Obituaries — July 29, 2025

Paritia Bennett

Paritia Mae Joe Bennett, 76, of Lake City, died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at her residence.

Survivors are children, Ronald (Pamela) Leffel and Jessica Mickelson; sister, Beatrice Creamer; brother, Don E. Lucas; and many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be Friday, Aug. 1, at 10:30 a.m.  at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior at the funeral home.    Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke, 904-964-5757.

Shirley Bridgman

Shirley Jane Bridgman, 75 of Lake Butler, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Bedrock Nursing Home in Lake City following an extended illness with Parkinson’s disease. She was born in Jacksonville on Sept. 27,1949 to her late parents, Joseph and Mildred Bridgman.  She was a great cook and loved experimenting in the kitchen. She also enjoyed reading, listening to country music and watching her soaps. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially relishing the moments with the little ones. She loved Christmas and cherished seeing the kids dressed up for Halloween. Shirley loved watching her sports; football, basketball, tennis and gymnastics. Her favorite teams were Union County Tigers, Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins.   She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Lake Butler and was actively involved as secretary for several years. She also worked a decade as a secretary for the County Extension Office. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mildred Bridgman; along with her siblings, Joann Manning, June Turrill, Janice Bridgman, Jennifer Williams and Johnny Bridgman. 

She is survived by her son, Travis (Christina) Williams, grandchildren, Blaine, Ayden and Ashlyn Williams, all of Lake Butler; sisters, Judie (Wayne) Davis of Saraland, Alabama, Diane (Steve) Saunders and Linda Morton; brother, David (Lulamae) Bridgman of Lake Butler; along with a host of nieces and nephews. Her warmth, love and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service in her honor will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church of Lake Butler with Pastor Danny Fouraker and Pastor Mike Norman, officiating. 

PAID OBITUARY

Thomas Clark

Thomas “Tommy” Charles Clark died Monday, July 21, 2025.  He was born Nov. 24, 1941, in Waycross to Frank Clifton Clark and Willie Mae Sikes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Willie Mae Clark; brothers, Kay and Donnie Clark; and grandson, Theo Marshall. 

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Clark; son, Kenny (Kellie) Clark; brother, Lane (Sandy) Clark of Mansfield, Georgia; and extended family members.  

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904- 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

Michael Crawford

Mr. Michael L. “Big Mike” Crawford, 39, of Starke passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his home.  He was born June 28, 1986, in Gainesville to Randy E. and Judith (McKelvey) Crawford. He transferred from Bradford High School to Baldwin High School, where he earned two football scholarships.  The first scholarship was to Louisburg College in North Carolina, where he earned a two-year degree, followed by another full scholarship to Newberry College in South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in science. Later on, he became employed with the University of Florida as their fields and grounds keeper. Being outdoors was a great passion of his, whether it was fishing, target shooting, or just living the lake life.  He also enjoyed weightlifting, cooking, and was a gun collector as well.  Those who knew him knew he would give you the shirt off his back and his dad said he “had a heart of gold,” and taking care of family was his main priority. Michael is survived by his father, Randy E. Crawford; brother, Alan E. Crawford; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of extended family members and friends that will miss him dearly. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Sampson City Church of God with Mr. Johnny Frampton officiating. 

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com 904-964-6200.

PAID OBITUARY

Janet Ehrisman

Mrs. Janet Davis Ehrisman, 72, of Starke, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at North Florida Hospital in Gainesville.

Survivors are her husband Ken James Ehrisman; children, Wesley (Cheryl Lynn) Lester (Cheryl Lynn) and Jana (John) Mallard; three siblings; and extended family members.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 28, at Rock Primitive Baptist Church.  Interment followed at Rock Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

Jimmy Gilland

With heavy hearts, the family of Jimmy Clifford Gilland, 90, of Graham announces his passing. He went to meet his Savior face to face on Saturday, July 26, 2024, at E.T. York Hospice Haven in Gainesville. He was born Dec. 11, 1934, to Henry “Pee Wee” and Minnie Arthur Gilland. He was born in Alabama and moved with his family to Gainesville as a small child. He was a hard worker as a tree surgeon for the City of Gainesville from 1952 until July of 1982, when he retired. He planted and maintained many of the trees around downtown Gainesville. Not one to be idle, he then went to work for the Alachua County Sheriff’s office from Dec. 1982, as an animal control officer until he retired again in 1997. He was skilled at working with his hands. There weren’t too many things Jimmy couldn’t fix or build. He cut and milled trees to make furniture for many years. He also tanned hides and did bead work in the Native American tradition. He was very proud of his Native American heritage. He enjoyed hunting, making knives, turning wood on his lathe, making and giving away ink pens and growing things. After his retirements, he learned wood carving and flint napping. He and Pat loved traveling and fulfilled their “bucket list,” traveling in the Western United States. He was a gifted storyteller who never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Penny Gilland Kientz.

He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife of 20 years, Patricia “Pat” Gilland; brother, Wayne Gilland; sons, Clifford (Cathy) Gilland and Johnny Gilland; three stepdaughters, Mary (Steve) Griffis, Liz (Dale) Knabb and Ruth (Tim) Dean; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 31, beginning at 10 a.m. at Brooker Baptist Church.  Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Steven Griffis and Pastor Dave Teems officiating.  Interment will be at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

Betty Ann Griffis

Mrs. Betty Ann Griffis, 82, of Starke, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence. She was born July 17, 1943, in Bradford County to the late William R. and Pearl (Sapp) Conner and was a lifelong area resident. She attended Sampson City Church of God, and, prior to retirement, she worked as a bus driver for the Bradford County School Board. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and spending time with her family, friends and her favorite dachshund, Misty.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Dale Griffis.

Survivors are her children, Ricky Dale (Stephanie) Griffis and Kimberly Ann Griffis and her sister, Nancy Coleman, all of Starke. Also left are her grandchildren, Kristin (Jacob) Cannon, Kaitlin (Garrett) Ritch and Courtney (Alec) Finley; along with her great-grandchildren, Sophie Anne Finley, Kylie Cannon, Levi Ritch, Emery Finley, Carsen Finley, and Maggie Finley.

A celebration of life will be held at Sampson City Church of God on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gene Bass officiating.  Interment will follow at Conner Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

Vernon Hendricks

With heavy but thankful hearts, the family of Vernon McQueen Hendricks announces his passing on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born Dec. 6, 1935, in Lake Butler, to Butler and Ollie Hendricks. His twin, Herman, and Vernon were the 10th and 11th of 12 children and grew up on the family farm. A farm that remains in the family to this day. His parents left a legacy of love and family that is rare, and he and his siblings have carried that legacy forward. It gave him great happiness to know that, just as his children had grown up with cousins as best friends, his grandchildren were doing the same. He graduated from the University of Florida with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Biology. Following the completion of his master’s degree, he traveled to Europe and began his teaching career at a US military base in Verdun, France. He spent two years in Europe, taking the opportunity to travel as much as possible and visiting every country on the continent. Upon his return to the United States, he continued his teaching career at high schools in Lake City and Rockledge. He later became a Professor of Botany and Biology at Brevard Community College (now known as Eastern Florida State College) in Cocoa. After more than 25 years there, he and Janet retired to Gainesville in 1995. While teaching in Rockledge, he received a National Science Foundation grant to participate in a summer science program at Rutgers University, where he met his wife, Janet Proulx. They married June 26, 1965, in Connecticut at the home of Janet’s aunt and uncle. Over the years, they welcomed the arrival of David, Donna, and Tom. In June of this year, they celebrated 60 devoted years together. Although, as their household expanded, Janet devoted herself to raising their children, Vernon viewed her as an equal partner, treating her with appreciation and respect. Their home was one known for its hospitality and warmth, filled with laughter and fellowship. Vernon, having been one of the first in his family to graduate from college, believed strongly in the value of education, and was proud to support each of the children in obtaining their degrees. However, he was proudest that David, Donna, and Tom were happily married, with loving homes of their own, and what he considered to be their greatest accomplishment, his grandchildren, Eli, Kaylie, Grace, Eden, and Emmeline (better known as Emma), were the great joy of his life. It was hard to convince them that he was a strict father because at Granddaddy’s house, you didn’t have to finish a meal to have ice cream, you could make as big a mess as you wanted, and it was always playtime! His life was defined by his faith, and he devoted many years of service to the church, serving as a deacon at Central Church of Christ in Cocoa, as a deacon and an elder at the Rockledge Church of Christ in Rockledge, and as an elder at the University City Church of Christ in Gainesville. He instilled that faith in his children by living a life that exemplified humility and integrity. The saying that “you can’t go home again” has not been true for his children. They have turned to him throughout their adult lives to help them make important decisions, guide them through the challenges of jobs and relationships, and as a source of constant strength and encouragement. Though his frugality was the stuff of family legend, he gave generously of his time and financial resources to those in need, no matter who they were. They have lost count of how many people have reached out over the years to tell them about the impact their dad had on their lives, whether as a teacher, a friend, a mentor, or just a kind man who bought them a meal, paid their bills, or held their hand and prayed with them in a time of need.

In a world where many are relentlessly focused on the pursuit of money and status, Vernon was a humble and unassuming man, committed to loving and serving others. For him wealth was found in servanthood to Christ, the love of family, fellowship with friends, and spending time in nature, especially growing and nurturing a garden. By these measures, he left this world the richest man on earth. For his family, his absence leaves a hole in their hearts that will not be filled until they are reunited with him in Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie (Elijah) Brooks, John (Eloise) and Strick), Evelyn (Edison) Paulk, James (Adolyen), Drew (Josie), Bryan (Jeannette), Joe (Elaine), Harold (Martha), David (Ann), and Herman (Pam).

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet; children, David (Megan) Hendricks, Donna (Greg) Edwards, and Thomas (Jennifer) Hendricks; adored grandchildren, Eli, Kaylie, Grace, Eden, and Emmeline; youngest brother, Donald (Lois); treasured nieces and nephews, all of which he called his “favorites;” and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, at University City Church of Christ. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. and the service will follow at 11 a.m. The family appreciates more than words can convey the support of their many friends and family during this sad time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Christian Family Services, the adoption agency that helped make Emmeline Faith (Emma) a beloved member of the Hendricks family and Vernon’s granddaughter: Christian Family Services, Inc., 2720 SW Second Ave., Gainesville, 32607 https://cfsfl.org/contact-us/ or Mount Dora Children’s Home, which provides loving homes and education to children in need, a cause Vernon supported for many years: Development Office, Mount Dora Children’s Home, 301 W. 13 Ave., Mount Dora, 32757

PAID OBITUARY

Christopher Jones

In Loving Memory of Christopher Travis Jones.

Christopher Travis Jones, 37, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, in Starke. Chris was a devoted father to two sweet boys who were the light of his life. His love for them was the driving force behind his transformation, proof that with heart and determination, people can truly change for the better. He worked hard to build a life he could be proud of and to become a man his children could look up to. He will be remembered for his strength, his growth, and the deep love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his children and all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In this time of grief, the family asks for your continued prayers and support as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com 

PAID OBITUARY

Judy Kimbrell

Judy Lynn Kimbrell, 74, of Starke died Sunday, July 27, 2025, at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville. She was born in Jacksonville on July 11, 1951, to the late Willard Rader and Easter Lily Bryant Rader. She was preceded in death by parents, Willard Rader and Easter Lily Bryant Rader; and six siblings, Lucille, Willard Jr., Pat, Nancy, Joyce and Albert.

She is survived by her son, Bruce (Leah) Kimbrell and grandson, Scott Kimbrell, all of Starke; along with many extended relatives and close friends.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.

Deborah Rogers

With extremely heavy hearts, the family of Deborah “Debbie” Box Rogers announces her entrance to her Heavenly mansion on Saturday, July 26, 2025. She was born Feb. 19, 1956, in Lake City to Emogene and J.E. Box of Lake Butler. She was the oldest of four children and was not afraid to let them know that she was their “big sis.” To say Debbie had a wonderful life would be an understatement. Throughout the tenure of her treasured time on Earth, she loved many things, but aside from Jesus, her grandchildren took the lead! She enjoyed the simple things in life, including sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee and looking out at all of God’s creations. She devoted 40 years to Pritchett Trucking, where she worked as an administrative assistant to Marvin and Phillip Pritchett (who both held a unique spot in her heart that couldn’t be filled by anyone else). She was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Raiford and took pride in leading the congregation in songs every Sunday. To her, singing for the Lord was the best way to worship him. Her sweet voice and contagious, uplifting spirit will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 33 years, David Rogers; and wonderful father, J.E. Box.

She is survived by her mother, Emogene Box of Lake Butler; brothers, Wayne (Janice) Box of Jacksonville and Greg (CeeCee) Box and Kevin (Kim) Box, all of Lake Butler; children, Chad Rogers and Justin Rogers; grandchildren, Eli Rogers, Morgan Rogers, Grayson Sykes, Harper Rogers, Easton Rogers, and Brantley Etheridge; and a host of nieces and nephews. To be such a little lady, Debbie had a heart bigger than words could describe and to say she will be greatly missed would be an understatement.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Debbie’s family during this difficult time. www.archerfuneralhome.com  386-496-2008.

PAID OBITUARY