Jason Bennett
Jason Bennett, 57, of Starke passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. He was born in Starke to David Bennett and Betty Moody Bennett, along with his older brother, John. Jason happily shared his life with his wife, Minta, for 32 years. He graduated from Bradford County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He began his career as a deputy at the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and then proudly served at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, where he retired honorably as a Chief. He had been retired for five years and lived his life to the absolute fullest. He spent every day helping family and friends. He made the most of his retirement years and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was preceded in death by his Granny, Joyce Bennett, whom he adored and is now spending an eternity with.
He is survived by his mother, father, brother, wife, son, and daughter.
The funeral was held at the Sampson City Church of God on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The funeral was preceded by a visitation.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
James ‘Chris’ Cole
James “Chris” Christian Cole, 70, of Starke, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke. He was a loving brother and uncle. Chris was born in Live Oak on Dec. 28, 1953, to the late William “Bill” and Audrey Cole. He was a Christian by faith. He was raised in Live Oak, where he attended Suwannee County High School. He worked in construction and drywall until his retirement. Chris moved to Starke in 2006 to be closer to family and friends. He had a big heart for all animals, especially for his beloved dogs, Nancy and Scruffy. He enjoyed fishing and hanging out with his best friend, Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William “Billy” Cole; sister, Mary Louise Mitchell; nephews, Harold David Skeen II and Donnie Cole; and brother-in-law, R.V. Durrance. This tribute was prepared by the family of Mr. Cole.
Chris is survived by his sister, Beverly L. Durrance; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life gathering with Pastor Bobby Epps 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
Doris Hoffman
Doris Hoffman of Melrose, born Doris Elizabeth Goetzman on Dec. 16, 1930, in Sardinia, New York to parents George and Elizabeth Goetzman, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a beautiful smile. She was a devoted mother to three amazing children, Linda Hoffman Coughlin, Charles R. Hoffman III, and Gregory L. Hoffman. She also was an adoring grandma to five grandchildren, Brendan D. Coughlin, Caitlin Coughlin Hall, Jacob E. Hoffman, Lucas C. Hoffman, Beau G. Hoffman and one great-grandchild, Madison R. Hall. She loved them very much and spoiled them with kindness and her wisdom. After spending her youth and early married years in upstate New York, Doris and her husband, Charles, moved to Melrose in 1974, where she established her own full-service hair salon called Doris’s Beauty Shop. As a talented hairdresser, she specialized in hair coloring and was an expert on call across North Florida for Redken products for many years. She spent her career making others look and feel their best. Her hairdressing skills and her warm, caring personality won her many dedicated customers and friends. She was well known in the Keystone Heights and Melrose communities for her passion to make others feel beautiful. Doris and her husband were among the founding members of Keystone United Methodist Church. She served as the Methodist Youth Fellowship leader for a number of years. Rest in peace as your love and legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched. With a heart of gold and a wit as sharp as her scissors, Doris Hoffman will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family will cherish memories of her warm hugs, kind advice, and the countless hours she spent serving others in the community.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with friends and family.
PAID OBITUARY
George Leath
George Earle Leath died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. He was born Sept 25, 1945.
Visit his memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family, read the obituary, and find the upcoming events.
https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/George-Leath/
Barbara Pridgen and Bill Pridgen
Barbara Lee Pridgen, 86, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. She was joined in heaven by her husband of 67 years, Verlon “Bill” Huey Pridgen, 87, who passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Both Barbara and Bill will forever be remembered for the loving parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends that they were.
Barbara and Bill are survived by their two children, Marc (Donna) Pridgen and Lesli (Greg) Wheeler; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
PAID OBITUARY
Arthur Starling
Arthur Mark Lee Starling, 78, of Starke, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
Survivors are his children, Sean (Jeannie) Starling, Chera (Jonathan) Ferguson, and Maranda (Josh) Martin; brother, Timmy (Toni) Starling; and extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Nov. 2, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Middleburg. A private graveside service was held Monday, Nov. 4 at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Mary Walls
Mary Ellen Kimble Walls, 93, of Keystone Heights died Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at the Bailey Center in St. Augustine.
She leaves behind her son, Jesse; daughter, Barbara; three grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. Interment will follow in Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176
