Branton Aubrey Crews, 18, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Jan. 3, 2019. 

He was born Jan. 12, 2000 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He was a recent graduate of Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, Class of 2018. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Boulougne. He was looking forward to beginning his career at D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aubrey Crews and Donna Manning and great-grandparents Avery and Lucille Lee and Jessie and Gwendolyn Hodges.

He is survived by his mother, Crystal Lee Crews; his father, Allen Dale Crews; his siblings, Clayton Crews, Jacob (Dezeree) Crews, Kayla Guinn and Cheyenne Crews; his grandparents, Clinton and Patsy Lee; his girlfriend, Katie Baker and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

The family received friends Sunday, Jan. 6 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. in the Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Lucas officiating. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery.

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

William “Bill” Alven Grantham, 84, of Callahan, Fla. passed away peacefully at his residence Saturday morning, Jan. 5, 2019. 

Bill was born April 2, 1934 in Perry, Fla. to the late Buddy and Beulah Johnson Grantham. Bill and his wife, Joyce, lived in Hilliard, Fla. for more than 20 years and then resided in Valdosta, Ga. before moving to Callahan to be close to family. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1951-55. He attended forestry school in Lake City, Fla. and then made a career in the timber industry. Bill had a passion for outdoor life – especially fishing and hunting. He was a wonderful and much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, along with being a friend to many. He touched many lives and will never be forgotten by those who loved him. 

Bill is survived by his daughters, Sandy (Michael) Carroll of Callahan and Brenda (Steve) Shambach of St. Augustine, Fla.; grandchildren Brian (Jeana) Carroll, Tiffany (Josh) Baker, Jennifer (DJ) Willard and Brett Shambach; sister, Shirley (Dave) Houchin and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lee (Williams) Grantham. 

A visitation will be held Thursday morning, Jan. 10, 2019 at 11 a.m. with a service following at noon at the First Baptist Church of Callahan. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. in the Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.nassaufh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nassau Funeral Home (Terri McAninch), 541720 U.S. 1, Callahan, FL 32011, 904-879-1770. 

Paula Mae Ellis Nighbert, 86, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Jan. 6, 2019 at Lakes Crossing Assisted Living in Kingsland, Ga. 

She was born Feb. 27, 1932 in Stanton, Texas to the late Paul Stadler Ellis and Mazzie Mae Wright Ellis. She, along with her late husband, was member of the National Camping Travelers Club.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard Stockton Nighbert; a son, Paul Nighbert; a sister, Margaret Sanders; two brothers, Charles Ellis and Alvin Ellis and a daughter-in-law, Glenda Nighbert.

She is survived by her children, Stockton Nighbert, Neil (Denise) Nighbert and James (Kristi) Nighbert; a daughter-in-law, Penny Nighbert; a brother, Jimmy (Neva) Ellis; two sisters-in-law, Clare Ellis and Joyce Ellis; a brother-in-law, Jim Sanders; seven grandchildren, Chad (Greta) Nighbert, Michael (Kelli) Nighbert, Audrey Nighbert (Brad) Shuler, Courtney Nighbert (Aaron) Petty, Dylan Nighbert, Erica Nighbert and Stephen (April) Kriete; 10 great-grandchildren, Paul Nighbert, Ross Nighbert, Adrian Nighbert, Adalynn Petty, Taylor Petty, Peyton Messenbeck, Zoie Kriete, Eli Kriete, Madalyn Shuler and Brendon Shuler and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorialization will be by cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Georgia Hospice Care of Brunswick, Ga. 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.

Marjorie Gail Harrington, 70, of Hilliard, Fla. went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jan. 9, 2019. 

Mrs. Harrington was born Jan. 20, 1948 in Gastonia, N.C. to the late William Bowlin, Sr. and Faye Laverne Early Bowlin. She was a 1966 graduate of Ashley High School in Gastonia. After completing high school, she attended Southern Academy of Medical Technology and earned her certification as a lab technician in 1967. For the last 23 years, she served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife. She had a testimony like the Apostle Paul who said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, the Rev. Curtis Harrington; three children, Shannon Harrington (Deborah) of Nutley, N.J., Dawn Colley (Doug) of Callahan, Fla. and Todd Harrington of Hilliard; three sisters, Becky Ballard (Anthony) of Stanley, N.C., Cindy Hughes (Gary) of Bessemer, N.C. and Melody Crouse of Lincolnton, N.C.; a brother, Bill Bowlin (Diane) of Chatham, Va.; 10 grandchildren, Daniel Harrington, Rosa Harrington, Isabel Harrington, Abigail Colley, Jude Colley, Isaac Harrington, Ethan Harrington, Amber Harrington, Brayden Harrington and Cadie Harrington; three brothers-in-law, Tom Harrington (Linda) of Gary, Texas, Mark Harrington (Cathy) of Henderson, Texas and Joel Harrington (Barb) of Holland, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Ruthann Smith (Bob) of Campbell, Texas and a host of other relatives.

The family received friends Sunday, Jan. 13 at Buford Grove Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Thrift and the Rev. Mike Pruitte officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Buford Grove Building Fund, P.O. Box 430, Hilliard, FL 32046. 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.

The life and legacy of Viola “Granny” Way Henry began on a bright sunny day in July – butterflies gave color to the sky, birds flew about singing, beautiful flowers were in full bloom. It all echoed to welcome Henry and Susan Way’s baby girl.

On July 26, 1922, our beloved mother, granny, auntie and cousin, Viola Way Henry, was born to the late Henry and Susan Way. She was the third of five children and reared in Midway, Ga. She made transition to glory Nov. 26, 2018.

During her young adult years, she relocated to Callahan, Fla. to be with her oldest sister, Nancy. At that time, she gave her life to the Lord and joined the Bethel A.M.E. Church family. She always loved and kept God first in her life, always a faithful servant and worked diligently for the building and maintaining of God’s Kingdom. At Bethel, she served as stewardess, choir member, missionary and trustee. After the birth of Viola’s first granddaughter Hope, we all called her “Granny.”

Viola was a diligent and dependable employee with that Nassau County School Board at Callahan Elementary School for 16 years. She has always enforced education and higher achievement. Granny mentored and disciplined all students on campus, including her children and relatives. Her legacy lives on through the young adults she encouraged that became nurses, doctors, lawyers, diplomats, teachers, ministers and many strong, faithful individuals.

For the last decade, Granny relocated to Miramar, Fla., living with her daughters due to medical reasons. There, she attended St. James A.M.E Church of Liberty City, Fla. under the Rev. J.L. Williams III. At St. James, she was affectionately known as “Mother Henry” and “Granny” as she was the eldest in recent years.

Viola was preceded in death by her siblings, James Way and Ida Holmes, and her sons, Julius Jr. and Lensey Henry.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Donnell Henry of Callahan; her daughters, Sue Henry and Jean Henry of Miramar and Linda Henry Bennett (Roger) of Hinesville, Ga.; loving sisters, Nancy Bady and Helen Scott of Midway, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and endearing friends.

Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home Northside is serving the family. 

Kimberly Ann Beasley Todd, 49, of Folkston, Ga. passed away Jan. 9, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. following a lengthy illness. 

She was born in Folkston Feb. 17, 1969 to the late Edward Melton Beasley and Bettye Jane Irvin Beasley. She was employed as a rural route carrier for the United States Postal Service in Kingsland, Ga. She was a huge Florida Gator fan, but her true love was her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Bettye Beasley, and two brothers, Greg and Edward Beasley, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry A. Todd; two sons, Jeremy and Bradley Todd; a sister, Sharon (Kevin) Vanzant; five brothers, Joe Eddie (Minona) Beasley, Luman (Megan) Beasley, Jimmy (Stephanie) Beasley, John (Donna) Beasley and Rex (Missy) Beasley, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

The family received friends Saturday, Jan. 12 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Boulougne with the Rev. Paul Lucas officiating. Burial followed in Racepond Cemetery at Sand Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3011 Hampton Ave #361, Brunswick, GA 31520 in honor of Kim.

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.

Toniette C. Lott, 51, affectionately known as Toni, answered His Master’s call on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019.  

He leaves to cherish his memories a wife, Devon N. Lott; daughter, Kristole Perkins; son, Toniette C. Lott, Jr.; mother, Norma J. Lott; siblings, Ferris Jones (Chong), Donnell Henry, Linda Henry-Erwin (Al) and LaChaine Lott-Phillips (Roderick); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends. 

Celebration of Life Service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan, Fla., the Rev. Dr. Reginald R. Edwards, Sr., pastor. Mr. Lott rested for loved ones and friends on Friday, Jan. 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Northside Chapel and Saturday from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Interment will be in the Callahan Community Cemetery. Professional services from the heart in the care of the Northside Chapel of Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, 6665 New Kings Road, 904-765-4150.

Victoria Queen Wilson left this earth for her heavenly home, surrounded by family, friends and love on Jan. 15, 2019.

She was born in Wayne County, W.Va. to Dewey and Emma Queen. She was predeceased by her parents, Dewey and Emma Queen; sisters, Delphia Queen Copley, Virginia Queen Maynard and Lydia Brook Queen; brother Nathan Queen; and the love of her life, her husband Garland Wilson.

Victoria was a member of the Lake Forest Church of Christ for 60 years. She loved church and enjoyed her church family very much.

She wrote that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were “My precious light to my heart. I enjoyed every minute I had with them.” She also wrote, “My sons have been so good to me and come and take me to church.”

She leaves her sons, Michael (Gayle) and Jeff; four grandchildren, Matthew (Rachael) Wilson, Amy (Kortney) Hightower, Adam (Stephanie Linsley) Wilson and Ashley (Patrick) Michael; nine great-grandchildren, Ellie, Max, Phillip, Arthur, Caleb, Morgan, Timmy, Alex and Jordan; brother-in-law W.C. Maynard; sister-in-law Ann Queen; nieces Vickie (Dwane) Tankersley and Diane (Carl) Steele; nephews David (Rita) Maynard and Randy Queen and former daughter-in-law Terri Wilson.

Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Lake Forest Church of Christ, 950 Edgewood Ave. West, Jacksonville, 32208, with the service following at 11 a.m. Interment was in the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, 32218 at 2 p.m.

The family would like to honor Victoria and The Taylor Residences that cared lovingly for her. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Victoria Wilson to the Taylor Foundation, 6601 Chester Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32217. 

Arrangements are under the direction of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd. South, 904-737-4855.

Funeral services for Gwendolen Ann Haskell Wynn, 75, who passed away on Jan. 13, 2019, were held Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4747 Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 with the Rev. Cody Page officiating. The family received friends Wednesday, one hour prior to service at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Wynn was born in Jacksonville, Fla. and she made Callahan her home since 1973. She was a member of the Presbyterian faith and really enjoyed spending time taking care of her yard. She was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School Class of 1960 and was active with the Andrew Jackson Lunch Bunch. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, the late John T. Wynn Jr. Survivors include her two daughters, Robin W. Deen (Tracy) and Stephanie Ann Wynn; one son, Mark Wynn (Gail); two brothers, Harold N. Haskell Jr. (Sally), and Lyman Edward “Buddy” Haskell; four grandchildren, Michael Wynn, Crystal Rhoden (Richard), Justin Deen and Rebecka Croft (Jamie); seven great-grandchildren and her faithful furry friend, Buddy.

Grace Vanzant Anderson, 85, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. 

She was born April 30, 1933 to the late Ernest Vanzant and Deborah Vanzant. She retired from Prudential Insurance in Jacksonville. She was a member of Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hilliard.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Anderson, Jr. and a brother, Troy Vanzant. She is survived by a niece and a nephew, as well as many other relatives, church family and close friends.

The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Buford Grove Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Harrington officiating. Burial followed in Pigeon Creek Cemetery.

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

W.H. “Sammy” Johnson, a lifelong resident of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Feb. 2, 2019.

Mr. Johnson retired from Western-Southern Insurance Company after 32 years of service and was an Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Elaine Johnson; five daughters, Carrie (Mark) Young, Jessamy (Dean) Ellsworth, Trilby Smith, Brenda Varnes and Amanda (Rick) Bridges; a sister, Carrie Summerall; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church Hilliard, with the Rev. Josh Tillman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service. Interment will be held in Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jacksonville City Rescue Mission, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

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

Dot Ladson Outler, 55, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 after a lengthy illness. She was born Aug. 7, 1963 in Jacksonville, Fla. to Billy and Mable Ladson.

Dot was a strong believer and prayer warrior. She started each day by praying and spending time in God’s word. Jesus was the center of her life and it was obvious in the way she lived. Dot’s faith in the Lord never wavered in spite of her health issues.

Her children and grandchildren were a big part of her life. She loved shopping for them and being their “Gaga.” She cherished going on family vacations, especially to Disney and the beach, where she enjoyed watching her grandkids play. Dot treasured times with family and friends playing games, laughing and dancing. Her joy was contagious and she had a way of making everyone feel loved and accepted.

Dot is survived by her loving husband Matt Outler; daughters Leslie (Grant) Gressman, Blair (Mike) Harris, Lyndsie Edwards, Brooke (Austin) Carr; grandchildren Hallie and Colton Gressman, Parker Harris and Lawson and Grady Carr; sisters Cindy (Paul) Howe, Debbie Self, Pam Patterson and Billie Jo (Keith) Spires; brothers-in-law Mark Outler and Mike (Alisha) Outler; along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, niece Kristina Patterson and brother-in-law Tommy Patterson.

Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Callahan. A celebration of life was held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Callahan with Dr. Lynn Hyatt and Pastor Todd Carr officiating. Interment followed in Jones Cemetery in Callahan, Fla.

Pallbearers were Mike Harris, Grant Gressman, Austin Carr, Jake Self, Jimbo Selph and Justin Self. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Barnes, Hunter Barnes, Hayden Barnes, Cody Johnston, Jon Rudd and Patrick Outler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nest, A Women’s Center, Inc., 8264 Old Plank Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32220, www.thenestawomenscenter.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc.

Ira C. “Bill” Wilkerson, Jr., 91, of Callahan, Fla. passed away Friday morning, Feb. 8, 2019. 

He was born Nov. 13, 1927 to the late Ira C. Wilkerson, Sr. and Emma Elam Wilkerson in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. Mr. Wilkerson served in the United States Army from Jan. 24, 1946 to July 4, 1947. He then made a career in the plumbing and pipefitting industry, retiring from Local Union No. 234 Plumbers and Steamfitters.

Bill had a passion for outdoor life, especially hunting and fishing, but his greatest desire was to serve his Heavenly Father as a deacon for over 60 years. He also enjoyed fellowship with his church family and Sunday School members.

Being very civic minded, he served as town councilman for the Town of Callahan, from 1979 to 1990.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gladys Proveaux Wilkerson; his two sons, Mitch and Marty(Linda) Wilkerson; daughter, Melanie (Steve) Crawford; three brothers, Robert Wilkerson, Chester (Janice) Wilkerson and Jerome (Sue) Wilkerson; six grandchildren, Kari (Bradley) Vennard, Shelly Wilkerson, Holly (Joshua) Wicker, Jarrod (Courtney) Killen, Brittany Robertson and Chloe Crawford and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Callahan with interment in Jones Cemetery, Callahan. Visitation was held in the church one hour prior to the service.

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

Mrs. Etna Marlene Young (Page) of Callahan, Fla. passed quietly in the home of two angels, Ed and Cheryl Shanafelt, in Jacksonville, Fla. on Feb. 19, 2019 of a respiratory illness. 

Marlene, never known as Etna, was born to James Peyton Page, Sr. and Etna Louranah Ogilvie on Oct. 10, 1940 in Callahan. The seventh child of eight, she grew up and graduated from Callahan High School in 1958. She played on the basketball team and belonged to the Beta Club. After finishing her training with National Airlines, she went to work as a flight attendant based out of Newark, N.J. Eventually, she moved on to working and retiring from Eastern Airlines in Washington. She led a worldly life, traveling to points around the globe. Eventually she found her way back to Callahan in 1998 and remained there when she retired a second time from Memorial Hospital. 

In retirement, Marlene loved to work in the nursery at the Callahan First Baptist Church, where she was an active member. A common sight in the Callahan and Nassau County community, she was a member of the Callahan Chapter No. 154 Order of the Eastern Star. She became a Master Gardener while living in Washington and loved all types of flowers, especially her favorite, the lily. She was a member of the West Nassau Genealogical Society, which fed her interest in all things historical. 

Through her long family history, she belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a past board member of Keep Nassau Beautiful and a very active member of Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS). She was also a past member of the Callahan Lions Club, Callahan Garden Club and the West Nassau Historical Society. 

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd, and her siblings, Jimmy, Thomas and Evelyn. She is survived by two sons, Greg Smith of Hot Springs, Ark. and Mark Isserman and wife Jenny of Meridian, Idaho; stepdaughters Lisa, Julie and Linda of Washington; grandchildren Melodie, Dawn, Carrie, Doug, Christy and Ted, and her great-grandson Dominik. She is survived by her siblings, Annie Laurie of California; Marvin of Pueblo, Colo.; Ronald and wife Carol of Albuquerque, N.M. and Johnny and wife Sheila of Callahan. 

A memorial was held at the Callahan Funeral Home, 617365 Brandies Ave., Callahan Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.. Following the memorial, a Celebration of Life was held at the County Community Building at 45401 Mickler St., Callahan. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 or give online at www.communityhospice.com/give.

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

John Gordon Matthews, Jr., 88, the only child of John Gordon Matthews, Sr. and Pearl Rambo Matthews, went to his eternal rest on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. 

Mr. Matthews was born in St. Petersburg Aug. 16, 1930 and moved to Jacksonville at an early age. After he retired, he moved to Callahan with his wife, Betty. 

Mr. Matthews and his parents were longtime members of Central Christian Church in Jacksonville until it was dissolved. 

He was a member of Ezra Masonic Lodge before moving to Callahan and becoming a member of Callahan Masonic Lodge No. 32. He was also a member of Scottish Rite and Morocco Temple Shrine, where he was a past president of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He was a charter member of the West Nassau Genealogical Society and this led him to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. Mr. Matthews was an electrician by trade and retired as a supervisor in the Building Maintenance Department of the City of Jacksonville. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty Joan Dukes Matthews; two sons, Gordon Alan (Connie) Matthews and Douglas Michael Matthews; three grandchildren, Michelle McDonald (Chris), Amanda Harrison (Robert) and Kyle Matthews; four great-grandchildren, Victoria Kutz (Thomas), Veronica Smith, Emma and Henry Harrison and several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 in the Event Center at Peeples, 14165 N. Main St., with Chaplain Jackie Hayes officiating. 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals of Children – Tampa, 12502 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612. 

Peeples Family Funeral Homes is serving the Matthews family.

Ernest Frank Campbell, Jr., 79, of Jacksonville, Fla. died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 at 12:51 p.m.

He was born July 16, 1939 in Sumter, S.C. to Ernest Frank Campbell, Sr. and the former Grace Carraway.

Mr. Campbell married the former Sandra Thompson Dec. 28, 1963 in Lerna, Ill. He spent four years with the Navy before beginning his lifelong career at Seaboard Coastline Railroad, Florence, S.C. in 1964. He was transferred to Jacksonville by the railroad in 1967, earned his bachelor’s in business administration from Jones College and retired from CSX after 39 years of employment in 2003.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Ernie (Joy) Campbell of Memphis, Tenn. and Stephanie Campbell Ruhl of Jacksonville; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Campbell.

Mr. Campbell’s memorial service will be held March 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Garden City United Methodist Church with Pastor Alan Patz officiating. Soloist will be Grace Jones Page. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Garden City United Methodist Church. Hardage Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home is serving the family.

Lawrence “Larry” Gray, 72, passed away Feb. 5, 2019 in Callahan, Fla. 

He was born April 22, 1946 on Bainbridge Island, Wash. Larry “Graydog” served in the U.S. Air Force in the Vietnam War. He was a welder and metal fabricator by profession. Larry was a lifelong member of the VFW and American Legion and will be remembered for his sense of humor. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Gray, and his sisters, Betty Marshall and Mavis McIntyre. 

He is survived by his son, Tim Gray, and daughter-in-law Dr. Kathie Watson-Gray of Argillite, Ky.; his stepson, Robert “Ty” Holloway of Selah, Wash.; brothers, William “Bill” Gray of Washington and Frank Gray of Arizona, sister Annette Van de Zande of Oregon and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East, 100 Veterans Memorial Dr., Grayson, KY 41143.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local veterans organization. 

Richard Bunkley of Hilliard, Fla. died Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center North in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born May 8, 1955 in Jacksonville to James Bunkley, Sr. and Angelia (Carter) Phillips.

Richard was a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of Armstrong State University. He married Anita Kelley, who survives him.

Also surviving him are his children, Richard Derek Bunkley, Justin Bunkley, David (Kelli) Bunkley, Sarah (Zach) Bunkley and Erin Bunkley; siblings, James Bunkley, Anita Nissen, Patrick Bunkley and Daniel Bunkley and 10 grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Martin Bunkley.

Memorialization is by cremation. A memorial was held at 1 p.m. March 16, 2019 at the gazebo at Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross, Ga. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear, Ga. served the family.

Juanita Hendrix Benson, 86, died March 22, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D., surrounded by her family. A celebration of life service was held at 10 a.m. March 30, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3900 S. Fairhall Ave., Sioux Falls. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. March 29, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Interment was in Hills of Rest Cemetery after the service.

Juanita was born Feb. 28, 1933, to parents Joe and Victoria Crews Hendrix on a farm near Hickox, Ga. At the age of 16, accompanied by her brother, Joseph Hendrix, she came to South Dakota where her sister, Florence Snoozy, lived on a farm near Colton. Juanita worked at the Sunshine Cookie Bakery and various other jobs.

On April 14, 1951, she married the love of her life, Clifford E. Benson. Born to this union were eight children, Kathy Eagle Horse, Michael Benson, Julie H. Johnson (Steve), Ward Benson (Connie), Bruce Benson, Susan Benson, Charles Benson and Steven Benson. Surviving are her children, 28 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren, sister Helen Johns (Jimmy) of Winokur, Ga. and brother McDonald Hendrix of Hilliard, Fla. as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff; parents, Joe and Victoria Crews Hendrix; sisters, Florence Snoozy and Estelle Harris and brothers, Jessie ”Bud” Hendrix, Bobby R. Hendrix, and Joseph Hendrix.

She loved her family and friends, reading the Scriptures, growing houseplants and listening to Church hymns. One granddaughter said that, “Grandma is the strongest woman we know.”

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Lee Reynolds II announces his passing March 26, 2019 at the age of 65. 

Don will be remembered by his wife of 42 years, Kay, and his children, Faith (Scott), Justin and Hope (Edgar). Don will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, Greyson, Katelyn, Aurora, Philip, Alex and Lily; by his father, Don Reynolds, Sr.; and his siblings, Deena Sjoberg, Terri Wheeler, Timothy (Denna) Reynolds and Jodee (Bob) White. Don was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Reynolds, and brothers-in-law, Bob Sjoberg and Bruce Wheeler. 

A funeral service in memory of Don Reynolds II was held Friday, March 29, 2019 beginning at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church Callahan, 45090 Green Ave. A viewing was held from 1-3 p.m. at the same facility. Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home is serving the family.