Shirley Doss
Shirley Ann Doss passed away Thursday, Oct 17, 2024. She was born July 30, 1960, at Pureal Medical Center in Orange Park to William Lee Smith and Frances McCall Smith. She was always the life of the party. She never met a stranger. She worked as a waitress for a while, then for Denmark Insurance, followed by the United States Postal Service of Macclenny and Glen St. Mary until her retirement. She was loved by many. She enjoyed her own space, where she could spend time on her hobbies of painting, puzzles, or online phone games. She often enjoyed playing online tournaments. She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances McCall Smith; ex-husband, James Douglas Doss; sister, Mary Bednar Williams; brother, Roy Smith; maternal grandma, “Sissy” Ruth McCall; as well as paternal grandfather, Dee E. Smith; paternal grandmother, Ida Hilliard Smith; maternal great-grandma, Martha McCall; and nephew, David Bednar.
She is survived by her two sons, Chad D. (Maria) Doss and Casey Lee Doss; her grandchildren, Macayla Ann Doss (David Sandvik), Eric Braden Doss, and Casen Lee Doss; her father, William Lee Smith; her sister, Martha Smith Strubeck (Dave) Raver. Other survivors are nieces, Jaime (Stacey) Fish, Ann (Bobby) Brogdon and Mindy Davis; nephew, Paul Bednar; as well as many cousins and extended family members. Among those she considered family was her lifelong best friend, Sherrie Starling of Columbia County, the sister of her heart; as well as her good friend, Tina King of Lawtey. She leaves with us her loyal companion and beloved dog, Buster.
Shirley requested a celebration of life which will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been made through ICS Cremation and Funeral Home. Shirley will be deeply missed but will remain always in our hearts and thoughts.
PAID OBITUARY
Joyce Fouraker
Joyce Marie McCormick Fouraker was born on Feb. 9, 1953, in Jacksonville. She left this earth and went home to heaven on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Joyce was a devoted pastor’s wife for over 40 years. Her joy was always serving Jesus, loving her family and others selflessly. Her laughter would fill a room, and she brought joy everywhere she went. After raising her family, she drove the book mobile for Union, Baker, and Bradford counties and retired from that in 2018. She discovered her love for flying in her later years, in order to visit her children and grandchildren. She left a mark on the earth and is rejoicing in heaven today. Her parents, Charles Acy McCormick and Elsie Thrift McCormick, preceded her in death, along with her brother, Billy Loyd McCormick; daughter, Hannah Marie Fouraker; and son, Daniel Paul Fouraker.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 53 years, Danny Fouraker, of Lake Butler; daughter, Jessica (Jonathan) Rawlins; granddaughters, Stephanie (Josiah) Day and Alissa Rawlins of Salina, Kansas, and Haleigh (Seth) Brannen of Callahan; brothers, Wilford (Sandra) McCormick, of Jacksonville and Cedric McCormick of Macclenny; and numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
The family received friends for a visitation at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler on Monday, Oct. 21. A service to honor her life was held Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Calvary Baptist Church in Macclenny. Joyce was laid to rest following the service at Brandy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Bryceville. Brother Donnie Williams, Brother Jon Rawlins, and Brother John Day officiated the services.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Joyce Fouraker. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Gross
Mrs. Mary Frances “Fran” Gross, 74, of Orange Park passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, with her husband, daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was born in Macon, Georgia on April 21, 1950, to the late Shedrick and Pauline Methvin. She graduated from Orange Park High School in 1968. She went on to work in healthcare for 40-plus years. She worked in multiple doctors’ offices and always took pride in her work and how well she cared for her patients. She was an active member in church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She loved being involved and worked with both senior citizens and children. She often took a week’s vacation from work to teach in vacation bible school during the summer. She loved to craft, was a great southern cook and enjoyed working in a garden with plants. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 51 years, Tom; and a cherished “Mom” to her daughter, Kim. She has three grandchildren who were the light of her life, Mackenzie, Kerrigan and Grayson. She loved being around her family and always made those close to her feel loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shedrick and Pauline Methvin; brothers, Richard Methvin and Allen Methvin; and sister, Jenny Methvin.
Survivors include her husband, Thomas Gross of Orange Park; daughter, Kimberly (Les) Hanna of Lake Asbury; grandchildren, Mackenzie Cogdill, Kerrigan Cogdill and Grayson Cogdill; and one sister, Pamela Kochis of Georgia.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Starke at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28, with Pastor Ben Bryant officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Raymond Heath
Raymond Joshua “RJ” Heath, 78, of Tampa died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at his residence. He was born Nov. 11, 1945, and raised in Lawtey. After graduating from R.J.E. High School in Starke, he enlisted in the US Army and served a tour of duty before being honorably discharged. After being discharged from the Army, he attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, where he received a bachelor of arts degree. After receiving his degree, he was employed by Texaco Oil as a sales and marketing representative. He worked for Texaco for quite a while before deciding to relocate to Washington, D.C., where he was employed by the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) as a bus driver and later as a subway supervisor. After many years with METRO, he retired and relocated back to Tampa. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior while living in DC and was baptized at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he was an active and devoted member until he relocated back to Tampa.
He is survived by his wife, Clemon H. Heath; daughters, Gayla (Charles) Walker, April Heath and Keisha Heath; sisters, Mildred Postell, Bette Reeves, Sharon Diane (Johnny) Brown, Clara Berry Cummings and Shirley Greene; brothers, Leonard (Violet) Heath, Wayne (Barbara) Finn, Willie “Wissy” Berry, Alphonso (Hazel) Berry and Willis “Peter” (Loretta) Berry; and many other friends and family members.
Funeral services are entrusted to Aikens Funeral Home, 2708 E. Drive MLK Jr. Blvd., Tampa, 33610 813-232-8725. Services will be as follows: Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. at Fruit of the Spirit Church, 7504 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, 33619. The burial will take place on Sunday, Oct 27, at the Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Keefe
Robert Arden “Bobby” Keefe, born Dec. 8, 1939, and born again in Jan. 1990, passed from this world into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. He was born in Jacksonville to Howard and Lucile Keefe. Even though the Depression and WWII were imminent, he had a blessed childhood. He attended local schools and graduated from Paxon High School in 1957. He served in the Air Force and Army National Guard for several years, having completed training in electronics. After returning home, he worked for Edgewood TV for a period of time and then went to work for Jacksonville Electric Authority until his retirement as supervisor of maintenance after 27 years employment. Other endeavors following retirement from JEA included working for Atlantic Beach Auto Parts and owning his own automotive machine shop. He also worked for Dupont Mining for five years as training specialist and site supervisor for contract personnel. His primary non-work interest, however, was teaching and calling Western-style square dancing, starting in 1960 and ending with his retirement in early 2024. In January 1990, Bobby felt the call on his life for Christian service and returned to college to obtain a music degree. He served as minister of music at Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford since April 2006. Preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, brother and brother-in-law, he has stated that his life has been the greatest journey one could ever ask for.
He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 40 years, June; son, Robert Jr. (Kara) of Rossville, Georgia; and daughter; Kendra (Ken) Phelps of Sardis, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Travis (Meghin Cone) Keefe, Ryan (Mackinley) Keefe, Darian Keefe, Kourtney (Landon Nye) Brown, Katlan Howell and Brandon (Katie) Phelps; and seven great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was held at his church in Raiford on Saturday, Oct. 19. Interment was at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bobby’s name to the Florida Cancer Society. Hope to see you over there.
PAID OBITUARY
Neal Langford
In Loving Memory of Neal Gerald “Old Goat” Langford. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Neal Gerald “Old Goat” Langford, who left this world on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at the age of 90. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and unforgettable moments with his family and friends. Gerald, affectionately known as “Old Goat,” was born in Lake Butler to Maurice G. and Lota B. Langford, who predeceased him, as did his sister, Sue. He spent most of his vibrant life in the sunny state of Florida, where he dedicated himself to teaching and forestry. His career reflected his passion for learning and his commitment to environmental stewardship, touching the lives of many students and preserving the beauty of the natural world. Old Goat was a man of exceptional character and a caring soul. His unwavering dedication to hard- work, paired with his easygoing personality, made him a beloved presence among all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Honesty and a teasing sense of humor were hallmarks of “Old Goat’s” personality. He was principled, frugal, and compassionate, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Practical to his core, he found straightforward solutions to life’s challenges and valued simplicity in all things. He believed in staying calm, cool, and collected, no matter what life threw his way—a trait that became a source of comfort and admiration for those around him.
His ability to connect with people was extraordinary, blending intelligence and curiosity with a disciplined and logical approach to life. Family was paramount to “Old Goat,” and he placed their well-being above all else. Confident and reliable, he was always ready to take charge when needed, maintaining a regular exercise routine without complaint.
“Old Goat’s” love for animals and the great outdoors reflected his adventurous spirit. He was an explorer at heart, fostering in his family a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. His passion extended to cultivating camellias, symbolizing his thoughtful and generous nature. As a protector of wildlife and steward of the earth, he took action to preserve the environment he loved. His healthy, practical lifestyle and regimented habits were a source of inspiration to those around him.
In closing, we bid farewell to a remarkable man, a loving parent, a dedicated teacher, and a passionate environmentalist. Gerald “Old Goat” Langford’s memory will forever be cherished by his wife, Anna; his son, Kenyon; his daughter, Lesley; his grandsons, Zander, Trevor, and Gunnar; his granddaughter, Megan; and his great-grandson, Silas. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, practicality, and a commitment to preserving the beauty of the natural world.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Compassion & Choices, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Environmental Defense Fund, or the Natural Resources Defense Council. A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date, with details to be shared with friends and family.
“Old Goat’s” spirit will continue to inspire us all to stay calm, face life with grace, and appreciate the simple, meaningful moments.
PAID OBITUARY
Howard Neighbors Jr.
Howard Shelton Neighbors Jr., 80 of Gainesville died Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at Shands Hospital. He was a US Army veteran.
Survivors are a daughter, Lisa (James) Stevenson; sister, Faye Stewart; nieces, Lynn (Douglas) Patton and Gayle (Jason) Kozinski; four grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.
Out-of-state arrangements are under the care of Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson, North Carolina. Local arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc., Gainesville, 32601. 352-376-5361. www.milamfh.com
Jesse ‘Danny’ Thomas
Jesse Daniel “Danny” Thomas, 71, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Lake Butler. He was born in Lake City to the late Jesse Thomas and Shirley Witt Thomas. He was a lifelong resident of the Lake City and Lake Butler communities and was a graduate of Columbia High School, class of 1971. He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake City. He worked in the logging industry for 38 years with Shadd Enterprises in Lake Butler. He enjoyed deer hunting and running his hunting dogs, and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Debbie Cook Thomas of Lake Butler; four children, Witt Daniel (Hallie) Thomas of Lake Butler, Cailey (Brett) Thomas of Brooker, Jodi (Danny) Garcia of Ocala and Mary (Levi) Garrett of Lake Butler; one sister, Donna (Hugh) Giebeig of Lake City; and six grandchildren, Kendal, Emma, Layla, Norah, Keaton and Hadley.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Paul O’Steen of Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Lake City. A time of visitation with the family will be Thursday, Oct 24, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sea Cadets, 2602 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, 32025 or United for A Cure, unitedforacureinc.com, P O Box 591, Lake Butler, 32054.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
PAID OBITUARY
