Arthur L. Dedge

Nov. 27, 1938 – Sept. 25, 2015

Arthur L. Dedge, age 76 of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015.

Born in Pritchardville, South Carolina on Nov. 27, 1938, Arthur was the son of Joe and Inez Dedge. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Jasper, Florida. It was there that he grew up on a farm and attended Jasper High School. After two years at Florida State University, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida. On Feb. 14, 1966 he founded his own locksmith business, Dedge’s Lock and Key Shop. For over 45 years this was not only his business, but his passion.  He thought of his business as his hobby, not his job. He was an exceptional businessman who possessed expertise in his field, and mentored all who had the privilege to work with him.    

Never one to sit still, Arthur enjoyed golf, traveling and camping. He was sharp as a tack, with a quick wit and always ready with a joke to tell. Throughout his life, Arthur was loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He lived each day to the fullest. With his passing his family and friends celebrate his spirit and zest for life.  

Arthur is survived by his wife, Geraldine Dedge; children Sherry Dedge Bauer, Bruce Newman, and Christine Thomas; sisters Lucille Hodges and Nell Bols; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sybil Dedge and brothers, Joe Dedge and Gerald Dedge.

In keeping with the wishes of Arthur, there will be no funeral services. Contributions in his memory may be made to the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration College of Medicine at www.movementdisorders.ufhealth.org.

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Palmer Ocilee Walthour

April 18, 1984 – Oct. 13, 2015

Palmer Ocilee Walthour was born April 18, 1984 to Izabella Dowels and Willie Walthour Sr. Stepfather: Vandell Dowels, Sr. Palmer received his education: Hamilton County Public Schools and resided: Orlando, Florida. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at the age of 31, Palmer’s life came to an end at Orlando Regional Medical Center, in Orlando, Florida.  

Those who preceded him in death; maternal grandparents James Randolph, Sr. and Evelyn Randolph. His paternal grandfather William Walthour. One Sister Ebony Dowels.

He leaves to cherish his memories; paternal grandmother, Ms. Claretha Young. Nine brothers and sisters; Angelo Mitchell, Philip Mitchell (April), Vandell Dowels, Jr., and Mishelona Raiford, all of Jasper. Florida. Willie Walthour, Jr. Ricardo Walthour, and Cassandra Beasley, all of Valdosta, Georgia. Arnell Hawkins of Jennings, FL. Delena Dowels of Tampa, Florida. A very special and devoted friend, Lakisha Miller, and kids; Damichael Bowe, Shary Jefferson and Lance Frett of Orlando, Florida. Best friend Shamonia Jefferson of Orlando, Florida. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Service of Love and Remembrance was held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at Jesus the Living Word of Deliverance. Kathy Hawkins is pastor, and Rev. Desi Nixon officiated. Burial followed in the West Lake Cemetery, Jasper, Florida. The family received other relatives and sorrowing friends Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chapel of Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home.  

Professional Mortuary Services entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home.

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Edith Goolsby

Aug. 18, 1923 – Oct. 21, 2015

Edith Goolsby, age 92, Jasper, Fla. passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015. Mrs. Goolsby was preceded in death by her husband the late “P.L.” Phynis Goolsby in March of 2005. She was a native of Hamilton County born on Aug. 18, 1923 to the late James “Jim” Horace and Ottie Gracie Harrell Stone. She was a homemaker and faithful member of First Advent Christian Church in Jasper. As long as her health permitted, Ms. Goolsby provided floral arrangements for the church each Sunday. She loved her flowers and enjoyed working in her yard. She was also a seamstress and enjoyed making just about anything that could be dreamed up. Her family will treasure the many quilts she made over the many years. Ms. Goolsby was known for her quiet and gentle spirit. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Survivors include three daughters, Judy Smith and her husband Delmer of Jennings, Fla.; Donna Billot and her husband John of Jasper, Fla. and Rita Goolsby and her fiancé Freddy Steedley of Valdosta, Ga.; two sisters, Colita Nichols of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Lucille Smith of Jasper, Fla.; six grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla. with Bro. Rusty Fennell officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Advent Christian Village, P.O. Box 4305, Dowling Park, FL. 32064.

Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.