Mrs. Sydney Jean Nelson, 83, formerly of Fernandina Beach, presently of Yulee, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 9, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Born in Binghamton, N.Y., she was the eldest of three children born to the late David and Louise Phillips Morgan. She grew up in Binghamton and was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School. After high school, she attended Columbia University, from where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in nursing. Upon receiving her nursing degree, she worked as a registered nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. In the early 1960s, her husband’s career as a produce broker brought the family to Florida. Upon settling in Florida, she worked as a registered nurse in Miami, Delray Beach and Orlando before moving to Ocala. In Ocala, Mrs. Nelson worked as a volunteer at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in the soup kitchen, with church blood drives and with hospice. In later years, she moved to Atlantic Beach to be near her daughters before moving to Fernandina Beach in 1998. In addition to her former membership at Blessed Trinity, Mrs. Nelson had been a former member at St. John’s Catholic Church in Atlantic Beach and had joined St. Michael Catholic Church upon arriving in Fernandina Beach.

She was an avid gardener, favoring her many roses. Her children recall her open arms for any injured or abandoned animal and the bottle feedings of domestic and wild newborns. She worked in the yard every afternoon, often accompanied by her pet mallard duck, Harriet. She loved living near the beach, smelling the salt air and hearing the sound of the waves.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Morgan.

Mrs. Nelson leaves behind her husband, Donald Nelson of Yulee; their two daughters, Christina Nelson of Yulee, and Julie Gomez (Ray) of Jacksonville; and her sister, Beth Morgan of Endwell, N.Y.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at St. Michael Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

Her family will receive friends following the service in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia University School of Nursing, 617 W. 168^th St., New York, NY 10032, or to BEAKS Wildlife Sanctuary, 12084 Houston Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32226.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donna Kay Zenker, 65, passed away Wednesday morning, April 19, 2017, at Silvia's House in Ocala under the care of Hospice of Marion County.

She was born May 18, 1951, in Scranton, Pa., and moved to Ocala seven years ago from Amelia Island.

Ms. Zenker had a long career in the nursing field as a registered nurse. She loved her family and her animals — horses, dogs, cats — and she loved gardening.

She was predeceased by her father, Daniel Zenker; stepfather, Wally Holmberg; and stepsister, Kim Mungo.

Survivors include her mother, Katherine Holmberg; sisters, JoAnn Sample (George) and Cynthia Zenker; loving companion, Jeff Hover; stepbrother, Kevin Holmberg (Susan); stepbrother-in-law, Bill Mungo; nephews, Daniel Sample, Christopher Sample and Billy Mungo; nieces, Faye Tekach and Tamsen Mungo; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, May 20, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Ida Iverson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Marion County SPCA or Hope Therapy in St. Johns County.

To sign Ms. Zenker's online register book, please visit the Green Pine Funeral Home website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Mr. Richard Dallas "Dick" Green Jr., 88, beloved spouse of the late Wanda Guest Green of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday morning, May 18, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ronald Bernard “Ron” Alvarez, 74, of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 14, 2017, at his residence.

Born in Tacoma, Wash., on May 10, 1943, Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Alvarez, and his wife of 42 years, Kristin J. Alvarez.

He grew up in West Palm Beach and graduated with a degree in political science from the University of South Florida. He retired from the state of Florida as a probation officer and enjoyed teaching water aerobics while living in Keene, N.H., and Redlands, Calif., in his retirement. Always active in the Episcopal church, he found meaning and joy in the Cursillo community and Kairos ministry to the incarcerated. He was an amazing cook, loved theater and was a history buff, enjoying historical documentaries and nonfiction along with his daily devotional readings.

He is survived by his three daughters, Paige Hanks and her husband, David, Alexa Alvarez, and Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) Alvarez; granddaughters, Amelia Hanks and Bianca Alvarez; as well as his brothers, Joseph Alvarez and Kenneth Alvarez; and other beloved family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach. A reception will be held in Burns Hall following the service.

The family suggests that any desire for memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s memory to: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, with “Kairos” in the memo; or to The Episcopal Diocese of Florida Foundation, 325 N. Market St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, with “Camp Weed Scholarship” in the memo.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Alan Robert Bach, 70, died at home peacefully in his sleep following a brief illness Thursday, May 4, 2017.

He is survived by his son, James A. Bach (Rachel Bach); his daughter, Tammi E. Bach (Agostino “Augie” Buttinelli Jr.); his sister-in-law, Virginia M. Wallace; his sister-in-law, Jean Bach; four grandchildren, Dakota Bach, Alan “A.J.” Bach, Roman Buttinelli and Peter Buttinelli; his best friend, Dixie Belle; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Born and raised in New York, the son of David Bach (Saugerties, N.Y.) and Ethel Waters (New York City), Alan joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and served honorably until 1968 as a seaman during the Vietnam War aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Alan moved to Fort Lauderdale, where he worked with his uncle, Jim Waters, refinishing furniture and as an auctioneer. In 1969, Alan met his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Barbara “Bobbi” Bach (deceased 2010), and they were married Oct. 9, 1970, Bobbi’s birthday.

Soon after marrying his one true love, Alan went to work with Borden’s Dairy, delivering milk and ice cream to schools. Alan worked hard for Borden’s Dairy but found an interest in finance and insurance. In the 1980s, Alan earned his insurance license and went to work with New York Life Insurance Co. in Fort Lauderdale. He became a top insurance agent with New York Life and then opened his own insurance firm in the 1990s. Alan desired more investment education and experience, so he earned his Series 7 license and joined Cuna Mutual Group, where he excelled as a financial adviser. Alan retired from Cuna Mutual Group in 2012 and moved north to Fernandina Beach to be with his children. In addition to his dedication to work and lifelong learning, he always emphasized his love and admiration for his family.

Alan loved spending time with family, fishing, camping, cooking and following current events. For many years, he was a member of the sport fishing team Diversification, who won awards in several saltwater fishing tournaments in southeast Florida. When he wasn’t working or fishing, he was doing home improvement and other projects for his family. He will always be remembered for tireless hours spent researching colleges and scholarships for his children and giving advice on life, love and investing. He will always have a special place in the hearts of his loved ones.

Alan’s final resting place will be in a family mausoleum tomb at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Fla., next to his beloved wife, Bobbi. May they rest in peace, forever in love.

Funeral services for Ms. Emma G. Green will be held at noon Saturday, May 20, at Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 218 E. 44^th St., Jacksonville.

Emma Kellogg was born Jan. 17, 1943, in Fernandina Beach to Henry Thomas Kellogg and Gladys Richo Kellogg Middleton, and reared by Alfred Middleton Jr. Ms. Emma was a pillar to her family and friends; she would feed you and give you a place to sleep. Emma was known for having a soft heart; it just wasn't in her to see you in need and not give help. Emma attended the local schools in Nassau County and received a certified nursing certificate. Emma worked for more than 20 years in the health-care field in Nassau County. Emma met and married Alphonso Green, who preceded her in death.

On May 7, 2017, Emma woke up long enough to make an intelligent decision about her soul and, under the prayer of repentance with her sister, she accepted the Lord as her Savior. She has been forgiven, and heaven will receive her. So rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is her reward in heaven!

Emma Gertrude Kellogg-Green passed away Monday, May 8, 2017, only to live again where there will be no more pain or suffering. She is on the "other side."

She was preceded her in death by her fathers, Henry Thomas Kellogg and Alfred Middleton Jr.; daughter, Shirlene Roberts; granddaughter, Latoya Roberts; brothers, Rudolph Middleton, Douglas Middleton and Alford Middleton “Sugaboy”; and sister, Gladys LaTanya Middleton.

She leaves to cherish her memories children, Cynthia Kellogg, Arena Kellogg (Alvin) of Jacksonville, Cassandra Spears (Richard) of Fort Pierce, Charlene Jamison (Carlos), Janis Ansley (Reggie Sr.), Reginald Harrell (Deborah) of Jacksonville, Celeste, Vern, Arlene, Roy and Patrick Harrell (Patricia), and Michelle Jackson (Marshall) of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jimmie (JJ) Simmons, Lorenzo Kellogg (Erin), Ricco Kellogg (Jennifer), Eunice Kellogg and Previs Brooks of Jacksonville, Tori Brooks Turner (Travis), Theresa Spears, Taya Moore (Clifford) and Angel Spears of Fort Pierce, Corey Kellogg, Donnetta Roberts and Spencer Blue, Jasmine Howie, Crystal Frazer, Nina Perkins, Emanuel Howie, Danielle Roberts, Darien Roberts, Mykal Nimmons, Cameron Jamison and Ashly Ansley of Jacksonville, and Solomon Nelson of Atlanta; brothers, Calvin Kellogg (Barbara) of Fernandina Beach, Jappanah Kellogg (Maxine) of Apalachicola, and the Rev. Simon Middleton (Lynn) of Lake City; sisters, Gloria Roberts (Kenneth) of Jacksonville, MaryAnn McKellum (Lester) of Lake City, Susan Gail Grant (Randolph) of Jacksonville, and Lanava Morris of Sanford; special friend, Eddie Allen; uncles, Abraham “AB” Richo (Dorothy), Johnell Richo (Deloris) and Jerome Richo (Jeanette) of Fernandina Beach; and aunties, Hattie Joseph of Gautier, Miss., Mary Thompson (George), Geraldine Walker and Hazel Richo of Fernandina Beach.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 19 at Mortuary.

Holmes-Glover-Solomon Funeral Directors Inc., Jacksonville

Mr. Ted Arne Gundersen, 72, of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday evening, May 16, 2017.

He was born in Hackensack, N.J., on Jan. 28, 1945, to Edward Curtis Gundersen and Edith Solveig Kyhnel.

They first moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and in 1950, they moved to their new home in North Bellmore, N.Y. At that time, there was a barn with two horses at one end to the block, and around the other corner and up two blocks was a pasture for two cows and a bull.

In March 1965, Ted went to work for AT&T. He was a communications technician in the Manhattan office named Private Line Telegraph.

He became an avid skier. With a friend, he traveled to Kitzbuhel in the Tyrolean section of Austria.

In 1975, he was promoted and became a computer programmer in White Plains, N.Y. A few years later, he met his wonderful wife, Jan. In 1977, he was promoted into the Engineering Department. Ted worked at managing AT&T’s long-distance network. In 1978, Jan and Ted were married. He always said that the best thing he ever did was to marry Jan. However, he took on a huge responsibility since she had two young sons: David was 10, and Darin was 8. He loved and raised them as if they were his own.

In 1989, they were transferred to Oakton, Va., and in 1990, they were transferred to Atlanta.

Ted retired from AT&T in April 1997 after 32 years of service. Jan and he moved to their new home on Amelia Island in 1998.

He loved anything to do with computers. He spent much of his retirement learning more about them. He especially enjoyed making videos and albums of their vacations, and building websites for local organizations. He loved cruising and counted approximately 35 cruises to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and two riverboat cruises across Europe.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Jan; his two stepsons, David Belsito (Alicia) of Wilmington, N.C., and Darin Belsito (Jessica) of Oakwood, Ga.; and by three grandchildren, Brian Belsito, Allison Belsito, and Cole Cheney, all of Wilmington. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Kathyrn Taylor (Maynard) of Fernandina, and Nancy Croland (Bob) of Glen Rock, N.J., and Geraldine Rodner (John) of Bedford Hills, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend of more than 39 years, Patrick Huffman.

His ashes will be placed in the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 9 N. Sixth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William Flynn Miller Jr., 94, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Bill was born March 23, 1923, in Lake City to the late William Flynn Miller Sr. and Julia Crouch Miller. He spent his early years there and was a graduate of Columbia High School in Lake City, where he served as senior class president. Bill’s college career began at the University of Georgia, where he played trumpet in the Redcoat Band and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

In his junior year of college, Bill was called to duty and served his country in the United States Navy as a pilot during World War II. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Upon his safe return to the States, Bill resumed his education. He was recipient of a Bachelor of Science in forestry from the University of Georgia in 1947 and, one year later, received a master’s degree from Duke University in forestry. Bill was a charter Big Jay Hook of the Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia and was the first of three generations that would graduate from the program.

He began his career with Rayonier at the Fernandina Beach location, where he worked in land management and tax administration for 20 years. In 1970, he relocated to Jesup, Ga., to be woodlands manager until his retirement in 1986 with 39 years of service.

Bill was a devoted servant to his communities. He served as president of the Fernandina Beach Jaycees and was a member of the Jesup Kiwanis Club, where he served as president and lieutenant governor. He was a member of the Altamaha Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He served as vice president of the Georgia Forestry Association Executive Committee and was on the board of trustees for Coastal Pines Technical College, where he was awarded trustee emeritus. Bill served as chairman of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the Community Service Above Self Award and was an honorary lifetime member. He was appointed to the Georgia 8^th Congressional District Advisory Board by the U.S. House of Representatives and served as lieutenant colonel, aide de camp, to Gov. Joe Frank Harris in 1987. Bill was a former member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach and a current member of First Baptist Church of Jesup, where he taught Sunday school for many years and attended the Golden Ruler’s Sunday School Class. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed golfing at the Pine Forest Country Club and was proud of his two holes-in-one. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, bridge, attending Georgia football games and spending time with his beloved family.

In addition to his parents, a son-in-law, Richard Vincent, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Carolyn Morrison Miller of Jesup; a son, Bill Miller III and wife Nancy of Fernandina Beach and their children, Carrie and Steve Molinari and children, Drew, Dean and Kate; Katie and Will Bennett and children, Libby and Davey; Flynn and Brook Miller and children, Wills and Doss; daughters, Marilyn E. Miller of Jacksonville and Marcia Miller Vincent of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Bill Henning of Oxford, Miss., and children, Christine and Will Reed, Caroline and Catherine Henning; daughter and son-in-law, Julia and Mike Burch of Jesup and children, Michael and Jena Burch and children, Myla and Will, and Julianne Burch; and sister, Betty Kirby of Clermont, Fla.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 19, at First Baptist Church of Jesup with Dr. Michael VonMoss and Dr. Felix Haynes officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of the funeral at the church.

Active pallbearers will be Mike and Michael Burch, Bill Henning, Flynn Miller, Steve Molinari, Will Bennett and Will Reed.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Jesup Kiwanis Club, the Golden Ruler’s Sunday School Class, Tim Cockfield Sr., Dr. Lanier Harrell, Clyde Johnson, Tom Mager, Don McGregor, Paul Scott, Sonny Reddish and Harry Yeomans.

Family interment services will follow in the Jesup City Cemetery later in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Fair Haven Women’s and Children’s Shelter, P.O. Box 1153, Jesup, GA 31598; or First Baptist Church of Jesup, Capital Campaign Fund, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598.

Please sign our guestbook online at jesupfuneralhome.com.

Howard & Jones Funeral Home, Jesup, Ga.

Teresa Diane Haywood, 54, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, May 19, 2017, at University of Florida Health Jacksonville.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Melba G. Rowe, 87, of Yulee, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017, at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, at Green Pine Cemetery, with the Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Surrounded by family members, Rodney Lewis Brown, 71, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. He was born Aug. 13, 1945, in Jacksonville and was a lifelong resident of North Florida. Rodney was a loving husband, son, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ and was of the Baptist faith.

Rodney graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, Class of 1963. He had an incredible sense of humor and a wealth of loyal friends throughout his life. Based on his exceptional knowledge and people skills, he had an extremely successful 50-year career in the automotive industry, beginning and ending with Duval Motors.

In the 1980s, Rodney was a key player in the success of Southside Ford and King’s Crown Ford. In 1996, he joined Paul Clark Ford and remained there for 10 years. During this period, Rodney and his family relocated to Fernandina Beach and enjoyed the area so much that they made it their permanent home.

An avid sports enthusiast, Rodney excelled playing football and softball, and later managed the highly successful Warren Motors Softball Team. He was a lifelong Gator fan who enjoyed attending sports events and discussing team statistics with his family and friends.

Rodney enjoyed living and had many close friends from childhood. To say that Rodney never met a stranger is a true statement. If you were fortunate enough to be one of Rodney’s friends, he never forgot you. His memory of people, dates, events, trivia, etc., was unparalleled. Friends would call him at all hours to ask about some statistic from a sports event that took place 15 years ago, and he’d not only remember the game but provide the name of the quarterback, who caught the winning touchdown, the name of the player’s high school, and their high school statistics.

His mind was a sponge for what he referred to as “useless dribble,” but to say his friends were impressed with his ability to recount a story exactly as it happened is an understatement. Friends learned to never question his accuracy.

Rodney is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Donna Brown; his children, Lisa Miranda (Mike), Jennifer Carter (Joe) and Jessica Frazier (Don); grandchildren, Jared Lebowitz, Stefanie Miranda, Nate Miranda, Jesse Miranda, Brianna Frazier, Kiera Frazier, DJ Frazier, Lola Carter and Cora Carter; and great-grandson, Wyatt Lebowitz; sister, Sheryl Brown Addison; brother-in-law, Christopher Addison Sr.; nephew, Christopher Addison Jr.; sister-in-law, Cathy Swett; and brother-in-law, Lowry Swett.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jacqueline and William Brown, and his daughter, LeAnne Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, Fernandina Beach.

Mr. Jeffery Allan Evans, 50, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Friday evening, May 19, 2017.

Born in Randallstown, Md., he was the son of the late Jack Leroy and Mary Louise Polly Evans. Jeff grew up in Owings Mills, Md., and was a graduate of Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Md., Class of 1984. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon being honorably discharged, he worked for Diamond “DC” Comics in Aberdeen, Md. In 2005, he relocated to Fernandina Beach. Since settling here, he had worked as a bartender and server at the Palace Saloon, PLAE and at Brett’s Waterway Café.

Jeff was fond of most music, but was most drawn to country music.

He was attending Christwalk Church in Fernandina Beach.

Jeff leaves behind his daughter, Casey Evans of Bookman, Pa.; two brothers, Michael Evans of Owings Mills and Patrick Evans of Baltimore; two sisters, Deborah Blitz of Silver Run, Md., and Christine Cox of Joppa, Md.; several nieces and nephews to include a special niece, Jamie Miller; and many friends to include Alan “Hupp” Huppmann of Fernandina Beach, his friend since grade school.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Christwalk Church, on Bailey Road in Fernandina Beach, with Dr. James Chamberlain officiating.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Richard Dallas “Captain Dick” Green, 88, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday morning, May 18, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Born in St. Marys, he was the eldest of three children born to the late Richard Dallas Green and Leona Vern Ryals. At the age of 13, Mr. Green began a long and storied career of fishing and shrimping. He started working with the Corbett family at Fernandina Fertilizer Co., first in the pogey plant and later on the pogey boats around Fernandina and off the coast of Louisiana. From 1945-1949, he served in the United States Navy as a boilermaker and was involved in the Enewetak atomic testing project. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned home to Fernandina and worked for a short time with the Fernandina Police Department. Within a short amount of time, he returned to the waters around Fernandina and ran shrimp boats for and worked with the Tringallis, the Burbanks, Captain Cecil Bennett, Captain Dan Turner and other local shrimpers. Over the ensuing years, Mr. Green not only captained shrimp boats in the waters of the United States, but also traveled to locations to include the Philippines, Mexico, Hawaii, Russia, China, Indonesia and Asia, and ran shrimp boats and taught techniques for catching shrimp, net making and knot tying to foreign shrimpers and fisherman. He was truly a respected and renowned pioneer of the shrimping industry.

In 1954, he married Atlanta native Wanda Juanita Guest, who had moved to Fernandina with her family as a young girl. After years of being away on shrimp boats for extended periods of time, Mr. Green accepted a position at Container Corporation of America in order to be home with his wife and growing family. He and his family lived in Old Town, and he remained at CCA until retiring in 1990. Upon retiring, he bought the Lady Lou and once again shrimped the local waters of Fernandina Beach as well as around the Gulf Coast and Carrabelle, Fla. In 1997, the Greens moved to Nassauville. In later years, Mr. Green stayed closer to home and worked with the security departments of the Federal Aviation Administration in Hilliard and Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach. His beloved wife, Wanda, passed away in August 2016.

He and Wanda had attended Blackrock Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two grandsons.

Mr. Green leaves behind four sons, Delmas Anthony “Tony” Green of Fernandina Beach, Richard Dallas Green III of Lafayette, La., Woody Dale Green and his wife, Delcy, of Lake Charles, La., and Michael Edward “Eddie” Green of Atlanta; a daughter, Lou Cinda “Cinda” Ferguson and her husband, Bill, of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Edward Roger Green of Yulee; a sister, Ida Beatrice Johnson of Fernandina Beach; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Tuesday, May 23, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, with Ricky Lucas officiating.

Mr. Green was laid to rest just steps away from the salt marsh that he loved, with his wife and infant grandsons, in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

His family received friends Monday evening, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23, at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Eugene McGowen, 59, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

He was an avid fan of the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities. He was employed at Winn-Dixie for more than 20 years.

He leaves behind a loving wife of 26 years, Catherine Sweets McGowen; two daughters, Thomasina McGowen and Dana Sweets; two granddaughters, Janee Simmons and Brianna Johnson; one great-grandson, Da’bryon Johnson; mother-in-law, Addie Sweets; father-in-law, Bunion Sweets; three sisters, Dollie Watkins (Romal Chambers), Janice Ford (Minister Vaughn Ford) and Patricia Thompson (Pastor Bernard Thompson); two brothers, Jackie McGowen (Antoinette) and Johnny Edwards (Constance) of Rochester, N.Y.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 S. 10^th St., Fernandina Beach. His brother-in-law Pastor Bernard Thompson will deliver the eulogy.

Wake and viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 26, at the church. The lineup for the funeral will be at 715 Vernon St., Fernandina Beach.

Hall, Jones & Brown Funeral Home, Brunswick, Ga.

Mr. David E. Rearick Jr., 72, of Jacksonville, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017, at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville.

Born in Kittanning, Pa., he was the eldest of three children born to the late David Elias Sr. and Dorothy Leona Wilhelm Rearick. He grew up in Lincoln Borough, Pa., and attended Glassport High School. In July 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Mon Valley in Pennsylvania, where he worked in chemical manufacturing as a shift chemist for 35 years before retiring in 2004 and moving to North Florida.

In his leisure time, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a skilled woodworker. His other interests included camping, hunting and fishing; spending time with family; and being involved with the Nassau Humane Society.

Mr. Rearick leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Frances Marya Rearick of Jacksonville; their daughter, Lisa Rearick of Jacksonville; their son, David Rearick and his wife, Bonnie, of Lebanon, Ohio; two sisters, Sandra Rearick and Carol Straud (John), both of Elizabeth, Pa.; three granddaughters, Krista, Amanda and Hannah Rearick; and three nieces, Sarah Straud, Rebecca Straud (Carlos Salvo) and Rachel Sutliff (Bill).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Matthew Rearick.

Funeral services honoring his Methodist faith will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

Mr. Rearick will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Detachment.

His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Oxley-Heard, 1305 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his love for animals with a contribution in his memory to the Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Daniel Pablo Rubio, 38, formerly of Fernandina Beach, passed away at his home in Orlando on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Danny did what he loved. He loved cats, so he fathered three of them. He loved pickup trucks, so he picked out a blue Dodge Ram. He loved roller coasters, so he settled down in the theme park capital of the world.

Daniel Pablo Rubio was born June 28, 1978, in South Miami, the second son of Pedro and Gloria Rubio. Danny the jokester squabbled with his calculating older brother, Pedro Jr. But when his older brother left for college, Danny often ran up the long-distance phone bill because he missed him.

Danny's first friends had four furry legs. He would treat Toti, a black Lab mix, to a luxurious bath and pamper her with baby powder, just like his mother had with him. He professed that someday he would be a “doctor de dog"– bilingual Danny speak for veterinarian.

Of all his cats, black-and-white Snuggie would curl around his neck while Danny milled around the house. Without Snuggie as a collar, Danny showed off his handstands.

Danny relished in visits to Busch Gardens and Disney World, finding as much thrill in the tram and bus rides to the park as the attractions.

Realizing that he was better suited as a pet owner than a vet, Danny pursued another passion and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in hospitality management. He coordinated special events for Disney and Universal Studios and, later, often traveled for a job with a trade show company. He had worked for Orange County since 2013.

When around family, he often watched over younger cousins and, eventually, five nieces and nephews, earning the nickname "Danny the Nanny."

"Danny was a loving, caring individual who cared about his family and his fellow man," said his father, Pedro Sr. "He was a lover of animals and of life."

Danny is survived by his mother; father; brother; sister-in-law, Eyan Rubio; and five nieces and nephews, Layla, Domingo, Naomi, Pascal and Sebastian Rubio; as well as his grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 505 Broome St. in Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nassau Humane Society.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lureeta Dicks Shannon, 82, affectionately known as “Susie,” completed her journey in this mortal life Saturday, May 20, 2017, at St. Vincent Riverside Hospice, surrounded by her family. Susie was born June 19, 1934, in Lulu, Fla., to the late Jessie and Eva Dicks.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Walter Shannon Jr. This year would have been their 55th wedding anniversary. Together they had three children, Michael Shannon (Sharon), Eva Shannon Coffey and Jessie Shannon (Shanna).

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Mark Griffin, Amber Coffey, Hayley Shannon, Destiny Shannon and Sarah Chandler; and two great-grandchildren, Trinity Griffin and Eva Griffin. She loved them unconditionally with the tenderness only a mother and grandmother could have. They were her greatest joy, and she considered it her greatest calling in life. Nothing was more important than their happiness. She is also survived by her brothers, Wallace Dicks (Merle) and Jimmie Dicks (Mable).

Sister Shannon, a title she cherished, also experienced great joy in the service of others by following and emulating the life of Christ. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and treasured serving in the Relief Society and teaching primary children about our heavenly Father and his Son.

She loved to garden. Her sons, Mike and Jessie, claim she could plant a stick and it would grow. Eva, her daughter, said her mother had so many fruit trees that you could eat your way around her house. Cooking was also a passion, and she found great pleasure watching friends and family enjoy the meals she created.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her past life and the new one she now enjoys on the other side of the veil.

Visitation and viewing will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2800 S. 14th St. Fernandina Beach.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel, with Bishop Dave Carter officiating and Elder Ron Miller assisting.

Mrs. Shannon will be laid to rest beside her husband in Hughes Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nancy Louise Petty Thornton, 87, died peacefully in her sleep while on a local beach stay with her daughter. Nancy had enjoyed a Mother's Day dinner with Susan and her grandsons, Mark and Jeremy Abernethy, the prior evening. She had been in declining health for several years.

She was born March 7, 1930, the only child of Harvey and Miriam Thames Petty, in Jacksonville. Nancy was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and attended Stetson University. She was retired from the Nassau County School Board, where she worked in the finance office.

Her passions were reading, crossword puzzles, gardening and her animals. Attesting to her devotion to her many pets, it was Nancy's wish to be cremated and her ashes placed with the cats and dogs buried at her home over the years.

Nancy was a longtime member of Yulee United Methodist Church. Prior to her failing health, she enjoyed her friends and the activities of the Nassau County Retired Educators Association, Andrew Jackson High School graduates, Methodist Women's Circle and the Red Hat Society. She supported many charities, her most favorite being Cats Angels.

She is survived by her children, Susan Abernethy Simpson (Ken) and Mark Alan Abernethy Sr.; her grandchildren, Sandi Abernethy Priest (Jonathan), Natalie Abernethy, Shanna Abernethy (Marc), Frank Conley Abernethy III "Trey," Melissa Simpson Oliver (Shawn), Emily Simpson Ramirez (Ed), Josh Simpson (Monica), Mark Abernethy Jr., Jeremy Abernethy and Samantha Abernethy; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her dear friend, Ann Barber, and Ann's family, where she was embraced as their surrogate grandmother.

Nancy was predeceased by her second husband, Stewart Thornton; her firstborn, Frank Conley Abernethy Jr.; and her first grandchild and namesake, Nancy Michelle Abernethy.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cu for the kind care and concern he gave her for many years. We thank the nurses of Home Health who were there week in and week out. Also, the Council on Aging, who built an exceptional ramp at her home, enabling her to come and go safely.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at Yulee United Methodist Church, with Pastor Charlie Sward officiating. The family will greet friends at 10:30 a.m., before the service, and a luncheon will be provided by the ladies of the church afterward.

It was Nancy's request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Cats Angels, 709 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home

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.

Mr. Harold O’Neal Beach, 70, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Poplar, Miss., he had been a resident of Nassau County since moving here in 2002. Mr. Beach had worked as a sheet metal mechanic, roofer, automotive mechanic, electrician and shrimper.

He enjoyed any reason to be out of doors, NASCAR, sunrises and sunsets.

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Beach leaves behind his companion for the past 15 years, Carolyn Davis; her children, Helen Walls and Tabitha Burell; and grandchildren, Dillon, Brittany, Mia and Allison.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Bible Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, with Pastor Mark Stalnaker officiating.

A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall at the church.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church, 820 S. 14th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gerry Berger, 78, of Amelia Island, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He passed peacefully at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring on Amelia Island, surrounded by family.

Gerry was born to Col. Harvey and Clara Belle Berger, the oldest of three boys, raised in California’s Bay Area. Following high school, he entered the Army, where he was stationed in Germany as a paratrooper and military policeman. Following his stint in the Army, he returned to California, where he went on to complete a master’s in finance from the University of California, Berkley. In 1964, he married Karen Gudmundson of Bellingham, Wash., followed by the births of his two children, daughter Hillary and son Jason.

Following his graduation, he began working for Kaiser Aluminum, where he eventually became a senior executive of Kaiser Trading Co., a division of Kaiser that handled the sourcing and sales of minerals and ores needed for aluminum manufacturing. In 1979, the family relocated to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he started his own company, North American Minerals Corp.

Gerry lived life to the fullest, traveling to more than 100 countries around the world and educating bartenders across the globe on the best way to make a Manhattan. He was a connoisseur of good food, good wine and a good time. He danced every dance and never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He was an Eagle Scout and an avid golfer, skier, sailor and outdoorsman. He spent years donating his time and expertise on nonprofit boards across the country.

Gerry was preceded by his brother, Tom; and is survived by his wife, Karen; his brother, Harvey of California; his children, Hillary of London, and Jason of Des Moines, Iowa; his daughter-in-law, Maureen (Minnick) Berger; and his three grandchildren, Ethan, Sophia and Liam; as well as numerous Bergers, Fries and Happy Meals.

Services will be held for Gerry at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 26, at Walker’s Landing on the Amelia Island Plantation.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer’s research or the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors