Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Crematory

02/12/2026

Earl J. "Rusty" North

Earl J. North, Jr., known to most as Rusty, passed away peacefully at his home in Ellenton, Florida, on February 6, 2026, at the age of 72 with daughter Melanie and son in law Brad by his side. Rusty was born and raised in Lake City, Florida, and though he proudly spent his entire life calling Florida home, his career took him traveling extensively throughout the United States. He built a life full of stories, experiences, and friendships along the way—many of which he loved retelling with his signature humor and quick wit.

He worked for many years as a Project Superintendent with Haskell in Jacksonville, Florida, a role he remained deeply committed to until his illness in 2021. Rusty was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and the respect he earned from colleagues across the country. Rusty had a lifelong love for the water. He especially enjoyed power boating, water skiing, scuba diving, and cherished his annual trips to the Florida Keys, where he felt most at peace. Above all, he was a funny, engaging storyteller who could captivate a room and leave people smiling long after the story ended.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Melanie North Fasold, son-in-law, Brad Fasold, his siblings Debbie (Renny) Eadie, Nancy Smith, Tim & Monica North, and Kim North, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him. He was formerly married to Kathryn Boyette Clayton and remained close with Virginia Boyette.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Earl J. North, Sr., known as Buck, and Betty Christie North and brother-in-law Rickey Smith.

A time of visitation with the family will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local charity of your choice, in Rusty’s memory. Visitation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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02/12/2026

H. Kendell Smith

H. Kendell Smith was born on August 16, 1933 to the late Charles “Shep” and Orita Smith in Smoaks, South Carolina. The family moved to Denmark, South Carolina, where the parents were farmers. Later his dad was Chief of Police in Denmark and his mother worked for the government at the Savannah River Bomb Plant.

Kendell graduated from Denmark High School in 1952. He attended Clemson University where he played football and Clemson has always been his team. His call to the music ministry was when he was a senior in high school. Kendell graduated from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS and the School of Sacred Music at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Kendell was preceded in death by his siblings, Ellis F., Frankie and Landis.

He served Baptist churches for 45 years. He served at the following churches; First Baptist Church in Golden Meadow, LA; First Baptist Church in Poplarville, MS; First Baptist Church in Vicksburg, MS; First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS; First Baptist Church in Andersonville, SC; First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL; and Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. His tenure at HAB was for 15 years and he retired as Minister of Music Emeritus in 1998. Kendell and Sandy Sieg were married on April 25, 2009 in Lake City, FL.

Kendell is survived by his wife, Sandy Sieg-Smith; children, Hoyt, Ellis S. (Julie), Melanie and Tammi; and Sandy’s son, Gary Sieg. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A graveside celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Little Swamp, South Carolina.

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02/12/2026

Shermon Victor "Vic" Rose, II

Shermon Victor “Vic” Rose, II., 64 of Lake City, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 6, 2026 at his home. He was born in Winter Haven, Florida to the late Shermon Victor Rose, Sr. and Patricia Bonds Rose. Vic was raised in Lake City and graduated from Columbia High School class of 1979. Vic loved fishing, going to the races and all sports, especially the Florida Gators. When his nephews were younger, he enjoyed coaching them in baseball and taking them fishing. “Uncle Vic”, as he was known to his nieces and nephews, loved them as if they were his own children and was thankful to be a part of their lives.

Survivors include his two sisters, Brenda Thomas (David) and Cathy Bulthuis (Howard “Scooter”, Jr.) all of Lake City; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In honoring of Vic’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM, honoring Vic and his father, Shermon Victor Rose, Sr., who passed away in January of this year.

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02/11/2026

Edward Ray Finley

Edward Ray Finley, 76, of Lake City, passed away peacefully Monday evening, February 9, 2026 after a battle with cancer. He was born June 27, 1949, to the late William Jefferson Finley and Pauline Varnes Finley. He has made the North Florida area his home all of his life and was a US Army Veteran. He worked for 30 years with Wal-Mart as an Oil and L**e Specialist in the Automotive Department; and in his spare time, he enjoyed being a “Homebody”, watching In The Heat of the Night, Walker Texas Ranger and the Andy Griffith Show. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 30 years, Hazel Ann Finley; brothers, Lamar, Charles and Jimmy Finley; and sister, Verna Robinson.

He is survived by his daughter, Angie Waldron of Lake City; sons, Hollie Crawford, Jr. of Lake City and Anthony Black of North Carolina; and brother, Harold Finley (Debbie) of Glen St. Mary. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Bethanie Bairen (Jacob) of Kentucky along with numerous other grandchildren, family members and friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Finley will be conducted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in the Evangel Church of God with Pastor Rick Holmes officiating; assisted by Pastor John Hathaway. Interment will follow in the Williams Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com."

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02/11/2026

Jermey Lee Stephens

Jermey Lee Stephens, 38, of Branford, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was born in Gainesville on October 3, 1987, and has made Branford his home all of his life. He was a 2006 graduate of Branford High School, where he played football & baseball; and was a welder and plumber by trade. In his spare time, he enjoyed shooting pool, loved listening to music, being on the river and spending time with his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents, Betty & Larry Smith; and paternal grandmothers, Marlene Carver and Gwen Stephens.

He is survived by his mother, Meranda Stephens (Fiancé: Matthew Langford) of Branford; father, Robert Stephens of Branford; sons, Elijah Dowden, Liam Stephens and Spencer Stephens all of Branford; mother of his children, Casandra “Cassie” Stephens of Branford; paternal grandfather, David Stephens of Branford; Aunt, Stephanie Simpson (Mike) of Bell and his two close cousins, Dalton Simpson (Monet) of Branford and Zach Simpson (Kelsey) of Gainesville. Several uncles, extended family members and friends also survive.

A celebration of life service for Jermey will be conducted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Living Springs Family Worship Center in Branford with Rev. Jonathan Ellis officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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02/10/2026

Services for Caroline Scott

02/10/2026

Cherry Ottis Houston

Cherry “Ottis” Houston, 93 of Lake City, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville following a sudden illness. He was born on May 10, 1932 in Early County, Georgia, the 7th of 9 children to the late Cherry Iverson Houston and Ruby Holley Houston. Mr. Houston served our country and was a veteran of the United States Army. He attended Georgia Southwestern State University, Florida State University, where he earned his Masters Degree and earned his Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University. Throughout his career, Mr. Houston held several positions as a teacher, including a time in Paris, France, a coach, a principle and retiring as the Assistant Superintendent of Columbia County School System. Mr. Houston enjoyed growing and hybridizing daylilies, horticulture and was the owner of Countryside Daylilies. Among his many qualities, Integrity, kindness and generosity are at the top. Following retirement, he loved to travel and spend time with his family and grandchildren. Mr. Houston was preceded in death by his 8 siblings; and his wife of 57 years, Mary Anne Williams Houston.

Survivors include his two sons, Jeff Houston and Betsy of Jacksonville and Greg Houston and Kim of Lake City; four grandchildren, Hunter Houston and Ana, Cassidy Cardenas and Josh, Haley Houston and Clay Houston; a host of nieces, nephews and many other loving relatives and friends.

A private ceremony for Mr. Houston will be held at a later date. We find peace and comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lake City or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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02/10/2026

Marilyn McNeill Porter

Marilyn McNeill Porter, 80 of High Springs, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville. She was born in Hernando, Florida, the sixth of ten children, to the late R.A. and Walton Cason McNeill. Mrs. Porter was raised in High Springs and attended both the Fort White High School and Santa Fe High School.. She worked for 22 years with AT&T retiring in 2012. Mrs. Porter was of the Baptist faith and was known as “Mimi” to all of her family and friends. She enjoyed her role as Mimi and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 47 years, Leon Gerald Porter; 2 brothers, Lavern McNeill and Harold McNeill; 2 sisters, Nell Lanier and Charlotte Glenn; and her son-in-law, Ronnie Register.

Survivors include her two daughters, Shelley Register of Lake City and Scarlett Porter of Tallahassee; two brothers, J.D. McNeill (Mary) and Kenny McNeill (Libby) all of High Springs; three sisters, Bernice Guynn of Bronson, Loiselle Connor of Marietta, GA and Sherry Langford (Terry) of High Springs; four grandchildren, Wayne Register (Amanda), Rachel Brown (Matthew), Pamela Porter (Mike) and Dalton O’Dell (Abby); eleven great-grandchildren, Marlee Trowell, Madiesynn Porter, Reese Register, Rhett Register, Kambreigh O’Dell, Karstyn O’Dell, Kennedy Brown Dupree, Kaizlyn O’Dell, Kyren O’Dell, Eleanor Brown, Fitzgerald Brown, Levi Kirby and Mackenzie Kirby; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Porter will be conducted on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM at High Springs Cemetery with Pastor Jacob Newton officiating. Interment will follow.

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02/10/2026

Robert O. Wilson

Robert O. Wilson, 83 of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at his home. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Kenneth and Katherine McCleary Wilson. Mr. Wilson served our country in the United States Marine Corp and retired as a Master Seargent. He had made Lake City his home since 1984 and worked for 20 years with Timco. Mr. Wilson was a Christian by faith and member of Christ Central. His passion was traveling, finding good restaurants 200 miles away and going to yard sales before he got sick. His wife was his prized possession, his family, his church and a big fluffy cat named Garfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, James E. Wilson; one step son, Bobby Griffis, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Griffis Wilson, Lake City; two sons, Bryan K. Wilson (Tina) and Brent A. Wilson (Lisa) all of Jacksonville; four step children, Sandra Byrd (Darren), Gary Griffis (Barbara) and David Griffis (Chessy); 6 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and one on the way; and a special sister-in-law, Wanda, that knew how to take good care of him.

A gathering for friends and family will be held at the family home at 170 NW Marcel Place, Lake City, FL 32055 on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM with a military remembrance and honors at 1:30 PM.

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02/06/2026

Helen Taft Roling

Helen Taft Roling, 91 of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center. Mrs. Roling was born in Coffee County, Georgia, the youngest of 8 children, to the late Henry and Lucy Rowell Taft. Mrs. Taft had made Lake City her home for the past 35 years having been a longtime resident of the Jacksonville area. She was of the Pentecostal faith and had previously attended the Lake City Church of God. Mrs. Roling enjoyed cooking, fishing, playing board games and loving her pets.

Mrs. Roling was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, Edward Earl Roling; and one granddaughter, Whitney R. Roling; six sibings, Russie Sears Gilliard, Caulie Sears, Coleman Hiram Sears, Sr., Geneva Sears O’Steen, Gertie Sears Adams and her twin sister, Hazel Roling.

Survivors include his two sons, Richard Roling (Marie) of Jacksonville and Steve Roling of Lake City; one daughter, Kathy Slade (Frank) of Lake City; one sister, Phanita Sears Rife of Texas; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Roling will be conducted on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Cagney Tanner officiating. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Florida at 3:00 PM.

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02/06/2026

Fernando Veloz

Mr. Fernando Veloz, 69, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the HCA FL Lake City Hospital, suddenly. He is the son of the late Guadalupe and Eliza Valenzula Garcia. He had made FT. White his home after moving here from Tampa, FL. He was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of the Centro Cristiano Emanuel Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, he was active in his church and enjoyed singing, and he was known as a hard worker and always willing to help when asked.

He is survived by his wife of one year, Dolly Castillo, FT. White, FL; two sons Raul Garcia, Jr, Alachua, FL and Cesar Garcia-Veloz, Gainesville, FL; three daughters Martha Tellez (Tomas) Lake City, FL; Manuela Turner (William) Ft. White, FL; and Maria Garcia, Gainesville, FL; his two brothers Enrique Garcia, New Mexico, and Francisco Garcia, Panama City Beach, FL; one sister Manuela Garcia, San Antino, TX, and thirteen grandchildren also survive.

Cremation Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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