December 24, 2020
Johnny Eugene Wheeler
Johnny Eugene Wheeler, 64, of Ocala went home to be with our Lord and Savior after fighting a long battle with cancer on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at The Ted and Diane Brandley House in Summerfield.
Johnny was a native of Science Hill, Kentucky and moved to this area 50 years ago. He worked in construction.
Survivors include his sister Eva Dick of Belleview; brother Homer L. Wheeler of Eubank, KY; several nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, nephews and especially his dogs Bandit and Foxy.
A memorial service were held at 1pm on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Forest Lawn Memory Garden. Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com.
___________________________________________
Dale Floyd Witherspoon
On December 16, 2020 Dale F. Witherspoon crossed over from this earthly world into the open arms of his Lord and Saviour.
Dale was born on October 14, 1937 in Enon Valley, PA to Floyd and Agnes (Byler) Witherspoon with whom he will be reunited. He lived his childhood on the family farm and enjoyed his time spent there. He graduated from Mt. Jackson High School in 1955 and recalled the many activities that he participated in, playing trumpet in the band, playing the piano, performing in the class plays, being statistician for the basketball team, and singing in a popular quartet.
After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. As he jokingly would comment, he retired three times – first from Lloyd, Thomas, Coates and Burchard (as a business appraiser) where he traveled nationwide. Second he retired from George-Ku Inc., a travel company, and then thirdly, from the Presbyterian Church, USA as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.
He married Nancy (Marvin) on June 8, 1985 and they enjoyed 35 adventurous and blessed years traveling the countryside.
He is survived by his wife; son, Larry (PJ) Witherspoon of Horn Lake, MS; brother Edward Witherspoon of Brooksville, FL; sister, Bette McKim of Enon Valley, PA; brother-in-law, Daniel (Trudy) Marvin of Independence, OH; 2 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Billy and Harry.
Due to Covid and traveling restrictions, a Celebration and Thanksgiving of his life will be held at a later time.
The family would like to express heart-felt gratitude to all of the staff at Prestige Manor for the care and love that they bestowed on Dale.
Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com.
________________________________________
Gary Lee Barrus
Gary Lee Barrus, 74, of Lady Lake, FL passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on December 12, 2020. He was the husband of Michelle Barrus.
Gary was born in Ovid, MI to the late David Richard Barrus and Donna Jeanne Barrus and spent the majority of his life in Charlotte, MI. Right out of high school, Gary served as an E-4 Signalman in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After being released from active duty, Gary was transferred to the Naval Reserve and returned to Charlotte, MI. There he worked for more than 30 years at General Motors. He and his former wife Melody raised two children.
After retiring from General Motors, Gary moved to Lady Lake, FL, where he met and married Michelle. Together, they became active in their church, serving in both St. John Lutheran and Christ Lutheran Church in Summerfield. Gary was on Church Council and also served as Property Superintendent until November 2019.
Gary is survived by his wife Michelle, his mother Donna Jeanne Barrus, step-daughters Laura DeLong and Jennifer Delong of FL, son, William Barrus (Joy) of SC, daughter, Rebecca Sheets (Duane) of MI, brothers, Doug Barrus of FL, Thomas Barrus of MI, Ronnie Barrus of CA, Daniel Barrus (Anne) of MI, sister, Carol May (Gary) of MI, and 7 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his step-son, Jeffrey Delong, Jr. and brother, S-SGT. David W. Barrus.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 15699 SE 80th Ave. Summerfield, FL on January 24, 2021at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420. Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com.
_________________________________________
Charles Edward Tincher
Charles Edward Tincher, 87, of Belleview, Florida passed away December 13, 2020 at Ocala Regional Medical Center, Ocala, Florida. He was the husband of Jeanetta Tincher for 65 years.
Charles was born in Raleigh County, West Virginia a Grandson of the late Charlie and Nancy Plumley and a son of the late Cecil and Cora Tincher. Charles and Jeanetta moved to Belleview in 1957 from Beckley, West Virginia. He owned and operated a TV repair shop for 42 years.
Charles is survived by his wife, Jeanetta Mae Tincher and daughters, Janet Carol Westman of Belleview, FL, Lecinda Brooks and her husband Arthur of Ocala, FL, Lisa Bean and her husband James of Salt Lake City, UT. He has 9 grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great Great Grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420 on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 10:00AM on December 18, 2020 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Belleview. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery. Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com
__________________________________________
LEON PAUL MARKEY
Leon Paul Markey, 95, died peacefully at home in Belleview FL on Dec 15, 2020. He was born on July 31, 1925 in Durham Township, Hancock County, Illinois and was the son of Paul Noland Markey and Grace Byers Markey. He left high school to join the Army, as he was called by Uncle Sam. (In 1980, with his daughter Sherri, he got his GED at age 55 yrs old)
During his time in the Army, he served in the Philippines and Korea. After he returned home, he met and married Charlotte in 1947. They just celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this past October. They settled in Dallas City, IL. In 1956, they moved to Florida. After a few moves within the state they settled in Belleview in 2004.
He was a faithful member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, in Belleview.
He is predeceased by his parents, a sister (Mary Rees), and 4 brothers, (Lester, Frank, John and Tony)
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, six daughters, Cynthia McLeod (Dearl), Sandra Cooney (Pat), Holly Johnson (Tom), Janelle Kent (Brent), Sherri Godfrey (Ben), Shawn Grabau (Mike), and, and one son, Kevin Markey (Kim) as well as 18 Grandchildren, and 8 Great-Grandchildren.
Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala FL on Dec 22, 2020 with Visitation from 10am to 11am followed by a Funeral Service officiated by Fr. Tom Connery and burial at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Leon Markey may be made to Hospice of Marion County, Ocala FL.
__________________________________________
Marvin E. Hill
Marvin E. Hill, 85, of Ocala, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
Born in Greig, NY, he was the son of the late Marvin K. and Ora (Plato) Hill.
Marvin joined the military at the age of 17. He served in Korea as a fort observer in US Army 1st Calvary, 159th Field Artillery Division, was injured and honorably discharged. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 1963 and shared 57 years together. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. He started his career in Florida working for Grumman Aircraft. Returning to Pennsylvania where the family grew, he advanced to a Master Journeyman at Beckwith Machinery, a Caterpillar dealer, until his retirement. In 2007 they moved to Ocala, Florida.
Marvin leaves his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary C (Dillon) Hill, three daughters, Michelle (Lance) Burr, Monica (Michael) Bustell and Melanie (Charles) Staab, a son, Griff (Carly) York and 7 grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Bambery, Meghann Beaver, Cecelia Staab, Justin and Cassidy York, and 1 great grandson, Robby Stoliker. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Cody Beaver.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 in St. Theresa Catholic Church, Belleview at 10:00 AM. The family will receive friends in the church narthex from 9:15 AM until time for Mass. Burial with military honors will be in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. at 1:00 PM.
In recent years, he brought joy to his community with a substantial Christmas display to benefit Operation Shoe Box. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to this charity in honor of Marvin at PO Box 1465 Belleview, FL 34420.
For on-line sentiments visit www.hiers-baxley.com
___________________________________________