Carl Garnett
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Carl Edward Garnett, Jr., age 76, of Keystone Heights passed away Monday, May 2, 2022, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was born Nov. 29, 1945, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Carl E. and Nell (Turnbough) Garnett, Sr. Prior to retiring, he was a maintenance worker. Carl was a longtime resident of the area and loved riding motorcycles with his wife, Sandy, as they traveled over the United States enjoying camping and antique cars. Carl was known to help anyone in need. In addition to his parents, his wife of 54 years, Sandy and their son, Andrew “Andy” Mark Garnett also preceded him in death.
Carl leaves behind: two children, Eddie “PeeWee” (Michelle) Garnett of Florahome and Belinda (Mike) Getz of McRae; several siblings and a host of additional family and friends. He was also lovingly called “Papa” by his granddaughter, Ashley; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Viewing for Carl was held Friday, May 6 in the Jones-Gallagher funeral home chapel. Funeral services followed.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Gerald Herndon
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Gerald H. Herndon, 95, of Keystone Heights died Thursday, May 5, 2022.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 13, in the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with interment following at Keystone Heights Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the services beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, Keystone Heights.
Shaun Kangas
LAKE BUTLER Shaun Garland Kangas, 35, of Lake Butler, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022, after he was involved in an automobile accident on his way home from work. He was born on March 22, 1987, in Irving, Texas, to Paula Kangas Holcom. Shaun moved to Florida at a young age and grew up in the Middleburg area. He was a 2005 graduate of Middleburg High School. Shaun attended some college while beginning a career in the auto-parts industry. He worked for Autozone for nearly 10 years. While working there, he met a beautiful, young lady and her parents while they were getting windshield wipers. That young lady would eventually become his wife, Destiny Elixson. Outside of work, Shaun enjoyed being outside tinkering with something. He loved working on and riding ATVs and side-by-sides. Shaun was preceded in death by his mother, Paula.
Shaun is survived by: his wife of nearly five years, Destiny Elixson Kangas of Lake Butler; his three children, Stella Jayne, Brooklyn Mae, and Griffin Toivo, all of Lake Butler; his father, Jeffrey Holcom of Middleburg; sister, Heather Kangas and her children, Anna and Josh Kratzer all of Middleburg; father- and mother-in-law, Ernie and Joyce Elixson of Lake Butler; and his brother-in-law, Logan Elixson of Washington and Jaycee Elixson of Lake Butler. Numerous extended family also survive.
A Celebration of Shaun’s life was held on Saturday, May 7, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sandy Kimble
LAKE BUTLER Sandy Denise Kimble, age 57 of Lake Butler, went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny. She was born in Lake Butler on Oct. 13, 1964, to her late parents, Sammy Kimble and Mary Francis Jefferson. Sandy was a lifelong resident of Union County and a longtime member of St. James A.M.E. Church, which later became Little Rock Church. She was very passionate about her Lord and Savior, loved attending church and praising and worshiping His name. Early in life, Sandy found her love for sports. She was very athletic and active in sports activities throughout her time in school. Sandy proudly ran track, specializing in the 4×100-mile relay and was also very gifted in basketball. She earned many awards and still holds accolades that are shown at the high school. In 1982, Sandy graduated from Union County High School and joined the United States Army. She had a love for her country and was very service driven. The Army was an amazing opportunity to serve and protect her family and country. After her honorable discharge from the military, Sandy enjoyed a long career as a clerk with the University of Florida. Sandy was so beautiful inside and out and her light shined bright. She loved all animals, especially cats, dogs, bunnies, and fish, but was filled with the most joy by the mere presence of her son, Mackus. She enjoyed all the time they had together and making precious memories. She was very family oriented and had a special bond with each and every family member. Sandy was a true treasure and will be missed by all who knew her. Her memory and legacy will be carried on by loved ones she leaves behind. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Sammy Kimble and Mary Jefferson Bristow; her stepfather, who raised her as his own, Eugene Bristow; sister, Beverly Kimble; brother, Kevin Kimble; and maternal grandparents, Thomas and Annie Jefferson.
Sandy leaves to cherish: her son, whom she loved dearly, Mackus Dowaine Staten of Lake Butler; sister, Carlese Kimble of Lake Butler; special cousin, Angela “Kin” Agnew; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, Tashonia, Felicia, Alisa, Tajah, Eric, Mathis, Zelaia, Jeremiah, Kaven, Terron, K’Mari, Cameron, Bria, Ta’riyah, Navaeh, Kiona; as well as a host of loving aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends near and far.
A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 3 p.m. at Little Rock Church Inc., 375 SE Seventh Ave., Lake Butler with Rev. Randolph Murray officiating. Interment will follow at Little Rock Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 13 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ferreira Funeral Services Lake Butler Chapel.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 435 W. Main St. Lake Butler. 386-496-1400. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Judy Ray NeeSmith
KINGSLEY LAKE Judy Ray Miller NeeSmith, age 74, of Kingsley Lake went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Custead Hospice Care Center, Haven Hospice in Orange Park with her loving family by her side. Judy was born in Gainesville on April 15, 1948, to the late Raiford Miller and Mary Dot Shipman Miller. Judy Ray was raised at Kingsley Lake and graduated from Bradford High School in 1966. On May 6, 1967, Judy Ray married the love of her life, William Larry NeeSmith and together they have spent 55 wonderful years. Judy Ray and Larry were longtime members of Beulah Baptist Church which is now known as Middleburg Church of God. For the past five years, they have been attending First Baptist Church of Middleburg. Judy Ray started her career with the State of Florida in the late 1960s. Her first assignment was as a payroll clerk in Jacksonville, then she served with the Civil Defense in Starke, and finished out her employment with New River Correctional Institution and Lawtey Correctional Institution. At the correctional facilities, she worked in the training department and was a purchasing agent. Lastly, she was an administrative assistant. After 30 years of dedicated service, Judy Ray retired in December of 1999. She enjoyed being outdoors and especially loved the lake, mountains and the beach. She also enjoyed traveling, camping, cooking and yard sales. Most of all, Judy Ray was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raiford Miller and Mary Dot Shipman Miller.
Judy is survived by: her loving husband, William Larry NeeSmith of Kingsley Lake; son, Larry “Ray” NeeSmith of Kingsley Lake; granddaughter, Alyssa Grace NeeSmith of Kingsley Lake; brother, Roger “Randy” Miller of Kingsley Lake; and many extended family members and friends she loved dearly.
A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be Friday, May 13, at 11 a.m. at Middleburg Church of God, formerly Beulah Baptist Church, 4579 S.R. 21, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, with Pastor Donnie Lott officiating. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Haven Hospice or First Baptist Church of Middleburg.
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
Lois Thomas
UNION COUNTY Lois Elizabeth Smith Thomas entered into heaven on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born at home on Aug. 20, 1926, in Johnstown in Union County. She graduated from Union County High School and soon thereafter married her husband, Charles J. Thomas. They were married more than 60 years until his death. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was so proud of her large family and loved and prayed for each and every one of them regularly. Her special-needs daughter, Beth Ann was the light of her life. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Rev. Charles J. Thomas; her parents, Bill and Emma Smith; her sister, Agnes (Eddie) Woods; brother, Kenneth Smith; and grandson, Daniel Collins.
She is survived by: her children, Beverly (Dan) Collins, Stephen (Kim) Thomas, Marilyn (John) Ingalls, Joy (David) Schreck, and Beth Ann Thomas; 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Rev. Ralph (Daisy) Smith; several sisters-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Mrs. Thomas was held at Ben Sapp Cemetery on Saturday, May 7.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Renda Thomas
Mrs. Renda Smith Thomas, age 93, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, peacefully at E.T. York Have Hospice in Gainesville. Mrs. Thomas was born Feb. 2, 1929, to the late Charley and Gertrude Addison Smith. She married the love of her life, Harry Thomas, on Aug. 20, 1946. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mama, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. Mrs. Thomas worked for the Hudson Paper Company and Macclenny State Hospital, and in 1965, she and Mr. Thomas established Thomas Timber Company, where she was secretary until their retirement and move to Gainesville in 2007. Mrs. Thomas was a member of the Raiford Baptist Church. She enjoyed embroidery, needle point and working word search puzzles, but most of all she enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Gertrude Addison Smith; her loving husband of 66 years, Harry Thomas; brothers, Ray Smith, R.D. Smith, Morris Smith, Melvin Smith, and Earl Smith; sisters, Reese Johnson, Ethel Gaskins and Gussie Hersey; and son-in-law, Buddy Hannah.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by: her daughter, Brenda Thomas Hannah; sons, Terry Joe (Anita) Thomas and John Robert Thomas; grandchildren, Melinda (Rob) Gwynn, Scott (Amy) Hannah, Anisha (Paul) Waters, Josh (Becky) Thomas, Austin (Katie) Thomas, Storm (Ryan) Elliott; great-grandchildren, Tyler (Mary) Gwynn, Hannah (Austin) Moody, Mikaela Cairel, Katey Hannah, Haylea Hannah, Baler Waters, Saige Waters, Kylee Thomas, Hagen Thomas, Hudson Thomas, Noah Thomas, Creek Waters, Zachary Jackson, Brooke Jackson, and Beau Jackson; great-great grandchildren, Chloe Cairel, Rylie Cairel, Lucas Cairel, Autumn Moody, and baby boy Moody (expected in August 2022); and a host a many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Thomas was held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home on Friday, May 6. Mrs. Thomas was laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Services were officiated by Terry Elixson.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Linda Williams
STARKE Linda Elaine Williams, a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and Nena, of Starke passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children on Monday, May 2, 2022 at the age of 70. Linda was born in Charleston, South Carolina on Jan. 11, 1952 to the late Margie (Cochran) Crawford and Dewayne Harrison. Linda spent most of her life working with her family at Williams Jewelry. You would remember seeing her greet you when you walked in the door. Linda loved spending time with her kids and grandkids. The love Linda had for her husband was one of a kind. She looked forward to their Sunday Mustang rides. They would just hop in the car and drive, not ever knowing the destination. She loved the ocean and is now dancing on the beach in heaven. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dewayne (John) Harrison; sister, Sherri (ChiChi) Harrison; and mother- and father-in-law, Charney and Milta Williams.
She is survived by: her loving husband of 53 years, Earl David Williams Sr. of Starke; three children, Earl David (Shelley) Williams Jr. of Starke, Dana Williams (Jess) McSwain of Tallahassee, and Stephanie Williams (Audley) Catalano of Perry; seven grandchildren, Sean, Ashley, Jade, Lanson, Savannah, Davin and Shayney; two great-grandchildren, Charney and Madely; her three sisters, Beverly Cochran of Charleston, South Carolina, Joyce Listi of Anahuac, Texas, and Debra Gilpin of Starke; her sisters-in-law, Brenda Griffis, Vicki Forsyth, and Sherry Harrison; along with host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home for family and close friends. Pastor Scott Crook will officiate.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lisa Wilson
JACKSONVILLE Lisa Longchamp Wilson, age 72, of Jacksonville went to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at the Custead Hospice Care Center, Haven Hospice in Orange Park with her loving family by her side. Lisa was born in St. Ephrem, Canada on June 17, 1949, to the late Albert Longchamp Jr., and Mary Doyon Longchamp. At the age of 2, Lisa and her family relocated to Jacksonville, where she was raised. She graduated from Nathan B. Forrest High School in 1967 and shortly after started her life as a mother and tended to her sweet family. Lisa was an amazing mother and devoted her life to her daughters. She enjoyed being a homemaker and in her younger years she enjoyed bowling and dancing. Most of all, Lisa will be remembered as a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend who poured her love onto those around her as she had a genuine care for others. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mary Longchamp and Mary Doyon Longchamp.
Lisa is survived by: her daughters, Lynda Barnes of Starke and Nancy (Tony) Longobucco of Nicaragua; grandchildren, Amber Bennett, Jamie (Sarah) Barnes, Logan Longobucco; and great-grandchildren, Brinley, Jordyn, Camden and Addilynn.
A private celebration will be held at Crosby Lake Cemetery with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating.
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
