William Bullard Sr.
William David Bullard Sr., 88, of Starke, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. He was born April 26, 1937, in Miami to Eric and Nettie Bullard. William was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan E. Perry, on Sept. 2, 1956. Joan preceded him in death. Together they raised three children, Carol, David, and Karen. William spent his working years as a skilled boiler maker and was a proud member of Local Union 199.
He is survived by his three children, Carol Lynn (Eddie) Stilley, David (Teresa) Bullard, and Karen (Bob) Hamilton. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren, Jenny, Bonnie, Brandi, Billy, Jessie, Keri, Destiny, Crystal, Sky, and Amber. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Peyton, Kyle, Kolby, Derrick, Kylie, Caleb, Abby, Tristan, Ariana, Karlee, Emmitt, Zy’Nia, Luca, Lejla, Gabriel, Grayson, and Amiayah.
William will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy of love and hard work lives on through his family.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E Nona St, Starke 32091 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Hewitt
Mrs. Mary Hewitt, 79, of Starke died at home on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, with her children and sister at her side after a long and difficult battle with cancer. She was born in Thomas County, Georgia to Martin and Myrtice (Reagan) Chastain. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Woody” Hewitt.
Survivors are her children, Robert Dixon, Pam Dixon, and (Shaun) Amy; sister, Diane Garrison; brother, Bobby Chastain; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Monday, Feb. 9, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment was 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
Rachael Kerr
Rachael Renee “Rae Rae” Kerr, 43, of Starke died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Lake Forest, Illinois on Aug. 31, 1982, to parents Ralph Leidy and Marjorie Jewett. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Vern and Marge Jewett; and paternal grandfather, Ralph Leidy.
Survivors are her parents, Ralph Leidy and Marjorie (Pat) Morton; children, Cameron Belecour, Raelan Kerr and Brody Kerr; brother, Nick (Sadia) Leidy; paternal grandmother, Mary Leidy; and extended family members and friends.
Services will be Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Harrison officiating.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
Emma Jean Redding
Emma Jean Davis Redding passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at St. Vincent’s in Middleburg, following treatment after breaking her hip in December 2025. She was born in Pensacola to Benjamin Leopold and Flossie Aline Johnson Davis. She grew up learning to hold her own, being the only girl in the house. Her childhood consisted of crabbing, swimming in the bayou, and roller skating down Bayou Boulevard. She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1944. She met her future husband, Norman Lyle Redding, through mutual friends and they were married Jan. 21, 1945. They were married for 54 wonderful years before Norman passed away in 1999. Their son, Norman (Butch) Jr. was born in 1948. In 1955, they moved to Birmingham, Alabama for Norman to attend Howard College. Then in 1958, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana for Norman to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Emma Jean proudly received her “PHT” (putting him through) degree by working at American Standard. Before and after graduation, they served in several Baptist churches in Louisiana and Alabama. Their daughter, Christie Jean, was born while they were serving at Brushy Creek Baptist Church in 1960. The family moved to Starke in December 1962 when Norman became the Death Row chaplain at Florida State Prison. After substituting for several years, Emma Jean became attendance clerk at Bradford High School in 1968, a position she held until her retirement in 1992. Her familiar, “This is Emma Jean Redding from the high school,” became legendary in the community. She knew when students were out sick, on vacation, or skipping. The Starke police even used her knowledge of students to help solve a local robbery. She was honored in 2019 as a “Leave a Legacy” recipient by the Bradford Education Foundation. Her hobbies included sewing and cooking. She made Christie’s prom dresses and everyday clothes. When grandchildren came along, she sewed each grand a special blanket when they were born. She also made many Halloween costumes and costumes for her to dress up at BHS. She loved to cook for others. After moving into their new house, she loved to host many meals. These included the BHS staff for meals on planning days, Valentine’s banquets for widows, and many Tuesday night suppers for family, friends and people she just met! She also sent many birthday cards over the years and was a season ticket holder for the Bradford Tornadoes football team for many years (top row!). She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman; brothers, Benjamin Davis Jr, William Davis, Robert Davis, John Davis, and Thomas Davis; and sister, Fay Aline (who passed at 2.5 years).
She is survived by son, Col. (Ret.) Norman (Mary) Redding; daughter, Christie R. (Carl) Torode; brother, Charles (Sandra) Davis; grandchildren, Robert Andrew (Jenny) Redding, Norman James Redding, Shelley T. (Josh) Luke and Amanda T. (Danny) Hamilton; great- grandchildren: Remington, Kimber, Raegan, Judson, Laken, Brooke, Leah, Holston, Tate and Trisha; and great-great-grandchild, Lindsey. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Rose Marie, Marilyn and Sue; and many nieces and nephews.
Emma Jean has been a faithful member of Kingsley Lake Baptist Church for many years. The family will receive friends at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be on Friday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church with interment following at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arkadelphia Baptist Church, 8368 S.R. 91, Hanceville, AL 35077 or to the Bradford County Education Foundation 501 W. Washington St., Starke 32091.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
