Roger Bennett
Roger Dale Bennett, 64, of Starke stepped over to the other side to his heavenly home on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital with his family by his side. He was born Dec. 9, 1958 to the late Glen Gary and Ferrell Jean Bennett and was raised in Lawtey. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1977, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, in October 1977. They have been together for more than 50 wonderful years. He went to work right out of high school for Winn-Dixie #85 in Starke. He transferred later to Winn-Dixie Warehouse in Jacksonville as a truck driver for C & S Wholesale Grocers in Baldwin. He was looking forward to retiring in December of this year with nearly 45 years of service. He was an avid hunter and loved to fish. He was a great outdoorsman. He loved farming for many years and giving away the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed just being outdoors, but most of all he loved sitting on his porch swing with family and friends, sharing many of his life’s stories. In 2007, he received a God-given Certificate of Ordination by Grace Community Fellowship Church. He loved his church family and worshiping his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was known for the “Famous Whistle” throughout his years in the church. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his uncle, Randall Bradley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ann Bennett of Starke; sons, Jason Bradley (Sonia) Bennett of Starke, Brian (Lacey) Wellborn of Keystone Heights; brother, Dennis Gary Bennett of Lawtey; grandsons (his pride and joy), Bradley Gary (Tatiana) Bennett of Tillamook, Orgeon and Aden Dale Bennett of Starke; aunt, Marilyn Bradley of Keystone Heights; niece, Angel (Clayton) Cooksey; nephew, James Bennett; and uncle, A.Q. and Jackie Smith of Winter Haven. And to all the staff, fleet and truck drivers (brothers) of C & S Wholesale Grocers, Roger said he “will see you all on the other side.”
His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bradford Fairgrounds, Building #3, 2300 N. Temple Ave., Starke. Come join the family for his Celebration of Life and a B-B-Q dinner at Roger’s request.
PAID OBITUARY
Horace G. Crawford
Horace Greeley “H.G.” Crawford, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born July 2, 1946, in Union County to St. Clair “Red” and Betty Grace Crawford. At the age of 20 years old, he was drafted in the United States Army. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5. After serving in Vietnam as a sharpshooter, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, a good conduct medal and was a double Purple Heart recipient. He met his wife, Connie, in September 1970. After a brief courtship, the two were wed on Jan. 23, 1971, and were blessed with three children. He was preceded in death by his parents, St. Clair and Betty Grace; his brother, Billy Crawford; his sister, Linda-Kay Jones; and nieces, Tammy Grammer, and Landa Yester.
He is survived by Connie, his loving wife of 52 years; sons, Joe (Kara) Crawford and Glen (Julie) Crawford; daughter, Tanya (Dirk) Crawford; grandchildren, Maddy, Haylie, Cassidy, Hannah, Riley, Cameron, Koen, and Stijn; siblings, Wayne (Pauline) Crawford, Mary-Sue (Benny) Adams, Barbara (Bill) Sefcik, Pat (Chuck) Kuhr, Charles (Susie) Crawford, Larry (Joyce) Crawford, Martha (Bill) Stein, Lester Crawford, and Kim (Rodney) Barnett; sister-in-law Gail Crawford; and brother-in-law, Paul “PJ” Jones; along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service to honor him will be held Friday, Sept. 29, at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. The visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and a service at 12 p.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral at Ft. Call Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Frederick Gifford
Frederick L. Gifford, 73, of Lawtey passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Starke. He was born Oct. 7, 1949, in Bradford, Pennsylvania to the late John D. and Hattie (Jackson) Gifford. He retired from the United States Navy as Mess Management Specialist Chef and is a member of the Lawtey Church of God.
His survivors are his wife of almost 45 years, Mary (Shira) Gifford of Lawtey; and their children, Adam (Amy) Gifford (Amy) of Pulaski, Virginia, Benjamin (Angela) Gifford of Starke, Caleb (Serena) Gifford of Waxahachie, Texas; along with siblings, Nancy (Bruce) Tilts of Ashland, Virginia, Donald (Lisa) Gifford of Bradford, Pennsylvania, and Judy Gifford of Jacksonville. He was lovingly called “Tapaw” by grandchildren, Benjamin Gifford Jr., Joel Gifford, Seth Gifford, Nathaniel Gifford, Tabitha Gifford, and Jacob Gifford. Also left behind are many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Viewing will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, at Lawtey Church of God and funeral services will start at 5 p.m. with Pastor Alton Coleman officiating. Interment will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Friday, Sept. 29, at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lawtey Church of God.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Keen Jr.
Robert “Bobby” Keen Jr., 60, of Melrose passed away Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Dec. 17. Please contact family for further information.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Stuart Parker III
On Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2023, Stuart Parker III passed away in Starke surrounded by his family. Born on Sept. 29, 1945, in Hamilton, Ohio, his journey through life would be marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a zest for the simple pleasures. A truck driver by trade, he retired in 2014 after 41 years of service with Winn-Dixie. He was known as “Applejack” by his fellow drivers and dispatchers. His love for his career was only surpassed by his love for his family. He was a man of sincerity and integrity; a stern father figure whose eyes would light up as soon as he heard the word “Papa” from one of his grandchildren. Though stern in demeanor, he possessed a heart that overflowed with tenderness when it came to those closest to him. Beyond his role as a provider and caregiver, he possessed to always have whatever you were in need of. His thoughtful nature extended beyond immediate family – friends and acquaintances alike could rely on him whenever they needed assistance. He loved exploring yard sales and thrift stores. He was also a connoisseur of antiques. This love allowed him to dote on his family with the hidden treasures he would bring them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart Jr. and Nada Briscoe Parker; and his sons, Sean Parker, James Watkins, and Kevin Parker.
He leaves behind a legacy of strong and independent women whom he lovingly raised; his daughters, Michelle Lovell (Randy Faile), Deena (Rod) Crawford, Renee (Leroy) Griffis, and Karen (Kenny) Parker. The love he had for his grandchildren was a force that knew no bounds; Kristen Furneaux, Paul Crawford, Hailee Crawford, Logan Crawford, Rod Crawford, Kyleigh Crawford, Morgan Box-Crawford, Hunter Smith (Shae Clark), Harley Smith, Emma Griffis, Easton Griffis, Sean Parker. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Carson, Caroline, Genevieve, Chaslyn, Elizabeth, Austin, Channing, and Weston; and his sister, Margaret (Lanny) Paige.
A graveside service was held at Crosby Lake Cemetery in Starke, on Monday, Sept. 25.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008.
PAID OBITUARY
James Sansing
James “Jim” Randolph Sansing, (USA Retired), 89, of Starke passed away Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was born Nov. 23, 1933, in Boligee, Alabama to Mack and Lovell (Strait) Sansing. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers as their Finance Officer. He was a member of New River Baptist Church; volunteered many years and countless hours as the head of the Bradford County Sheriff’s Posse and was also a Shriner and Mason. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and go-carts and loved watching football. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by two sons, Clayton Sansing and Gergory Sansing.
His survivors are his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Rose (Srock) Sansing of Starke; children, Dana Hamner of Wilmington, North Carolina, Cal Hamner of Charleston, South Carolina, James Sansing of Jacksonville, and Chrissy Allen (Rick Thompson) of Starke; along with a brother, Charles Sansing of Macon, Mississippi. He was also lovingly called “Papoo” by grandchildren, Christian Hamner, Theresa Erickson, Jennifer Sansing, and Joshua Sansing; along with great-grandchildren Ashley Sansing, McKenzie Sansing, twins Blake Erickson and Bradey Erickson, Shelby Sansing, and Kelsea Sansing.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Bradford County Education Foundation, 501 W. Washington St., Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Mark Wagoner
Mark W. Wagoner, 65, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home, Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, unexpectedly. He was born July 16, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama to Samuel and Theresa (Cramer) Wagoner. He was a retired diesel mechanic and a current parishioner of St. William Catholic Church. He enjoyed gardening, tinkering, working on automobiles and was a true racer at heart. His family was first and foremost most important to him. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 30 years, Rebecca “Becky” (Outlaw) Wagoner.
Survivors are his two sons, Jake Wagoner and Zac Wagoner, both of Keystone Heights; his mother, Theresa (Cramer) Wagoner of Louisburg, North Carolina; two sisters, Judy Nicholson of Louisburg, North Carolina, and Patty Reese of Palm Harbor; cousins, Anne and David Dickenson of Keystone Heights. Also left behind are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 23, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Michael Hudson and Father Mason Wiggins officiating. Interment followed at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
