Evelyn C. Briggs passed into the arms of her loving Savior March 16, 2017 at the home of her sister, Shirley Sharman of Macclenny.

Evelyn was born in Waycross, Ga. On Feb. 17, 1930. She was the daughter of Hazel and Maude Courson. Evelyn was preceded in  death by her parents, her loving husband of 68 years, William Brigg,s and her daughter in law, Pattii Briggs.

She is survived by her sons, Gregory A. Briggs and William M. “Bill” Briggs (Virginia) of Callahan, Fla.; two grandchildren, Patricia Briggs and Christina Briggs Borcher (Daniel); stepgrandson Christopher Larkin; three great-grandchildren, Zachary McPheeters, Riley McPheeters and Briggs Borcher; sisters Dorothy Gordon of Townsend, Ga., Shirley Sharman of Macclenny, Fla. and Nancy Harvey (Jim) of Titusville, Fla.; brother Ted (Sandy) of Merritt Island, Fla. and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Evelyn was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Fla. She worked and retired from AT&T. She was an avid Gator supporter and enjoyed tailgating at The Swamp. She also traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

A celebration of life was held for family and friends at Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church in Macclenny on Wednesday, March 22. Visitation was at the church at 10  a.m. with service following at 11. A fellowship meal followed at the church. Interment service will be on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., for family.

Loca Bell Gibson went home to be with the Lord March 21, 2017.

She was born April 14, 1922 in Lake City, Fla. She was known by her friends as Bell when she worked at the Jacksonville International Airport. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Willard R. Gibson and daughter Diane Carter.

 She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Hickox, Dora Landry, Sherry Weidenaar and Melba Marshall and sons William (Jackie) Gibson, Ralph Gibson, Jimmy Gibson, and Carl Greene. She has 27 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

 Arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205, where the family held a public visitation at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, followed by the funeral service at noon. A committal service commenced at 1 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery.

Maynard Stockton Nighbert, 86, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away April 13, 2017 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. 

He was born in Pittsville, Ill. to the late Maynard S. Nighbert and Audrey Albright Nighbert. He was a member of the Callahan Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 32 and a 32nd degree Shriner. He was a member of the National Camping Travelers Club.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Paul Nighbert; a brother, John Nighbert; a sister, Marjorie Nighbert and a daughter-in-law, Glenda Nighbert.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Paula Ellis Nighbert;three sons, Stockton Nighbert, Neil Nighbert (Denise) and James Nighbert (Kristi); a daughter-in-law, Penny Nighbert; a brother, Dave Nighbert; seven grandchildren, Chad Nighbert (Greta), Michael Nighbert (Kelli), Audrey Nighbert Schuler (Brad), Courtney Nighbert Petty (Aaron), Dylan Nighbert, Erica Nighbert and Stephen Kriete (April); and eight great-grandchildren, Paul Nighbert, Ross Nighbert, Adrian Nighbert, Adalynn Petty, Taylor Petty, Peyton Messenbrink, Zoie Kriete and Eli Kriete.

Memorialization will be by cremation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Mrs. Kathy Elaine Head Brant, 63, of White Oak passed away Saturday afternoon, April 22, 2017, at her residence after an extended illness.

Born in Brunswick, Ga., she was the daughter of the late James Franklin Head and Mrs. Eula Faye Daniels Head of Waverly, Ga. Along with her father, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Emily Head Drury.

Kathy loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed arts and crafts, reading, visiting different areas in the country and she really loved to shop. She was of The Church of God Faith and had worked as a teacher’s aide for the Camden County School System.

She is survived by her loving husband of 12 years, William “Bill” A. Brant of White Oak; her mother, Mrs. Eula Faye Daniels Head of Waverly; three daughters and a son-in-law, Amanda and Scott Meadows of Eastman, Ga., Heather Elaine Strickland and Misty Darlene Strickland, both of White Oak; a stepson, William Anthony “Tony” Brant (Elaina) of Douglas, Ga.; three step-daughters and a son-in-law, Terri MacDonald (Brian) of Kingsland, Ga., Christina Manbeck, of Chiefland, Fla. and Barbara Traci Manbeck of Kingsland, Ga.; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Wetzel and Patricia Head of Waynesville, Emmett and Tammy Head of Waverly and Chad and Sheila Head of Waverley; a sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Calvin Blount of Waverly; many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation was Tuesday evening at Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta, Ga. from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services for Mrs. Kathy Head Brant were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from the Chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Pastor John Harris officiating. Burial followed at The Horse Stamp Cemetery in Waverly. Pallbearers were Kevin, Phillip and Kalem Head, Scott MacDonald, Garrett Grant and Mr. Bill Brant. 

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home. Sympathy may be expressed at www.fryefh.com.

Dorothy L. Gee, 77, of Baxley, Ga. passed away April 20, 2017 after a brief illness. 

Mrs. Gee was born in Baxley on Nov. 7, 1939 to John Henry and Bertie Turner. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gee is predeceased by her husband, Willie T. Gee, and siblings Linda Chadwick and Lonnie Williams.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Kearn) Strickland, Donna (Wendell) Waters, Rhonda (Gene) Carroll, Lorie (Terry) Oneal, Thomas (Hazel) Strickland, David (Trisha) Strickland, Michael Gee, Mitchell Gee, Mark (Lisa) Gee and Melissa Gee. She is also survived by grandchildren, Scott (Alicia) Strickland, Mandy Lyons, Chris (Angela) Gore, Brian (Heather) Gray, Jennifer (Jason) Lantry, Cody Oneal, Maranda Strickland, Amanda (Tim) Williams, Heather (Warren) Moody, Caleb Taylor, Madison Strickland, Jessica Sutphin, Elizabeth Gee, Amy Gee, Marcus (Susan) Gee, Nathan Gee, Brandi Maddox, Brandy Gee, Dustin Maddox and Anthony Maddox; siblings Jerry Williams, Dyanne Cook and Wanda Williams and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 25, 2017
at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Callahan Funeral Home, with visitation held in the chapel one hour prior to the service. Interment was in Jones Cemetery.  Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home.

Edwin B. Miller, 57, of Statesboro, Ga. died at home April 11, 2017. 

Mr. Miller was born Sept. 23, 1959 to Frances Taylor and the late Edwin L. Miller. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces, serving for eight years. He was a cell tower climber, a carpenter and a certified HVAC repairman.

He is survived by his children, Edwin Gerry Miller and Damon Richard Miller; two granddaughters, Lilly and Leila Miller; a brother, William Montgomery Miller and his daughter, Tabatha Alexandra Steinmann and a sister, Ruby Gall and her son, Joshua Andrew Gall. He was preceded in death by a son, Devon Franklin Miller and sisters Shari and Kathy Miller.

A private family memorial was held April 15 and Mr. Miller was cremated. Interment is in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Ga. Wood Funeral Home handled arrangements.

James Fuller Higginbotham, 68, of Yulee, Fla. passed away in his home Friday, April 21, 2017.

Jimmy was born July 17, 1948 to J.W. Higginbotham and Helen (Ussery) Higginbotham. In addition to his parents, his brother Winslow Lamar Higginbotham also preceded him in death. 

Jimmy is survived by his nephew Stan Higginbotham and niece Joni Higginbotham Tuttle, as well as two great-nephews (Daniel Tuttle and Jay Higginbotham) and three great-nieces (Amy Tuttle, Jessica and Julia Higginbotham). He was also blessed with loyal friends and extended family who helped sustain him through difficult times.

He was a lifelong resident of Nassau County and made his living from the bounty of the beautiful waters of the Nassau River. Jimmy also sold tickets for many years to the Atlanta Braves even though he was himself an avid L.A. Dodgers fan. He was one of a kind.

Arrangements have been made through Callahan Funeral Home. A graveside service and interment will be held at Jones Cemetery on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Sara Nelle Vaughn Warr, 94, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away April 24, 2017 following a lengthy illness.  

She was born Nov. 6, 1922 in Ooltewah, Tenn. to the late Frank R. Vaughn and Mollie Carson Wharton. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville and a former member of First Baptist Church of Boulougne. Sara Nelle loved the Lord and spent many hours daily in prayer and was very involved in missions. 

Along with her parents, she was welcomed to her heavenly home by her husband, Dr. C. Michael Warr; her stepfather, Leonard A Wharton; her sister and brother-in-law, Reta and Samuel Marion Tinker and a great-grandson, Joshua Daniel Root.

She is survived by her son, Danny (Sara Mae) Warr; grandchildren, Lisa Root, CJ (Lucia) Allen “Warr” and Dorothy (Chris) Pavlovsky; a grandson-in-love, James “Punch” Root; great-grandchildren Rachel (Luis) Garcia, Mollie Root, David Root, Leila, Ella and Lindley Pavlovsky, Lucas and Lucia Allen “Warr;” great-great-grandchildren Joshua and Mateo Garcia; a niece, Sara Kay (Danny) Gentry; special caregivers, Pat Griffin and Betty Allen and a cousin, Cindy Vaughn Plummer.

Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, April 27 at 5 p.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home with Chaplain Grant Wheeler and the Rev. Chris Pavlovsky officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Boulougne designated for the Annie Armstrong Easter offering. Condolences may be made by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Janice “Monkey” Libby Kahrs, 65, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away at her residence April 27, 2017. 

She was born in Folkston, Ga. Aug. 10, 1951 to the late Arthur William Libby and Ruth Trouille Libby. 

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Robert) Parks and Tina (Jack) Elmore; two brothers, Dale (Janice) Libby and Grady (Regina) Libby; a sister, Linda (Jack) Blankenship; two grandchildren, Amber Smith and Alandra Waugh and two great-grandchildren, Gavyn and Grayson.

A celebration of life service was held Sunday, April 30 in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home beginning at 2 p.m. Memorialization will be by cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Casey Earl Lewis, 23, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away April 30, 2017 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  

He was a Plank Owner member of the Nassau Chapter of the Blank Check Society. He was a lifelong timber harvester, beginning with Earl Lewis Timber and Farm, currently with S&S Timber Company of Lawtey, Fla. and continuing with the late Hunter Starling, David Starling, Austin Waters and B.C. Lewis. He was the start-up co-owner of DC Wood Production with Dusty Pate in Hilliard, Fla. 

He was an avid woodsman, fisherman, hunter, musician, entertainer, biker, cattleman and farmer. He was a descendant of the original families of Kings Ferry, Fla.  He was dedicated with a passion to his family, friends and loved ones. He was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church.

He is survived by his fiancée, Summer Haddock; his children, Nathan Michael Lewis and Teaghen Lewis; his parents, Sunshine (Brian) Valler and Eric (Tracie) Lewis; his grandmothers, Karen Waters Hodges and Sara (Jerry) Dixon; his grandfather, Raymond Earl Lewis; his sisters, Erica (Nadal) Lewis and Megan Matthews; his half-sister, Briana Valler; half-brother, Matthew Valler; his stepchildren, Lantz, Savana, Madeline and Khloe; two nephews, Raiden and Brantley; his step-grandparents, Gary and Maureen Valler and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jesse Michael (Pa) Hodges.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 5 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Kings Ferry Cemetery.

In lieu “Lew” of flowers (which Casey would run over with his skidder anyway), make donations to Southeastern Bank in Hilliard for his children, Nathan and Teaghen. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Born on Oct. 15, 1942 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. to the late Lucy and Jeff McIntosh, Glenda Rose McIntosh left this earth on April 23, 2017 after a brief illness. She was a spry 74 years young despite battling dementia for the last 3.5 years. 

During her life, her professions ranged from telephone operator with Southern Bell (now AT&T) from 1960-73, volunteer with the Hospital Auxiliary at Charlton Memorial Hospital, homeroom mom during various grades of her daughter’s school years (much to her daughter’s chagrin at times), band mom (again, much to her daughter’s chagrin), funeral home secretary, caterer, queen of gingerbread houses in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia and an excellent cook. 

She graduated from Hilliard High School in 1960, where her fellow classmates voted her friendliest and most dramatic. Glenda also proudly became a Girl Scout at the age of 40, which really is a grand accomplishment considering she beat breast cancer just a few years prior. She spent most of her life in Hilliard, Fla. but most recently lived in Yulee, Fla.   

Glenda had a zest for life that can only be expressed by the colorfulness in her personality. She was full of humor, loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. Her favorite pastime was to dress up in outlandish outfits and go to family reunions uninvited – other families’ reunions. Mind you, they were family friends, but you get the idea. Nothing like just showing up dressed like a stranger at an event you aren’t supposed to be at to see what kind of reaction you will get. That was Glenda. Or, better yet, putting on the makeup thicker than Tammy Faye ever could, stuffing her bra with Kleenex and answering the door when her teenage daughter’s date arrived. (Now you understand the chagrin.) 

When she wasn’t dressing up, she loved to cook and bake and share the goodies with neighbors and her daughter’s classmates. Glenda had a generous heart and a gracious smile. Once you met her, she was hard to forget. Despite the silliness, down deep Glenda harbored a serious love for God and Jesus Christ. Inside her Bibles are pages and pages filled with handwritten notes of Scripture and prayers for others.   

Glenda is survived by her daughter, Lucy Kwapnioski-Nadeau (Greg Peistrup, partner) of Yulee; a sister, Melba Powers (the late Ralph) of Hilliard; brothers Grady McIntosh (Nancy) of Hilliard, Leo McIntosh of Jacksonville, Fla. and Tommy McIntosh of Lutz, Fla.; ex-husband Gene Kwapnioski and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and dear friends, as well as her cats, Daisy, Blossom, Cheyenne and Lola. She was sure to have met her faithful companion Champagne and her cat Goldie at the Rainbow Bridge on her way into heaven.

Memorialization will take place by cremation. A visitation with the family took place Friday, April 28 from noon to 2 p.m. with memorial services scheduled for 2 p.m. at Shepard Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood St., Folkston, GA 31537. Donations in memory of Glenda may be made to River City Community Animal Hospital, P.O. Box 551344, Jacksonville FL 32255.

Timothy E. Swearingen, “The Battery Man,” 66, of Hilliard passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at his home in Hilliard.

Mr. Swearingen was born Feb. 26, 1951 in Jacksonville and spent his early years in Jacksonville and the rest of his life in Hilliard. Tim was the middle son of Stephen and Mary Swearingen, who are both deceased.

He leaves behind a sister, Delores L. Doyle and her son Hugh Simmons, his beloved nephew; two brothers, Toby Swearingen and the Rev. Bert Swearingen and several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as stepchildren Andy Moser, Jonathan Taylor and Samantha Johnson and two grandchildren, Brianna Taylor and Allison Moser.

Tim sold batteries for many years and was known in Callahan and Hilliard as “The Battery Man.” He loved to hunt, fish and garden. Tim took great delight in telling his fish stories and always had a good sense of humor. He loved his cats and beloved dog, Brownie.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13 in Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Bert Swearingen officiating.

Sylvia Hicks Long went home to be with Jesus on Friday, May 19, 2017 after a short illness.

Next to loving and caring for her family, Sylvia loved teaching little ones best. She worked at Callahan Elementary School as a teacher’s aide from 1974 to 2003 and was a teacher and “Grandma” at Nana and Gee Gee’s Preschool through 2017.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Callahan and was a member of the Grace Sunday School Class. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Stanley Long, and her daughter, Laurie Long.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Callahan with funeral services also at First Baptist on Wednesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. Interment followed in Jones Cemetery in Callahan.

Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc.

Marina Lafern Slagle, 57, was born May 13, 1959 at Castle Air Force Base in California and passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 at her home in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was employed by Parallon Business Solutions in Jacksonville as a researcher/correspondence specialist. She was preceded in death by her father, Morrison A. Slagle.

She is survived by her mother, Betty J. Slagle of Pennington Gap; one brother, Morrison Slagle, Jr. and wife, Cindy of Callahan, Fla.; four nieces; one nephew; five great-nieces; three great-nephews; a longtime friend, Karen Clarke of Atlanta and a lot of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was buried in Lee Memorial
Gardens at Woodway. Mullins-Stur-gill Funeral Home of Pennington Gap was in charge of arrangements.

Norman Swinehart, 77, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away at his residence May 24, 2017 following a lengthy illness. 

He was born Feb. 26, 1940 in Three Rivers, Mich. to the late Lloyd Swinehart and Ella Maude Schultz Swinehart. He was a former member of North Hilliard Baptist Church and currently attended the Boulougne Holiness Church.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Janet Williams and Nancy Daily.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lorraine Swinehart; nine children, June (Michael) Oaks, J.D. Swinehart, Kathy (Raymond) Wise, Kenny Swinehart, Dale (Barbara) Swinehart, Diane Tattrie, Linda (Donnie) Yant, Randy Christner and Lori Diamond; a brother, Dwayne Swinehart; a half-sister, Debbie Shultz and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at Boulougne Holiness Church with the Rev. Andrew Gillis and the Rev. A.L. Sweat officiating. Memorialization will be by cremation. 

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Mrs. Jeanette Kilpatrick, 84, died Thursday, June 15, 2017 in a local care center. 

Mrs. Kilpatrick was born in Lake City, Fla. and worked for many years with Independent Life Insurance Company. She loved to sew and made bags for the homeless and clothing for orphans in India. She enjoyed her grandchildren, spending time with her family and, above all else, was a Christian and a devoted member of Callahan Church of Christ. 

Mrs. Kilpatrick was preceded in death by her husband, James Richard Kilpatrick, Sr. in 2009 and is survived by a daughter, Candace; four sons, James R. “Jim” (Joyce) Kilpatrick Jr., Kelly Kilpatrick, Timothy Kilpatrick and Kevin (Donna) Kilpatrick; seven grandchildren, Michelle, Jimmy III, Amanda, Adam, Katey (Jordan), Breanna and Kevin Lane; great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Peeples Family Funeral Homes, 2220 Soutel Dr., near Lem Turner Road with William O. Leonard, minister, officiating. Burial followed in Restlawn Memorial Park. Her family received friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday prior to the services at the funeral home. 

Anissa Chantille Thompson, 49, of Hilliard passed away Friday, June 16, 2017. 

Born in Jacksonville, Anissa had made her home in Nassau County for 32 years. Anissa was preceded in death by her son, Chadwick Thompson; grandparents, E.L. “Mac” and Catherine McClymonds and stepfather, Claudie Maddox. 

Survivors include her daughter, Shaina Thompson (Andy Henderson); her mother, Linda Maddox; two brothers, Jarod Lightfoot and Jason Maddox; one granddaughter, Claudia; her special nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends. 

A memorial gathering will be planned. Arrangements by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Ave., Jacksonville.

Franklin Geiger, 83, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away June 23, 2017. 

He was born Sept. 22, 1933 to the late Willie Hansford Geiger and Ruby Rebecca Davis Geiger Crews. Mr. Geiger proudly served the Florida Highway Patrol for 32 years, retiring as captain. He was known as “Chief” to his trooper family. He loved the Lord and would witness to anyone who would listen. He served faithfully as a deacon at Cedar Creek Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Boulougne. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gerald “Jerry” Franklin Geiger. He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Wyvonne “Liz” Geiger; two sons, Rick (Kathy) Geiger of Rockmart, Ga. and Danny (Kath) Geiger of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Amanda Geiger, Jeremy Geiger, Jana (Chris) Ellis, Stacy (Chadd) Wilson, Crissie Geiger, Lee Mock, Dustin (Megan) Mock, Jason Geiger, Deanna Arawood and a number of great-grandchildren and other relatives. 

The family received friends Sunday, June 25 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, June 26 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with the Rev. John Montgomery and the Rev. Greg Jones officiating. Burial was in Buford Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Neal Kyle Crisp, 75, died Saturday, June 10, 2017 at his home in Bryson City, N.C. following his battle with cancer. With his wife Teresa near and his daughter Bobbie by his side, he peacefully passed at 10:55 p.m.

Neal was born in Fernandina Beach, Fla. on March 14, 1942 to Ollie Mae (Cochran) and John Kyle Crisp. He grew up in Yulee, Fla. along with his five brothers and one sister. Neal joined the Air Force after high school and served his country for four years. While in the Air Force, he realized the main difference between him and his first lieutenant was a piece of paper called a college degree, and so he went on to attend Florida State University, where he graduated with a degree in criminal justice. 

This led him to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in Asheville, N.C. He fought crime for the next 25 years in North Carolina, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida. Neal loved his years as an agent and did it well, winning many awards and recognized often for his interviewing skills. Many a story he would share about these years, regaling his enthralled listeners with funny and exciting tales of characters and criminals.

Retiring early, he moved to Bryson City, N.C., where he grew his hobby of building. He was self-taught and with the help of Time Life Books he built, completely and partially, 14 homes in the Bryson City area for himself and his neighbors. Many times you would find him sitting outside, beer in hand, “ciphering” on details of the current project or his next grand idea. Constantly creative, he was innovative with materials and created one-of-a-kind houses.

Neal was known and loved for his big heart, generosity, storytelling and easy-going manner. Always accompanied by his dogs, he never met a stranger and within minutes they fell for his charm. He left people with smiles on their faces and laughter in their hearts. His colorful and entertaining personality accompanied with his kindness will be remembered by all whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind wife, Teresa Lambert Crisp; daughters, Bobbi Rapp and husband Bryan of Atlanta and Erika Smith and husband Craig of Bryson City; granddaughter, Stella Elaine Rapp; grandson, Seth Brennan Smith; brothers, Clarence “Edwin” Crisp (Angela) of Fernandina Beach and Ralph Crisp (Pearl) of South Carolina; sister, Betty Jo Holland (Burnell) of Yulee and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Dewey Crisp, Dwayne Crisp and Thad “Sonny” Crisp.

A small, private family graveside service will be held in Cochran Cemetery, where he will be buried next to his mother, Ollie Mae. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from noon to 4 p.m. at Land’s Creek Cabins, 3336 Balltown Rd., Bryson City, N.C., http://www.pawsbrysoncity.org. Appalachian Funeral Services and Crematorium in Sylva, N.C. handled arrangements.

Gary Stephen Johnson ,65, of Hilliard passed away Monday, July 3, 2017.  

He was born Feb. 17, 1952 in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Claude Elwood Johnson and Cora Belle Rowe and was a longtime resident of Nassau County. He was a loving father, grandfather, husband and friend to many.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Barbra Scarborough Johnson; two daughters, Samantha Johnson Pyles and Sabrina Johnson Brooks and stepdaughter Lisa Craven Smith; five granddaughters, Haleigh Latimer, Brianna Latimer, Kennedi Pyles, Carrie Smith and Kayla Smith Raulerson and one grandson, Trenton Brooks. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Nassau County Fire Rescue or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at River Road Baptist Church on County Road 121. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.nassaufh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of  Nassau Funeral Home, 879-1770.