Denis Blom
Denis Ingvar Blom, 76, passed away at North Florida Regional on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. He was born in Marionette, Wisconsin on April 19, 1945 to the late Ingvar (Swede) Olaf Blom and Dorothy Elizabeth Forsberg. He served his country, starting with four years in the Air Force and continuing with the Florida National Guard for eight years; finishing as a First Lieutenant in the Infantry. In the next seven years, he would become a law enforcement officer in Washington and Union counties, and finally found a home in Gainesville. He was known as the “Dancing Cop” in Gainesville for breaking out into dances while directing traffic. He worked for the Gatornationals from 1987-1996. He retired in August of 1998 due to diabetic retinopathy. He devoted his life to the Lord, his family, and his friends. Never once did he lose sight of what was most important to him in his life. He took pride in taking care of his two granddaughters; supporting them as best as he could. He spent most of his time getting to know God and spreading His word to anyone who sought guidance. He was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Joy Blom; brother, Terry Allen Blom; mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Forsberg; and his father, Ingvar (Swede) Olaf Blom.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Victoria Williams Blom of Lake Butler; his children, Shawna Joy Blom of Starke, Shayne Denis Blom of Lake Butler, Shanise Victoria Blom of Orlando; his granddaughters, Elizabeth Mary Avila and Izabella Grace Preston; sister, Bonita Blom Norwood of Brunswick, Georgia; brothers, Randall Wayne (Missy) Blom of Raiford, Kevin Lee (Dana) Blom of Orlando.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Townsend-Green building on Main Street of Lake Butler.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-MIlton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Doris Buckley
MELROSE Doris June Buckley, 85, of Melrose, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Gainesville following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 14, 1936, in Macclenny to the late Ralph and Bertie (Crews) McDavid. Prior to graduating from high school, she was hired by the Federal Reserve to begin her career in banking. After several mergers she decided to move her career to Keystone State Bank, where she served many years as a banking officer before retiring. She was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church and loved sewing; she made dresses for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Outreach and assisted in making several of the Easter Pageant banners for the church. She was also a wonderful cook, but, most of all, she was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and “Granny.”
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 66 years, Jim Buckley, of Melrose; their children, Diane Buckley (Stephen) DeGraff of Melrose, David (Patty) Buckley of Easley, South Carolina, and Danny (Tina) Buckley of Alachua. She was also lovingly called “Granny” by grandchildren, Rebecca (Chris) Nelson, Marina Buckley, Michael Buckley, Jessica (Marcus) McCoy and Garrett Buckley; along with great-grandchildren, Christopher Nelson, Kyleigh June Nelson, Brock Nelson, and Colton Daniel McCoy.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 9 at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Brandon Denmark and Pastor Scott Stanland officiating. Interment followed at Antioch Cemetery in Lacrosse. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be given to the Quilts of Love at Trinity Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1099, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Tammie Corbett
LAWTEY Tammie Corbett, 62, passed away peacefully at her home in Lawtey on Saturday, March 5, 2022. She was born in Jacksonville on Aug. 27, 1959, to the late Thomas “TJ” and Corine Bracewell Corbett. She was the type who never met a stranger; she loved talking and meeting people, and always had a smile on her face. Her outgoing personality made her a wonderful asset to her colleagues and friends at The Arc in Starke. She also enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, and listening to music. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She leaves behind her siblings, Gary (Erma) Corbett of Lawtey, Patricia (Jerry) Gibbs of Starke, Robin (Joe) Witt of Lawtey, Melissa Corbett of Lawtey, and Janice Zoughi of California; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, at Dekle Cemetery. The service will be officiated by her brother-in-law, Jerry Gibbs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Arc of Bradford County. https://arcbradford.org/how-to-help/donate.html
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sam F. Evans
MELROSE Sam F. Evans, 91, of Melrose, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. He was born June 24, 1930 in Enid, Oklahoma to the late Wilfred W. and Lillian Mehew Evans. He served in the US. Air Force and is a veteran of the Korean conflict. He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the School of Business Administration. He then attended the University of Florida College of Architecture in Gainesville. He worked as an architect until a week before his death; working in Gainesville, Melrose, Winter Park, and Jacksonville. He held various positions with Evans, McVoy and Associates, Architects; Reynolds, Smith & Hills, Architects; and T. C. Skinner and Associates, Architects. He also worked as an architect for the Duval County School Board, and Offshore Power Systems Facilities, as well as having his own firm of Sam F. Evans, Architect, LLC. He was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ and was a member of Community Church of Keystone Heights.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Lyons of Melrose; sons, Ryan and wife, Anette Lyons-Evans of Boca Raton, David (Cricket) Evans of Longwood, Mark (Joanne) Evans of Weeki Wachee, John (Sheila) Evans of Gibsonton; daughters, Lynn Evans (Geoff) Gray of St. Augustine and Rebecca Lyons-Evans of Melrose; grandchildren, Lauren (John) Nidositko, Danielle (Monty) Neuhaus, Elizabeth (Gregory Scott) Gray, Jennifer Evans, Sienna and Elliot Lyons-Evans, and Donald Joseph Evans; five great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sally Baker of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his Swan Lake home on Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m. with a meal to follow at Lake Swan Camp. Guests are advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Contact Community Church of Keystone Heights for the details. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: World Harvest Missions Outreach, Inc., P. O. Box 6462, Lake Worth, 33466; Community Church of Keystone Heights, Missions Fund, P. O. Box 722, Keystone Heights, 32656; or Lake Swan Camp, 647 State Road 26, Melrose, 32666.
PAID OBITUARY
Ralph Holder Sr.
GAINESVILLE Ralph Hampton Holder Sr., 88, of Gainesville, died on Friday, March 4, 2022, at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial. Interment will follow at Hague Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 11, from 5 p.m. until 7 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.
Isaiah Leonard
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Isaiah Rayne Leonard, 5, of Keystone Heights passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. He was born May 19, 2016, in Gainesville and was a kindergarten student at Keystone Heights Elementary School. He loved watching “PAW Patrol”, being outside, riding his scooter, playing on the swing set, and jumping on the trampoline. He also liked playing baseball; but his all-time favorite was “Bottle Flipping” and playing with his dog, Star.
He leaves behind his parents, Chris Leonard and Tiffany Anderson of Keystone Heights; siblings, Jon (Kaitlin) Leonard of Tampa, David (Kathleen) Leonard of Gainesville, Shawn Leonard of West Palm, Jarrett Caulk, Tessa Caulk, and Trinity Hall, all of Hampton, and Jonah Leonard, of Keystone Heights. Also left behind is his maternal grandfather, Phil Anderson of Lawtey; paternal grandmothers, Susan Turner, of Keystone Heights, and Linda Leonard of Starke.
Private graveside services were held at Eliam Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lillie Mosley
STARKE Lillie Pearl Mosley, 90, of Starke, passed away at her home on Sunday, March 6, 2022. She was born in Tifton, Georgia on Nov. 22, 1931 to the late Alford and Annie Baker. She was a faithful member of the River of Life Church of God in Starke. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and flower gardening. She also worked in the health care industry for more than 40 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Mosley; daughter, Nelda Sims; siblings, Ralph Baker, Edward Baker, Virgil Baker, Zelma Blair, and Lavonne McGushion.
Survivors include daughters, Rhonda Odom, Lorissa (Harvey) Rhoden; sons, Larry (Annette) Mosley, Richard (Linda) Mosley, and Mark (Annie) Mosley; sister, Louise (Bo) Herndon; 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the River of Life Church of God with Bishop Jamie J. Wyatt and Bishop Terry Clark officiating. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Hal Mott
MSG (Retired) Hal F. Mott, 80, of Clarksville, Tennessee passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022 at his home. He entered this life on May 29, 1941, in Brooker, to the late Howard and Jeannette Kelley Mott. He retired from the US Army, and was a Vietnam Veteran. He enjoyed fishing and collecting movies. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo Ellen Rader Mott; and brothers, Milton, and Kenneth Mott.
Survivors include his children, Hal Mott Jr., Frank Daniluk, April Smith, and Johnnie Moore; siblings, Anneta Andrews, J. E. Mott, and Janice Jackson. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West with full US. Army honors. Rev. John Denim will be officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com
PAID OBITUARY
Pat Norman
HIGHLAND Pat Norman, 80, of Highland, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was born on April 6, 1941 in Vidalia, Georgia to the late James Alton Owens and Rubye Johnson. She met the love of her life, James Malcolm Norman, through mutual friends and they were happily married on Sept. 5, 1958. She was a devoted wife, loving Mom, and GaGa/Granny, to her grandchildren. She enjoyed her career as manager of the Beall’s Outlet in Starke. More than anything, she was passionate about her family; and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, James Malcolm Norman of Highland; parents; James Owens and Rubye Johnson; sister, Peggy Tillman; and brothers; Gene Edgar Owens, James Oscar Owens, Johnny Lee Owens, Jessie Alvin Owens, and Louie Daniel Owens.
She is survived by her children, James “Allen” Norman of Highland, Renita “Nita” Jean (Sid) Cogdill of Middleburg, and Lisa Ann (Morry) Cravey of Keystone Heights; sister, Judy Durrance, nine grandchildren, and 13 great- grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at Highland First Baptist Church with Pastor Donnie Durrance officiating. Interment will follow at Highland First Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 10, an hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
PAID OBITUARY
Truman Strong
LAWTEY Truman C. Strong, 75, of Lawtey, passed on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville. Born in Albany, Georgia, he was a member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church of Lawtey. He served in the United States Army and was a graduate of Bradford High School. He retired after 32 years from E.I Dupont as head operator. He was a member of the American Legion, and the Voters Registration Organization. He was also a coach for the Lawtey Cubs; and a true giver to the community by serving with impeccable love and the gift of giving.
He is survived by his sons, Truman C. Strong, Terence Berry, Henry Berry, and John Berry; daughters, Bernadine Aldridge, Sherrie Slocum, Antionett Berry, Charlotte Williams, Monica Cobbert, and Valarie Williams; brother, Benjamin Strong; sisters, Edith Thomas, Mary Mosley and Pricilla McQueen; and a host of grandchildren; great- grandchildren; god-children; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; many sorrowing friends; and his Dupont family.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m on Saturday, March 12, in the Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center in Starke, with Pastor James E. Rackley, conducting the services and serving as eulogist. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, at St John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Lawtey from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the Gov. Charley Johns Conference Center on March 12. The Cortege will form at Mr. Strong’s residence, 22516 NE Second St., Lawtey, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. Interment will be at Peestville Cemetery in Lawtey under the direction of Haile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke, 32091 904-964-7905. All attendees are asked to please wear a face mask and practice social distancing protocols.
PAID OBITUARY
Sharon Sweat
STARKE Ethel ‘Sharon’ Sweat, 84, of Starke passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 2, 1937 in Starke to the late Willie and Mathel (Morell) Green and was a lifelong area resident. Prior to retirement she worked as a clerk at a local meat market. She was a lifelong member of Grace Baptist Church, where she proudly played piano for many years. She was a true Christian, who loved her kids, and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed scrap booking, flower arranging, and cooking. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Dampier; sister, Martha Futch; and brother, Edward Green.
Survivors are her husband, Riley Sweat of Starke, son, Johnny (Vickie) Sweat of Starke; and son-in-law, Steve Dampier of Gainesville. Also left are her grandchildren, Andy, Megan, Rachel, Buddy, Heather, and Stevie along with 13 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church with Reverend Russ Hale officiating.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Reginald Underhill
STARKE Reginald “Reggie” L. Underhill, 85, of Starke, passed away at his home Saturday, March 5, 2022. He was born May 12, 1936, in Bradford County to Paul and Marie (Alvarez) Underhill. He served with the National Guard for 25 years before retiring. He also retired as a mechanic from Chemours Company, formerly known as E. I. DuPont. He was the longest living member of Kingsley Lake Baptist Church. He also loved fishing, gardening, and especially, spending time with his family. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Lazenby; and daughter-in-law, Eoline Green Underhill.
His survivors are his wife of 65 years, Marian (Simmons) Underhill of Starke; their son, Gary Underhill of Hampton Lake; siblings, Vernon (Emma) Underhill of Tennessee, and Glenda (Kent) Petelle of Starke. Also left behind are his grandchildren, Phillip (Amanda) Lazenby and Leslie Lazenby; along with great grandsons, Kogan Lazenby and Brylen Godsen.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Rodriguez officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Kingsley Lake Baptist Church, 6289 Mary Dot Lane, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Frank Vierling
LAKE BUTLER Frank (Ricky) Norman Vierling, 66, of Lake Butler, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville. He was born Sept. 23, 1955, in Miami, to the late James and Marlene Campbell Vierling. He worked for the Florida Department of Corrections for over 30 years as a corrections officer. He enjoyed going fishing and spending time with his family. He especially loved time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marlene Vierling; and his sister, Pam Trybala of Port St. Lucie.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Carol Vierling; daughters, Shelly (Phillip) Joyner, Dana (Darrin) Linzy; son, Ricky Vierling; grandchildren, Michaela Joyner, Taylor Joyner, and Phillip Joyner III, Zoe Eddins, Cameron Gall, Conner Vierling and Kendall Gall; and great-grandchildren, Phillip IV, Preslee, and Palmer.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
