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Obituaries – Sept. 28 » Suwannee Democrat » Suwannee Democrat

Live Oak — Thomas Comer Cheek, Sr February 6, 1926 – September 25, 2011 On September 25, 2011, Thomas Comer Cheek, Sr, age 85, passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice, after a long illness. he was surrounded by his family. Tom was born February 6, 1926 in Cross City, Florida to Spurgeon and Josephine Cheek. he is survived by Martha, his wife of 63 years; one daughter; Anna (David), 3 sons; Tom Jr (Chris), bill (Becky), John (predeceased); 9 grandchildren; Mike Bowdoin, Wyatt Cheek, Sunny Streer, Stormy Cheek, Tom Cheek III, Caroline Cheek, Jackson Cheek, Bo Cheek, Tyler Cheek, 4 great-grandchildren; Cody Bowdoin, Cohen Streer, Lucy Cheek, Logan Cheek. Also, survived by his brother, Spurgeon Cheek, Jr (Mildred) and his sister, Jo Helen Weise. Tom graduated from Dixie County High School in 1943 and from the University of Florida School of Pharmacy in 1948. he was a member of the Grand Guard at the University of Florida. he served his country in the Army Air Corps in WWII. he was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, lifetime member of the Elks, Rotary Club, American Legion, Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch Assn., Bulldog Booster Club and the 9:30 a.m. Dixie Grill Coffee Club. Tom served the community for over 50 years as co-owner of Cheek & Scott Drugs. he was well known for his kindness and charitable ways towards his customers. Tom was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his golfing buddies. he was very proud of his hole-in-one at the Suwannee Country Club in 1997. Tom was a very loving and supportive husband and father. he enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities. he will be missed by his family and all who knew him. Services for Mr. Cheek will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Will Finnin officiating. Interment will follow in the Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Homes. in Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Florida Methodist Children’s Home or to Haven Hospice. Lester Lavell Berry, Jr. “Spike” August 10, 1944 September 26, 2011 Lester Lavell “Spike” Berry, Jr., age 67, of Live Oak, Florida passed away Monday September 26, 2011 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL following a lengthy illness.  he was a U.S. Navy veteran and was a self employed general contractor.  “Spike” was a member of Barrett Lodge #43 F & AM transferring from Oleeta Lodge #145 in Miami Springs, was a Knight Commander Corp of Honor at the Scottish Rite Valley of Miami & Mahia Temple of the Shrine of Miami, FL, past District Deputy of District #34, Miami, FL.  he was an animal lover and had worked as a patrol officer and K-9 trainer for the city of Miami. he attended Rocky Sink Baptist Church and the old Cutler Presbyterian Church of Miami.  he was a great husband and father and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.   Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Berry, Live Oak, FL and many friends. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 29, 2011 in the Rocky Sink Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Masonic Medical Research Lab in Utica, NY, 2150 Bleecker St., Utica, NY. please sign the guestbook at harrisfuneralhomeinc.net. Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, inc., 932 N. Ohio Ave., Live Oak, FL 386-364-5115 is in charge of all arrangements.   
Jimmie Wesley Rollison
 Jimmie Wesley Rollison, 49, of Jasper, Florida, passed away the morning of September 19, 2011 in Live Oak, Florida. he was born July 14,1962 in Gainesville, Florida. he was an accomplished carpenter and horseman. his interests included tracking/hunting, swimming, and fishing. he spent the majority of his life in North Florida where outdoor activities were plentiful year round. he is survived by his beautiful daughter, Chantal Cristine Rollison; his brother, Buddy Rollison; and his sister, Sheila Page-Blair. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at the Boys Ranch in Live Oak, Florida on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: The Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches (386) 842-5555. Online condolences may be left at purcellfuneralhome.com Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, FL.

Harvey Bues February 9, 1932 September 23, 2011 Harvey Bues age 79, of Live Oak, Florida passed away early Friday morning September 23, 2011 at his home. The Milwaukee, WI native moved to Live Oak in 1962.  he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean conflict.  he was the Supervisor of arts and crafts for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.  Harvey enjoyed building models of cars, motorcycles, planes and many other items of interest.  he was a member of the American Legion Post #52, Leesburg, FL and attended the Community Presbyterian Church of Live Oak.  Harvey loved kids and will be sadly missed by his extended family at the Youth Ranches. Survivors include his wife, Patty Bues, Live Oak; one son, Albert (Shirley) Williams, Wildwood, FL; one daughter, Debbie (Mark)  Szymanski, Gainesville, FL; one sister, Joyce Dudek, Elkhorn, WI. Memorial services will be held October 1, at 2 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Live Oak, Florida. please sign the guestbook at harrisfuneralhomeinc.net. Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, inc., Live Oak, FL 386-364-5115 is in charge of all arrangements. Leona Waters Howell Leona Waters Howell, 96, of Lake City, FL, passed away on Sunday September 25, 2011, after a long illness. mrs. Howell lived in the Wellborn area. She was a native of Gulf Hammock, FL, a sheet metal mechanic on air craft, and member of the Church of Christ, Lake City, FL. She is survived by two daughters; Linda Musgrove (Sherwood) of Lake City, FL and Pat Gaylord (Walter) of Lake City, FL, ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; Leonard S. Howell, three daughters; Barbara Howell Murray, Louise Howell, Joann Howell, two grandchildren; Melinda Murray Johnson and Timothy D. Murray. Services for mrs. Howell will be conducted Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 11 a.m. in Daniels Memorial Chapel, Live Oak, FL, with interment following in Mt. Beulah Baptist Cemetery, Wellborn, Fl. Visitation was Tuesday night 6-8 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home in Live Oak, FL. all arrangements by Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory inc. Live Oak, FL. 



Colonel Harold Kimball “Kim” Chandler
 Colonel Harold Kimball "Kim" Chandler, 80, of Jacksonville, passed away on September 23, 2011.  Kim was born on November 7, 1930, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Harold Walter Chandler and the late Susie Marks Chandler.
Kim served in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Full Colonel.  in his career he had served in Japan and Korea as well as many assignments in the United States.  Kim obtained his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia and earned a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Following his retirement from the Army he went on to a second career as an executive with Hill's Pet Products.  in this capacity he served as the senior technical representative in Japan and Australia.  Kim was a long time member of First Baptist  Church of Jacksonville. Kim and his wife previously resided in Live Oak, Florida and were members of First Baptist Church, Live Oak.
Kim is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor.  he is also survived by his son, Hal Chandler, two daughters, Fran Hill and Angie Cook, and his eleven grandchildren. The family would like to express its appreciation for the wonderful community of caregivers at Clare Bridge, the dedicated servants of Northeast Florida Community Hospice, and the loving ministers and members of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. The funeral service was held at 11 am on Tuesday September 27th at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, 124 W. Ashley St. Jacksonville, FL 32202.  Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025

Catherine Hurst 
Catherine Hurst, 83, passed away Sunday September 25, 2011 at her residence following a short illness.
Mrs. Hurst was born December 14, 1927 in Lakeland, Florida and had lived in the Hatch Bend area for the past 60 years. She was a retired elementary school teacher with the Lafayette County School system, Mayo, Florida. And a member of the Hatch Bend Baptist Church. She is predeceased by her husband,
Gordon Hurst  and grandchildren, Chris Hurst, Bridgett Hurst  and Greg Smith.
Survivors include, one daughter, Phyllis & Ronnie Smith  of Darian, GA., three sons, Charles & Donna Hurst of Hatch Bend, FL, Wayne & Julie Hurst  of  Cross City, FL, Michael & Tammie Hurst  of Luraville, FL, two sisters, Florence Hines of Atlanta, GA, Eloise McAffee  of Ocala, FL, 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 3 p.m. in Hatch Bend Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Ruele and Rev. Orvis Amerson officiating. Interment  followed in the church cemetery. Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, inc. Branford, FL, in charge of arrangements. 


Jacqueline Beth Walker Koon
 A service for Ms. Jacqueline Beth Walker Koon will be held at 11 a.m. this Thursday, September 25 at the Bixler Chapel at the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Florida. Ms. Koon passed away Friday evening at Shands Live Oak. in lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to the Advent Christian Village. Beth was born near Branford on November 3, 1929, the youngest daughter of Florence Lois Johnson Walker and Allen Fred Walker. Beth attended Lafayatte High School and, as a member of its first co-ed class, graduated from Florida State University with a major in Elementary Education. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Education from FSU. Ms. Koon was a dedicated teacher to generations of students at the elementary level in Perry, Mayo, and Atlanta. her crystal blue eyes kept watch over the children that she loved so much. She was a woman ahead of her time, teaching third graders how to read a nutrition label and how to grow plants. Beth spent time in Atlanta and Palm Beach before building a house down the road from her childhood home in Lafayette County. She was a long-time member of Ephesus Advent Christian Church, and had been a resident of the Carter House at Dowling Park since 2006. Beth was an avid gardener and was known for her green thumb —— flowers and plants thrived under her patient and nurturing care. She loved living in the country, surrounded by her many cats and the various dogs she took in over the years. Beth was lovingly called Aunt Lecky or Mexie by her family members. She is survived by her brother Robert Allen Walker, also of Dowling Park, her son Robert Allen Powell of Gainesville, her daughter Leah Powell McKay of Atlanta, her two granddaughters Sarah Elizabeth McKay and Caroline Mae McKay of Atlanta, and her nieces Margaret Ann Cunningham of Orlando and Phyllis Lois Schmits of Chattanooga. in lieu of flowers family ask donations be made to the Advent Christian Village, P.O. Box 4345, Dowling Park, Fl 32064. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements.



Delbert E. Harrell , 93, Dowling Park, Fl passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011.
Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, inc, of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements. Gwendolyn “Faye” Kirby June 15, 1927 September 21, 2011

Gwendolyn “Faye” Kirby age 84, of Live Oak, Florida passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at her home with her family by her side. She was born in Lake City, FL on June 15, 1927 and lived most of her life in Live Oak.  She was a homemaker and was known for always having a loving and giving heart.  Faye met the love of her life Aaron “Boots” Kirby, Sr. in September 1959. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents, Maynard C. & Tennie Sweet and a brother, Maynard L. Sweet. Survivors include her husband, Aaron “Boots” Kirby, Sr., Live Oak, FL; one son, Aaron “Bootsie” Kirby, Live Oak; one daughter, Wendy (Curtis) Collins, Lake City, FL; one brother, Kenneth (Sue) Sweet, Lake City, FL; four sisters, Yanema (Clayton) Rowland, Lake City; Robyn (Bob) Waters, Micanopy, FL; Patsy Sweet and Pam (Robert) Stegall all of Lake Butler, FL; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held Sunday, Sept. 25th from 5 to 7 PM at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services were held, 2:00 PM, Monday, September 26, 2011 in the Brody Harris Memorial Chapel with her grandson, Jared Kirby officiating.  please sign the guestbook at harrisfuneralhomeinc.net. Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, inc., Live Oak, FL 386-364-5115 was in charge of all arrangements. Julian George (Mickey) Dilung, Jr. Born: 10-3-58 Expired: 9-3-11 Age: 52 he was taken from us unexpectedly while living in Jacksonville, Florida. he moved to Suwannee County Florida in 1980, after serving in the armed forces. he worked at Suwannee Packing Company in Live Oak, as a meat cutter until they closed. he is survived by his loving mother Patricia Bach Castro of Live Oak, two sons; Julian G. (Mickey) Dilung III and Scott Dilung, two granddaughters; and two step-daughters; Chasity and Jamie, all of NC, three sisters: Deborah (Richard) Goldstein, Cheryl Chilldres, Melody (Tony) Standford, all of Live Oak, two brothers; Patrick Dilung and Marcus (Stacy) Cole of Live Oak, 13 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews of Live Oak, and NC. he did not live an easy life but those who knew him will remember him for his kind heart. A memorial service will be held at 707 Duval St. N.E., Live Oak, on October 1, 1 p.m., for all who wish to attend. Cornelia Marable Boatright Cornelia Marable Boatright born September 17, 1918 in Perry, Fl. She attended school in Perry and Live Oak, Fl and graduated in 1937 from Suwannee County High School. Married O’Neal Boatright of Live Oak, in 1938. Moved to Mayo, Fl in 1942, where they started the sawmill, pole and other timber business. Mr. & mrs. Boatright were directors of the Lafayette County State Bank. They purchased the Suwannne Valley Livestock Market of Live Oak and the Bell Market from JD Odom. They also owned and operated the Mayo Livestock Market. mrs. Boatright worked side by side with Mr. Boatright in all the businesses and when he passed away in 1963, she operated the market until 1968. She was the only woman livestock operator in the state of Florida. mrs. Boatright was very active in civic organizations: President of Mayo’s Woman’s Club. Garden Club. Active in school system: P.T.A, Band Boosters, Future Farmers of America and organized the first teenage club of Mayo. She enjoyed working with the youth of the county, of which she still has a lasting friendship. She was reared a Methodist and joined the Philadelphia Baptist Church in 1938, when she married. then joined the Mayo Baptist Church in 1942. She is presently a member of the Live Oak Methodist Church. mrs. Boatright is survived by her four son’s and their wives: Joel (Mary Mahone) Boatright, Valdosta, Ga, Harold (Cindy) Boatright, Missouri City, Tx, John (Maureen) Boatright, Mayo, Fl, Allen (Connie) Boatright, Tallahassee, Fl; two sisters: Sara Baker, Live Oak, Fl, Geraldine Gamble, Live Oak, Fl; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great granddaughters and special niece: Susan (Steve) Wood. Services were held at 4 pm Friday, September 23, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Live Oak with Rev. Roy Saint, Clint Humphrey and Dr. Will Finnin officiating. Interment followed in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements.   
William O. Bozeman
April 19, 1920 – Sept. 19, 2011 
William O. Bozeman, 91, Live Oak, Fla. passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 after a short illness. The life long Suwannee County native was a veteran of WWII while serving in the Army, a member of Dixie Grille Coffee Club and First Baptist Church in White Springs, Fla. Mr. Bozeman is survived by his wife of 60 years: Irene Bozeman, Live Oak, Fla.; one daughter: Sammie (Eugene) Cross, Live Oak, Fla.; one son: bill ( Melissa) Bozeman, Live Oak, Fla.; three sisters: Catherine Roberts, Live Oak, Fla., Ardith Stanley, Ball Ground, Ga., Juanita Seegmiller, Ormond Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren: Tara, Travis, Will, Drew, Brett and one great-grandchild: Madison. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 at First Baptist Church in White Springs, Fla. with Rev. Justin Young and Rev. Lowell O’Steen officiating. Interment will follow in the Live Oak Cemetery. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements. Rev. Thomas Elmer "T.E." Gaskins Feb. 8, 1916 – Sept. 18, 2011 Rev. Thomas Elmer "T.E." Gaskins, 95, Luraville, Fla. passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 after a long illness. The Bartow, Fla. native moved to Luraville in 1962 from Winter Garden, Fla. he was a veteran of WWII while serving in the Navy and was a member of Luraville Baptist Church. Rev. Gaskins is survived by one daughter: Nancy (Paul) Gamble, Live Oak, Fla.; one son: David Elmer (Diana) Gaskins, Savannah, Ga.; one sister: Gwen Hicks, West Palm Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren: Casey (Ferrell) Phelps, Leslie (Jason) Jones, Jill Gaskins; four great-grandchildren: Austin, Brice, Alyssa and Jase. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 at Luraville Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Shawn Johnson and Rev. Ronald Russ officiating. in lieu of flowers family ask donations be made to Luraville Baptist Church, 18791 168th Street, Live Oak, Fl 32060. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements.


Roy Rodrick Griffin
Sept. 13, 2011 – Dec. 21, 1944
 Roy Rodrick Griffin, 66, died Sept. 13, 2011 in McAlpin, Fla. he was born on Dec. 21, 1944 – ICS Cremation & Funeral Home, 357 NW Wilks Lane, Lake City, FL 32055, 386-752-3436. Vera Lipari Nov. 27, 1921 – Sept. 15, 2011

Vera Lipari, age 89, of Live Oak, Fla. passed away Thursday evening, Sept. 15, 2011 at her home. please sign the guest book at harrisfuneralhomeinc.net. Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, inc. of Live Oak, FL is in charge of all arrangements. Pauline "Nanny" Howe Oct. 19, 1926 – Sept. 17, 2011 Pauline "Nanny" Howe, 84, of Thibodaux, La., passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 in the Audubon Health and Rehabilitation Center, Thibadaux, La. The Suwannee County, Fla. native has lived in Louisiana most of her life. She was a homemaker and of Advent Christian faith. She is survived by her daughter: Jan & Donald Tabor, Thibaduax, La.; two sisters: Jacquline Mixon and Elizabeth Wooley both of Live Oak, Fla.; three grandchildren: Denise & Stacey Benoit, Julie & Danny Arabie and Mikey & Allison Boudreaux; three great-grandchildren: Jacob, Matthew Benoit and Karli Arabie. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 in the Daniels Memorial Chapel with Mr. Keith Mixon officiating. Interment will follow in the Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of all arrangements. Carlton M. “Shine” Howard Dec. 17, 1917 – Sept. 14, 2011 Carlton M. “Shine” Howard , 93 , passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 in Lake City Medical Center, Lake City, Florida following a short illness. Mr . Howard was born Dec. 17 , 1917 in Moultrie, Georgia and moved to the Branford area in 1959 from Tampa, Florida. he was a mechanic by trade, he enjoyed working and fishing and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Shirley Howard of Branford, Fla.; four sons: Daniel C. Howard of Arcadia, Fla., David E. & Mary Jane Howard of Ashland, Ala., Gary & Christina Howard of Branford, Fla. and Ronnie E . & Anna Mae Howard of Branford, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive. Graveside services were conducted Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 at 2 p.m. in Oak Grove Memorial Cemetery, Branford, Fla. with Mr. Bob Fletcher officiating. Visitation was held Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 from 6–8 p.m. at the funeral home. Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, inc. Branford, FL., in charge of arrangements.