Obituaries — Aug. 26, 2025

Joyce Altman

Joyce Altman

Joyce Nell Altman, 90, of Starke, died peacefully at her residence Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. She was born in Fox, Oklahoma, on April 30, 1935, to the late Z.B. and Flora Love. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Outland Altman; and daughter, Sheila Altman.

She leaves behind her children, F. Kay (Tommy) Lowe, Steve Altman and Vanessya (John) Kober; brothers, Odell (Theda) Love and Harold Love; in-laws, Reginald Altman and Ann Love; 10 grandchildren; and extended family members 

Joyce’s family will celebrate her life at a later date. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Johnson III, M.D.

William Johnson III, M.D.

William Hampton (Hamp) Johnson III, M.D., 77, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Gainesville. He was born in Gainesville on July 10, 1948, to William Hampton (W.H.) Johnson Jr., and Rosa V. “Mel” Johnson. He grew up in Wildwood, where he attended Wildwood Elementary and later Wildwood High School. As a student, he excelled both in the classroom and on the football field. He was the quarterback of the 1964 Wildwood Wildcats football team, which captured the Florida Class A state championship. After graduating from Wildwood High School, he went on to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also joined the freshman Florida Gators football team before his time on the field was cut short by injury. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in mathematics. He returned to Wildwood, where he taught at Wildwood High School and coached boys’ baseball and football teams. After several years of teaching and coaching, he chose to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, graduating from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1978. After earning his medical degree, he trained in surgery under the renowned Dr. Michael E. DeBakey at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas from 1978 to 1983. While there, he met Kaye (Pitre) Johnson, the love of his life. From that moment on, they built a life together filled with love, partnership, and 46 years of marriage. In 1983, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he furthered his training in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. During this time, he also spent time at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an experience that left a lasting and profound impact on him, both personally and professionally. In 1985, they settled in Ormond Beach, where he began a distinguished career in private practice. Over the course of nearly four decades, he served the community through Coastal Cardiovascular & Thoracic Associates (1986–2014) and later Atlantic Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons, LLC (2014–2023). He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery) and the American Board of Surgery – General Surgery. He was a member of Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society, Volusia County Medical Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Florida Society of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeons, where he served as president from 2016 until 2018. He cared deeply for his patients, treating each one with compassion and respect. He never gave up on those in his care, and his dedication and persistence were hallmarks of his practice.

While deeply committed to his patients and profession, his greatest joy was his family. He and Kaye raised four children in Ormond Beach, where he cherished every opportunity to travel and spend time together with his family. He was a devoted father who never missed a chance to show up, whether at school events, games, or important events in his family’s life. He was his children’s steadfast source of encouragement and support. He believed in them wholeheartedly, pushed them to give their best, and made sure they knew how deeply they were loved. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he delighted in every moment spent with them. His life was also firmly grounded in his faith, and he remained a committed member of his church, drawing strength and purpose from his relationship with God. His faith guided him not only as a husband and father, but also as a physician, offering comfort to his patients and shaping the compassion, perseverance, and hope he brought to his work.

A man of adventure as well as service, he had a true zest for life and a love of new experiences. He approached challenges with courage and enthusiasm, always eager to make the most of every opportunity. He summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011 with two of his daughters and twice ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, embodying the spirit of living fully. After his retirement, he and Kaye continued to embrace life with energy and joy, traveling widely together. They especially cherished cruises, trips to visit their daughter in far-flung places, and journeys that allowed them to spend time with their children and grandchildren, making memories across the world while never losing sight of the simple joy of being together on the lake. He was preceded in death by his father, William Hampton (W.H.) Johnson Jr.; mother, Rosa V. “Mel” Johnson; and sister, Ann Grainger Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye (Pitre) Johnson; children, Kathryn (Ben) Johnson, Elizabeth (Scott) Meachum, Ashley (Tyler) Tedcastle, and William Hampton (Kelly) Johnson IV; grandchildren, Maya and William Schonveld, Marcus and Paul Meachum, Collins and Myles Tedcastle, and Reagan and William Hampton (Quinn) Johnson, V; and brother, E. Bruce (Diane) Johnson of Fort Lauderdale.

The family will receive friends at Trinity Baptist Church, 3716 State Road 21, Keystone Heights 32656, on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights has been entrusted with the arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Ted McMillan

Ted McMillan

On Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend was stolen from us. This spice of life, “Ted” Theodore Wilson McMillan, began Oct. 3, 1956. He was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania (which explains to many his die-hard love for Philly sports teams) to Patricia and Ronald McMillan. He began many adventures with his siblings Ronnie, Karen and Brett. Among those adventures and in his youth, he was a baseball pitcher, which brought scouts to be interested in him. Moving from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin (this also explains his love for cheese) and finally landing in Columbus, New Jersey. This is where he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Cherie, whom he married in 1978. Soon after, he would start working at McMaster-Carr and welcome his daughter, Teddilee. He would continue as a faithful employee, missing only a handful of days in 30 years until his retirement in 2010 at 54 years old. He would make lifelong friends there and continue to the rest of his life. His next years in Westampton, New Jersey contained family beach vacations, endless motorcycle outings, billiards, karate, pool days, going out to eat, making his famous mac-n-cheese, drinks, block parties, working out, holiday dinners, snowmobiling but “The beeping snow,” a million laughs, love and a fun-filled stint on Thames Lane they moved to the Sunshine State into Keystone Heights in July 2023 and absolutely loved it. Ted, Theo, dad loved to be with his wife, daughter and family, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his friends, playing the lottery,  being in the sun, enjoying a good series/movie, sports games, animals, french fries, tater tots and wings with blue cheese, beer, of course, and just to have a damn good time! The life of the party moves on to the next chapter, leaving behind his loving family, wife, Cherie; dog, Shelby (who is missing Red’s nightly singing of Tom Jones to her); daughter, Teddilee; son-in-law, Rob Carter; brother Ronnie, (Judi); sister, Karen McKinster; brother, Brett McMillan; brother-in-law, David Winzinger; father-in-law, Henry (Donna) Winzinger; nephews, nieces, countless friends and many brothers from another. As usual, we couldn’t keep up with him, so he went ahead of us to get it going and we’re sure when he got there he said, “Now it’s a party!” We love you so much and will deeply miss you until we see you again…. And remember Ted would tell you, “It’s all good!”

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

Carolyn D. Sapp

Carolyn D. Sapp

Carolyn Dickens Sapp, 90, of Starke, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at her residence. Carolyn was born April 30, 1935, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Patrick Clovis and Ruby Lee Dickens. She attended and graduated from Ocilla High School. During her school years, she began working as a teller and service representative for BellSouth, where she faithfully served for 30 years and 10 months. She was hardworking, determined, and proud of her accomplishments throughout her career. In 1965, she and her family relocated to Bradford County. Shortly after, she met lifelong resident Joe Sapp and on July 29, 1966, the two wed, and together they shared 59 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and devotion. A dedicated Christian, she was a faithful member of Madison Street Baptist Church, where she worshiped her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, alongside her church family. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and cheering for her favorite sports teams, the Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Gators. She had a true green thumb and could make any plant or flower bloom with beauty. She also loved browsing and haggling at yard sales, always ensuring she left with the very best deal, whether she needed it or not. Known for her vibrant, spunky, classy, and sophisticated personality, she brought joy wherever she went. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, as well as a faithful sister and aunt, who always provided for her family and made sure her children never went without. Most of all, Carolyn cherished making memories with her loved ones, investing in their lives and caring for everyone she met. And, while she welcomed many into her home, she made one thing clear: Don’t you dare park in her parking spot! She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Maegan Crockett; sisters and brothers. Bernice Portier, Pat Dickens Jr., Annette Moore, Curtis Dickens and Dean Smith.

She is survived by her loving husband Joe Sapp of Starke; children, Mark (Danette) Kurimay of Keystone Heights; Michelle Muse of Inverness; Craig (Lynne) Kurimay of Franklin, North Carolina; and Kimberly Crockett of Starke; along with eight grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. at Madison Street Baptist Church, with Pastor Richard Cason and Pastor Charles Warren officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. Interment will follow at Conner Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.     904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family guest book.

PAID OBITUARY