James Martin Crapps

James Martin Crapps, 56, of Live Oak, Florida passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. He was born to Virginia B. Crapps and P.C. Crapps Jr. on Dec. 2, 1950 in Hines, Florida. Crapps was a graduate of Stanton Military Academy in Stanton, Virginia and University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, Florida. His studies at the University of Florida had an emphasis on banking and finance. Following graduation, he began his banking career in 1974 at the First National Bank of Live Oak and Hamilton County Bank in Jasper where he worked until 1986. Later Crapps organized and established First National Credit of Live Oak. In addition to his banking career, Crapps had other business interests, including real estate investments. He was a supporter of University of Florida and an avid Gator fan. Crapps was a local philanthropist supporting churches, education, sports, civic, community and other humanitarian causes. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Live Oak.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his youngest brother, George.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Evans Crapps, daughter, Julianne Crapps and son, James Evan Crapps. Both children are students at University of Florida. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his wife and their children; three sisters, Betsy Crapps Burch of Live Oak, Jenny Crapps Johnson of Live Oak and Dicy Crapps Hannum of Lake City; five brothers, Claude Crapps of Live Oak, David Crapps of Gainesville, Peat Crapps of Lake City, John Crapps of Live Oak and Daniel Crapps of Lake City; and many nephews and nieces.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 5 at 7:30 a.m. at the graveside in the Live Oak Cemetery with Pastor Frank Davis officiating. Memorials may be given to the church or charity of your choice.

Harris Funeral Home, Inc. of Live Oak, Florida was in charge of all arrangements.



Howard Lewis “Howie” Howes Jr.

Howard Lewis “Howie” Howes Jr., 56 of Live Oak, Florida passed away Monday, April 2, 2007, in Live Oak. The Tampa, Florida native moved to Live Oak in 1965. He was an avid fisherman, loved to play golf and was a huge Gator fan. Howes was a member of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Live Oak, Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Jean Howes of Live Oak, Florida; his step-mother, Mary Howes of Live Oak, Florida; one son, Shawn Howes of Live Oak, Florida; two daughters, Jennifer Sullivan of Valdosta, Georgia and Tracy Howes of Dudley, North Carolina; two brothers, James Howes of Melrose, Florida and Doug Howes of Jasper, Florida; one sister, Suzanne Howes of Wellborn, Florida; several step-sisters; one step-brother; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Friday, April 6 at graveside in Live Oak Cemetery with the Rev. James Howes officiating.

Harris Funeral Home, Inc. of Live Oak, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.



William “Billy” Gamble

William “Billy” Gamble, 70, of Mayo, Florida, passed away Monday, April 2, 2007 in Doctors Memorial Hospital in Perry, Florida. A native of Suwannee County, he had lived in Mayo for the past 25 years. Gamble was a son of the late J.C. Gamble and the late Sadie Ward Gamble. He was owner/operator of Gamble Straw Company and was an avid hunter. Gamble attended New Beginnings Church.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Gracie Gamble of Mayo, Florida; three sons, Don Gamble of Luraville, Florida, Clay Gamble and wife, Gina, of Woodstock, New York and Colby Gamble and wife, Jennifer, of Mayo, Florida; one daughter, Christine Mathers and husband, Kevin, of Perry, Florida; two brothers, Herman Gamble of Steinhatchee, Florida and Hubert Gamble of Perry, Florida; 10 grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2007 in Burns Funeral Home Chapel in Mayo, Florida with Brother Wayne Hudson officiating. Interment followed in Cooks Hammock Cemetery.

Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Mayo, Florida was in charge of all arrangements.



Edward J. Christie

Edward J. Christie, 69, of Live Oak, Florida, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed from this life, Sunday, April 1, 2007. Born on Feb. 8, 1938 in New York to the late Edward and Marie (Dietz) Christie, he attended Brooklyn Technical High School, graduating in 1956. In 1961, Christie started work for IBM. He later moved his family to Wappingers, New York, while working at IBM facilities in East Fishkill and Poughkeepsie, New York. Christie retired with 32 years of service.

Always a fearless adventurer, in the late 1960s he was driving Corvairs and flying light airplanes out of MacArthur Airport. His love of the outdoors had him camping with his family in the Catskills, Yellowstone and many points in between during the 1970s. After his children had grown, Christie found his true passion in the wind and water of the Hudson Valley, as a member of the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club and owner of a sailboat he named “J,” his nickname for his wife. After retiring, Christie and the love of his life, his wife Jamie, hauled the anchor on traditional life. Aboard the “Christie K,” named for his granddaughter, they set the sails for seven years of adventures up and down the east coast. In 1998, they docked the “Christie K” for the last time and settled in Louisburg, North Carolina. Eventually moving to Live Oak, Florida, Christie again found himself enjoying the great outdoors, initially volunteering, and eventually working as a park ranger for the state of Florida. His quick wit, charm and loving, compassionate attitude towards the people around him will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Jamie Christie, of Live Oak, Florida; son Edward and his wife, Anita, of Marlboro, New York; daughter, Donna Christie, and her son, Joseph Kalfa of Marlboro, New York, son Peter, and his wife, Jody, of Hyde Park, New York; brother, Peter and his wife, Anna, of Hicksville, New York; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents, brother, Raymond, sister, Marie Scharf, granddaughter, Christie Kalfa and all the worthy departed are blessed with his arrival at the Lord’s bountiful table.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. of Live Oak, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.



Ralph D. Sasser

Ralph D. Sasser, 82, of O’Brien, Florida, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007 in Baker, Florida after a long illness.

Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. of Live Oak, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.



Martha Ouellette

Martha Ouellette, 84, of Live Oak, Florida, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007 in Shands at University of Florida, Gainesville.

Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. of Live Oak, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.