Plant City Observer

Obituaries 07.25.24

Donald O. Lloyd

Donald O. Lloyd, 78, of Plant City, Fla., born on Apr. 4, 1946, entered into eternal rest on July 21, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Alton Hinson

Alton Hinson, 89, of Balm, Fla., born in Durant, Fla., on Oct. 14, 1934, entered into eternal rest on July 18, 2024. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Betty Handy

Betty Handy, 94, of Brandon, Fla., born on Feb. 9, 1930, in Queens, New York, entered into eternal rest on July 21, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com

Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Waters

Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Waters, 71, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on July 19, 2024, to join her Heavenly Father. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Gerda “Oma” Helena Brown

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gerda “Oma” Helena Brown, 85, of Plant City, Fla., born in Labiau, East Prussia on Oct. 23, 1938, she entered into eternal rest on July 19, 2024.  Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Jeanette 

“Jeannie” Branch

Jeanette “Jeannie” Branch, 76, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 27, 1948, entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Cathy Ann Wiggins

Cathy Ann Wiggins, a light-hearted soul with an infectious laugh, took her final bow on the stage of life on July 16, 2024. Born on March 25, 1964, in Plant City, Fla. A funeral service was held July 22, 2024. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Ray Young

Ray Young, 69 born, May 11, 1955, son of the late Lois & Rufus Young and received by His Heavenly Father July 15, 2024.

Ray cherished life, people and serving them. As a young Volunteer Fireman, he enjoyed coming to the rescue either on the end of a fire hose or helping free someone from a crushed car as much as the adrenalin volunteering as a City of Plant City and Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Department Auxiliary man whether helping as a backup or preforming jail duty. When he saw the need he wanted to serve. He worked for Tampa Bay Trane company later establishing Ray Young Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. to meet the needs of friends and the business community, expanding to secure a State Class A Construction license to meet the needs of his Commercial customers.

Ray was a gentle man of integrity seeking to honor God and follow Christ’s leading. He was ordained Deacon at 19, taking his vows seriously, committing himself to those he served in both church and community, not about Ray but honoring God and others. He loved his Heavenly Father, his best friend and wife of almost 50 years, his family, and friends.

He served as: Board Member and President, Plant City Chamber of Commerce; Board Member and President, Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association; Board Member and Chairman, Florida Air Conditioning Contractor’s Workers Compensation Self Insurance Fund; and Member, the East Hillsborough County Law Enforcement Appreciation Board. Durning his trips to Tallahassee while serving in these different positions he worked closely with the attorney who wrote the Mechanics Lien Law, as well as, learning of forthcoming changes to the Self Insurance Industry, taking the Self Insurance Fund through many changes ultimately into several states before selling. The friends, the lessons, and interactions he made with State Legislators, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of State and Governor drew him to a desire to run for State office and becoming active in the Republican Party. He was not elected to the State Senate seat as desired but prior to Election Day he learned the contacts he had made as a candidate connecting them to friends in North Carolina provided the seed money and funds to start an Executive Ministry, therefore understanding the bigger Plan God had for him.

Ray enjoyed many hobbies such as golf, hunting, antique cars, working with his hands and his cattle.

He is survived by his Wife, Julie Wetherington Young; Father-in-law, Lewis Wetherington (Linda); Sister-in-laws: Jan Bohner, Kristi Wetherington; Nieces: Erika Montgomery, (Spence), Whitney Bohner, Paige Bohner; Nephews: Brock Wetherington, Parker Bohner (Becky); Brothers: Harold Abercrombie (Velma), Robert Abercrombie; Sisters: Mildred Perry (Paul), Marilyn Judd (Sam), Annette Catlett (Don); Aunt Jewel Drawdy, and many cousins. The family will receive friends Aug. 2, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W Terrace Dr. Plant City, FL 33563, where a Celebration of Ray’s Life will follow at 11 a.m. Aug. 3, 2024. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Marc Baker

Marc Baker, age 78, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on July 16, 2024. Marc was born on Oct. 14, 1945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Baker family.

Julia Linn

Julia Linn, age 85, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away on July 17, 2024. Julia was born July 16, 1939. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Linn family.

Leffer Wilkins

Leffer Wilkins, age 59, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on July 8, 2024. Leffer was born on July 31, 1964. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Linn family.www.WellsMemorial.com

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