Samuel Allison Sr.
Samuel “Sam” Allard Allison Sr., 70, of Starke, died Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Newberry.
Survivors are his children, Samuel (Jolene) Allison Jr., Tanya Royal and Ayden Allison; four brothers; three sisters; and many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 17, at 12 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Jack Chitwood
Jack M. Chitwood, 79, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home Monday, May 29, 2023, following an extended illness. He was born Aug. 19, 1943, to the late Jackson “Herman” and Jennie (Wilson) Chitwood in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in Denver, Colorado. He worked in the publishing field for many years and was a licensed series 7 stockbroker. At the age of 79, he turned his life over to God and became a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Sampson City. He was a sports fan and enjoyed watching golf and, especially, the Florida Gators and SEC Football. He also enjoyed following and debating politics. He loved living in Keystone Heights. He enjoyed his pets tremendously and he enjoyed music of all kinds. Andrea Bocelli was his favorite singer. Most of all, he loved being with his family and friends.
He leaves behind his loving and dedicated wife of many years, Sallie Anne Slora; their two daughters, Michele (Thomas) Lundeen of North Palm Beach and Melanie Joy Chitwood of Santa Monica, California; along with cousins in South Carolina, Louisiana, and an uncle in Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Pastor Joey Hay officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund, 13797 S.W. C.R. 227, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Evelyn Griffis
“Well done my good and faithful servant” were the words said to Evelyn Norman Griffis in the early morning of Tuesday, June 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Aug. 24, 1935, in Clay Hill to Leonard and Sara Padgett Norman.
She was a dedicated secretary for Prudential Insurance company for many years as she helped manage the office and keep everything running smoothly. In her free time, she pursued her passion for music, especially bluegrass and gospel genres. She played the double bass with great skill and enjoyed sharing her gift with others. She was devout in faith and a God-fearing woman who loved the Lord dearly. She taught Sunday school and led countless songs at church. Her passion for music extended beyond the church walls, as she often participated in local events and festivals that celebrated traditional American music. She cared deeply for her family and took every opportunity to spend time with them. She had a tender heart, which she extended effortlessly toward everyone she encountered, making an indelible mark on their lives. Preceding her in death were her parents, Leonard and Sara Norman; her husbands, Vernon W. Griffis, Frederick Prescott, and Charles Mosley; brother, Carl Norman; and her grandson, Jeremy Griffis.
She is survived by her daughters, Renae (Jim) Freeman, Rita (Ace) Acevedo, Rose (Richard) Odom, and Regina (John) Rizer; grandchildren, Michelle (Chip) Evernden, Jonathan (Christy) Rizer, Amanda Rizer, Chad (Crystal) Griffis, Jared Freeman, and Kayla (Channing) Dobbs, 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren: siblings, Floyd “Bud” (Beadie Mae) Norman, Rachael Prescott, John Norman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A service to honor her life was held Monday, June 12, at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church, Raiford. She was laid to rest immediately following the service at Long Branch Cemetery, Maxville.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Lou Halle
Betty Lou Halle, passed away at the age of 95 in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. She was born on March 16, 1928, in Ashland, Ohio to the late Laurence and Camelia Herbrand. She spent most of her life serving various institutions in different capacities and was devoted to her hobbies and interests. She dedicated several years of her life to working for the sheriff’s office in Daytona Beach. Later she worked for the State Board of Accountancy in Gainesville. Her final calling was at the Union County Public Library, where she thrived in her role. When she wasn’t working, she loved nothing more than curling up at home with a good book or two. Her love for reading seemed endless, and any recommendation from her was always worth taking up.
Her passing has left a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew her. However, everyone who knew and loved her can also attest to the fact that she lived a full life bursting with friendships, accomplishments, and little victories over hurdles along the way.
Those who were closest to her included daughters, Nancy Purdy of Holly Hill and Sandra Brown of Alachua; son, William “Larry” (Darlene) Kelly Sr. of Lake Butler; and grandchildren, Samantha, Sabrina, William Jr., Martin, and Damaryce.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff of the Union County Public Library for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the library in her honor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Harold Kelly
Harold Kelly, of Lake Butler, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, in Gainesville. He was born on Jan. 28, 1934, in Richmond, Kentucky to the late Cleve and Betty Kelly. He served his country with honor by enlisting in the US Army and serving for three years. He was highly respected for his commitment to serving and protecting the community during his many years with the Department of Corrections. In his free time, he enjoyed working in his barn and playing with his beloved dog. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathy Anderson; and stepson Steve Thornton.
A man who valued family above all else, he leaves behind a wife of 42 years, Evelyn Kelly; and six stepchildren: Stanley Thornton of Lake Butler, Shirley Godwin of Parrish, Shelton “Huey” (Pauline) Thornton of Jasper, Roger (Cara) Thornton of Ozark, Missouri, Rita (Bobby) Douglass of Lake Butler and Selena Thornton of Lake Butler. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, Shelby (Janet) Kelly, Louise Young and Donna (Al) Wolfe; as well as 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Family and friends gathered to pay their respects at Lake Butler Church of God, located at 480 SW Third St. in Lake Butler on Friday, June 9, for a funeral service.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Walter Schneider III
Walter “Wally” Edward Schneider III, of Keystone Heights, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the age of 50. He was born on June 11, 1973, in Jacksonville to Walter E. Schneider Jr. and Carrie Clemons. He was a gentle giant with a kind heart. He had a quick wit and loved telling jokes that would light up any room he entered. He had a generosity that knew no bounds and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved his family dearly and spent as much time with them as he could. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a mama’s boy who never hesitated to show his love for her. Wally lived life to the fullest, enjoying every moment of it. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Edward Schneider Jr.; and his nephew, Lance Thompson.
He is survived by his mother, Carrie Proctor of St. George, Georgia; his son, Wes (Brittany) Schneider of Lake Asbury; along with grandsons, Chase and Silas Schneider; his sister, Tina (Rodney) Thompson of St. George, Georgia; brother, Darrell (Lena) Schneider; nieces and nephews, Heather Hunter, Hodges Ethan Hunter, Kalee (Daniel) Gould, Palina Schneider, Taia Schneider; great-nieces and nephews, Hadlee Gould, Brantley Graham, and Gavin Graham.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 17, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. The visitation will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12 p.m. Interment will take place at New Hope Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Alachua immediately following the service. The family would like to invite everyone to join them at Ronnie and Joann Denmark’s barn to celebrate Wally’s life following the service, 5488 N.W. C.R. 229, Starke.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
