Roman Alvarez
Roman Mansfield Alvarez went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. A devoted Baptist minister, Roman lived a life rooted in unwavering faith, deep love for his family, a heart for missions, and a steadfast commitment to his great country. His sermons resonated with grace, his actions embodied integrity, and his prayers served as a foundation for countless lives. Born Oct. 5, 1938, in Starke, he was the son of Rufus and Kathleen (Underhill) Alvarez, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his siblings, Pat (Jerry) Baldwinof Hampton and Owen (Julia) Alvarez of Starke, and was preceded in death by siblings, J.L., James, Mary Lou Dubose, Daniel, and Lavon Alvarez. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1956. He joined the National Guard for several years of service that included an assignment to the Pentagon. In 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage, celebrating what would have been 69 years on Aug. 31. Together, they raised three children, Greg (Stephanie) Alvarez, Derek (Sherree) Alvarez, and Stefanie (Gordon) Smith. He was blessed with six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Justin Alvarez (Collin, Harper, Ridge), Heather Alvarez (Jack, Bryce, Cole, deceased), Hailey (Chris) Coffey (Cayden, Coby, Hudson, Finley, Huxley), Hayden Smith, Kylie (Josh) Orick, and Macy (Lance) Prouty (Aisling). As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a steady source of love and wisdom. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world, and nothing highlighted his spirit more than their love and laughter. The family cherishes fond memories of gospel music sings, yard sales, Sunday dinners, gardening, and, of course, Poppa’s many jokes!
Roman answered God’s call to ministry at an early age, preaching at Pine Level upon request even before attending Bible College. In 1958, he attended Arlington Baptist College, graduating as valedictorian in 1961 with a Bachelor of Divinity and later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1972. After graduating in 1961, he became pastor of Pine Level Baptist Church, serving from 1961 to 1965. In 1965, he returned to Texas as associate pastor under Dr. Earl Oldham at Calvary Baptist in Grand Prairie. In 1969, he was called to pastor Gideon Baptist in Warren, Michigan. In 1970, Dr. Oldham requested his return to Texas to teach at Arlington Baptist College and even flew to Michigan to explain to the members of Gideon Baptist how much his return was needed. From 1970 to 1975, Roman juggled teaching Bible classes at Arlington Baptist College, traveling on weekends to represent the college and preach in churches across America, serving as dorm parents for the women’s dorm, and answering the call to full-time pastor at New York Avenue Baptist in Arlington, Texas.
In the spring of 1975, he returned to Starke for health reasons. After recovering, he heeded the call from Pine Level to return as pastor once more, serving from August 1975 until 1991.
Upon retiring from pastoral duties at Pine Level in 1991, Roman focused on preaching Missions Conferences until he was called by First Baptist Church of Graham as interim pastor. The church grew and eventually relocated from Graham to Starke, later changing its name to Southside Baptist Church. He led this congregation for 22 years until December 2023, when he retired permanently for health reasons.
Throughout his ministries, Roman had a heartfelt burden for missions and spreading the gospel worldwide. He worked tirelessly to support missionaries through World Baptist Fellowship, providing prayers, church support, and his own personal finances throughout his life.
In addition to his ministry, he dedicated over 40 years to law enforcement, beginning in 1977 as a resource safety officer in schools. He joined the sheriff’s office in 1988, where he served as a Lieutenant and Detective, later working with the State Attorney’s Office as an Investigator until his retirement. Even after retiring, he was invited back to train investigators at the police department. His work in the justice system offered him opportunities to share God’s word and counsel many during their times of crisis.
Roman also proudly served as a member of the school board for District 5, demonstrating his dedication to the community and the education of its students.
Roman Alvarez was more than a minister. He was a patriot, a pillar of strength, and a humble servant of God. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every truth he preached, and every act of kindness he offered without hesitation. His family and friends find comfort in knowing he heard the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
In lieu of flowers, online memorial donations can be made to World Baptist Fellowship Mission Agency Inc.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Tommy Clark
Thomas “Tommy” Charles Clark was welcomed into his eternal home in Heaven on Monday, July 21, 2025. He was born Nov. 24, 1941, in Waycross, Georgia to Frank Clifton Clark and Willie Mae Sikes. He was the third of four boys. He and his brothers grew up together in Waycross and spent much of their time outdoors. Their family would often visit his grandfather’s farm in Bannockburn, Georgia, where he and his cousins would play baseball, football and corkball and spent many hours swimming in the Alapaha river. His family moved to Florida in 1958 when his father’s job with Hercules Inc. transferred locations. He was a junior in high school when they moved and he graduated from Bradford High School in 1960. It was here in Bradford County that he would meet and marry his wife of 62 years, Patricia Thomas. Being a true patriot following graduation, he served his country as a member of the US Army and Florida National Guard. He worked many years for General Electric and then Energizer, where he retired in 2001. He had a passion for inventing and was granted many patents throughout his life. He loved being outdoors and fishing on Hampton Lake. He enjoyed sitting on his porch and watching eagles, wood ducks and hummingbirds. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Willie Mae Clark; his brothers, Kay and Donnie Clark; and his great-grandson, Theo Marshall.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Clark, his son, Kenny (Kellie) Clark; granddaughters, Ashlan (Josh) Marshall and Jadie Clark (fiancé Ty Briscoe); brother, Lane (Sandy) Clark of Mansfield, Georgia; great-grandchildren Oliver and Dorothy Marshall; and other beloved nieces and nephews.
The family has chosen to do a private burial at Santa Fe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://www.patriotsfour.org/donate/
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Marlene Coleman
Marlene Rowe Coleman celebrated her 82nd birthday with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 31, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy and Jewell Rowe; sister, Freda Hardenbrook; and brothers, Charles, Cecil, Trubie and Corky Rowe, all of Starke.
Survivors are her husband, Rev. Alton Coleman; sister, Rita (Mel) Crawford; daughter, Christi (Leon) Payne; son, Alex (Misty) Coleman; and extended family.
Services were held at Sampson City Church of God, 8042 SW CR 225, Starke, 32091. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Dave Handley
James David “Dave” Handley, 86, of Keystone Heights died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after an extended illness. He was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his only grandchild, James David Handley III.
Survivors are wife of 65 years, Wanda (Simpson) Handley; and their children, Pamela R. Handley (Brian) Sorli, James David Handley Jr. (Cindy, Payton).
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Richard McRae
Richard Dale “Rick” McRae passed away quietly on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was 71. He was born Oct. 11, 1953, in Jacksonville to Owen and Iris McRae. Rick served in the Army, did a tour of duty in Korea and was an expert rifleman. He grew up in Starke and moved to Keystone Heights for work over 20 years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marilyn “Kay” McRae.
Rick is survived by his son, Steven McRae; daughter, Melanie McRae (Talmadge Smith); stepson, Eric Long; stepdaughter, Amber Fishley; and three grandchildren, Talmadge and Laken Smith and Mackenzie Raney. He is also survived by his brothers, Harley (Kathy) McRae, Gary (Linda) McRae and Michael (Edie) McRae; and his first wife, Kelley McRae.
He will be missed.
PAID OBITUARY
Sherri Norman
Sherri Elizabeth Norman, 6/26/62-7/18/25, was born in Miami June 26, 1962. When she was in ninth grade, her family moved to Starke. Sherri graduated from BHS in 1979. After graduating, she went to college and became an X-ray technician. During her years as a X-ray technician, she traveled the globe with her closest friends. She moved to Pendleton, South Carolina in October 2024 to be near her sister, Melissa, and nieces and nephews. Sherri died of natural causes on Friday, July 18, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Marcus Norman; and two nephews, Curtis Lyons II and Schon Curtis Lyons.
She leaves behind her mother, Joy Norman of Starke; and her sisters, Melissa Norman Lyons of Pendleton, South Carolina. and Darlene Norman Shockley of Starke. She also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews who adored their “Aunt Sherri.”
Sherri was cherished and will be missed greatly by many. She was selfless and generous to a fault, and she loved her people deeply. We rejoice in the knowledge that she’s dancing, celebrating and gardening with Jesus. A celebration of life luncheon will take place at a restaurant in Starke. Date to follow.
PAID OBITUARY
Armontine Osborne
Armontine Osborne, 95, of Lake Butler, passed away Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke with her loving family by her side. She was born in Lake Butler on Jan. 26, 1930, to the late Julius Parrish and Frances Waters Parrish. She was a lifelong resident of Union County. After school, she married her best friend, Thomas Jefferson Parrish, and they were blessed with eight precious children. Years after Thomas’s passing, she was thankful to find her second love, Larry Osborne. She was most passionate about her family and thoroughly enjoyed her role as wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a true beacon of warmth and hospitality. Her home was always open, her kitchen radiated with delicious aromas, pots were filled with comfort food, and her table ready for family and friends. She loved bringing smiles, laughter, and feeding anyone who was hungry. She was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness who lived her faith boldly and shared it graciously. She found deep joy in sharing the hope she treasured and talking to others about Jehovah’s promises. She certainly lived life to the fullest and cherished each and every moment. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Thomas Jefferson Parrish and Larry Osborne; and children, Linda Tanner and Larry Parrish.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Leach, Cathy (Mark) Welch, Tommy (Terre) Parrish, Pam (Johnny) Williams, Tina (Billy Ray) Elixson and Wayne (Dana) Parrish; son-in-law, Wayne Tanner; daughter-in-law, Sharon Parrish; siblings, Samuel Parrish and Nancy Brickey; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Armontine’s family will celebrate her life privately.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 435 Main St., Lake Butler 32054. 386-496-1400.
PAID OBITUARY
Angela Riley
Angela Teresa Riley, 76, of Keystone Heights died Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Riley.
Survivors are children, Donald Kane, Denegre Beckman, and Steven Lamberson; and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel. Her ashes will be interred at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Karen Wacha
Mrs. Karen Ann Wacha, 85, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was born April 25, 1940, in Bayonne, New Jersey to William and Virginia (Berlicki) Wagner. She was an active and longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, flowers, and spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gregory Wagner and Collin Wagner.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Kenny Wacha; and their sons Darren Wacha, Craig Wacha, Todd Wacha, Ryan (Susan) Wacha, Rickey (Lawren) Wacha, Jason (Lisa) Wacha and Randy (Rachael) Wacha; along with sisters, Pamela (Bruce) Ferris and Yvonne Ludwig (Jim Roeder). She was lovingly called “Grandma” and “Gigi” by her 14 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Also left behind is her precious puppy, Apple.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, Melrose, on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
