Obituaries

Martha Raye Roberts

Martha Raye Roberts

Oct 9, 2024

In 1951, a beautiful young girl named Martha Scritchfield met Wayne Roberts, a sailor from Charlotte Harbor, FL. Wayne would say many years later, “I fell in love the first moment I saw her.” Though their connection was undeniable, Wayne was in the Navy and was being deployed to Guam, after serving in the Korean War, so they agreed to...

Joshua Aaron Heintzelman

Joshua Aaron Heintzelman

Oct 7, 2024

Joshua Aaron Heintzelman, age 33, of Lake Butler, passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2024, in Lake City. Josh was born on May 4, 1991, in Tampa, FL, to James “Jimmy” Heintzelman and Jeanie Henderson. Josh moved around with his family, living in Tampa, Ocala, Williston, and finally Lake Butler. He was a loving guy with a great sense of...

Nancy Jo Clyatt

Nancy Jo Clyatt

Oct 6, 2024

Mrs. Nancy Jo Clyatt, age 84, of Providence, FL, passed away peacefully on October 6th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Ronald and Joanna Boyles on April 4, 1940, in Monticello, FL. Nancy grew up in Gainesville and Ocala, where she met the love of her life, Charles Lawton Clyatt (C.L.), graduating in 1958.

A devoted wife and...

Vernon Todd

Vernon Todd

Oct 4, 2024

Vernon Todd, age 76, passed away on October 4, 2024, at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville, Florida. He was born on July 28, 1948, in Lake Butler, where he spent much of his life, to the late Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd.

Throughout his years, Vernon dedicated himself as a hard worker, engaging in various odd jobs and fulfilling...

Roger Kelly

Roger Kelly

Oct 1, 2024

Roger Allen Kelly, born on August 1, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his side on October 1, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice in Orlando, Florida. A respected attorney for 45 years and proud member of the Florida Bar Association, Roger's career was marked by his commitment to justice and the law. His dedication to his...

Brian Lee Franzluebbers

Brian Lee Franzluebbers

Sep 26, 2024

Brian Lee Franzluebbers was born on May 20, 1988, in Gainesville, Florida, and embarked on life’s journey with a humorous spirit and a robust work ethic that endeared him to many. After facing a brief but brave battle with cancer, Brian peacefully departed this world at his home in Lake Butler on September 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that...

Norma Jean Howard

Norma Jean Howard

Sep 26, 2024

Norma Jean Howard, 66, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on September 26th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Norma was born in Alachua on July 21, 1958 . Norma Jean was a force of nature, who will be remembered for her unwavering love and fierce honesty, who taught us the importance of standing tall and...

Sally Thomas

Sally Thomas

Sep 25, 2024

Sally Thomas, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Brooker, Florida, on September 25, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on June 5, 1947, in Gainesville, Florida, Sally lived a life marked by kindness, compassion and unwavering support for those around her.

Sally dedicated 34 years of her career to Veterans Affairs...

Rhett Carson Green

Rhett Carson Green

Sep 21, 2024

Rhett Carson Green, a radiant soul born on July 5, 2022, in Middleburg, Florida, tragically passed from this life, directly into the arms of Jesus, on September 21, 2024. To be so little Rhett lived a very “BIG” life in Brooker, leaving behind a legacy filled with joy and love who lived every moment with the spirit of a true...

Raymond Agustus Fink

Raymond Agustus Fink

Sep 15, 2024

Raymond Agustus Fink met his Savior face to face on September 15, 2024, at his brother's home in Jacksonville, just days shy of his 62nd birthday. Born September 21,1962, in Long Island, New York, he grew from a hopeful child into a quiet yet generous man, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him.

Raymond dedicated...

Doris Bernice Smith

Doris Bernice Smith

Sep 15, 2024

Doris Bernice Smith, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, at the Windsor Health and Rehab facility in Starke. Born on October 15, 1931, in Heilbron Springs, Florida, Doris was a gentle soul who carried a sweetness that touched everyone she met. 

Doris' hobbies of sewing and gardening brought her joy and fulfillment, but it was fishing—an activity she...

Twilla Sue Massingill

Twilla Sue Massingill

Sep 12, 2024

Twilla Sue Massingill, age 60, passed away at her son's home in Lake Butler on Thursday morning, September 12, 2024. Twilla was born May 6, 1964, in Clermont, FL, grew up in Worthington Springs and a graduate of Union County High School class of 1982. She moved around to different cities throughout her life, however in all her travels, Twilla...

Daniel Elbert Nettles

Daniel Elbert Nettles

Sep 6, 2024

Daniel Elbert Nettles, affectionately known as Bert, was born on August 16, 1934, on Ellerbee Curve in Raiford, FL. He passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, at Windsor Health and Rehab, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and warmth will be cherished by all who knew him.

Bert a proud graduate of Bradford County High School, Class of 1953....

Marian Virginia McFarland

Marian Virginia McFarland

Sep 4, 2024

Marian Virginia McFarland, age 97, passed away peacefully on September 4,2024, at her daughter’s home in Ocklawaha, Florida. Born and raised in Welborn, Florida, Marian lived a life rich with love and dedication to her family and friends.

For many years, Marian showcased her remarkable capabilities as a manager for a manufacturing company. Marian had an unquenchable passion for nurturing her...

Virginia B DiCristafaro

Virginia B DiCristafaro

Sep 3, 2024

Virginia B. DiCristafaro, a beloved educator, explorer, and vibrant spirit, passed away on September 3, 2024, at The Gables of Gainesville Assisted Living. Born on July 1,1932, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Virginia dedicated her life to the education industry, taking on numerous roles throughout her distinguished career in the Miami Dade area. She earned a Master’s Degree in education from...

Gladys Louise Locke

Gladys Louise Locke

Sep 2, 2024

Gladys Louise Johns Locke, age 80, of Lake Butler, passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home. Gladys was born on January 13, 1944, to the late Ray and Frances Johns.

She graduated from Union County High School, class of 1962. After graduation, Gladys moved to Winter Haven, FL and went to work for State Farm Insurance. Gladys married Lemuel...

Donald Wayne Beeman

Donald Wayne Beeman

Sep 2, 2024

Donald Wayne Beeman, age 54, passed suddenly on Monday, September 2, at his residence. Born on February 21, 1970, in Starke, Florida, Donald spent the majority of his life in Lake Butler. He leaves behind a legacy marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and his strong character. Donald retired as a Sergeant for the Florida Department of Corrections,...

Rachel Mary Kirkland

Rachel Mary Kirkland

Aug 28, 2024

Rachel Mary Kirkland passed away peacefully at her home in Brooker on August 28, 2024, at the age of 65. Born on December 16, 1958, in Lawtey, Florida, Rachel is remembered for her simple and laid-back personality that endeared her to many.

Throughout life, Rachel embraced her role as a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by children, Ernest Kirkland...

Imogene Prevatt Varnes

Imogene Prevatt Varnes

Aug 24, 2024

Imogene Prevatt Varnes, age 88, of Hilliard, Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, Saturday, August 24, 2024. Born in High Springs, Florida, in 1936, she was the 11th of 15 children born of Thelma and Morgan Prevatt.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Kaley Cooper, and 12 of her siblings. She is survived by...

John Carl Howard

John Carl Howard

Aug 22, 2024

John Carl Howard, 62, of Lake Butler, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, August 22. John was born in Gainesville on May 8, 1962, and was a lifelong resident of Union County. After graduating from Union County High School, he began his career working at the family business, Hobo Tractor. From dawn to dusk, his hard...