Chase Anthony
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Chase Anthony, 17, who went home to be with his Lord on Friday, June 27, 2025. .
He was the son of Deborah Anne Rozier; biological parents, Kerri Hilton and Terry Lee Anthony Jr. Survivors are siblings, Tyeler, Riley, Abbigail, Taylor, Ivan Jr., Jasmine and Shane; and numerous extended family members.
Visitation and celebration of life services were held Wednesday, July 2 at Trinity Baptist Church.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Linda Durham
Linda Elaine Durham met her Lord and Savior face to face on Thursday, June 26, 2025, after a valiant 24-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born Nov. 4, 1950, in Huntsville, Alabama, she was a beacon of love, faith, and dedication that shone brightly in the community. She was a true servant of God, glorifying His name through her actions and her spirit. She was not only a loving wife to her devoted husband, Ralph Durham, for 55 blessed years, but also a nurturing mother to her children, Jennifer (Herb) Gartman, Nathan Durham, and Melody McRannolds. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she embraced her roles with joy and fervor, leaving a legacy of love manifested through her grandchildren, Coty Bonesio, Megan Bonesio, Chloe Gartman, Tiphanie Durham, Jacob McRannolds, Aidan McRannolds, and Peyton McRannolds; and her precious great-grandchildren, Addyson Durham, Blake Norman, and one on the way, Cyrus Jaxson. Each child was cherished deeply. Throughout her years, she dedicated herself to many noble pursuits, starting as a seamstress at Lake Butler Apparel after moving to Lake Butler, and later as a billing specialist at Lake Butler Hospital, ultimately retiring from the Department of Corrections in the medical warehouse. She was skilled not just in work, but she was also an excellent seamstress and cook, and those who had the fortune of tasting her dishes can attest to the flavor that nourished the body and warmed the soul. She was a vibrant teacher at heart, relishing the opportunity to share God’s word with the young ones through Vacation Bible School and Sunday teaching. Her faith and willingness to serve extended not only to church members but to the entire community, as she often took on the role of grandmother to many. She also had a fondness for the Appalachian Mountains; not only the beauty, but the culture and music associated with it. In life, there are always trials and tribulations, and she faced hers with grace. Unified in faith, she carried her burdens quietly, leading others to be inspired by her steadfastness. Those of us left behind are profoundly grateful for the many lessons she imparted upon us, the most important being the art of loving the Lord wholeheartedly and serving the church with every ounce of our being. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Dorothy and David Chavez; granddaughter, Serenity Quinn Gartman; and son-in-law, Jeremy McRannolds.
She was also surrounded by a loving family that will dearly miss her presence, siblings, Robert (Therese) Coleman, Anne Worthy, Ronnie (Janet) Coleman, and Michael Chavez; uncle, Charles (Nora); aunts, Peggy, Glenda, and Judy; and special cousins and best friends, Joanie and Susie. As well as numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved Frenchie, Lacey.
A visitation and funeral service to celebrate her beautiful life was held at Unity Baptist Church, 116 S.W. 12th Ave., Lake Butler, on Monday, June 30. She will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. Let us come together in the spirit of love and remembrance as we honor Linda Durham, who showcased what it truly means to live for the Lord and to serve others with an open heart.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Brother Ralph and the rest of the Durham family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Hickman Dye III
Hickman Leaules “HL” Dye III of Starke passed away peacefully and into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 15, 2025. HL was born Oct. 15, 1943, in Gainesville to Hickman Leaules Dye II and Lucy D. Sparrow. Back in the 1960s he started his career path by joining the Florida Army National Guard, where he served six years, worked as a sales manager for Canada Dry Bottling Company, owned a beverage store called Pop A Top in Gainesville and helped his father with a Hawthorne favorite, The Fried Chicken Factory. In the early 1980s he opened Bradford’s Family Restaurant/Fried Chicken Factory in Starke. Then he later opened another restaurant in Keystone Heights until the late 1990s. After closing the restaurants, he worked as a manager at Western Steer Steakhouse and director of maintenance at Bradford Terrace, both in Starke. After a few years, he later started working around the Keystone Heights and Starke area as a handyman. He enjoyed his trimaran sailboat (back in the day) fishing, hunting, family, building things and the outdoors. He was an all-around kind of guy! He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Lucille “T” Crown; sister Bobbi D. Melcolm; and his daughter, Hailey L. Dye.
He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Robin Dye of Starke; daughters, Aleshia Dye of Starke, Shannon Dye of Lake Butler and Leanne (Austin) Morgan of Keystone Heights; brother William “Bill” (Bobbie) Dye of Keystone Heights; sisters, Becky Dye Wainwright of Jacksonville and Betsy Dye Brigman of Hawthorne; along with numerous nieces and nephews. HL will be missed by all!
A Celebration of Life or gravesite memorial has not been set yet.
PAID OBITUARY
William Griffis
William Elery Griffis, 85, of Lake Butler passed away peacefully Friday, June 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to his parents, Sidney and Nettie Rosier Griffis, on Jan. 8, 1940, in Raiford. After the passing of his mother at an early age, he was then raised by his stepmother, Cordie Mosley Griffis. Elery was a 1957 graduate of Union County High School, where he enjoyed playing football. After graduating from UCHS, he attended West Palm Beach Jr. College in West Palm Beach. After returning to Union County, he married his high school sweetheart, Katheryne Arnold Griffis, in 1960. He began his career at DuPont before he went on to work 41 years for Florida Gas Transmission Company in Brooker, where he made many memories and lifelong friendships. He was a faithful member of First Christian Church of Lake Butler, where he served as an Elder, Deacon and a faithful member of the choir for many years. His faith was evident in how he led his family. His family were his love and joy. He was a very kind and gentle soul, had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others. On any given day, you could find him on his tractor, plowing the fields, tending to his garden or working his cattle. He was a member of the Florida Farm Bureau and enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Annie Overstreet Depew, Ona Mae Yarborough, Raleigh Griffis, Lorenza Griffis, Lois Griffis, Maude Dobson, Berla Traylor, Della Dinkla, and Vivian Breckenridge.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Katheryne Arnold Griffis; and three children, Anita (Terry Joe) Thomas, Carolyn (Allen) Parrish and Darrell (Elizabeth) Griffis, all of Lake Butler; 10 grandchildren, Anisha (Paul) Waters, Josh (Becky) Thomas, Branden (Chelsea) Parrish, Brittney (Travis) McGee, Austin (Katie) Thomas, Kyle (Taylor) Parrish, Seth (Brittany) Parrish, Lane Griffis, Luke Griffis and Lyndee Griffis; 12 great-grandchildren, Baler Waters, Saige Waters, Gracelyn McGee, Brayden Parrish, Beclyn Parrish, Kylee Thomas, Ryleigh Croft, Hagen Thomas, Hudson Thomas, Noah Thomas, Ember Parrish, Hardee Parrish and Creek Waters; a host of loving nieces and nephews; and many more family members and friends.
A visitation was held on Monday, June 30, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The funeral service took place at First Christian Church, Lake Butler on Tuesday, July 1. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek/Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Griffis family during this time. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Pat Henry
Patrick (Pat) Alexander Henry, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville after a courageous battle with numerous health complications. He succumbed to kidney failure with his loving wife, Karen Henry, by his side. He was born Nov. 12, 1943, in Starke, and spent the majority of his life in Lawtey. He dedicated much of his career to the Florida Department of Transportation before serving as Chief Deputy in Bradford County. In his later years, he found joy in volunteering with the school resource officer at Lawtey Elementary School. He had a passion for playing golf and enjoyed watching the game on TV in his later years. The happiest moments of his life were on the cruise ship, where he visited the Bahamas, Jamaica, and various other islands with his wife, other family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Marcus Henry; his granddaughter, Sara Henry; his parents, Lila Anderson Henry and Alexander H. Henry; and his sisters, Martha Saunders and Mamie Norman
He is survived by his wife, Karen Henry; his daughter, Leslie Thornton; his granddaughters, Laci Selph and Kingsley Thornton; his grandson, Donald Thornton III; and his great-grandson, Cayden Culpepper. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will cherish his memory. Pat was well-known in his community and loved by many. He will be deeply missed and cherished by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life was held at Madison Street Baptist Church on Saturday, June 28. An hour of visitation was followed by the funeral service. Burial followed at Lawtey Cemetery. He is now at home with his Heavenly Father. Forever in our hearts, Pat Henry.
PAID OBITUARY
James R. Mann
James (Jimmy) Robert Mann passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Gainesville. He was born May 12, 1962, in Lake Butler to the late A.I. and Nona Mann of Brooker. He graduated from Bradford High School and immediately went into the US Army. He did a second tour in the Army from 1988-91, where he was in Panama involved in “Operation Just Cause.” He also completed ranger paratrooper training. Jimmy was of the Protestant religion. He grew up attending Dedan Baptist Church. Then later, when he lived in Lake Park, Georgia, he was a member of Sardis Baptist Church in Lake Park. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ethel Underhill, Ruth Babcock and Merle Smith; and one brother, Marvin P Mann Sr.
He is survived by Joel (Natalie) Griffin, Harmon Underhill, Sandy (Bart) Lee, Jane Lynn, Elese Guerrin, Naomi Hines and T.J. (Nell) Mann; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate his life will be held at Belle Oaks Barn on Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m. with J. G. Broome, pastor of Dedan Baptist Church, officiating.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mann family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jerry New
Mr. Jerry Wayne New, 61, of Starke passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 26, 2025, at HCA Starke Hospital. He was born July 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas to the late Jerry and Gertrude (Guterbock) New, and he was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He has been employed with Convergint for the past 15 years and recently was promoted to Project-Service Team Leader. Being outdoors was his passion, whether it was fishing, boating, wake boarding, farming, four-wheeling, or just target shooting. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, playing the guitar, and living the simple, cowboy life. You would never go hungry around Jerry either. His grilling, smoking, and BBQ cooking skills were something everyone looked forward to when they came to visit. He was a proud Republican, patriotic, and, some would add, very opinionated at times. There wasn’t anything he could not do or fix he was our “MacGyver,” to say the least.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Dawn (Bland) New and their daughter, Shauna (Jared) Griffis, all of Starke; siblings, Jacqueline Cecilia (Ted) Jeffrey of Waco, Texas, Harry Richard (Dianna) New of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and Nathan Jay (Sharon Ann) New of Victoria, Texas. Also left behind is his father-in-law, Robert (Ellen) Bland of Ohio; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Aaron Robert (Melissa) Bland of New York, Robyn Lynn (Angelo) Anese, Jennifer Leah Bland, and Joshua Arthur Bland, all of Ohio. He was lovingly called “Papa Jerry” by his grandson, Tucker Heston Griffis as well as Kody Griffis. Jerry was adored by his nieces, nephews and a host of extended family members and friends that will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. “ROLL TIDE!”
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Bill Rhoden Sr.
In Loving Memory of William Kelly “Bill” Rhoden Sr., August 29, 1961 – June 9, 2025. It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of William Kelly (Bill) Rhoden Sr., who went home to be with our Lord on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 63. Bill was a gentle soul who loved to laugh, even if it was at himself, and he shared his humor with everyone around him. He had a warm heart, a deep love for his family and laughter was his love language. He could turn almost anything into a reason to laugh. He had a unique ability to bring joy to the room in that way. Whether it was a clever joke or a memorable story from his colorful past, he had a knack for turning even the most mundane moments into cherished memories by making a joke. Born in Starke and raised in Hampton, his life came full circle as he grew up, married Rose, the love of his life, and moved away from his hometown up to Tennessee to start his family. He eventually came back home to nearby Keystone Heights to live out the rest of his life. He worked over 30 years as a carpenter. He loved football (Go Gators), country music (Go Merle Haggard), quiet evenings on the back porch, diving into a good dish of shrimp with lemon and “talking” about fishing. Most of all, he loved seeing his family and, any time they showed up at his home, to spend time with him, it was pure joy. He was a master storyteller (some true, some not) and lived his life on his own terms and never let anyone impede his choices. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Peggy Rhoden; sister, Cindy Willoughby; brother, Mark Rhoden; and son, Jimmy Rhoden.
Bill is survived by his children, William Kelly “Will” (Erica) Rhoden Jr. of Dade City, Bridgett (Justin) McCarthy of Warsaw, Indiana, Christopher Rhoden of Dade City, Sandy (Josh) Canady of Brooksville; grandchildren Kaliegh, Kyndal, Peyton, James (Jr), Josiah, Seth and Jordynn; his companion of 10 years, Lorrie Croussore of Keystone Heights; brother, Wayne Rhoden of Keystone Heights; sister, Dianne (Thomas) Davis-Nogueira of Troutman, North Carolina; and many beloved nieces and nephews and neighbors who became extended family to him.
A private memorial of Bill’s life will be held at a later date, after which he will be laid to rest in the family lot at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Theressa. Cheers to you Bill, for living life your way.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
