Scott R. Griffin
Mar 4, 2026
Scott R. Griffin, age 74, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Kindred Hospital Central Tampa. Scott was born on March 7, 1951, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was known as a hard worker who could always be counted on, and for his reliability and willingness to help others. Scott enjoyed spending time with friends and family....
James Byron Rials
Mar 2, 2026
James Byron Rials, age 89, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026. He was born in Andalusia, AL to Ivey & Clara Rials. He grew up in Sampson, AL and joined the US Army in 1952. He honorably served his country by completing 2 tours in the Vietnam conflict, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He spent 22 Years...
George T. Smith
Mar 1, 2026
FORT MEADE – George T. Smith, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center. Born on February 10, 1948, in Buffalo, NY, George lived a life defined by service, hard work, and a deep love for animals.
A proud veteran, George served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military...
Jacqueline A. Emerfoll
Feb 26, 2026
Bartow - Jacqueline A. Emerfoll, age 66, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Bartow Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 22, 1960, in St. Paul, MN. She worked in Human Resources. She enjoyed crafting, baking, playing bingo and going to the casino. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her...
Shawn A. Pawley
Feb 25, 2026
Rochester - Shawn A. Pawley, age 41, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Rochester, NY. He was born on September 22, 1984, in Bartow, FL. He worked as a Software Engineer. He enjoyed live comedy shows, going to the gun range, video games, and beach trips to Sarasota. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank Monroe, Don...
Frank Briggs, Sr.
Feb 24, 2026
Frank Briggs Sr. left this world on February 24, 2026, at the age of 76. Frank was born on August 2, 1949, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Harry Robert Briggs and Marylou Gassner. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and the quiet strength of a man who spoke volumes with few words.
Frank's life was filled with love and adventure...
Lareita Yvonne Shanks
Feb 24, 2026
Lareita Yvonne Shanks, age 75, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was born January 24, 1951 in Winter Haven, FL to Oliver & Lanora Yvonne Sjoblom. Lareita was a Legal Secretary for Frank Rouse for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Nathan Sjoblom, Donald Sjoblom and Ronald Sjoblom. Lareita is survived...
JoAn K. Music
Feb 23, 2026
Bartow - JoAn K. Music, age 67, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Bartow Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 29, 1958, in Bartow, FL. She was the Owner of Kathy's Cafe. She was a member of Vineyard Church of God. She enjoyed shopping, attending church and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death...
Judith Ann Lawrence
Feb 22, 2026
Judith Ann Lawrence, 84, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. Born on May 22, 1941, Judith was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother whose strength, wisdom, and unconditional love were the foundation of her family.
Judith was known for her sharp intellect, creativity, warmth, and love of meaningful conversation. She cherished family traditions, took great joy in cooking, art and...
John Timothy Reynolds
Feb 22, 2026
John Timothy Reynolds, age 61, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was born September 4, 1964 in Winter Haven, FL. Timothy was a Veteran in the US Army. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator. Timothy attended Fort Meade Worship Center. He was preceded in death by his brother Will Reyonlds. Timothy is survived by his parents John Hubert &...
Kristin R. Brown Simpson
Feb 21, 2026
Bartow - Kristin R. Brown Simpson , age 41, passed away on February 21, 2026, at her residence in Bartow. She was born on April 26, 1984, in Florence, SC. She worked as a Truck Driver. She enjoyed horse riding, showing cows, training dogs, traveling the country, finding the best restaurants and spending time with her kids. She was preceded...
Carl M. Rhoden
Feb 21, 2026
Bartow - Carl M. Rhoden, age 77, passed away on February 21, 2026 at Elite Care in Lakeland. He was born on February 18, 1949, in Lake Wales, FL. He was a Delivery Driver for the Polk County School Board. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, his cows and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his wife Cathy...
Joyce S. Beach
Feb 19, 2026
Lakeland - Joyce S. Beach, age 95, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Lakeland Hospice House. She was born on March 24, 1930, in Plant City, FL. She was a Homemaker. She enjoyed traveling and telling stories of her travels. She was preceded in death by her husband William Beach. She is survived by her nephew Keith Miller (Christine)...
Myrtle A. Holland
Feb 19, 2026
Myrtle A. Holland , age 101, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Winter Haven. She was born on March 8, 1924, in Glendale , FL. She was a Homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, being a grandmother and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Irl Holland, 3 brothers and 2...
David Stuart Arnold
Feb 18, 2026
David Stuart Arnold, age 75, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born March 13, 1950 in Bartow, FL to Aaron & Eula Arnold. David worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles Arnold. David is survived by his wife Cindi Arnold, daughter...
Bennie R. Rice, Sr.
Feb 17, 2026
Lakeland - Bennie R. Rice, Sr., age 89, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his residence in Lakeland. He was born on September 29, 1936, in Plant City, FL. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was an Engineering Manager for TECO. He was a member of Scott Lake Baptist Church . He enjoyed reading, shooting,...
William A. McCracken
Feb 14, 2026
William was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born on November 21, 1958, he passed away on February 14, 2026. William is preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Isabel (Todhunter) McCracken, and Brother Steven McCracken.
His legacy continues through his surviving family members: his devoted wife, Heather Shea-McCracken, with whom he shared nearly three decades; his daughters,...
Karen L Priddle
Feb 12, 2026
Karen L. Priddle, age 75, passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born March 28, 1950 in Lakeland, FL to Wyndham & Marjorie Priddle. Karen was a retired Avon Cosmetics Representative. She was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Bartow, where she was very active in bible study groups...
Betty Jo O'Cain
Feb 9, 2026
Betty Jo O'Cain (née Harris), age 80, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on February 9, 2026.
A lifelong resident of Polk County, Florida, she was born on September 12, 1945, in Bartow, Florida, to June and Ruby Harris (née Russ). She lived a life defined most notably by her love for Christ and devotion to her family.
She was...
Javier Cruz
Feb 6, 2026
Chandler - Javier Cruz, age 51, passed away on February 6, 2026, at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, Arizona. He was born Saturday, November 23, 1974, in San Juan Mixtepec, Mexico. He worked as a Laborer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching basketball & soccer. He is survived by his children Belem Fernandez Cruz, Javier Cruz,...
