Obituaries — Sept. 6, 2022

Stephen Adkins

 

 

Stephen Adkins

Stephen Barrick Adkins, 48, of Lake Butler, passed away on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville. He was born on Dec. 21, 1973, in Jacksonville, to Ernest Adkins and Alyce (Gregg) Adkins. He graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and spent most of his life in Jacksonville. He moved to Lake Butler about five years ago. He loved spending time watching and feeding his birds, watching his banana spiders, collecting many things, such as flashlights and tools, and he absolutely adored spending time with his cat, Misty. He was a special, loving, and kind guy and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his father, Ernie Adkins of Lake Butler; his mother, Alyce Adkins of Blairsville, Georgia; and his cat, Misty.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Old Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Dennis Corbet

Dennis Karl Corbet, 73, of Keystone Heights died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022.  He was born Aug. 9, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana to William H. and Verna (Gower) Corbet Jr. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings. 

Left behind are his wife of 40 years, Pamela (Lambert) Corbet; three children, Neil (Teresa) Corbet of Tallahassee, Jacob Lambert of Gainesville, and William (Leah) Corbet of Jacksonville; and a sister, Patty Corbet Kobiata of Keystone Heights. He was lovingly call “Grandpa” by four grandchildren. 

There are no scheduled services at this time.  

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

 

Frances Cole

 

 

Frances Cole

Frances Levean Beck Cole, 82, passed away peacefully at her home with her children by her side on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. She was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Blounstown, Florida, and, as a small child, moved to the Bradford area where she resided for the remainder of her life. She met the love of her life at the Florida Theater, where they both worked, and eventually married in 1957. She wass preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Doris Cole Jr.; her parents, CJ and Sybil Beck of Starke; granddaughter, Karen Carlton; great-grandson, James Curtis; and brother Nathan Beck.

She is survived by her children Sherry Davis of Starke, Randall Cole of Starke, and Mike Cole of Graham; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry Davison

 

Larry Davison

Larry Lamar Davison, 72, of Lake Butler passed away on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022 at his home. He was born on March 20, 1950 to Lee Lamar Davison and Barbara Keene. He was a lifelong resident of Union County and graduated from Union County High School in 1969. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was married to the love of his life, Paulette Ellington Davison, for 52 years. They had four children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He prided himself on an honest day’s work and provided a foundation of faith and family above all else. He enjoyed cooking his favorite southern dish and spending time on his farm. He lived a life full of hard work, love, and dedication. His family would describe him as strong, a leader, supportive, and a family man.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paulette Davison of Lake Butler; his children, Jason Lamar (Kathryn) Davison, Deidre (Tad) Durrance, Courtnie (Todd) Douglas, and Lindsey (Cory) Reddish; his daughter-in-law, Andrea Davison, all of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Kiersten, Colton, Alyssa (A.J.), Austin (Sydney), Mackenzie, Savannah, Emily, Keeley, Dylan, Kutter, Cane and Hayden; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Sawyer, and one on the way, Jack; his lifelong friends, Ted and Jean Waters and their children Lisa (Troy) Underhill and Paul (Anisha) Waters; and his siblings, Diane Freeman, Sandra (David) Androlevich, Paula Benefield, Jo Hurst, Bobby Scholl, and Andrew Davison. Numerous extended family also survive.

A funeral to honor his life was held on Friday, Sept. 2, at his church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Lake Butler Ward.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Joel Smith Jr.

Joel Smith Jr.

Joel Randall Smith Jr., 81, of Earleton, passed away with loved ones by his side on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville.  He was born in Jacksonville on Nov. 19, 1940.  He served in the United States Navy for 8.5 years.  During his service, he trained in aviation electronics and radar technology.  He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, as well as Newfoundland and Canada.   As a Petty Officer Second Class, he was awarded the National Defense Service medal and the Good Conduct medal before being honorably discharged on Dec. 5, 1966.  He continued working with electronics and computers while employed at IBM and with the School Board of Alachua County until his final retirement at the age of 65.  He enjoyed football, especially the Gators, fishing, the latest electronics or computer, building or fixing things, and science fiction.  He liked listening to old country favorites like Vince Gill and Johnny Horton.  He got the most joy from holding one of his grandbabies, who affectionately called him “Pop.”

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ellen J. Smith; a brother, Jim Smith; children, Guy Smith, Josh Smith, Holly McIntyre; stepchildren, Cristina Gagnon, Tara Tyson, Kimberly Anderson; a cousin, Jackie Dicks; and nine grandchildren, Ben, Dean, Heather, Meredith, Miranda, Caleb, Dillan, Brandon, and Brittany. Those we love can never be more than a thought away… For as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay…

A memorial service will be held at the graveside, Tuesday, Sept. 13, at noon with Pastor Clay Robinson officiating.  A time of fellowship will follow the graveside service at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Trinity Baptist Church. Interment will be at the Keystone Heights Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can made to Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, P. O. Box 8190, Lakeland, 33802.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com   

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

James Whitehead

James Whitehead

James Earl “Jimmy” Whitehead, 88, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on June 6, 1934, to Andrew and Virdie (Palmer) Whitehead. He was the baby of 10 children and learned how to work at an early age. He worked on the family farm and attended high school at Union County High. He had a love for football and was the first player from UCHS to be selected to play in the North/South All-Star game. With 14 scholarship offers, he decided to sign with Clemson University to play football. Never being away from the farm, it didn’t take long for him to get homesick and return to Union County. Upon his return, the Florida Gators came to recruit him, but he decided it was time to hang up the cleats and get a real job. He bought the Gulf Oil Station in 1954 and ran it for many years before selling it. He owned and operated a restaurant in town, was mayor of Lake Butler for 18 years, and always enjoyed dealing in real estate. When he wasn’t working, he loved to be at the river fishing or in the woods hunting. Above all, his smile, compassion, and generosity toward others is what will be remembered most and deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sue Rivers Whitehead; his parents; and his nine siblings.

He is survived by his children, Janet Whitehead, Timmy (Christie) Whitehead, Pam (Dean) Osteen, Casey Whitehead, and Brandi Whitehead, all of Lake Butler; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Numerous extended families also survive.

A funeral to honor his life was held on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at his church, First Christian Church in Lake Butler. Brother Art Peterson officiated the services with assistance from Brother Shane Collins and Brother Terry Elixson. Pallbearers included Henry Whitehead, John Henry Whitehead, Donnie Jackson, Paul Whitehead, Dean Osteen, Timmy Pinkston, David Powell, and Ashton Listzwan. Honorary Pallbearers were Joe Whitehead, Bo Whitehead, Donald Jackson, Lowell Shadd, Canova Howard, Bruce Dukes, Buddy Mabrey, and Fletcher Myers. He was be laid to rest at Dekle Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com

PAID OBITUARY