Gilbert “Gil” Lamoine Crowser, 87, of Macclenny died on April 17, 2013 at Acosta-Rua Center for Caring with family by his side. He was born in Winger, Minnesota on May 3, 1925 to the late Oliver R. Crowser and Clara E. Hansen Crowser. Gil graduated from McIntosh High School in 1943 and later obtained a bachelor’s degree from Hamlin University in St. Paul, MN in 1952 and a master’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1971.

Mr. Crowser retired in 1971 as United States Navy pilot and Lt. Commander after 27 years of dedicated service. He proudly served his country in World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars. Gil traveled to many locations while in the Navy. After retirement he settled in Macclenny in 1972 where he was employed at Northeast Florida State Hospital for 13 years.

James Harold “Jim” Grissett, 79, died on March 22, 2012 at Macclenny Nurisng and Rehab after a long battle with diabetes. He was born to Charlie and Jessie Horne Grissett on November 8, 1933 in Chipley, FL and graduated from Chipley High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from Anchor Glass Corp. in Jacksonville.

Mr. Grissett is survived by his wife of 52 years, Odessa Warner Grissett; brother Larry (Pat) Grissett of Chipley; nieces Shawn (Ben) Reichenbach of Middleburg, Deborah (Jesse) Grim of Macclenny; nephew Matthew Grissett of Jacksonville; and other relatives.

Tom “Coach” Covington died in Macclenny, FL on April 19, 2013, his heart filled with memories and love as a son, a dad, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a teacher and a coach to his players who he called and will always be known as “his boys.”

Tom was born in Murray, KY on November 16, 1926, delivered at home by his father, Dr. E. D. Covington to his mother Katie (Irvan) Covington. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John Ed, Pat and sister Elizabeth. He is survived by Joanne, his wife of 63 years; daughter Karen (Dyke) Snipes; triplet grandchildren Ashley (Jared) Evelo, Cameron (Jaimie) Snipes, Clegg (Rachel) Snipes and great-granddaughter Mary Margaret; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Coach Covington was a member of First United Methodist Church of Macclenny, serving as a volunteer for Samaritan House and attending two church mission trips in the Appalachian Mountains of Red Bird, KY, working on the local school there. He served in the United States Army Air Corps and was appointed Kentucky Colonel by the governor. Nicknamed “Flash,” he received a four-year football scholarship to Murray State University and graduated with both BS and MS degrees.

Early Muriel Byrd Jr., 58, of Macclenny died on April 18, 2013 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville. He was born in Jacksonville on July 29, 1954 to Helen Byrd and the late Early Muriel Byrd Sr. Muriel has been a lifelong resident of Baker County and served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Baker County Road Department after over 25 years as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching WWE wrestling and being outdoors. Muriel was preceded in death by his father and his wife of 36 years, Pauline Barton Byrd.

Mr. Byrd is survived by parents Helen (Winston S.) Byrd of Glen St. Mary; brother Mark (Cari) Byrd of Jacksonville; wife Tammy Pitts of Macclenny; daughter Debbie (Lonzie) Lauramore of Macclenny; grandchildren David (Myrna Berlitz) Jones III, Justin (Brittni) Lauramore and Lonna (Chris) Barton; great-grandchildren Sofia Jones, Isabel Jones, Landen Lauramore, Lilly Barton, Jax Lauramore, Jaden Combs and Parker Combs; best friend Jack LaLonee.