Morris “Maury” Chandler Shipper, a 10-year resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Sunday, August 12, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.

Born August 2, 1955 in Florence, Ala., Maury graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He worked as a human resources manager for more than 30 years at several large paper corporations. After enjoying two years of retirement, Maury became a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, a company and profession that brought him an incredible amount of joy and gratitude. He “LUVed” serving others and continued this work even through his illness.

Maury was the ultimate family man, sports fanatic, and all-around “good guy.” He enjoyed traveling with his wife, watching Alabama Crimson Tide football games with his family, reading John Grisham novels, telling anyone who would listen about his experience at Atlanta Braves Fantasy Camp, and playing with his pup, Lucy. Maury’s gregarious personality, love of life, and always-positive attitude profoundly impacted many lives. He never met a stranger! His unwavering faith, trust in God, and commitment to living his life with his “glass half full” will be remembered by all those who knew him. Maury was a friend to many and a hero to his family.

Maury leaves behind his wife, Diane Shipper, to whom he was proudly married for 40 years; their children, Christa Shipper, Leigh Anne (Sohail) Shajary, Curtis Shipper, and Mary Beth (Nicholas) Fincher; six grandchildren; and his siblings, Edward Shipper, Stephanie Shipper, Paula Shipper, and Suzanne Kushner. He was preceded in death by his son, Morris “Maury” Chandler Shipper Jr., and his parents, Edward Stanley Shipper and Ladye Cheri Shipper.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission Church in Yulee, Fla. He will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maury’s memory to the Children’s Miracle Network or the Ronald McDonald House.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Morris “Maury” Chandler Shipper, a 10-year resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Sunday, August 12, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.

Born August 2, 1955 in Florence, Ala., Maury graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He worked as a human resources manager for more than 30 years at several large paper corporations. After enjoying two years of retirement, Maury became a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, a company and profession that brought him an incredible amount of joy and gratitude. He “LUVed” serving others and continued this work even through his illness.

Maury was the ultimate family man, sports fanatic, and all-around “good guy.” He enjoyed traveling with his wife, watching Alabama Crimson Tide football games with his family, reading John Grisham novels, telling anyone who would listen about his experience at Atlanta Braves Fantasy Camp, and playing with his pup, Lucy. Maury’s gregarious personality, love of life, and always-positive attitude profoundly impacted many lives. He never met a stranger! His unwavering faith, trust in God, and commitment to living his life with his “glass half full” will be remembered by all those who knew him. Maury was a friend to many and a hero to his family.

Maury leaves behind his wife, Diane Shipper, to whom he was proudly married for 40 years; their children, Christa Shipper, Leigh Anne (Sohail) Shajary, Curtis Shipper, and Mary Beth (Nicholas) Fincher; six grandchildren; and his siblings, Edward Shipper, Stephanie Shipper, Paula Shipper, and Suzanne Kushner. He was preceded in death by his son, Morris “Maury” Chandler Shipper Jr., and his parents, Edward Stanley Shipper and Ladye Cheri Shipper.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission Church in Yulee, Fla. He will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maury’s memory to the Children’s Miracle Network or the Ronald McDonald House.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joyce Carvell Thornton, 60, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away July 28, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was born October 21, 1957 in Huntington, W.Va. to the late Leonard and Doris Lee Reffitt Carvell. She married Bobby (Robert) Thornton on July 8, 2010 in Fernandina Beach.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Angela Elizabeth (Timothy Jerome) Thomas and Henry Adam (Sarah Elizabeth) Hogue; grandchildren, Payton Olivia Hogue and Henry Adam Hogue Jr.; stepchildren, Layton Thornton, Laura Beran (Josh Beran, Gigi and Mila Beran), and Kathleen (Lena) Ramsay (Bobby Ramsay and Aidan Watson).

A private family viewing was held Thursday, August 1, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors prior to burial.

Memorials may be made to the Nassau Humane Society.

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

Mr. Peter F. Albi, 95, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Osprey Village after a lengthy illness.

Born in Denver, Colo., he was a son of the late Fred P. and Michelina Cortese Albi. Educated in the schools of Denver, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served his country during World War II and was discharged in 1946 after the war’s end.

Shortly after the end of the war, Peter married his longtime sweetheart, Barbara Ruth Bishop. They had known each other since their kindergarten years and would spend their lives together until Barbara’s passing in 1993.

After the war years, Mr. Albi began a long and successful career with the Gillette Company. Starting as a salesman in the Colorado area, he would work his way through the ranks. His last position was as president of Gillette’s overseas division in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Following his retirement from Gillette, Mr. Albi would find a new opportunity and pursuit. He became vice president of the El Mundo Media Group in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He would completely retire in 1985.

In retirement, he and his wife moved to Jacksonville, Fla. and made their home in the Mission Hills area. They would live there until 1993. After Barbara’s passing, Peter moved to Osprey Village on Amelia Island.

He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Michael’s Parrish. He was active in the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Michael’s and served in various capacities. His faith was paramount in his life.

He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father who provided a warm and special home life for his wife and children.

In addition to his wife and parents, Peter was predeceased by his son, Daniel F. Albi, in 2008.

He leaves behind to mourn his loss a daughter, Helen “Cathy” Albi of Esparto, Calif.; a brother, Fred Albi and his wife, Kathy, of Post Falls, Idaho; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 with Fr. Jose Kallukalam, Celebrant. Peter will be laid to rest with his wife, Barbara, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colo. at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Edward Tarver Averett Jr. was born February 8, 1940 and died August 14, 2018 at the age of 78 after an extended illness (myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS).

Tarver Averett enjoyed a life improving his community. A native of Sandersville, Ga., he graduated from Sandersville High School in 1958. He was a proud alumnus of both North Georgia College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and English in 1962, and Georgia Southern, where he earned his Ed.S. degree in Leadership and Administration. He served in the military as an airborne infantry officer for five years, during which time he served in Korea. He was Scoutmaster for Troop 74 and a member of the Rotary Club for 20 years.

Tarver’s first love was his family and second was public education. Tarver taught at DD Crawford Primary School in Sandersville, then became principal at Sandersville Elementary School for more than two years before he was elected superintendent in 1976. He was superintendent for 20 years, during which time he served as president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) and helped administer the building of T. J. Elder Middle School and renovation of the high school in Washington County.

In 2009, he moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla., where he quickly became a friend of the community and continued his activism for equality and fairness with everyone he met. He loved meeting with his friends every morning at the Amelia Island Coffee shop to discuss politics, always referring to himself as a yellow-dog democrat.

His hobbies included playing with his dogs and watching MSNBC. He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach and served in the Chancel Choir. As a member of the North Georgia College baseball team, he often proudly remembered getting a hit while playing the University of Tennessee. Later, he fondly remembered being at Fulton County Stadium to witness Hank Aaron break Babe Ruth’s home-run record.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Harrell Averett; his three children, Laura Averett Morris (Kevin), Edward Tarver Averett III (Tori), and MaeLee Corinna Averett; his grandchildren, Charles Edward Morris, Ethan Scott Morris, and Ellis Tarver Averett; his sister, Mary Grace Kay (Billy); sister-in-law, Jane Payne; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Angela Scarborough Harrell; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Harrell Sirmans (Tim). He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tarver Averett; his brother, Lloyd Adrian Payne; and father-in-law, John Harrell.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2018 at Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach, Fla. and at 4 p.m. Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Sandersville United Methodist Church in Sandersville, Ga.

A scholarship in his honor is given each year to Washington County High School students planning to attend North Georgia College and Georgia Southern University – the Following in Tarver’s Tracks Scholarship. Contributions to this scholarship can be made at Washington County High School in Sandersville or at FollowinTarversTracks.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to either the Following in Tarver’s Tracks Scholarship fund or to Trinity United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach.

Thomas F. Dougherty passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the age of 75.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Fredric and Marion Dougherty. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Victoria; his in-laws, Wilbert and Lorraine Haase; sisters, Marilyn (John) Walker and Suzanne Dougherty (Bobbi Blair); daughters, Colleen (Paul) Collins and Kristen (Tim) Healy; and loving grandchildren, William, Zachary, and Ryan Collins and Lorraine Elizabeth, Olivia, and Roarke Healy, along with Molly, his beloved yellow lab.

Tom was born June 15, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Shaker Heights High School and graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Tom earned an MBA from Emory University and served in the United States Air Force, being awarded a Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his service in the USAF, Tom returned to Cleveland and spent 16 years at the "Big and Friendly," National City Bank, starting as a teller and rising to positions of increasing responsibility in management. After his time at NCB, Tom founded his own private equity firm and embarked on a new chapter as an investor and entrepreneur. Work was one of his passions and he remained active in many businesses, served on numerous boards and, most important to him, mentored, counseled and advised many in the Cleveland business community.

Tom was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Amelia Island, Fla. and loved to golf. He had a lifelong love of flying, maintained his pilot license and was an avid historian with great pride and love for this country. Tom was also an ardent Cleveland sports fan, especially reveling in the success of the Cleveland Indians. He took the utmost pride in following all his grandchildren’s endeavors. He was a fiercely independent individual and his unique qualities will forever live in our hearts.

Tom's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Mayfield Country Club, 1545 Sheridan Road, South Euclid, Ohio.

Donations in his name may be made to Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland at 2507 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, and Patriot Paws (service dogs for veterans ) at patriotpaws.org.

Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home

Annette Snead, 69, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, August 10, 2018.

Annette enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watched stock car racing, and was a huge Florida Gators fan. Some may remember her for having worked for many years at Bo & Mike’s in Fernandina Beach. To her family, she was the life of the party and made every family get-together memorable.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James F. Snead and Nannie Mae LeBlanc Snead Moody, as well as her sister, Barbara Snead Harris Cartwright. Also preceding her was her lifelong partner, Raymond Lucas.

She is survived by her siblings, Johnny (Becky) Snead, Joey Snead, Mike (Tina) Snead, and Betty Jo Moody, all of Yulee, Fla., Patricia Moody of Fernandina Beach, and her twin sister, Jeannette Shelton of Richmond, Ky. She is also survived by her aunt, Betty Lou Shetters of Yulee, and uncle, Loadice LeBlanc of Abbeville, La.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Annette requested to be cremated and her ashes taken home with her twin sister. She did not want to have a formal service but instead asked that the family come together as they usually do to eat, drink, laugh and remember her life. We know she would want her friends to do the same.

Bradley E. Holland, 61, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Lazaro Moran, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. John William Reeves, 94, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Bradley Eugene Holland, 61, of Fernandina Beach passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Warner Center for Caring. He was born on May 4, 1957 in Jacksonville, Florida to Nerle E. and Grace E. Beckham Holland.

Bradley was raised in Fernandina Beach and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1975.

His career started with employment at Marriott Services and then at Sodexho. He retired as a project manager for building maintenance.

Bradley spent his free time enjoying music, especially Jazz, traveling, the ocean and having a good time time with family and friends. He also loved to play golf whenever he had the chance. 

He leaves behind his parents; sons Palmer E. (Marisa) Holland of Ft. Worth, Texas, Richard Tyler (Jessica) Holland and Miles P. Holland, both of Fernandina Beach, Florida; grandchildren Adalyn Marie and Mitchell Gray Holland; sister, Diane (Mark) Jones of Louisiana; nieces and nephews, Patricia (William) Lute, Summerville, S.C. and Amanda (Brian) Reeder of Fernandina Beach; grand-nieces, Alena and Emily Lute and Hailey Reeder and his children’s mother, Frances A. Farnsworth of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

There are plans for a Celebration of Life service. The day and time will be announced later. 

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

OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Annette Snead, 59, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, August 10, 2018.

Annette enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watched stock car racing, and was a huge Florida Gators fan. Some may remember her for having worked for many years at Bo & Mike’s in Fernandina Beach. To her family, she was the life of the party and made every family get-together memorable.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James F. Snead and Nannie Mae LeBlanc Snead Moody, as well as her sister, Barbara Snead Harris Cartwright. Also preceding her was her lifelong partner, Raymond Lucas.

She is survived by her siblings, Johnny (Becky) Snead, Joey Snead, Mike (Tina) Snead, and Betty Jo Moody, all of Yulee, Fla., Patrician Moody of Fernandina Beach, and her twin sister, Jeannette Shelton of Richmond, Ky. She is also survived by her aunt, Betty Lou Shetters of Yulee, and uncle, Loadice LeBlanc of Abbeville, La.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Annette requested to be cremated and her ashes taken home with her twin sister. She did not want to have a formal service but instead asked that the family come together as they usual do to eat, drink, laugh and remember her life. We know she would want her friends to do the same.

John W. Reeves, 94, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

A native of Douglas County, Ga., he was a son of the late John W. and Leola (Alley) Reeves. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He and his wife, Beatrice Reeves, moved to Yulee in 1975, and he was a longtime truck driver for Signal Delivery. He worked for Sears at Imeson Center until his retirement. Beatrice passed away in 1983 after nearly 30 years of marriage.

In 1984, he met Mattie Lou White. They married late that year and would enjoy 28 years of marriage until her passing in 2012.

Mr. Reeves made his home in Fernandina Beach for many years. He enjoyed being able to go to the beach, spending time with his and Mattie’s family and the occasional “lunch date” with his stepdaughters, Donna and Beverly. He will be always be remembered for being his own man and walking to his own step.

He leaves behind his two sons, Jeff and his wife, Shirlene, and John and his wife, Pat; a brother-in-law, James Wages; his stepchildren, Donna Theiss and her husband, Ken, and Beverly Scarboro and her husband, Joe; four grandchildren, Will Reeves, Corby Reeves, Chris Reeves and Cheryl Reeves; two step-grandchildren, Erin and Josh; and five great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. The family received friends for the hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest with his wife, Beatrice, at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dr. Lazaro T. Moran died peacefully August 16, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla., surrounded by his family. He was 85 years of age.

Dr. Moran received his medical degree from the University of Havana, and after moving to the U.S., he practiced as an orthopedic physician in Miami until he retired in 2002.

He is predeceased by his wife, Gonzala Moran. He is survived by his sisters, Olga (Alberto) of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Nelly (Diego) of New Jersey; his brother, Tomas (Meri) of Miami, Fla.; his daughter, Ivonne Moran Burrell (Richard) of Fernandina Beach; his son, Alain Moran (Rebheka) of Theresa, N.Y.; grandchildren, Heather Burrell of Portland, Ore., Bianca Burrell of Orlando, Fla., Krystal Gomez of Miami, and Ian Moran and Meghan Moran, both of Theresa; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass in Miami will be announced in the coming days.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lucy Mae Delaney, 93, passed peacefully August 13, 2018.

She was born May 31, 1925 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. She graduated from Peck High School at the age of 17. She attended Jones Beauty College in Jacksonville Fla. for cosmetology and became a licensed cosmetologist. She attended a business college and took a shorthand course. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and she volunteered at St. Peter’s Claver Church and St. Michael Church, preparing the alter before mass. She volunteered in the community as a social worker, giving clothing and food and assisting with completion of documents. She received many volunteer awards from community agencies. She enjoyed praying for others, singing, and doing the Lord’s work. She was a friend to many.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Mable and Wayman Roberts; four brothers, Raymond, Sammie, Romeo, and John Roberts; and sisters, Mary Agnes and Betty Roberts.

Lucy is survived by her daughters, Sherian Daniels of Fernandina Beach and Mable Russell (Robert) of Yulee, Fla.; son, Jimmy Simmons of Fernandina Beach; 12 grandchildren, Patria Williams of Fernandina Beach, Synetta Lawson (William) of Jacksonville, Lucy Polk (Richard) of Port St. Lucy, Fla., Eric Sanders of Yulee, Passion Hickson (Torry) of Honolulu, Hawaii, Ervin Grant, Jimmy Simmons Jr., Tanya Baker of Port Orange, Fla., Shaun Simmons of Jacksonville, Maury Brown of Jacksonville, and Chrysten Simmons of Panama City, Fla.; nieces, Bobbie Glover (Earli) of Titusville, Fla., Lisa Way (James) of Fernandina Beach, Pearl Sanders of Fernandina Beach, and Tommy Sanders (Sandra) of Fernandina Beach; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and many family and friends. She will be missed by them all.

Visitation will be held between 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, August 24, 2018 at Huff and Battise Funeral Home, 401 Beech St., Fernandina Beach. A Homegoing service will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Huff and Battise Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bosque Bello Cementary in Fernandina Beach. A repass will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Hall, 801 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach.

David E. Bunch, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, August 17, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Fernandina Beach, Florida, he and his brother, Dennis, were the first set of male twins born at Humphreys Memorial Hospital to the late James W. “Jake” Bunch and Frances Elizabeth Davis Bunch.

After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School in 1964, David enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, in which he served honorably and with distinction during the Vietnam War. David was stationed in Thailand as well as many locales across the United States until his retirement at the rank of technical sergeant in 1984.

He stayed in touch with his friends from high school. He loved the monthly gatherings when the Class of 1964 would gather for a meal.

David began his “second career” as logistics director of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound/STEP Program. While with Outward Bound, David’s support and experience impacted the students and staff alike.

Through Outward Bound/STEP, he made friends across the United States and was known as “Papa Bear” by some. From cooking to repairing a tent zipper or a camp stove to advice in handling ethical challenges, David provided guidance and an example to instructors and staff who were often in need of a mentor. One staff member wrote of David, he learned from him “how to be both firm and fair.”

Upon retiring from Outward Bound, he spent extended periods of time traveling the entire United States, where he took the time to stop and visit with friends along the way. 

David’s fondness of cooking was legendary but it was his seafood dishes that were most memorable. Both his shrimp potato salad and his shrimp gumbo were enjoyed each time he would prepare them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Howard Bunch and Gary Bunch; a niece, Tammy; and a nephew, Chris. 

He leaves behind his twin brother, Dennis (Sarah) Bunch, and brother, Jerry Bunch, both of Fernandina Beach; nieces and nephews, Raul, Jeffrey, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Cindy, James, Melinda King, Michael, Amey, Sharon, and Phillip.

A Memorial Service, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Five Points Baptist Church with Pastor Frank Camarotti officiating.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors