James B. Cagle III
Mr. James B. Cagle III, 78, of Starke, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at HCA Hospital in Starke. He was born April 10, 1947, in Fort Hood, Texas to James B. and Mildred (Higginbotham) Cagle Jr. He had proudly served in the United States Navy, and prior to retiring, he was employed by Florida Pest Control as a technician for over 25 years. He attended First Christian Church of Starke and was a member of the Elks Lodge in Gainesville. In his spare time, he enjoyed metal detecting, painting, listening to B.B. King, and rooting for his Florida Gators football team. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mimi Cagle Urquart.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his son, Eric Cagle (April) of Starke; brother, Jack Cagle of Gainesville; and he was lovingly called “Popie” by his grandson Eric Cagle Jr. Also left behind is his former spouse, whom he remained close friends with, Jenny (James) Mann of Hampton.
At the request of Mr. Cagle, there are no public services scheduled, and his ashes will be interred at Santa Fe Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Elks Lodge in Gainesville or military association of your choice.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Juanita Cozart
Juanita Pearl “Nita” Cozart of Keystone Heights, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka. She was born Nov. 27, 1972, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Cynthia “Cindy” Miller and grew up surrounded by family and love in both West Virginia and Green Cove Springs. Nita was a homemaker in every sense of the word. She poured her heart into her home and into raising her son, Charles C.W. Cozart. More than mother and son, the two shared a best-friend kind of relationship. Charles will forever carry her tough love, sharp wit, and unshakable support with him. Though unexpected blindness changed the course of her path at age 32, it never dimmed her light. She faced life with courage, humor, and her signature straight-shooting honesty. She was giving and loyal to those she loved, always ready with encouragement, laughter, and even the shirt off her back if someone needed it. She adored her grandparents, enjoyed time spent in worship with her church families at Keystone Methodist Church and Immanuel Anglican Church, and loved nothing more than cheering for the Florida Gators. She also treasured slipping off to the beach with Opal, finding peace and happiness by the water. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cindy Miller; and her sister, Dalena Clere.
She is survived by her son, Charles “C.W.” Cozart and Grand Cat Whiskey of Orlando; the love of her life, Fred Pitts of Keystone Heights; brother, Allen Bryant of Starke; nieces, Kierra Kimbrough of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Staesha Kimbrough of Columbus, Ohio, Raeshawnda Kimbrough of Columbus, Ohio and Madison Grubbs of Starke; nephew, Christopher Rathbun of Starke; Aunt Debbie (Jay) Ellis of Keystone Heights; Uncle James Miller of Beckley, West Virginia; and cousins she grew up with, Buddy (Chelsea Randall) Milam of Green Cove Springs and Opal Milam of Starke. She also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends who will miss her bright spirit and the warmth she carried into every room.
A service to honor her life will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Anglican Church, 915 Orchid Ave., Keystone Heights 32656.
Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home has been entrusted with services.
PAID OBITUARY
Chance English
Ryan Chance English, 20, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2025, due to natural causes. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ronnie and Kathy Gunter; and paternal grandfather, Christopher English Sr.
Survivors are his mother, Penny (Gunter) English; father, Christopher English; brother, Chase English; sister, Taylor English; and paternal grandmother, Carol English.
The family will receive friends at the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home & Chapel in Starke on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. In honor of Ryan’s life, a funeral service will follow on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Dyal Cemetery, with Pastor Rudy Thornton officiating.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Lovie Lyons
Gussie “Lovie” (Crews) Lyons, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Lake Butler, surrounded by her loving family. Born Nov. 3, 1931, on Cowhouse Island in the Okefenokee Swamp, she lived a life that echoed strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. A dedicated worker, she devoted many years of her life to serving others, most notably at Copeland Sausage, as well as at SREC, Lake Butler Hospital, and Union County School Board in food services. Her commitment to her work reflected her character, an independent and hard worker who approached every task with passion and diligence. She was not just known for her incredible work ethic, but also for her tender love for her family, particularly her daughters Bobbie (Stan) Lehman and Janice (Ralph) Parrish, whom she lovingly referred to as her “Chicks.” She nurtured them with grace, always taking the time to share her “Jesus Calling” devotions and pray with them. These moments of connection were invaluable, forming the fabric of their lives together. Her love extended through generations, touching the hearts of her grandchildren, Phillip (Shelly) Joyner II, Rhonda (Robbie) Barber, Jennifer (Glenn) Ritch, and Terry Dean (Penny) Elixson; and her ever-growing number of great-grandchildren: Michaela (Lee) Elixson, Taylor Joyner, Phillip Joyner III, Brianna (Tyler) Fleming, Shelbie Barber, Bobbie Grace (Zach) Womack, Garrett (Kaitlin) Ritch, Jenna (Jordan) Rowe, Garrison Ritch, Kobe Elixson, Klay (Makayla) Elixson, Kadyn Elixson, and Aleigh Elixson. Her legacy continued with her great-great-grandchildren, including Preslee, Parker, PJ, Palmer, Colson, Hudson, Jencie, Judson, Levi, Layton, Pierce, and Easton. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit, embodying the warmth and love she so generously shared. Her heart was as vast as her life experiences. She bravely survived a bear attack and a coral snake bite, stories that became legend within her family. Her passion for caring for others and her commitment to her faith were evident in her long-standing membership at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, where she took pride in working in the nursery. Her love for music resonated deeply, and she spent many hours singing old-time hymns, filling the hearts of her loved ones with melody and prayer. She embodied grace, faith, and an everlasting bond with her family that transcends even the greatest of earthly trials. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Deamos Albert and Gussie Dowling Crews; sisters, Lydia Graham and Veenie Dowling; and brother, Revis Dowling.
A Celebration of Lovie’s life will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m at her church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. Her services will be officiated by her grandson, Pastor Terry Dean Elixson, and Pastor Jason Johns. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Lovie’s pallbearers will be her grandsons, Phillip Joyner III, Garrett and Garrison Ritch, Klay, Kadyn and Kobe Elixson along with Jordan Rowe and Zach Womack. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Joyner II, Glenn Ritch, Robbie Barber, Lee Elixson, John Johns, and Brad Whitehead.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Lovie’s family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Scott Pappas
Anthony “Scott” Pappas, 64, of Keystone Heights was received by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, following a valiant fight with cancer. Born to Nick and Dorothy (Phillips) Pappas, Scott’s life began Jan. 23, 1961, in Thomasville, Alabama, and ended in the home on Crystal Lake, where he first met his high school sweetheart and wife, Brenda (Melton) Pappas. He was a strong, proud, Keystone Heights football star and graduated from KHHS, class of 1979. He was a certified GM mechanic prior to working with his father in their family business, which he would eventually manage for many years. His faith in Christ defined him as a man, and he was a loyal servant of God and member at First Baptist Church in Keystone Heights. In his spare time, he spent many nights fishing with his best friends, father-in-law “Buddy” Melton and brother on Crystal Lake. In the fall and winter of each year, he and his family could usually be found in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee. Above all else, he was known for his generous, giving spirit toward his friends and family. Scott leaves behind a legacy of love that includes his faithful and devoted wife of 44 years, Brenda (Melton) Pappas; children, Casey (Aaron) Brunt, Ashley (Taylor) Kroll, Brooke Pappas, and Micah Pappas; and grandchildren, Noah and Sophia Kroll, Abigail Brunt, and Trey and Tyler Rivera, who lovingly called him “PaPou.” He was preceded in death by his father, Nick Pappas, and is survived by his mother, Dorothy (Phillips) Pappas; sister, Helen Pappas Moncrief; brother, Chris Pappas (Jeni); and mother-in-law, Shirley (Turknett) Melton.
The family is holding a Celebration of Life for him on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 7219 SE Second Place, Starke, 32091, the Pappas family childhood home on Crystal Lake. Family will gather at 10:30 a.m. and all friends are encouraged to drop in anytime at the lake house from 11:30 a.m. until sunset. Come ready to enjoy the lake, wearing your shorts and flip-flops, and help us honor and remember Scott in one of his favorite places.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
