OBITUARIES

Jul 15, 2024

Janis Howze Polin passed away peacefully at home in Lakeland, FL on July 15, 2024. She was born in Americas, GA on June 21, 1937.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Louis Polin of 67 years; granddaughters, Larissa Howard (Billy), Rhiannon Whitaker (Jason); and 3 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death...

Jul 14, 2024

Joseph Clifton (Cliff) Thompson Jr., 80 passed away at home in Tullahoma, TN on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his father; Joseph C. Thompson Sr, mother; Elizabeth King Thompson, first Wife; Shirley Thompson, an infant daughter, and sister; Margaret Thompson Sealey.

He is survived by his...

Jul 14, 2024

Jul 13, 2024

Jack Randolph Harrell, Jr. died July 13, 2024, at his home in Lakeland, Florida, following a brief battle with Glioblastoma. He was 68 years old and passed away six months following his diagnosis.

He was born June 3, 1956, in Lakeland, the son of Jack Randolph Harrell and Norma Barwick Harrell. He was the oldest...

Jul 13, 2024

Josephine Lee Sawyer, aka Jo Lee, Mom, Memaw and Gurrie passed on July 13, 2024 at Grand Living at Tamaya, assisted living facility in Jacksonville, FL after a long battle with dementia.

Jo Lee was born June 11,1939 in Jacksonville, FL and was the daughter of Samuel and Josephine Blondheim. She attended Fletcher...

Jul 11, 2024

Wanda Ritchey Schulz, 93, a resident of Lake Morton Plaza, peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with her immediate family by her side.

Wanda was born October 24, 1930 in Lakeland, Florida to Lois and William Woods. She was the oldest of three children. She was preceded in death by her...

Jul 11, 2024

Jul 8, 2024

On the 8th of July 2024, Robert Theadore “Ted” Wilhite, Jr. left this world for another. Ted was preceded in death by his wife of over fifty years, Sarah Beville Wilhite; his brother, Richard and his sister, Mary Alice Garrett. He leaves his wife, Cecelia (Celie)Moore Wilhite who gave him great joy and happiness as well as love and...

Jul 8, 2024

Ms. Velva Joann Kretzer, 92, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Man, departed this life on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Health.

She was born on October 22, 1931, in Logan, and was a beloved daughter of the late Arthur and Pearl Trent.

Ms. Kretzer will be lovingly laid to...

Jul 8, 2024

Beloved husband, father, pastor and friend, the Rev. William Alan Fisackerly III, 93, entered his heavenly rest at The Estates at Carpenters in Lakeland, Florida on July 8, 2024.

The son of William A. and Hester Fisackerly, Bill was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 19, 1930, and lived most of his life in the...

Jul 6, 2024

Dr. Phillip ‘Phil’ Robert Tolentino, age 62, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at his home in Lakeland. Phil was born on May 22, 1962, to Drs. Felipe and Flora Tolentino in St. Louis, MO. He spent his early childhood in Manila, Philippines with his grandparents and grew up in the Boston area, going to Weston High School...

Jul 5, 2024

Shirley Ann Schmidt, 82, of Lakeland, died on July 5, 2024. She was born on July 9, 1941, in Taylorville, Illinois. Shirley was a business owner having operated her own gift shop for 30 years while living in Illinois. She was a member of Lake Gibson Methodist Church in which she was very active. Shirley also loved her family...

Jul 2, 2024

James Harold “Cowboy” Weathers

11/21/56 - 7/2/24

Harold “Cowboy” Weathers was born in Statesboro, GA and lived most of his life in Lakeland

He was an “artist” as a welder/fitter in the metal fabrication industry.

He loved to fish and rifle shooting - especially at...

Jun 29, 2024

Jun 29, 2024

Melvin Wetherington died suddenly on June 29, 2024, after a short illness.

Mel was born on March 3, 1938, to Evelyn and Thomas “CHET” Wetherington. Mel attended Plant City High School in 1956 and was a graduate of the University of Florida 1960.

He served in the military as a U.S....

Jun 28, 2024

Jun 25, 2024

Winona J. Rinesmith was born December 21, 1933, in Farmerville Louisiana, passed away June 25, 2024, under Hospice care.

Winona had a successful career as a Lakeland Real Estate Agent.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Bryant, Naomi Rinesmith and son, Jay Rinesmith.

Funeral services will...

Jun 25, 2024

Wiley Johnson, 89 of Lakeland passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Health. He was born September 18, 1934, to the late James Alf & Mamie Williams Johnson.

Wiley was President of McDonald Construction Corp and was employed for 68 Years. He enjoyed traveling, playing softball, bowling and working, the man loved to...

Jun 24, 2024

Robert Spann Lindsey, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully went to be with his Lord on June 24, 2024, at the age of 82. A retired USAF F-4 Phantom Jet and A-10 “Warthog” Pilot, Bob spent the final 12 years of his distinguished life in the Historic District of Lakeland, Florida, enjoying the serenity of his Frank...

Jun 24, 2024

Sterling (Bill) White born in South Hill, Virginia in 1933 to Alvin Malachi White Sr. and Nannie Mary Tuck (during a depression), enjoyed his 8 siblings growing up and taking care of his parents after becoming an adult. He often helped on the tobacco farm until finishing school and joining the Army where he honorably served as a Military...