Randall Davis
Mr. Randall Wayne Davis, 87, of Starke passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Middleburg. He was born Feb. 6, 1938, in Charleston, South Carolina to Harry K. and Myrtle (Gooding) Davis. He dedicated his professional life to serving others as the director of recreation for the city of Starke and later was the recreational director at Lawtey Correctional Institution, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of many. He was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Army, a period in his life that he cherished and spoke of with honor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Virginia “Ginger” (Thornton) Davis; and daughter, Gina Lee Davis.
He will be remembered for his passion for sports, particularly as an avid Florida Gators fan. His enthusiasm for the game was rivaled only by his love for spending quality time with his family, which included his two sons, Brian (Rebecca) Davis of Fleming Island and Andrew Davis of Starke; along with his cherished grandchildren, Bradley Davis of Fleming Island, Karrigan Davis of Ohio, and Connor Davis of Fleming Island. Also left behind is his brother, Harold (Sandy) Davis of Starke; and his fur baby, Angie.
A graveside service will be held at Crosby Lake Cemetery Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
George Gill Jr.
Mr. George Prescott Gill Jr., 87, of Kingsley Lake, passed away at Haven Hospice Custead Care Center in Orange Park Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born Oct. 16, 1938, in Starke to the late George and Alma (Silcox) Gill Sr. and graduated in 1956 from Bradford High School. He was a proud Army veteran and held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, graduating in 1965. Prior to retiring, he was a real-estate appraiser for the Veterans Administration, where he made lasting friendships and contributed to the lives of many. He was married to his beloved wife, Rose (Hueftle) Gill, for an incredible 64 years, creating countless memories with their daughters, Pat (Bob) Rymsza, Christina Ortega, and Heidi (Stan) Lee. A true family man, he cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, Chaylen (Erica) Ortega, Steven (Taylor) Lemire, Alexis (Ridge) Ortega, Makenzie Lee, Maddox Lee, and Skylar Lee; along with his great-grandchildren, Ella and Emma, Waylon, Emberlyn, Hudson, Peyton, and Adler. He was affectionately known as “Papa,” and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent many joyful days at the lake, a place that remained dear to his heart until the very end.
The family has elected to hold a private memorial service at a later date. If you wish to honor his memory, donations made to Haven Hospice, Custead Care Center, 745 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, 32065 are greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Russell Kerschner Jr.
Mr. Russell “Junior” Roger Kerschner Jr., 87, of Hampton passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Lake Montgomery Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lake City. He was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio to Russell Roger and Alma (Wellcome) Kerschner Sr. He was of the Methodist faith and attended First United Methodist Church of Starke, now Foundation Church. He was always working, enjoyed tinkering with automobiles, loved wheeling and dealing and was known for his amazing story telling. Prior to retirement, he worked as a paint and body technician. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Twila (Fry) Kerschner; daughter, Judith Kerschner; sons, Roger Kerschner and Raymond Kerschner; daughter-in-law, Tina Kerschner; and great-grandson, Raymond Michael Ardell Kerschner.
Survivors are sons, Terry Kerschner (Kimberley Coleman) of Lake Butler, and Wayne (Shanda) Checkers of Starke. He was called “Grandpa” by grandchildren, Charles, Jonathan, Justin, Jackson, Jeremy, Jennifer, and Georgia; along with great- grandchildren, Twila and James.
Funeral services will be Friday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonegallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Earl Rhoden
Robert “Earl” Rhoden, 79, of Hampton, died at home, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. He was married to Betty (Harris) Rhoden for 40 years.
Survivors are children, James Rhoden (Sarah), Edward Earl Rhoden (Kandice), and Jennifer Irene Rhoden; brothers, Raymond and Larry Rhoden; sister, Shelia Stanley; and 10 grandchildren.
Graveside services were at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Alton Thornton
Alton Curtis Thornton, 68, of Starke, formerly of High Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Born June 22, 1957, in Lake City, he was the son of John Nelson Thornton and Carma Vera Griffis, who instilled in him a deep faith, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. Alton lived a life defined by service, integrity, and commitment to others. He proudly dedicated many years to law enforcement and public safety. He retired as a Communications Sergeant with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, where he served faithfully from 1999 to 2019 in Lake Butler. Prior to that, he worked as a Duty Officer with the Florida Highway Patrol from 1981 to 1989, later serving as a Duty Officer Supervisor with the Gainesville Station before returning to Starke. He was even an ordained minister and pastor at New River New Congregational Methodist Church. His earlier years of service included roles as a Correctional Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections, as well as positions with Archie Tanner Funeral Home, Archer Funeral Home, and Keith Griffis Ford. In every role he held, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, a servant’s heart, and a sincere desire to help those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Nelson Thornton and Carma Vera Griffis; as well as his brothers, Dale Thornton, Donald Thornton, and Neil Thornton.
He is survived by his sister, Margie (Bryan) Barkman; his loving wife, Michelle Thornton; daughter, Brooke (Brad) Barber; son, Nelson (Lezlee) Thornton. He was especially proud to be “Papa” to his grandchildren, Donnie (Emilee), Josie (Brandon), Jorden, Layla, and Wyatt. He was “Pappy” to his beloved great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Oakleigh. They were the light of his life and brought him immeasurable joy. Alton lived a life of purpose and faith. His legacy endures in the lives of his family, the many people he served, and the countless moments of kindness he shared. He will be remembered for his humor, his love, his storytelling, and his steadfast trust in God. May he rest in eternal peace, in the presence of the Lord he loved so dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. at New River New Congregational Methodist Church, with Pastor Randall A. Griffis Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. Private interment will be at South Prong 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
