Ronald Odell Brizele was born to the late Hiron Floyd and Idlet Williams on Aug. 4, 1954, in Jacksonville. He departed this life Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.

Ronald was a 1972 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School. Mr. Brizele served in the United States Army from 1973 through 1977. He was hired by the Police Department on March 25, 1985, and retired from full-time employment on July 30, 2010. He then served as a reserve police officer until August 2016.

During his career with the FBPD, he served in patrol operations, investigative services and as a school resource officer. He was a certified hostage negotiator, and was the 1997 Police Officer of the Year.

Ron was characterized by co-workers as “very well-liked and respected throughout the community and dedicated to the youth of our island.” He routinely volunteered hours of time to the Police Athletic League program and was the original PAL program coordinator. He was dedicated to the law enforcement profession and was known to go the extra mile for anyone in need of help.

He leaves to cherish his memory an aunt who raised him, Elizabeth Russell; five children, Cherrie Perkins, Sherrie (Vernice) Albertie, LaToya Brizele, Kason (Andrea) Brizele and Orlando (Trenicee) Brizele; 13 grandchildren, Monisha Perkins, DeAndrea Perkins, James Johnson, Nautica Glanton, Santaurus Brizele, Maurice Fleming, Deontae Albertie, DiJon Savage, Taylor Tripp, Alana Tripp, Jordan Brizele, Quiari Brizele and Zakari Brizele; five great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Veronica Brizele, Charles, Hiron (Bernadette), Constance, Theola (Charles), Idella (Bernard), Judy, Patricia, Reather Gail, Dennis (Alice), Wayne (Gail), Terry (Ernistine), Valerie (Nathan), Rosalyn, Vanessa (Marceus), Onnie Bell (Sean), Hiram, Patricia (Bryan), Ptomely, Michell (John), Annanday (John), Paul, Sharleen, Victor (Lillie) Russell, Efrem (T’Lana) Russell, Michael (Angie) Russell, Melvin (Annette) Russell, Charlie (Charlet) Russell, Anthony Russell Sr., Donzell ( Emmanuel) Perry, Vonzell Parker and Zachery (Gwen) Russell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special niece and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Nakita Raysor; and special friends, Tracey Hamilton, April Brigman, Josh Simmons, Annette Perry, Robert Severance Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith.

A public viewing will be held at the Elm Street Church of God, 502 S. 11^th St., Fernandina Beach, on Friday, Dec. 16, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Assembly of God, 302 S. 14^th St., Fernandina Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. Family and friends may also view from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of the service on Saturday at the church.

Interment will be held in the Bosque Bello Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 12:15 p.m. at 212 N. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home; Roderic D. Feacher, LFDIC; Laprinzo M. Banks, LFD; 410 Beech St., Fernandina Beach; 261-4367.

Huff & Battise Funeral Home

Tammie Sue Frank, 54, of Yulee, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Salem, Ark., she was one of three children born to J.D. and Patsy Jean James Comstock. Tammie had made Nassau County her home since 1991.

She leaves behind, her son, Casey Frank of Yulee; her daughter, Sarah Frank of Fernandina Beach; and a sister, Judy Pilgrim, and brother, Jack Comstock, both of Mountain Home, Ark.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Genearle Christine Hughes, 90, of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Katy, Texas.

Genearle was born to Paul and Melva Casey Lotspeich on Nov. 21, 1926, in Jacksonville. Genearle attended and graduated from Yulee High School in 1944. In the following years, Genearle moved to Fernandina Beach, where she began working at the Rayonier Pulp and Paper Co. There, she met her husband, Thomas Hughes, of North Carolina. Genearle and Tom married on Sept. 20, 1950, and celebrated 63 years of a loving partnership prior to Tom’s death in 2013.

Over the years, Genearle and Tom lived an adventurous life, relocating several times with their two daughters and traveling extensively. Tom and Genearle visited 49 states in their motor home, including 18 trips to Alaska to visit their daughter’s family. In later years, the duo traveled around the world with a Lake Jackson travel group. The Lake Jackson library provided Genearle and Tom with a constant flow of reading material in their home; Genearle preferred nonfiction, especially biographies. Their love of reading and learning was imparted to their children and grandchildren, who they encouraged toward higher education.

Genearle attended First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson and belonged to the Lake Jackson Garden Club. Genearle was an avid tennis player, a music lover, and was appreciated for her gardening and exceptional culinary skills.

Genearle was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mitchell Hughes; her parents, Paul and Melva Lotspeich; and her sister, Mary Julia Stovall.

Genearle is survived by her brothers, William (Sue) Lotspeich of North Augusta, S.C., and Lacewell (Martha) Lotspeich of Dallas; children, Sherida (Mike) Carpenter of Katy and Christine (Marc) Mahaffey of Bastrop, Texas; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony at Restwood Funeral Home. If friends or family are moved to make a charitable contribution to honor her life, the family suggests the Alzheimer’s Association.

Restwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Clute, Texas

From the greatest generation, Charles Theodore Lueckenhoff (Luke), 96, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Amelia Island on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.

Born in Jefferson City, Mo., he was the second youngest and last living of six children born to the late George Joseph and Mathilda R. Schulte Lueckenhoff. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jessie, with whom he enjoyed 52 years of marriage before her death in 1999.

He grew up in Jefferson City, where he graduated from St. Peter’s High School before being drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served on active duty in the European Theater, where he rose to the rank of chief master sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged in the late 1940s, he assumed the civilian position in procurement at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. He rose to be the deputy chief of procurement (GS-16) before he retired in 1987.

Luke was a faithful servant at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins since 1950. He dedicated himself in innumerable ways both large and small, which contributed to the development and loving spirit of the parish. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, where he cherished his dear friendships. 

Affectionately known by his family as “Dida,” he was a gentle man with the spirit of a servant, always being more concerned about the well-being of others before his own. In his retired years, he enjoyed bird-watching, airplanes (he could tell you what each contrail meant), working the crossword puzzles in The New York Times, gardening with his grandchildren and fishing.

During his stay on Amelia Island, he cherished his YMCA friends. He exercised three days a week. They had become his extended family who added great joy to his life and contributed greatly to his well-being.

Luke was the cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather of the family he loved. He leaves behind his twin daughters, Carla R. Hartrich and her husband, John, of Fernandina Beach, Antonia “Toni” Zinn and her husband, David, of Anniston, Ala.; nine adoring grandchildren, David Zinn, Andrew C. Zinn (Beth Hill Zinn), Mora Zinn Carlson (James), John Paul Zinn, Michael Zinn, Dominique Zinn, Jennifer Hartrich Schriver, Christie Hartrich Bronstein (Michael) and Julie Hartrich Herbig (James C. Herbig Jr.); 14 precious great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Nina Kern.

Luke will be remembered as a gentle servant, a quiet presence, who filled the room with wisdom.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Thursday, Dec. 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warner Robins, with the Rev. Father Fred Nijem, celebrant.

His family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Patricia Garner Piper was born May 8, 1931, and died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Donald Hugh Piper.

Pat loved to sew, quilt and garden, and was an awesome cook. Her buttermilk biscuits and pear relish were legend. She loved to square dance and took riding lessons, but because she didn't like riding horses and wanted to keep up with Don, she then learned to drive a buggy instead.  She played the piano and loved to get everyone singing. One of her favorites was to assign a line from “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to everyone who showed up for Christmas dinner to sing their “solo” part! She started work at Blue Cross Blue Shield after graduation from high school, in Jacksonville, married her high school sweetheart, moved to Fernandina, worked at Hardee Bros. hardware store, then raised her family. She was a Girl Scout leader and kept all the kids and their friends and neighborhood kids busy with activities when they showed up. She loved her volunteer work at the local state parks, River Rise, O’Leno and Dudley Farms, and once made the curtains for the director’s office at Fort Clinch.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of High Springs, Fla., and had been a member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach and Yulee Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, predeceasing her were her parents, Charlotte Ward and William “Pete” Jabez Garner; a brother, William (Billy) Jabez Garner Jr., and a sister, Frances Garner Grant.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Piper of Fernandina Beach and Cynthia Piper Evers of Fort White; a son, Lawrence (Carol) Piper of Jacksonville; brothers, Jim Garner and Richard Garner; five grandkids; eight great-grandkids; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Haven Hospice, Chiefland (Fla.) Branch; Ayers Health & Rehabilitation Center of Trenton, Fla.; or First Baptist Church of High Springs.

Services will be held at Evans Carter Funeral Home Chapel in High Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.

A graveside service will be held at Luxomni Baptist Church Cemetery in Lilburn, Ga., on Friday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. Graveside arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home, Lilburn.

Evans Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Judith Ellen Fiege Tinsley, 76, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach after an extended illness.

Born April 3, 1940, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., Judy moved to Fernandina Beach with her family in 1948.

Judy attended Fernandina Beach High School, where she played the clarinet with the award-winning Fernandina High School band under the direction of Jonathan Hill. She graduated with the Class of 1959.

Judy enjoyed being a homemaker and loved surf fishing and days spent visiting and traveling with her many special friends, playing bingo and attending area social events.

In 1983, Judy survived a brain aneurysm that changed the her life forever. After a long recovery, she thrived and still enjoyed getting out and spending time with friends and family.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jacob Fiege and Juanita Lescallette Fiege; a brother, Robert O. Fiege Sr.; special sister-in-law, Betty Beckham Fiege; and a niece, Mandy Stover.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Lynn Tinsley, Sally Ann Taylor and Albert Lee Tinsley Jr. (Bernadette Talmo), all of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Emma Lee (Larrie) Wright, of Fernandina Beach; grandchildren, Stephen Taylor (Mandy) of St. Marys and Ashley “Sissy” Lyle (Brent) of Fernandina Beach; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Nathan Taylor and Kadence; and nephews, Robert, Terry and Phillip Fiege of Fernandina Beach, and Lance Stover (Misty) of North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:15 a.m., at Eternity Funeral Home, 96092 Victoria’s Place, Yulee, with the Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation and love to the many caregivers and the staff and “family” of Quality Health and other local organizations for the years of loving and professional care provided to Judy.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Daryl A. Hersey Sr., 66, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. No local services are planned.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joseph Maurice Sprague, 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. A memorial service was held Monday evening, Dec. 12, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mrs. Jean Gemmill Hanna, 91, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Born on Dec. 29, 1924, in Richmond, Va., Jean was the daughter of the late Arthur Vernon and Fern Choisser Gemmill. After living in many different places, in 1952 she married Winford Howard Hanna and moved to Fernandina Beach, where she lived the rest of her life. In 1996, her husband, Howard, passed away.

Jean was a longtime member of Memorial United Methodist Church, the Magnolia Garden Club, the Pool Dancers and the Gen. Duncan Lamont  Clinch Historical Society. She enjoyed her worldwide travels and playing bridge and mah-jongg.

Jean is survived by her three children, Kay Stephens of Fernandina Beach, husband Calvin and daughters Kayla and Hanna; Virginia Broome of Williamsburg, Va., husband Chris and daughter Abby; and Carol Piper of Jacksonville, husband Lawrence, his daughter Ashley Piper Taylor and her three children Burgandy, Salem and Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, in Maxwell Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Beth Foglemiller officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in Maxwell Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor her life may be made to the Memorial United Methodist Church (MUMC) Building Fund, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of his own mind. - By Kahlil Gibran

Rychard S. Cook II, called home by our Lord on July 19, 2016, was the youngest of three siblings. His life was shared by older sisters who preceded him in death: Dr. Nettie Cook- Dove (Joshua Jr.) and Laura Lee Cook. The three were reared by his mother's oldest sister, the late Ms. Annie M. Cook, an elementary school teacher and strict disciplinarian to whom good manners were imperative.

A native Fernandinian, Rychard grew up in the Sunday School of First Missionary Baptist church and received his early secular education at Peck High School, where as a student he entered and won a song writing contest that gave Peck High its Alma Mater. In 1951, along with his classmate Mrs. Vernita Johnson Holmes, he graduated as Co-Valedictorian. He received a four year scholarship from the state of Florida and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1955, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and in 1963, he earned a Master of Arts degree in School Librarianship at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Mr. Cook’s stellar career in the educational field was inspired by three outstanding individuals, all now deceased: Mrs. Mamie T. Jordan (music), Mrs. Edythe J. Thurston (communication skills), and Mrs. Dorothy Sanford Love (librarian extraordinaire). For his life’s work, Rychard chose librarianship as a profession and music as his avocation.

Mr. Cook began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School as a substitute teacher. After two weeks, he became a full time teacher at Milner-Rosen Wald Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida. As a Miami-Dade County public school employee, Mr. Cook has taught at West Homestead Elementary-Junior High School, Dunbar Elementary, Miami Northwestern Senior High, Coral Park Senior High, Miami Jackson High, Horace Mann Middle, Holmes and Westview elementary schools. Mr. Cook retired from Westview Elementary as a Media Specialist on June 18, 1999, after spending 42 years of dedicated service in Florida's public schools. An avid reader, Mr. Cook spent hours reading mystery novels and researching African-American history and culture. He was a devoted Toni Morrison fan. He encouraged many African Americans to learn more about their roots, during his serious study of Black History. In 1967, he founded the Afro-Americans, a readers’ theatre group that included his childhood friend Dessie Horne Williams, and which promoted the study of Black History and Culture through its prose, poetry, and song.

Mr. Cook was a life member of the Zora Neale Hurston Society, and was affiliated with the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, The Theodore R. Gibson Oratorical and Declamation Contest, The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., William J. Faulkner's Friends of Folklore, The American Library Association, and Dade County Media Specialist Association. Those organizations provided Mr. Cook with many excellent opportunities for the rendering of community service, an activity to which he brought serious and steadfast commitment.

Mr. Cook's extensive travels took him to such places as West Africa, England, Germany, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, The Caribbean, France, and Italy. From his travels, he gained a variety of diverse cultural experiences, which he generously shared with family, friends, students, churches, colleges, and universities.

In addition to being an enthusiastic collector of Black Art, first edition books, and collector plates, Mr. Cook was the recipient of a variety of awards including: 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, from Holmes Elementary School; Eighth Annual Sistrunk Historical Festival Award, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1995; Florida International University Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service; and Eighth Annual Theodore R. Gibson Project Award, 1986

Mr. Cook completed 26 years of service as a librarian at Florida National University. His life ambition was to complete his writings on the life and works of Zora Neal Hurston.

Until his demise, Mr. Cook received loving and around- the- clock care in the Orlando home of his son Dave Thompson and wife Elizabeth .Their sons Kristian and David loved their Grandfather dearly and spent many happy hours listening to his wonderful stories and receiving the benefit of his wise counsel.

Mr. Cook leaves to mourn his passing: His Son Dave (Elizabeth) Thompson of Orlando Florida. Grandchildren: Kristian Thompson of Miami Florida and David Thompson of Orlando Florida. Special friend who shared the same passion of wanting to help youth reach their fullest potential: Dessie Horne Williams of Miami Florida. Nephews: Joshua Kenneth Dove III.  & Richard Holland. Nieces: Beverly Dove (Leo) Ross, of Richmond, VA and .Ingrid Bernadette Dove of Atlanta Georgia. Grand Niece: Joy Nicole Ross. Grand Nephew: Raymond Williams and Joshua Kenneth (Angelique) Dove VI. Cousin: Yvonne Fisher. Goddaughters: Rosemarie Crocker, Almeta Birch & L. Ann Cumbie-Patterson (Lester). Godsons: Robert Battle of New York, Evan MacArthur of Japan and Petty officer Aston Cumbie Farquharson of Honolulu, Hawaii. Extended Family members: Joe &Eula Johnson, Earl Robinson, Ron Henry, Roy Moultry, Veronica Wellington, Charles (Bridgette) MacArthur, Bernice Horne Edgecombe-Tel-Saint (Amelius). And many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be sorely missed.  

Memorial services will be held at, The First Missionary Baptist Church on Friday August 5 2016 at 6:00pm.22 South 9th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Nassau County Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the Rychard-Lottie-Annie Cook Scholarship. Address: P.O. Box 16382, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Karen J. Leigh, 69, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Robert D. "Bob" Nutter, 69, passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. Funeral information will soon be announced.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. James Luther Anderson, affectionately known as “Jimmy,” “Andy,” “Duck” and “Uncle Jimmy James,” 75, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Monday morning, Dec. 19, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Fernandina, he was one of four children born to a local shrimper, the late Alvin Luther Anderson, and Mary Louise Branch. Mr. Anderson graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and in 1959, at the age of 18, began a 42-year career in the pulp industry. In 1966, he met and married Gwendolyn Jane Brewer. In 1968, the Andersons made their new home in the Five Points area of Fernandina.Mr. Anderson worked in the Power House for Container Corporation of America, which was acquired by the Jefferson Smurfit Corp. before his retirement in 2001. After retiring, he became a full-time grandpa. Each morning, he took his grandchildren to breakfast at Ms. Carolyn’s, Doo Wop Diner or some other local restaurant, picked them up after school and, oftentimes, he and their grandma had their evening meal awaiting them at their house. His wife passed away in 2013.

In his early years of living in Fernandina, he was fond of racing on the beach and doing what teenage boys do. In later years, he enjoyed monitoring the stock market, watching world news and tracing his family’s genealogy.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, he was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Anderson, who passed away in 2015.

Mr. Anderson leaves behind two sons, Kenneth Dale Anderson of Yulee and Phillip N. Anderson and his wife, Angie, of Ringgold, Ga.; a daughter, Jodi Anderson Collins and her husband, Mark, of Yulee; his mother-in-law, Elois Harper of Fernandina Beach; two sisters, Eva Key (Gerald) and Jackie Hughes (Wyman), both of St. Augustine; six grandchildren, Tiffany N. West, J. Caleb Anderson, Jacob W. Anderson, Brady Morris, Jamie Morris and Ryleigh Jo Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with his son, the Rev. Phillip Anderson, officiating.

Mr. Anderson will be laid to rest beside his wife in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home from noon until the hour of service.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ms. Margaret Cook Kidd entered peacefully into rest on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Jacksonville. Marge, as she was affectionately known, was born March 12, 1927, in Montgomery, Ala., to William Edward “Teet” Cook and Sara Haskell Cook of Prattville, Ala.

Marge was a resident in the Prattville/Montgomery area for most of her life and spent the last five years in the Villas of Osprey Village. She accepted Christ and was baptized in the Baptist church. She faithfully served her country as a civil servant at Maxwell Air Force Base for more than 30 years before retiring to Amelia Island. She will be remembered for the generosity and love she had for her family, and especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband, Earl Eugene Gray; son, Douglas Earl Gray; and husband, Elbert Lewis Kidd.

She is survived by her children, Sue and Gary Ragan of Amelia Island, Ben and Sherry Gray of Frederick, Md., Ron and Loretta Kidd of Columbus, Ohio, Fran and Bruce Weaver of Bend, Ore., and Elberta Kidd. She is also survived by more than a hundred extended family members.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Prattville Memorial Chapel and Memory Gardens, followed by funeral services at noon. Pallbearers will be Gary Ragan, Ron Kidd, Davy Fisher, William Gray, Jessie Cook, Brian Weaver, Bruce Weaver and Billy Cook.

Bernice Elizabeth Henderson Walker, the daughter of the late Oliver and Eloise Henderson, was born on Feb. 25, 1930, in Crandall, Fla. She transitioned from this life on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at Northeast Florida Community Hospice just three months after her sister Gladys Henry.

Bernice was an active and faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church in Yulee under the leadership of Bishop Rufus Walker.

Bernice leaves to cherish her memories her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Phoebe Walker; her five grandsons, Terrance, Travon, Demetris, Terry Jr. (TJ) and Terrell (TY); two brothers and two sisters, James, Rudolph, Pearlie and Mary (Salathiel); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 85834 Miner Road, Yulee. The late Mrs. Walker rested at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for visitation of friends Tuesday evening, Dec. 20, and will be in the church again on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.  Interment will be in O’Neal Cemetery by Marion Graham Mortuaries, 1504 Gandy St., Jacksonville, 765-0310.

Marion Graham Mortuaries, Jacksonville

Richard Masters, 80, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joy Mixon, 68, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Durkin Mullen, 87, of Osprey Village, passed away on Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Hugh Miller Rawls III, 52, of Jacksonville, passed away on Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Robert “Bob” Stam, son of Jesse and Vivian Stam, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at the age of 74.

Born in Boston, Bob stood as a man of duty, respect and honor, but never more than bathing the world in his wit, charm and generosity. A gregarious man in nature, he tirelessly offered his time and efforts to those around him — no cause was too minute, no soul was too small. Vocationally, Bob worked for Proctor and Gamble, Diamond Shamrock, and as a certified public accountant for Courson and Stam LLC in Fernandina Beach.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandy; his sons, Geoffrey and his wife, Monica, Bryan and his wife, Kelley, and Steven and his wife, Adriana; his grandchildren, Brandon, Kristopher, Ethan and Sofie; and his brother, Jim.

Memorial services were held Thursday, Dec. 22, in the chapel at the Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Please sign the online guestbook at www.pontevedravalley.com.

Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home

Barney Strickland Jr. was born Dec. 15, 1944, in Mobile, Ala. He passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Mr. Strickland was the son of Barney Warren Strickland and Ava Strickland. He was a trucking company dispatcher for Ohio Freight. After retiring in 1992, he moved to Yulee.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, James Strickland, who died Aug. 23, 2008; and niece, Jamie Strickland, who died April 6, 2001.

Mr. Strickland leaves behind his sisters, Sherry Merola of Texas and Faye Litchfield of Yulee; brother-in-law, Harvey Litchfield of Yulee; sister-in-law, Theresa Cook of Jacksonville; and nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Merola (Susie) of Texas, Brian Parrish (Jennifer) of Yulee, Jason Parrish (Mindy) of Yulee, Heather Strickland of Jacksonville and Matt Strickland of Jacksonville.

Services will be private. He will be laid to rest at Hughes Cemetery in Yulee, and burial will be private.

Eternity Funeral Homes and Crematory – Nassau

Stacey Maxwell Galphin, 57, of Clarksville, Tenn., passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Tennova Healthcare.

Stacey was born March 8, 1959, in Simpsonville, S.C., to the late Smith Lewis Maxwell and Margie Bell Brazell Maxwell. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Ivy Faye Cook.

Mrs. Galphin was a member of First United Methodist Church in Clarksville. She was the chaplain for the Gideons Auxiliary and the Clarksville South Gideon Group.

Stacey is survived by her husband, Rick Galphin; daughter, Angela Ashley; two brothers, Danny Maxwell and Randy Maxwell; and one grandchild, Owen Ashley.

Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, Dec. 29, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with her cousin, Lillian W. Galphin, officiating.

Her family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday and at a reception that will immediately follow at Oxley-Heard.

Mrs. Galphin will be laid to rest in the Galphin lot of Bosque Bello Cemetery following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN 37214; First United Methodist Church, 909 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37040; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37220.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Shirley Ann Lombard, 71, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 23, 2016, at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach.

Born in Nashua, N.H., she was the eldest of five children born to the late Roger Albert Morin and Rita May Hill. She grew up in Nashua and, in 1970, married Raymond Richard Lombard. The Lombards came to Fernandina Beach in 1993.

Mrs. Lombard enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening, and interior decorating. She was an accomplished acrylic paint artist. Above all, she was accomplished at being a wife and mother.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Morin.

Mrs. Lombard leaves behind her husband of 46 years, Raymond R. Lombard of Fernandina Beach; their son, Mark A. Lombard of Fernandina Beach; their two daughters, Lori Lee Lombard and Leah Marie Lombard, both of Jacksonville; three sisters, Kathy Wolford of North Augusta, S.C., Carol Cauture of Hudson, N.H., and Marilyn Faye of Greenville, N.H.; three grandchildren, Justin Buxton, Jason Lombard and Daren Lombard; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Richard S. Masters passed away Thursday morning, Dec. 22, 2016. Richard was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School and the University of Florida. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he was employed as a chemical engineer in Fernandina Beach. He married Suzanne Hall at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina on Oct. 27, 1962. He was reminded at his 80th birthday party that it was the best decision he ever made, and he wholeheartedly agreed. In 1967 they moved to Paris, Tenn., with their two daughters, Stephanie and Shannon, and lived there nine years before moving to Chicago in 1976. While in Chicago, he owned and operated Chicago Manifold, a rubber roller manufacturing business. In addition to working hard, Richard was a man who loved spending time with family on the beach in Fernandina. He enjoyed hiking, biking and snow skiing adventures with family and friends. He also enjoyed planning trips and traveling with his wife, Suzanne. Richard liked to enjoy the beach with his family and was most happy when he could boogie board, play bocce ball, walk or bike on the beach.

Richard was a generous man who wanted to make his own impact on the world. He traveled to Haiti, where he worked to improve drinking water. Additionally, in Ethiopia, he helped build schools. He was an active parish member at St. Michael Catholic Church.

He is survived by his brother, George; his wife, Suzanne; cousin, Bill Krechowski; two daughters, Stephanie Corbett and Shannon Straughn; and four grandchildren, Ian and Owen Corbett, and Sarah and Megan Straughn. He will be dearly missed by family and friends who knew and loved him.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday morning, Dec. 27, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Richard Perko, celebrant. His family received family and friends at Oxley-Heard Tuesday morning before the service.

Richard Masters was laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors