Howard Jessie Durrance

Mr. Howard Jessie Durrance, age 77, of Gainesville passed away on April 23, 2020 at North Florida Regional Hospital. Howard was born and raised in Maxville, FL but lived in the Gainesville area for the past 40 years. He worked as a mechanic for Twiliger Ford Motors and Shaw & Keeter. He also worked for 9 years with the Waldo Police Department where he served as Chief of Police for a short time. He eventually retired with the state working in park maintenance. Howard enjoyed watching auto racing and traveling to the mountains. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vendee and Ruby Byrd Durrance.

Howard is survived by his 3 sons, Wendell (Patty) Durrance of Gainesville, FL, Timmy (Cindy) Durrance of Maxville, FL and Shane (Kelly) Durrance of Lake Butler, FL; 5 grandchildren, Cassie Durrance, Bubba Durrance, Brittany Durrance, Shanya Durrance and Tyler Padgett; 8 great-grandchildren, Annslie Nipper, Addison Nipper, Bryar Nipper, Jayden Alvarez, Raelynn Alvarez, Gracie Durrance, Ryland Bass and Lulu Padgett; his brother, RV (Beverly) Durrance of Hampton, FL also survive.

A service to honor Howard will be held Monday, April 27, 2020 at Archer Funeral Home Chapel at 7:30pm. The family will receive visitors beginning at 6pm. Howard’s lifelong buddy, Pastor Freddie Griffis, will officiate. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 archerfuneralhome.com