Russell Wallace Timmons
Sep 30, 2026
Russell Timmons, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on March 13, 1935, in Palatka, Florida, Russell was the cherished son of Joseph Timmons and Ruth Clark. His life was a testament to the values of dedication, love, and service.
Russell’s journey began in the small town of...
Howard "Howie" Carlisle Beynon, Sr.
Sep 28, 2026
Fort Meade – Howard "Howie" Carlisle Beynon, Sr., age 78, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026. Born on July 18, 1948, in Tampa, FL, to Howard and Glenna Beynon, Howie grew up in the Frostproof and Fort Meade areas, where he built a life rooted in family, faith, and community.
Howie proudly served in the US Army National Guard and went...
Joseph "Pete" Minerva
Sep 23, 2026
Joseph Peter (“Pete”) Minerva, Jr. died on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida, following a battle with lung cancer.
Pete was born on June 29, 1940, in New York. Pete was the second child of Joseph Peter Minerva, Sr. and Josephine Grosso Minerva, both of whom preceded him in death.
Pete is survived by his children, Deborah Jean (Steven Conley) and...
Lauren C. McGill
Sep 22, 2026
Lauren C. McGill, 87, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on September 22, 2026. He was born September 28, 1938 in Wapello, Iowa.
Lauren began his remarkable 50-year career with Publix as a bag boy. Through hard work, dedication, and determination, he worked his way up through the company, becoming a store manager before moving to the Publix...
Margie Hattaway Griffin
Sep 22, 2026
Margie Hattaway Griffin was born on April 24, 1943, in Pearson, Atkinson County, Georgia. One of eight children, she went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2026 -her late husband Emmett’s birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett F. Griffin; her parents, Ellis Harvell Hattaway and Lizzie Rebecca Hart Hattaway; and her siblings, Edward Hattaway,...
Johnnie L. Draper, Jr.
Sep 22, 2026
Johnnie L. Draper, Jr., age 78, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his residence in Fort Meade, FL. He was born October 1, 1947, in Rocky Mount, NC to Johnnie L. & Ruth Mae Draper, Sr., Johnnie was a Veteran in the US Army. He was a Baptist Minister and a School Bus driver. He was a member of...
David W. Burke
Sep 22, 2026
Bartow - David W. Burke, age 81, passed away on September 22, 2026, at his residence in Bartow. He was born on August 30, 1945, in Sumner, OH. He worked as a Supervisor in the phosphate industry. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his brother Tim Burke. He is survived...
Billy R. Byrd, Jr.
Sep 21, 2026
Winter Haven - Billy R. Byrd, Jr., age 57, passed away on September 21, 2026, at his residence in Winter Haven. He was born on May 28, 1969, in Winter Haven, FL. He worked as a CNC Operator. He enjoyed cooking, playing poker, and being a jokester. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. He is survived by...
Michael James Coulter
Sep 21, 2026
Michael James Coulter, 67, passed away on September 21, 2026. He was born on April 26, 1959, in Bartow, Florida, to Mary and Jimmy Coulter.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lanelle Coulter; his daughter, Brittany Price (Tony); his son, Shane Coulter (Audrey); and his beloved grandchildren, Caroline, Carley, Beau Coulter, Brooklyn and Layla Price, and Dallas...
Dale Robin Weaver
Sep 17, 2026
Dale Robin Weaver, age 68, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born August 23, 1958, in Walden, CO to Paul & Mary Weaver. Robin was a Heavy Equipment Operator and served in the National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Keith Weaver and Mack Weaver. Robin is survived by his daughter Leslie Stinson...
Armando Quintanilla
Sep 15, 2026
Lakeland - Armando Quintanilla, age 41, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026. He was born March 10, 1985, in Tampa, FL to Domingo & Linda Quintanilla. Armando was an Ironworker and loved to fish. He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Quintanilla. Armando is survived by wife Amelia Lopez, son Bentley Guzman, two daughters Miranda Guzman and Sophia...
Susan Kay Knox
Sep 12, 2026
Susan Knox, a beloved wife, cherished stepmother, and friend to many, passed away on September 12, 2026. Born on July 16, 1952, in Dixon, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Don and Mary McBride.
Susan’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and a profound connection to nature and family. Growing up in Dixon, Susan developed a deep appreciation...
Della Bixenman
Sep 6, 2026
Lakeland — Della Bixenman, age 67, passed away on September 6, 2026, at her residence in Lakeland. Born on November 8, 1958, in Martinez, California, Della proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Operations Specialist until her honorable discharge in April 1985, later retiring from a career in banking at the age of 55. She enjoyed...
Michael Eugene Cunningham
Sep 6, 2026
Lakeland - Michael "Mike" Eugene Cunningham, age 73, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, at his home in Lakeland, FL. He was born on September 10, 1952, in Miami, FL to Ralph & Norma Cunningham. Mike was a Correctional Sergeant for the Florida Department of Corrections. He was Catholic. Mike is survived by his wife Mary Ann Cunningham, son Kevin...
Martha Jo Smith
Sep 6, 2026
Bartow - Martha Jo Smith, age 91, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026. She was born on January 15, 1935, in Dozier, AL to Lester & Maggie Clark. Martha and her late husband Dempsie moved to Bartow in 1953 for a short time before moving to Niagara Falls, NY until returning to Bartow in 1966, from there they moved to...
Joseph Terry Guthrie
Sep 4, 2026
Joseph Terry Guthrie, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born on September 2, 1948, in Bartow, Florida, he was the son of Johnny and Sarah Guthrie, who preceded him in death, along with his brothers, Johnny Wayne Guthrie and Freddie Mac Guthrie.
Terry proudly served his country...
Charles "Chuck" J. Spencer
Sep 4, 2026
Bartow - Charles "Chuck" Spencer, age 76, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026. He was born October 25, 1949, in Terre Haute, IN to Charles & Betty Joe Spencer. Chuck was a United States Marine serving from 1968-1970, serving three tours in The Vietnam War and earning the rank of sergeant. He retired as Police Captain for Bartow Police Department,...
Deborah "Debbie" Daniel Smith
Sep 3, 2026
Deborah “Debbie” Daniel Smith passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Debbie was a beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Debbie was a woman who deeply loved her family. Her greatest joy came from the people she loved and the...
Leland C. Smith
Sep 2, 2026
“ For Everything there is a Season
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and time to build up,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Leland’s season began at Bartow...
Hazel "Polly" Paulett Odom
Sep 2, 2026
Bartow - Hazel Paulett "Polly" Odom, age 81, went to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday, September 2, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1945, in Jacksonville, FL to Lavon & Ruby Lee Claxton. Polly was the Owner & Operator of her beauty salon "House of Beauty". She was a devout Christian and was of the...
