Edwin L. Crews
Edwin L. Crews, 81, of Lake Butler went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Born in Raiford on Jan. 6, 1944, to the late James and Noreen Dukes Crews, Edwin embraced life with a strong work ethic and an infectious spirit that touched everyone around him. For over 30 years, he dedicated his work to the University of Florida Horticulture Department. His love for growing vegetables and sugar cane was no mere pastime, but a passion. His annual sugar cane grind was where friends and family gathered to share laughter and enjoy the fruits of his labor. He was the kind of man who could light up a room with his outgoing nature and quick wit. He had a gift for delivering one-liners that would leave you in stitches, and his humor never failed to brighten the heaviest of days. Every moment he was able to hunt and fish gave him great pleasure. He loved the Lord and was a longtime member and deacon of Hauge Baptist Church. When his health began to decline, he attended Canvas Church with his family where his spirit of serving never wavered. Family meant everything to Edwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Noreen Dukes Crews; and his siblings, Elaine Lewis and Colen Crews.
He took tremendous pride in his children, Lucinda Ann Crews, Mark (Rebecca) Crews, Kim (Billy) Hart, Wes Ogden, Hazen (Marfa) Ogden, and Connie (Clark) Gladden. They were the apples of his eye, and the love he held for them was matched only by the love he had for the ones who called him “Granddaddy,” Bailey, Alaina, Amelia, Maverick, Cassie (Chase), Billy (Megan), Sam, Camille, Wyatt, Josue, Jason, Isaiah, Russell, Colt, Gunner, and Caroline. He also became great-grandfather to little Bodi, whom he had anxiously awaited his arrival. He also leaves behind his sisters, Sharon (Phillip) Berry and Ethelia (Joseph) Perry; along with a host of nieces and nephews, who shared in his laughter and love.
Family and friends are invited to gather in his honor at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, Dec. 19, starting at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Fort Call Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Crews family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
John McSpadden Jr.
John Richard McSpadden Jr., 72 of Lake Butler passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Orlando Regional Medical Center, following an extended illness. Born Feb. 11, 1953, in Vidor, Texas, his journey through life was marked by a quiet strength and a deep commitment to his family. A proud graduate of Union County High School Class of 1972, where he made his mark as a football player, he carried that team spirit throughout his life. Retiring in 2015 from the Florida Department of Corrections as a lieutenant, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service. In addition to his career in corrections, he was the entrepreneur behind Blue Ridge Pest Control and Blue Ridge Paintball. His personality was reflective of the quiet type, someone who valued meaningful conversations with family and friends. His relaxed demeanor was a source of comfort for those around him, bringing a sense of calm that was deeply cherished. In his leisure time, he found enjoyment in a variety of interests; fishing in the early morning light, passionately cheering for the Florida Gators, engaging in friendly card games where he proved to be quite the strategist, and tending to his beehives. But perhaps the most fulfilling of all his interests was building. Whether crafting a sturdy house or a simple table, each project was a testament to his hands-on talent and ingenuity, filling him with happiness.
He leaves behind a loving family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was the devoted husband of 20 years to Juanita McSpadden. His legacy continues through his children, John R. (Sigrid) McSpadden III, Fatima (Boyd) Ammons, Gordon McSpadden (Laura Ragucci), and Scott (Catherine) McSpadden. He embraced those who came into his life as stepchildren as well, including Melisa (Chris) Shough and Robert (Jennifer) Betancourt; and his grandchildren, Hayden, Brody, James, Allissia (Alexander), Hunter, Jalyn (Ki), Skylar, Arianna, Aiden, Alexis, Brittany, Brannon, Sophia, and Reagan, all of whom were blessed to know his guiding presence. Along with his two great-granddaughters, Annabella and Lillie. He is also survived by siblings, Faith Harvey, Hope Kendrick, and Marcus McSpadden.
He was predeceased by his parents, John Sr. and Leona Clemons McSpadden; stepson, Billy Ray Sanford, grandson, Thorne McSpadden; as well as his siblings, Richard McSpadden and Patricia Rios.
A visitation to honor him was held at Lake Butler Church of Christ in Lake Butler on Tuesday, Dec. 9, followed by a funeral service with Brother Brian Reagan officiating. John was laid to rest immediately following the service at Douglas Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral home is honored to serve the McSpadden family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Peggy Smith
Margaret (Peggy) Ann Smith, 69, of Starke passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She was born Jan. 9, 1956, in Saint Paul, Minnesota to her loving parents, William R. Paul and Nancy Cicala Paul. She grew up in Saint Paul and attended Washington High School, proudly graduating with the Class of 1974. She carried a creative and spirited personality throughout her life. She enjoyed arts and crafts, cooking, fishing, collecting owls, slot machines, visiting the Hard Rock in Tampa, long walks, tanning on the beach, and living life to the fullest. She adored her Doxies, Lucy and Sofia, and cherished spending time watching movies with her daughter Bobbie. She lived her life with warmth, adventure, and joy, and she will be remembered for the love she shared with all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, William R. Paul and Nancy Cicala Paul; sister, Linda Eiden; and grandson, Paolo Rocco.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Smith of Starke; children, Bobbie Jo Smith of Starke, Nancy Hellend of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Branden Burandt of Burnsville, Minnesota, and Rachel (Dillon) Engelhart of Burnsville, Minnesota; her brothers, William (Sheila) Paul of Minnesota, and Dan (Dawn) Joyce of Forest Lake, Minnesota; numerous grandchildren; one great-grandson; along with many extended family members and friends.
A mass will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, with Father Andy Mitera as celebrant. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2 p.m.
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
Joni Telli
Joni Leigh Telli, 55, of Starke passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. She was born Sept. 12, 1970, in Jacksonville to her loving parents, Jerry and Brenda Telli. She moved to Starke nine years ago and quickly became a cherished part of her community. She was a woman with a gentle soul and a beautiful creative spirit. She found joy in artwork, cherished quiet moments reading her favorite books, and loved nothing more than spending time with her grandsons, who were the light of her life. She was an animal lover at heart and never hesitated to help any animal in need, showing compassion in ways both seen and unseen. Family was everything to Joni. Whether she was sharing laughter, offering comfort, or simply being present, she poured love into every moment. Her kindness, warmth, and selflessness touched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved.
She is survived by her devoted parents, Jerry and Brenda Telli; her loving daughter, Erika Telli of Jacksonville; her sister, Wendy (Eric) Matthews; and her precious grandsons, Kaleb Sanders and Theodore Sanders. She also leaves behind extended family members, friends, and many whose lives were made brighter by her gentle presence. We love you so much and miss you dearly. XOXO, forever.
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
Mike Starling
Mr. David “Mike” Starling, 69, of Keystone Heights passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. He was born Feb. 9, 1956, in Jacksonville to Jack and Vera (Bernardi) Starling. David made a successful career as a realtor in the real estate industry, where he touched the lives of many. Prior to being a successful real estate agent, he had his own business for 25 years. He was of the Catholic faith. Outside of work, he had a zest for life. Whether it was water skiing or pulling his grandkids and the neighborhood kids on the tube. He loved riding his grandkids on the jet ski and four-wheeler. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed riding his Jeep, attending car shows, fixing things around the house, hunting, or racing go-karts. He embraced every moment and shared his passions with family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Sharon Starling, and Roger Starling.
David is survived by his loving and devoted significant other of 40 years, Ruby Carreras of Keystone Heights; sons, David Starling Jr. of Jacksonville and Billy (Crystal) Carreras of Trenton; daughter, Christy (Jeff) Appleang; sister, Robin Carter of Vidalia, Georgia; brother, Robert (Caroline) Starling of York, South Carolina; aunt, Deloris Jonjock from Jacksonville, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a devoted family man, known affectionately as “Pops” to his grandchildren, Caleb, Emily, and Gabe.
The family will gather to honor him with a memorial Mass, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., which will take place at St. William Catholic Church.
PAID OBITUARY
Gail Thomas
Gail Boatwright Thomas, 77, of Starke passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, after an extended illness. She was born in Palm Beach County, Nov. 23, 1948, to the late Clinton Boatwright and Thelma Williams Boatwright. She was raised in Palm Beach County and relocated to Bradford County in her youth. While attending Bradford High School, she met her best friend and forever companion, Tommy Allen Thomas. Not long after, they were happily married Feb. 14, 1970, and were blessed with 50 amazing years of marriage and three precious children. She had a successful career as a dental assistant at Dr. Harry Gruen’s office, but her most cherished role was being a homemaker. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored every moment spent with her family and dedicated her life to caring for them. In her younger years, Gail greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing alongside Tommy, developing impressive skill in the sport. She was always talented with her hands and found joy in arranging flowers, creating wreaths, and making new crafts. Decorating her home and filling it with beauty brought her great happiness. She was also a woman of deep faith, depending daily on her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She enjoyed attending and worshiping with her church family at Madison Street Baptist Church, where she was a longtime member. More than anything, she loved making everlasting memories with those she loved. She was such a treasure and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Tommy Thomas; brothers, Wayne and Terry Boatwright; and sisters, June Dicandio and Joann Eaves.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Jason) Schmit of Amery, Wisconsin, Traci (Andy) Johns of Keystone Heights, David Dutch Thomas of Starke; 9 grandchildren, Cheyenne, Wyatt, Tyler, Noah, Sarah, Elizabeth, Elijah, Gabriela, and Lucas; brother-in-law, Leon Dicandio; sister-in-law, who she loved as a sister, Linda (Richard) Robinson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside Celebration of Life was on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Old Providence Cemetery in Lake Butler with Brother Charles Warren officiating. Interment followed at Old Providence Cemetery. The family received friends an hour prior to service at the cemetery.
Arrangements were 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
John W. Walker
John Wayne Walker died Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Walker and Esther (English) Walker Sanders; and stepfather, Horace Sanders.
Survivors are his sons, John Walker II and Richard Walker; daughter, Christina (Scott) Wells; sister, JoAnn (Ed) Wall; brothers, Michael (Christine) Sanders and William (Deena) Sanders; and extended family.
Funeral services were held at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Monday, Dec. 15. Interment will be private at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
LaVonne Wilkison
Mrs. LaVonne Kay Wilkison, born April 7, 1942, in Wayne, Nebraska to the late Harry M. and Lola Faye (Peck) Bressler, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and mother, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jerry C. Wilkison Sr.; and her son Jerry Wilkison, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, June “Michelle” (Eric) Starling of Starke; son, Robert Lewis (Renee) Wilkison (Renee) of Raiford; and grandson, Jerry (Jen) Wilkison III. She was loving called “Granny Wilkison” by her 10 additional grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. LaVonne’s family was everything to her, and she often shared her warmth and spirit with them. She was of the Baptist faith and a dedicated secretary at Lil Champ convenience store. She brought a smile to the faces of the customers and colleagues she worked with. Her love for birdwatching and her cherished cats filled her days with joy and peace.
At her request there will not be any services.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
