Barbara F. Dempsey
Barbara F. Dempsey, 84, of Plant City, formerly of Rowley, Massachusetts, born in Brooklyn, New York on April 27, 1936, entered into eternal rest on April 15, 2021.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Harold ‘Gene’ Beall
Harold “Gene” Beall, 79, of Plant City, born in Dade City on February 7, 1942, entered into eternal rest on March 29, 2021. He had a long career in the automotive industry as a body mechanic, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming.
He is survived by children, Tracy S. Todd (Donny), Angela Frierson (Joe) and Allan Beall (Chris), all of Plant City; four grandchildren; and many other family and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, April 30 from 6-8:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Arthur ‘Art’ Ray Bradshaw
Arthur “Art” Ray Bradshaw, 84, of Plant City, born in Sweetwater, Tennessee on June 12, 1936, entered into eternal rest an April 22, 2021.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Joe Ramthun
Joe Ramthun, 61, of Lakeland, passed away on April 23, 2021. A memorial service will be held on May 15, 2021 at 2:00pm at Full Gospel Tabernacle.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
Gerald ‘Keith’ Near
Gerald “Keith” Near, 57, of Valrico, passed away on April 19, 2021. Services will be held privately.
Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
Linda Faye Daughtry
Linda Faye Daughtry, 78, of Dover, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021. She was born in Hartsville, Colquitt County, Georgia on September 18, 1942. A funeral service was held April 23, 2021 at Countryside Baptist Church, 13422 Sydney Road, Dover.
Complete obituary may be viewed and condolences may be left at www.WellsMemorial.com.
Ray Anthony
Mr. Ray Anthony, 51, went to be with the Lord April 19, 2021 in Lakeland. Graveside Ceremonies will be Thursday, April 29, 2021, 11 a.m. at Garden of Peace Cemetery.
Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel.
Jane Ruth Lyman Swinney
Jane Ruth Lyman Swinney, 98, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
An almost-native Floridian, Jane resided in Tampa for 80 years before moving to Lakeland. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Leonard A. Swinney; and daughter Carol Donovan. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Brady (Lakeland); grandsons, David Brady (Plant City) and Jeff Brady (Plant City); granddaughter Susan Carr (Ft. Lauderdale); six great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.
Jane was an Auxillary Volunteer at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, ending her 30-year dedication to veterans in 2003. Jane loved her family, her country, her cats, and Disney World.
A private family service was held on April 27, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jane’s memory to James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Thaddeus (Thad) Beam Nifong
Thaddeus (Thad) Beam Nifong, Lead Instructor of Speech & Communication at Gwinnett Technical College and lifelong advocate, actor, and director of community theatre, died Tuesday, April 20. He was 58.
Born in Lakeland, Florida, Thad’s hometown was Plant City, Florida with residency later established in Tallahassee, Florida; Bainbridge, Atlanta and Tucker, Georgia. Thad earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and his Master of Communication Arts from Valdosta State University. He was a member of Toastmasters International and the Golden Key International Honor Society.
Thad had a lifelong passion for theater and music. He was a founding board member for the Plant City Community Theatre (now called Plant City Entertainment, Inc.), he sang with the Warren Willis Singers and he served in numerous church choirs in the cities where he has lived. Eventually, his passion for theater led him to the Bainbridge Little Theatre in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he served as Theatre Manager, director of numerous plays and musicals, and as an unforgettable performer in several acclaimed productions. Most recently, his acting skills were showcased at the Main Street Theatre in Tucker, Georgia.
Thad is preceded in death by his parents, Wanda Beam and Dwight Moody Nifong, Jr., both of Plant City, Florida. He is survived by his sister, Krysta Diehl of Auburn, Alabama; and brother, Simeon Nifong of Lake Placid, Florida; as well as three nephews, two nieces, and numerous great-nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Service with a Celebration of Life Gathering will be announced at a later date.