Obituaries 4/6/23

Samuel DeWayne Huff
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Samuel DeWayne Huff (64) of Middleburg, FL shares that he closed his eyes for the last time on March 14, 2023. Often it was the bearded biker look that caught the attention of others, only to later be captivated by the warmth of his sweet soul. He always gave more than he received.
After his retirement from Ironworkers Local 597, he found joy in simplicity. He was a lover of sweet tea, onion sausage and the freedom he felt while riding his Harley. His family was what his world revolved around, and he cherished every moment spent with them. To know him, was to love him and to be loved by him, was a blessing. He will be dearly missed by many.
He leaves behind so many who loved him immensely: Children; Aaron (Helen), Julie Ann (Dustin) and DeAnn (Derrick); Grandchildren; Leland, Grace, and Sophie. His sister, best friend and confidant Susan Harmon and brother Chris (Denielle) Huff. Nieces; Amy (Tim), April, Mallory (Chris) and Dreama (Steve). Nephews; Eric and Matthew. Great nieces; Kari, Kayla (Shawn), Karly (Jonathan), Lauren (Casey), Josie (Ray), Emilee, Katelynn (Hunter) and Brianna. Great nephews; Chris, Justin (Kaitlynn), Reese (Amanda) and Julian. Wife; Kathy Huff. Numerous great-great nieces and great-great nephews. His biker brothers, iron worker brothers and anyone who was blessed enough to call him friend. A celebration of life service for “Huff” to be announced later. All his family and friends will be welcome.

Dixie Lee Koch
On Sunday, March 5, 2023, Dixie Lee Koch, loving mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away at age eighty-four. Born to Ellen Mae Krambeer Koopman and G. H. Koopman in Postville, Iowa, Dixie was the sixth of eight children. Dixie married her husband, John Koch, in 1959 and they were married for fifty-six years. Together they raised four children. Dixie Loved her family more than anything and was proud to be the matriarch of a family that included seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
For many years, Dixie was an avid seamstress and quilter. She made Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren that were the envy of the neighborhood. She also made beautiful quilts, many of which were donated to those in need.
Dixie had a generous heart and knew that it was important to give to those in need, even if that meant making do with a little less. Her love was limitless. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, her infant son in 1973, and her son, Eric and her brothers Dean Koopman, James Koopman and Louis (Bud) Koopman, and sisters Lois Wahls and Geraldine Cook. She is survived by her brother Arvin Koopman, and sister Cora Hansen, her son Edward “Boo” Koch, her daughters Lisa Koch and Melody Keene, her grandchildren Bethany Koch, Erica Markley, Victoria Keene, Daniel Delano, Nick Koch, Priscilla Keene and Callie Koch, as well as seven great grandchildren. We love you to the moon and back grandma, and way more than the Buckman Bridge.

Clarine Coleman
Clarine Coleman died on March 27, of Natural Causes. She was a Proud 90 year old. After marrying Jacob Coleman they had three children. Clarine was born in Alabama and worked as a Phone Operator at Southern Bell. Clarine was a Real Southern Bell.
After retiring in Orange Park Florida with her husband and children. She worked and retired from Barnett Bank after twenty years of Service. She loved and missed the Barnett Bank Picnic’s. Clarine’s favorite sport was bowling. She loved shopping and heading out in the car. She was an amazing Gardner. She had the best Green Thumb on the block.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jacob F. Coleman, Her daughter Donna Jean Thompson, Her son Larry A Coleman and her Grand Daughter Brooke Lynne Benedit. She is now at peace with her Lord. Her last surviving child is Karen Lynne Benedit. Services will be announced shortly.

Ronald Batten
Ronald Batten, retired auto executive, loving husband and father of three, died of cancer Wednesday, March 22, at the age of 78. Born into humble beginnings as the youngest of nine children in Bryan, TX, Ron grew to be a four-sport athlete at Stephen F. Austin High School and a cadet at his beloved Texas A&M University. While still a 19-year-old college student, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jacqueline Mallard, and the two would stay together for the rest of his life.
Ron started his career at Ford Motor Company in Memphis, TN, before joining Dobbs Family Automotive where he was trained in dealership management. The Batten family moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1978 where Ron served as General Manager at Westside Toyota before founding Orange Park Toyota in 1982. He went on to manage several other dealerships in Buffalo, NY, Jackson, MS, and Sugarland, TX, before returning to the Jacksonville area to be Operations Director for the Garber Auto Mall in Green Cove Springs.
Ron loved football and was a passionate fan of his alma mater, Texas A&M, as well as the Florida Gators. He was active in the community as a Charter Member and former Club President of the Rotary Club of Orange Park, a parishioner and former Treasurer of the Orange Park United Methodist Church and a former President of the Daniel’s Landing Eagle Harbor Community Association.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline Mallard Batten; three children, Carlton Batten, Sarah Batten Crocker and Joel Batten; and three grandsons, Jesse, Brooks and Cooper Batten.

Donald Glenn Miller, Jr
Donald Glenn Miller, Jr., 54, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away March 26, 2023
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.

Robert “Bobby” Guice
Robert “Bobby” Guice, 81, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away March 29, 2023
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.

Richard Lee Medcalf
Richard Lee Medcalf, 79, passed away Saturday, April 1st, 2023.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.nauglefuneral.com Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1203 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904)396-1611.