Obituaries 4/28/16

John Warren “Snake” Mercer

John Warren “Snake” Mercer, age 79, of Lawtey, Florida passed away on April 22, 2016 at his residence. John was born on September 11, 1936 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late John L. Mercer and Eloise Foster Mercer.

John met the love of his life, Carolyn, while attending Grandby High School in Norfolk, VA. Shortly after graduation, John joined the United States Navy and married Carolyn. He served his country proudly in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer for 23 years. Following his military career, John started his second career in Civil Service where he served as an Aircraft Painter for 10 years. His last occupation was a Driver at Enterprise Leasing, where he was known as one of the Original Florida Boys.

John has been a resident of Lawtey since 1997 after moving from Green Cove Springs. He attended Grace United Church of Lawtey and was a charter member of the Elks BPOE Lodge 1892 of Green Cove Springs. John enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, manicuring his lawn, landscaping, and riding his lawn mower.

John was a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather. Most of all, John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of many years, Carolyn Mercer; and his sister, Antoinette Marie Flowers.

John is survived by his loving children, Jean (Danny) Shuford of Lawtey, FL, Thomas Warren (Cathy) Mercer of Middleburg, FL, and Debra L.Kerr of Green Cove Springs, FL; his 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 12:00 pm at Lawtey Cemetery with Pastor Toby Roehm officiating where full military honors were rendered. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

Lt. Col. Raymond John Edward Gessner

Lt. Col. Raymond John Edward Gessner, USAF Ret., 79 of Fleming Island, Fl passed away Friday, April 22, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL. He was a native of New Jersey and graduated from Michigan State University.

On April 8, 1960 he joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Cadet and served as a fighter pilot aboard the USS Independence during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On March 29, 1965, he joined the U.S. Air Force/Florida Air National Guard. During his faithful career, Lt Col. Gessner flew the F102 and F106 while serving FLANG. He held various assignments as a Pilot Fighter Interceptor, Flight Safety Officer, Air Operations Officer, and at the time of his discharge, he was serving as Chief of Safety, 125th Fighter Interceptor Group, Florida Air National Guard, Jacksonville International Airport, Florida.

He was a member of the St. Augustine Hanger of Quiet Birdmen. Following his retirement, Mr. Gessner was self-employed as a contractor and started the Gessner Garage Door Business. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Mr. Gessner was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 54 years, Vivian Flowers Gessner on July 29, 2015 and is survived by his four children, Melodie Gessner, Susan (Tom) Merritt, John (Sara) Gessner and Michael (Sharon) Gessner, nine grandchildren, Savannah (Robert), Austin (Jamie), Shelby, Benjamin, Joshua, James, Emily, Evan, and Zoe, and two great grandchildren, Harper and Hudson.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in the Chapel of Russell Haven of Rest burial followed in Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery. Visitation with the family was prior to services. 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

Patricia Padgett Harris

Patricia Padgett Harris passed away on April 21, 2016 at St.Vincents medical center.

Pat was born on December 17, 1938 in Portland, Maine to Milford and Isabel Oakes. She retired from St.Vincents medical center after many years of dedicated service in the emergency room.

She was predeceased by her sons, Bruce and Todd; along with her parents; sister, Barbara and brother, Skip.

She is survived by her husband, Ernie Harris; her daughter, Pam (Steve); her sons, Leslie (Patsy) and Joe; her brother, Milford; along with 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and her faithful dog, Buttons. Pat is also survived by her husband Ernie’s children, Melissa Harris, Chris Harris and Jeremy Harris.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00pm in the Broadus Raines chapel.

A reception will follow at her daughter Pam’s house.

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

Arrangements under the direction of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring Street, Green Cove Springs, Fla., 32043 (904) 284-4000.

Jason Shayne Jones

Jason Shayne Jones, 30, of Middleburg, Fla., passed away April 20, 2016 Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000

James Lawrence Legge James Lawrence Legge, 71 of Green Cove Springs, Fla., passed away April 20, 2016 Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 904-284-7720. www.RHRFH.com

Dorothy Mary Graham

Dorothy Mary Graham, 87 of Middleburg, Fla., passed away April 21, 2016. Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-7720 www.RHRFH.com

Judith Carol Kennedy

Judith Carol Kennedy, 76, of Orange Park, Fla., passed away April 24, 2016. 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

Lorene Snipes

Lorene Snipes, 77, of Middleburg, Fla., passed away April 24, 2016. 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

Cecelia W. Lenza

Cecelia W. Lenza passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-1233.