Doyle Archer
Doyle M. Archer, a beloved member of the Lake Butler community, passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Solaris Healthcare in Lake City. Born on Aug. 21, 1942, in Albany, Georgia, Doyle’s journey through life was marked by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those in need. With a heart as vast as his smile, he began his noble calling in the funeral industry at the age of 16. His passion for helping others led him to marry the love of his life, Mary Nell, in 1962. Together, they managed Brennen’s Funeral Home, becoming a source of comfort and solace for countless families during their darkest days. In 1972, he embarked on a new chapter by opening Archer Funeral Home, which quickly became a cornerstone of the Lake Butler community. His legacy as a devoted funeral director is a testament to his dedication, ensuring that families felt understood, supported, and cared for, so much so that they returned time and time again, drawn by the warmth of his spirit. He was not just a professional; he was an outgoing soul who cherished every opportunity to connect with people. His personality shone brightly, and he loved others to the fullest, always making time for a friendly word or a comforting smile. His life was enriched by his interests as well; he found joy in traveling with Mary Nell and enjoyed the moments he spent fishing. He was also a master at cooking, baking, and smoking meat. Any opportunity to treat his family to a delicious meal was time well spent. He was a proud father to son, Jimmy Archer and daughter, Rhonda (Daren) Allen. He delighted in being a grandfather to Kaleb Archer, Dylan (Jessica) Allen, Brandon (Brittany) Archer, Garrett (Julie) Allen, Madison (Branson) Steiner, Sydney Archer, Sarah Archer, and Rachael Archer; a great-grandfather to Irelynd, Emerson, Tex, Hailey, Kayla, Everrett, and one on the way. He shared a unique bond with his sister, Beatrice Dukes, who stood by him through life’s ups and downs. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Nell Archer, who shared 52 years of life with him; his parents, Doyle and Lottie Lee Archer; his son, Duane Archer; and brother, Ralph Archer. As Doyle rests in eternal peace, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, the families he served with love, and the community he helped to build.
A visitation will be held in his honor on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. at Dekle Cemetery, where friends and family can gather to celebrate the life of a remarkable man who devoted himself to serving others.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve our founder’s family. Thank you, Mr. Doyle, for allowing us to carry on your tradition. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Shirley Dixon
Mrs. Shirley Ann Dixon, 64, of Starke, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. She was born Oct. 31, 1960, in Starke to Anthony and Jean (Gunter) Johnson. She made her home in the same town, where she embraced life with warmth and generosity. She married the love of her life in Calvary Baptist Church and later became a active member of New Life Baptist Church Baptist. Growing up she loved barrel racing and working in her father’s feed store, Johnson & Sons. She also loved raising her daughters in a Christian-filled home and selling her Avon products. In her spare time, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles, watching TV, listening to music (especially Lorretta Lynn), and growing her rose garden, but her greatest joy, was spending time with her family and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Claira Gowens.
Shirley is survived by her cherished husband of 40 years, John Dixon, who was her lifelong companion and greatest supporter. She leaves behind three daughters, Loretta (Danny) Thornton of Lake Butler, Jennifer (David) Snyder of Hampton, and Cheryl Evans of Lake Butler. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kaleigh Thornton, Savannah Thornton, Kimber Thornton, David Snyder, Caleb Evans, and Chris Evans. Also left behind are her sisters, April (Eric) Cagle and Alma Johnson.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 23, at Bible Baptist Church at 10 a.m. with Pastor Shane Worten officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfhg.com.
PAID OBITUARY
James Kelley
James Medford Kelley, 79, of Ashburn died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Pruitt Healthcare of Sylvester. He was born in Ochlocknee on Feb. 26, 1946, to the late James Bart and Gola Mae Parker Kelley.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Pate Kelley of Ashburn; sons, James Walter (Robin) Kelley and Wesley Warren (Christy) Kelley; sister, Teresa Ann Kelley Crews; brother, Don Matthew (Carol) Kelley; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Perry Funeral Chapel, Ashburn, Georgia. Entombment followed at Harmony Cemetery. Visitation was prior to the service at Perry Funeral Chapel.
Ralph Moulder
Ralph Milton Moulder, 79, of Kingsley Lake, a devoted husband, father, brother, and community servant, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Gainesville after a brief illness. Born on Dec. 25, 1945, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to John William and Emma Jean (Weaver) Moulder, he lived a life marked by faith, service, and compassion. After graduating high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree from the University of West Florida. A longtime resident of Starke and Kingsley Lake, he dedicated his life to serving others with integrity and purpose. His commitment to justice and rehabilitation defined his distinguished 43-year career with the Florida Department of Corrections, retiring in 2012 as Region II Administrator for Probation and Parole. He was a respected leader in the Southern States Correctional Association, serving as president from 1991 to 1992, and a Life Member of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency. Additionally, he served on the Board of Governors for the American Correctional Association. A faithful Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Starke, he was a lay preacher and former moderator of St. Augustine Presbytery. His deep faith guided his life, inspiring countless others through his leadership in outreach programs and active involvement in church activities. His legacy of kindness and spiritual guidance will endure in the hearts of those he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, L.C. Moulder.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Susan (Autry) Moulder of Kingsley Lake; sons, Jason (Sunny) Moulder of Pace, Brad (Kim) Moulder of Lawrenceville, New Jersey and David (Ana Paula) Moulder of Mt. Dora; daughter, Catie Dugger of Boulder, Colorado; brother, Rick Moulder (Kendra) of Lynn Haven; Ralph’s cherished grandchildren, Chase, Trent, Eliza, Giovana, Aaron, and Joel; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, who will forever treasure his warmth, humor, and wisdom.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at First Presbyterian Church of Starke, with Rev. Diane M. Wilson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ralph Moulder Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Starke to continue his legacy of outreach and support.
Arrangements are entrusted to Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
