Gene Coble
Shirley Gene Coble, a long-time resident of Keystone Heights, died Friday, July 4, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on Dec. 4, 1936, in Walnut Grove Missouri to Uba Coble and Rachel Coble Buff. After he graduated high school from Central Senior High School in 1955, he joined the U.S. Army. After leaving the service, he moved to Florida and started his family. He had a long career with grocery store chains as a warehouse foreman for over 30 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; his mother, Rachel Buff; father, Uba Coble; and sister, Sue Blackaby.
He is survived by his three daughters, Sheila (Billy) Thigpin, Sonia Bowen, and Sherri Stancil; seven grandchildren, Windy (Michael) Skipper, Shannon (Jason) Bishop, Dana (David) Eatmon, Rebecca (Mac) Flanagan, Alan (Stephanie) Gill, Alexandra (Jon) Wright, and Matt (Allie) Stancil; 16 great-grandchildren; and 7.75 great-great-grandchildren.
Gene was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous, kind heart. He will be remembered for all his willingness to help friends and family with any task.
A special thank you to Park of the Palms Assisted Living Facility in Keystone Heights and Haven’s Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka, whose incredible staffs went above and beyond to make sure his final months and days were full of compassionate and dignified care.
PAID OBITUARY
Keith Copeland III
Keith Bernard Copeland III, 74, of Keystone Heights died in Middleburg, Saturday, July 5, 2025, following a long illness. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Harold Copeland Jr.
Survivors are his wife, Judith (Cook) Copeland, and their children, Tina Lee (Steve) Kolito, Keith B. Copeland IV and Jason Todd (Jessica) Copeland; sister, Darlene Owens; brother, Wendell Copeland; and extended family members.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Nettie Griffin
Nettie Ruth Griffin, born Jan. 13, 1930, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wesley Griffin: four sisters; and four brothers.
She leaves behind her daughter, Phyllis Griffin; grandsons, Rick (Heather) Henderson and Travis (Jennifer) Henderson; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren:
Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Willie McNeill
Mr. Willie B. “Sonny” McNeill, born on May 7, 1942, in Florida, died Saturday, June 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary McNeill.
Survivors are his son, Brian McNeill; daughter, Lori Green; sister, Patricia Smith; son-in-law, Jeremy Green; and two grandchildren.
Memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at St. Mark Episcopal Church, 212 N. Church St., Starke, 32091. Inurnment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery, 6209 SR 100, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Minnie Norman
Minnie Alma Norman, 85, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. Born April 28, 1940, in Jacksonville, Minnie was a vibrant individual known for her witty nature and dynamic personality. For over 30 years, she dedicated herself to Bradford County Schools as a secretary, where she left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working alongside her. Minnie’s passion for traveling with her husband, Robert G. Norman, was a defining aspect of her life. Together, they explored nearly every state in the U.S., creating memories that they have cherished during their 65 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melson and Elnora Futch Privett; her daughter, Kimberly Ann Norman; and her brother, George Privett.
Minnie is survived by her loving husband, Robert G. Norman; her children, Rick (Denyse) Norman and Marla Roberts; her sister, Bernice Smith; and her 12 grandchildren; along with numerous great-grandchildren.
Minnie Alma Norman leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Minnie’s final disposition will be by cremation under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Clydia Reichert
With a profound sense of sorrow, we bid farewell to Clydia M. Reichert, who was called to eternal rest Friday, June 27, 2025. Born Feb. 4, 1938, in Gainesville, she was a beacon of light, a pillar of strength, and an embodiment of compassion. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Clydia indeed made everyone around her feel cherished and valued with her warm, nurturing nature. Her life was marked by her dedication to her family and her profession as a nurse at the state prison. She gave tirelessly and selflessly, not only to her family, but also to those she cared for in her career. She was an exemplar of love and kindness, someone who found her purpose in making a difference in others’ lives. In the words of Florence Nightingale, “The most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe.” Clydia not only observed but also acted, leaving a lasting impact on all those she encountered. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Chesly and Macie Fowler; and her son, Charles Davis.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph Reichert; sons, Alan Davis and Michael Davis; stepsons, Joseph (Tracy) III, David (Sandra) Reichert, and Jonathan (Kelly) Reichert; brother, sister; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind in-laws, Sandra, Kelly, and Tracy Reichert, along with Robert (Dana) Davis. In the midst of our grief, we take solace in knowing that Clydia’s life was filled with love, joy, and service to others.
Services are under the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services at 311 S. Main St. We invite everyone who was touched by her life to share their memories and upload photos on her memorial page. Celebrate Clydia’s life by sharing your stories and pictures, keeping her spirit alive in all of us.
PAID OBITUARY
Harry Stallings
Harry C. Stallings of Gainesville was born Sept. 2, 1942, and passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at the age of 82. He loved his family and his friends, and he adored food and fun! So, dear family and friends, mark your calendar and dress comfortably to join Margaret, Lissa, Tim, Lauri, Rick, Linc, Isla, Jarrod, Andi, Ashley and Evie for a celebration of Harry’s life on Friday, July 11, at Milam Funeral Home Chapel in Gainesville. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., memorial service at 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. socializing and dinner at The Thomas Center Spanish Court, 302 NE Sixth Ave., Gainesville. Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. at Crosby Lake Cemetery, Starke, Saturday, July 12. For those who wish, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, 32606, or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1212 N. Church St., Starke 32091.
Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, 32601. 352-376-5361 www.milamfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
John A. Wick
Mr. John Alvin Wick, 88, of Keystone Heights passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his home following a long illness. He was born on Sept. 7, 1936, in Hialeah to Alvin and Marjorie (Baumgardner) Wick. He graduated from Miami Jackson High School in 1954 before continuing his education at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri, where he obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1959. After graduation, he began his chiropractic career in Dothan, Alabama, practicing from 1959 to 1961. He and his family returned to the Miami area where he worked in sales for two major Florida drug companies. In 1973 he became the owner/partner of Acme/Biscayne Merchandising Company, eventually moving to the Orange Park area to manage the Jacksonville division. In 1982 he purchased Mallards Variety Store in Keystone Heights which he operated along with his wife, Ardyce and daughter, Debbie, for many years. In 1989, he was employed by the University of Florida, where he held several positions in the Campus Shop and Bookstore until his retirement in 1999. Upon retirement, John obtained his real estate license and was a Florida realtor with Century 21, Keystone, and C.B. Isaac Realty in Melrose. He attended Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone. When he was not working, he enjoyed camping, traveling in his RV, and spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ardyce of 50 years.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife of 14 years, Elaine Teague-Wick; children, Debbie (Danny) Etheridge and Kevin (Darcell) Wick. all of Keystone Heights: and a brother, Charles Wick of Clermont. He was “Granddad” to Ceija (Josh) Johnson, Daniel (Laura) Arnot, and Rebeca (Steve) Bielejeski; along with seven great- grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. “Mr. John” will be missed by Elaine, children, and grands as well.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 11, at Trinity Baptist Church beginning at 10 a.m. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brandon Denmark and Pastor Scott Stanland officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Haven Hospice 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, 32177, Operation Christmas Child as Trinity Baptist Church, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
