Archer-Milton Funeral Home

04/27/2026

04/24/2026

Many families include funeral readings to personalize a loved one's funeral service, but what passages should you choose? If you'd like a little help, check out this list of 10 literary readings to consider!

Literary readings can add personalization and dimension to any funeral or memorial service. Check out this list of options to consider!

04/24/2026

Jeff Shadd, a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away on April 21, 2026, at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, following a brief illness. He was born on November 14, 1958, in Lake Butler, to Leslie Shadd and Carolyn Peeples Jarrard.

Jeff graduated from West Orange High School and after moving back to Lake Butler, dedicated the last 20 years of his working life to Shadd Deer Farm, where he served as manager and overseer. His love for the outdoors was well known—he was an avid Florida Gators fan who enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching Western movies. He spent many happy hours coaching his boys in football and baseball when they were growing up but more than anything he just enjoyed spending time with his 2 sons and 4 granddaughters, they were his pride and joy.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Marsha Sanders Shadd, who stood by his side through thick and thin. Jeff was a proud father to his sons, Josh Shadd and Daland Shadd (married to Erika Larkin Shadd). He was a proud Papa to his granddaughters: Teirney, Ava, Maci, and Scarlett, who brought him much joy.

Also surviving Jeff are his father, Leslie Shadd; his sisters Bonnie Smith, Lori Archer with her husband Harold, and Becky Lee with her husband Eddie; as well as his sister-in-law Candace Wise and her husband Donald; and his aunt Eldise Bloodsworth and her husband Quentin. Jeff leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will fondly remember their uncle.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Peeples Jarrard; his brothers, Mitchell and Darrell Shadd; and his grandparents, David and Mae Shadd and Daniel and Lorena Peeples.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Family and friends of Jeff are invited to come share stories and pay their respects as we remember a great man who was dependable, steady, kind, and deeply connected to the land and the family he loved.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! The first official Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, which makes this our nation's 56th annual celebration of the day. Is there anything you do to cut down on waste and protect our planet?

04/22/2026

Betty Dicks Bagley, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Haines City, Florida, after an extended illness. Born on September 20, 1938, in Lulu, Florida, Betty’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished most.

From her earliest days in Lulu, Betty’s warm and outgoing spirit endeared her to all who knew her. She graduated from high school and embraced the roles of devoted wife and mother with grace and commitment. The late 1980s brought a profound change when her husband, Louis Bagley, passed away. Betty faced this challenge with courage and determination. She returned to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), dedicating several years to caring for others with the same compassion she showed her own family.

Betty’s heart was as colorful as the paintings she created and as intricate as the crochet works she lovingly crafted. Her faith and active involvement in church activities, especially as a member of the Relief Society, reflected her deep-rooted faith and her desire to serve and uplift those around her. But above all, Betty treasured her role within her family—being a wife, mother, and grandmother was where her deepest joy resided.

She is survived by her loving children, Joyce Graham and David Bagley, who is married to Brenda; her brother Frank Bagley; and several generations who carried forward her legacy of love and kindness. Among her grandchildren are Justin, Lyle (married to Tiffany), and Lindsey (married to Lance), who were blessed to experience her embrace and guidance. Her great-grandchildren, Cami, Carter, Cash, Kipton, Keaton and Charlee, reflect the bright and joyful future she helped nurture.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Ethel Dicks, her beloved husband, Louis Bagley; brother, Frank Dicks; her son, Denny Bagley, and granddaughter, Carly.

A visitation will be held on April 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 14970 W State Rd 238, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Following the visitation, a funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM at the same location. Betty will be laid to rest immediately following the service beside her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Betty's name to the LDS Missionary Fund.

04/21/2026

Every detail matters - from greeting you with kindness and compassion to delivering a meaningful, personalized service. We understand the value of family, and from the first moment, every family is treated like one of our own. We give each person our full commitment, our best efforts, and the most compassionate service available. Visit www.archerfuneralhome.com/why-choose-us today to learn more!

04/18/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Gibson on April 13, 2026, in the comfort of her home. Linda was born on April 12, 1956, in Starke, FL to Oscar and Mary Gibson. She grew up in Macclenny until she was 14 when she moved to Lake Butler and has been a resident of Union County for 56 years.

Linda is survived by her three daughters: Tina Anderson, Kimberly Bryant, and Raylynn Reed; as well as her eight grandchildren: Jonathan Anderson, Tiara Anderson, Charles Anderson, Jordan Bryant, Kinzlee Bryant, Conner Reed, Colton Reed, and Raylie Reed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Mary Gibson, and her brother, Billy.

Linda worked at the Circle K, where she was always ready with kind words of encouragement for customers in need, yet quick to reprimand those she felt required it. The vast majority of people in town saw her as a second mother; some considered her a sister, but nearly everyone viewed her as a friend. Linda touched more lives than she realized, and her absence will leave a hole in the hearts of many.

A visitation will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Friends are encouraged to come, pay their respects, and share stories of how Linda impacted their lives.

Linda’s cremation is entrusted to the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, who is honored to serve her family. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

04/18/2026

Joseph McGarity Perry, 22 September 1936 – 5 April 2026

Joe was born in his Grandparents' house in Marietta, Georgia. After completing secondary school and ROTC training in Atlanta, he served in the Army Reserves. In 1958 he completed a bachelor’s degree in German Language and Literature at Emory University. He continued on to Georgia State University, where he completed an MBA in 1961. From Georgia State, he went on to Northwestern University where he completed a Master of Arts degree in Economics in 1964, and his Ph. D. degree in Economics in 1966.

He joined the Economics faculty at the University of Florida, in Gainesville, first as Assistant Professor of Economics, and then as Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Economics. He served at the University of Florida until 1971 when he joined the newly organized University of North Florida in Jacksonville as Associate Professor of Economics and Chair of the Department of Economics and Geography. He chaired the Department of Economics and Geography at UNF on two separate occasions for a total of 25 years and, at one time or another, directed three of the university’s teaching and research centers. He retired from active teaching at UNF in May 2002.

In addition to teaching, Joe was a consultant to over 100 regional and national law firms in matters involving personal injury, wrongful death, bankruptcy, business firm valuation, marriage dissolution, and Workers' Compensation. His expertise helped many people through crises.

During retirement he enjoyed photography, reading, and genealogy. Every possible weekend was spent in Lake Butler, Florida at the family farm.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Rubye McGarity Perry and William Herschal Perry; brother, Charles Perry; and granddaughter, Anna Overton.

Joe is survived by his wife, Ethelia Crews Perry; daughters, Linda Perry (Cameron Davidson) and Laura Perry (Ray Mathis); his granddaughter, Heather Mathis; brothers, Earl and Dan; and sisters, Rubye Ann Adkisson and Connie Campbell.

Joe will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend. He taught us so much.

A private ceremony will be held for family members. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Haven Hospice of Florida, https://havenhospice.com/donate

04/17/2026

If you are a veteran, then you may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery - free of charge! Check out this list of national cemeteries across the United States and then chat with a funeral director about your options and how to plan ahead for your funeral wishes as a veteran.

Are you interested in burial or inurnment at a national cemetery? Check out this list of national cemeteries and find one to fit your needs.

04/16/2026

While many people think of cremation just as a quick, efficient option, you can still receive high-quality, caring service with cremation!

At Archer-Milton Funeral Home, our compassionate staff members will listen to your needs and help you create a cremation plan that works for your family. Learn more about our services by visiting www.archerfuneralhome.com/cremation-services.

04/14/2026

Today is all about celebrating the art of gardening! If you were to design a garden, what would it look like?