Mary Lou Gainey
Mary Lou Gainey, 79, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 12, 1945, in Washington, DC, to the late Blake and Mary Edna Rosenthal. After graduation, she worked in the Pentagon under Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, where she met and fell in love with a young sailor, Rodger Gainey, who was stationed there at the time. Prior to Rodger being shipped to Southeast Asia in 1968 they were married on Valentine’s Day. The two enjoyed 57 amazing years together. After several moves during their navel career, they settled back in Rodger’s hometown of Starke. Mary Lou had a wonderful career in the legal field. She was a paralegal with J. Nickolas Alexander, Esq., in Orange Park, for 32 years. She was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Hooper; and brothers, Joseph and Tommy Rosenthal.
She is survived by her husband, Rodger; two wonderful children, Todd (Regina); Mary Frances (Owen); three grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Noah), Tanner and Abby; her brother, Johnny; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. This beautiful tribute was prepared by her husband, Rodger Gainey.
At her request, there will be no services, only a gathering of family and friends at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
PAID OBITUARY
David Parrish
David Eugene Parrish, 61, passed away peacefully at his home in Starke on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Born on Nov. 18, 1963, in Lake Butler, he lived a life with warmth and generosity, embodying a quiet strength that touched the lives of all who knew him. After attending Union County High School, he began working at Southern Precast concrete plant. He worked diligently running the grinder machine until an accident left him impaired. He had a passion for racing; he cherished moments spent racing his red Corvette and attending the GatorNationals, reveling in the thrill and camaraderie that these events brought. In his younger years, he found great joy in carpentry, where his creativity and craftsmanship shone brightly. He was quiet, big-hearted, and ever generous. He left an indelible mark on his family and friends. He was especially beloved by his friend, Guy Adams and his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “DD.” His life was enriched by his relationships, and he treasured the bonds he formed with those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Jean Hart Parrish.
He is survived by his sisters, Sandy Varnes and Toni Barrick; aunt and uncle, Kenneth and Linda Parrish; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation in his honor was held Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
It is the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to serve David’s family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lillian Stallings
Mrs. Lillian M. Stallings, 62, of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. She was born Aug. 31, 1962, in Santiago, Cuba to Dr. Julio and Lilliam (Grimany) Martinez. She earned her BSN Degree from Florida State University, where she met the love of her life, Carey, and began her nursing career in labor and delivery. She was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church and ALWAYS put GOD first, and she instilled that in her children as they grew into adults. Memories of family vacations to the beach or the Georgia mountains can be found in many of the photo books she enjoyed making. Family was her pride and joy, whether it was taking the grandchildren to the park, playing in the lake, as long as she was making everlasting memories with them. Her mother, Lilliam Carmen (Grimany) Martinez preceded her in death.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving and very devoted husband of nearly 42 years, Carey K. Stallings of Keystone Heights; and their children, Ryan Stallings of Arkansas, Jarrod Stallings of Keystone Heights, Rachel Stallings of Gainesville, Josiah Stallings of Keystone Heights, and Carolyn (Ben) Foster of Hampton. Also left behind is her father, Dr. Julio Martinez Sr.; and her second mother, Isabel Conde; brother, Julio Martinez Jr.; and sister, Marcia Martinez, all of Orlando; and mother-in-law, Carolyn Stallings of Keystone Heights. Lillian was a loving “Mimi” to Isabella Cicio, Charlotte Foster, Josephine Stallings and Henry Foster. There are also a host of extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends that will miss her contagious bright and beautiful smile every day.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Trinity Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. The family is requesting that you wear Lillian’s favorite color, purple, and dress casually. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lake Area Ministry, 131 N.E. Commercial Circle, Keystone Heights 32656 in her memory.
Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc., 311 S. Main St., Gainesville 32601. 352-376-5361. www.milamfh.com
