Watson-Milton Funeral Home

04/28/2026

Donna Young, 67, of Bell, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2026. She was born on February 17, 1959, in Pahokee, Florida, to Donald and Mary Lou Waddell.

Donna was a woman whose presence could light up any room. Known for her bubbly personality and warm, welcoming spirit, she had a gift for making others feel at ease. Her sense of humor and deep love for her family were at the heart of who she was.

She spent many dedicated years working with the Florida Department of Agriculture, where she built lasting relationships and took pride in her work. Outside of her career, Donna found joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially being outdoors and spending time with children. She also loved animals. She loved playing games, sharing laughter, and creating happy memories with them. Donna’s faith was a guiding force in her life. She had a strong relationship with Jesus and attended New Hope Baptist Church in Bell, Florida, where she enjoyed bible studies and fellowship.

Donna is survived by her mother, Mary Lou Waddell, her sister, Elizabeth Ann Harrington; her nephew James Stewart Harrington, her niece, Jonna Elizabeth Harrington (Adam); she is also survived by her great nephews, Ayden, Trenton, and Lunden.

Donna is preceded in death, her husband Kenneth Fredrick Young, her son, Jared Young, and her father Donald Waddell.

A funeral service for Donna will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church, Bell, Florida, where Brother Billy Philman will be officiating. Family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior at 10:00 AM. Donna will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Bell Cemetery. Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. (352) 463-8888.

04/27/2026

Carl McKinnon Williams, age 94, of Bell, passed away April 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 23, 1931, in Cottondale, Florida to the late Coy J. and Eva Shomaker Williams.

His mother passed away when he was only 5 years of age, and the family relocated to Chipley. Called Kinnon in his youth; he attended Chipley schools and graduated from Chipley High School in 1949. He was enrolled in Florida State University when his education was interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an air traffic controller. Returning to FSU after the war, he received his bachelor’s degree in education and began teaching in Chipley schools in 1958.

Carl assumed an assistant principal position at Port St. Joe and was there for a short time before being named principal of Bell High School in 1965. He moved to Trenton High School for one year, then went back to Bell. He pursued and received his master’s degree in education from the University of Florida during this time.

In 1987 Carl launched a successful campaign for Superintendent of the Gilchrist County School System. He would serve in this role for one term until his retirement in 1992.

After Retirement, he enjoyed yardwork, visiting with friends and spending time Frances, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His great grandchildren always brought a smile to his face when he watched them play.

He was a faithful servant of the of Lord, Carl found a home at McCall’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he served in various positions, including guest pastor and lay leader throughout his more than 50 years as a member at the time of his death.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Trawick and Susie Lockhart, his brother Coy C. Williams, and grandson Cody Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Frances Clark Williams, four children: Alicia Williams, Carla (Roy) Smith, Carl M. (Delores) Williams, Jr., and Randy (Lorrie) Williams, six grandchildren: Stephen (Sarah)Smith, Justin (Jessica) Smith, Stacy (Kevin) Smith, Ashleigh (Charlie) Floerke, Aimee Williams, and Arielle Williams and ten great grandchildren: Liam, Camryn, Wyatt, Rhett, Alexander, Huxley, Lorelei, Brodhi, Sterling and Beau.

He is also survived by his sister Katrina Richards, sister-in-law Linda Clark, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to honor Carl will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the service, Carl will be laid to rest at McCall’s Chapel Cemetery in Lafayette County. Military honors will be conducted in recognition for Carl’s dedication and service to his country.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Haven Hospice for their help and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mission in Action in Bell, Haven Hospice of Chiefland www.havenhospice.com/donate , Methodist Children’s Home, care of McCall’s Chapel. (7755 State Rd 349, Branford, FL 32008).

Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

04/27/2026

Robert Wesley, lovingly known as “Bobby,” passed away on April 19, 2026, in Archer, Florida, at the age of 50. Bobby was born on May 22, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Franklin and Cynthia Wesley.

A proud United States Marine, Bobby served his country with honor and distinction. He was an expert marksman, and a skilled sniper. His dedication, courage, and sacrifice reflected the depth of his character and his unwavering commitment to protecting others.

After his military service, Bobby continued his dedication to serving others by working in law enforcement with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. In this role, he remained committed to protecting and supporting his community, carrying forward the same sense of duty and compassion that defined his military career.

Outside of his service, Bobby was known for his outgoing personality, his generous heart, and his genuine love for people. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a hand. He was especially passionate about supporting veterans, often helping clean for them and offering assistance wherever it was needed. His compassion extended to anyone less fortunate, and he consistently showed up for his family, friends, and community.

Bobby found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved music and could often be found playing his guitar. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors, but above all, he cherished time with his family and his beloved dogs. At the center of his world was his wife, Daisy. The two were inseparable, sharing a bond built on love, partnership, and unwavering devotion.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Daisy Wesley; his children, Kylee, Sydney, and Payton; and his siblings, Mark Ponce (Cynthia), Windy Ponce, Catrinia Shepard, and Penny Shepard.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Cynthia Wesley.

A Celebration of Life to honor Bobby will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Watson-Milton Funeral Home, at 3:00 PM. Family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior, beginning at 2:00 PM. To honor Bobby’s life and service, military honors will be conducted in recognition of his dedication and sacrifice to his country.

Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

04/27/2026

04/25/2026

Don Bennink Jr., a nationally recognized farmer and longtime resident of Bell, Florida, passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 84.

A native of western New York, Don began milking cows in junior high school and continued through his graduation from Cornell University in 1963. While expanding his early farming operations, he also pursued higher education, earning a law degree from Cleveland Marshall University and working in legal practice. Ultimately, his passion for dairy farming led him to relocate to Bell, Florida, in 1980, where he founded North Florida Holsteins.

Over the decades, Don built one of the most respected dairy operations in the country. Known for his innovation and forward-thinking approach, he implemented advanced construction and milking practices, including the introduction of tunnel-ventilated barns in 2001 to improve herd comfort and productivity. His operation grew to encompass approximately 12,000 head of cattle across 3,000 acres.

Don was also deeply committed to advancing the dairy industry through research and education. He developed longstanding partnerships with leading universities, including the University of Florida and Ohio State University, creating one of the most respected international student internship programs in the field. North Florida Holsteins became a living laboratory, supporting generations of students, researchers, and scientists.

Internationally recognized for his contributions to animal genetics and reproduction, Don was a pioneer in genomic testing who developed his own system of genetic selection, advancing and improving the Holstein breed. He was also a highly respected industry leader, serving on the boards of Upper Florida Milk Producers, Florida Dairy Farmers, and Southeast Milk, and holding key roles including Chairman of SMI Trucking for more than 25 years and President of Florida Dairy Farmers. His many honors reflect the impact of his work, including induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Outstanding Alumni Award from Cornell University in 2024, and recognition as World Dairy Expo’s Dairyman of the Year—one of the industry’s highest distinctions.

Above all, Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Marianne Bennink; his daughter, Patty Quina, and her husband, Stephen, along with their children, Skylar, and Kellen; and his son, Dan Bennink, and his wife, Brenda.

He will be remembered for his vision, work ethic, and enduring contributions to agriculture, as well as the pride he took in his family and the legacy he built.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 11AM – 2PM at his riverfront residence: 238 NE 931st St, Branford, FL 32008.

04/24/2026

After the death of a loved one, it can be important to those left behind to see that special person one more time and say goodbye in person. This informative article shares a quick overview of the role of cosmetology and the restorative arts and answers a few key questions many people have about the viewing.

Would you like to know more about how cosmetology and the restorative arts can impact a funeral? Click to learn more!

04/23/2026

Donald Raleigh, age 81, passed away on April 21, 2026. Donald was born in Jackson Kentucky on July 15,1944. He was raised by his grandparents George and Lula Hays. Later, at the age of 20, he married his wife, Caroline. They started their life, spending most of their years in Florida. Donald spent his life with his family. Being an involved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an involved, respected member of his church, which he enjoyed attending. He enjoyed music and playing music for his family. He also enjoyed traveling and seeing new places.

Donald is survived by his wife Caroline Raleigh; his daughter Donna (Stephen) Smith; his grandchildren Amanda (Travis) Raleigh, William (Lexi) Hull, Jacob and Hailey Miller; his great Grandchildren Kyle, Tyler, Alyssa, Emma, Liam, and Mckenzie and his sister Treva (Dan) Agee.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Sisters: Edith, Lois, Eilene, Elaine, Lorene, and brothers Nelson and Billy Raleigh

Donald’s cremation is entrusted to the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, who is honored to assist The Raleigh family. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

04/21/2026

During a time of loss, you’ll want to work with the most caring, knowledgeable, and experienced professionals. With us, you’re in good hands. To learn more about our affordable options for families just like yours, visit www.watsonmilton.com/cremation-services!

04/17/2026

All over the planet, many different cultures and peoples use flowers to honor and remember lost loved ones. But the flowers used can be different from place to place. Check out this article to learn more about funeral flowers around the world!

Funeral flowers vary around the world, but some are universal. Check out this article to learn more about funeral flowers around the world!

04/13/2026

We understand that during a time of loss, families want to work with someone who cares and goes the extra mile.

At Milton, we treat every family like they are our family. From start to finish, we will guide you with experience, professionalism, and compassion, so that we can make a difficult time a little bit easier for you.

We’re here for you every step of the way because we believe that excellent service and a caring attitude can make all the difference. To learn more about us, visit www.watsonmilton.com.