Dave Alvarez
Loren David “Dave” Alvarez, born on Sept. 28, 1955, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
Barbara Barksdale
The world lost a bright light on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, with the passing of our devoted mother, Barbara Barksdale. Barbara was born to James Wagner and Pearl (McAlhany) Horne on Sept. 29, 1927, in Reevesville, South Carolina. The Hornes and their baby left South Carolina for Florida when her father was transferred there by Seaboard Air Line Railroad (now CSX). She grew up in Hampton, where her mother ran a general store and her father was the depot agent. She, along with her four siblings, enjoyed growing up in a small town and attending school there. Students from Hampton were bussed to Bradford High School in the ninth grade to finish their education, and that’s where she met her future husband, Robert Barksdale. After graduating from high school in 1945, she attended Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee for a year before moving to Jacksonville to work for Southern Bell. Robert and Barbara were married Feb. 9, 1947, at First Baptist Church of Hampton. During their first year of marriage, Barbara helped out in the family clothing business, Barksdale’s Department Store. Then, in 1948, their first baby was born, followed by two more little ones within the next eight years, and Barbara became a full-time “mommy.” Barbara was very active in her children’s lives, being a Cub Scout den mother, and was always eager to volunteer to chaperone Girl Scout activities, school trips and band trips. Her home was always a welcoming spot for the neighborhood children and for friends who dropped by for afternoon coffee. The Barksdales purchased the Florida Theatre in Starke in 1962 and worked alongside each other to make a success of this new venture. Barksdale Theatres, Inc. eventually grew to six indoor and two drive-in theaters in several southeastern states. Their hands-on work ethic never faltered during their 46 years in the movie theater business. In 1976, the Barksdales moved to Humboldt, Tennessee, to run several of their theaters in west Tennessee. During her early married years, Barbara was active in the Starke Women’s Club and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Being of the Baptist faith, the Barksdales were members of the First Baptist Church of Starke and The Church at Sugar Creek (formerly First Baptist Church) in Humboldt, Tennessee. Spending time with family was one of Barbara’s greatest joys. She enjoyed getting together for family reunions and traveling with her brothers and sisters on road trips and cruises. Barbara was truly the “heart of the home” and took great joy in treating her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to special gatherings twice yearly in various locations for the Barksdale Birthday Bash and the Barksdale Christmas Bash! The Barksdales returned to Starke in 2012 after selling their last remaining movie theater. It has been wonderful for the family to have them nearby again. She touched countless lives with her kindness, grace, and generosity.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Bobbie Sue (James) O’Brian, Robert “Robby” Barksdale Jr., and Vicki Sparks. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by her four grandsons, Cody, Benjamin, Matthew, and Justin; and by her eight great-grandchildren, James, Ellie, Lily, McKenna, Emmie, Evie, Monroe, and Maverick, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her brothers, J.W Horne Jr., of Gulf Breeze and William (Bill) Horne of Hampton; and a host of loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her parents; and her two sisters, Betty Horne Murray of St. George, South Carolina and Martha Horne Williams of New Port Richey.
The family of Barbara and Robert Barksdale invite you to join them as they celebrate the lives of their parents in a joint memorial service to be held Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Foundation Church, 200 N. Walnut St., Starke 32091. Visitation will be at 2 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, 32257 or to Foundation Church: 200 N. Walnut St., Starke 32091
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 3209. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Rev. Thomas Gensel
Rev. Thomas Edward Gensel, 96, of Melrose passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Gainesville. He was born on Oct. 12, 1929, in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, to Henry and Martha (Cummings) Gensel and had served in the United States Army. He grew up in Clarksburg, West Virginia and dedicated his life to serving others through his faith and music. He was a true man of God and made a lasting impact as a pastor in various churches throughout North Carolina, West Virginia, and Florida from 1960 to 1995. He earned his Doctorate in Ministry from The Theological School at Drew University, reflecting his commitment to his calling. In addition to his pastoral work, he shared his love for music by teaching band and choir at several high schools. He had many hobbies that brought him joy, including fishing, playing chess, and lapidary work. He took pleasure in life’s simple moments and was always ready to share a story or a laugh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Maynard.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Mary Gensel; and their children, Nancy Rivers, Anna Buchanan, and Linda Sedlacek. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren, who will miss his warm spirit and unwavering support.
The family will receive friends at Keystone Heights Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor J.T. Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Bridgeport Cemetery in West Virginia.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Billy Norman
We are saddened to announce the passing of Billy Charles Norman, 79, who passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at his home in Mayflower Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family. Billy was born to Herbert and Murlar Brannen Norman on Jan. 29, 1946, in Lawtey. He graduated from Bradford County High School in 1964. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Edith Fay Norman, and they enjoyed an amazing life together until her death in 2009. Billy was a hardworking man who worked construction during his younger years and enjoyed being self-employed until his retirement. After retirement, he moved back to Florida and enjoyed fishing in the lakes around Leesburg. After his wife’s passing, he came back to Bradford County, where he farmed 27 acres that he enjoyed growing a variety of fresh vegetables on. He could grow about anything he wanted. But I will tell you, he grew the best dang tomatoes you ever ate. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. They will remember him for his kind heart, unwavering love, and dedication to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Wayne; his loving wife Fay; son, Douglas Scott; and son- in-law Quinton Gordon.
He is survived by daughters, Lisa Norman Hansen of Starke, and Kim Gordon of Mannford, Oklahoma; son, Buddy (Sharon) Norman of Greenbriar, Arkansas; sister, Carolyn Yarbrough of Lawtey; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Billy will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. at Dyal Cemetery, Starke, followed by a celebration of his life with friends and family in Starke.
PAID OBITUARY
