Mrs. Mildred Edith Mills, 90, beloved wife of the late Richard “Dick” Mills of Macon, Ga., and Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2017, at Savannah Grand of Amelia Island.

Born in Fort McClellan, Ala., she was the last living of five children born to the late Jesse Arthur Vitatoe and Bertie Mae Miller Vitatoe. Her family moved to Gainesville with her father’s U.S Army career, which enabled her to attend and graduate from Buchholz High School. She later attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. In 1946, she married a chemistry major from the University of Florida, Richard “Dick” H. Mills. In 1960, the Mills family moved to Macon, where Mrs. Mills enjoyed her affiliation with many social clubs, to include the Woman’s Club and the Junior League of Macon. Mrs. Mills was an avid bridge player. She and her husband made Macon their home until moving to Amelia Island in 2007. Mr. Mills passed away in July 2008.

While living in Macon, they were members of Vineville and North Macon Presbyterian churches. After settling on Amelia Island, they affiliated with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

She leaves behind, a son, James R. Mills and his wife, Terri, of Marietta, Ga.; a daughter, Judy M. Holcomb and her husband, Darrell, of Fernandina Beach; four grandchildren, Laura H. Wilkerson (Wade), Lee H. O’Shields (Tyler), Brian R. Mills and Bradley S. Mills; five-great grandchildren, Hunter Wilkerson, Jackson Wilkerson, Luke Wilkerson, Charles Wilkerson and Hudson O’Shields; a niece, Barbara Shelow; and a nephew, Mark Musleh.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo officiating.

Mrs. Mills will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Macon Presbyterian Church Building Fund, c/o North Macon Presbyterian Church, 5707 Rivoli Drive, Macon, GA 31210.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Vickie Renee (Newman) Webb passed peacefully from this world on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City following a valiant battle as an LVAD patient awaiting a heart transplant. She recently celebrated her 56th birthday with her best friend and devoted husband of more than 36 years, John “Harpo” Webb of Wagoner, Okla., by her side, as always.

Vickie was born Feb. 4, 1961, in her father Bill Newman's hometown, Pawhuska, Okla., and raised primarily in her mother Myra (Rawling) Shea's hometown, Colonial Beach, Va. Vickie attended Colonial Beach schools through high school. She was part of the largest class Colonial Beach had seen at just more than 40 students. It is a small town on the Potomac River, and Vickie grew up swimming, hanging out on the boardwalk and performing in parades as a majorette. She developed a love of bingo, The Price is Right and The Lawrence Welk Show from her grandmother Frances (Jenkins) Rawlings. It was a full house with her Grandma; Mom; four younger siblings, Billy, Michael, Debbie and Kenny; and their beloved pets. As a teenager, Vickie moved with her family to the Sunshine State, where she fell even deeper in love with the beach and started a lifelong hobby of watching the Space Shuttles at Kennedy Space Center. She graduated from Titusville High School, Class of 1979.

Vickie was fortunate finding her love early in her life, driving a muscle car outside Sandwich Shack in Wagoner. Eventually she learned his name is not just “Harpo” (nicknamed after the Marx brother). John “Harpo” Webb followed her back to the beach in Florida. Resembling a teenage Sally Field and Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit, they crossed the country once again, returning to Oklahoma. Vickie and John were married Sept. 5, 1980.

They soon had two children, Jennifer and Matthew, raising them along with their home full of pets in Wagoner, and then the Yulee-Fernandina Beach area. Vickie, with her family, moved to Yulee in 1988, when it was a one-traffic-light crossroads that still had many dirt roads, a full-service gas station, a motor court motel and not much else. Vickie loved the natural beauty of the coast. Even as the rest of the area developed, secluded Big Talbot Island State Park was always one of Vickie's unspoiled favorite places. Although most relatives were far away, Vickie was happy to have a full house when her nephew Billy Newman and nieces Crystal (Newman) Pratt and Amanda (Newman) Adams lived nearby. Her children are eternally grateful for instilling a love of animals in them. Her children's friends and significant others remember her fondly for always having an open door for them.

Vickie was a writer and storyteller at heart, particularly enjoying both children's poetry and ghost stories. Pursuing her interests in design and publishing, Vickie earned her certificate in printing and graphic arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville in 1994. Many of her evenings were happily devoted to volunteering with Yulee Little League and YMCA Youth Basketball and, later on, with the Nassau County Community Emergency Response Team.

Vickie was at home by the water wherever she lived, swimming, fishing and beachcombing for hours and hours and days on end. She enjoyed road trips, car shows, stock car racing, gardening and making crafts. She believed in love, peace, second chances, happy accidents and the good in people.

After more than 20 years in Florida, Vickie moved with John to Oklahoma City and then Wagoner, wanting to be close to her late mother-in-law, Coralee (Dumond) Webb; father-in-law, Jim Webb; and brother-in-law, Jimmy. Sequoyah State Park, the Illinois River near Tahlequah, and Route 66 were some of Vickie's favorite places in Oklahoma. Over the past year, Vickie enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making a couple of new ones and road trips to see family in Kansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Florida. Vickie and John were over the moon to celebrate their 36^th wedding anniversary with a long-distance visit from their granddaughter Shyanne Alexzandra “ShyBear” “Webbie” Webb and a day at Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah.

Because of her LVAD heart pump, Vickie was affectionately known as “The Bionic Woman” to her family. Thanks to the LVAD, cardiac care team, Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation team, and the entire support staff and cafeteria at Integris Baptist Medical Center; Dr. Reji Pappy at St. Anthony's Medical Center in Oklahoma City; Justin Kurtz, CRT of Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehabilitation in Wagoner; the Affordable Care Act; and superhero husband Harpo, Vickie lived a fulfilling three years after a diagnosis of chronic heart failure.

Per her and her family's wishes, Vickie's body has been donated to the United Tissue Network (unitedtissue.org). The family requests in lieu of flowers that you give the gift of life by donating blood and consider organ donation. You may learn more at americantransplantfoundation.org and unitedtissue.org.

Vickie leaves behind her husband, John Webb of Wagoner; their two adult children, Jennifer (Webb) Gapetz and her husband, Joshua, of Lawrence, Kan., and New York, and Matthew Webb and daughter-in-law Shannon Solomon of Miami; her young granddaughter, her sunshine, Shyanne Webb, also of Miami; and all of their pet family, dear friends Maggie Tienter of College Station, Texas, Ron Morgan of Oklahoma City, and Terry and Cheryl Newman of Skiatook, Okla.; mother, Myra (Rawlings) Shea of Waldorf, Md.; father-in-law, Jim Webb of Wagoner; her four siblings, Billy Newman of Fernandina Beach, Michael Newman of Waldorf, Debbie (Newman) Hatton of Waldorf, and Kenny Newman of King George, Va., and their families; and many cousins, relatives, steps, in-laws, friends and neighbors.

Vickie was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Coralee Webb of Wagoner; stepfather, John Shea of Waldorf; and father, Bill Newman of Wagoner.

Arrangements by Hersman-Nichols Funeral Home, Wagoner, and Corbett Funeral Services, Norman, Okla.

Vickie, we love you. “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”

Hersman-Nichols Funeral Home, Wagoner, Okla.

The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of his own mind. - By Kahlil Gibran

Rychard S. Cook II, called home by our Lord on July 19, 2016, was the youngest of three siblings. His life was shared by older sisters who preceded him in death: Dr. Nettie Cook- Dove (Joshua Jr.) and Laura Lee Cook. The three were reared by his mother's oldest sister, the late Ms. Annie M. Cook, an elementary school teacher and strict disciplinarian to whom good manners were imperative.

A native Fernandinian, Rychard grew up in the Sunday School of First Missionary Baptist church and received his early secular education at Peck High School, where as a student he entered and won a song writing contest that gave Peck High its Alma Mater. In 1951, along with his classmate Mrs. Vernita Johnson Holmes, he graduated as Co-Valedictorian. He received a four year scholarship from the state of Florida and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1955, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and in 1963, he earned a Master of Arts degree in School Librarianship at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Mr. Cook’s stellar career in the educational field was inspired by three outstanding individuals, all now deceased: Mrs. Mamie T. Jordan (music), Mrs. Edythe J. Thurston (communication skills), and Mrs. Dorothy Sanford Love (librarian extraordinaire). For his life’s work, Rychard chose librarianship as a profession and music as his avocation.

Mr. Cook began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School as a substitute teacher. After two weeks, he became a full time teacher at Milner-Rosen Wald Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida. As a Miami-Dade County public school employee, Mr. Cook has taught at West Homestead Elementary-Junior High School, Dunbar Elementary, Miami Northwestern Senior High, Coral Park Senior High, Miami Jackson High, Horace Mann Middle, Holmes and Westview elementary schools. Mr. Cook retired from Westview Elementary as a Media Specialist on June 18, 1999, after spending 42 years of dedicated service in Florida's public schools. An avid reader, Mr. Cook spent hours reading mystery novels and researching African-American history and culture. He was a devoted Toni Morrison fan. He encouraged many African Americans to learn more about their roots, during his serious study of Black History. In 1967, he founded the Afro-Americans, a readers’ theatre group that included his childhood friend Dessie Horne Williams, and which promoted the study of Black History and Culture through its prose, poetry, and song.

Mr. Cook was a life member of the Zora Neale Hurston Society, and was affiliated with the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, The Theodore R. Gibson Oratorical and Declamation Contest, The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., William J. Faulkner's Friends of Folklore, The American Library Association, and Dade County Media Specialist Association. Those organizations provided Mr. Cook with many excellent opportunities for the rendering of community service, an activity to which he brought serious and steadfast commitment.

Mr. Cook's extensive travels took him to such places as West Africa, England, Germany, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, The Caribbean, France, and Italy. From his travels, he gained a variety of diverse cultural experiences, which he generously shared with family, friends, students, churches, colleges, and universities.

In addition to being an enthusiastic collector of Black Art, first edition books, and collector plates, Mr. Cook was the recipient of a variety of awards including: 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, from Holmes Elementary School; Eighth Annual Sistrunk Historical Festival Award, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1995; Florida International University Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service; and Eighth Annual Theodore R. Gibson Project Award, 1986

Mr. Cook completed 26 years of service as a librarian at Florida National University. His life ambition was to complete his writings on the life and works of Zora Neal Hurston.

Until his demise, Mr. Cook received loving and around- the- clock care in the Orlando home of his son Dave Thompson and wife Elizabeth .Their sons Kristian and David loved their Grandfather dearly and spent many happy hours listening to his wonderful stories and receiving the benefit of his wise counsel.

Mr. Cook leaves to mourn his passing: His Son Dave (Elizabeth) Thompson of Orlando Florida. Grandchildren: Kristian Thompson of Miami Florida and David Thompson of Orlando Florida. Special friend who shared the same passion of wanting to help youth reach their fullest potential: Dessie Horne Williams of Miami Florida. Nephews: Joshua Kenneth Dove III.  & Richard Holland. Nieces: Beverly Dove (Leo) Ross, of Richmond, VA and .Ingrid Bernadette Dove of Atlanta Georgia. Grand Niece: Joy Nicole Ross. Grand Nephew: Raymond Williams and Joshua Kenneth (Angelique) Dove VI. Cousin: Yvonne Fisher. Goddaughters: Rosemarie Crocker, Almeta Birch & L. Ann Cumbie-Patterson (Lester). Godsons: Robert Battle of New York, Evan MacArthur of Japan and Petty officer Aston Cumbie Farquharson of Honolulu, Hawaii. Extended Family members: Joe &Eula Johnson, Earl Robinson, Ron Henry, Roy Moultry, Veronica Wellington, Charles (Bridgette) MacArthur, Bernice Horne Edgecombe-Tel-Saint (Amelius). And many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be sorely missed.  

Memorial services will be held at, The First Missionary Baptist Church on Friday August 5 2016 at 6:00pm.22 South 9th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Nassau County Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the Rychard-Lottie-Annie Cook Scholarship. Address: P.O. Box 16382, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Edward Doda, 88, of Amelia Island, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

John Huston, 90, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Steven Joseph Reece, 59, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Hellen Snider, 90, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Robert Lewis Westbrook, 73, of Yulee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in the care of the Community Hospice-Warner Center-Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Dr. William H. Cline, 95, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Dr. Cline was born Aug. 28, 1921, in Lockport, N.Y., the son of Harry and Alice Cline. The family moved to Fanwood, N.J., where he spent his early years. He graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in the Class of 1939.

After three years of pre-veterinary study, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1945 with a degree in veterinary medicine. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Veterinary Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He married the former Shirley Todd, and they settled in Millington, N.J., where they lived for 50 years. Dr. Cline opened his veterinary practice in Fanwood and served the community for more than 40 years. Dr. Cline and Mrs. Cline moved to Amelia Island in 1992. He was a member of the Presbyterian faith.

Dr. Cline leaves behind his wife, Shirley Todd Cline; his three daughters, Virginia Livingston of Scottsdale, Ariz., Carol Albers of Long Valley, N.J., and Cynthia Jamison and her husband, Charles Marci, of Chicago and Denver; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, at Amelia Island Plantation Chapel, with the Rev. Ted Schroder officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the United States Humane Society or the Seeing Eye of Morristown, N.J.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ralph Cleveland Cross, 85, passed away in his home Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. He was born in Cordele, Ga., on Oct. 2, 1931, and grew up in Macon, Ga.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherry Maine Cross; his daughter, Gina Townsend (Mark) of Fernandina Beach; grandson, Justin Cross (Nichole) of Atlanta; granddaughter, April Hyers (Jeremy) of Fernandina Beach; granddaughter, Alissa Warlick; grandsons, Ryan and Matthew Warlick (Stephanie) of Chattanooga, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Tyler Hyers, Bodhi Cross, Brieanna, Braxton, Maddox and Cruz Warlick; nephews, Jesse Griffin (Ann) of Macon, and Roscoe Cross (Judy) of Palm Bay; brother-in-law, Freddie Mayne (Sue) of Dothan, Ala., and his beloved Wiemaraner, Sophie.

Mr. Cross was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Ella Cross; his brother, Roscoe Cross; sister, Mildred Griffin; and son, Robert Warlick.

Ralph served four years in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Tripoli, North Africa, during the Korean War, he operated the MARS radio station, running high-ranking military traffic around the globe during normal hours (AJ5AC) and then running personnel phone patches stateside after hours (5A2TZ). Ralph received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and taught there for four years. He completed five years of classes in 3.5 years, finishing with an A in undergraduate and an A-plus in graduate school. He graduated with honors and received membership in four national honor societies, of which one was for single highest freshman of the year and another for highest senior business graduate of the year.

Ralph retired from two multinational corporations, Owens-Illinois Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, and Lily-Tulip Cup Corp. of Toledo and Augusta, Ga. He and his CEO orchestrated the buyout of Lily-Tulip division of O-I, taking that division private in 1981. He served as vice president – financial and administration on the board of directors and the executive board of the new Lily Cup Corp.

In the early ’70s, Ralph was involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster. He was named director of the Northwest District of the BSA while living in Ohio. He loved to hunt and organized the Withlacoochee Hunting Club near Valdosta, Ga. Later in life, he continued hunting through the lens of his camera. His beautiful wildlife photography is being enjoyed by many. 

The Crosses enjoyed traveling in their motor home, which took them to 49 states, along with their miniature Pinscher pups, Brandy and Coco. The highlight of their camping days was the three months they spent in Alaska. After retiring in 1984 due to his health, Ralph and his wife moved to Fernandina Beach, where they lived for 21 years. He opened the Ice Cream Gallery on Centre Street and enjoyed volunteering for the community. He was president and on the board of the Island Art Association and the Nassau County Arts Alliance. He chaired the Fernandina Beach Housing Authority, chartered the Nassau County October Fest, served on the annual Shrimp Festival Committee, and was active in the GOP. Ralph was influential in bringing soccer to the youth of Amelia Island.

In 2005 the Crosses moved to Dothan, where they are members of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Ralph enjoyed working with other retirees at Deanco Auto Auction. He was an avid UGA Dawgs fan and a true patriot who loved his country. He was a friend to everyone he met. Ralph, Pops, Papa, PopPop will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life was held, Saturday, Feb. 18, at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Dothan. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, Ga.

Donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to Operation Smile, P.O. Box 5017, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 4205 S. Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, AL 36305.

Estelle Theresa Clark Griffin passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the cherished age of 101.

She was born in St. Marys on Sept. 9, 1915. She was the second daughter of Essie Delaney Clark and Frank James Clark, and had three siblings who predeceased her, James, Joseph and Ellen. She was also a second cousin to Emma B. Delaney of Fernandina, the first African-American female missionary to Africa, and she was great-granddaughter of Thomas Sterling Delaney, Fernandina’s first African-American registrar of voters during Reconstruction. She was also a second cousin of centenarians Bessie and Sadie Delaney, authors of the best-selling book Having Our Say. She attended public schools in St. Marys and Fernandina.

Mrs. Griffin was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Theodore Griffin of St. Marys. They moved to Closter, N.J., in 1939, where they raised their family and lived and worked on the estate of New York business investor Donald Flamm, where they managed the grounds and social preparations for 44 years. Upon retirement, she and her husband lived with her daughter on Long Island, N.Y., until his death. She and her daughter retired to Fernandina in 1991.

She was known as a sweet and loving lady, radiant with warmth, good nature, charm and class. She loved flowers, gardening, cooking, good books and playing hymns on the piano. She cherished her life with family and friends in St. Marys, New Jersey and Fernandina. She was an active member of Centennial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Closter and Macedonia AME Church in Fernandina for many years. She was known for doing unto others better that she would have them do unto her.

Mrs. Griffin leaves to mourn, her children, Dolores Covington and Ted Griffin of Fernandina, Iris Smith (Ben) of Middletown, N.Y., and Carrie Atkinson Thompson of Sunrise, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Dawnne Roberts (James), Ben Smith Jr. (Tracy), Courtney Smith, Barbara Thompson, Mary Jones, Jackie Carlos (Bill), Mark Thompson and Donald Thompson (Delia); 10 great-grandchildren, Tiffanie Smith, Gregory Smith, Heather Smith, Eric Smith, G.B. Smith, Sylvia Jones, Corey Thompson, Carey Alhassan, Justin Carlos and Donald Thompson Jr.; two great-great-grandchildren, Kameren Lea and Korey Lea; a dear sister-in-law, Muriel Clark of Bronx, N.Y.; a long loving list of nieces, nephews and cousins; Mrs. Elayne Flamm, Gary and Molly Flamm, and the remaining dear members of the Flamm family.

Her family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Oxley-Heard. Funeral services will follow at noon Saturday, March 4, at Macedonia AME Church of Fernandina, with the Rev. Anthony Daniel presiding. Mrs. Griffin will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James Larry Payne was born Feb. 25, 1953, to Frank and Katie Bell Payne in Birmingham, Ala. He was called home Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017.

Throughout his life, his interests included being an avid sports fan (Roll Tide!). He even played softball with the Glassmasters for several years. He also chose a career, which was his passion: he counseled and mentored troubled youth. In addition to all of his pastimes, James enjoyed serving the Lord and becoming a deacon under the leadership of Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr. of First Missionary Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach.

James Larry Payne is survived by his children, Marcus (Jacquiese) Brown, Kena (Derrick) Byrd, Sanqunette (Chris Sr.) Ruffin, Sheree (Franklin) Adams, Marques McConico and Rodrequis Woods; stepdaughters, whom he loved affectionately as his own, Shamika Alberta, Taylor Sanders and Shanice Sanders; grandchildren, Marques McConico Jr., Jessyca McConico, Marques McConico, Mahalie Brown, Londyn Byrd, Chris Ruffin Jr., Chrisette Ruffin, Jelanie Wiggins, Ana Adams, Corinne Adams, Quendarius Jackson and Sydney Battle; siblings, Wash (Evelyn) Stallworth, Anna Stallworth Greene, Doris (Derrick) Oates, Alesia (John) Price and Myoshia Whitt Holley; and a host of very special and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers, William Payne, Hardy Payne and Morris Stallworth; and his guardian-mother, Odessa Stallworth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 22 S. Ninth St., Fernandina Beach.

Mr. John K. “Jack” Huston, age 90, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach, FL.

He was born on Monday, January 3, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late John and Elizabeth Huston.  He was a graduate of Rutherford, NJ High School and New York University.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Reserves from which he was discharged as a Sergeant First Class.  For 40 years Mr. Huston worked for several companies in the area of Materials Management.  The last 25 years were with GTE in the Warren and Titusville, PA locations.  He and his wife, Jeanie, retired to Fernandina Beach in 1993.

He was an active member of The Baptist Nassau Auxiliary and the Memorial United Methodist Church.

Mr. Huston leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Jeanie, their two children, John Huston and his wife, Beth, Marietta, GA, Elizabeth Trobaugh, Cumming, GA, four grandchildren, Grace and Joey Huston, Ian and Amy Trobaugh, a sister in law, Sandy Huston, and several nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017, in Maxwell Hall of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach with Reverend Drew Wessman, officiating.

The family will receive friends on the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the hour of service and following the service at a reception that will be held in Maxwell Hall.

Members of the Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary will serve as and be seated as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, c/o Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL  32034.

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

OXLEY – HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Edward Robert Goyette, 79, of Yulee, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. John K. “Jack” Huston, 90, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 13, in Maxwell Hall of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of service and following the service at a reception in Maxwell Hall.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Edward G. Schmitt, 93, of Amelia Island, passed away Friday, March 3, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Willie Trent, 79, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Friday, March 3, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dixon D. Adams, of Pensacola, was born on the family farm/horse ranch in Gillette Grove, Iowa, on Dec. 16, 1925. He was the first child of William Merle Adams and Lena Verbena Pooler Adams. When he died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, he had lived a full, happy, accomplished life of 91 years.

Dixon entered school at age 4 (his mother wanted him out of her hair) and graduated at age 15 with 15 classmates. Since it was such a small school, every student took every class. Thus, Dixon learned both typing and shorthand, as well as the venerable three R’s. He also read every book in town, starting with those in the school library and moving on, house by house, to read each family’s books plus all publications stored in their attics.

At age 20, in 1945, Dixon rode the “Empire Builder” train from rural northwest Clay County, Iowa, to the big city of Chicago (population 3.5 million), having neither friend, job nor housing awaiting him. Starting as a mailroom clerk at Container Corporation of America, Dixon soon used his high school typing and shorthand to qualify for the position of secretary for one of the company lawyers. His skill in bargaining and in people management was soon recognized, and he began negotiating contracts with the various company paper mills. Dixon’s endless energy, curiosity, quick mind and charm served him well during a 40-year career with Container, which culminated with his retirement as an international vice president in 1985.

A second life began when he met and married Bett, who was publisher of the Fernandina Beach News-Leader. In 1990, they moved to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, a 500-year-old colonial jewel located on the old silver trail of the Spanish conquistadors. Their home for the next 22 years, San Miguel was considered a national treasure: colonial architecture, cobbled streets, art and culture, and a warm local population. As he had in Florida, Dixon became an active community member and volunteer, working with many local charities, from the Humane Society to a school lunch program providing 3,000 lunches a day to rural one-room schools. Known for his photography skills, Dixon was always available to shoot and develop photos in those pre-digital camera days: whether traditional parades, religious processionals, fundraisers of any type, winners at the croquet green, musical performances, art openings or prison projects, Dixon was there.

With an engaging smile on his handsome face, Dixon was easily loved by many, and he loved them back. He always highlighted the accomplishments of others: of his business associates, of Bett and of his family members. He was “the boss,” but he showed a gentle spirit and a positive attitude. He was proud of having attended Loyola University in Chicago; of having served on several paper industry boards; and of having been recognized by his co-workers as a skilled and effective negotiator.

Dixon was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Merle “Tate” Adams; and his daughter, Robin Marie Adams Scott (Keith).

Dixon is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Bett Yates Adams and her extended family; his son, John Dixon Adams (Melissa) and grandchildren, Courtney Elizabeth, Carson Keogh and Caroline Grace of Richmond, Ill.; and his stepson, Christian Marcos Perez (Megan Cytron) and grandson, Oscar Marcos Perez-Cytron of Madrid, Spain. He is also survived by his sister, Nyra Gaye Brown (Cal) of Watertown, S.D., and her children and grandchildren.

Dixon enjoyed the lifelong love and friendship of many relatives, business associates, friends and neighbors. He and Bett returned to their Pensacola home in 2010 and found many new friends in the “What a Good Dog!” training class to which they took their Rottweilers, Blue and Ocho.

Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with a memorial service beginning at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 11553, Pensacola, FL 32524; or Amazing Grace Bully Rescue, 4877 Cerny Road, Pensacola, FL 32526; or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared at harpermorrismemorialchapel.com

“And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, Pensacola

Mr. Winston Bowen, 75, of Yulee, died Saturday, March 4, 2017, in the Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, after an extended illness. He was a native of Toombs County, Ga., and was a graduate of Lyons High School. He worked with Globe Manufacturing in Vidalia, Ga., for 10 years and with Plant Hatch in Appling County, Ga., for seven years. In 1982, he moved to Yulee, and worked with Container Corporation, where he retired after 20 years. He was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church in Yulee and Amelia Masonic Lodge 47 in Fernandina Beach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney Bernice Bowen and Lillian Mae Johnson Bowen; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Mr. Bowen is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frankie Bowen of Yulee; three children, Michael Bowen and wife Sandra of the Petross Community, Ga., and Tina Bowen Harris and husband Ivey, and Michaela Bowen, all of Yulee; one grandson, Levi Harris; four great-grandchildren, Cassie, Brailey, Brooke and Brynlee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held Tuesday morning, March 7, in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home, with the Rev. Chester Proctor officiating. Burial followed in the Old Mount Zion Cemetery near Lyons, Ga.

Pallbearers were Ivey Harris, David Sorrow, Larry Copeland, Lauren Hutto, B.J. Poole, Jason Coe and Levi Harris.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia was in charge of arrangements.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home, Vidalia, Ga.

Mrs. Ann Carter Daniel, 90, of Amelia Island, formerly of Anchorage, Ky., and Bethesda, Md., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at The Retreat at Osprey Village on Amelia Island.

Born in the Panama Canal Zone, she was the daughter of the late Maynard Harper Carter and Gertrude Swann Gibson. As a young child, her father’s military assignments brought the family back to the States, which enabled Ann to spend many of her formative years on her grandparents’ farm in Anchorage, where she became an accomplished horsewoman. She later attended Ward-Belmont College, an all-girls school in Nashville, Tenn., where she discovered a love of the piano and singing. As a result of a later move to Washington, D.C., she attended Mount Vernon College for Women, where she continued her studies in music. In 1944, she met a West Point cadet, Charles D. Daniel Jr., whom she would marry on June 7, 1946. The newlyweds made their first home at Fort Sill near Lawton, Okla. Her husband’s military career took them to duty stations around the globe before settling in the Washington metropolitan area in 1963. Their first son Charles III, was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1949, and their second son, Peter, was born in Neubrucke, Germany, in 1957. In 1963, the Daniel family lived in Collingwood, Va., for eight years before moving to Sumner, Md., where they made their home from 1971 until December 2016.

In addition to being an accomplished pianist and vocalist, Mrs. Daniel enjoyed tennis and gardening. She was a meticulous interior decorator and took great pride in the coordination of the décor of each room of her home.

With her husband, she enjoyed her membership at the Army Navy Country Club on the ladies’ tennis team as well as the Army and Navy Club in Washington.

Mrs. Daniel leaves behind her husband of 70 years, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles D. Daniel Jr.; their two sons, Charles “Charlie” D. Daniel III and his wife, Sandra Fernandez Daniel, of Fernandina Beach, and Peter Carter Daniel and his wife, Lenora McKenzie Daniel, of Bay Shore, Long Island, N.Y.; and three grandchildren, Charles “Chase” D. Daniel IV, Ian Daniel and Ethan Daniel.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 1, in the Old Post Chapel of Fort Myer, Va., and at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Wounded Warrior Project and Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

The Gill family sadly announces the passing of James Camsee Gill, 71, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at his home following a three-year battle with cancer. Jim was born Feb. 25, 1946, at Gill Memorial Hospital in Steubenville, Ohio. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and proudly served his country for 10 years. Jim and his family resided in Fernandina Beach for 39 years. He retired from Container Corporation, now Rock Ten, after 30 years as an instrument technician/electrician.

He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing. He also loved watching football games with his grandson Cam, who will miss all the “football conferences” with his “Pap.” Jim will be remembered for his love of nature and his handiness to fix anything. Jim loved his special yearly Christmastime breakfasts with his granddaughter Cassidy and to search for the perfect tree. Participating in the Amelia Island Turtle Watch with his wife, Gin, was a special pastime they shared.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Virginia (nee D’Arcy) of 49 years; their two children, James D. (Melissa) Gill of Georgia and Darcy M. Gill of Florida; his mother, Betty R. Gill of Ohio; sister, Sandra (Sis) Gill Blischak of Virginia; brother, Samuel (Kathy) Gill of Ohio; six grandchildren, Cam, Cassidy, Jake, Ian, Miah and BelleAmie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel M. Gill Sr.

Jim will be so very missed by everyone and, to quote his grandson Cam, “I just hope I can be the man he taught me to be.”

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Richmond Union Cemetery in Ohio.

Memorial contributions can be made to the wonderful, caring organization of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Mrs. Virginia Vonnoh Landrum Kronbach, 74, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 2, 2017, at the Warner Center in Fernandina Beach.

A native and lifelong resident of Fernandina, she was one of seven children born to the late Albert Peter and Leura Mae Vanzant Vonnoh Sr. Growing up in Fernandina, she attended Fernandina Beach High School. After high school she worked in various occupations before joining the retail sales industry. Her time in retail included the Trading Post and various other convenience stores before spending the last 10 years with Flash Foods at South 14^th and Jasmine streets.

She enjoyed growing flowers, going to the beach, fishing, collecting lighthouses and spending time with her grandchildren.

Most recently, she had attended Journey Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Landrum, and a brother, Al P. Vonnoh Jr.

She leaves behind her husband, Ron Kronbach of Yulee; two sons, Jimbo Landrum and his wife, Sheli, and Bubba Landrum and his wife, Annie, all of Fernandina Beach; a daughter, Melanie Landrum of Yulee; two brothers, Johnny Vonnoh (Laura) and Raymond Vonnoh (Mary), all of Yulee; two sisters, Mary Ferreira (Mitch) and Shirley Barbus, all of Fernandina Beach; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

May God bless this woman; she will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Journey Church, with Pastor Daryl Bellar officiating. Her family will receive guests and friends at her residence following the service.

Her family will also receive friends on Tuesday, March 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Journey Church, 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Doris W. Murray, 87, of Yulee, passed away peacefully Friday evening, March 3, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Baxley, Ga., she was the eldest daughter and one of eight children born to the late Isham and Grace Tyre Carter, who were second-generation Georgia sharecroppers. She grew up in Baxley and, at age 14, assumed the role of mother to her siblings when her mother died giving birth to another child. In 1945, she married a Georgia native, Elmer Murray. They lived in Waycross, Ga., for a short time before returning to the family farm in Baxley. They left south Georgia in the early ’50s and moved to the Northside of Jacksonville. In 1968, they came to Nassau County and settled in Yulee. As a loving wife to her husband and mother to her children, it was not uncommon for her to provide day care to her nieces and nephews as they grew up. She was active with the Yulee Lions Club, was a poll worker during local elections and volunteered with the American Cancer Society. For many years, she provided transportation to elderly neighbors, whether it was to doctor’s appointments or trips to the grocery store. Mrs. Murray enjoyed gardening, working in her yard and hosting family dinners on Sundays, as well as Christmas Eve and Easter Sundays. To eat her soulful, Southern cooking was to feel her love, and she was quick to show friends and family alike how much she loved them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Faye Carter; a granddaughter, April; three sisters, Maude Carter, Katherine McClain and Barbara Brewer; and three brothers, Sonny, Frank and James Carter.

Mrs. Murray leaves behind her son, W. Scottie Murray and his wife, Susan, of Yulee; a brother, Jerry Carter (Esther); grandchildren, Duane Warren (Christina), Susan Still (Shane), Rick Warren (Vicky), Missy Warren (Charlie), Scott Murray Jr. (Rhianna), Todd Langford (Sarah) and Mandy Pasqualicchio; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, with the Rev. Frank Camarotti officiating.

Mrs. Murray will be laid to rest in Hughes Cemetery.

Her family received friends Tuesday evening, March 7, at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Kenneth “Ken” W. Pennington, 70, of Amelia Island, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Memphis, Tenn., he was the eldest of three children born to the late Billy Wade and Marie Elizabeth Neely Pennington. Ken grew up in Fairfax, Va., where he was a graduate of W.T. Woodson High School, Class of 1964. Upon graduating from high school, he enrolled at Virginia Military Institute, where he majored in history and received his Bachelor of Arts. Ken attributed much of what he became to lessons learned at VMI, and the school continued to be a part of his life long after leaving campus. After college, Ken served in the United States Air Force and obtained the rank of captain. Upon his honorable discharge in 1972, he returned home, where he coached baseball, football and wrestling at Woodson High School. Within a few years, he moved to Naples, Fla., and coached at Naples High School. While teaching in Naples, he met a fellow teacher, Barbara Lynn Deneen, whom he would marry in 1976. Ken and Barb soon moved to Memphis, where he joined his father at Continental Baking Co. for a brief period before moving with Continental to Atlanta. Opportunity soon knocked, and his career in the automotive industry began by joining Hertz Car Rentals in Atlanta. Then, in 1982, Ken and Barb opened Accent Rent-A-Car in Snellville, Ga., which grew from one location to multiple locations throughout the Atlanta area. They continued to operate Accent Rent-A-Car until selling the business in 2005.

Ken was committed to his physical conditioning, whether through his daily workouts at International Fitness in Snellville, on the golf course, playing softball or enjoying a morning swim. His devotion to his physical well being and his ever-present positive attitude were key components to living with, not being bound by, his long-term condition.

Ken had attended Snellville United Methodist Church.

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara “Barb” Pennington; children, Kelly Dewyea and her husband, Victor Dewyea, M.D., of Augusta, Ga., Brynn Pennington of Dacula, Ga., and Amber Pennington of Charleston, S.C.; a sister, Emily Upperman and her husband, Bob, of Beaufort, S.C.; a brother, William “Will” Pennington of Atlanta; favorite travel companions, Dean and Kay Wucherer of Edgar, Wis.; four grandchildren; nine nephews; and seven nieces.

There will not be a memorial or funeral service. The family is keeping a private tribute at Ken’s request.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Shirley P. Hutchinson, 93, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Marie Antoinette McCarthy, 85, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Arthur E. Richardson, 74, presently of the St. Petersburg area, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lt. Col. Edward Robert Goyette, 79, a resident of Yulee, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Monday, March 5, 2017, after succumbing to complications caused by a stroke 13 years ago.

Ed was born in Burlington, Vt., in 1937, the son of Arthur and Margaret Goyette, owners of the A.R. Goyette Wholesale Business in South Burlington, Vt.

Ed graduated from Cathedral High School in 1955. He continued his education at Holy Cross College, where he began his pursuit of a military career by joining the ROTC program. He transferred to Saint Michael's College his sophomore year and became a member of the SMC Drill Team. Under his leadership as the cadet commander, the team won three straight New England championships.

Upon graduation from Saint Michael’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1960, Ed was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He served for 24 years, of which the last 14 years were with the Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard 158th Fighter Wing. His desire to take to the skies was inspired by the legacy of his uncle, Col. Robert Goyette, a well-respected fighter pilot of the VTANG. Ed was born to be a pilot. His God-given abilities gained him a reputation as an outstanding aviator and a highly respected flight instructor. He logged more than 9,000 flight hours during his military career. The planes he flew included the B-57, F-4, F-101, F-102, RC-121, T-33 trainer and the T-38 (the world's first supersonic trainer). He served one tour in Vietnam in 1966, where he got a chance to work with the legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds. Ed served in many positions during his military career, such as aircraft maintenance officer, chief accident investigator, chief of safety, flight instructor in the Undergraduate Pilot Training program (UPT), pilot instructor trainer (training other pilot trainers) and squadron commander. He was proud to have trained a future Thunderbird pilot as well as a future Blue Angel pilot during his time as a flight instructor. Ed's many years of service and incredible talent earned him the rank of lieutenant colonel before he retired.

Ed met the love of his life, Carolyn F. Lacoss, at a Cathedral High School dance. They were married in 1960. Over their 57 years of marriage, they raised five children and traveled the United States, all while having many amazing adventures as a family.

Ed loved to fish and was an avid sports fan. Whether it was his sons' hockey games, his daughters' performances or sitting courtside at the University of Vermont with his youngest son, Scott, no one cheered louder than Ed. He had a infectious "need for speed and adventure," as he was known to jump on a motorcycle, take his kids on an "unknown" road trip to explore the world, or even push the envelope of his aircraft by soaring to the edge of the atmosphere, so close he could see the curvature of the earth. He was an avid reader. He especially enjoyed history, military, political and mystery thrillers. Ed's priorities in life were always God, family and country ... and in that order. He was a man of extreme integrity, clear-sighted intelligence and, for the ones who knew him, well-respected. A hard act to follow!

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Margaret Goyette of Burlington; sister, Janice Wilkens (Robert) of Burlington; and granddaughter, Rebecca Goyette of Yulee.

He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn Goyette of Yulee; his daughter, Cynthia Goyette-Cook of Nashville, Tenn.; son, Rick Goyette of Burlington; daughter, Karen Goyette of Burlington; son, Pastor Robert Goyette (Christie) of Yulee; son, Scott Goyette of Burlington; his brother, Arthur Goyette (Helene) of Burlington; brother-in-law, Robert Wilkens (Janice); six grandchildren, Joshua Goyette of Yulee, Rebecca Warner of Menomonie, Wis., Sarah Malcolm of Yulee, Lindsay Dabney (Rapheal) of Nashville, Caleb Goyette of Burlington, and Jeremy Cook of Nashville; five great-grandchildren, Joshua Goyette Jr. of Yulee, Gabby Warner of Menomonie, Linden Dabney, Rapheal David Dabney Jr. and Imme Harper Grace Dabney of Nashville; many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Prior to his passing, Ed was a resident of the Florida Lake City VA Medical Center, where he was affectionately known as "Colonel." While in Lake City, he truly demonstrated his "fighter pilot spirit," showing incredible courage and fortitude through a multitude of health issues. He took every opportunity to support his fellow resident veterans. Whether it was paying for someone's haircut or donating books he read to the library for other veterans to enjoy, Ed always put the needs of others before himself. Special thanks to all of his caretakers, nurses and doctors – he always felt, as did his family, that if he had to be anywhere, that the Lake City VA Medical Center was the best!

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, at Living Waters World Outreach.

Lt. Col. Goyette will be buried in Jacksonville National Cemetery following the service at 1 p.m., with full military honors.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 12, from 4-6 p.m. at Oxley-Heard.

Ed requested that donations be made to his son Scott Goyette's Power Wheelchair Soccer team, The Vermont Chargers. Donations will be used to help the team participate in the National Championship Tournament in Indianapolis in June.

To donate online, go to www.youcaring.com/vermontchargerspowersoccer.

Donations by check can be mailed to Scott Goyette, 71 South Meadow Drive, Burlington, VT 05401 (please make checks payable to "NDAA" and write "Power Soccer Nationals" in the memo section).

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors