OBITUARIES

Apr 17, 2024

Apr 17, 2024

The world bids farewell to Robert J. McManus Jr., who passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 79. Dobie, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind cherished memories within the community. His life was marked by dedication and service.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Savannah, Georgia, Robert...

Apr 13, 2024

Robert “Bob” Lee Read, Jr., 88, was born on January 16, 1936, in Arcadia, FL to Robert Lee Read, Sr. and Gwendolyn LaByer Read. Bob graduated from Bartow High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958, and was a...

Apr 12, 2024

Elizabeth Louise Twiss (Betty) of Lakeland, Florida, died on Friday, April 12, 2024. Betty was born June 02, 1931, in Leonardsville, New York.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Lyle Twiss, and her daughter Lori La Fleur.

She is survived by 4 children, Ronald Twiss, Kathleen...

Apr 11, 2024

Kimberly Ann Letourneau, daughter of Philip A. Letourneau and the late Carol Marie Fontaine Letourneau passed away April 11, 2024, in Ashville, NC.

She was born February 27, 1976. Kimberly graduated from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, FL.

She was a resident of the Ashville, NC area for the past...

Apr 11, 2024

Carole Anne Coburn, 88, of Lakeland, Fl, passed away peacefully on 11 April 2024. She was born on Christmas Day, 1935, in East Molesey, England, to John and Grace Hicks, their third child. Her family lived on the outskirts of London during WWII, where they faced the constant threat of bombardment by the German Air Force. Their back yard...

Apr 11, 2024

Lydia, 88, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 13th,1935 in Inaha, GA to the late Thomas and Latha Murphy.

Lydia will be deeply missed by her four children and their spouses, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family, friends and all who...

Apr 9, 2024

Matthew John McDonald (Matt), 63, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from cancer. He was born in Sterling, Illinois to W. Thomas McDonald and Norma (Grennan) McDonald. While living in Sterling, after being redshirted in kindergarten, he attended St. Mary's grade school and Newman Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1980. After high school, Matt...

Apr 9, 2024

Apr 7, 2024

Diane Rippey Melton passed away peacefully at her home on April 7th. She was 85 years of age. She was born in Daytona Beach, Fl. Her parents were Nelson Darrel Rippey and Julia Alma Joye. She grew up in Daytona Beach and later moved to Atlanta she attended Fulton High School and was a majorette. After graduation, she attended...

Apr 6, 2024

Curtis Hancock was Polk County, Florida, through and through. Devoted to his home and his family, he believed in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, adding businesses, opportunity, and value to the community. Curtis learned hard work at an early age. Hired as a sixteen-year-old bag boy at the Southgate Publix, Curtis then worked his way up to store...

Apr 3, 2024

Kelley Lynn Shannon of Lakeland, Florida was born in Toledo, Ohio and passed away on April 3rd, 2024, at the age of 47 following a brief battle with cancer.

She is survived by her devoted parents, David, and Ingrid Shannon of Lakeland; her sister, Heather Knight (Chris) of Edwards, Colorado; and their two daughters, Audrey,...

Mar 31, 2024

Bobby Gene Hicks passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was born on July 14, 1935, in Liberty, Alabama to the late John and Lou Hicks.

Bobby delivered flowers at a young age before becoming the owner of Bradley Flowers for 47 years.

He enjoyed working with his hands and was...

Mar 31, 2024

Gail Patterson left this earth on March 31st, 2024, at 9:55 PM at Good Shephard Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones as she took her last breath.

Gail is survived by her husband of 42 years, Bob, sisters Deb Lee and Elda Owens, sons Richard Sumner and...

Mar 29, 2024

Mar 28, 2024

Barrett Boyd Scott, 63, of Lakeland, Florida passed away Thursday March 28, 2024, at his residence. He was born April 15, 1960, in DeFuiak Springs, Florida.

Barrett graduated from Walton Senior High School. After graduation he served in the United States Army. He enjoyed fishing, road trips, music (singing, dancing, and making music), family time,...

Mar 27, 2024

Mar 25, 2024

Judith (Judy) James Davidson, age 76, passed away on March 25, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on May 8, 1947, in Lake Wales, Florida, to William and Edith James. After graduation with her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, she taught English at Mulberry High School, Southwest Middle School, and Bartow High School. She was...

Mar 24, 2024

Catherine Bhisitkul (1939-2024) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family in Lakeland, Florida on March 24, 2024. A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her memory is cherished by her family and the many people she touched throughout her life.

Catherine Murchake was born in 1939, and raised on a farm in Annapolis, Maryland...

Mar 24, 2024