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Obituaries 9/21/17


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Francis (Frank) Joseph Houle, Sr.
Francis (Frank) Joseph Houle, Sr. ATCS, Ret, passed away peacefully on Sept 15, 2017. Born in Syracuse, NY he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served for 20 years. He was employed by PicNSave for nearly 20 years and with Bennett’s Business Systems for many years before serving his community full time. He was an active Ambassador with the Clay Chamber of Commerce, a longtime member of Toastmasters Int’l and the Lions Club. He leaves behind by his loving wife Shirley Burks Houle of 64 years, his children, Barbara Houle Reyna, Elizabeth Houle, Joe Houle (Cheryl) and Karen Houle Rosepiler (John), 5 grandchildren, Robert Reyna, Lindsy Houle Schorck, Aaron Houle, Kristen Rosepiler Romano, and Jacob Rosepiler, 4 great grandchildren, and a large extended family.
Funeral was held at Jacksonville Memory Garden on Tuesday, Sept 19. Visitation was on Monday, Sept 18.
Arrangements under the care of Jacksonville Memory Gardens 111 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073

Opal Lorene Asher Lewis
Our dear Opal Lorene Asher Lewis, lovingly known as ‘Mema’ by family and friends, finished her long and precious life with us on September 13, 2017. Good health and happiness were hers until very recently. Last month, she and her husband, Delmar Henry Lewis, celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary gathered with family at the Taylor Care Center in Jacksonville, FL.
Opal was born in Elvins, MO in 1922, the oldest daughter of Albert Leo Asher and Edith Matilda Dunn Asher. She met Delmar in school in Annapolis, MO, and they were married in 1941. While Delmar served his country as a US Marine during WWII, Opal helped the war effort, too. She worked at Standard Parachute and later at Ryan Aircraft as a riveter in San Diego, CA, where their son, Delmar Leon was born. Following the war, the family moved to St. Louis, MO where their daughter Sharon was born. After a few years of civilian life, Delmar joined the US Army. This resulted in many interesting moves. One of the more unusual tours was living for two years in Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa. While there, Opal was thrilled but terrified to be chosen queen of the military ball. That honor came with opening the ball’s first dance with the base commander. Opal didn’t know how to dance! But with her typical can-do spirit, the Opal we know and love completed it with bravado and smiles. This tour also provided the opportunity for Opal to travel to Jerusalem, an experience that she treasured. The family also did two tours at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA, where Opal worked at Sears in the credit department.
Winter ice and snows in Northern Virginia motivated Opal to move the family to Jacksonville, FL in the early 1960s and she transferred to Sears downtown on Bay Street. When she and Delmar both retired, they bought a ceramic shop as a creative outlet and a business venture. Family members still treasure the ceramics they made. Opal loved holidays, especially Christmas. She collected Santa Claus decorations and made many beautiful ornaments. Opal and Delmar bought five acres south of Green Cove Springs, cleared the land and made their home there. Now Opal had space for twenty-two decorated Christmas trees, both indoors and outdoors, of various sizes and enjoyed continuing her tradition of large gatherings of family and friends. She was offered an ideal job at NAS Jax passing out LadyCom military coupon magazines at the Commissary. Over those 23 years, her smile and kind words endeared her to many shoppers. Opal liked to garden, growing vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants. She made delicious blueberry cobblers from their own berries. Opal was a member of Women’s Club of Green Cove Springs and of the Clay County Historical Society. She also volunteered at the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs and the Clay County Historical Museum. Opal loved participating in the Clay County Fair, making old-fashioned lye soap which she cut into small bars to give to the fair’s visitors. She loved all things Irish and Scottish, especially the annual Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games at the Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs. Opal was a happy, loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by parents Edith and Leo, brother Leo Junior and sisters Wilma Dale and Mary Lou. She is survived by her husband, Delmar; son, Del Lewis (Pat); daughter, Sharon Woodill (Ken); grandchildren Michelle Black, Monica Lewis, Scott Woodill and Kendra Sorensen; great grandchildren Alexander, Sophie and Trevor Black; Jonas Woodill; Ellie, Hannah and Rose Sorensen; her sister, Gloria Jean Asher Grayum (Richard) and many wonderful nieces and nephews. We will continue Opal’s tradition of gathering family and friends by celebrating her life with a family dinner to share memories, laughter, tears, tales, and hugs.

Robert Lewis “Bob” Ratliff
Robert Lewis “Bob” Ratliff, 70 of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at his residence. Bob was born in Union City, Tennessee to the late Lloyd E. and Louise Ratliff and moved to Clay County in 1983 from Michigan. He retired from the Department of Defense in 1980, worked with a few local HVAC companies and retired again from Penney Retirement Community. Bob enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and spending time with family and his grandchildren Robert Kyle, Chris and Brian.Mr. Ratliff is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte Louise Ratliff, two daughters, Shanon Ratliff and Deidre (Frank) Knott, two sisters, Linda Jean Coday and Wilma Kaye Fowler and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 23, 2017 in the Chapel of Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to: Green Cove Springs Church of Christ @ 3650 Russell Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

Lewis Drew Wingard
Lewis Drew Wingard, 82, of Orange Park, FL, passed away September 12, 2017
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000
James Frederick Dougherty
James Frederick Dougherty, 73, of Middleburg, FL passed away September 6, 2017.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Linda Harrod Mathis
Linda Harrod Mathis, 56, of St. Augustine, FL passed away September 5, 2017.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Lawrence H. Pickett, Jr.
Lawrence H. Pickett, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 264-1233.

William T. Korn
William T. Korn passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 264-1233.

Sedley V. McKay
Sedley V. McKay passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 264-1233.

Charles A. Crist, Sr.
Charles A. Crist, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 264-1233.

Reuben Pratt
Reuben Pratt passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 264-1233.

Jesse Lee James Robinson
Jesse Lee James Robinson, 37 of Jacksonville, FL passed away September 7, 2017
Russell Haven of Rest
Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 2335 Sandridge Road
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
904-284-7720 www.RHRFH.com

Dixie Lee Likens
Dixie Lee Likens, 80, of Middleburg, FL, passed away September 11, 2017
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Marty Justus
Marty Justus, 53, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away September 12, 2017
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Brown
MSG Ernest “Ernie” Brown, USMC (Ret.) 80, of Orange Park, FL passed away September 15, 2017
Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery,
Funeral Home and Cremation Center 2335 Sandridge Road Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 904-284-7720
www.RHRFH.com

Sandra J. Sepuch
Sandra J. Sepuch, 75, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away September 17, 2017
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

William T. Korn

William T. Korn passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Mary A. Rowling

Mary A. Rowling passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Albert C. Newell

Albert C. Newell passed away on September 9, 2017 in Middleburg, FL. He was born on April 20, 1948 in Buffalo, NY to the late Sanford F. Newell and Esther A. Carpenter. Preceding Albert in death are his parents, brother, Clarence Newell and sisters, Grace Best and Ruby McElheny. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Chrisann;  daughters, Melissa Carter (Cleve) and Tanya Margarone; grandchildren, Evan and Zachary Carter and Payton and Taylor Margarone and sisters, Arlene Lavrey, Frances Owens, Marie Cox, Mary Hargrave and Virginia Guilbeau.

Al’s joys in life were family, NASCAR, golfing, and fishing. He retired from the US Navy after 28 years and continued working 15 more years as a school bus driver for SJCDS before retiring again in 2016.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Albert C. Newell to Patient Assistance Foundation – Cancer Specialists of North Florida, 7015 AC Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or at www.pafcsnf.org
A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Country Day School, 3100 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park, FL 32073. A graveside service with honors will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-1233 is serving the family.

Donald A.  Shamblin

Donald A.  Shamblin passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Clarence E. Caldwell

Clarence E. Caldwell passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2017.  Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Sharon Corr

Sharon Corr passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Donald H. McKernan

Donald H. McKernan passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Ada M. Koster

Ada M. Koster passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

James L. Tucker

James L. Tucker passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

Clarence “Cap” Primeau

Clarence “Cap” Primeau, 80, of Orange Park, FL passed away September 17, 2017.

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com

BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Charles Justin Albert

Charles Justin Albert, 80 of Fleming Island, FL passed away September 16, 2017 Russell Haven of Rest
Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 2335 Sandridge Road Green Cove Springs, FL  32043
904-284-7720
www.RHRFH.com

Forest H. Jimmison

Forest H. Jimmison, Sr., 68, of Middleburg, FL, passed away September 18, 2017
BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

James “Jim” Tucker
James “Jim” Tucker, 74 of Orange Park, Fl, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2017.
He was born in Flushing, New York and was predeceased by his father Craig and mother, Jean. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Jim retired from computer operations in banking. He was an avid Gator, Jag and Nascar fan. He enjoyed camping, boating and fishing with family and friends.
 
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; son Jimmy (Elizabeth); daughter, Melissa (Steven); adored grandchildren, Annabelle and Conner; brother, Craig (Jan); best friend, Jack (Maureen) Schnitzius and numerious nieces nephews, family and friends.
 
A celebration of life will be held on September 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. following the visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Hellen Ettinger Heyer

Hellen Ettinger Heyer, 48 of Fleming Island, Fl.
passed away September 16, 2017

Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 2335 Sandridge Road

Green Cove Springs, FL  32043
904-284-7720

Albert Charles Newell
Albert Charles Newell passed away on September 9, 2017 in Middleburg, FL. He was born on April 20, 1948 in Buffalo, N.Y. to the late Sanford E. Newell and Esther A. Carpenter.
Albert retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 28 years, was a lifetime member of the VFW and was a school bus driver for St John’s Country Day School for 15 years. He attended Lake City Community College and studied turf management and he enjoyed NASCAR, golf and fishing.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence Newell; and sisters, Grace Best and Ruby McElheny.
Albert is survived by his loving wife, Chrisann Newell; daughters, Melissa (Cleve) Carter and Tanya Margarone; grandchildren, Evan and Zachary Carter and Payton and Taylor Margarone; sisters, Arlene Lavrey, Frances Owens, Marie Cox, Mary Hargrove and Virginia Guilbeau; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Albert C. Newell to PAF-CSNF, 7015 AC Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or at pafcsnf.org.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at St John’s Country Day School, 3100 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park, FL 32073. A graveside service with honors will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. (904) 264-1233 is serving the family.