Earl Barber
Earl “Duke” Barber, a lifelong resident of Lawtey, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, just days before his 86th birthday. Born on June 9, 1939, in Lawtey, he remained deeply rooted in the community that shaped his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bishop Ruthie Delores Barber; sister, Melenese Hamilton; and brother, LeVern Barber. Their memories remain cherished by those who knew and loved them.
He is survived by his sons, Keith (Rolanda) Barber and Dominic Barber; daughters, Carmen Barber-Jamison and Tracee (Randall) McCreary; sisters, Annette Barber Burke and Leola Barber Holmes; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. The viewing will be held Friday, June 13, at Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke, 32091 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. A funeral service will be on Saturday, June 14, at 2 p.m. at True Vine Outreach Ministry, 422 N. St. Clair St., Starke. A repast will be held at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, C.R. 200-B, Lawtey.
PAID OBITUARY
Geraldine Cragg
Geraldine Brady Cragg, 88, of Starke passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, after a brief illness. Geraldine, lovingly known as “Granny,” was born Feb. 15, 1937, in Stephens County, Georgia. She graduated from South Habersham High School in 1954 and soon began working at Carwood Manufacturing Company. On Nov. 14, 1959, she married the love of her life, Andrew Cragg, in South Carolina. Together, they raised two sons, Richard and David. In 1965, the Cragg family moved to Jacksonville, where she worked as the assistant director of Woodstock Park Daycare. Later, in 1988, she and Andrew made their home in Starke. A devoted member of First Baptist Church, she faithfully served for many years as the 3-year-old Sunday school teacher, touching the lives of many young children in her community. She was passionate about caring for her family and found great joy in spending time with her loved ones. She especially loved cooking, and her kitchen was often the heart of every gathering. Her homemade biscuits and gravy were legendary, and her fried apple tarts and rich chocolate pies were treasured family favorites. Geraldine poured love and warmth into every meal she served. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Ella Brady; her sisters Irene Parker, Lurlene Hart, Christine Blair, and Betty Duckett; and her brothers Roy “Buck” Brady, James Brady, and Carson Brady.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Andrew Cragg; her sons Rick (Carolyn) Cragg and David (Kathy) Cragg; her sister, Mamie Arrendale; six grandchildren, Candace (Michael) Osteen, Jenna (Robert) Hewett, Courtney (Brad) Witt, Holly Cragg, and Jessie Cragg; and eight great-grandchildren: Michael, Madelynn, Ella, Aubrey, Knox, Oaklee, Brady, and Riley. She is also survived by countless nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply. On behalf of the family, thank you for celebrating the life of Geraldine Cragg—a devoted wife, loving mother, proud Granny, and faithful servant whose warmth, kindness, and unforgettable cooking will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
The family received friends at First Baptist Church of Starke on Sunday, June 8, followed by funeral services. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Pastor Jonathan Rodriguez officiated all services.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200. www.jones-gallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
David Gray Sr.
David Dwaine Gray Sr. passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, in his home, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old. David was a long-time resident of Lake Butler. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on Jan. 24, 1945. He was an iron worker, who traveled the states working on major structures. After retirement, he helped with the Union County marching band until 2005. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason. He was preceded in death by his dad, Alvie Clinton Gray; mom, Virgie Mae Reese; brother, Royce Doyle Gray; and sister, Linda Y. Gray.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela Ann Gray (Lindsay); two brothers, Terry Williams and Mike Williams; three children, David Dwaine (Pearla) Gray III, Alicia Dawn (Forrest) Harmon, and Catherine Renee Gray; and eight grandchildren, Menachem Thornton, Avi Gray, Riley Trowell, Annabelle Gray, Mae Brookins, Natalie Trowell, C.J. Brookins, and Lily Harmon.
This Tribute was prepared by the family of Mr. David Dwaine Gray Sr.
Services were held at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, on Monday, June 9. The family invited everyone to share memories and food as they remembered the life of David Gray Sr.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 458 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, 32025. 386-752-1234. Please leave special memories and messages of condolence for the family at our online website at www.ferreirafuneralservices.com
PAID OBITUARY
Alicia Nooney
Alicia Renee Nooney, well-loved daughter, mother, grandmother and friend passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born May 4, 1979, in Gainesville, she was the cherished daughter of Kim Belk (Randy) Martin of Ocala and James (Brenda) Nooney Sr. of Keystone Heights. She was raised and lived most of her adult life in Keystone Heights. She was a graduate of Keystone Heights High School, Class of 1997. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, not only to her daughter and grandchildren, but also to her daughter’s friends, offering direction, laughter, and a sense of belonging to all fortunate enough to have been a part of her world. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Charles and Juanita Belk of Keystone Heights; paternal grandparents, Frank and Dorothy Nooney of Jacksonville; grandfather, Billy Martin of Starke and Earl Dockery of Ocala.
She is survived by her only child, Starlyn Taylor Wright and son-in-law, Seth Donahue of Keystone Heights; and was affectionately known as “GaGa” to grandchildren, Seanna, Sladen, Sypress and Klent Donahue. She is survived also by brothers, James “Jamie” (Kim) Nooney Jr. of Keystone Heights and Joseph (Victoria) Martin of Kaiserslautern, Germany; sister, Rachel LePanto of Keystone Heights; nieces, Morgan (Karsen) Nooney of Keystone Heights, Caleigh LePanto (Tristan) Allen of Trenton; nephews, James “Trace” (Saige) Nooney III and Jacob LePanto of Keystone Heights; beloved grandmother, Myrna Dockery; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 13. The family will receive friends at Hope Baptist Church, 3900 SE SR 100, Starke, beginning at 1 p.m., with services at 2 p.m. Interment will be at a later date. In true Alicia fashion, this will be a casual, joy-filled gathering, with pink attire encouraged in her honor.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Anna Perry
Mrs. Anna Finley Perry, 80, of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Fleming Island. She was born July 19, 1944, in Burdine, Kentucky to the late Arthur and Carrie (Baker) Finley. She had a wonderful 30-year career as a school bus driver, retiring from First Student in Duval County. She was a member of Regency Baptist Temple, where she raised her children, making sure they attended church every week. She enjoyed shopping, doing puzzles, listening to good ole country music, and going on golf cart rides. She also enjoyed reading the Sunday paper, taking trips, and playing with her “doggie,” Rudy.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Karen (Robert) Augustine and Kimberly (Joey) Knapp; and siblings, Connie Sanders, Geraldine Barker, and Grace Clark. She was lovingly called “Memaw” by nine grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ed Wilds and Rev. Robert Augustine officiating. Interment will follow at Orange Springs Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Harry Stallings
Harry C. Stallings of Gainesville passed away at E.T. York Hospice House on Friday, May 30, 2025. He was 82 years old. Born in Cordele, Georgia on Sept. 2, 1942, as the youngest son of Tom C. and Esther T. Stallings, his family moved to Starke when he was in the fifth grade. After graduating from Bradford High School in 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Phillips, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Starke. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on July 4 of this year. Harry commuted to work from Starke to Gainesville for the next seven years, then moved his family to Gainesville in 1967. His employment with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) lasted 40-plus years, retiring as a lab supervisor at Deerhaven Generating Station on July 4, 2003. As an active member of CWA Local 3170 (Public Employees of Gainesville and Alachua County FL), he was on the bargaining team that negotiated and brought to fruition a pension plan for all rank-and-file employees. He fought for and succeeded in fair and equitable testing practices for job advancement. His focus was on the “little people” (you know – “us worker bees”) throughout his Union affiliation and served as Secretary-Treasurer for almost 20 years. An avid sports fan, he coached City League football during the ‘70s, with his primary focus being sure every one of his young athletes had a chance to “get on the field and play.” No player sat on the bench the entire game. And those who needed a ride home from a game or practice got one from Coach Stallings! Active in Eastside High School Sports Boosters, he was among a group of parents who raised the money for purchasing a van shared by the school’s minor sports. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Bradford Lodge No. 35, Starke since 1975. Hunting, fishing, camping, working in his vegetable and herb garden, cooking, grilling and drinking with his buddies were many of the activities enjoyed by this big guy. He was very interested in outer space and our mysterious universe. He absolutely LOVED dancing and socializing. This husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather loved his family and always said they were his greatest treasure. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Luke; brother, Tom C. Stallings Jr.; parents, Tom and Esther Stallings; sister-in-law, Jane Allen; and brother-in-law, Freddie Dinkins.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Ann Stallings of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Lissa (Tim) Boone of Belleville, Ilinois; daughter and partner, Lauri Stallings and Rick Carvlin of Palmetto, Georgia; son, Linc Stallings of Lansing, West Virginia; granddaughters, Isla (Linc) Noelle and Ashley Boone of Portland, Oregon; great-granddaughter, Evelyn (Ashley) Trillium; grandson and wife, Jarrod (Andi) Boone of Ames, Iowa; sister, Melissa Griggs of Hiawassee, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law, Susan (Hunter) Sahler of Riverview; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Stallings of Keystone Heights, Rebecca Christopher of Winter Haven and Anna Dinkins of Lakeland; brother-in-law and wife, John (Donna) Phillips of Moniac, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. Harry is also greatly missed by his devoted golden retriever, Lizzie, and her sidekick, Miss Lona, a terrier mix nicknamed “Tripp” because Harry decided “that dog is a real trip.” Sounds just like Harry!
So dear family and friends: Mark your calendar, dress comfortably and join us for a celebration of Harry’s life on Friday, July 11, at Milam Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., with services at 5:30 p.m. A social gathering and light supper will be held afterward for family and friends at the home of Chris and Jaya Brew. Inurnment will be at Crosby Lake Cemetery, Starke, on Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m. For those who wish, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd., Gainesville 32606, or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1212 N. Church St., Starke 32091.
Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville 32601. 352-376-5361 www.milamfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Sutton II
William James Sutton II, 53, of Starke, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at Orange Park Hospital. He was an organ donor. He was preceded in death by his father, the late William James Sutton Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Alice Rigdon Sutton; and children, William James Sutton III, Isabella Sutton, Suniva Smith, and Angelique Smith.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Kingsley Lake Cemetery, Mary Dot Lane, Starke. A Celebration of Life dinner will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Kingsley Lake Civic Center, 6109 Kingsley Lake Drive, Starke.
