Obituaries 4/29/21

Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas

Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas, born January 6, 1936 in Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2021 at 3:16am
This is not an ordinary obituary because this was not an ordinary person. Our Mother grew up with an adventurous appetite of conquering the world, and everything in it.
She spent her early childhood in the area of White Springs, FL along the Suwannee River which provided many adventurous stories. As an Army Brat, she traveled the world living in Germany and graduating from Nurnberg High School, becoming an independently strong woman. After living 4 years in the dormitory of the school it was time to return to the U.S., leaving many friends behind as she returned to the United States of America. As internet technology grew, she managed to find many of her classmates later in years through the Overseas Brats Germany Alumni group, attending reunions and traveling with the group.
She retired from Reinhold Corporation at Shadowlawn Farms in 1999 after more than 30 years, and from The Town of Penney Farms in 2018. Loving to travel and socialize volunteering in the community held a special interest in her life for many years, including, The Clay County Agricultural Fair, Clay County 4-H, Penney Farms Historical Society and Town of Penney Farms Committees where she also made many close friends.
Most dear to her heart, was her family and strong Christian Faith as a member of the Black Creek Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her Father, Lt. Col. Thomas “Tommy” James Thomas, and Mother Elizabeth McNeill Thomas.
She leaves behind 3 loving daughters, Mary Smith (Paul), Rene’ Anderson, and Tina Green (Floyd); grandchildren, Eddy Hunter, Roscoe Smith (Rebecca), Chase Smith (Sara), Stacy Wase (Ben), and Bryan Green (Jasmine); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Madison, Freddy, and Honey Hunter, Landen and Eliana Smith, Lily and Matthew Wase, Camden and Jensen Green; Raymond Zerba, a special person close to her heart; and countless loving friends she considered her family.
The family would like to thank all of the friends for their support during her illness. She loved you all.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in the name of Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas to one of the following organizations:
- Clay County 4-H
- Clay County Agricultural Fair
- Penney Farms Historical Society
A memorial service was held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Early Florida Village Church at the Clay County Fair, 2493 SR 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 with Minister Steven Atnip officiating. A graveside service follow ed at Penney Farms Cemetery.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000

William Russell
‘Rusty’ Cummings
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, William Russell ‘Rusty’ Cummings, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 71.
Rusty was born on October 19, 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in the Avondale/Wesconnett area. He attended Fishweir Elementary, Jefferson Davis Junior High, and Forrest High School where he graduated in 1967.
In high school, Rusty was the back-up quarterback to Buster Hagenbeck who became a Lieutenant General in the United States Army. He often relished about the 6-0 Forrest baseball victory in 1966 vs Ribault, in which he caught a perfect game pitched by his buddy Bill Hackelton. Rusty was also incredibly proud of his time as a fry cook at Pritchett’s Kitchen and his newspaper route with his brother Mike during his high school years. In 1968, Rusty joined the army as a US Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division where he served his country in the Vietnam War. After his military service, Rusty attended Florida Junior College where he later returned to volunteer his time doing tax work in the last ten years of his life.
On December 3, 1971, he married Katherine ‘Kathy’ Darrah, and this year they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To provide for his family, Rusty worked at UPS, McLean trucking, and made his career at AT&T where he retired after 25 years of working as an electronic technician. He and Kathy raised two sons in Orange Park, William ‘Travis’ and Weston ‘Todd’ Cummings, and you could frequently find him at Orange Park Athletic Association coaching or acting as an umpire.
Rusty had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed spending his time with his family, friends, and community. More than anything, he loved and cherished his beloved wife Kathy who supported him through every hardship of life. Rusty had numerous hobbies including fishing with his grandkids, boating, working in the yard, trips to Dairy Queen, grilling on his green egg, working as a handyman, and traveling to Biloxi with Kathy. He loved sports, especially Braves baseball and Gator Football, and frequently discussed sports statistics with his son, Todd. He was a huge supporter of Travis’ political career, and the best campaign sign man around! He was a true patriot who loved his country, and as a veteran he proudly flew an American flag and would replace at any sign of wear. You could always find Rusty reading the paper or with a cold Coors Light in his hand. He loved, adored, and lived for his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He taught them all he knew about his favorite things: fishing, boating, baseball, cars, and patriotism.
Rusty is survived by his parents, Tom and Inez Cummings, his wife Kathy, his sons Travis (Jessica) and Todd (Carrie), his siblings Marsha Smith (Wayne), Mike Cummings (Pam), and Karen Alexander (Dwight), his brother-in-law Don Darrah, his grandchildren Beckham, Fletcher, and Hattie, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friend and fellow veteran Butch Amberger.
Funeral services were held on Friday April 23, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Grace Anglican Church located at 5804 US Highway 17, Fleming Island, Florida 32003. Interment followed at Jacksonville Memory Gardens and Cemetery located at 111 Blanding Boulevard Orange Park, Florida 32073.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rusty’s name to support veteran causes at MercySupportServices.org or Orange Park Athletic Association, PO Box 313 Orange Park, FL 32067.

Marion Stahl Kerr
Marion Stahl Kerr, 83, of Penney Farms, FL, passed away April 21, 2021
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000

Donna C. Kinlin
Donna C. Kinlin of Fleming Island, Florida, peacefully passed away while surrounded by her four children on April 26, 2021.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years Donald J. Kinlin. Donna is survived by her children Karen (Barb) Kinlin, Donald Kinlin II, Joseph (Lisa) Kinlin, Kevin (Pam) Kinlin; nine grandchildren Brandon Kinlin, Donald Kinlin III, Kelli Kinlin, Ryan Kinlin, Tanner Wilson, Kathleen Kinlin, Sean Kinlin, Jackson Kinlin, and Carter Kinlin; three great grandchildren Dale, Kole, and Patrick Kinlin.
Donna was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 5, 1942, to the late Phillip McGrath and Sarah Waters. While raising four children, she obtained several degrees, including two Master Degrees (in English and Business Administration).
Donna retired as an Air Force senior civilian in business and cost management, and worked for several Air Force programs, including the F-22 major acquisition.
Over the years she was a teacher, tutor for Russian immigrants, guardian ad litem for underprivileged children, as well as an avid reader and world traveler. Donna loved to dance. Most importantly, Donna will always be remembered for her love of her family. Don and Donna will be buried together at the Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.newcomercolumbus.com