Kenneth Cole Sr.
Mr. Kenneth “Kenny” D. Cole Sr., 65, of Callahan died at his home Tuesday, July 11, 2023. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kenny Cole Jr.; and a brother, Jesse Huey Cole Jr.
Survivors are his son, Levi Cole of Callahan; siblings, Nancy Hollingworth of Fernandina Beach, Larry (Rita) Carter of Starke, and Cliff (Buddy) Summerville of Jacksonville.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Marsha Dudderar
Marsha Dense (McElhenny) Dudderar, 61, of Starke passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at E.T. York Haven Hospice in Gainesville. She was born in Jacksonville on Aug. 31, 1961, to her loving parents, Leonard Coleman McElhenny and Alice Jane Williams. She was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. She also lived in St. Augustine, Ocala, West Palm Beach, and Parkers Lake, Kentucky. She always returned to her hometown of Starke. She will always be remembered for her loving heart, her love for animals, and her love for her friends and family. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Coleman McElhenny; and her mother, Alica Jane (Williams) McElhenny.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Greg Edward Dudderar of Parkers Lake, Kentucky; brothers, Leonard Neal (Kimberly) McElhenny and Justin Troy (Jessica) McElhenny, both of Starke; nieces and nephews, Jessica Marie (Travis) Witt of Gainesville, Brandon Kyle Waters of Starke, Dusty Lee (Brittani) McElhenny of Starke, Bryson Reed McElhenny of Starke, Haily Elizabeth McElhenny of Starke, and Allyson Danielle McElhenny of Starke; and great-nieces and nephews, Taylor Madison Witt, Jordyn Makayla Witt, Tristan Julius Witt, and Brooklyn Marie Witt.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 3 p.m. at Morgan Road Baptist Church, 3784 N.W. C.R. 233, Starke, with Pastor Gerry Hunter.
PAID OBITUARY
Murrice Ebling
Mr. Murrice Earl Ebling, 85, of Melrose passed away at Roberts Care Center on Sunday, June 25, 2023. He was born Jan. 3, 1938, in Menomonie, Wisconsin to the late Erwin and Jenny (Gear) Ebling and had proudly served in the United States Army. He was an entertainment gaming and equipment business owner and owned Lee’s Bar with his wife, Barbara, in Melrose. He was an active member of AMVETS Post 86 and American Legion Post 202. He enjoyed life, having fun, and joking around with everyone.
His survivors are his wife, Barbara Deschamps; two children, Shawn Ebling of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Colleen Burrow of Keystone Heights; along with Barbara’s two sons, Frank Battista of Coloma, Michigan, and Robert Battista of Ft. Lauderdale. Also left behind are granddaughters, Carol, Catherine, Hailey; and grandsons, Conner, Ethan, Matthew, and Frank.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 30, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at AMVETS Post 86. Private interment was at Eliam 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
Gerald Guynn
Gerald Walter “Buddy” Guynn passed away peacefully at the Lake City VA Hospital on Friday, July 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Born on Jan. 6, 1942, in High Springs, he lived a life dedicated to service and hard work.
He was the co-owner and operator of Kountry Boys Tire. His tireless work ethic combined with his warm personality endeared him to the community he served. After the tire shop, he embarked on a new venture with the Department of Corrections where he worked for many years. Gentle, kind, and sweet natured, he possessed a genuine love for people and always sought to bring joy into the lives of others. During his free time, he enjoyed anything outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or mowing the grass, he found solace and peace in the beauty of nature. He also proudly served in the US Navy. His military service further exemplified his selflessness and commitment to protecting others. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. “Papa Buddy” took pride in his grandchildren and enjoyed being a part of their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lenora Guynn; and his brother, Bryant Guynn.
In addition to his loving wife Donnie Guynn of 56 years, he leaves behind a daughter, Connie (Riley) Rhoden of Macclenny; and three adoring grandchildren, Makenzie, Abbie, and Riley Rhoden. He also leaves behind his siblings, Donald (Bonnie) Guynn and Patsy Booth both of Ft. White.
A service was held to honor his life on Tuesday, July 18, at Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs. Following the funeral service, he was laid to rest at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sarah Hesters
Mrs. Sarah Virginia Bryant Hesters, 76, of Keystone Heights died at her home Thursday, July 6, 2023. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Jake C. Hesters and Charles L. Augustine Jr.; and a sister, Peggy Elaine Bryant.
Survivors are daughters, Victoria Augustine (John R.) Saunders and Jennifer Augustine (Pete) Roman; a brother, Charles (Kathy) Bryant; two grandsons, a niece; and a host of friends.
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
Jackob Houdershelt
Mr. Jackob J. Houdershelt, 39, of Keystone Heights died Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was born Sept. 2, 1983, in Gainesville and worked for Lake Area Landscaping.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, July 22, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Anne Prevatt
Mrs. Anne Marie Page Prevatt, 65, of Lawtey passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Community Hospice in Jacksonville. She was born Aug. 14, 1957, to George and Betty (Mullins) Page in Jacksonville and graduated from Bradford High School. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Dupont, then finished her working career with Noegel’s. She was a parishioner at St. Edward Catholic Church in Starke. She enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, and being outdoors fishing along with taking care of and riding horses. She was known for her artistic skills and love of reading, but, most of all, she loved spending time with her family and especially, playing cards with her three precious grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, T.J.
She leaves behind her high school sweetheart and husband of 48 wonderful years, Travis Prevatt of Lawtey; two siblings, Bill Page (Steve Braxton) of Tampa and Lynne (Randy) Gibson of Middleburg; daughter-in-law, Shirley Prevatt; and sister-in-law, Gail Wilkinson, both of Lawtey. She was lovingly called “Nana” by Hayden, Gunner, and Seren.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 20, in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Father Jan Ligeza presiding. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Joseph Shuler
Joseph “Joe” A. Shuler went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at his residence in Brooker surrounded by his cherished family. He was born on April 26, 1959, in Gainesville to Audie and Shirley Shuler. He possessed an indomitable spirit that resonated with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He dedicated a significant portion of his life in service to his country as a proud member of the United States Army. He served for four years, including a tour in Korea. Following his honorable military service, he embarked on a distinguished career spanning 34 remarkable years with the Department of Corrections. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his vivacious personality and endearing character. Outgoing by nature, he effortlessly gravitated towards creating meaningful connections wherever he went. Friends sought solace in the genuineness of his friendship, while strangers became fast friends under his warmth and openness. He never turned down an opportunity to travel. Whether it was a cross-country or international trip, he enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing new adventures.
He was a devoted family man and a long-time member of Sardis Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Audie Shuler; and wife, Terri Fraser Shuler.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife, Dana Scaff Shuler of Brooker; children, Jeremy (Brittney) Shuler of Seattle, Washington, Zeke (Sunshine) Scaff of Worthington Springs, Christopher (Tara Godwin) Shuler of Worthington Springs, and Hannah Scaff (Jonathan Taylor) of Brooker; his heart, three beautiful grandchildren; Jayden, Carson, and Ellianna; his siblings, Elizabeth Shuler and Richard (Dottie) Shuler; and a host of extended family and friends.
A visitation service will be held on Thursday, July 20, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Archer-Milton Funeral Home. On Friday, July 21, at 11 a.m., a funeral service will be held at Sardis Baptist Church after which he will be laid to rest at Elzey Chapel Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following, Moffitt Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research at give.moffitt.org; Haven Hospice at beourhaven.org; or Autism Speaks autismspeaks.org.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Dillard Stills
Dillard “Ray” Stills, 31, of Keystone Heights, died on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at his residence.
Survivors are his parents, Vincent “Vince” Stills and Carlene Stills; brothers, William (Amy) Stills, Vincent Stills Jr. and Thomas (Matt Lee) Stills; sister, Sara Stills; and numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 21, at 3 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery in Hampton. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Betty Jo Thomas
Betty Jo Thomas, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the age of 82 at Haven Hospice in Lake City. She was born on Dec. 12, 1940, in Lake Butler to her loving parents, Fred and Bernice Thomas. She grew up alongside her siblings, Leon Thomas, Jeanette Bonilla, and Ray Thomas. During her remarkable life, she embarked on a fulfilling professional journey. She dedicated over 20 years of her career to General Electric (GE), where she made a lasting impact with her hard work and dedication. Later on, she pursued her passion for beauty and obtained a cosmetology license, enabling her to thrive as a talented beautician. Eventually, she transitioned into the real estate industry as a broker before concluding her professional endeavors. Her warm personality endeared her to everyone she encountered. Known for her friendliness and talkative nature, she had a remarkable ability to make people feel at ease in her presence. She had an innate talent for hosting friends at her house and creating a welcoming atmosphere that made gatherings truly memorable. She found solace in the pages of books and magazines. Reading provided her with both entertainment and an opportunity to expand her horizons.
She is survived by her children: Kathy (Ronnie) Ford, Dorothy Park, and Albert (Renae) Smith, all of Providence; her sisters, Louise Rogers and Marjorie Smith; and sister-in-law Diana Thomas. She had the joy of being a grandmother to six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Bootsie; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
On Saturday, July 15, family and friends gathered to pay their final respects to her during a funeral service. The service was held at New Zion Cemetery in Lulu.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Natalie Wood
Natalie M Wood, 89, of Orange Park went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. She was born on April 12, 1934, in Jacksonville. She was a very friendly and caring person who always had a smile on her face and put the needs of her children and family ahead of her own. She loved being with friends and helping them out any way she could. She was very active in her church, loved playing the piano, and loved to travel. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She was preceded in death by husband, Russel L. Wood; her grandson, Kevin C Porter; her parents, Lonnie and Annie Marlowe; her sister, Mae Thomas; and her brother, Woodson Marlowe.
She is survived by her children, Wanda (Charles) Porter, Ronald Wood, Cathy Wood, Wayne (Cathy) Wood; seven grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
He funeral will be Monday, July 24, at First Baptist Church of Orange Park, 1140 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park. The family will greet friends in the sanctuary at 10 a.m. David Tarkington will be officiating the Celebration of Life at 11 a.m.
PAID OBITUARY
