Edward Addison Sr.
Edward “Red” Matthew Addison Sr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Haven Hospice Lake City surrounded by his family. Born on Oct. 20, 1942, in Jacksonville, he worked most of his life as a self-employed truck driver. His time behind the wheel was not just a job but a passion. A proud veteran, he served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. His bravery and skill earned him sharpshooter and good-conduct medals before being honorably discharged. His commitment to serving his country reflected throughout his life. On May 8, 1968, he married Senie Everett, and they built a beautiful life of love and service. He was a faithful member of Raiford Road Church and enjoyed helping in various ministries, such as the clothes closet, VBS, and Celebrate Recovery. He was known for his sense of humor, a light that brightened every room he entered. His infectious laughter brought joy to those around him and created lasting memories for all who had the privilege of knowing him. In his leisure time, he found solace in simple pleasures such as hunting in the great outdoors, casting lines while fishing, tending to his garden with care, and enjoying hearty meals at buffets, where he reveled in good company and good food. He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Doc” and Inez Addison; his beloved wife, Senie Addison; and his brothers, Alfred and Ernest Addison.
He is survived by his children, Melissa (Hardy) Wood of Wellborn and Edward Matthew Addison Jr. of Raiford. His presence will be deeply missed by five grandchildren, Bethany Jones, Abigail (Tyler) Parrish, Noah (Taylor) Jones, Dalton Addison, and Dustin Addison; as well as four great-grandchildren, Waylon Parrish, Paisley Parrish, Ensley Parrish, and Declan Jones.
A visitation was held June 3 at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., with a graveside service immediately following at Sapp Cemetery in Raiford.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Lorrie Allen
Lorrie Kay Murphy Allen, 60, of Starke, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at The Mayo Clinic Campus in Jacksonville. She was born in Vero Beach on July 5, 1963, to her loving parents, Dudley Joseph “Joe” Murphy and Shirley Ann Allred Murphy. She was raised in Vero Beach and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1981. Shortly after school, she relocated to Gainesville, where she attended Santa Fe Community College. She met her best friend and forever companion, Robert “Scott” Allen, while in college and they were happily married on June 11, 1988. Later that year, they made Bradford County their forever home. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. She proudly served in Scott’s family business, Allen’s Office Supplies and Printing Inc., in Starke for several years, assisting with sales. She and Scott were longtime active members of the First United Methodist Church of Starke. She loved attending church and worshiping her Lord and Savior with her church family. And she mostly loved the honor of being their Children’s Ministry Director for 11 years. Her passion was children, and she found great joy in leading little ones to Christ. In the early 2000s, she began her employment with the Bradford County School System, where she later became their Financial Aid Director with North Florida Technical College. On June 29, 2023, she retired from the school system to focus on her health. Lorrie was very active and loved being outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, going to the mountains, jogging, going to the beach, and any and all exercising. More than anything, she cherished her family, loved spending time with her children, and enjoyed supporting them, especially throughout the years with their sporting events. She was a great treasure, was so very loved, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 36 years, Scott Allen of Starke; children, Kaylann (Michael) Kinard of Starke; Murphy (Baley Forsyth) Allen of Keystone Heights; parents, Joe and Shirley Murphy of Vero Beach; sisters, Angie Murphy Gamand and Jill (Bob) Geary both of Vero Beach; grandchildren, Bryson and Landen Kinard; sister- in-law, Marion Kay Allen; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 7, at 1 p.m. at First Church of Starke with Rev. Bill Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Meadows Memorial Park East in Gainesville. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 6, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are 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
James F. Crews
James Francis “Ricochet” Crews, 67, of Starke passed away Friday, May 24, 2024, at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. He was born on Feb. 16, 1957, in Wauchula. He grew up in Safety Harbor and moved to Starke in 1976. Prior to retirement, he worked for the Florida Department of Corrections, where he received many special assignments, including the demolition of the infamous “Rock” that was built at Raiford in 1927. He was part of the K-9 Unit at UCI as well as other specialized teams. Following his retirement, he worked as a truck driver for PRIDE for several years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke, where he served as an usher. He loved telling stories and spending time with his family, including his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed the outdoors, farming his land and fishing, and was an avid hunter of dove and deer. He had a passion for bee keeping and generously gave much of the harvested honey to others. He was a member of several hunting clubs over the years, including Piney Bay Hunt Club, where he served as vice president for many terms. James was truly kind to people in need; not caring if they were friend or stranger, even in his declining mobility, he pushed himself to help others. He was dearly loved and is leaving a void in the hearts of many. Preceding him in death was his father, Francis Bryant Crews; and his sister, Susan Crews Kirkhart.
Survivors are, the “Light of His Life” and wife of 48 years, Laura (Fuqua) Crews of Starke; son, Matthew F. (Jaime) Crews of Keystone Heights; mother, Winnie (Warren) Crews of Old Town; sister, JoAnne (Charles) Howard of Old Town; brother, Andrew (Donna) Crews of Old Town; and brother-in-law, Tim Kirkhart of Lakeland. Also left are his grandchildren, Noah Grogan and Ashlynn Crews; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family received friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29. A celebration of life was held on Thursday, May 30, at First Church of Starke, 200 N. Walnut St., Starke, 32091, with Pastor Josh Reiken and Mr. Clenton Gay officiating. Interment followed at Long Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the National Spine Health Foundation; spinehealth.org/donate, or checks may be mailed to 11800 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300, Reston, VA 20191.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Dr. Taralyn DeWese-Mitchell
Dr. Taralyn Maria DeWese-Mitchell, 57, of Hampton, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
Survivors are her husband, Harold (Mitch) Mitchell Jr.; sons, Dominic Mitchell and Xavian Mitchell; father, Stanley DeWese; sister, Shyluer DeWese-Barthlett; and many extended family members.
The viewing will be Saturday, June 8, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at the Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, followed by the funeral at 1 p.m. A repast will follow immediately at the Starke National Guard Armory, 720 Edwards Road, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Dr. Byron George
Dr. Byron Winston George, 78, of Keystone Heights passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Park of the Palms. He was born on Aug. 11, 1945, in Grenville, Grenada, West Indies to the late J. Adrian George and Otil Veronica George, née Pierre. He was a spiritual man who devoted his life to his Lord and Savior. After moving to the US in early adulthood, he started many churches in various states and frequently traveled to share the Word of God. When not actively involved in the ministry, he spent his time counseling others regarding psychological matters and creating ways to encourage personal growth. He was an avid reader with a scholarly mind, and he enthusiastically shared his knowledge with others. He was musically inclined, wrote many songs, and could often be heard singing in combination with other activities. He enjoyed playing tennis, working in his yard, and spending time interacting with his loved ones and family. The impact he had on those who knew him will last for generations to come.
Dr. George was beloved by many and will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond George and Dalton George; and sister, Merline George.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Mabel McLeod George of Keystone; daughter, Aleida (George) Zollman of Prior Lake, Minnesota; son, Geoffrey George of Keystone Heights; two granddaughters, Adrienne Zollman and Jaiden Zollman, both of Prior Lake, Minnesota; five brothers, Alwyn George of St. Andrew, Grenada, West Indies, Osborn George of Lanham, Maryland, Eon George, Devon George, and Carlton George, all of St. Andrew, Grenada, West Indies; seven sisters, Louisa Hamilton and Rhoda Morency, both of St. Andrew, Grenada, West Indies, Erla George of Middlesex, England, Rawlda George of St. David, Grenada, West Indies, Norma George of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, Pamela George and Claudia Andrew both of St. Andrew, Grenada, West Indies; and stepmother, Mitlida George of St. Andrew, Grenada, West Indies.
The family received friends at the Community Church of Keystone Heights on Monday, June 3, followed by the funeral service with Pastor Steven Klingler officiating. He was laid to rest at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Chad McKenzie Sr.
Chad Everett McKenzie Sr., 46, of Starke, passed on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, with his loving family by his side, a day prior to celebrating his 47th birthday. He was born in Gainesville on May 30, 1977, to James E. McKenzie and Brenda McClenaghan. He was a lifelong resident of Bradford County and attended and graduated from Bradford High School in 1995. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, and growing vegetables in his garden, and he was an avid football fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends and making great memories. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jasper Lee McKenzie Sr. and Willie Mae McKenzie; and his maternal grandparents, Vasco and Violet Underhill.
He is survived by his loving companion of 20 years, Esther Nall; children, Chad Everett McKenzie Jr., Ashley McKenzie, Holly Hanco*ck, Destiny McKenzie, Alex Starling, and Jacob (Mackenzie) Nall; his parents, James (Belinda) McKenzie and Brenda (George) McClenaghan; brothers, Cody McClenaghan and Wally Jewell; sister, Wendy (Keith) Parrish; and nine grandchildren.
A graveside Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, June 4, at Crosby Lake Cemetery with Chaplain Jakie Carmicle officiating. The family received friends Monday, June 3, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
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.
PAID OBITUARY
Donald Neel
Donald “Sean O” Neel, born on Sept. 26, 1957, in Jacksonville, departed this earthly life on Friday, May 24, 2024. He was the beloved son of the late Don and Peggy Neel of Starke. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Lucinda “Cindy” Neel; son, John-Paul Neel; daughter and son-in-law Natalie and Nicholas Williamson; his cherished grandson, Nolan Williamson; and his brother, Kevin Neel. He is also survived by countless friends he considered family and numerous esteemed business colleagues he considered dear friends.
Sean graduated from Bradford High School, where he served as Senior Class President, and later attended the University of Florida. His passion for radio began in high school in 1972 at the local station. After gaining experience at radio stations in Florida, Alabama, and Colorado, he established his career in Houston, Texas. Over the next 40 years, he built a notable presence in Houston radio, becoming widely recognized as the voice of Gallery Furniture in the ‘90s, famously known as the “my aching back guy.” He thrived as an on-air personality, producer, and creative and program director for multiple Houston radio stations. He dedicated nearly 20 years to Bill Young Productions as a voice talent and producer. Known for his passion and natural talent, he mentored many in audio production and radio, finding immense joy in teaching others. His dedication was celebrated in October 2023 when he was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, an honor he cherished as the pinnacle of his career. Donnie, as he was affectionately called in his youth, was known for his intelligence and curiosity. He devoured dictionaries and encyclopedias as a child for fun. His passions included music, writing, and a deep knowledge of JFK and Beatles trivia. He always had the right words for every occasion. In Houston, Sean met the love of his life, Cindy, and they married in July 1982. Their 41-year marriage was filled with love, support and lots of laughs. Sean’s family was his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to boast about them. Cindy was his steadfast companion, especially in his final days. Sean’s sense of humor was legendary. He could make anyone laugh with his quick wit and clever quips. He was always ready with a joke or a playful jab. His humor brought joy to many and lightened even the heaviest moments. He passed on his love of music, movies, and his unique sense of humor to his children, and his grandson, Nolan, inherited his sarcasm and big heart. A man of deep faith and a devoted Christ follower, Sean will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. As we remember his remarkable life, we find solace in the lasting legacy he leaves behind and the hope of reuniting with him one day. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will forever be cherished.
PAID OBITUARY
Paul R. Torode
Paul Richard Torode, 70, of Starke, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lake Butler Hospital. He was born on Jan. 20, 1954, in Jacksonville to the late John A. Torode Sr. and Sarah Poythress Torode. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1972 and began his electrical business as Torode Electrical Systems. He also worked for Torode Oil Company and for Central Florida Oil Company when he lived in Ocala. As a young man he enjoyed drag racing and always had a passion for German shepherd dogs. He loved his family and was very interested in his nieces’ lives. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is survived by his siblings, John A. (Tracy) Torode Jr. of Starke, Sally Torode of Chittenango, New York, and Carl (Christie) Torode of Starke. He is also survived by his nieces, Megan Torode (Chris) Welch of Charles Town, West Virginia, Mary Torode (Brad) Sykes of Loxley, Alabama, Shauna Patrick (Chris) Lynch of Chittenango, New York, Shelley Torode (Josh) Luke of Starke, and Amanda Torode of Starke.
Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at Kingsley Lake Cemetery with Pastor Jonathan Rodriguez officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 4, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: K9 Service German Shepherd Rescue, 3913 Little Dairy Road, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043 or online at www.K-9services.net.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home,620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Avery Waldron
Avery Hogan Waldron, 59, of Hampton, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was born in Starke to Geraldine (Thornton) Waldron and the late Hogan Waldron. He was a lifelong resident of Union and Bradford Counties. He worked as a laboratory technician at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny for almost the last 10 years and had retired from Shands Hospital in Starke after 20 years of service. He was a talented musician and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was also a member of Victory Revival Church. He was proceeded in death by parents, Hogan and Norma Waldron of Douglas, Georgia; paternal grandparents, Robert and Ruby Waldron; maternal grandparents, Edward and Georgia Thornton; brother, Marty Waldron; and stepsister, Denise Waldron.
He is survived by his mother, Geraldine Waldron of Raiford; stepbrother, Tom (April) Wooten; stepsisters, Charlene (Mike) Moore and Regina (Dewayne) Paulk; daughter, Bethanie (Jacob) Bairen; and nieces, Danielle (Wilbur) Poore and Kaley Waldron.
Funeral services were held on Friday May 31, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler, with Rev. Randall Griffis, Rev. Larry Thornton, and Sister Joy Thornton officiating.Interment followed at Santa Fe Cemetery in Hampton. A dinner was held in honor of Avery by Victory Revival Church at the Raiford Community Center following the funeral and interment services.
Arrangements were under the care of Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
