Billie Mathis
Billie Gene Mathis, 70, of Starke peacefully passed away at her home Wednesday, July 8, 2026, just two days after celebrating her 70th birthday with those she loved. Billie Gene was born July 6, 1956, in Orlando, to the late John W. Thomas of Inverness and Marviene Dean of Alabama. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was defined by love, compassion, and generosity. She shared 37 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Derrell Mathis, who preceded her in death. Together they built a family that was the center of her life. She was known for her giving heart and for finding joy in the simple things that made life beautiful. She dearly loved her family, treasured her flowers, and never met an animal she didn’t love, whether it was her own or someone else’s. She was also known for her feisty spirit and contagious laughter. Billie Gene loved to dance, laugh, and enjoy life, and she had a way of making those around her smile. Her warm heart, playful personality, and caring nature left lasting memories with everyone who knew her. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where she compassionately served countless patients and families. She also worked for 10 years at Powell’s Dairy Freeze, where she made many lifelong friendships. As a member of Airpark Baptist Church, her Christian faith guided the love, kindness, and compassion she freely shared with others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Derrell Mathis; parents, John W. Thomas and Marviene Dean; brothers, Arnold Hughes and Frankie Lowe; and sister, Dell Dean.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Daniel Dean, Jeanie (Kevin Davis) Troup, and Angela (Adam) Mosley, all of Starke. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Crystal (Lamar) Taylor of Starke, Meghan Groves of Starke, Christina Jones of Brooker, Jamie Kay Henley of Starke, and Albany (Ethan) Buchholtz of Starke, Trent Rulevitch and family, and Daniel Rulevitch and family; her cherished great-grandchildren include, Maddie and Jase Feltner, Kevin, Vanessa and Carter Jones, Kolby and Henley Taylor, Aaliyah Britt, Everett Buchholtz, Olivia Groves. She is also survived by siblings, Terry (Denise) Lowe of Florida, Veronica Whitelaw of Tennessee, Coleman (Carole) Thomas of Georgia, Martin “Bubba” Thomas of Florida, Minnie Sue Davis of Webster, Deborah (Buddy) Ruis of Starke, Denise Baugh of Alabama, Lloyd “Buddy” (Christy) Dean of Alabama, and Diane (Joey) Dalrymple of Alabama. She loved spending time with her sister and best friend, Debbie. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her, along with extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Though her family mourns her passing, they rejoice in the assurance of her faith and the promise of eternal life. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, laughter, and compassion. Whether she was caring for a patient, tending her flowers, rescuing an animal, dancing with family, or simply sharing a laugh, she made the lives of others brighter. Her beautiful spirit will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Billie Gene’s tribute was lovingly prepared by her dear family. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
Her arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke 32091, 904-964-5757. To sign the family’s guest book visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Minor
Robert “Bob” T. Minor, 82, died at his home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born Oct. 23, 1943, in Fair Grove, Missouri. He spent his working years as a laborer for Jefferson Smurfitt.
Survivors are his wife, Vesta (Wake) Minor; two sons; two daughters, a sister; his pet, Hanna; and extended family and friends.
In keeping with his wishes, Mr. Minor will be cremated. There will be no formal services held at this time.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.JonesGallagherFH.com.
Betty Morgan
Mrs. Betty Jean Morgan, 90, of Hawthorne, formerly of Starke, died Sunday, July 5, 2026, at UF Health Shands Hospital. Prior to retirement, she was employed with Community Bank for 32 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wendell Jackson, and sister, Josephine Jackson.
Survivors are her husband, Glynn Morgan; sons, Richard “Rickie” (Mary) Driggers and Kirk Driggers; and extended family.
Funeral services were at Forest Meadows Funeral Home in Gainesville on Wednesday, July 8. Interment was Thursday, July 9, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.
Ronald Spence
Mr. Ronald Levell Spence, 89, of Melrose passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. He was born Oct. 19, 1936, in Walton County to Gordan and Rosa Mae Spence and served in the Army. Mr. Spence was a proud member of Freedom Baptist Church, where he found community and fellowship. He was a hardworking man who dedicated many years to his job as a warehouse shipper. He was known for his love of yard work and cherished his time piddling around the home and spending moments with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three of his sisters.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Spence; his sister, Carolyn Gorman and family of Texas; his son, Ronald “Ronnie” Spence and family of Middleburg; his daughter, Kristin Boulet and family of Keystone Heights; and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren who adored him and lovingly called him “Papa”. Also left behind are several nieces and nephews, who will miss his guidance and warmth.
At this time, there are no public services scheduled. A private interment will take place at Jacksonville Cemetery.
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
Marvin Tyer
Mr. Marvin Lee Tyer, 85, of Starke passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at his home. He was born March 8, 1941, in Alachua County to Thomas Jackson and Augusta Bernice (Peggy) (Evans) Tyer. Proudly serving in the United States Army for 26 years, he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). After retiring from the military, he continued to serve his community through his work at Florida State Prison for 19 years and at Camp Blanding for 10 years. His commitment and hard work were evident in every aspect of his life. Mr. Tyer was member of Madison Street Baptist Church, where he found community and connection. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family and friends, which brought him joy and cherished memories. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Wanda Perint and Margaret Pullen; along with his brother, Tommy Tyer; and granddaughter, Kristina Gail Frounfelter.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Gale (Martin) Tyer; children, Gabby Tyer of Cost Rica, Chris (Angie) Tyer of Lake Butler and Brandon (Kimmie) Tyer of San Antonio, Texas; along with stepchildren, Terri (Cary) Frounfelter of Largo, and Tonya (Kurt) Schneider, and Richie (Jennifer) Fender, all of Keystone Heights. Also left behind are his sisters, Leta Floyd of Jacksonville, Janice (Jerry) Wood of Hawthorne, and Carolynn (Gary) Buchanan of Alachua; as well as his brother, Ronald (Joann) Tyer of Fleming Island. He cherished his role as “Papa” to his 12 grandchildren, Brittany, Houston, Amber, Schelby, Terrance, Logan, Damon, Jordan, Ashleigh, Kori, Kale, and Brianna. His legacy will also live on through his 22 great-grandchildren, Makenna, Beau, Blake, Brooks, Hunter, Zechariah, London, Phoenix, Ezekiel, Skye, Jeremiah, Maddox, Reid, Walker, Austin, Jase, Grayson, Oaklynn, Cooper, Berkeley, Eliza, and Kellen. Also left behind are many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, additional family members and friends that will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m. at Madison Street Baptist Church with Chaplain Tom Tyer officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. before the service. Final resting place will be Little Lake McMeekin, 120 Hickory Hill Lane, Hawthorne, 32640. In lieu of flowers, you can send a donation to his surviving spouse, Gale Tyer, 1306 Pratt St., Starke, 32091
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904- 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
