Mr. Kyle Robert Conger, 45, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016.

Born in Quantico, Va., he was the son of William Albert Conger and Mary Brennan Payne. Kyle grew up in Woodbridge, Va., and was a graduate of Woodbridge Senior High School, Class of 1989. A talented bass guitarist, Kyle traveled and performed with a local band throughout the mid-Atlantic. He settled in Fernandina Beach in 1997 and worked in many of the island’s most popular restaurants, as well as the Fernandina Beach Port Authority and Tech Amelia. Kyle recently joined the crew aboard the Lady Helena and was greatly enjoying a new career as a crabber.

Kyle lived life to the fullest and on his own terms, surrounding himself with the people and the hobbies he loved. Whether it was surfing the waves of Fernandina Beach, racing motocross or listening to live metal music, Kyle brought passion and enthusiasm to every day. Kyle was a kind, caring and loyal friend and lovingly dedicated to his children and fiancée, who were the most important things in his life.

He leaves behind his father, Bill Conger and wife Kathy Rylant Conger of Fernandina Beach; his son, Christian Robert Conger; and his daughter, Savanna Marie Conger, both of Orlando; his sister, Catherine Marie Conger (Greg Webb) of Washington, D.C.; his brothers, William Allen “Bill” Conger II of Charlotte, N.C., and Craig Conger of Charlotte; his fiancée, Debra Ann Caldero of Fernandina Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

Kyle was preceded in death by his mother, Molly Payne Fettig, whom he now joins in heaven to watch over his family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 4, from 5-7 p.m., in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, where the vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. with Deacon Art Treadwell officiating.

Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lois Jean Mendenhall died at the age of 85 on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, at Osprey Village Retreat, Amelia Island. She joins her beloved husband, Jesse W. Mendenhall, who passed away two years ago. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage and devotion to each other.

Lois was born in Stamford, Conn., on July 9, 1931, the first of four children of Raymond and Gladys Doelling. After graduating from high school, she worked briefly as a secretary for the Bridgeport Brass Co. in Connecticut. Lois worked as a homemaker while she and Jesse raised their three children in Fairfield, Conn., and later spent 20 years as the administrative assistant in the admissions office of Fairfield University in Fairfield.

Lois and Jesse retired to Dennis, Mass., living there for 12 years, making many wonderful friends in their neighborhood and in the Dennis Union Church. Lois was known for her love of cooking, entertaining friends and eating great food.

She spent the last nine years on Amelia Island so she could be close to her daughter, Sheryl Gerhardt (Glenn). A son, David Mendenhall (Linda) resides in Park City, Utah, and a daughter, Karen Bartalini (Robert) is a resident of Medford, Ore. In addition to her children, Lois is survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Donations in Lois' memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Community Hospice of Jacksonville or the Dennis Union Church, Dennis, Mass. A memorial service and interment will be held in the spring on Cape Cod.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Rosemary Celeste Walraven, 62, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at Palm Bay Regional Hospital.

Born in Fernandina on Christmas Day in 1953, she was one of 14 children born to the late Freddie Leroy and Mary Agnes Roberts Sanders. Rosemary grew up in Fernandina, where she attended Peck and Fernandina Beach high schools. She was a majorette at Peck as well as at Fernandina Beach High School, where she was a member of the graduating Class of 1971. As a teenager growing up in coastal Northeast Florida, she spent a great deal of time with her family who lived on Cumberland Island working for the Carnegie and Ferguson families as well as working at the Amelia Island Plantation. In addition to her life in and around the salt marshes of Fernandina Beach, Rosemary also spent time with family in Jacksonville.

On Jan. 8, 1981, she married Douglas Walraven. They relocated in 1984 to Miami, where they raised their two children, Nadia and Fredrick. After moving to South Florida, Mrs. Walraven worked at Sears Roebuck and Co. and attended Miami Technical Institute, where she studied computer science. The Walraven family later moved to Palm Bay, where she worked for the Census Bureau. In 1989, she joined the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections Office, where she remained until retiring this year as the deputy clerk.

Rosemary was an avid Florida State Seminoles fan and enjoyed sewing, sharing her crochet skills, and family gatherings and reunions back home in Fernandina Beach. Somewhere along her travels, she acquired a much sought-after recipe for seafood gumbo and tartar sauce, with which she treated the Melbourne Police Department at its annual Christmas parties.

As a child, she and her family attended St. Michael Catholic Church. Since moving to Palm Bay, she and Mr. Walraven have been members at Calvary Chapel.

She leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Douglas Walraven; their daughter, Nadia Walraven; and their son, Fredrick Douglas Walraven, all of Palm Bay; her siblings, Barbara Glover and her husband, Earley, of Titusville, Grace Way and her husband, James, of Fernandina Beach, Pearl Sanders of Fernandina Beach, Pamela Sanders and her husband, Thomas, of Palatka, Thomas Sanders and his wife, Sandra, of Fernandina Beach, Oscar Sanders of Fort Lauderdale, and Johnny Cotman of Ocala; her grandchildren, Merissa Celeste Campbell, Mekayla Celeste Campbell, Frederick Douglas Walraven, Sedrick Walraven,  Xavier Walraven, Trinity Walraven, Joseph Walraven, Azalea Walraven, Jordan Douglas Walraven and Messiah Walraven; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

Mrs. Walraven will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

The repast will follow at St. Michael Parish Hall.

Her family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5-8 p.m. in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, where the vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. with Deacon Art Treadwell officiating.

Please share her Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

A celebration of the lives of Nicholai Capallia-Bird, 9, and Nehemiah Capallia-Bird, 8, of Fernandina Beach, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Springhill Baptist Church, 941017 Old Nassauville Road, Fernandina Beach.

Mr. Ronald Eugene Palmquist passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Kurt and Cassie Palmquist, in West Chester, Ohio.

Ron was born Dec. 29, 1942.

He is survived by his lifetime partner, Anne Friend; son, Kent (Melissa) of Ann Arbor, Mich.; two grandchildren, Kyla and Drew; son, Kurt (Cassie) of West Chester; and four grandchildren, Sydney, Brooke, Cooper and Max. He is also survived by his sister, Lynne McClurg of Fernandina Beach.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at First Presbyterian Church. His cremains will be placed in the church columbarium in a short ceremony for the immediate family before the 2 p.m. church service. A reception will follow in the social hall after the church service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church’s Generations of Generosity capital campaign.

Judy Mallory, 89, passed away angelically Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at her daughter’s and son-in-law’s home in Fernandina Beach, where she had been living for the past five years. She joins, in heaven, her husband, Bob; daughter, Diana Mallory; and son, Gary Brett Mallory.

She was born Aug. 9, 1927, in Champaign, Ill., and moved to Ocala during her high school years. She met her late husband, Bob, at the bus station in Gainesville, where she was attending nursing school.

Judy was one sweet and caring mother. She had to endure not the loss of one child, but two children who preceded her in death at a very young age: Diana, 18, and Gary at 30. She never lost her kindness and compassion and her ability to help others who were going through similar circumstances with death. She relied heavily on her faith in God to get her through her saddest moments.

After she came to live with her daughter and son-in-law in Fernandina Beach, she blessed them throughout her years with her sweetness, kindness and sense of humor.

She precedes in death her only remaining daughter, Bobbi Mallory Roberts, who will miss her immensely; three grandchildren, Joshua, Cody and Geoffrey; and two great-grandchildren.

She set an example for others to live by with her faith and love of God. There is no doubt that her husband, Bob, and her children, Diana and Gary, are smiling now that Mom has joined them in heaven.

Funeral services and interment were held on Monday afternoon, Nov. 7, at the Umatilla Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.beyersfuneralhome.com.

Beyers Funeral Home, Umatilla, Fla.

Mr. John “Scotty” McClurg, 92, of Amelia Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in the loving care of his wife, Lynne Ann, his loyal dog, Prince Charles, and his caring aides, along with a dear neighbor and friend.

Mr. McClurg was born July 23, 1924, in Cleveland, where he grew up. He was the son of the late John B. and Agnes McAllister McClurg. Both of his parents and sisters were born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, making him the first of the McClurg family to be born in the USA.

He grew up in a home with memories of both parents working during the Depression and hearing the sharing of stories of his father’s involvement in World War I, as his dad served with the Seaforth Highlanders in France and was one of the few survivors of his regiment. Later, after the losses of his regimental friends, his father chose to move to the family to United States. His parents were musically inclined – his mother sang and played the piano, while his father played the violin. Thus, as a young child, Scotty possessed a singing voice and sang for his sisters and continued singing and enjoying music into his later years.

As years passed and after hearing stories of his father’s military involvement, at the age of 17, Scotty felt the call to serve his country. His parents gave their permission once Japan attacked Pearl Harbor with the stipulation that Scotty would enlist in the U.S. Navy. His father said in the Navy, Scotty could get a wash every now and then, unlike himself in the trenches of France. Scotty enlisted during World War II and then he served as quartermaster first class aboard the USS Chicago and USS Vicksburg, along with other ships.

At age 21, Scotty returned home to Cleveland with an honorable discharge. After returning from his military service, he met Lois Huntsberger, a fellow choir member at  First Presbyterian Church, who became his wife and mother of their three children for 48 years until she lost her battle with cancer. During this marriage, he completed his high school education and attended college, where he graduated with his degree in metallurgical engineering. Next, he began his professional career with U.S. Steel before joining Oglebay Norton, an iron ore company, as a salesman. Later, he founded Seaforth Mineral and Ore Co., which he passed on to his two sons. The company will soon celebrate its 60th year of mineral processing and distribution.

After Lois passed, he met Lynne Ann Palmquist at a George Voinovich and George Bush Sr. celebration in Cleveland. Scotty and Lynne married Oct. 14, 1994, and shared 22 years of marriage together. They made their home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, until moving to Amelia Island in the late 1990s. In their retirement, they enjoyed their life together dancing, golfing, traveling the world and spending their final years at their beachfront home with Prince Charles.

Mr. McClurg was a member of St. Andrew’s Society of Jacksonville, a 71-year member of the Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the Shrine Temple, the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans of Cleveland and the Seaforth Highlanders of Scotland.

Mr. McClurg leaves behind his wife, Lynne Ann Palmquist McClurg of Amelia Island; his children, James McClurg and his wife, Melody, and Gary McClurg and his wife, Monique; and his daughter, Bonnie J. McClurg; along with grandchildren, Michael, Jeffrey, Molly, Graham, Madeline and Anneliese; also, Lynne’s children, Krysti Lyn, Katy Burke and her husband, Tom, and grandchildren, Patrick and David Burke, and a niece, Suzanne Porter and her husband, Fred, of Nyack, N.Y.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at Jacksonville National Cemetery with the Rev. Don Edwards of Amelia Plantation Chapel officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

DEATH NOTICES

Grady Amos, 60, of Yulee, passed away Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. All services will be held at Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly, Mass. Local arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Michael Beer, 70, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Richard Morrisey, 66, passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Donna W. Wilford, 70, of Yulee, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016. A private family committal will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Patsy Woodle, 88, of Yulee, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Andreu Matthew “Boe” Bennett lost his life suddenly on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, in Hyampom, Calif.

Boe, as he was known by his many friends and family, was born in Boynton Beach on Dec. 21, 1983, to Mark and Pamela Bennett. He moved from Jupiter to Fernandina Beach in 1998 and attended Fernandina Beach High School and Florida Community College at Jacksonville.

Boe had an intense desire to travel the world as a “free spirit” meeting, learning and enjoying those he met along the way on his travels throughout this country and, more recently, was in the process of planning on expanding his journey outside North America. His passing leaves a great sadness to the many friends and family who loved and cherished him.

Boe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Geraldine Burr Carr and Joseph Robert Carr, and his paternal grandparents, Dorthea Yvonne Bennett and Arthur Mark Bennett Sr.

He leaves behind, in addition to his parents, his sister, Kimberly Bennett Hall, and his many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Walter Howard Bunch, 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born Sept. 22, 1938, in Leesburg. He grew up on beautiful Amelia Island and sold the Fernandina News-Leader on horseback as a child. He and his brother Gary ran wild in Fort Clinch, and they could pass for Native Americans because their skin was so dark from swimming and fishing on the beach. Their mother, Frances, felt comfortable sending them out in the morning and not expecting to see them until afternoon.

By age 11, Howard loved to be in the woods hunting alone and primarily enjoyed seeing the wildlife, hearing the sounds of nature and feeling the tranquility the woods and sea provided.

He graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and loved the Class of 1957, who have remained close through all the years.

He joined the Navy in September 1957 and served on the CVA- 61 USS Ranger until his honorable discharge in 1959. Howard cherished the opportunity to explore many postwar countries in the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia. He often shared many stories of his visits to Trinidad, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong with anyone who would listen. Howard developed a great love of photography, which allowed him to document his adventures throughout his life.

As a father, Howard was always fishing, camping, boating and dune buggy riding with his family and friends. His family’s hearts are filled with lots of fond memories of the many weekends spent on the south end of the island and on the Nassau River hanging out together. His children and grandchildren share his passion for nature and the outdoors.

Howard Bunch lived for drum season, a love he inherited from his father, Jake, and brother, Gary. He always had a pole in the water, and one of his few regrets was not signing up for the Drum Tournament one year in which he caught an 85-pounder. Of course, he would have won!

Howard had a warm heart and a radiant smile he shared with every person in every country he visited and all over this island. He had a genuine interest in each person he touched and prayed for them each day. One of the most significant days of his life was the day Tom and Barb King shared their message of the forming of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, where he found peace, contentment and love. His newfound love of Jesus and the wonderful church family ignited his spirit and lit a fire in him to serve the Lord with full devotion, which he did lovingly until his last days.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Pat; and two sons, Michael and James Bunch of Fernandina Beach.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fernandina Beach. Friends will be received after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society and Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Alton David Jones Sr., 81, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at the Warner Center-Community Hospice Nassau in Fernandina Beach following an extended illness.

A native of Yulee, he was the son of the late Benjamin Edward and Dorothy Davis Jones. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Maudie Pope Jones.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gloria Harter Jones; brother, Marvin Edward Jones (Mary Ann) of Fernandina Beach; sister, Gail Jones Haddock of Port St. Joe, Fla.; daughter, Cheryle Jones Blanchard (Keith) of Napoleonville, La.; sons, Alton David Jones Jr. (Janet) of Mountain Home, Idaho, Mark Tracey Jones (Diane) of Napoleonville, Daniel Cole Peterson (Amy) of Jacksonville, and Adam Spencer Peterson (Kelly) of Yulee; 12 grandchildren, Miranda, Sherri, Amanda, Randy, Melanie, Mallory, Nicholas, Gracie, Raelee, Carson, Levi and Addilyn, with two grandchildren preceding him in death, David and Brandy; 12 great-grandchildren, Dillon, Beaux, Tyler, Ashlyn, Chiquita, Orry, Christian, Nicole, Hailey, Ryan, Madison and Bailey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Alton was a graduate of Yulee High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball. Alton was fortunate to be selected as one of Nassau County’s Top 50 Athletes. In the 1970s, he was busy coaching his sons on their Little League teams.

Mr. Jones served his country in the Army from 1955 to 1957. His last rank was specialist third class. He was employed with Lucent Technologies for 47 years.

Through the years, his leisure time was spent fishing, hunting and taking family vacations. In his retired years, he could be found on the golf course with his buddies two to three times a week.

Alton was very active in church, serving as a deacon. He served as chairman of deacons numerous times at Springhill Baptist and Blackrock Baptist churches for many years.

Alton’s caring nature was apparent to all who knew him. He will always be remembered for his strong devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. His kind, loving and gentle spirit will be missed by family and friends.

A celebration of his home going will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Blackrock Baptist Church in Yulee. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Springhill Baptist Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in the form of a donation to the Blackrock Baptist Church Vision Fund or Northeast Florida Community Hospice.

Eternity Funeral Home and Cremations – Nassau

Alton David Jones Sr., 81, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at the Warner Center-Community Hospice Nassau in Fernandina Beach following an extended illness.

A native of Yulee, he was the son of the late Benjamin Edward and Dorothy Davis Jones. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Maudie Pope Jones.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gloria Harter Jones; brother, Marvin Edward Jones (Mary Ann) of Fernandina Beach; sister, Gail Jones Haddock of Port St. Joe, Fla.; daughter, Cheryle Jones Blanchard (Keith) of Napoleonville, La.; sons, Alton David Jones Jr. (Janet) of Mountain Home, Idaho, Mark Tracey Jones (Diane) of Napoleonville, Daniel Cole Peterson (Amy) of Jacksonville, and Adam Spencer Peterson (Kelly) of Yulee; 12 grandchildren, Miranda, Sherri, Amanda, Randy, Melanie, Mallory, Nicholas, Gracie, Raelee, Carson, Levi and Addilyn, with two grandchildren preceding him in death, David and Brandy; 12 great-grandchildren, Dillon, Beaux, Tyler, Ashlyn, Chiquita, Orry, Christian, Nicole, Hailey, Ryan, Madison and Bailey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Alton was a graduate of Yulee High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball. Alton was fortunate to be selected as one of Nassau County’s Top 50 Athletes. In the 1970s, he was busy coaching his sons on their Little League teams.

Mr. Jones served his country in the Army from 1955 to 1957. His last rank was specialist third class. He was employed with Lucent Technologies for 47 years.

Through the years, his leisure time was spent fishing, hunting and taking family vacations. In his retired years, he could be found on the golf course with his buddies two to three times a week.

Alton was very active in church, serving as a deacon. He served as chairman of deacons numerous times at Springhill Baptist and Blackrock Baptist churches for many years.

Alton’s caring nature was apparent to all who knew him. He will always be remembered for his strong devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. His kind, loving and gentle spirit will be missed by family and friends.

A celebration of his home going will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Blackrock Baptist Church in Yulee. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Springhill Baptist Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in the form of a donation to the Blackrock Baptist Church Vision Fund or Northeast Florida Community Hospice.

Eternity Funeral Home and Cremations – Nassau

Mary Louise Schumacher Kurtz died on Amelia Island on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, after a life of 101 gracious and eventful years.

She was born Sept. 16, 1915, in Paulding, Ohio, to Mary Clara Bolley of Florida, Ohio, and William Mark Schumacher of Archbold, Ohio.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Paul and Victor, and sister, Lucille.

She is survived by her son, Ronald Hayden Kurtz of Fernandina Beach.

A lover of tennis, horsemanship, sharpshooting, swimming and golf, she balanced these passions with extensive training in classical music. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. She never met a book she didn't cherish, and after graduating from Hiram College, she earned a master’s degree in library science from Case Western Reserve. She retired as the head librarian of the Ephrata Community Library.

During World War II, she served in the American Red Cross in the Pacific Theater, and it was in Saipan that she met and married the late Myers Richard Kurtz. A life of travel followed, ranging from Hawaii to the state of Washington; Pittsburgh; Wurzburg, Germany; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; San Antonio; with years spent in New York City and Lancaster, Pa. She encouraged, inspired and materially supported her husband throughout their years of marriage, assuring him that he could achieve the American dream of an advanced education and an exemplary career in the U.S. Army and as a nationally recognized hospital administrator.

In 1994, she accompanied her son as he relocated to Amelia Island. She was granted a dignified, respectful transition due to the compassionate assistance of Northeast Florida Community Hospice, Nassau County Council on Aging and our local Emergency Services who many times, with great dispatch, provided help without complaint at all hours of the day and night. Her life was enriched by her appreciation for beauty … for music … for words and thoughts of substance.

Please allow the flowers to flourish afield and omit arrangements. Donations in her memory can be made to the Nassau County Public Library or the Nassau County Humane Society. Services to be announced.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Delores Maria McNeil, 56, returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, after a protracted battle with cancer. 

Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. 

She was the daughter of the late Pete and Evelyn McNeil.

Maria was born April 8, 1960, and departed this life at the Nassau County Community Hospice.

Maria was educated in Nassau County and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1978. She worked in various health-care and food-service jobs over the years. However, Maria’s passion was community service and working with children. She volunteered for Elm Street Little League for more than 30 years and received an award for her dedicated and faithful service in February 2016. She called the games and kept score in the press box until her health failed.

She was baptized in the Catholic church at an early age and attended St. Michael. She was affiliated with various service organizations: American Legion Auxiliary No. 174 and Oceanfront Temple No. 1058.

Maria leaves to mourn her memories three children, Terrance Roberts (Kim), Telmesha Thomas (Keith) and Willalee “Wooda” Smith; nine grandchildren, Teanna, Carmesha, Terrance “Tiny T,” Temari, A’Mari, Tiara, Terryn, Jayla and Jia; seven sisters, Wanda (Robert), Michele, Minnie (Larry), Patricia, Diana, Christy and Cynthia “Twee”; three brothers, Jesse, Pete and Tommie (Cheryl), and preceded in death, Alvin; aunts, Barbara (Earley), Grace (James), Pamela (Thomas) and Pearl; and uncles, Oscar, Johnny and Thomas (Sandra). She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will treasure her memory always.

Maria’s devoted friends are Terry Lee Roberts and Kevin Smith. Also devoted to her are her friends, Abe and Laura Coggin, Keith Smith, Carmen Emory; cousin, Janice Ancrum; and godfather, Wayne Tyler.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at First Assembly of God, 302 S. 14th St., Fernandina Beach, the Rev. Edwin Shick, pastor. Bishop Jeanette Richo, pastor, will officiate.

Ricky Leroy Simmons was born Sept. 12, 1950, in Fernandina Beach, to the late Joseph Simmons Sr. and Rose Ann Rice-Simmons.

During his younger days, Ricky attended Peck High School. Ricky was a part of the Class of 1968. During high school, Ricky was very involved in sports. Although he was a basketball star, Ricky’s true passion was football, where he was known as “The Superstar.”

Ricky went on to play college football at The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as “FAMU.” Ricky (No. 86) played offensive end. After college, Ricky joined his father in the family business as a fisherman until his health would no longer permit.

With his loving family at his bedside at the Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, Ricky peacefully answered the call of God on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sarah Simmons.

Ricky leaves to cherish memories of his unique laugh and affectionate smile two daughters, Rose Ann (Barry) and Cindy; seven grandchildren, Dellaney “Shay” (Reco), Devaney “Dee Dee,” Jeremy, Nicholas, Fantasia, Ryan and Chrystia; one great-grandchild, Reco Jr.; siblings, Rose Ann (Willie), Joseph Jr. (Ida), Edward (Charmaine), Evett, Tammy, Chris and Troy; and special aunt, Eartha Holzendorf. Ricky loved and appreciated his devoted son-in-law, Barry. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. 

Funeral service will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 715 Ash St., Fernandina Beach. The late Mr. Simmons will rest at the church for visitation of friends on Friday, Nov. 11, from 5-7 p.m. and again in the church on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until hour of service. Interment will be in Bosque Bello Cemetery by the Northside Chapel of Marion Graham Mortuaries, 1504 Gandy St., Jacksonville, 765-0310.

Marion Graham Mortuaries, Northside Chapel, Jacksonville

Walter Howard Bunch, 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at his residence. Born in Leesburg on Sept. 22, 1938, he was the son of the late Jake and Frances Bunch.  

Howard grew up on beautiful Amelia Island and sold the Fernandina News-Leader on horseback as a child. He and his brother Gary ran wild in Fort Clinch, and they could pass for Native Americans because their skin was so dark from swimming and fishing on the beach. Their mother, Frances, felt comfortable sending them out in the morning and not expecting to see them until afternoon. By age 11, Howard loved to be in the woods hunting alone and primarily enjoyed seeing the wildlife, hearing the sounds of nature and feeling the tranquility the woods and sea provided.

He graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and loved the Class of ’57, who have remained close through all the years.

He joined the Navy in September 1957 and served on the CVA-61 USS Ranger until his honorable discharge in 1959. Howard cherished the opportunity to explore many postwar countries in the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia. He often shared many stories of his visits to Trinidad, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong with anyone who would listen. Howard developed a great love of photography, which allowed him to document his adventures throughout his life.

As a father, Howard was always fishing, camping, boating and dune buggy riding with his family and friends. His family’s hearts are filled with lots of fond memories of the many weekends spent on the south end of the island and on the Nassau River hanging out together. His children and grandchildren share his passion for nature and the outdoors.

Howard Bunch lived for drum season, a love he inherited from his father, Jake, and brother, Gary. He always had a pole in the water, and one of his few regrets was not signing up for the Drum Tournament one year in which he caught an 85-pounder. Of course, he would have won!

Howard had a warm heart and a radiant smile he shared with every person in every country he visited and all over this island. He had a genuine interest in each person he touched and prayed for them each day. One of the most significant days of his life was the day Tom and Barb King shared their message of the forming of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, where he found peace, contentment and love. His newfound love of Jesus and the wonderful church family ignited his spirit and lit a fire in him to serve the Lord with full devotion, which he did lovingly until his last days.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, the former Pat Cottle; two sons, James and Michael Bunch of Fernandina Beach; his brothers, Jerry, David and Dennis (Sarah) Bunch, all of Fernandina Beach; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fernandina Beach. 

Entombment with military honors will follow in the Holy Trinity Anglican Columbarium.

The family will receive friends at the church after the service in the Scott-King Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, 1430 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207; and Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1830 Lake Park Drive, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marie Belle Strange Gill, 102, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 13, 2016.

Mrs. Gill was born Oct. 28, 1914, in Jacksonville and moved to Yulee in 1984 from Jacksonville. She was a member of the 1932 graduating class of Andrew Jackson High School and a member of Yulee Baptist Church.  

She loved to work in her yard and was an avid reader. She always had an interest in news and weather. Mrs. Gill lived a love story with her beloved late husband, Joseph E. Gill.  The two of them were in love at first sight and were married for 72 years until Mr. Gill's death in 2008.

She was also predeceased by her parents, Claude B. Strange Sr. and Nellie Marie Frank Strange; three sisters, Blanche Strange, Mary Ann Haynes (Frank M., deceased) and infant Nellie Marie Strange; and two brothers, Claude B. Strange Jr. and Charles H. Strange.

Survivors include four daughters, Joann Carroll, Christine Grovenstein (Dan McCarthy), Lindy Cox (William F.) and Andrea Norouzi (Dr. Ebrahim); three brothers, Frank A. Strange, Harold Strange and Joseph D. Strange (Shirley); two sisters-in-law, Sherry Strange and Rose Gill; one brother-in-law, Vernon Gill; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Sides officiating. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.

To sign Mrs. Gill’s online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Freeland Harris, 85, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Community Hospice Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, surrounded by his family.

Born in Madisonville, Ky., on Nov. 24, 1930, Freeland Harris was the only son and second of three children born to Freeland F. and Georgie Elizabeth Myers Harris.

His elementary and high school years were completed in Madisonville and, in September 1948, Freeland entered the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, having been granted a Kentucky Highway Department scholarship. 1948 was the first year the Kentucky Highway Department awarded such scholarships. Freeland began his college career majoring in civil engineering, but that career path was interrupted by the Korean Conflict. In April 1951, Freeland began military service in the United States Navy (Sea Bees), serving as a carpenter in base construction with the Construction Battalion MCB8 and MCB4 – Atlantic Fleet. His tour of duty took him to Newfoundland, Cuba and French Morocco before his honorable discharge in April 1955 as petty officer 1^st class.

In September 1956, Freeland re-entered the University of Kentucky as a junior majoring in civil engineering. While completing his bachelor’s degree, he was employed part-time as a designer/draftsman in the Kentucky Department of Highways’ Branch Bridge Office located in the Engineering Quadrangle. In 1957, Freeland was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Honorary Engineering Society. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in January 1958 with a major in structural engineering. In that same month, Freeland was employed as an engineer-in-training with Leggett & Irvan Consulting Engineers of Lexington, Ky., a professional practice that included the design of structures for schools, office buildings and highway bridges.

Also in January 1958, Freeland entered a master’s degree program at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and, in May 1960, was awarded a Master of Science in civil engineering with a major in structural engineering.

Freeland became licensed as a professional engineer by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in May 1960. In 1962, his professional career was directed to the Army Corps of Engineers as a field engineer for the construction of the Barkley Lake Dam, Powerhouse and Canal Bridge. 

In April 1965, Freeland organized his private engineering practice in Madisonville as Freeland Harris Consulting Engineers. Originally, the practice encompassed primarily the structural design of educational facilities. In 1981, the office was relocated to Bowling Green, Ky.; in 1988, the office became headquartered in Lexington. In 1981, and continuing to the present, the design practice for Freeland Harris Consulting Engineers has encompassed primarily the structural design of industrial facilities for the global design-build market. In 1991, an additional office was established in Atlanta. After 1995, Freeland continued practicing as a consultant to FHCE KY and FHCE GA. A third office, located on Amelia Island, was established in 2005, and from the Florida location he continued to practice full-time as a structural consulting engineer. In 2012, Freeland was awarded the Civil Engineering Career Achievement Award by the University of Kentucky College of Engineering. In 2016, at the age of 85, Freeland retired from the practice of structural engineering. Mr. Harris was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Concrete Institute and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

He was also a member of the Madisonville Noon Kiwanis Club.

For many years, Freeland was a Sunday school teacher and deacon in the Baptist church. Freeland was most recently a member of Fernandina First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach and participated at Amelia Baptist Church. He was a member of the Friday Men’s Bible Study group at Amelia Baptist Church. He was a member of the Cecil Brewton Life Group of Fernandina First Baptist Church. 

Freeland has enjoyed three hobbies through the years: sailing, cycling and University of Kentucky basketball. Go Cats!

Mr. Harris leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Patricia Brown Harris of Amelia Island; his children, Dan Owen Harris and his wife, Ginger, of Hickory, N.C., Susan Hall Harris Massey and her husband, Hank, of Suwannee, Ga., Lee Ellen Harris Marmon and her husband, Craig, of Atlanta, and Edward Freeland Harris and his wife, Leigh, of Atlanta. The family also includes eight grandchildren known as “The Grand Eight.” The grandchildren are Georgianna Harris, Rachel Harris, Lauren Massey, Sarah Massey, Andrew Marmon, Harris Marmon, Will Harris and John Harris. Freeland is also survived by two sisters, Beverly Harris Dockrey and her husband, D.W. Dockrey, and Jeanette Harris Yates and her husband, Morris Yates.

Funeral services will be held at the Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The family will receive friends in Madisonville from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and on Saturday an hour before the service.

In Fernandina Beach, the family will receive visitors at Fernandina First Baptist Church from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 22. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fernandina First Baptist Church or Amelia Baptist Church.

Ester Clelia Holt, 96, left this earthly plane and joined her heavenly family on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

She spent her last days in the loving care of the Northeast Florida Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach surrounded by her five children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Ester was born in Sant’Apollinare, Italy, on Sept. 23, 1920. Her mother, Latizia Neri Assante, her father, Erasmo Assante, and her three brothers, Joseph Assante, Harry Aris and Carl Assante, came to the United States in 1929 through Ellis Island.

Ester served honorably as one of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in the United States Navy during World War II. 

Those who knew Ester will remember her loving devotion to Jesus Christ, her Savior, and her unwavering faith. 

Ester is survived by her children, Gaylynn Holt Brenoel (Michael), Gary Holt (Cheryl), Deborah Holt, Peter Holt (Antoinette) and Mary Holt Speir (Randy); grandchildren, Lance Lucas (Mandy), Shawn Lucas (Samantha), Garrett Holt (Melissa), Tage McMann, Maria Holt LeStrange (Jeff), Carolyn Holt Woodard (Chris), Jeff McMann, David Holt (Yasi), Ian Speir (Breanna), Amy McMann Black (Ken), Elizabeth Speir Willis (Keith), Courtney Speir Jemison (John) and Daniel Speir; and great-grandchildren, Austin McMann, Lisa Lucas, Nolan Willis, Alesia LeStrange, Cameron Vespoli, Abi Lucas, Ryleigh Holt, Seth Speir, Lydia Woodard, Jenna LeStrange, Gavin Holt, CJ Woodard, Abigail Vespoli, Isaac Speir, Evelynn Speir, Olivia Lucas, Olivia Jemison, Branson Willis, baby John Jemison and baby girl Lucas.

She touched the lives of so many people and leaves her friends with the gift of wonderful memories of her love and friendship.

She was laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery at 4300 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 12.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Specify Fernandina Beach location. Donations may also be made to Jews for Jesus (http://jewsforjesus.org) 60 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94102.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Northeast Florida Community Hospice for their loving care and support and to the U.S. Navy for the beautiful graveside service honoring Ester Holt’s service in WWII.

Mrs. Mary Leola Johnson, 88, a longtime resident of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Saturday morning, Nov. 12, 2016, at the home of her daughter in Axson, Ga.

Born in Lake Butler, she was the daughter of the late William Leslie and Ethel Theo Duren Williams. She grew up on the family farm in Lake City and attended Mason High School in Lake City. She left Lake City and moved to Jacksonville, where she met her future husband, Alton Monroe Johnson. They were married on Oct. 9, 1944, and made their first home on the Westside of Jacksonville. In 1952, they relocated to Fernandina Beach, where her husband worked for ITT Rayonier. Mrs. Johnson began working for Terminal Bag in Yulee in 1956 and remained until retiring as a machine operator in 1972.  

She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, shopping and being independent.

She had been a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Monroe Johnson, who passed away in 1997; a son, Alton David Johnson, who passed away in 1992; and brothers and sisters, Sevena Wilkerson, Lena Crawford, Myrtice Swilley, Jim Williams, Nita Williams, Lester Irene Luke, Ruby Cersey, Arthur Williams, Marietta Williams and Charles Brannen.

Mrs. Johnson leaves behind her two daughters, Jo Ann Johnson Park and her husband, Lamar, of Axson, and Deborah Johnson Rich and her husband, Clint, of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Buck Williams of Lake City; two sisters, Reba Carter of Fort White and Loretta Hubert of Branford, Fla.; grandchildren, Vennis Holt “Doodle” Pipkin, Theresa Lynn “Teri” Bradley, Robert David Johnson, Cherry Ann Wood, Clinton Ryan Rich, Lindsay Brooke Rich and Brantley Corinne Jaramillo; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Hannah and Holt Pipkin, Dalton and Dawson Bradley, Brandon and Christian Johnson, Ashley and Stevie Wood, Brookland and Bryce Hall, Max and Parker Kate Pisani, Joaquin Jaramillo, Penelope Jaramillo and Wyatt Rich; one great-great-grandson, Landon Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with President Tony LiCausi presiding and Elders Ron Miller and Lamar Park conducting. 

Mrs. Johnson will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of service.

Please share her Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors