Sammy Ray Bryant
Jan 31, 2024
Sammy Ray Bryant, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died Jan. 31 after complications following surgery and a struggle with dementia. The native Kentuckian and longtime Polk County resident was 90 years old. Sam was unfailingly kind, adventurous and eager for new experiences. He loved sailing, traveling with his wife, spending time with family, and had a great appreciation for grouper...
Todd A. Melson, Sr.
Jan 31, 2024
Todd A. Melson, Sr., age 63, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He was born November 22, 1960 in Lima, OH to Edward and Dorothy Melson. He served in the US Navy. Todd and his brother Eddie owned & operated A/C Eddie HVAC. He was a member of the Bartow American Legion Post 3, VFW and the Bartow Golf Course....
Michael Roberge
Jan 27, 2024
Bartow - Michael Roberge, age 55, passed away January 27, 2024, at Bartow Regional Medical Center . He was born on December 10, 1968, in MD. He worked as a Subcontractor. He enjoyed working on cars and spending time with family & friends. He was survived by his wife Anita Roberge, sons Matthew Roberge & Joseph Roberge, stepdaughter McKenzie Mooney...
Mary F. Lunsford
Jan 26, 2024
Mary F. Lunsford, age 88, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024. She was born January 20, 1936 in Enterprise, AL to Feagin & Sally Mae Bowden. Mary moved to Bartow in 1954, from Enterprise, AL, She was a Homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bartow the Golden Age Club and the LLL club. She was...
Betty (Mclean) Wilson Shepard
Jan 24, 2024
Betty (McLean) Wilson Shepard passed away on January 24, 2024. Betty was born on July 7, 1924, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Marvel O. Pitts and Donald A. McLean. She grew up in Shawnee and Ardmore, Oklahoma, and graduated from high school when she was 16 years old. Betty moved from Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Bartow, Florida, in 1943,...
Joseph Smothers
Jan 24, 2024
Bartow - Joseph Smothers, age 64, passed away January 24, 2024, at Bartow Regional Medical Center. He was born April 6, 1959, in Bartow, FL. He was a Permits Inspector for FDOT. He was a Commander in the Royal Rangers. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and doing leather work. He was preceded in death by his daughter Stephanie D. Smothers...
Charles Henry Seawater, Jr.
Jan 23, 2024
Charles Henry Seawater, Jr., age 64, passed away January 23, 2024. He was born May 13, 1959 in Battle Creek, MI. He is preceded in death by his father Charles H. Seawater, Sr,. sister Karen L. Blowers, nephew Kevin L. Seawater, great-nephews Sullen and Silas Thompson. He is survived by his wife Peggy Seawater of Battle Creek, MI, mother Lajacquelyn...
Darwin L. White
Jan 22, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Darwin L. White, 84, on January 22, 2024 following a brief illness. Darwin was born on December 26, 1939 in Fairview, WV to the late Clifford & Ary (Wilson) White. Darwin was a good, kind-hearted, charismatic man, dedicated father and grandfather, friend, and vibrant spirit who touched the lives...
Frederick "Mike" Estridge
Jan 22, 2024
Frederick "Mike" Estridge, age 75, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024. He was born August 24, 1948 in Bartow, FL to Frederick & Janet Estridge. Mike graduated from Mulberry High School class of 1966. After high school he graduated from Polk Junior College and went to the University of Florida on a golf scholarship. Mike served two years in the...
Leo Hughey
Jan 22, 2024
Bartow - Leo Hughey, age 89, passed away January 22, 2024, at his residence in Bartow. He was born on January 29, 1934, in Honesdale, PA. He worked as a Truck Driver for Middle Creek Quarry. He was a USAF Airman of the Month for Hickman Air Base. He was a Volunteer Fireman for Honesdale Fire Co. He enjoyed yard...
Jaleeann Johnston
Jan 21, 2024
JaLeeann Johnston, age 46, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL due to a brain injury resulting from an accidental fall at her home. She was born November 17, 1977 in Winter Haven, FL. JaLeeann graduated from Lake Wales High School class of 1995. Following her graduation she went to the University of Florida and...
Kenneth L. Pollard
Jan 21, 2024
Kenneth L. Pollard, age 69, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024. He was born June 29, 1954 in Bartow, FL to Eugene & Marie Pollard. Kenny was a Waste Water Treatment Operator for the City of Fort Meade and later the City of Bartow. He was a member of the Bartow Sons of the American Legion Post # 3, he...
Edward Long
Jan 20, 2024
Winter Haven - Edward Long, age 79, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. Eddie was born on May 23, 1944, in Fort Payne, AL. He was a Truck Driver for the Florida Dept. of Transportation. He loved being outside and spent most of his days working in the yard and feeding the squirrels and...
Bobby "Top" Simpson
Jan 19, 2024
Bobby "Top" Simpson, age 77, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024. He was born June 15, 1946, in Akron, OH to Harold & Lottie Simpson. Bobby retired from the United States Marine Corps, after 26 years of service. He was a member of South Florida Avenue Church of Christ. After he retired from the Marine Corps, Bobby was a Truck...
Betty Ruth Powell
Jan 19, 2024
Betty Ruth Powell, age 75, passed away January 19th, 2024 at Good Shepherd Hospice- Lakeland. Betty was born September 29th, 1948 in Nashville, GA. She was a long time resident of Bartow Florida. She was a loving caring and giving mother and wife for most of her life she and also worked for Walmart for many years until she retired....
Tamala Jo Halford
Jan 18, 2024
Tamala Jo Halford, age 66, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024. She was born October 15, 1957 in Bartow, FL to Curtis & Joella Roberson, Tamala worked as a Secretary in the insurance business, she worked with Gibson & Wirt, Hatton and Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance. She was preceded in death by her parents. Tamala is survived by her...
Leon Sutton
Jan 16, 2024
Bartow - Leon Sutton, age 90, passed away January 16, 2024, at Winter Haven Hospital. He was born on February 26, 1933, in Chattanooga, TN. He was a Sales Representative for Lance. He was a member of First Baptist Church Bartow, American Federation of Musicians and Masonic Lodge 711. He was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Sutton, sister...
Faye Garcia
Jan 14, 2024
Bartow - Faye Garcia, age 87, entered into rest on January 14, 2024, at her residence in Homeland surrounded by her family. She was born in Fort Meade, FL. Faye began her career as a receptionist at the PCSO. She transitioned to a secretarial position with W.R Grace & Co, where she spent the next 25 years continuing her professional...
Forrest G. Jamison, Jr.
Jan 13, 2024
Forrest G. Jamison, Jr., age 91, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born July 3, 1932 in Coffeyville, KS, He was a Business Consusltant. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. Forrest is survived by his caregiver Shirley Curtice of Fort Meade. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com
Duane Jay Peacock
Jan 10, 2024
Duane "Jay" Peacock, aged 63, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in Kissimmee, FL, surrounded by the warmth of his family. Jay was born on December 31, 1960, to Duane C. Peacock and Audrey Moody Peacock of Fort Meade, FL. His career in law enforcement began in the Department of Detention at the Polk County Sheriff's Office. His commitment...
