Obituaries — Dec. 20, 2024

Luis Chavarria

Luis Chavarria

Luis Alberto Chavarria, a beloved son, brother, and cherished uncle, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Born on Aug. 10, 1959, in Blytheville, Arkansas, Luis was a radiant spirit who never met a stranger. His warm personality and infectious smile made him a cherished presence in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. He was deeply passionate about his hobbies, enjoying the thrill of collecting antiques and thrift shopping, pursuits that brought him great joy and satisfaction. However, it was his dedication to his family that truly defined him. He loved his family immensely and took pride in fostering strong connections with each member. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Chavarria, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his beloved brothers, Antonia Jr., David, John, Joe, Stanley, Ramiro, and Paul Chavarria; his devoted sisters, Thelma, Maria, Rosa, Anna, Diana, Yolanda, Olga, and Norma; as well as his father, Antonio Chavarria Sr.. He was also an adoring uncle to numerous nieces and nephews who admired him greatly.

In honor of his life and legacy, a graveside service will be held at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler on Monday, Dec. 23, beginning at 3 p.m., with the service concluding at 4 p.m. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008  www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Jason Elixson

Jason Elixson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jason Elixson, who left this world on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the age of 53, in Worthington Springs. Born on March 22, 1971, in Lake City, he lived a life brimming with dedication to his family, kindness, joy, and a hug for everyone he met. Jason had over 30 years of experience as a building and roofing contractor and was the owner of Jason Elixson Construction. More than just a craftsman, he was an artist who took great pride and satisfaction in every project he undertook, leaving a lasting mark on the homes of many in the community. With talents extending beyond his profession, he was also the beloved music director at Providence Village Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. A graduate of Union County High School in 1989, his spirit always reflected his fun, loving, and patient nature. He was the rock of his family and devoted to the loved ones who surrounded him. Frequently found holding babies, there was always a big smile on his face. He enjoyed many hobbies over his lifetime, including basketball, guns, golfing, guns, bowling, motorcycles, guns, hunting, fishing, archery, guns, and guitars. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Carol Lynda Emery; and his nephew, Joseph DiMillo.

Jason leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry his love and legacy with them, his beloved wife of 20 years, Erin;  their three children, Quentin, Celia, and Farrah Elixson; his father and mother, Clifford and Willene Elixson; siblings, Stacy (Joey) Harden, Justin (Layla) Elixson, and Brandon (Jori) Elixson, all of Lake Butler; father-in-law, Quentin Emery; sisters-in-law, Leah (Mark) Somers of Acworth, Georgia, and Carrie Emery of Bunnell; brother-in-law, Ryan (Audra) Emery of Bunnell;  30 nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and nephews.  Though they mourn his departure, Jason’s family finds comfort in the treasured memories they have shared, the laughter that echoed in their home, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. Both will be held at Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs.

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

PAID OBITUARY

 

H.H. Plotts Jr.

H.H. Plotts Jr.

H.H. “Bud” Plotts Jr., 82, “the Force of Nature,” died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, surrounded by his family at Haven Hospice in Lake City. After Dad took his last breath, we rejoiced that he was out of pain, standing up straight, and face-to-face with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Dad said earlier in the day, “There is a time to live, and a time to die, and I’ve lived a good, long life, and I am ready to die.” Because of his saving knowledge of Jesus, there was no fear of what was to come; just peace, grace, love, joy and an excitement to see his Savior and his daddy again. He was born and raised in Miami and attended Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina on a football scholarship, where he completed his bachelor’S and master’s degrees in industrial arts. He spent his summers in Mentone, Alabama, first as a camper, and then as a camp counselor at Camp Cloudmont. He roamed the woods and taught shooting, bivouacking, and archery, while sometimes having an opportunity to traverse to the DeSoto Falls on camp horses with his buddies for a midnight swim. His parents operated a lodge in Mentone during the summer months, the DeSoto Lodge. It was at the Lodge that he met and fell in love with one of the summer employees, a petite brunette named Elizabeth O’Connell. Bud and Liz married in 1964 and moved to St. Petersburg to make their home and start their family. He became an industrial arts teacher in the Pinellas County School System for 30 years. He taught high school students, and college students at the University of Tampa, and hosted adult-education woodworking classes. They made their home in St. Petersburg for over 30 years, welcoming and raising two daughters, Cynthia and Cathleen. After retirement, he and Liz moved to Union County, where he worked the land on a beautiful hay farm on the Santa Fe River. He raised cattle and donkeys, and built a log cabin, which features a boardwalk to the river using wood from trees he cut down, milled, dried, and prepped as building materials. He and Liz lived in the log cabin while Bud built the main house on the property, using materials he sourced or created. Living and building on this land was a dream he thought he’d never experience, and he was grateful to God every day to walk and work the property. He was happiest building both things and people. He loved all the outdoor sports and took the time to mentor and teach others who wanted to learn from him. We called him the “Force of Nature” because it seemed he could look at, or dream of something, and build it better than anyone could imagine. He loved taking time with people to help them grow in their relationship with Christ or teaching them new skills. He was an encourager and a rock to many. If you needed him, he always made himself available.  He was a deeply beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. He was a stand-in paternal figure to many, an engineer and an artist. An excellent farmer, and someone you could always count on. He was preceded in death by his father, H. H. Plotts Sr.; his mother, Eleanor Spofford Plotts; and nephew, Michael Elliott.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Liz Plotts; brother, Randy Plotts; daughters, Cindy (Charles) DiMarco and Cathy (Bart) Wheeler; two grandsons, C.J. DiMarco and Colin DiMarco; as well as many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

A celebration of his remarkable life will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Sardis Baptist Church, 3915 Main St., Worthington Springs, 32697. A reception will follow at the church. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Life Solutions, 1910 East Bay Drive, Largo 33771

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

William Weldon

William Weldon

The family of William Albert (Billy) Weldon of Tavares is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the age of 90 years. He was born on Oct. 5, 1934, in Starke, to Gladys and Steven A. Weldon. He served in the U.S. Army and Merchant Marines before becoming a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and retiring after 30 years. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Pennie; daughters, Elana (Kenny) Williams and Angie (Chuck) Ross; three grandchildren, Kimberly (Ryan) Albert, Emily (Hunter) Elliot and Chaise Ross; three great-grandchildren, Audrey, Weston and Blaire; a sister, Martha Weldon Alogna; and many nieces and nephews.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, services were held at Celebration Baptist Church of Leesburg, 25321 US Highway 27, The Plantation Road, Leesburg, 34748, with a viewing followed by the funeral. All who knew him were welcomed to join in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be greatly missed. Billy’s final resting place will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Compassionate Care.

Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg. Online condolences may be made at www.beyersfuneralhome.com.

PAID OBITUARY