Deborah Hart
Deborah Denise Hart, 62, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Haven Hospice, Lake City, following an extended illness. She was born, and lived most of her life, in Lake Butler. She was especially proud of her service to her country, in both the Florida Army National Guard and Florida Air National Guard with over 24 years of service, to include participation in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom, and time spent in Qatar. She retired from the Florida Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and was a disabled veteran. She was awarded several medals and ribbons for her outstanding service. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Butler. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. When she was not able to visit in person, she would spend hours catching up over the phone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Walter Brown Jr.; parents, Homer F. Hart, Shirley Rosier Stalvey and LeRoy Stalvey; sisters, Teresa Collins and Amy Hart; nephew, Justin Eaves; and nieces, Staci Eaves Arvin and Faith Gray.
She is survived by her daughter, Jordan (Kerry) Touchstone; granddaughter, Avery Touchstone; grandson, Kash Touchstone; and step-grandson/great-nephew, Kanten Touchstone, all of Lake Butler; step-daughters, Sonnett Brown (Christopher Dal Porto) of Seattle, Washington and Dakota (William) York of Shelton, Washington; step-daughter, Jacqueline (Doug) Marshall of Tampa; step-son, Kenneth (Megan) of Tampa; brother, Franklin Hart of Canton, Georgia; sisters, Merrell (Evon) Colchiski of Ocala and Shawn (Keith) Gray of Live Oak; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A memorial service commemorating her life, and celebrating her 63rd birthday, will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 325 S.W. Sixth St., Lake Butler 32054, with Pastor Keith Gray and Pastor Danny Fouraker officiating. Burial will follow at Dekle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Trinity Baptist Church or Disabled American Veterans.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Gail Jordan
Mrs. Gail L. Jordan, 84, of Starke, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at home. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church
Her husband was Robert F. Jordan. She had two children, Mike Jordan (the late Theresa) and Cindy (Ed) Williams. She was a grandmother and great-grandmother.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Warren Kelly
Warren “Scobby” Kelly moved on to his next journey on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, after 91 years of a well-lived life. He passed away peacefully with family by his side.
His story began on July 29, 1933, when he was born to Annie Reddish Kelly and Enoch Kelly in Starke. In addition to his trademark Stetson, he wore a lot of hats in life. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, followed by a career as an electrician. Farming was in his blood, and he later established a poultry farm in Keystone Heights, the city where he lived and raised his family. He was also known for his various side hustles, which are the stuff of local legend. Maybe best described as a redneck renaissance man, he lived life his way. His was a life filled with adventures big and small, with many of the stories of those adventures being true! One day, you might find him on his farm, sitting on his tailgate and swapping stories with Tom Petty. The next day, you’d spot him on the campaign trail with Ronald Reagan (both true). Most often, however, you’d find him surrounded by the multitudes who wandered into his orbit. Whether cruising the roads in his red, Ford truck (always red, always Ford) or holding court on a tailgate, he had a knack for making life’s simple moments memorable and fun. That red Ford wasn’t just a vehicle; much like his Stetson, it was an extension of his personality. Everyone knew it was Scobby coming down the road, and you knew you were about to get a big smile and a wave! His farm was much more than a business. For decades it was the social hub of Keystone Heights. Friends, family and even strangers quickly became part of his circle; once you were in, you were in for life. His pole-barn parties were legendary; generations grew up laughing, dancing, eating and drinking under that roof. The tales of these parties continue to be shared to this day. Scobby wasn’t only a guy who never met a stranger; he was a guy who made strangers feel like they had known him forever. He didn’t just leave a mark on his corner of the world, he left tire tracks, footprints and a sense that life was meant to be filled with laughter, friends and a few shenanigans. At his core, he was a happy man, and he was dedicated to bringing happiness to those around him. He crafted life into his own unique art form. They truly broke the mold when they made him, but the world will always be brighter because he was here. His absence leaves a huge hole in the lives of Marion, Joey and Alan, and the legions of family and friends who knew and loved him. But he wouldn’t want us to dwell on that void. Instead, honor his memory by living life as he did. Talk to a stranger, wave to random cars you pass on the street, chat with someone much longer than you should, explore a controversial “enterprise,” and definitely work “that’s what she said” into your conversations.
Services/celebrations will be announced at a later date. Until then, celebrate Scobby by sharing his stories. Stories of a man who turned life into one fabulous ride.
Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc., 311 S. Main St., Gainesville 32601. 352-376-5361. www.milamfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Carol Prins
Carol Joyce Prins, born July 24, 1940, in Worthington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville. Her life was a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. She never met a stranger. She could light up any room with her warm smile and engaging spirit. She was an exceptional storyteller whose tales captivated audiences, bringing to life moments that felt both grand and intimate. A true matriarch, her home was a sanctuary where family and friends gathered, nourished by her culinary delights and surrounded by the flourishing gardens she cherished. Cooking, gardening, art, and writing were her passions, avenues through which she expressed her creativity and her devotion to those she loved. Her journey through life was painted with remarkable accomplishments, as she excelled as both an artist and an author. Her creative expressions rendered the world a more beautiful place, echoing the beauty she saw in each moment and each person. Carol was married to her beloved husband, Rodney Prins, for an incredible 65 years. Together, they built a life filled with cherished memories and the kind of love that inspired those around them. Their union steered the ship of their family, guiding their children, Tammy (Barry) Ryan, Lourie Albanese, Daniel Prins, and Scott (Kim) Prins. As a mother, she was devoted, instilling values and providing unconditional support to her children, ensuring they walked the paths of life with confidence and courage. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Hulda Brinkhous Licht; and brothers, Ardell, Loyed, Stanley, and Loyed Lee Licht.
Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Caitlin, Joseph, Kristen (Blake), Stephen (Alexis), Emily, Kenna, Max, and Kelsey, who were inspired by her stories, and who filled her heart with pride and joy. All of them, including her great-grandchildren, Avery and Austin, were kissed with her creativity and love, each a testament to her life’s work.
In honoring her memory, everyone was invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Jan. 11 at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler, followed by a funeral service. Immediately following the service, she was laid to rest at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
It was the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to honor the life of Carol Prins. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
James Trowell
James Trowell, lovingly known as “Pop,” passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at HCA North Florida Hospital, surrounded by his cherished family. He was born June 18, 1950, in Georgia, to the late Joe and Gladys Trowell and lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and love. For an impressive 50 years, he proudly owned and operated Trowell Construction, building not only structures but lasting relationships within his community. His career was marked by his hardworking nature and unwavering commitment to excellence, which earned him the respect and admiration of clients and friends alike. When “Pop” wasn’t overseeing construction projects, he could often be found at his beloved barn, working tirelessly on his race car, engaging in his favorite pastimes of hunting and fishing, or playing music on his guitar and bass. His interesting sense of humor might catch you off guard, but his big heart showed his true character. Known for his generous spirit, he took pride in ensuring that his family and friends never went without. His love of cooking displayed his generosity, and it gave him great pleasure to prepare a meal for his loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Gladys Trowell; and 11 siblings.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Joann Tomlinson Trowell, who stood by his side through every season of life; and his three children, Jessica (Ben) Myers, Chris (Heather) Trowell and Leslie (Maryann) Trowell. “Pop” took immense pride in his legacy, which lives on through his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought him boundless joy and moments of laughter. He is also survived by his sister, Maggie (Kenny) Keen.
A visitation was held Friday, Jan. 10, at Johnstown Baptist Church in Lake Butler, followed by a funeral service. “Pop” will be laid to rest at a later date.
It is the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home assist the family as they honor James Trowell, “Pop,” 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Hunter Walker
Hunter Lee Walker, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motor vehicle accident while in West Virginia on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Born on Aug. 17, 2001, in Gainesville, he was a joyful spirit whose laid-back personality and love for life endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was raised in Lawtey and graduated from Bradford High School in 2018. Three years ago, he moved to West Virginia with his sister and was a warehouse worker for Pactiv Evergreen. He was known for his easygoing demeanor, embodying the essence of a country boy who found immense joy in the simplicity of life. He loved listening to music, riding dirt roads in his beloved Ford Ranger truck, and spending quality time with friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lester Walker.
He is survived by his father, Lester Walker; mother, Marie Walker; twin brother, Clay Lee Walker; and his sisters, Sarah Marie Thomas and Ashlee (Anthony) Montgomery. His family also includes his cherished nieces and nephews, Ryder, Leighton, and Molli, who brought him and the family great delight. Additionally, he leaves behind his grandmother, Marla Walker; and a daughter on the way, Dove Lee Walker, who will carry on his legacy.
The Celebration of Life was held on Friday, Jan. 10, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler, Florida. Family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched were welcome to join in honoring a life that was, though brief, profoundly impactful. Hunter Lee Walker’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
PAID OBITUARY
