Suwannee Democrat Obituaries-Oct. 17, 2012

Live Oak —

Judith Ann Clay

May 5, 1945 -

Oct. 7, 2012

Judith Ann Clay, Wellborn, Fla., born May 5, 1945 in Columbus, Ohio, went to be with the lord Oct. 7, 2012.

Survived by her loving husband Benny of 50 years; daughters Annette (Rodney) Reinhart, Denise (Rob) Butz; son Ben (Cindy) Clay; sisters Karen (Doug) Jones, Darlene (Chuck) Bragg, Donna (Larry) McAdow; 13 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and very special friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and brother. She had a love of flowers, nature, gardening and being with her family.

Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Lake City, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.

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Dr. Joe B. Davis

Oct. 11, 2012

Dr. Joe B. Davis died at his home October 11, surrounded by his family. The lifelong Florida resident was 94 years old. The son of the late Dr. and Mrs. J. B. Davis, Sr., he attended Daytona Beach schools, and graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1940. Dr. Davis served in the US Army from 1941 until 1945; he married Marilyn Keating in Daytona Beach, on November 14, 1942.

He practiced as an optometrist, mainly in Live Oak, FL, until his retirement in 1984. He served in a number of key civic, professional and church leadership positions. During his long and active retirement in St. Augustine, he and Marilyn enjoyed golf, travel, and especially dancing as members of the Saint Augustine Ballroom Dancing Association. They gave freely of their time and talents as members of the Anastasia Baptist Church and its choir. They maintained an active and enthusiastic social life, aided by his thoughtful personality and lively sense of humor. He also enjoyed painting scenes of our beautiful community,

His arms and heart were open always, and he delighted in the closeness of the family. Dr. Davis is survived by his beloved wife, and by his son, Lt. Col. (USAF ret) Ron Davis (Judi) of Merritt Island, FL; and by his daughters Susan Mullins (Edward) of Live Oak, FL; and Barbara Jean Hatten (John) of Gulfport, MS. He was a loving and proud grandfather and great-grandfather, called by his affectionate name of “Doc” by his grandchildren: Mike Mullins, Sandra and Tom McDermott, Greg and Keirsten Davis, Beth and Bob Beil, Bill Reyer, Hunter and Jody Hatten, Joe and Lori Hatten, and Suzy Hatten, and great-grandchildren: Abby Bonilla, Kristina and Michael Williamson, Kyle and Adam Beil, Sally Hatten, and Katie and Kaylee Davis. He also cherished his in-laws of seventy years, Phyllis and Bud Smith, and Betsy Keating.

Joe and Marilyn were blessed with many wonderful friends. Their church, Anastasia Baptist, was foremost in Joe’s life – and his love for Marilyn had them walking hand in hand for nearly seventy years.

A visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 15, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 385 SR 207, St. Augustine, FL 32084. A memorial service was held at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080, on Tuesday October 16, at 11:00 AM. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations to Anastasia Baptist Church Building Program or the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Reginald D. Johnson

Oct. 12, 2012

Reginald D. Johnson, 79, Dowling Park, FL passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012 after a long illness. The Campbell, MO native moved to Dowling Park five months ago from Holiday, FL and was of United Methodist Faith. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 56 years: Beverly J. Johnson, Dowling Park, FL; two sons: Frank Johnson, Live Oak, FL; Mark Johnson, Mission Viejo, CA; five grandchildren: Reggie & Bethaney Johnson, Nicole & Rob Fletcher, Reese & Jessica Johnson, Simone & Matt Tipton ,Victory Johnson and one great-grandchild: Kayden Tipton. Grave side services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 20th at Crestwood Memorial Gardens in Flint, Michigan.

Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., of Live Oak and Branford, FL in charge of arrangements.

Colonel John. F.

McMahon, Jr.

Oct. 12, 2012

Colonel John F. McMahon, Jr., USMC (Retired), of Dowling Park, Florida passed away early on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Florida at the age of 90.

John F. McMahon, Jr., was born September 7, 1922 in Lynwood (Long Island), New York to the late John Francis and Helen McCullough McMahon. Upon graduating from high school, John began to plan his future. He entered Villanova college, majoring in pre-law, and obtained a four year degree. Before long his life plans changed and off he went to Parris Island, S.C. where he began Officers Candidate School. His distinguished career of more than thirty years included service to his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict and several tours in Vietnam. His military decorations included but were not limited to, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Certificate of Commendation, Certificate of Appreciation, American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Purple Heart.

He was married to Alphia Jo (Mitchell) McMahon for 65 years. They retired in St. Cloud, Florida. Having lived such a busy young life in the military, they managed to enjoy that same lifestyle moving around cities in Florida such as, Naples, FL., Sawgrass in Jacksonville, FL., Gulf Breeze, FL. and finally settling in at Dowling Park, FL. some 15 years ago. He was well respected and loved for his quick wit and personality and loved spending time on the golf course. “Jack” as he was lovingly referred to by those close to him, was of the Catholic Faith.

Survivors include his wife, Alphia Jo McMahon, Dowling, Park, FL.; a son, John Francis McMahon, III of Jasper, FL.; a daughter, Barbara Clement, Alpharetta, GA.; one granddaughter, Leslie Virginia Clement, Omaha, NE.; his nephew, Terrance Holly, Boca Raton, FL.

Memorial services with full military rites will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Mitchell Cemetery near Jasper, FL. with Rev. Joseph Schwab officiating.

Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Rowena Clayton Bryan

Oct. 14, 2012

Rowena Clayton Bryan, age 88, of Jasper, FL. died at home Sunday, October 14, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Orton Bryan in May of 2008. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Rowena Bryan Canipelli (Edward Canipelli, Jr.) Lilburn, GA. and Lauranell Bryan Thomas (Barry Keith Thomas) Lawrenceville, GA.; grandchildren, Cassandra Rowena Moody (George Eaton Moody) Valdosta, GA and Barry Keith Thomas, Jr., Lawrenceville, GA.; sister, Lauranell Clayton Tidwell, Maitland, FL.; many nieces and nephews in Florida, Georgia and Missouri. She was also preceded in death by her parents Charles Winston Clayton and Vonnie Rowena Mickler Clayton; siblings Evelyn Clayton Shaw and Charles Winston Clayton, Jr.

Born February 16, 1924 in Live Oak, FL., Rowena lived a full life as a military wife and mother. In addition to Florida, she lived in South Dakota, Texas, Hawaii, Virginia and Alabama. In each place she established and maintained a beautiful, loving home. Her strong faith in God enabled her to conquer cancer twice without radiation or chemotherapy. Other accomplishments include helping start the Woman’s Club in Branford and receiving recognition from President Truman for her work with the Selective Service System in 1948. An avid bridge player, she organized clubs everywhere she lived. She remained active in her bridge club, Jasper Woman’s Club and Sunday School Class until earlier this year. As a member of Jasper’s First Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class Rowena initiated numerous local ministries and assisted in raising funds for church improvements. Proverbs 31 ask, “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?” Her family and friends know that she “surpassed them all!”

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Jasper, FL. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Live Oak, FL.

The family received friends between the hours of 5 -7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice 6037 West U.S. Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055.

Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, FL. is in charge of arrangements.