Carlos Armstrong
Carlos L. Armstrong, 68, of Starke passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024. He was born June 9, 1955, in Starke to Hubert and Emma Mae (Smith) Armstrong, but he considered his stepfather, Wesley Garber, to be his father. He attended school in Bradford County and was a member of the Holiness Church. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Wesley and Emma Mae Garber; father, Hubert Armstrong; daughter, Chastity D. Armstrong; brothers, Sherman Armstrong and Curtis Armstrong; baby brother, Leon (in infancy); and a sister, Judy Garber.
Survivors are his wife of 45 years, Grace Armstrong; a brother, Dennis Garber of Starke; sister, Cynthia Holder of Dade City, and six additional sisters who live in Georgia; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held by immediate family.
PAID OBITUARY
Donald Cooper Jr.
Donald Ray Cooper Jr. was a man known for his love of the open road, his jovial personality, and his unwavering dedication to his family. Born in Starke on Oct. 21, 1962, he lived a life filled with passion for truck driving and connecting with people along the way. After serving his country in the US Army, he pursued a career as a truck driver, where he found immense joy in exploring new places and meeting new faces. His outgoing nature and friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure among his colleagues and friends. After a brief illness, he passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Cooper Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Cooper of Hampton; his sons, Jamie Ray Cooper of Palatka and Brandon Cooper; as well as his brother, David Cooper.
A visitation was held at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Starke on March 1, followed by a graveside service.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Doyle Crews
Doyle Dewitt Crews, 95, of Starke passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born on Aug. 26, 1928, in Starke to Kirby and Carrie (Wainwright) Crews. He graduated from Bradford High School and joined the United States Air Force. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and was a retired veteran after his 20 years of service. After his military service, he worked for the Department of Corrections for over 25 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Zella Jacqueline (Jackie) Rouse Crews; infant son, Daniel Terrance; son, Doyle D. Crews Jr.; his brothers, J.G. Crews and Harold A. Crews; and his sister, Madeline Dukes.
Survivors are his daughter, Zella Diane (Carlos) Castany of Miami; Timothy D. Crews of Crestview and Michael D. Crews of Zephyrhills; grandchildren, Jaclin R. Castany of Nevada, Zara E. Castany of New York, and Matthew D. (Kelli) Crews of Gainesville; and two great-grandchildren, Eliora and Elijah Crews.
Private graveside services will be at Conner Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Doyle Crews Jr.
Doyle D. Crews Jr., 71, of Sylacauga, Alabama passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. He was born in Gainesville, and his parents were Doyle D. Crews Sr. and Zella Jacqueline (Jackie) Rouse Crews. He graduated from Bradford High School and also obtained two college degrees, one from the University of Florida and another from the University of Alabama. He worked for Southern Company-Nuclear in Birmingham, Alabama as an emergency management coordinator. He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Daniel Terrance, in infancy.
Survivors are his brothers, Timothy D. Crews of Crestview and Michael D. Crews of Zephyrhills; his sister, Zella Diane (Carlos) Castany of Miami; nieces, Jaclin R. Castany of Nevada and Zara E. Castany of New York; nephew, Matthew D. (Kelli) Crews of Gainesville; and grand-niece, Eliora Crews and grand-nephew, Elijah Crews of Gainesville.
PAID OBITUARY
Lola Hunter-Head
Mrs. Lola Mae Hunter-Head, 92, of Starke passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Parkside Assisted Living Facility. She was born July 15, 1931, to Hardy H. and Mary (Hogan) Hunter in Genoa, a rural area of Hamilton County when, at the time, there was no electricity or running water, and all meals were cooked on a cast-iron wood-burning stove. Her early years were spent living in Hamilton and Suwanee counties until her move to Starke in 1958, where she retired as a clerk working for the Tax Collector’s Office and Clay Electric. She was a dedicated longtime member of her local church and loved to travel in the RV along with shopping with her dearest friend, Mrs. Esther Hall. Her most cherished moments were spending time with her family. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by three husbands, Charles Zipperer, Thomas C. Roundtree, and Donnie P. Head; and sister, Barbara Nicoletti.
She is survived by her “Pride and Joy,” Randall (Denise) Zipperer of Starke; and a brother, John Edward (Jerry) Bryan of Vero Beach. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by Randy (Joanie) Zipperer Jr., Michael (Anna) Zipperer, Crystal (Scott) Hilton, and Sara (John) Taylor; along with 13 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Scott Stanland officiating. Interment will be at Evergeen Cemetery in Jasper.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Floyd Kemp
Sgt. Maj. Floyd Brown Kemp died on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was born on Oct. 23, 1929, in Jacksonville to William P. Kemp and Molly C. (Kate) Dees Kemp. They moved to Lawtey when he was at an early age. He grew up on a farm near Lawtey and attended the local schools. He served in the Korean War and Vietnam War and later retired from the US Army after completing 27 years of service. After retiring from the Army, he worked as a Correctional Officer Sergeant at Lawtey Correctional Institution for 15 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Starke, American Legion Post #56, and Disabled American Veterans. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patricia A. Hagan; son, Floyd P. Kemp; brother, Perry J. Kemp; and his sister, Della L. Kitchens.
He is survived by his son, John W. Kemp of Ranger, Georgia; three daughters, Barbara J. Kemp of Canton, Georgia, Nell E. Kemp Robinson of Commerce, Georgia, and Robin M. Cochran of Ocala; his sister, Gladys M. Plant of Lacoria, New Hampshire; nine grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; and six great-great- grandchildren.
The visitation and funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Starke on Friday, March 15. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and funeral services will start at 11:30 a.m. with Brother Harry Hatcher officiating. Burial will be at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia on Monday, March 18, at 2 p.m. Military honors will be held at the gravesite. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Baptist Church of Starke, P.O. Box 1258, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Jasper Miles III
Jasper Jefferson (Jeff) Miles III passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. He was born July 17, 1945, in Miami to J. J. Miles Jr. and Ella (Brooks) Miles. Jeff served in the United States Air Force. He worked for NAPA Auto Parts in Starke and then in Keystone Heights, retiring in 1999. Jeff was a member of Eagle Aries #3822 and Loyal Order of Moose #184. He liked the ‘Noles and ‘Go Dawgs.’
Jeff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; daughters, Michele (Troy) McGee of Keystone Heights and Andrea Gooderham of eastern Tennessee; six grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and a sister-in-law, Vicki Kuhl.
No services are scheduled at this time, instead hug your loved ones, start a garden and go fishing!
PAID OBITUARY
Marlene Murwin
Marlene Reddish Murwin, 92, of Starke passed away Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Raiford on Oct. 17, 1931, to the late Rodman Reddish and Thelma Alvarez Reddish. She graduated from Bradford County High School in 1949 and shortly after graduation she met the love of her life, Roland “Buzzy” Murwin Jr., while he was enlisted in the United States Navy. The two married on Dec. 28, 1951. They moved around to various states during the course of his military services. While living in California, Marlene was an accountant/banker with one of the local branches. She was very proud of her banking career and often reminisced about them during her last days. Marlene, “Buzzy” and their children moved back to Florida in 1969 and the family lived in Jacksonville for several years, where she attended and was employed as a secretary for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Following their relocation to Starke, where they made their forever home, she became a faithful member of Madsion Street Baptist Church, where she loved worshiping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, taking camping trips with her family, sitting in her beautiful rose garden, and sewing. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be truly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 57 years, Roland “Buzzy” Murwin Jr.; and brother, Marshman Reddish.
She is survived by her children, Roland (Beth) Murwin III of Jacksonville and Melinda Becky “Taz” Kirk of Starke; sisters, Alice Kenney of Starke; Gail Gonzalez of Miami; JoeAnn Johnson of Starke; grandchildren, Travis Brendle, Andrew Moore, Roland W. Murwin and Mathew Murwin; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at Madison Street Baptist Church with Pastor Charles Warren officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. Interment to follow at Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to freights and missions to both Global Missions, 17701 N.W. 57th Ave., Miami, 33035 and Madison Baptist Church, 900 W. Madison St., Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Lang Pons Sr.
Lang Ray Pons Sr., 76, of Gainesville passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center. He was born April 25, 1947, in Waldo to Lang and Evelyn (Dowling) Pons. He served two tours in Vietnam while serving his country in the United States Army. He lived most of his adult life in Gainesville before being moved into the veteran’s nursing home in Lake City and then to Riverwood in Starke. Prior to his retirement, he was also a television repairman for several years. He loved fishing, woodworking, and putting together leather kits while at the VA nursing home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Pons; and brothers, David Pons and Donald Pons.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his brothers Albert (Addie) Pons of Melrose and Michael (Donna) Pons of Alabama; sister in-law, Doris Pons of Hinesville, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, March 12, with Pastor Jim Dubois officiating. Interment will be at Providence United Church Cemetery Church. Please omit flowers and donate to the Paralyzed Veterans Association.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Kirby Smith Jr.
Kirby “Shi” Smith Jr., 82, of Melrose passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Putnam Medical Center in Palatka. He was born March 24, 1941, in Hawthorne to Kirby Shi and Eula Mae (Dyal) Smith Sr. He had owned and operated his own electrical company prior to becoming employed with Georgia Pacific and then retiring from All Florida Electric. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening, and hosting yearly crawfish boils, but mostly he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Holden Smith and Barbara Faye Blackshear.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife, Katherine “Kitty” Janice Smith; children, Michelle Smith and Kirby (Susie) Smith, Debbie (Bill) Burnard, Jimmy Cole, and Cindy (Sam) Sibley. Also left behind is his sister, Linda Smith Hildebran; and sister-in-law, Becki Smith. He was lovingly called “Papa Shi” by April N. (Johnie) Braxton, Ashley M. Parker (Gary) Stone, Denise J. (Rodney) Brin, Michael J. (Lacey) Byrne Jr., Lacey G. (Jonathan) Adkins, Matthew (Jennifer) Pauley, Tiffany (Runar) Einarsson, Tabitha (Tiffany) Burnard-Travis, Chandler Burnard, Jessica (Robbie) Hunter, Jimmy Cole III, Samantha Sibley, and Laney Sibley; along with 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 30, at Sampson City Church of God. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Mr. Johnny Frampton officiating.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Wayne Sponholtz Sr.
Wayne Dwight Sponholtz Sr. passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, after a courageous fight against lung cancer. He was born Nov. 16, 1943, in Palatka to the late Lester and Leola (Norman) Sponholtz. He moved from Lakeland to Keystone Heights in 1981 and for 24 years worked as a systems analyst/project leader for Alachua County School Board. He was an avid RVer, loved to fish and spent countless hours reading books for the blind.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Hay Sponholtz; and children, Leanne Gillingham, Corbin (Becky) Sponholtz, Tami (Chip) Dixon and Dwight Sponholtz; along with brother, Glenn (Marsha) Sponholtz, PhD; and sister, Marsha (Will) Reeves. He leaves behind the joys of his life, grandchildren, Brandon, Bradley and Bryce Gillingham, Landon and Chandlee Sponholtz, Reagan Dixon, Trey (Christianne) Dixon and Kyle (Amber) Dixon; along with nine great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Gainesville with Pastor Kolby Golliher officiating, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Interment will be at Keystone Heights Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your consideration of a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness at: https://donate.fightingblindness.org/give.
PAID OBITUARY
