John William Aitken passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones in the home that he designed and built. He was 61 years old.

He was the loving husband of Barbara McCann, whom he married in July 1997, and the father of Jack Aitken.

John was born June 15, 1957 in Niskayuna, N.Y. to Nancy Aitken Ball and the late John Aitken. John graduated from Halstead High School in Yonkers, N.Y. and earned his bachelor’s degree from Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vt. John was a kind and loving person who always offered knowledgeable support and advice to family and friends. He was an avid skier, a world traveler, a craftsman, and an animal lover.

John was a disc jockey at the student-run radio station at Lyndon State, and after college he continued his career in radio in Rutland, Vt. and Morgantown, W.Va.  It was on Cape Cod where John started two radio stations for which he was the owner, president, general manager, and disc jockey.

During his life, John skied mountains across North America, including a heli-skiing trip in the Purcell Mountain range of British Columbia and frequent trips to Vail, Colo. At Stratton Mountain in Vermont, he spent years teaching skiing to newcomers, both young and old, in a patient and enjoyable manner. He passed on his love of skiing to his son, Jack, grandchildren, Alice and Timmy, and other close family and friends.

Through years of experience fixing and repairing his own properties, John learned how to renovate homes. This knowledge and passion carried into his craftsmanship as a property manager and real estate agent.

He will be remembered for his generosity and infectious smile, spirit, humor and loving nature. His legacy will live on in all of those that he taught and inspired.

John is survived by his wife Barbara; his son, Jack and wife Daphne; his mother, Nancy and husband Jim; his brother, Tom and wife Molly and their children, Lindsay and Chris; Barbara’s daughter, Tiffany and husband Kirk and their children, Alice and Timothy; Barbara’s son, Tyler and wife Lauren and their son, Charlie; his former wife, Linda and mother of Jack; his two dogs, Rosie and Remmy; and Gussie the cat.

He is loved dearly and will be forever missed.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. May 1, 2019 at the Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, located at 1305 Atlantic Ave. in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to G.R.E.A.T Rescue of NE Florida Inc., P.O. Box 600878, Jacksonville, FL 32260-0878. Contributions can be made via check or online at greatrescue.org/donate.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Pastor Roger A. Ganzel, born November 4, 1939 in Neenah, Wisc., passed from this life into life eternal on April 25, 2019.

Roger leaves his wife, Diane (Lindner) Ganzel; his daughter, Lisa Angil of Amelia Island, Fla., and her children, Elizabeth Angil and John Michael Angil; his son, Mark Ganzel (Deborah) of Linneus, Maine and their children, Joshua, Tabetha, Autumn, and Alexis.

Pastor Ganzel was predeceased by an infant daughter. He is also survived by a brother, William Burns (Kathy) of Middleton, Wisc.; a sisters, Kathleen Hedberg of Houston, Texas and Connie Griesbach (Al) of Appleton, Wisc.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Schools that he attended include Menasha High School, Menasha, Wisc.; Carthage College, Carthage, Ill.; and Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, Minneapolis, Minn., where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1963. Between his second and third year of seminary, he married his lifelong partner, Diane.

Upon ordination in 1964 as a new pastor, God chose a somewhat unique path of ministry for him, that of being a church/developer.  Over the next 40 years, he and his wife helped establish five new congregations: Ascension Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisc., Christ the Victor Lutheran Church in New Berlin, Wisc., Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee, Wisc., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio, and All Saints Lutheran in Hudson, Fla.

He retired in January 2002, when he and his wife moved to Amelia Island, Fla. In retirement he continued to serve the church in various ways. Since 1974, Pastor Ganzel has been a member of Rotary clubs and was a member of the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach. In Boy Scouts, he held the rank of Eagle.

His avocation interest had been architecture, successfully having designed and built passive-solar. His lifelong interest for study was history, which he used to make sense of everything he didn’t understand, including the Bible.

Donations in his memory may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church here on the island or Shelterbox USA through the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ronald Louis Ratnecht, a resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla. passed away April 13, 2019 at the age of 71, an unexpected result of a scheduled surgery. He was surrounded by his family from the day of his surgery until his passing.

Ron was born January 8, 1948, in Norwich, Conn. to Louis and Shirley (Armstrong) Ratnecht. He attended St. Bernard’s High School, Class of 1966, and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968-69 and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. It took him many years to get there but he was a very proud Vietnam veteran and wore his hat to prove it. It always brought the biggest smile to his face to say “welcome home” to a fellow Vietnam veteran and even turned down an Army Challenge coin from another veteran because he already had one of which he was very willing to share. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion in Fernandina Beach and at the AmVets in St. Petersburg, Fla. There are two bricks on the memorial site of the “old” American Legion in Fernandina Beach dedicated to Ron.

Ron is survived by his high school sweetheart, Joanne Foster Ratnecht, whom he married May 18, 1968 in New London, Conn.; his three daughters, Dawn Ratnecht, Diane (Owen) Berger, and Denise (Erick) Sterne; and four grandchildren, Daniel and Alexandra (Lexi) Sterne and Evan Berger and Arabella (Ari) Ratnecht.

He was a mechanical engineer and for many years worked in the pulp and paper industry moving his family to different states but finally settling in Fernandina Beach and retiring from power generation sales which he thoroughly enjoyed. Although he traveled for many years of his life for work, he always found time to participate in his daughters’ extracurricular activities.

Ron was a volunteer firefighter for the Yantic Fire Department in Connecticut and for the Grand Island Fire Department in New York. He did volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity in Virginia, Texas, and Florida. He was always happy working on projects big and small in “his” garage. He built the cabinets that line every wall in the garage and was asked often about them. He helped all three of his daughters with projects at their homes, some of which probably seemed never ending; however, he never complained, nor seemed to mind, always loading up his Mazda Miata with as much wood as he could. We all have a piece of his handiwork in our homes.

His true passion in life was his love of golf which just intensified when he retired. He would play three to four times a week, take many golfing trips and would brag that he didn’t wake up until 10 a.m. when he was asked if he wanted to do something.  He also loved surf fishing and spent many a beach trip teaching his daughters and grandchildren to fish.

His siblings include Leslie Marrocco, Louis J. Ratnecht, Janet Oldham, and Nancy Ratnecht. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Marrocco, and sister-in-law, Sharon Murphy, along with multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Stephen, Gerry, and Christopher.

The family wishes to thank the numerous doctors and staff at the Mayo Clinic for their loving care and support during his time spent there.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at 161 N. Clark St., Suite 3550, Chicago, IL 60601 or MDA.org.

Mass is to be held at 11 a.m. May 6, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church, located at 505 Broome St. in Fernandina Beach, followed by a Celebration of Life from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Golf Club of North Hampton, located at 22680 N. Hampton Club Way in Fernandina Beach. Ron will eternally rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The date of that memorial is yet to be determined.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joseph Danny Messoria, 65, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed peacefully on to Heaven on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Sara Mae Fosbenner Warr, 60, of Hilliard, Fla., passed away April 26, 2019 from complications of her long battle with Crohn's disease.

Born August 14, 1958 in Escondido, Calif. to Betty Fosbenner Carter and the late Reuben Franklin Fosbenner, Sara was raised in Jacksonville, Fla., and was in the graduating class of 1976 at Robert E. Lee High School. She is a former member of First Baptist Church of Boulougne, where she assisted her husband in the long-running production of the passion play, The Lamb.

Sara was well known for the loves in her life: the Lord, her family, her church family,and her friends, as well as her hobbies of sewing, cooking, and helping others. Her fun spirit was infectious and everyone around her knew the light and strength in her was from the Lord. Her ability to remain positive and full of hope during a lifetime of physical struggle still inspires many.

She was welcomed to her heavenly home by her fathers, Reuben Franklin Fosbenner and Robert Carter; her brothers, Lawrence Carl “Pete” Biggs, William “Bill” Fosbenner, and James Patrick “Pat” Fosbenner; her sister, Ruth Elaine Chitty; and her grandson, Joshua Daniel Root.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Lee Warr; her mother, Betty Fosbenner Carter; her siblings, Franklin Fosbenner, Janice Fosbenner Fike, Christina Fosbenner Wilson, Clinton (Kristy) Fosbenner, Rovena Fosbenner Monteo, and Kevin (Jennifer) Fosbenner; her children, Lisa Root, CJ (Lucia) Allen, Dorothy (Chris) Pavlovsky; a “son-in-love,” James “Punch” Root; grandchildren, Rachel (Luis) Garcia, Mollie Root, David (Amanda) Root, Leila, Ella and Linley Pavlovsky, Lucas and Lucia Allen; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Mateo Garcia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with Pastor Gerald Wollitz officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Condolences may be made by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.

Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home

Robert Joseph Hemphill, born on the 22nd day of December 1982, is survived by his mother, Catherine M. Hemphill, and his sister, Christina M. Hemphill. Also, to go without recognition, are all of his aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends, who are all one in the same.

Our angel on Earth walked through the gates of Heaven on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 5:18 a.m. As our mother was one of seven, he was very much loved and supported by the entire family. Not only was he the most caring, heart-filled, generous, protective man I’ve ever known, he was also an amazing culinary chef with musical skills that will continue to play and live in all of our hearts forever.

When there was crisis, he did not surrender because he had experienced worse. This is not your “typical obituary” as we are not your “typical family.” No matter what, we always had love! Through strength, perseverance, faith and joy, we celebrate his life. We do not mourn his death. As Robert was raised Catholic, with Joseph F. Kuti as a major influence and mentor in his life, the family would like to express gratitude for all of your thoughts, prayers, and kind words. This is not the end, but just the beginning of something so beautiful for him. As we all take time to heal from what we feel is a loss, let us remember that it is, in fact, God’s gain.

Robert was simply an angel that did not show his wings.

He will forever be with all of us through spirit, memories and always in our hearts.

Mr. Charles A. “Chuck” Mortensen, 83, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Lebanon, N.H., he was the son of the late Rudolf and Grace Palmer Mortensen. Chuck was an avid outdoorsman. Growing up in New Hampshire, he loved to ski, hunt, and fish. He also enjoyed tennis and golf.

Graduating from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, he later earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.He served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve Corp of Engineers.

A longtime resident of New London, N.H., Chuck was active in various community affairs over the course of 32 years living there. He worked for many years as plant manager for the SBB Corporation and eventually retired as vice president of engineering with the MPB Corporation. After retiring from MPB, Mr. Mortensen became president for eight years of Tallix Art Foundry in Beacon, N.Y., where they did castings for the Korean War Memorial and the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C.Moving to Fernandina Beach in 2000, he was active with the Parkway North Homeowners Association board and transitioned from “enjoying” golf to becoming an avid golfer. He could be found on the links at least three times a week, sometimes more.

He leaves behind his wife, Sandra Mortensen of Fernandina Beach; his sons, Erik Mortensen of Manhattan, N.Y. and New Hampshire and Kurt Mortensen of San Rafael, Calif.; as well as extended family which includes cousins and nephews.

The family is planning a time to remember and celebrate his life later this summer.

He will be laid to rest in his native New Hampshire at a later time.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Robert R. "Randy" Lamar, 75, passed away May 1, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Leasbia "Nell" Mosley, 81, passed away May 1, 2019 at her Yulee, Fla. residence. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2019 at Green Pine Cemetery.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mrs. Patricia Goad Stegall, 88, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away April 29, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Robert Allen Wensel Sr., of Yulee, Fla., passed away April 23, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. John William Harbin, 86, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Nashville, Tenn., he was the son of the late John W. and Bessie Travis Harbin. Reared in Tennessee, he served four years in the U. S. Navy. After the Navy and college, he served as a computer engineer for Univac and RCA and retired from the Harris Corporation. He volunteered as a coach for youth football, basketball, and baseball and spent time as a little league umpire.

For many years, he and his wife, Barbara, made their home in Palm Bay, Fla., where he delivered for the local Meals on Wheels program and was heavily involved with the St. Marks and Church of Our Savior Episcopal parishes. Moving to Amelia Island three and a half years ago, he had become a member of St. Peter’s Parish.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harbin was predeceased by his wife of more than 50 years, Barbara, in 2012; a son, William; and a granddaughter, Kerry.

He leaves behind his children, Judy Lujan of Salem of Oregon, Kenny Harbin of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Jay Harbin of Amelia Island; four grandchildren, Josh, Eli, Jake, and Seth; and two great-grandchildren, Rianna and Cade.

Services for Mr. Harbin will be held at 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Reverend Stephen Mazingo, Rector, officiating. He will be laid to rest in his native Tennessee at a later date. 

The family asks donations be made in his memory to Joy to the Children at P.O. Box 16404 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 or at the organization’s website at joytothechildren.org.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William Thomas “Tommy” Harden Jr., of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday morning, May 4, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Tommy was born August 29, 1961 in Fernandina Beach and was a lifelong resident. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft electrician and was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. He was with the 434th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and known by his nickname, "Geek."

He worked for many years with Seminole Kraft, then Kmart. and lastly Target.

He was a loving son and brother. He kept the humor in every life with which he connected.

He was predeceased by his dad, William T. Harden Sr., and two nieces, Natalie and Lynae Harden.

Survivors include his mom, Ardath V. Harden of Fernandina Beach; four brothers, Tony Harden (Karen) of Zephyrhills, Fla., Mitchell Harden of Fernandina Beach, Lamar Harden (Janet) of Brunswick, Ga., and Darryl Harden (Brenda) of Central, S.C.; one sister, Penny Fender (Jimmie) of Fernandina Beach; eight nieces, Carla Harden, Mandi Bultman, Caty Stanford, Angela Pruitt, Tammy Turbeville, Kimberly Bedwell, Malisa Rembowski, and Kaydi Fender; and three nephews, Jeremy Davis, Justen Harden, and Bryant Fender. Also surviving are special cousin, Denise Minnick, and other cousins, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors at 2:30 p.m.

Tommy's online obituary may be viewed and condolences expressed at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Louis Gregory Moore, 47, of Atlantic Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jamie Davis White, 50, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, April 5, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William O. Rabitaille died peacefully Saturday, May 4, 2019. On the day he passed, he was surrounded by people he loved and present in the minds of those who cherished him.

Bill was born January 9, 1933 in Groton, Conn. He was the fourth child of Joseph A. Rabitaille and Williamina Greig. Three brothers, Paul, Joseph, and Alex, pre-deceased him. His younger sister, Shirley Viveiros, lives in Tucson, Ariz.

After serving in the Korean War, Bill returned home to marry the love his life, Patricia Ann Reilly, on May 28, 1955. He co-founded R&D Construction in Groton and molded it into a successful property management corporation, allowing him to retire at the age of 51. He then relocated to Fernandina Beach, Fla., where he founded Amelia Island Aerial Tours. Miraculously, he survived a single-engine plane crash in 2000 that left him with multiple injuries. With grit, faith, and determination, he made a remarkable recovery.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat, and will be remembered as a loving husband for just shy of 64 years who took endless pleasure in making her happy. He took pride in his French-Canadian ancestry and felt that made him a natural romantic. Bill and Pat suffered the loss of their first infant son, Jeffrey, in 1956, but he was blessed to be survived by three children, Renee Smith of Fernandina Beach, Greig Rabitaille and his wife, Beth, of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Shelly Benbow of Fernandina Beach. His children will remember him always for his quick wit and a constant example of strength, duty, compassion, and love.

Papa is further survived by his six grandchildren, Bill Rabitaille and his wife, Rebecca, of Farmington, Conn., Reilly Rabitaille of Orlando, Fla., Brian Rabitaille and his wife, Regina, of Orlando, Patrick Rabitaille and his fiancé, Courtney Hall, of Ormond Beach, Caitlyn Benbow of Belton, S.C., and Robert Benbow Jr. of Athens, Ga. He also has five great-grandchildren, Owen, 9, Emma, 7, Elizabeth, 5, Joseph, 3, and Greig, 11 mos. Love you always, Pop!

“(Our) life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. (We’re) just a living legacy to the leader of the band.” – Dan Fogelberg

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service to follow. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Barbara Karen Purvis, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Life Care Center in Hilliard, Fla.

Born in Quitman, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Carol Bryant Moore and Kathryn Spell Moore Passieu.

She played basketball in high school and college and was recognized as Most Athletic in her senior year of high school. A longtime resident of Yulee, Mrs. Purvis moved with her family from Valdosta, Ga. in 1971. She taught school at Yulee Elementary School for 30 years. She always said being able to teach children for 30 years was so special to her.

She and her husband, Fred Purvis, met in Moultrie, Ga. and were married June 20, 1964. He passed away in 2009. They were members of Yulee United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. She dearly loved her church and served there in various ministries over the years.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Purvis was predeceased by a sister, Cynthia Moore, and brother, Kale Moore.

She leaves behind her children, Jeffrey Mitchell Purvis of Yulee and Jill Purvis Van Beek of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; her brothers, Carol B. Moore Jr. of St. Marys, Ga and C. J. Passieu, and Robert Passieu, both of Folkston, Ga.; sisters, Rollene Coley and Tina Knowles, both of Folkston; two grandsons, Timothy Scott Temples Jr. of Yulee and Carson Wayne Van Beek of Fernandina Beach; two granddaughters, Emily Purvis Marell and Savannah Taylor Purvis, both of Yulee; and brother-in-law, Tommy Purvis and his wife, Elizabeth, of Fernandina Beach, as well as several extended family members and friends.

A service to celebrate and remember Mrs. Purvis’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Yulee United Methodist Church with Pastor Rev. Charlie Sward officiating. Mrs. Purvis will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mount Paron Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery near Alapaha, Ga. at a later date.

Those desiring may remember her with contributions to Yulee United Methodist Church, 86003 Christian Way, Yulee, FL 32097. 

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Michaelle Hines, 57, of Callahan, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Alfred “Al” William Kremler passed away peacefully May 13, 2019 at the age of 92.

Born October 21, 1926 at home in Woodhaven, Queens, N.Y., he started his career as a laborer on the Manhattan Project, the top-secret government mission responsible for developing the atomic bomb. World War II had commenced, and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and became a pharmacist’s mate. One of the first crew members aboard the USS Dutchess, a Windsor-class attack transport ship that transported and cared for military casualties throughout the Pacific. The Dutchess received a battle star for courageous service during wartime. Al was an avid bicyclist, competing as a member of the Long Island Wheelman’s Association who won many trophies and NYS Bicycle Champion several times. After the war, Al took the test to become a New York City police officer and scored the fifth highest out of 16,273 other men. He became a police officer, but walking the beat didn’t last long because he was asked to join the New York Police Association’s bicycle team. He continued to win many competitions but his career ended when he was injured in a pile up during a U.S. Olympic Team qualifying race in California. Retiring from the police department as a sergeant in 1967, he went into the car business, eventually promoting himself from sales to management.

When Al retired, he moved from New York to Amelia Island, Fla. to be close to his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law, JoAnn. He loved the mountains and the ocean, traveling from one coast to another. He was never without a joke to share, leaving those around him chuckling.

He was predeceased by his wife, Vilma.

He leaves behind his children, Valerie, William, and Cheryl; grandchildren, Kevin, Brian, Caitlin, Christian, Alison, Lisa, Bree, James, and Ryan; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Simply an amazing man, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Nancy Jo Talley Martin, 86, passed away peacefully May 8, 2019.

She was born October 26, 1932 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. to Dewey and Virginia Talley. She married Robert Bridges Martin on June 11, 1955 in Delaware, Ohio. They were married for 64 years.

Nancy is the definition of what a true wife is to her husband and what a mother is to her children. She loved all equally, protected and cared for all, and only saw the good in all. Anyone who spent any time with Nancy fell in love with her wit, kindness, generosity, and conversation. Outside of family, conversation was the greatest gift Nancy gave and received.

Nancy came from a small-town upbringing with solid family values and personal integrity. She was Nancy Jo to her friends and family, a ray of sunshine that never stopped spreading warmth, love, and kindness. She was a compassionate, kind, and caring soul. We are all blessed to have shared her incredible life with her. She had a heart of gold and never left any doubt how she loved and appreciated her family. Some of her favorite pastimes were community dances and spending time with those dearest to her heart. She was an avid reader, loved playing tennis, and enjoyed her weekly Tuesday “lunch with the ladies.” Nancy was notorious for remembering people’s names wrong, although she always got the first letter to the name correct. She loved her solo driving trips across country to Ohio to see her sisters and to visit her father’s resting place. Nancy never missed a high school reunion or time with her friends. Her laughter, whether at herself or in good humor, always lit up a room and brought joy to those around her. Nancy was deeply loved and returned the love equally. She had the gift of always making one feel like they were her favorite. Our beloved Nancy will forever remain a part of us, continuing to live in our hearts.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Robert; brother, John; children, Jeff, Mike, Scott, Judy, and Jill; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a family of nephews and nieces. All of these, and her many friends she leaves behind, she touched and loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mack J. Pettit, 73, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019.

Mr. Pettit was born April 28, 1946 in Hillsdale, Mich. and lived in the Jacksonville area since 1977 before settling in Yulee in 1998.

He was a retired air traffic controller and was a decorated Vietnam veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Liz Pettit of Yulee; a daughter, Jennifer Samioglou (John) of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; stepdaughter, Tracey Kroll (Brian) of Hockessin, Del.; three sisters, Brenda Meachum of Hillsdale, Mich., Marjorie Scharp (Wendell) of Hillsdale, and Audrey Buck of Ypsilanti, Mich.; a brother, Neal Pettit (Virginia) of Warsaw, Ind.; one grandchild, Justin Stewart (Tori Paden) of Jacksonville Beach; two sisters-in-law; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, May 18, 2019 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Patricia Scattalone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Basenji Rescue and Transport at basenjirescue.org.

Mr. Pettit's online obituary may be viewed and condolences expressed at the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stephen Beck, 60,  passed away peacefully April 30,  2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mary Fussell, 82, passed away peacefully April 26, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Robert Hemphill, 36, passed away peacefully April 25, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Gerald Mcfadden, 63, passed away peacefully April 25,  2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Charles Anne Mullis, 87, passed away peacefully May 8, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Michelle Payne, 57, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, May 10, 2019. Services to celebrate her life will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dewey Sapp, 91, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Steven Michael Seegers, 63, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away May 9, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Charles Anne Mullis, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019 from St. Michael Catholic Church with Pastor Rev. Briggs Hurley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, 505 Broome St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Michael James Aiello, 59, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019, of a massive heart attack.

Michael, a Florida native, was born in Miami Shores, Fla., and was the son of John and Elizabeth Aiello. A 1977 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinis High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he also graduated from the University of Florida and recently earned his MBA from Strayer University. Mike spent many years as a Florida land surveyor and business owner. Michael also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 14-1. However, his greatest and proudest accomplishment is his two daughters, Skyler and Lauren.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth; and sister, Joanne Aiello.

Michael is survived by his fiancé, Sue Lowe; brother, John (Anita) Aiello; sister, Kathy (Andrew) Rebholz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially Donald and Susan Hughes.

The family welcomes friends and family to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at St. Michael Catholic Church. A reception will immediately follow at St. Michael Family Center, located at 505 Broome St. in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.