John S. Gillgren, 71, passed away Tuesday, February, 13, 2018 after suffering a massive heart attack a few days earlier.

John was born in Long Beach, Calif. on July 28, 1946 to Deane and the late John S. Gillgren. He graduated in 1964 from Nile C. Kinnick (Yo Hi) in Japan, where he excelled in track and field. John enlisted in the United States Army on March 15, 1966 and served 13 years active duty. As a member of the 1st and 5th Special Forces, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant, served two tours in Vietnam and earned the Bronze Star. John subsequently completed his military service as a Naval Reserve petty officer first class at Joint Base Andrews.

After leaving active duty, he became a communications officer with the U.S. Department of State. He was posted to the U.S. embassies in Costa Rica and Zaire. While in Costa Rica, he met Joyce Wells; they were married on October 6, 1984. Upon their return to Virginia, John earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from George Mason University. In the summer of 1992, John and his family moved to Caracas, Venezuela, where he taught health and physical education at Escuela Campo Alegre. While there, John earned his Master of Science in Sociology of Sport and Sports Management from the University of Leicester. After returning to Virginia in 1995, John was an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College. He also held various positions with government contracting companies. He ended his working career as a targeting officer with the Central Intelligence Agency, having spent 16 months in Baghdad. John and Joyce retired in spring 2012 and relocated to Amelia Island, Fla.

Over the course of John's life, he had the opportunity to travel and live all over the world, visiting over 100 countries. After retirement, John and Joyce enjoyed taking cruises and exploring parts of the world he had yet to visit. In his spare time, John loved to write. He published a series of young adult adventure novels that share his love of family, history, diving, and pirates. He was fascinated with researching and writing several more stories that centered on the Cold War. John enjoyed spending time at the beach, collecting sea shells and sharks teeth. He was a huge fan of ice hockey and loved the Washington Capitals. More than anything, John loved his family and spending as much time as he could with them.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce Gillgren; his children, Kathlene Crowe, Geoffrey (Tanya) Gillgren, Christine (Frank) Miali, Andrea (Andrew) Wallace, and Kendra Gillgren; his grandchildren, Tatyana, Ryan, Nicholas, Stephen, Joshua, Riley, Dominic, and Cael; his mother, Deane Gillgren; his brother, Thomas (Kim) Gillgren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his son, Andrew Gillgren; sister, Diana Abella; and father, John S. Gillgren.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and will be immediately followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu in flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Heart Association or K9s for Warriors.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ruth Shibla Barry, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away January 26, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born in Neptune City, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Otto and Helen Layton Shibla.

Mrs. Barry had retired from Bell Atlantic, formerly New Jersey Bell, where she was a dispatch operator. After retirement, she and her husband, George B. Barry, relocated to Fernandina Beach. While visiting their son, Richard, Mr. Barry was fishing near his son’s home in Oyster Bay and caught a large mouth bass in a pond. Catching the fish changed their plans and they moved to Oyster Bay and became active in the community there. 

After Mr. Barry’s passing in 2005, Mrs. Barry continued to make her home in Oyster Bay until health concerns brought about changes in her residence.

Mrs. Barry is survived by her two sons, Richard Barry and his companion, JoAnn Secero, of St. Marys, Ga., and Brian Barry of Ocean Township, N.J., as well as other extended family members.

Mrs. Barry will be returned to her native Neptune City, where she will be laid to rest in Hamilton Cemetery.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nancy Dudley of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died February 17, 2018 at the age of 93.

She was the youngest of five children born in Hardinsburg, Ky. to Wade and Mamie Pile.

She entered McMurray College for Women at the start of World War II. Despite the absence of men, she and her lifelong friends created their own all girl dances and mixers as well as a few campus high jinx.

Following graduation, Nancy moved to Scott County, Ky. and began her career as a county home demonstration agent. She taught hundreds of women the fine art of domestic sciences, including many a new bride with no cooking or sewing skills. Her landlady introduced her to Harry Dudley, the town’s newest eligible bachelor. Mistaking his Southern charm as disingenuous, Nancy was not initially impressed by his wit and gentility. However, the stars aligned, and Nancy came to her senses and married Harry on June 11, 1952.

Nancy left her job to become a homemaker, a career for which she had trained so many other women. Her life with Harry took them to several places, finally relocating in DeLand, Fla. The 18 years spent in DeLand were among her favorites. She and Harry raised three children there. Nancy was active in the Presbyterian Church nursery school and was a volunteer elementary school nurse or “Gray Lady” (the uniform color). She and Harry were known as the consummate host and hostess. Especially memorable were their annual Christmas Eve parties.

Nancy and Harry moved their family to Winter Garden, Fla. in 1978. Nancy continued to live there after Harry’s death in 2001 before moving in 2003 to Inverness, Fla. to be closer to her son, Robert. In 2017, she moved to Amelia Island with her eldest daughter, Katherine. Nancy spent her final months surrounded by family and the sounds of the ocean she loved.

She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by  her children, Katherine Dudley Hoehn of Fernandina Beach, Robert Dudley (Chris) of Inverness, Ruth Dudley Burkey (Paul) of Greeneville, Tenn.;  and nine grandchildren, Matt (Jen) Hoehn of St. Charles, Mo., Robert (Liz Yearsley) Hoehn of Elizabethtown, Pa., Emily Dudley of Inverness, Anna Dudley of Boston, Mass., Dan (Mary) Burkey of Sheboygan, Wisc., Hunter (Jessamine) Burkey of Fairbanks, Alaska, Martha Grace Burkey Moore (Michael) of Alexandria, Va., and Thomas and Nancy Katherine Burkey of Greeneville. She also leaves three great-grandchildren, Henry Hoehn and Lydia and Alice Yearsley-Hoehn.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Nancy’s love for nature, the family requests donations be made in her name to Oakland Nature Preserve in Oakland, Fla. More information is available online at oaklandnaturepreserve.org.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home

Reba Juanita Owens, 83, went to meet her savior on Saturday, February 17, 2018.

Born January 23, 1935, in Pacolet, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Harry Taft and Ethel Beth Thomas of Union, S.C. Reba lived most of her life in central South Carolina including Clinton, Columbia and Union.

Anyone who knew Reba knew of her abundant pride in her three children, Tasma Taylor, Tony E. Giles, and Jeff Gray (Diana). Reba is also survived by five grandchildren, David Dildine, Barry Dildine (Amy), Jeffrie Gray, Brooke Gray, Amanda Giles; and great-grandchildren, Dylan Dildine, Briana Dildine and Cammy Dildine.

Reba was a devoted mother who was steadfast in her care for her family and their home life. Reba was a Christian and served the Lord while attending churches in Columbia, Eastover and Lugoff, S.C., and Yulee, Fla. After relocating to the Fernandina Beach and Yulee area in 2010, Reba became a member of the River of Praise Worship Center. Reba shared her trusting faith of the Lord with her Christian family, and had an amazing love for her children and grandchildren. Her joy to teach God’s word was seen by all that knew her. Reba loved her Christian community, the joy of going fishing and shopping. Reba never met a stranger and was always sharing God’s word. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 at The River of Praise Worship Center, located at 83410 Saint Mark Drive in Yulee, with Bishop Larry Osburn officiating. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 10 a.m. and the hour of the service Saturday at the church. Following the interment, there will be a reception at The River of Praise Worship Center.

Pallbearers will be David Dildine, Barry Didine, Jeffrie Gray, Dylan Dildine, Brooke Gray and Cammy Dildine.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Larry, Sister Mary, The Ladies Group and the many friends of River of Praise.

To sign Mrs. Owens' online register book and leave condolences, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

James R. “Jim” Plourde, 65, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Born in Salem, Mass., he was a son of the late Lucien and Ellie Liberge Plourde. 

For most of his adult life, Jim worked in construction as a carpenter and drywall hanger. During his working career he was a member of Carpenter’s Local No. 33 in Boston, Mass. and a member of Carpenter’s Local No. 1977 in Las Vegas, Nev.

He and wife of 39 years, Nancy, had moved to Yulee five years ago from Windsor, Maine.

Jim was a hard-working man who will be remembered as a “good guy” and a loving father and grandfather. In addition to their three sons, he and Nancy adopted four daughters and served as foster parents. Jim was a wonderful man who instilled a huge amount of love and taught everyone the value of family, determination and that regrets are not to be dwelled on because “life happens.”

His surviving family includes his best friend, Nancy Plourde; three sons, Joseph Plourde and his wife, Tricia, of Livermore Falls, Maine, James Plourde of Winthorp, Maine, and Derrick Plourde of Yulee; five daughters, Cassandra, Tanazia, Aiyana and Jennifer Plourde, and Natasha Sudsbury, all of Yulee; a sister, Mary Friend of Concord, N.H.; a brother, Stephen Plourde of Lynn, Mass.; a brother-in-law, Robert Dudley; a sister-in-law, Sabrina Dudley; and a nephew, Lucas Dudley; as well as two grandchildren, Dylan Plourde of Las Vegas and Emily Plourde of Augusta, Maine.

There are no local services planned. His family will gather at a later time to celebrate his memory.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Betty Jean Seymour, 87, passed away February 14, 2018 at her Yulee, Fla. residence.

She was born January 1, 1931 in Register, Ga. and moved 17 years ago to Yulee from Cumming, Ga. Betty loved the outdoors, gardening, and fishing, and she had a love for football. Her biggest passion was her love for her friends and family and their happiness.

She was predeceased by a brother, Jack Rushing, and a sister, Dorothy Hart.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 43 years, Gene Seymour of Yulee; a son, John Williams III (Sandy) of Register; daughters, Janet Meadow of Savannah, Ga., Alisa Green (Rick) of Dahlonega, Ga. and Valarie Jones of Gainesville, Ga.; a son-in-law, Bill Meadow of Valdosta, Ga.; a sister, Dee Espinoza of Miami, Fla.; grandchildren, Jessica Meadow of Savannah, Ashley Meadow (Taylor Hadaway) of Dahlonega, John F. Williams IV of Register, Erica Free (Dwain) of Ft. Riley, Kan., and Dustin Mattox (Erin) of Grayson, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Averi Hardwick, Ethan Vickery, Rylan Mattox, Emalyn Mattox and Aiden Mattox.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Dustin Mattox officiating. Following the service, there will be a gathering to celebrate Betty's life at the Seymour residence where food will be served.

The Seymour family would like to give special thanks to Dell Taylor, Betty's caregiver and friend.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

John Howard Spence, 79, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was born December 16, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late James A. and Ruth (Hudson) Spence. Educated in the Catholic schools of Philadelphia, he would, after some time in college, begin a career in the U.S. Coast Guard.

John spent his career at locations up and down the East Coast including Cape May, N.J., Key West, Fla., and Chesapeake, Va. His last duty station brought him to Fernandina Beach, where he was stationed at the Fernandina Beach lighthouse. Throughout the years, John always said he loved the Coast Guard and enjoyed every day he was in the service. He retired as a chief boatswains’ mate.

John dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After retirement from the Coast Guard, he spent time working for Rayonier and at Kings Bay Submarine Base but would “retire” a second time to be with his with grandchildren. Between his children and grandchildren, he served as boys’ baseball coach, girls’ softball coach and soccer coach at various times.

In addition to being “Coach,” he spent many hours at the picnic table under his carport where he would provide advice or a listening ear for his family. Many times, John was heard to say he had a good and full life and did not know what he did to deserve a life in which he was so happy.

His family and his Catholic faith meant everything to him. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael’s Church.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Vicki; a daughter, Wendy Mahoney; a brother, George Spence; and his stepson, Stephen Todd Ardis.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Geraldine B. Spence of Fernandina Beach; children, Stephanie (Larry )Ogilvie of Fernandina Beach, Joanne (Bill) Cooper of Jacksonville, Fla., Chris (Danielle) Spence of Fernandina Beach, Donna (Brian) McKeever of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; a sister, Karen (Mike) Thomas of Lithia, Ill.; a stepson, Michael Ardis of Yulee, Fla.; brothers, James (Helen) Spence of Vorhees, N.J., and Dennis (Kimberly) Spence of Lansdowne, Pa.; grandchildren, Kimberly, Lacey, Travis, Vicki, Kiri, Olivia, Caitlin, Jacob, Austin, Shelby, Taylor, Casey, Michael, Stephen, and Garrett; and great-grandchildren, Parker, Holden, Jennings, Greyson and Jaxon.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He was laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery with military honors.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donna Elise Titcomb Stringfellow, born November 14, 1951 in Savannah, Ga., passed away February 13, 2018 after a long illness.

Daughter of the late Earl F. and Lucy Schout Titcomb of Amelia Island, Fla., Donna was predeceased by two sisters, Denyse T. O’Hagan (Jimmy) and Mary Barr T. Lacoss (Terry), and survived by three siblings, Earl F. Titcomb Jr. (Dolly), Gail T. White (Jimmy), and Eric L. Titcomb (Winifred Stephenson).

She was a loving mother to Robert Scout Stringfellow and Emilie Argent Stringfellow Perkerson, instilling in them a love of music, the arts, an earnest work ethic, and a well-developed sense of fun. A delighted grandmother to Jane Elise Perkerson, who inherited her beautiful hazel eyes, she was also a caring godmother and aunt to numerous nephews, nieces, and grandnephews and grandnieces.

Donna lived her life on her own entertaining terms. She will be remembered for her subtle pranks, her love of extravagant Halloween costumes, cats, unusual gardens, and of all things graceful and beautiful. Quiet and contemplative, she always surprised us with her enterprise. Many on the island may remember her as their mail carrier in past years. She followed that career by achieving first, her EMT license, then, her fireman’s certification. Finally, she became an RN. She put her nursing skills to excellent use caring for her parents as they aged, as well as working as a hospice nurse. In her spare time, she managed to write poetry, read omnivorously, keep up with local music, eat lots of chocolate, and hit every yard sale for 30 miles around. Never one to talk much about herself, she was a terrific listener and friend.

The family would like to thank the Jane Addams House for their fine long-term care.

We will hold a life celebration for Donna at a private venue from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018. Call 277-4187 for more information. All who knew and loved her are very welcome.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Cats Angels or the animal rescue of your choice would be appreciated.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard .com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Daniel James Voll, 60, died January 22, 2018 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. On Jan. 4, he suffered an unexpected and horrific brain stem stroke. He was to have left the next day for a vacation in Costa Rica. He was treated at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. and placed on life support. He later was transferred to hospice care in Fernandina Beach so he could be near his loving caretakers and friends until he passed away.

Daniel was born June 21, 1957 in Baraboo, Wisc., the second son of Carl and Shirley (Churchill) Voll. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Methodist Church in Baraboo. He was a graduate of the Baraboo schools and attended the Boo-U (University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County) for a time. Dan started guitar lessons at age 9, and thereafter guitars became his passion. He had several gigs in and around Baraboo and Sauk County with some of his high school classmates. He founded the Abracadabra Band, which also played in Sauk and Dane counties. In 1980, he relocated to Rockford, Ill., where he played in the Betsy Kaske bands, Combo Loco and the Little Kings. He formed his own band, Voltaire and The Mole Men. Voltaire was a takeoff on his own name and The Mole Men came about because of rehearsing in basements. He wrote a lot of his own music based around his guitar playing. He studied with Ted Greene. He taught guitar at Rockford College and also starred in musical theatricals, including The Patsy Cline Story and The Grapes of Wrath. In the latter, he taught himself to play a saw, adding a new sound to the music. He was awarded many Rockford area music awards for other avenues such as Critics Choice Best Album Award. He met a fellow musician named Filomeno Ballumbrosco Guadalupe, who told Dan, “I’m here with my cajon.” Through a mixture of rhythms and traditions a “Combo Loco” son was born. A gig was set up for Dan and Filomeno to play in a downtown theater in Lima, Peru, where Dan played several singles, several with Filomeno and several with other musicians.

After returning to the Rockford area, other gigs were waiting there and in the Chicago area. On June 2, 1990, Dan and Betsy Kaske were married in the Oregon Stoughton area at a dear friend’s home, Robin and Bob Postel hosting the festivities. Sadly in May of 2017, Robin Postel passed away. Several years later Dan and Betsy amicably divorced. Dan relocated to the Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island area, where he found his true niche. He fell in love with that area and with the people he met there and they with him. He was a sought-after guitarist and played with many great bands. He was active in social events, taught young children and older adults the guitar, always with kindness and patience. He was a great musician and even greater human being, wrote an admirer. He was beloved by all for his kindness and ability to make others feel special, wrote another. He was so highly thought of that a flag was flown at half-mast over Fernandina Beach on Jan. 22. Dan’s creed was, “I wanted to be an ‘important’ guitar player, now I just want to make someone smile.”

A celebration of life with be held in Fernandina Beach on March 4, 2018 and a permanent memorial is being planned there.

Daniel is survived by his mother, Shirley, sister, Lisa Johnson, and brother, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Voll, all of Baraboo; two nieces, Ashley (Derrick Powers) Voll of Reedsburg and Arielle (Jim) Ortega of Neenah, and his former wife, Betsy Kaske, all of Rockford; and by many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl, on May 11, 2016.

He is also survived by many Fernandina Beach friends; special friends from that area are Donna Carine, Flip (Susan) Gallion, Pajamadave (Zan) Voorhees, Michele Anders and her husband, and many others, too numerous to write of. Dan never forgot his Baraboo roots and would come home twice a year and visit Devil’s Lake and Ski-Hi Fruit Farm, where he picked apples one high school summer. Daniel was such a special person and died much too young. We, his family, here in Baraboo are devastated and heartbroken.

A family service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place, interment will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery. The Oxley-Heard Funeral Home of Fernandina Beach and The Redlin Funeral Home of Baraboo are assisting the family.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Janet H. Anderson, 94, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James O. Camp Jr., 96, passed away Saturday morning, February 17, 2018 at his Yulee residence.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. Terence M. Clarke, 80, of Scituate, Mass. passed away Saturday, February 10, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James A. Sandall, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William J. Townsend III, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday evening, February 18, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Gloria Sircy, 79, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., she lived most of her life there until moving 13 years ago to Yulee. Since 1974, Mrs. Sircy was a member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 1517, where she was a past senior regent, and of the Red Hat Society and had retired from Kmart. She was also a member of Yulee Baptist Church, where she was active in the Food Closet and the Clothes Closet. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. She loved the Lord and will be glad to see her husband, George, again.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, George; grandson, David; and granddaughter, Gigi.

Survivors include one daughter, Lenena Poole; two sons, Daniel Sircy (Lisa) and Wayne Sircy (Keri); three brothers, James Norman (Maureen), Rodney Norman and J. E. Norman; three grandchildren, Garet, Malory and Maddie; two great-grandchildren, Nikki and Skyler; special friends, Jim and Sandy Layfield; numerous nieces and nephews, other loving family and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 in the chapel of Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, located at 1426 Rowe Ave. in Jacksonville, with Rev. Doug Sides officiating. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends between 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 at the funeral home.

Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home

William Joseph “Joey” Townsend III, 50, passed away February 18, 2018 in Fernandina Beach after a heroic battle with cancer. Joey entered hospice in May 2017 to live the end of his life to the fullest and with dignity. He did both!

By trade, Joey was a master auto body mechanic and was employed by several dealerships in the Jacksonville area over the past 35 years. Joey joyfully welcomed his first and only grandchild, Madelynn Grace, into the world last month. Joey loved all children and anything nature especially outdoors near the water. His passions included fishing, cooking, campfires, oyster roasts and southern rock music. Joey was a gracious gentleman and will be terribly missed by so many. He was a free spirit full of humor and had a heart filled with compassion for all he met on his earthly journey. Joey lived his motto – “it is what it is” – never ever once complaining of his pain or of his destiny.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Townsend, Jr.

Survivors include his mother, Joan Rasbeary; sister, Jana Rainey (Bob); brother, Jason (Michelle); children, Tyler (Samantha), Jai, and Jessica; nephews, Jason Townsend Jr. and Hamilton Rainey; and niece, Selina Townsend. 

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville. After the funeral services, family and friends will gather from noon to 2 p.m. at Jana’s home to celebrate and remember Joey. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joey’s memory to Community Hospice & Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

To sign Mr. Townsend's online register book and share condolences, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Taylor Overby, 26, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William R. Brock, 83, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Roger Godwin, 58, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away at his home on Monday December 25, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Carolyn R. Hall, 76, of Callahan, Fla., passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Eugene Randall Michaels, 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Ralph James Natrillo Jr., 80, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 24, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jeanne Smith Robbins, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 23, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mrs. Betty Jo Langford, 79, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday morning, February 25, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born December 15, 1938 in Tampa, Florida to the late Cecil C. and Blanche L. Mattheus.

Mrs. Langford was a devoted wife and mother. Her entire life centered on taking care of her husband and three sons. She was always present at any of her kids' activities, whether it be football, baseball, motocross racing, etc. She was a great mother right up till the end.

Mrs. Langford was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph D. Langford, who passed away August 23, 2010, and her parents.

Her surviving family includes sons and daughters-in-law, Rick (Patti) Langford, Bob (Kathy) Langford, and Randy  (Frances) Langford; grandchildren, Todd, Mandy, Kaylynn, Chase, Tim, Kristina, Michella, Sellina and Dalton; great-grandchildren, Claire, Cullen, Abby, Jesse "JD," Aden, Piper and Jasmine; sister, Cile Lanier; and brother, Glenn Mattheus.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Whitaker officiating. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Raymond H. Lucas, 56, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away February  16, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on October 13, 1961 to the late Harold and June Lucas of Fernandina Beach. He had worked for various contractors doing shutdown work and as a plumber but was most notably a part of the local shrimping industry.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Billy Keller, who died January 1, 2018.

He is survived by his life partner, Annette Snead; his children, Stacy Lucas, Raymond Lucas, Kyle Lucas, and Brian Lucas; a sister, Nancy Thompson (Truman); brothers, Larry Keller (Leigh) and Ricky Lucas (Faye); a sister-in-law, Patty Keller; and nine grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Julie Diann (Kale) May passed from this life on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Julie was born in Bloomington, Ind. and lived her entire life there. She was 61.

With her beloved and faithful husband of 42 years, Winifred (Joe) May, by her side, Julie went peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Julie and Joe have one son, Michael Joe May (Alysia), and one precious granddaughter, Alexus.

Julie graduated from Edgewood High School and attended Indiana University. In her early 20s, she was baptized into Christ and the Pentecostal faith. She was a devout follower of Jesus and had a sweet and personal relationship with Him. Julie showed her faith, in part, through the writing of Bible songs for younger children. She loved to sing for the Lord. Julie was known to write beautiful verses and letters, and for sharing Bible quotations to help her family along their way. Julie was also a voracious reader. She and her husband, Joe, enjoyed traveling and their many projects, including caring for their apple trees and beehives.

Julie was preceded in death by her dad, Glen Ross Kale. We believe he greeted his “baby girl” in heaven and that they are having a glorious reunion. Julie’s Aunt Joy (Naylor) also preceded her in death.

Julie is survived by her Mom, Sharon Joyce (Binkley) Kale. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe; her son, Michael (Alysia) and granddaughter, Alexus; brother-in-law, Gary (Brenda) and their sons, Jeremy and Jess; brother-in-law, Heath (Pam) and their family, Isabella, and Logan; brother-in-law, Tim (Lanta); her brother, Brian (Nancy) and their family, Jason (Rhonda) and Evan; Sean (Tahnee) and Gage and Hannah; Bradley (Brittany) and Ava and Laylee; Joshua (Brandye) and Ripley and River; and Brian and Nancy’s youngest son, Matthew; her brother, Kevin (Sarah) and their son, Zane; her sister, Lori Kale of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; her sister, Christine Kale Arnold (Kevin) and their family, Dylan, and Kamron (Jordan) and their family, Grace and Rolan; and Kari Kale Kennedy (Randy) and their family, Jaden, Bailey, and Owen. She also leaves behind a beloved Aunt, Merida Voyles and her husband, Harold, of Fernandina Beach, and their children and grandchildren.

Julie was a beautiful, creative, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece, and sister. She will be remembered and loved always, with the same love she showed others.

Visitation for Julie will be at the Funeral Chapel, 3000 East Third Street in Bloomington, between 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

John Howard Spence, 79, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was born December 16, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late James A. and Ruth (Hudson) Spence. Educated in the Catholic schools of Philadelphia, he would, after some time in college, begin a career in the U.S. Coast Guard.

John spent his career at locations up and down the East Coast including New Jersey, New York, Florida and Virginia. His last duty station brought him to Fernandina Beach, where he lived at the Fernandina Beach lighthouse. Throughout the years, John always said he loved the Coast Guard and enjoyed every day he was in service. He retired as a chief boatswains’ mate. 

John dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After retirement from the Coast Guard, he spent time working for Rayonier and at Kings Bay Submarine Base but would “retire” a second time to be with his grandchildren. Between his children and grandchildren, he served as boys’ baseball coach, girls’ softball coach and soccer coach at various times. 

In addition to being “Coach,” he spent many hours at the picnic table under his carport where he would provide advice or a listening ear for his family. Many times, John was heard to say he had a good and full life and did not know what he did to deserve a life in which he was so happy. 

His family and his Catholic faith meant everything to him. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Vicki; a daughter, Wendy Spence-Mahoney; a brother, George Spence; and his stepson, Stephen Todd Ardis.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years , Geraldine B. Spence of Fernandina Beach; children, Stephanie (Larry) Ogilvie of Fernandina Beach, Joanne (Bill) Cooper of Jacksonville, Fla., Chris (Danielle) Spence of Fernandina Beach, Donna (Brian) McKeever of Melbourne Beach, Fla., Karen (Mike) Thomas of Lithia, Fla.; stepson, Michael Ardis of Yulee, Fla.; brothers, James (Helen) Spence of Vorhees, N.J., and Dennis (Kimberly) Spence of Lansdowne, Pa.; grandchildren, Kimberly, Lacey, Travis, Vicki, Kiri, Olivia, Caitlin, Jacob, Austin, Shelby, Taylor, Casey, Michael, Stephen, and Garrett; and great-grandchildren, Parker, Holden, Jennings, Greyson and Jaxon.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church. He was laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.  

The family requests donations be made in John’s honor to Northeast Florida Community Hospice.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Born October 31, 1978 in Fernandina Beach, Fla., Paul Rayshawn Taylor was called home to the Lord on February 22, 2018.

Paul Rayshawn Taylor aka “PT” was the third of five siblings. He was born to the late Ray Paul Taylor and Barbara Jean Taylor.

He leaves behind two brothers and two sisters, Kenneth (Audrey) Taylor and Katherine (Gregory) Albertie, both of Fernandina Beach, Shannon Taylor (Corey) of Orlando, Fla., and Robert James (Porschia) Taylor of Jacksonville, Fla.

The father of three, sadly Kalaya Carmen Paul Taylor will never know her wonderful father’s touch but already has his love. Also left to mourn his passing are daughters, Aniya Marie Taylor and Kamrii Ray Taylor; host of aunts and uncles, Earnestine (James) Southers, Annette Reeder, Raymond Taylor of Fernandina Beach, and John B. (Starlett) Reeder of St. Mary’s Ga.; several nieces, Kierra Maffett, Chaylynn Wright, Cheyenne Albertie, Jacques (Jay) Parker, Kimberly Taylor, Barbara Taylor, Brandi Taylor, Ivana Alderman, Choloe Parks, Jordyn Carr, and Kennedy Taylor; nephews, Ge’anta Wright, Irvin Alderman, and Bryce Taylor; and numerous; cousins Timothy (Renee’) Taylor, Angie (James) Gowen, Hope (Teddy) White, John Johnson, Edward Reeder, Janet (Mack) White and Myseha Johnson, as well as a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

He worked at First Coast Fabrication. He enjoyed being with his daughters, family and friends. He had a smile that would light up a room and a wonderful sense of humor; he was fun loving and gentle. He could be counted on to have a calm loving character and soft-spoken voice. PT was thoughtful, generous and kind. He was amazingly patient with his daughters as they were his world.

His family will receive friends between 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. Funeral services for Mr. Taylor will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church with Bishop Curvin Gordon officiating. He will be laid to rest at Bosque-Bello Cemetery.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Eva DePedro, 96, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away February 8, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Tana Desiato, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018. Arrangements to be announced.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Samantha K. Kistler, 50, of Yulee, Fla., passed away February 26, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jamie Roberts, 44, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, February 26, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors