Mr. Christopherson,
56, of Macclenny dies

Richard “Rich” Arthur Christopherson, 56, died on June 14. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Harry Christopherson and Veronica Bills Christopherson on March 29, 1954. He was a resident of Baker County since 2006 after moving from Jacksonville. Rich was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church in Macclenny.

Mr. Christopherson honorably served in the US Army and was a federal officer for 32 years. He had a medical billing business for specialty doctors in the Jacksonville and Macclenny areas. He served as the unit commissioner for Shawnee District in Boy Scouts, an assistant scoutmaster of the National Youth Leadership Training, was past president for the Federal Lodge 125, a member of the Federal Coalition of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers and a member of the Amateur Radio Club (HAM).

Survivors include his wife of two years, Margaret Mary Christopherson; children Richard “Rick” Arthur Christopherson of Jacksonville, Jessica L. (Mike) Lababidi of Orlando, Brian A. (Milli) Smith of Minnesota, Heather S. Smith of Macclenny, Emily Sacks of Atlanta and Stephen D. Willing of Glen St. Mary; six grandchildren.

The memorial service was held Monday, June 20, at 2:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Macclenny with Father Paul Smith officiating. Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to help with funeral costs.

Donald Van Ness
dies on May 23rd

Donald Blauvelt Van Ness, age 80, died May 23. Donald was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to the late Gerald Raymond Van Ness and Lillian Mildred Blauvelt on September 7, 1930.

He was a resident of Baker County for the last two years after moving from St. Augustine. He enjoyed woodworking, leather work and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Edward Paul Ward, Jr. Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years Carolyn P. Van Ness; children Paul (Sharon) Van Ness of Sykeston, ND and Susan Ward of Macclenny; grandchildren Thomas Van Ness, Edward Ward, Sean Ward, Shannon Van Ness and Alexander Van Ness; one great grandson and a brother-in-law.

The funeral services will be held June 20 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Macclenny with Pastor Tom Pope and Pastor Randy Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Ferreira Funeral Services of Mac­­clenny was in charge of arrangements.

Johnnie Thomas, Jr., Pipefitter

Johnnie McSweign Thomas, Jr., 82, died Wednesday, June 8 after a courageous fight with cancer. A faithful man, he left the earth assured of the peacefulness awaiting him with the Lord, his Father. He was born on February 8, 1929 to Mary and John Thomas in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Dudley. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Betty, of 22 years; children Pamela (Robert) Akins, Melanie (Roger) Paris, Marsha (Randy) Davidson, Jerry (Brenda) Thomas and Terry (Kathleen) Thomas; stepchildren Debbie (Alex) Katsacos, Marty (Rosemary) Farnesi and Vincent (Pam) Farnesi; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one nephew; and three nieces.

Mr. Thomas served in the U.S. Army and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a past president and a proud 60-year member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 234. Not only was he a skilled pipefitter by trade, he was well known in his church supper group for his macaroni and cheese and biscuits.

A viewing and visitation for family and friends was held June 10 at Glen Hill Primitive Baptist Church. Funeral services and a luncheon were held at the church the following day prior to the services.

The interment was held at Riverside Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Stephen Atkins, Brian Paris, Damon Thomas, Jason Thomas, Michael Thomas, Christopher Wood, Mike Wood and Devon Parker.

The family is grateful to everyone for their continued prayers, kindness and sympathy. Johnnie will be greatly missed.

Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home provided arrangements.

Linda Snover, 62,
a registered nurse

Linda Anne Snover, 62, of Macclenny died on June 8, 2011. She was born in Hoboken, New Jersey to the late Richard Hitchings and Anne McPhee Hitchings on March 13, 1949 and was a resident of Baker County for the last 26 years after moving from Hollywood, FL.

Linda worked as a registered nurse for 25 years and at the Regional Medical Center in Lake Butler for the last 18 years. She loved to work, visit the mountains and spend time with her family and friends. She was predeceased by her son Edward Snover and her brother Richard Hitchings.

Survivors include her children Anne (Craig) Blackburn, Michael Snover and Samantha Hunter; her life partner of 22 years Danny Hunter; brothers Greg Hitchings of Fort Lauderdale and Stephen Hitchings of Atwater, CA; sister Eileen Hitchings of Winton, CA; grandchildren Alex Blackburn, Timothy Carter, Nevaeh Carter and Whitney Hunter.

The funeral service was held on June 11 t 10:30 am at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel in Macclenny with Pastor Billy Worthington officiating.