Irene Camp
Irene “Lynn” Camp, 64, of Hampton, passed away on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at North Florida Regional Medical Center. She was born in Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 4, 1959, to Doris Leona Dufour Shaw and the late Robert Henry Shaw. She was raised in Pompano Beach and attended Deerfield Beach High School. While in school, she met her best friend and high school sweetheart, Johnny Ray Camp. Following school, Johnny left for boot camp, and years later they rekindled their love, marrying on June 19, 2021. In the late 1970s, she moved to North Carolina for a few years and then returned to Florida in Coral Springs. In 1998, she made Bradford County her forever home. One of her greatest accomplishments was owning and operating Last Lap Cafe in Starke with her sister, Candy Nichols. She was known for her bubbly and friendly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone was her friend. She loved others. Her character would light up any room, and she found great joy in talking. She was an avid collector of vintage cans and M&M collectibles. She even had her kitchen upgraded to a Coca-Cola theme. She didn’t drink the beverage, but loved the design and colors. She was such a treasure to her family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Henry Shaw; stepfather, Kenneth Bryan; and sister, Candy Nichols.
She is survived by her loving husband of two years, Johnny Ray Camp of Hampton; mother, Doris Bryan of Winter Haven; children, Robert (Jerri Lynn) Tesseneer of Cape Coral and Kari (Rusty) Fankhouser of Bronson; stepdaughter, Christina (Jason) McElroy of Douglasville, Georgia; brother, Tom Shaw of St. Petersburg; sister, Anita Roberts of Winter Haven; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great- grandson on the way.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
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
Myra Cowart
Myra Elizabeth Cowart, 80, of Starke, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2023, at Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville.
Survivors are her children, John J. (Penny) Cowart Jr., Mark Cowart, Morgan (Stephen) Sowell; sister, Delores (Hank) Grohmann; and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Tommy Cox
Tommy Ezra Cox, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on Oct. 11, 1939, in Steinman, Virginia, to the late Cassie Cox Pressley and Guy Cox. He resided in Brooker and was a member of the Brooker Baptist Church. He graduated high school in 1958 in Castlewood, Virginia and attended Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering kindness. He was introduced to the love of his life, Linda Gayle Green Cox, at the Lake Butler skating rink by her cousin, Diane Dukes Alligood. He and Linda were blessed with a remarkable marriage of 61 years. Their enduring love and commitment were a guiding light to many, inspiring resilience, support, and an unbreakable bond. A devoted father to Bradlee (Cheryl) Cox and Deena (Lee) Harrison, his legacy of love and guidance will live on through them. His pride and joy expanded with his grandchildren, Bradlee (Meghan) Cox Jr., Charles (Rebekah) Cox, Kaylee (Nate) Baron, Emilee (Jeremiah) Gantea, Kim (Brian) Curran, Rylee Cox, Bella Cox, Mallory Mastronardi, and Alayna (Mac) Jones. Additionally, his 13 great-grandchildren are a testament to the love and joy he shared. He served his country honorably in the Air Force, embodying principles of duty and service. His dedication extended throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark in leadership roles. He started his business career at Copeland Sausage as a parts manager and transportation supervisor until the company closed in 1977. He then worked for R.O. Camp Trucking as truck supervisor, then sales for Central Motor Supply. In 1990, at age 50, he started working for the state of Florida as a corrections officer, progressing to sergeant, followed by a promotion to Food Service Director II. In his food service role, he worked for both the state of Florida and Aramark in various locations, including Baker, Columbia, and Lancaster correctional institutions, and the Florida Department of Corrections Reception and Medical Center (RMC). He retired from RMC in 2011. He utilized his leadership skills and musical abilities to contribute to the community by serving the church as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leading music ministry for both adults and children. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Eudell Vaughn.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Cox of Brooker; siblings, Jimmy Cox, Betty Dean, Becky (Norman) Barber, Eddie (Nina) Cox, and Sharon Cox; two children; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, Jan. 13, family and friends will gather to honor hids remarkable life at Brooker Baptist Church with visitation taking place from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler. These events will celebrate a life well-lived, a man deeply cherished by all who knew him, and a legacy of love, service, and dedication that will endure through the values he imparted and the lives he touched. His memory will forever reside in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known his boundless love, warmth, and enduring kindness.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Douglas Ferguson Sr.
Douglas E. Fergerson, Sr., 71, of Starke, passed away Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at Shands UF Hospital in Gainesville. He attended the local schools of Bradford County and served in the United States Army.
Visitation will be held on Friday Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel/Haile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke 32091. 904-964-7905. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Mt. Moriah Community Church, 803 N. Oak St. Starke, 32091. Interment will be at Oddfellow Cemetery, Starke under the direction of Haile Funeral Home, Inc.
Debra Geiger
Mrs. Debra “Debbie” Geiger, 60, of Starke passed away at her home, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. She was born in Jacksonville on Sept. 19, 1963, to Raymond and Julia (Loftin) Austin. She had been employed for 18 years with the Bradford County Public Library as their IT specialist. She attended First Church of Starke and enjoyed crafting, computers, nature, and sitting on the dock at the lake taking pictures. Her most treasured moments were spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, William “Billy” Geiger Jr.; great- grandson, Jaxson Massey; and a brother, Raymond Austin.
Survivors are her loving and devoted husband of 41 years, William “Billy” Geiger Sr. of Starke; their children, Eric Geiger of Lake City and Bonnie (Sam) Griffis of Hampton; sister-in-law, Charlotte (Richard) Vallellanes of Alachua; siblings, Terry Arthur of the Virgin Islands, Loretta Dyal of Starke, Sandy Arthur of Middleburg, Julie (Ken) Cook of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Christina Burnett of Jacksonville. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by Terri (Michael) LeMire and Michael Massey of Starke; along with great-granddaughters, Kolee LeMire, Shyann Alvarez, and Morgan Massey; and great-grandsons, Koledon LeMire, and Jensen Massey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Pastor Josh Reinken officiating. Interment will follow at Dyal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Haven Hospice or First Church of Starke.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Dorothy Gilner
Mrs. Dorothy M. Gilner, 95, of Keystone Heights passed away Sunday, Dec 31, 2023, at Solaris Health Care in Palatka. She was born Jan. 23, 1928, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She was a homemaker, a member of Church of Christ, and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, puzzles, shopping, and taking cruises.
She is survived by her children, Donald (Sue) Yorcovic of Keystone Heights and Gayle Smith of Elkton, Maryland; and a brother, Richard Kayle of Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Also left behind are six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
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
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Griffin
Robert L. Griffin, 45, of Keystone Heights, better known as “Robby” or “Hot Wheelz,” passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, following a long illness. He was born Sept. 2, 1978, in Key West to the late George R. and Linda (Castro) Griffin. He was a great songwriter and singer. He attended the First Assembly of God and, recently, Family Faith Church of Keystone Heights. He enjoyed writing songs, singing, sports, and was an avid Florida State Seminole fan.
He is survived by his siblings, Will Gilroy, Vernon Griffin, Christina Griffin-Eichelberger, Michelle Alayon, Robert Griffin, Tina Gilroy, and Kristina Gilroy; adoptive parents, Larry and Carroll ”Nana;” and brother-in-law, Rick Eichelberger. Also left behind are his nephews, Israel Drago, Daniel Drago, Christopher Goens, and Peter Goens; and a niece, Krystal Goens; along with Nesbit cousins; Griffin cousins; Aunt Sharon Griffin Ford; Uncle Walter Griffin; and thousands of friends that he chose to be his family.
The family will receive friends Monday, Jan. 15, beginning at 1 p.m., with funeral services following at 2:20 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Rice
William John Rice, 86, died in hospital in Aurora, Colorado on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. He was a loving husband of Linda Gayle Sellers Rice and father to Terri Suzanne Rice Tegart and Murray Carl Rice. He was a devoted follower of Jesus and lived his life in service to his Savior, church, and family. He was a geologist by trade, having graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in geology. He entered the Coast Guard upon graduation and served as a Lt. Commander until he separated from the military in January of 1965. He then worked in the oil and gas industry for many years and retired in the early 2000s. He loved to fish, hunt and camp. He also loved vacationing with his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Bernice Cooper Rice; father, Walter Carl Rice; and sisters, Ruby Edna Rice Baublits Kern and Carla Ann Rice Record.
He is survived by his widow, two children and seven grandchildren.
Interment with military honors will take place Jan. 29, at 9 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, Colorado 80236. Following will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Calvary Church, 18900 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, Colorado, 80013. Gifts or flowers may be sent to Linda Rice, C/O Suzanne Tegart, 1044 S. Fultondale Court, Aurora, CO 80018.
PAID OBITUARY
Shi Anne Shimer
Shi Anne Shimer, 82, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. She was born in Jacksonville on July 10, 1941, to the late Foster Shi Smith and Mary Anne Lipsey Smith. She and her family lived in Starke when she was a child. She attended and graduated from Bradford High School. Shortly after high school, she enrolled at Roanoke College in Salem, Virgina where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work. Following her graduation from the university in 1963, she relocated and enrolled in Heidelberg University in Germany to further her education. While in Germany she met the love of her life, Preston Leon Shimer. It was love at first sight. Following his completion of the military, they married on Aug. 8, 1964. The two lived in St Augustine for 36 years before returning to Bradford County, where they made their home on Hampton Lake. She was passionate about her career as a social worker, where she worked for the state of Florida in both St. Johns and, briefly, Flagler counties, retiring after 29 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping with friends, collecting antiques and quilts, and most of all, spending time with family. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmy Smith; daughter, Leigh Anne Shimer Godino; and son, Jon Shimer.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Preston Leon Shimer of Hampton; brother, Stephen F. (Edith) Smith; grandchildren, Hunter Preston Shimer and Mason Clay Shimer; along with many nieces and nephews.
At her request she will be cremated. There will be no funeral services. Donations can be made to E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville or to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Haven Hospice for their care of Shi Anne during her stay.
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
Linda Starling
Linda Sue Starling, 81, of White House, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at Jubilee Hills Senior Living in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She was born in Brooker on Sept. 5, 1942, to Woodrow Lanier and Vera Lee (Lewis) Thomas. Prior to retiring she worked for AT&T as a customer service representative. Her most cherished title was that of a faithful pastor’s wife, and she enjoyed spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Frank Starling; and a brother Ronnie Thomas.
Her survivors are her children, Jason (Sabra) Starling of White House, Shelley (Tommy) Thornton of Springfield; grandchildren, Tyler (Savannah) Starling, Caleb (Becca) Starling, Anna Grace Thornton (Andrew) Nixon, Brylee Starling, Braden Starling; and great-grandchildren, Lyla Starling, and baby Josie on the way.
The family received friends Saturday, Jan. 6, in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with funeral services following. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Stroud
William A. Stroud, 87, of Lawtey passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born July 20, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Albert Zachery and Bonnie (Tew) Stroud. He was exceedingly proud to be southern and was an Alabama fan his entire life. He was a retired Navy veteran, serving for 22 years, including Vietnam. He later retired from the Florida Department of Corrections after 20 years of service. Loving his family and living life to the fullest were his goals. Gardening was his passion, from flowers to produce, he shared the fruits of his labor with the community and beyond. He was a kind, loving and generous man, always helping others and was a true charming southern gentleman. He also enjoyed sharing his quick-witted humor, his wisdom and fun with those around him. He was a member of First United Methodist Church at Starke, where he ushered, and planted and tended flowers for many years. The flower gardens at the church were well known, even outside the local community. People would drive by just to see what was new and take pictures.
Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Brenda Stroud of Lawtey; daughter, Khandice (Gary) Worth and William “Billy” (Leslie) Stroud II; and grandchildren, also known as his pride and joy, Garrett William Worth, Madison Lee Worth, Elizabeth Grace Stroud, and Scarlet Rachel Stroud; along with his second favorite lady, Mrs. Ruth Johns.
There will be a private family farewell.
PAID OBITUARY
Jeffrey Wainwright
Jeffrey Dean Wainwright, born in Starke on Nov. 18, 1961, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. He was a loving father, a giving friend, and true leader. He dedicated his life to serving others, both in his professional career and personal life. His career spanned nearly three decades with the Department of Corrections, where he worked tirelessly to maintain safety and order within the prison system. Starting as a correctional officer, he demonstrated remarkable determination and passion for his work. He was the proud leader of the 1980s RMC CERT team, winning numerous titles and awards. His exemplary skills and dedication earned him many promotions until his retirement as a warden in 2009. He served as the warden of Calhoun CI and CFRC. His commitment to improving the lives of staff members was truly admirable. After retiring from the state of Florida, he continued to contribute his expertise and leadership when he joined Bridges of America as a director, finally retiring in 2022 from The Transition House as the director of operations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was known for his vibrant personality. He loved to be a provider with infectious charm, he never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His warm heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, riding his Harley, and watching sports. Above all else, family held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rosa Lou Wainwright of Starke.
He leaves behind his loving children, Lyndsey (Adam) Milligan of Gainesville, Jacob (Jessica) Wainwright of Tallahassee, and Jared (Lethia) Wainwright of Lake Butler. He was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his soon-to-be-born grandchild. In addition to his cherished grandchildren, Cameron, Myles, and James, he is also survived by his sister, Kathy Agan of Starke; niece, Shannon Brooks-Warren of Williston, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Lynnette Wainwright of Live Oak.
A visitation to honor his memory will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the same location. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call him family, friend, or colleague.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Alois Woodrow
Alois “Woody” C. Woodrow, 97, of Starke passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Haven Hospice in Lake City following an extended illness. He was born Jan. 27, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Alois and Elizabeth Woodrow. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer and worked as an electrician at Cecil Field for over 30 years before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville as well as the Naval Fleet Reserve Association.
He leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Gloria (Tharpe) Woodrow; two children, Rich Armstrong of Gainesville and Patricia “Patty” Sendelbach of Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren.
He has requested to be buried at sea with no services. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Haven Hospice of Lake City.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
