Carl Byrd
Carl Byrd, 90, of Starke, passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Orange Park. He was born June 19, 1932, in Starke to Ernest and Adele (Box) Byrd. He worked for the city of Starke, where he was a driver for the sanitation department. He was an avid horseback rider and, in his free time, loved to hunt and fish. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Clare (Deigraph) Byrd; children, Junior Byrd, William Byrd, Joe Allen Byrd, and Johnny Byrd; brother, Jasper Byrd; sister-in-law, Ann Barns Byrd; and daughter-in-law, Patty Campbell Byrd.
Survivors are his daughter, Darlene (James) Geiger of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Terry (Josh) Hodges of Hampton Lake, Rebecca Geiger and Rodney Geiger, both of Starke; five great- grandchildren; as well as his sister, Jo Williamson of Hampton; and nephew, Able Campbell of Starke.
There will be no services held at this time.
Arrangements under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
James Cellon
James (Jim) Eugene Cellon, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. He was born in Gainesville on Aug. 11, 1947, to D.M. and Mildred Cellon. Born and raised in Gainesville, he was a graduate of Gainesville High School, Class of 1965, and remained a resident of Gainesville until his retirement from Gainesville Regional Utilities in January 1997. He then retired to Keystone Heights to fulfill his dream of living on a lake. He was an avid hunter and Gator fan. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Craig Cellon
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carole Anne; daughter, Christina (Brett) Waterhouse; son, Christopher (Tiffany) Cellon; parents, D.M. and Mildred Cellon; brother, Don (Tootsie) Cellon; granddaughters, Breanna and Megan Waterhouse; grandsons, Cody and Garrett Cellon; sister-in-law, Nancy Ingalls; niece, Kim (Steve) Briede; nephews, Paul Cellon, Roy and Alan Mizell.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 2, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 N. Main St., Gainesville. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery near La Crosse. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 3324 W. University Ave. #128, Gainesville, 32607. Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com. For Further information contact Williams-Thomas Downtown 352-376-7556.
PAID OBITUARY
Louis Mosley Jr.
Deacon Louis Wesley Mosley Jr., 95, of Gainesville, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2022, at E.T York Haven Hospice in Gainesville. He was born in Donaldsonville, Georgia and moved to Florida at an early age. He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Starke. He served his country in the United States Army and retired from Gainesville Oaks Mall as a janitor. He was a member of the American Legion, and the NAACP and Head Deacon of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Deacon Board.
He is survived by his sons, John Wesley Mosley and Steve Baker; daughters, Mary Alice Mosley and Sandra Bellamy; brothers, Thomas White, Eddie H. Mosley, Charles Mosley Sr., Wendell Mosley, David W. Mosley and Gerald L. Mosley Sr; sisters: Ruby Green, Thelma J. Mosley, Shirley Dennis, Ruth M. Morris and Mary Strong Mosley; and a host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, in the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1662 Old Lawtey Road, Starke, with Pastor James Morris conducting the services. Interment will be held in Bob-Love Cemetery (Pleasant Grove), Starke under the direction of Haile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke, 32091, 904-964-7905. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1662 Old Lawtey Road, Starke, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Cortege will form at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Starke.
PAID OBITUARY
Annette Norman
Annette Estelle Norman, 74, of Starke, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at her residence with her loving family by her side after a long battle with dementia. She was born in Gainesville on Nov. 10, 1948, to the late Lloyd Cecil Padgett and Mary Estelle Waters Padgett. She was a lifelong resident of Bradford County and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Starke. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1967 and married the love of her life, Gerald Norman, on March 3, 1968. They were happily married for 54 amazing years and enjoyed all their time together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved all her family dearly. She loved being a homemaker, raising her sons, and helping to raise the children she babysat for years. She was filled with love and gave that love to those around her. She was truly a gift, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Cauthorn, Cecil, Kenneth, and Elwood Padgett; brother-in-law, Rudy Sapp; and sister-in-law, Janie Padgett.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald Norman of Starke; three sons, Chester D. (Angela) Norman of Newberry, Timothy C. (Karen) Norman of Jacksonville, and Wesley A. (Karen) Norman of Lake Butler; sister, Catherine Sapp of Starke; sisters-in-law, Kay Padgett of Starke and Sue Padgett of Hampton; and six grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Audrey, Rachel, Rosalea, and Rebekah.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Starke with Brother Matthew Page officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday an hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Starke Building Fund or Haven Hospice in honor of Annette’s precious life.
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
Catherine Pusateri
Catherine Shirley Pusateri, 89, of Starke, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 1, 1933, to the late Michael Phillips and Catherine Goniak Phillips. She was raised in Pittsburgh and graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic School. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend, August Michael Pusateri. They were happily married for 58 amazing years and enjoyed their longtime companionship. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who had a successful career as a medical secretary. In the mid- 1950s, Michael and Catherine relocated to south Florida. She proudly served at the city of Sunrise, Florida, in their administration office for many years until her retirement. When not working, she loved being outdoors tending to her plants. She loved the peacefulness of being outside and enjoying the sweet aesthetics of God’s creations. She also enjoyed sewing and was very active in her prayer circle. She knew the power of prayer and was a very faithful prayer warrior. In 2005, Michael and Catherine made Starke their forever home and became members of Grace Community Fellowship Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, August Michael Pusateri; daughter, Monica Owen; son-in-law, John Owen; and sisters, Patricia Gales and Mary Ann Borneman.
She is survived by her children, Greg (Annette) Pusateri of Starke and Michele Pusateri of Melbourne; grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Melissa (Jeff), Bradley, John (Christy), Andrea, and Laurel; and great- grandchildren, Skylar, Lilly, Mattie, Rayne, John Knight, Andrew, Mason and Cashton.
Her family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
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
Helen Ridlehoover
Helen Ridlehoover, 84, of Keystone Heights, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, after a courageous battle with heart disease. She was born in Hamlin, West Virginia in 1938 to her parents, Lester and Bessie Gartin. Her family moved to South Florida during her teens, where she graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1954. Soon after graduation, she married Calvin Ridlehoover; a marriage that lasted 64 wonderful years. She was a most loving, selfless, and supportive mother to her three daughters, Annette, Karen, and Monica. She was instantly loved by anyone who knew her, and she always greeted everyone with love and joy in her heart. She simply never met a stranger and was a friend to all. We will miss the sparkle in her eyes and the beautiful smile that she shared with everyone. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Calvin Ridlehoover.
She is survived by her three daughters, Annette (Greg) Pusateri, Karen McRae, and Monica Ridlehoover; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Fellowship Church.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke.www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Spruill
William Leonard Spruill, 56, of Starke, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a long and courageous fight with cancer on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Nov. 25, 1966, to Leonard and Dianne Spruill and grew up in Maryland until moving to Florida where he lived out the rest of his days. He met his best friend and the love of his life, Cindy, right down the road from where they lived in Maxville. “Mr. Leonard,” as everyone knew him, will be remembered as a very friendly and generous man. He enjoyed hunting, whiskey jug collecting, and searching for arrowheads in his free time. He was also known as an avid Florida Gator fan and the best “Papa” in the world. He was very strong in his faith and lived his life that way as well. He was truly loved and is going to be missed by many. He was proceeded in death by his father, Leonard Dempsey Spruill.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Cindy Spruill of Starke; mother, Dianne Bezilik of Baldwin; one son, “LJ” (Cheyanne) Spruill of Bryceville; two daughters, Lyndsey Spruill of Lake City and Danyell Carter of Starke; one brother, Travis Spruill of Bryceville; one sister, Bobbie Jo Bezilik of Baldwin; and eight grandchildren, Jaxson, Daylon, Callay, Damion, Judson, JR., Korbyn, and Kohen. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
A gathering and celebration of life will be held privately at a later date. Final disposition will be by cremation.
Guerry Funeral Home, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Please visit www.guerryfuneralhome.net to leave condolences for the family.
PAID OBITUARY
Carol Watt
Carol Kathleen Watt, 70, passed away on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at her home in Keystone Heights. She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on Dec. 22, 1951, to the late Norman and Nora (Killion) Watt.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176.
John Wilkinson
John David “J.D.” Wilkinson, 90, of Clay Hill, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at the Canterfield Care Center in Middleburg. He was born on Feb. 18, 1932, in Clay Hill, where he lived and worked his entire life. He was a great provider for his family and set a strong example for his children. During his career, he owned and operated a pulpwood and logging business for many years before turning his attention to full-time farming, where he raised cattle and poultry. When not working, he enjoyed local politics in Clay County, attending and watching NASCAR races, and he was a lifelong Ford fan. One of his favorite pastimes was sharing the many stories of his younger years making moonshine with his father, Buddy Wilkinson, and others, in the Clay Hill community. He was a generous person and was always willing to help others when in need. He was preceded in death by his father, David W. “Buddy” Wilkinson; and mother, Nellie Lee Faircloth; his beloved wife of 52 years, Millie (Starling) Wilkinson; his son, David N. Wilkinson; and infant daughter, Elizabeth Wilkinson.
Survivors include his sons, Alan (Cindy) Wilkinson of Clay Hill and Glen (Laurie) Wilkinson of Brooks, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Donna Wilkinson of Clay Hill; sister, Louise Johns of Clay Hill; grandchildren, Tela, Brandy, Kyle, Kaitlin, Christian, Claire, Candy, and Amanda; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Long Branch Baptist Church with Pastor Harry Conaway officiating. Interment will follow in Long Branch Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Blackburn-Curry Funeral & Cremation, 380 N. Lowder St., Macclenny, 32063. 904-259-2806. Please share your condolences with the family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Zimmerman
Mary Lou Zimmerman, 89, of Keystone Heights passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Starke. She was born Oct. 27, 1933, in Huntington, West Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David “Davey” Zimmerman in 2020.
Graveside services will be held Monday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176.
