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Obituaries 8/20/20


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Carmela Middleton
Carmela Middleton, 62, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away a warrior on August 6, 2020, after a brave fight with cancer.
Carmela was born December 15, 1957 to Ulric and Pebble Amena in Milford, CT. Carmela retired from the Clay County Adult Community Education System recently after 19 years of service.
Carmela was a devote and active member of Grace Anglican Church in Fleming Island.
Carmela is survived by her husband Steve Middleton, children Jason (Jaimy) Maderski, and Rebecca Walters, step-son Max (Mandy) Middleton, grandchildren Maddox and Mallory, and sisters Leola Bedsole, Helen Amena, Mel (Art) Russell, Lillian Amena, Vivian (Dan) Bonita, and Lorie (Ken) Plato. Carmela was preceded in death by sisters Carol Kenny and Teresa Mastrianno.
Funeral Services will be held at Grace Anglican Church at 11 a.m. on August 22.

Helen Ruth Durham
Helen Ruth Durham, 95 years of age, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2020 in Middleburg, Florida.
She was born March 25, 1925 in Seneca, South Carolina, and was the loving wife of the late Homer E. Durham.
She is survived by her children Barbara Dinkins, Shirley Deese and Larry Durham; grandchildren Crafton Crumpler, Jimmy Dinkins, Larry Durham Jr., Angela Dinkins and Nonnie Maines; great-grandchildren Buddy Cooper, Cody Dinkins and Harley Eacret all of which gave her 7 great-great-grandchildren Hope Cooper, Allison Dinkins, Trinity Cooper, Morgan Hillyard, Brayleigh Chadwick, Lucas Simpson and C.J. Dinkins.
She will be dearly missed by all who loved her and we as a family will honor her strength and wisdom. God bless.

Rudolph “Bigman” Padgett
Rudolph “Bigman” Padgett, 83, of Middleburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2020, at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, surrounded by his family.
Bigman was born October 15, 1936 to the late Hiram and Tinnie Padgett and was a lifelong resident of Clay County, having been born and raised in Clay Hill and moving to Middleburg in his early adult life.
Bigman was a career logger. There was nothing he loved better than being in the woods. He was taught logging as a boy, working with his father, grandfather and brothers early on, then owning his own business for most of his adult life. For a few years, he owned a full service gas station in Middleburg and was also a driver for Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. However, he always returned to logging. It was his true passion.
Bigman had the biggest heart and generously gave to anyone in need. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and compassion for others. His heart was so tender toward his family and friends. He loved gathering with his family and friends, whether it was over a meal at a favorite restaurant, a family reunion, church event or, his favorite, visiting and greeting folks as he sat on the front porch of his childhood home in the Early Florida exhibit at the Clay County Fair each year. He was loved by everyone and will be missed by all who knew him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Frances Melvine Padgett, daughter Daphne (Rick) Roberts, sister Velma (L.E.) Padgett, sister Delma (Lamar) Tyler, brother Randolph (Louisa) Padgett, brother Reginald (Mary Ann) Padgett, brother-in-law J.C. Padgett, sister-in-law Alene (Elisha) Carter, brother-in-law Eugene (Mary) Taylor, sister-in-law Susie (Kenneth) Padgett, sister-in-law Peggy (Herman) Hunter, sister-in-law Cathy (Butch) Wilber, grandchildren Ashley, Austin and Ricky and their families, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Isle Health and Rehab in Fleming Island where he resided for almost three years. We appreciate your love, care, and concern for him.
A graveside service was held Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg.
Flowers are welcome, however, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs https://www.seamarkranch.com/
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

Russell Denver Darnell
Russell Denver Darnell, 83, of Keystone Heights, FL, passed away August 15, 2020
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000
www.broadusraines.com

Evelyn Marteaux McGuckin
Evelyn Marteaux McGuckin, 95 of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away August 17, 2020
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000
www.broadusraines.com

Ruth Marie Slater Long
January 5, 1932-July 13, 2020
Ruth left her earthly home to join her husband of 65 years, Cecil Long, in their heavenly home. There is a party going on up there now! Her life was a party! It wasn’t ever really planned…. it just happened! She spread love and joy wherever she was.
Ruth left behind to celebrate the life she lived…. a daughter, Nancy Cook (Bill), a son, Gene Long (Trish), 6 grandsons, 1 grand daughter, 11 great grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy Daly, a special niece, Kathy Klein, and a host of family and friends.
She was born in White Plains, New York, moved to Lake Wales, Florida, married, raised a family, started a great business …. Round Robin Consignment (7 stores) in Orange Park, Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Beach. She was a member of the Orange Park Garden Club and served as the president of Seagulls Garden Club as well as other offices. She was also a member of the Orange Park Woman’s Club and the Friday Night Dance Club where she also served as president.
Sometime in her later years, she started having trouble remembering current events. Her condition was described best by her son Gene who would say, “There is nothing wrong with her mind! It’s just full! There is no room for anything else.” She lived a happy, full, fabulous life! She never forgot the past, trips, events, dances, dinners with friends, and did I mention “parties”! If you were blessed enough to have known her, you would be left with a memory you would never forget. You all have been invited to a party! It will be at the “Pearly Gates at Heaven’s Door”. Come as you are, at anytime, any date! She will meet you at the door with her Pepsi. I can hardly wait! It will be a party you don’t want to miss!