Lana Ervin
Lana Annette Walker Ervin of Keystone Heights passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in MIddleburg following a brief illness. She was born Dec. 28, 1960, in Sikeston, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lavern “Jim” Walker and Reita Walker. She was a cosmetologist. Her hobbies were sports, spending time with her friends, and listening to music. She played basketball at Keystone Heights High School and received a scholarship to play at Santa Fe Community College. She was on the first Lady Indian softball team. She loved being a mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her son, Justin (Alexis); granddaughter, Jencii; and sister, Yvette (Jim)
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at Mission of the Dirt Road in Keystone Heights with Pastor Carey Morford conducting the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mission of the Dirt Road, 7790 S.R. 100, Keystone Heights 32656.
PAID OBITUARY
Tom Gainey Jr.
Mr. Tom Gainey, Jr., 78, born on April 30, 1945, in Gainesville transitioned on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke. He attended the local schools of Bradford County and was of the Baptist faith. He retired as a plant operator at Whitley Steel.
He leaves to cherish precious memories to his wife, Mary Gainey; children, Kevin Reddish Gainey, Patricia McDuffie, Rickey Gainey and Evette Gainey; sisters, Patricia Gainey and Surveller Gainey; brother-in-law, Dennis DeSue; sisters-in-law, Mary Alice DeSue and Leslie A. DeSue; 10 grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and grieving friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Starke with Rev. Alvin Green, eulogist. Interment will be held in Oddfellow Cemetery under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke 32091. 904-964-7905. Visitation for friends will be held on Friday, March 8, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel/Haile Funeral Home Inc. The cortege will form on Saturday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m. at True Vine Outreach Ministries Church, 422 St. Clair St., Starke 32091.
PAID OBITUARY
Johnnie Griffis
Johnnie Griffis, 83, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. He was born on April 13, 1940, to the late Gordon and Alma Griffis. He dedicated a portion of his life to serving his country, with four years in the US Army followed by another four years in the National Guard. After his military service, he embarked on a career as a truck driver before eventually retiring and pursuing his passion for farming. In his leisure time, he found joy in simple pleasures like watching westerns, especially “Bonanza” and engaging in the craft of making cane syrup. He enjoyed sitting and talking about life. He was always a listening ear and helping hand. He was known among family and friends as a jokester, who always had a witty remark ready to bring smiles to those around him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was preceded in death by his parents; his nine siblings; and nephews, Leon and Mitchell Tillman.
He will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his daughters, Amanda and Claudia Griffis; and his grandchildren, Sugar Joe, Johnnie, Mason, and Johnnie. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Alayna; cousin, Carl Griffis; and numerous extended family and friends.
Services to honor and remember his life were held on Wednesday, March 6, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler with a visitation followed by a funeral service. He was laid to rest immediately following the service with military honors at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Raiford.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Terry Hamilton
Terry Hamilton, 67, of Hampton Lake passed away on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, following complications from cancer. He was born in Key West on Feb. 29, 1956 (a Leap Year Key West Conch) and was raised in Raiford/Lake Butler. A devoted husband and father, he was enjoying retirement from tenures at Gainesville Regional Utilities and Seminole Electric Cooperative. He prioritized his family above all else, was an avid supporter of Florida Gators football (texting his son and friends with FREQUENT updates during games) and enjoyed a relaxing Sunday watching golf while looking out at Hampton Lake in his back yard. No one had more friends than he did, and he will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Hamilton; mother, Alice Hamilton; and sister, Suzi Powell.
He is survived by his wife, Annette Hamilton; son, Tyler Hamilton; nephew, Noah Abourezk; and brother, Tom Hamilton
A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, March 13, on the Hampton Lake lot adjacent to 10689 S.W. 77th Ave., Hampton. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:30 p.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Katy McCombs
Katy Lee McCombs, 91, a lifelong resident of Lawtey, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. She was born in Virginia on Jan. 31, 1933, to the late Dale and Margarette Mitchell. “Ms. Katy,” which most would call her, was a God-fearing woman; she loved the Lord and had a spiritual soul that believed in the power of prayer. She spent most of her days burning up the phone lines seeking and praying for the sick and the lost. She believed there was power in the Word of God and offered a Bible verse for anything negative that someone was going through. She was loved by many and will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andrew McCombs; daughter, Beulah “Marie” Bruner; and nine siblings.
She is survived by her grandchildren/caregivers Nathan (Joseph Fugatt) Blom and Amy Blom; son-inlaw, Harry Bruner; sisters, Peggy Dobbs and Phyliss James; her children, Charles (Jennifer) Smith, Margaret (David) Albert, Mary (David) Scott, John (Eshin) Smith, and Martha (Jason) Hamm. Along with 12 other grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Out of respect for her wishes, a formal service will not be held, but family and friends are having a gathering at the Christ Church of Starke on Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Charles Miller
Charles “Chuck” Raymond Miller, of Starke, Feb. 23, 1938 – Feb. 29, 2024. A Hero’s Echo: Remembering the Heart and Valor of a Guardian. In the quiet stillness of remembrance, we gather not just to mourn but to honor Charles Raymond Miller, who was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the courage of conviction, and the deep well of compassion that defines true heroism. He began shaping his life on a dairy farm in Titusville, Pennsylvania where he helped his mom and two sisters. At 17, he convinced his mom to sign the early entrance papers so he could join the military and learn what it was to be a man. And a man he was; he served 30-plus years in the US Navy, where he was awarded several honors of distinction such as numerous Silver Stars and four Purple Hearts. He was one of the few to reach Lt. Commander via the Warrant Program. After retiring from the military, he then dedicated his life to the land and animals while serving as a member of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He was also very active with the Shriners. As The Potentate, he grew his hair long and declared that he would only cut it after the money for the children’s hospital’s designated equipment was achieved. For those who knew him, long hair was considered a hippy, but the children’s hospital got their equipment! He was a dedicated soldier, husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and meeting up with his buddies at the American Legion. His legacy is as wide as it is deep, a true American Hero.
He is survived by his wife Olivia “Libby” (Goodman) Miller; children, Deborah (Bob) Cox, and Keith (Tammy) Miller; stepchildren, Karla Harper and Timothy Harper; along with eight grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.
The family received friends Wednesday, March 6, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. Funeral services followed. A graveside service followed at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Green Cove Springs. In lieu of flowers, please share your support and love with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Jasper Miles III
Jasper (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. He served in the United States Air Force. He worked for NAPA Auto Parts in Starke and then in Keystone Heights, retiring in 1999. He was a member of Eagle Aries #3822 and 2nd Loyal Order of Moss #184. He liked the ‘Noles and ‘Go Dawgs.’
He 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
Gregory Padgett
Gregory Chester “Greg” Padgett, 60, of Starke passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 3, 1963, in Starke and was a lifelong area resident. He attended Smyrna Baptist Church and was a heavy equipment operator for Clay County Public Works. He enjoyed woodworking, was a moonshine collector and loved his dogs and his ‘63 Chevrolet that he spent countless hours restoring.
Survivors are his wife of 32 years, Marcilla (Carter) Padgett of Starke; his parents, L.E (Velma) Padgett; brother, Bryan (Connie) Padgett of Starke; niece, Alyssa (Trey) Shannahan, and their son, Mason; niece, Ashlyn (Connard) Rodgers and their son, Asher; mother and father-in-law, Charles and Nella Carter of Lawtey; sister-in-law, Vickie Crews of Starke and her children, Richard and Bailee. Also left are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
The family received friends at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Funeral services were at Smyrna Baptist Church on Thursday, Feb. 29, with Pastor Josh Green officiating. Interment followed at Long Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local Humane Society.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Sheila Terrell
Sheila Kay Terrell, 61, a lifelong resident of Clay Hill, went to her heavenly home on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Starke on Sept. 13, 1962, to the late Donnie Mosley and Ruby Mosley. After attending Bradford High School, she married her best friend and forever companion, Bennie Terrell, on May 23, 1980. She was devoted to her family and always made them her first priority. She loved being a wife and mother and, later in life, cherished time with her grandbabies and great-grandson. She was a homemaker for years and worked at Wilkinson Junior High School in Middleburg as a cafeteria assistant while her children were in school. She proudly retired after dedicating 22 years. She loved traveling, camping and taking trips annually to the mountains and especially loved days on Kingsley Lake. She enjoyed praising and worshiping her Lord and Savior at Christ Church of Starke. More than anything, she loved her family and was thankful for the gift of time and the beautiful memories she created throughout the years. Her legacy was great, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her grandson, Jousha Bennie Terrell.
She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Bennie Terrell of Clay Hill; children, Brooksie Terrell, Ashley (Chunk) Higginbotham, both of Clay Hill, Earl Terrell of Starke, and Matt (Amanda Bass) Terrell of Hampton; sister, Cindy (Timmy) Durrance of Clay Hill; grandchildren, Michael and Ethan Higginbotham, Cash, Paisley, and Clay Terrell, Lynzi and Preston Terrell, and Logan Terrell; a great- grandson, Brantley Terrell; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, March 1, at Long Branch Baptist Church with Pastor Lester Austin and Pastor Jeremy Crawford officiating.
Arrangements were 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
Robert Troup
Robert “Bob” Charles Troup, 65, of Keystone Heights passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the V.A. Hospital in Gainesville following a brief illness. He was born July 26, 1958, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Charles E. and Dorothy (VanBuren) Troup. He served 21 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Chief. He also earned his Master’s Degree in Business Management and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. Following his military career, he started a new career working as a Global Quality Control Manager. He had a passion for being outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping; he also enjoyed boating and scuba diving. He was always busy fixing or “rigging” things around the house (especially for Halloween). One of his most cherished times was building not one, but two Kit Cars with his son, then taking them to car shows, where they won several awards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Johnathan Mann; and a brother, James Troup.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Georgeanna (Whorley) Troup; and their children, Patricia Parsons, Brandon (Lyanne) Troup, and Erin Dort. He was lovingly called “Grandpa” or “Papa” by his five grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 7, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A military graveside service was held Friday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Tunnels to Towers.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
