Billy Belford
It is with great sadness that the family of Billy James Belford announces his passing after a brief illness on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at the age of 71. He was born in Union County on Oct. 23, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Lake Butler. He was a remarkable man and father who touched the lives and hearts of those who knew him. His laughter and caring gestures will echo in our memories as we carry on his legacy of kindness and joy. He was preceded in death by his father, James B. Reed; his mother, Pearlie Mae Belford; one brother, Jerome Belford; and a niece, Angela Horne Williams.
He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory his two children, Javaris J. Belford and Monique Belford; and three grandchildren, Zaydian Belford, Adia Belford and Aniyah Purcell. He is also survived by five sisters, Bobbie J. Horne of Lake Butler, Ella Mae Haile and Latonia (Stephen) Foster, all of Starke, Erma J. Reed of Alachua, and Linda (Bobby) Alberttie of Lake City; and one brother, Edward J. Reed of Lake City. In addition, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and grieving friends who will share in the loss of his presence.
A visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 2, and a funeral service in his memory was held Friday, Jan. 3. Both were held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, 55 N. Lake Ave., Lake Butler, 32054 with Elder Abraham L. Perry Sr., officiating. Those who desire to send memorial flowers and cards in memory of Billy Belford can send them to Archer-Milton Funeral Home, 55 N. Lake Ave., Lake Butler 32054.
PAID OBITUARY
Manda Lee Buck-Griffis
Manda Lee Buck-Griffis (Mandalee) of Lake City was born on July 9, 1943, in Starke. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, she gained her wings, surrounded by two of her sons, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter at home in Arvada, Colorado at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Buck; father, Robert Rollin Griffis; mother, Viola Martha Johnson-Griffis; sisters, Jewell, Daphine, and Oleane Griffis; brothers, Homer, Earl, and W.L. Griffis; son, Robert Roland Griffis; and a great-granddaughter, Ivori Rose Mosley.
She is survived by her sons, Willie James Harris of Lake City, Elbert Leroy Bryant of Whitakers, North Carolina and Daniel Lee Bryant of Arvada, Colorado. Also left are her grandchildren, Elbert L. Bryant II, Jason A. Harris, Candace L. Dilda, Kennedy K. Bryant, Daniel L. Bryant, and Dean Bryant; along with 14 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Dyal Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with graveside services beginning at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Christopher Carson
Christopher Leroy Carson, born April 13, 1954, in Jacksonville to Sheriff Dale and Dr. Doris Carson, passed away Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. He married his high-school sweetheart, Julia Jordan, on March 22, 1975, and, after graduating from Florida State University in 1977, he and Julie moved to Keystone Heights in 1979. He participated in and served his community in so many ways. Through the years, he coached youth sports (baseball and soccer), was a volunteer firefighter, a mentor with Take Stock in Children, and a member of Kiwanis, Keystone Heights Business Association, Melrose Business Association, Hawthorne Business Association, Azalea Health (Rural Health Care Inc.) Board of Governors, Keystone Heights High School Quarterback Club (President) and Keystone Heights Methodist Church. He was named Citizen of the Year by the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2003. He worked at Clay Electric Cooperative for 34 years, first in building and grounds, and later as a member-relations representative for the Keystone District. He retired in 2016. Throughout his life, his family, friends, hunting, fishing, cooking, and serving his community were his joys and passions. His humor and high jinks were legendary, and he could make an adventure out of anything. His family and friends never doubted his love for them. He joins in heaven his parents; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Libby Jordan; sister, Cyndi Jackson; and best friend, Billy Byrom.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julia Jordan Carson; daughter, Whitney (Greg) Harper of Ponte Vedra Beach; son Christian (Meghan) Carson of Bradenton; grandchildren, Zane and Evelyn Harper and Merritt and Burke Carson; brother, Dale Craig Carson; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends, including the CarGoetzBy family (Janice and Fred Goetzman and Liz Byrom and their children and grandchildren). He will be remembered as a loving and generous man who never met a stranger and had an infectious laugh and a quick wit. He will be deeply missed by all.
A celebration of life was held at Keystone Heights Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 4, with Rev. J.T. Taylor officiating. For those who wish to make a gift in remembrance of him, the family asks that you join him in caring well for his community, through gifts to Mission of the Dirt Road or Lake Area Ministries in Keystone Heights.
Arrangements were under the care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc., 311 S. Main St., Gainesville. 352-376-5361. www.milamfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sam A. Johns
Sam A. Johns, 76, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at HCA North Florida Hospital in Gainesville following an extended illness. Born on Nov. 18, 1948, in Gainesville to the late Seeber and Nina Lee Croft Johns, he made invaluable contributions both professionally and personally throughout his life. After high school, he pursued education in diesel mechanics at a college in Nashville, equipping him with the technical expertise that would guide his professional journey. He owned and operated Johns Union 76 in downtown Lake Butler until its closing in the mid-1990s. Following this chapter, he transitioned to a rewarding career with the Union County School Board, where he worked diligently as a mechanic at the bus garage until his retirement. His dedication and skilled workmanship left a lasting impact on those he worked with and served. Further showing his dedication and love to his community, he proudly served as county commissioner from 1976 to 1984. His last four years in office he held the title of chairman. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply passionate about farming. He found joy in working his cattle, bailing hay, and riding his property on his Kubota, nurturing his love for his family land and animals. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seeber and Nina Lee Croft Johns.
He is survived by his sisters, Teresa Johns, Mary Lee O’Steen, and Sue (David) Stalnaker. He cherished his role as an uncle to his nephews, Johnny O’Steen, Joey (Frankie) O’Steen, Chris (Amy) Stalnaker, and Chad (Cailyn) Stalnaker. He also delighted in the company of his great-nieces and nephews, Tyler O’Steen, Jadee O’Steen, Jake O’Steen, Paislee Stalnaker, and Sawyer Stalnaker, who brought him immense joy, and his special friend, Gail Sheppard.
Visitation was held on Jan. 4, with the funeral service following, at the First Christian Church, Lake Butler. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek Cemetery. Brother Art Peterson and Brother Shane Collins officiated the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or First Christian Church, Lake Butler.
It is the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to serve the Johns family as they honor Sam. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth “Liz” Daggy Miller, 90, of Middleburg passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at Palagio Senior Living Facility in Orange Park with her loving family by her side. She was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on Aug. 23, 1934, to her loving mother, Estelle Daggy. She was raised in Virginia and graduated from North River High School. Shortly after graduation, she embarked on her next chapter, furthering her education. She had a deep passion to help others and was able to fulfill her passion through her career as a registered nurse. She served many years at the State Hospital in Virginia, specializing in psychiatric medicine. She met her best friend and forever companion, Roy Francis Miller, later in life, and they were happily married in September of 2000. A few years later, they relocated to Bradford County to be closer to her son and enjoy the warmer weather. She was a longtime member of Bayless Highway Baptist Church, where she enjoyed worshiping and praising her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was very talented with her hands. Throughout the years, she enjoyed knitting, sewing, weaving, and painting photos. She was also gifted in music; had a beautiful voice, loved to play piano and sing, and was a member of the choral society for years. In her free time, she enjoyed watching all sports, but most recently loved the Chiefs football games and WWE wrestling. More than anything, she was most joyed by spending time with her precious family and her cat, Baby. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 22 years, Roy Francis Miller; and two sisters.
She is survived by her loving children, Paula Craun of Virginia, Kenny Craun of Middleburg, Reta (Robbie) Crissman and Marcia (Steve) Grimm, both of Virginia; 12 grandchildren; many great- grandchildren; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Jan. 4, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mike Conner officiating.
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’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Marlane Padgett
Marlane Collins Padgett, 65, of Lawtey, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She was born in Jacksonville to the late Clinton Collins and Zedra Jordan Collins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Padgett; parents; and two brothers.
Survivors are her children, Casey Nettles, Jeffery (Brittany) Nettles, Jamie Padgett and Alexa Padgett; sisters, Lisa (Kevin) Dugger and Lynette Stucka; and eight grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757
Dewey Thornton
Dewey Franklin Thornton, 91, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. Born on March 15, 1933, in Lake City, he lived a life full of purpose and dedication. He grew up surrounded by the warmth of family, notably cherished for the love instilled by his parents, David and Mary Etta Stafford Thornton. He devoted 33 years of his life to serving the U.S. Department of Labor in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he made significant contributions in the wage hour division. His professional endeavors culminated in his retirement in 1993, when he held the esteemed position of district director. This role was not merely a job to him; it represented his commitment to fairness and integrity in the workplace. A proud veteran, he served four years in the United States Air Force, which further shaped his strong sense of duty and respect for service. His discipline and dedication followed him throughout his lifetime, including his academic achievements, as he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1960. Beyond his impressive career, he was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for fishing and spent countless hours by the water, happily casting his line and enjoying nature. Gardening was another of his cherished hobbies; he took great joy in nurturing his plants and took pride in growing eggplants. His affection for his extended family truly defined his character, as he cherished every moment spent with them. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lindsey (Essie) Thornton, Myrtice (J.C.) Kitchens, Mavle (Andrew) Crews, Edith (Cecil) Brannen, Wilma (S.B.) Carroll, Melverna “Bunny” (Robbie) Addison, and Charles (June) Thornton; as well as his parents, David and Mary Etta Stafford Thornton.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 72 years, Norma Dekle Thornton, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship. He is survived by his sons, David (Carol) Thornton of Clearwater and Donald Thornton of High Springs. He took pride in being a grandfather to his granddaughters, Jessica Thornton of St. Petersburg and Marianne (James) Montgomery of Clearwater. His extensive family also includes numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of love and kindness.
A service to honor his life will be held at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Lake Butler on Saturday, Jan. 11. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning an hour prior at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home considers it an honor to serve the Thornton family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
