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He attended Santa Fe College Andrews Center in Starke. He graduated from Bradford County Truck Drivers Vocational School, also in Starke, and drove a truck for 35 years, over a million miles, without accident. He most recently drove with Transway out of Holland, Michigan until his retirement. In his early years, he worked as a construction laborer, fuel driver, and, most fondly, at Rex Auto Parts, formerly of Benton Harbor, Michigan. He even learned shoe repair from his wife’s father, formerly of Brown’s Shoe Repair of Benton Harbor, Michigan. He practiced this skill after opening a Western Boot and Shoe Store in Starke until he returned to Michigan. He liked everyone he met, and he called everyone his friend. He mostly enjoyed fishing for Coho salmon on Lake Michigan in his small boat with his friends. In his early years, you could find him on one of the piers in St. Joseph, Michigan fishing for Perch, Coho, or whatever was biting that day, even in a storm. He loved listening to the radio and music of the 50s & 60s and his friend’s band, White Summer, whenever they were playing. He was always singing a tune. There wasn’t a song he didn’t know, or who or when it was made. He was a hard-core Detroit Lions fan, really liked NASCAR, and enjoyed old western movies. Most people were surprised at how nice his voice really was, and they told him so. He was a loving husband and father. He was a good man, always ready to help when he could, and he will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Terry.
Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Betty A. Dilts; his son, James Dilts III; sisters, Debora Locklear of Illinois, and Rebecca Medina of Stevenville, Michigan; nieces, Kristi Baker of Bridgman, Michigan, Jill Dilts Kinchen of Eau Claire, Michigan; nephews, Shannon (Jen) Locklear of Illinois, Jason Baker of Phoneix, Arizona, Ryan Dilts of Benton Harbor, Ron Brown of Florida, and William (Billy) Brown of Michigan; one very special cousin, Jamie Smith; along with other caring loving cousins and aunts and uncles. As everyone was a friend to him, he had many. Many from the Pilot Truck Stop on Napier Avenue of Benton Harbor, Michigan. A few special friends he spoke of often were Tommy and Margaret Woods, Bill Dodd, Pete Vaughn, and Robbie Smith, all of Florida. And a very special friend, Tyrone of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Other close friends are, Harvey Hardin and Butch of Stevensville, Michigan, Rick Lowe, Jimmy Schrader, Jimmy Watkins, Larry Withrow of Benton Harbor, Michigan; his brother, of Alabama, and Wally Strebbs, St. Joseph, Michigan. There are others.
A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. Cremation has taken place per his request. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetary St. Joseph, Michigan. Those who wish to sign his Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Thank you for being a friend.
PAID OBITUARY
David Frazier II
David Edward Frazier II died on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Baptist Health, Jacksonville.
Survivors are his sons, Mario Covington and David Frazier III; daughters, Shana Frazier and Deasia Frazier; three grandchildren; two sisters; and many extended family members.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at True Vine Outreach Ministry, Starke. Repast will follow the service at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Starke.
Rodney Jenkins
Rodney Lamont Jenkins went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, following an extended illness. He was born June 24, 1981, to Ronnie Jenkins and DeIvory Alexander and has been a lifelong resident of Union County. He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Jenkins Sr. and Prince Alexander Sr.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife, Kimberly Jenkins; children, Dajah, Miyah, Jada, Trace, Neveah, Zoey, and Lil Rodney Jr.; stepchildren, Kyla and Brycen Boney, and, Arylah and Zayden Jones; grandchildren, Jaylani, Kehlani, and Kaycen; his parents DeIvory (Dale) Green and Ronnie Charles (Phyllis Brown) Jenkins; siblings, Tracy (Kevin) Brown, Yulonda Weeks, Ronnie Charles Jenkins Jr., Marcus Jenkins, Jeremy Jenkins, Jericka Jenkins, and Jermesia Jenkins; loving grandmothers, Lucy Alexander and Janeen Jenkins; Godmother, Cynthia Holland; mother-in-law Connie Ogletree; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a special friend and nephew, Montreal Blount.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Jan 28, at Victory Christian Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his widow Kimberly. CashApp: $KJenkins84
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Robin Johnson
Robin Johnson, 61, of Starke, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at her home.
She is survived by her husband, David Johnson of Starke; parents, Glenn (Linda) Grubb and Margaret Davis; children, Stacey Stewart, Adam (Brandy) Blankenship, David Johnson, Josh Johnson, and Andrew Johnson; three sisters; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
Arrangements were under the care of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Geraldine Lewis
Geraldine Gay Lewis passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born to Adolph and Hazel (Elliott) Gay on Aug. 8, 1945. She attended schools in Bradford County, graduating from Bradford County High School in 1963. After graduation, she attended Athens State College in Athens, Alabama for a short time, and transferred to Florida State University where she graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She began her teaching career in Perry, teaching physical education at Taylor County High School. It was here that she met Jimmy Lewis, her husband of 53 years. In 1974, she, Jimmy and their twins, Amy and Tim, moved to Starke and both started teaching at schools in Bradford County. She taught at Bradford Middle School until her retirement in 2003. She was loved by many who knew her. Always thinking of others, she was quick to offer herself when someone was sick or had lost a loved one. It was like that was one of her missions in life. Her main mission, though, was her family. All of her being was connected in some way around her family. She longed for family gatherings such as birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She looked forward to times spent with her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Adolph and Hazel Gay; and her sister, Pauline Tanner.
She leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Jimmy Lewis; daughter, Amy (Jay); sons, Tim (Tonya), and Steve (Farrah); 10 grandchildren, Meghan Helsley, Colten (Courtland) Griffis, Courtney Helsley, Pierson Lewis, Parker Lewis, Ryan Jones, Laya Lewis, Kyler Hall, Logan Lewis and Landon Lewis; and three great- grandchildren, Melaiha, Luke and Lyncee.
As a woman of faith, it was her wish that friends and family would gather to celebrate the eternal life promised to all through Jesus Christ. She would love to be remembered by those friends and family in the sharing of the many funny and hilarious stories that would celebrate what was good and blessed in her life. A gathering is being planned for April 2023.
PAID OBITUARY
William Phillips
William Byron Phillips, 64, of Middleburg, passed away on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, after enduring many challenging health issues following a stroke several years ago. He was born in Starke, on Nov. 13, 1957, to Erle Leslie Phillips Sr., and Joann Register. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1975 and went on to serve in the Army. After his service, he worked for the Department of Corrections and then for The Clock Restaurant in Gainesville and Jacksonville. He lived in Jacksonville for the majority of his life, the latter part of his life with his father, Leslie Phillips, until his father’s passing. His hobbies were following WWE, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Florida Gators. He was predeceased by his mother, Joann; his father, Leslie; brother, Erle Leslie Jr.; and daughter, Melissa.
He is survived by his grandson Devin Wright; uncle, Daniel L. (Jeanette) Phillips; and many extended family members.
The Neptune Society was responsible for carrying out his last wishes of cremation and did not include a service. A private disposition per his wishes will be carried out later.
PAID OBITUARY
Roger Rothwell Sr.
Col. (Ret.) Roger D. Rothwell Sr., 89, of Melrose passed away peacefully with his family on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. He was born on July 29, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Katherine M. McPherson and Harry D. Bundy. He was adopted by his late stepfather, Edward E. Rothwell, and was raised by his maternal grandmother, Kay “Nonnie” Kelchner. He married the former Meta Elise “Melise” Ross, of Jacksonville. He graduated from Rolla High School in Rolla, Missouri in 1951. Following this graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and was a seaman before being accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1957. In August 1969, he attended graduate school and received his master’s degree in systems analysis from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. Upon graduation from the Annapolis Naval Academy, he transferred to the United States Air Force where he ascended the ranks to command pilot and full colonel. His first military assignment was in June 1957, when he attended primary and basic pilot training in Marianna, and Laredo AFB, Texas. His career spanned almost 30 years, which allowed him to travel all over the United States and overseas. In 1968, he volunteered to serve in Vietnam, where he remained for a year before coming home. He had a decorated career, earning several medals, including the prestigious Legion of Merit.
He is survived by his two sons, Roger (Diana) Rothwell Jr., and Randolph (Vickie) Rothwell; grandchildren, Julie (Travis) Ansley, Rachel (Bo) Bright, Christopher (Jessica) Henderson, and Michael Rothwell; great- grandchildren, Levi Ansley, Amos Ansley, Carter Bright, Denver Bright, Jack Ansley, Addie Mae Henderson, and Memphis Mae Bright.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Immanuel Anglican Church in Keystone Heights. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for visitation and the ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. The tribute will be followed by an evening of fellowship, for all who are interested, at Col. Rothwell’s residence located at 8010 Breezy Point Road W, Melrose, 32666. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to Folds of Honor or Tunnel to Towers.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sallye Scoggins
Sallye Meng Scoggins of Hampton Lake, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the age of 66. Born on March 29, 1956, to Paul and Ruth Meng in Hampton Lake, she was the fifth of 11 children and grew up on Meng Dairy Farm outside of Starke. After graduating from Bradford High School in 1974, she spent several years as a stay-at-home mom and part-time florist. She put herself through college as an adult and graduated with a master’s degree in special education from the University of North Florida in 1996. She spent most of her career teaching special education at Hampton and Brooker elementary schools, where she was a passionate advocate for education and an active leader in the school community. In 2006, she was recognized as Bradford County Teacher of the Year for her faithful service and commitment to her students. She also served many years on the PTO board at her children’s schools, organized and ran fundraising events, and much more. On Aug. 3, 1974, she married the love of her life, Randy Scoggins. They were married for 48 years and shared many travels and adventures together. She especially enjoyed kayaking and seeing the manatees at Homosassa River, where she and Randy had a vacation home they loved to share with family and friends. She was an ardent supporter of the restoration and preservation of our beautiful Florida springs and rivers, especially the Rainbow River and Homosassa River. Her greatest adventure of all was being a mom to her three children and “Yaya” to her grandchildren. They were the center of her world, and her home was always filled with love and laughter. Every summer, she hosted “Camp YaYa” for her grandkids, where they spent a week doing crafts, enjoying cooking lessons, and going on adventures. She was a shining light in her home and in her community. She was the ultimate hostess, a true creative, and the life of every party. She lived life to the fullest and always found a way to make people laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth (Mouch) Meng in 2015, and Paul Meng in 2020; and her brother, William Michael Meng in 2022.
She is survived by her husband, Randy Scoggins; children, April (Scott) Schroeder, Erik (Jessica) Scoggins, and Thomas (Laloni) Scoggins; and four grandchildren, Madison Schroeder, Adley Schroeder, Reece Scoggins, and Mason Scoggins; and siblings, Carlton Meng of Keystone Heights, Carolyn Hunter-Haast of Hiawassee, Georgia, Phyllis McClure of Tampa, Marty of Old Town, Joyce (John) Thiemann of Hampton Lake, Beverly (David) Wanner of Oxford, North Carolina, Joe (Debbie) of Ochlocknee, Georgia, Mike of Macclenny, and John (Karen) of Pembroke, Georgia; as well as many other beloved friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the home of Erik Scoggins. 9290 SE Ninth Ave. Starke. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, or
give online at support.communityhospice.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. wwwjonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Johnny Webb
Johnny Melvin Webb, 54, of Lake Butler, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at his home. He was born on Nov. 25, 1968, to Johnny and Geraldine (Taylor) Webb and grew up in Lake City. He moved to Lake Butler over 30 years ago. He had various jobs, but mostly worked in the timber industry and worked with small engines. He enjoyed being outside, camping, fishing, working with his hands, building things, and cooking. He was a member of the Lake Butler Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Nancy Mengle.
He is survived by his daughter, Trista Webb (Kameron Martin) of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Kinley Ward, Kaislyn Martin, and Keira Martin all of Lake Butler; siblings, Sheila, Ricky, Danny, Juanita, and Lilly; special children, Mallory, Krista, Michael, and Lilly Young all of Lake Butler; and his caregiver and really good friend, Tammy Page.
A funeral to honor his life was held on Friday, Jan. 27, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He was laid to rest at Corinth Cemetery, Lake City.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
