Lee Anderson
On Thursday July 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Mr. Lee Anderson slipped peacefully into the arms of the Lord. He was born Nov. 19, 1949 in Jacksonville to the late George Leroy Anderson and Welcome (Reese) Anderson. He loved life and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends who were in need. But above all, he loved the Lord and his sweetie, Cathy. He greeted everyone, friend or stranger, with a joke and smile that would light up a room. He loved to be outdoors, and you would often find him sitting quietly spending time with the Lord or tinkering in his shop. He was an active member of Gadara Baptist Church. The Lord had placed a calling on his heart to serve the seniors by leading the senior ministries and teaching the Senior Adult Sunday School class. He was truly a man who exemplified the love of God.
He is survived by the second love of his life, his wife of 29 years, Cathy, of Melrose; four daughters, Tracy L. Anderson (Blake) Nelson of Live Oak, Kristy Ireland of Green Cove Springs, Terry (Russ) Lund of Lake City; Jennifer E. (Bill) Elrod of Green Cove Springs; two siblings, William Anderson of Kingston, Arkansas and Melinda Harris of San Angelo, Texas; four cherished grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. at Gadara Baptist Church with Pastor Justin Brown and Pastor Shawn House officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gadara Baptist Church Building Fund, 6779 C.R. 315C, Keystone Heights 32656.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Howard Baggett
Howard David Baggett, 76, of Gainesville, died Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Plaza Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville. He was born in Jacksonville, on Nov. 6, 1947, to the late Howard Lafayette Baggett Jr. and Leila Taylor Baggett. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his brother, Richard “Rick” (Shirley) Baggett of Keystone Heights; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Sandra L. Bennett
Sandra Laing Bennett, 83, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at Plantation Oaks in High Springs under the care of Haven Hospice after an extended illness on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. She was born to William and Mildred Laing of Havana. She grew up in Orlando, where she met the love of her life, Bobby R. Bennett. After a brief courtship, they were married on July 26, 1962. The couple finally settled in Lake Butler in the early 1970s, where Sandra went to work at the Northeast Florida State Hospital before finally going to work at the VA Hospital in both Lake City and Gainesville. She retired from the Gainesville VA in early 2000. She loved her family. She was a caretaker by nature. She cared for her parents, in-laws, siblings and husband in their last days. She was an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church for the last 30-plus years. She served many positions throughout her attendance: choir member, custodian and treasurer. She also supported Bobby in his love of antique engines and tractors. She served those organizations as well in true Sandra fashion…giving it her all! Anyone who knew her fell in love with her almost immediately. She had a heart for Christ and her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; and her beloved husband of 56 years, Bobby.
She is survived by her children, Rell (Sherry) Bennett, Tim (Nicole) Bennett and Barbara Cribbs; her grandchildren, Sarah (Joe) Pennell, Becca (Jeremy) Thompson, Anna (Jacob) Vail, Tori Rickard, Mitchell Cribbs, Courtney Bennett, Mikeala (Jacob) Levinger, and Myles Cribbs;g great-grandchildren, Tristan, Kinnsley, James, Nora, Ollie, Bennett and Charlotte; and a nephew, nieces, cousins and many adopted sons, daughters and grandchildren.
Services to celebrate her life were held Saturday, July 27, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She was laid to rest next to her husband immediately following the service at Swift Creek/Mt. Zion Cemetery. Pastor Emery Eunice officiated.
The staff of Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to once again be chosen to serve the Bennett family. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Tommie Frith
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Tommie Edward Frith, 86, of Lake Butler passed away peacefully at his home. He was born on Dec. 15, 1937, in Lake Geneva to his parents, Joseph and Hester Deal Frith. Tommie’s journey through life was marked by duty and service. His exemplary dedication to others shone brightly as he served his country with honor and valor. Enlisting as a Sergeant in the United States Marines from 1955-1960, he later became a Sergeant First Class in the US Army in 1960, until his retirement in 1975. His exemplary service during the Vietnam War earned him two Bronze Stars and the prestigious Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. His roles as a military police officer and marine security guard showcased his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his nation. After his remarkable military career, he transitioned into civilian life, where he continued to serve others. For nearly four decades, from 1976 to 2014, he dedicated himself to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, steadily rising through the ranks to retire as a respected Lieutenant. His colleagues remember him as a beacon of integrity and leadership. Tommie was also a proud member of the Raiford Masonic Lodge #82 since 1998. Aside from his professional accomplishments, he also found joy in simpler pleasures. In his leisure time, he could often be found playing cards with his closest friends, fishing, collecting coins, or enjoying episodes of “Gunsmoke.” He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Elijah Frith; and sisters, Mildred, Annie Mae, and Ruth.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory. Additionally, his best friend, Gary Seay, holds dear the moments shared and lessons learned with Tommie over the years.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Archer Milton Funeral Home. Immediately following, there will be a procession to the graveside service at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.
Archer Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Tommie Frith. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Bobby Hampton
Bobby Louis Hampton was born at his family’s home on Wednesday, March 23, 1949, to the late Gary and Catherine (Frye) Hampton in Lawtey, where he was raised. He graduated from Robinson Jenkins Ellerson High School in Starke in 1968. Upon completing high school, he joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam. After returning home, he briefly attended Santa Fe College. On Aug. 21, 1971, he married Linda Yvonne Tyson. Their union expanded almost 53 years. They were blessed with four children, Kim (Aaron) Paige, Katina Hampton, Keisha (Enoch) Epps, and Rashay Miller-Hampton. His family grew when he and his wife were blessed with four grandchildren, Simone Hudson, Shayne Davis, Sierra Paige, and Malachi Epps. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age and immediately began serving at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon for over 30 years and took pride in taking care of the physical building and grounds. It was his pleasure to serve all those who attended or visited. His favorite hymn was Hymn 454, A Charge to Keep I Have. He worked at the University of Florida for 34 years. After retirement, to stay busy, he worked for the Bradford County School System for 17 years. He was a jack of all trades, and you could often find him doing odd jobs for various people in Bradford and Alachua County. For many years, he enjoyed gardening and selling vegetables. In his later years, he enjoyed relaxing in his recliner and his daily adventure was riding the lawn mower. He always enjoyed a good home- cooked meal, grilling for his family, capturing special moments with his disposable cameras, watching sports (Go Gators! Go Tornadoes!) and listening to country music. Anyone who visited The Hampton Inn could hear his radio playing Eagle Country 106.3. If you could not find him around the house, he was likely walking, singing, and praying. Bobby Louis Hampton, 75, peacefully entered into his rest at home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Issac, Gary Jr., Larry; and sister, Gloria Cleveland.
He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; adopted grandson, Dominique Jones; like a grandson, Omarkeon Dixon; siblings, Lenoard (Violet) Heath, Odessa (Irie) Hamilton, Emma (Eddie deceased) Davis, Legertha Hampton; brothers-in-law, Eddie (Bessie) Tyson, Albert Tyson Jr., Leroy (Dorothy) Tyson Sr., Marvin Tyson; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Hampton, Terry Hampton, Mary (Charles) Walker, JoAnn Hamilton; uncles, Norman (Cheryl) McCall, Hyrom (Eloise) McCall; aunts, Sherry (James deceased) McCall and Geraldine (Rosco deceased) McCall; godchildren, Joy Smith Robinson, Jermaine Ford, Jerry Cummings Jr., Danielle Smith, Charlzey Mackey Jr.; special friends, Bill Aldridge, Walter Brown, Otto Ingram, and Eddie Johnson; loving neighbor, Bernadette Tyson; and a tribe of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbors, and friends.
A viewing will be held Friday, Aug. 2, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 21670 NE CR 200B, Lawtey, 32058. There will be a final visitation on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Cross Church, 2300 N. Temple Ave., Building 2, Starke, 32091. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 12 p.m. He will be buried at Peetsville Cemetery, 21156 CR 200B, Lawtey, 32058 and the repast will immediately follow at the Bradford County Fairgrounds, 2300 N. Temple Ave., Building 3, Starke, 32091. The family requests that donations be made to the Bradford County Special Olympics as an alternative to flowers. Please see the details for donations on social media or contact a member of the family.
Professional services entrusted to Phillip and Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc., 310 S.R. 26, Melrose 32666.
PAID OBITUARY
Carl Hanlon
Carl “Todd” Hanlon, 49, peacefully submitted to the Will of God on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. He was born Nov. 11, 1974, in Miami. He retired from the Union County Sheriff’s Office. As he was an avid animal lover, in Todd’s memory, please donate to your local animal shelter.
He is survived by his father, Reginald W. Hanlon III; sister, Elizabeth A. Hanlon-Masters; two sons, Samuel and Cohen Hanlon; stepdaughter, McKenzie Santos; niece, Hope Masters; nephew, Collin Masters; and one uncle and one aunt, Rodney and Alicia Hanlon; and two cousins, Mathew and Jennifer Hanlon.
He was predeceased by his mother, Deborah E. Wilkes-Hanlon; brother, Reginald W. Hanlon IV; and stepdaughter, Savannah C. Santos.
Archer Funeral Home in Lake Butler is handling the arrangements. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Lou Lunn
Betty Lou Lunn, 94, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at her home in Highland. She was born in Payne, Ohio, on April 10, 1930, to the late Frank and Edith A. (Boyer) Overton. She was the youngest of three daughters. Betty loved her family and the Lord.
She married her loving husband, William “Bill” Lunn, on Sept. 8, 1951. He was a Marine for 33 years. Therefore, we would joke that she also served for 33 years, since the military dictated where she would live and if Bill could come home when the children were born. They had four beautiful children together, Kathleen Mitchell, Linda Lee, Karen Lunn, and William “Billy” Lunn. They lived in many cities before settling down in Highland.
She was a resilient woman tasked with raising four children alone most of the time, since Bill was called to serve on many tours. Her children were all born in different states due to different assignments. This did not discourage her from continuing to march on and focus on the children. She would tell stories of working for the phone company and calling home to make sure the kids made it home from school, but she would disconnect the call quickly to ensure she did not get in trouble. She was a very resourceful woman and a great mother. Her kids repaid her when she needed them; they stepped in and cared for her and Bill without question—especially Linda, who moved in to care for them when the time came. She was a hard worker, and she never slowed down. Some may remember her from the Highland Zoo, Strickland’s market, or the Florida Souvenir store in Lawtey. She was an incredibly loving person. She loved with her whole heart and did not judge.
She was a member of Highland Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, and sitting on the porch. She especially enjoyed working in her yard; she took great pride in caring for her flowers. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart. She would light up when they came over. Betty had many reasons to be proud of her grandchildren; one served in the Marines, some went to college, and she even had bragging rights that Camron was on the news. Her grandchildren loved her and would come to help when asked, and Kelly even agreed to dress up as a clown and volunteer with her during her clown days.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Lunn; husband of 72 years, William “Bill” Lunn; and two sisters, Virginia Meismer and Isabelle M. Litzenberg.
She is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Mitchell of Sebastian and Linda Lee of Highland, and her son, William “Bill” (Allison) Lunn of Starke. She was a wonderful “Granny” to her grandchildren, Darlene (Kevin) Rinehardt of Conneaut, Ohio, Richard (Natalie) Ziegler of Ashtabula, Ohio, Kelly (Nathan) Babay of Cleveland, Ohio, Justin (Tammy) Lee of Keystone Heights, Timothy (Jolee) Lee of Starke, Camron Lunn of Gainesville, and Christopher (Candice) Lunn of Middleburg; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Brunsdon, Hailey Ziegler, Cory (Jasmine) Cox, Dalton Lee, Kirsten Lee, Kayden Lee, Koleson Lee, Colton Lunn, Sutton Lunn; her great-great-grandchildren, Mailona and Rowan; brother-in-law, Keith Carter; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. at Highland Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice.
PAID OBITUARY
Dolores Pickett
Dolores “Dee Dee” Pickett, 80, of Palatka, died on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at HCA Hospital in Palatka. She was born on May 9, 1944, in Hartford, Connecticut to Peter and Pia Carcio. She married David C. Pickett on Feb. 28, 1997, in Florida. “Dee Dee,” as she liked to be called, lived a very full life, having been a hard-working, strong-willed, confident woman, who lived life as she saw fit, regardless of the opinions of others. She was a self-starter who always strove for perfection in anything she put her mind to. She and her husband spent many years in several different churches, bringing young people to the Lord and always would be there to help someone in need. She battled Alzhiemers Dementia as she did with everything in her life, with determination and grit. Although she may not have known the positive effect she had on those people whose lives she touched, those who remember her do so with fond memories of her quick wit, dry humor and her sense of fashion. She will be missed more than she ever would have thought she would be. The family would like to thank Carolyn and family in Illinois for all the love that they showed her and David. She never forgot them through everything. She always remembered her “Kemosabe” Jeanie Faber, who I know was waiting for her in the next life. She always loved her sister, Donna, even through the most difficult of times.
She is survived by her son, Chris (Mary) Johnson and family; and her sister, Donna (John) Stoddard and family. She had three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her husband.
The family’s wishes are to have private services at a later time. If you wish to make a donation in her name, her favorite charity was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements were completed by Jones-Gallagher funeral home and Crematory in Keystone Heights.
PAID OBITUARY
Thurman Thomas
Thurman Winston Thomas, better known as “Red,” of Lake Butler passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born in Worthington Springs on Dec. 15, 1959. He was the son of the late Frances Thomas and the late Theodore Roosevelt Lee. He attended Union County High School and completed his GED in the U.S. Army. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, then moved to Tampa to work.
He leaves to cherish his memories six brothers, Marcell (Mary) Lett, Roosevelt Thomas, Joe Thomas, James Lee, Herman Thomas, and Curtis (Candace) Thomas; five sisters, Paulette Strong, Alma Thomas, Juanita Thomas, Regina (Gregory) Merricks, Patricia Goodman; and his devoted ex-wife and best friend, Eunice Thomas.
Memorial services were held at Herman’s house on Saturday, July 27.
PAID OBITUARY
