Doris Barbour
Doris Mae Barbour, 81, of Lawtey, died Sunday, March 29, 2026, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville with her family by her side. She was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she met her husband, Jesse E. Barbour Sr. For years, she attended Highland First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.
Survivors are children, Michele Barbour and Jesse E. Barbour Jr.; granddaughter, Jayden Barbour; and extended family.
A graveside Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at Highland Cemetery, 1409 U.S. Highway 301 N., Lawtey 32058.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral, Starke 32091, 904-964-5757.
Rev. Ben Bryant
Rev. Benjamin Perry Bryant, 90, of Keystone Heights passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Orange Park. He was born Aug. 19, 1935, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to Samuel and Maurine (Walsh) Bryant. Ben graduated from Fitzgerald High. After graduation, he moved to Miami to live with his mother. This is where he met Dot for the first time, when they both attended Pinewood Park Baptist Church. They later were married in that same church on July 6, 1956. Ben went to the University of Miami and from there went to work with Seaboard Railroad in Hialeah before being called into the ministry. Dot and Ben had three children and one on the way when Ben resigned from the railroad. At that time, they moved to Graceville, where Ben attended Baptist College of Florida for two years. Their fourth child was born during that time. Ben pastored Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Marianna. After two years there the family moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Ben graduated from William Carey College while also pastoring Big Level Baptist Church of Wiggins, Mississippi. While in Wiggins, he began commuting back and forth to New Orleans to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1968. In 1969, their family moved to Milton, where he pastored Olivet Baptist Church and where Dot would give birth to her fifth child. Their next move was in 1973 to Starke, where they would serve at First Baptist Church for over 30 years. Upon retiring from First Baptist Church, they moved to Keystone Heights, where he began interim pastoring. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Dorothy “Dot” Bryant.
Ben leaves behind five children, Debi (Tim) Burke of Keystone Heights, Angie (Ed) Ripplinger of Starke, Benjamin P. (Kathy) Bryant Jr. of Gainesville, Andrew (Karan) Bryant of Starke, and Matt (Pam) Bryant of Kingsley Lake. He was lovingly called “Papa” by grandchildren, Brad (Brooke) Barber, Brendan (Jen) Nichols, Josh (Lindsey) Nichols, Brooke (Derrick) Thurmond, Brantley (Emma) Barber, Troy (Melody) Bryant, Jake (Lauren) Bryant, Jackie (Peyton) Hale and Caleb Bryant; in addition to 17 great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 2, at First Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Terry Blakeslee officiating. Interment will follow at New River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to New River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 16703 SW 144th Ave., Brooker 32622.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Roy DeCelle Sr.
Mr. Roy Joseph DeCelle Sr., 73, of Starke passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. He was born July 3, 1952, in Quincy, Massachusetts to the late Leroy and Catherine (Lyons) DeCelle. He faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years, primarily stationed at McDill Air Force Base. He was a proud veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict, as well as Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his distinguished military career, he continued to serve his community as a postal driver with the United States Postal Service. His passion for helping others extended far beyond his professional life. He was an active member of several organizations, including Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, ABATE of Florida, American Legion Post #202, AmVets Post #86 in Keystone Heights, and VFW Post #8255 in Middleburg.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Carole (Kennedy) DeCelle; four children, Faith DeCelle (Michael) Jolley of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Roy (Maryann) DeCelle Jr. of Leavenworth, Kansas, Richard (Lesley) Ortiz of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Jonathan James (Sara Rigby) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. He was lovingly called “Pops” by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also left behind is Amanda Parryman of Palm Harbor, a special niece who was dear to his heart; and a host of additional family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in August 2026 (date to be announced soon) at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa 33603.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Cindy Futch
Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Elizabeth Strickland Futch, 73, of Starke passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at HCA North Florida Hospital in Gainesville. Cindy was born on Dec. 21, 1952, in Jacksonville to the late Frow and Elizabeth (Moyer) Strickland and she has been a lifetime resident of Bradford County. She grew up on Kingsley Lake, working in the renowned family business, Strickland’s Landing, and was a proud graduate of Bradford High School, class of 1970. She embodied unparalleled school spirit, with a reputation as a true “Tornado” through her steadfast support of athletic programs, shown in her attendance, her generous time, and her financial contributions. When she was not cheering on her precious Tornadoes, she was enjoying her second love, the Florida Gators. Cindy was a longtime Gator Booster Club member and held season tickets to UF football games, which brought her immense joy. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Starke, now known as Foundation Church, where she found pleasure singing in the choir. She was the co-owner of Jones Funeral Home and Jones Convalescent Service and remained a continuing supporter of the funeral business. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her nephew, Don Thornton.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving and devoted husband of 43 years, P. Steven “Steve” Futch of Starke: her two daughters, Elizabeth Rowell (Mark) Lee of Lighthouse Point and Stephanie Futch Todd of Gainesville. Cindy was most proudly known as Mema by her granddaughter, Sydney Elizabeth Todd of Gainesville, with whom she had an incredibly special relationship. Surviving siblings include Elaine (Donnie) Thornton, Gloria (John) Valinski, and Stuart (Carol) Strickland, all of Kingsley Lake: and Steve Strickland of Lake City. Additionally, there are nieces, nephews and many cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at David Hurse Football Stadium located off Adkins Street at Bradford High School. In honor of Cindy, please wear Bradford Tornado colors. Pastor Josh Reinken will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to be made to Bradford High School Athletics program at 581 N. Temple Ave., Starke. Cindy is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. One thing is for sure, that she is the biggest cheerleader Heaven ever gained.
Arrangements are with Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Parrish
Betty Pauline Bryant Parrish, 94, of Starke passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2026. She was born Nov. 5, 1931, in central Florida, to the late Frank Bryant and Leona Fowler Bryant and graduated from Pasco High School in Dade City. Betty married her high school sweetheart, James “Jimmy” Parrish. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with their daughter, Pam. Betty worked as a switchboard operator for many years before devoting her time in serving the church alongside her husband in ministry. She enjoyed reading the Bible and was a member of Heilbronn Baptist Church. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a great sense of humor and kept her mind sharp with puzzle books. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband; her brothers, Charles, Donald, and Wilber Bryant; sister, Carolyn Dees; and son-in-law, Robert Wayne Foster.
Betty is survived by her loving daughter and caregiver, Pamela M. Foster; along with many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
A graveside service was held Monday, March 30, at Crosby Lake Cemetery with Pastor Danny Boyd officiating, with a reception following at Heilbronn Baptist Church.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke 32091, 904-964-5757. To sign the family’s guest book, visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com
PAID OBITUARY
Julia Pendarvis
Julia Gordon Pendarvis, 84, of Lawtey, died Thursday, March 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by family. She spent her adult life in Lawtey. Shortly after college, she met and married Fred Pendarvis. She was a member of Highland Fellowship Church. She was preceded in death by parents; husband, Fred Pendarvis; and brother, Lovelace Gordon.
Survivors are children, Marie (Guy) Dyal, Dale (Estella) Pendarvis, and Clarence (Dana) Pendarvis; two sisters-in-law; and extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, March 31, at Highland Fellowship, 1409 U.S. 301, Lawtey 32058, with Pastor Dale Wiseman officiating. Interment followed at Highland Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke 32091, 904-964-5757.
Edgar Williams Jr.
Edgar Williams Jr., 75, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center, Starke. He attended and graduated from the schools of Bradford County. He was affiliated with the Church of Christ in Lawtey and had worked with CSX Railroad as a crane operator.
Survivors are his daughter, Robin V. Williams; three sisters, Alberta Tyson, Louise Jones and Caroline Long; niece, Bernadette Tyson; nephew, Taurus Coleman; and a host of other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
The viewing will be on Friday, April 3, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Haile Funeral Home, Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel. The Cortege will form at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the home of Bernadette Tyson, 18033 NW 59th Ave. (Pleasant Grove), Starke, 32091. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Church of Christ, Lawtey, with Eulogist, Minister Curtis White. Interment will follow at Peetsville Cemetery, Lawtey. The Repast will be at Mt. Zion AME Church, Lawtey.
Arrangements are under the care of Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke, 904-964-7905.
PAID OBITUARY
