Plant City Observer

Obituaries 12.05.24

John “Jay” Gadsden Sparkman III

John “Jay” Gadsden Sparkman III, 83, of Plant City, Fla., born on Jan. 13, 1941, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 25, 2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.   

Rebecca ‘Becky’ McIntosh 

Rebecca “Becky” McIntosh, a cherished mother, wife, and friend, entered heavenly glory on Nov. 24, 2024.  

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com

Mr. James L. Hilliard, Sr.

Mr. James L. Hilliard, Sr., 92 of Plant City, Fla., born on Jan. 16, 1932, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 23, 2024. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Winfred Mitchell Harrell

Our beloved Winfred Mitchell Harrell was born on Nov. 10, 1940 in Hudson, Fla., passed peacefully at the age of eighty-four on November 28, 2024. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com

Linda Denton

Linda Denton, 73, of Plant City, Fla., born on May 19, 1951, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2024. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Joyce Parker

Joyce Parker, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2024, in Plant City, Fla. Born on Aug. 11, 1943, in Moultrie, Georgia. Friends and family will be received on Dec. 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 12735 Knights Griffin Road, Thonotosassa, Florida 33592.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Nahum Rosales

Nahum Rosales, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2024, at the age of 95 in Plant City, Fla.  Friends and family will be received on Dec. 13, 2024, from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563. A mass service will follow at 10 a.m. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Keith Roman Kolakowski

Keith Roman Kolakowski, 67, of Plant City, Fla., went on to be with The Lord on Oct. 29, 2024. He passed peacefully in the night after a 10-year fight against early onset dementia. A devoted husband, loving brother, father, grandfather, and kind friend, he was admired by his loved ones for his commitment to maintaining relationships in life.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 15, 1957, Keith and his family moved to Florida in 1971. The Gulf Comprehensive High School graduate (1975) then completed his Bachelor of Science degree at St. Joseph’s College and Western Carolina while playing collegiate football. 

Next, he entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas as a part of Baylor University’s Master’s Program in Physical Therapy. He completed his military service as a physical therapist, working at Second General Hospital Landstuhl, Germany and West Point Military Academy in New York. Eventually he established his own practice in Plant City, Florida, where he was an integral part of the community for 32 years. Keith loved his work, especially in contributing to his patients’ health, and had a passion for serving and healing throughout his life.

Keith met the love of his life, Lisa Elliott, in the 8th grade in Holiday, Florida. As high school sweethearts, they married on Sept. 4,1982 in San Antonio, Texas and celebrated their 42nd anniversary in Plant City.

Keith loved music, and family and friends remember his beautiful singing voice and talent on the acoustic guitar. He enjoyed being in nature and strived to travel to the beautiful places of earth for hiking and outdoor time. He loved to read, ride horses, and play strategic board games. Fiercely intelligent, he was a tough backgammon competitor, too. As an active member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Plant City (now GracePoint Plant City), he served many years as a Deacon.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Kolakowski and Lorraine King, and his brother Gregory Kolakowski. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; three daughters- Lauren Poulos (Matt), Krysta Poole (Erik) and Erika Kasten (Kody); grandchildren Landon, Hudson, Roman and Leone; sister Ellen (Ed) Standke, and many beloved friends.

A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Jan. 4, 2025, at GracePoint Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City, FL 33566. Visitation with the family begins at 10 a.m. before the service at 11 a.m.

Keith had a love for rhinos, so in lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests you consider donating to the African Wildlife Fund at secure.awf.org or to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at theaftd.org.

Ricky Lee Sodders

Ricky Lee Sodders, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2024, in Brandon, Fla., at the age of 69. Born on Sept. 26, 1955, in Bryan, Ohio. Friends and family will be received on Dec. 5, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, Plant City, Florida 33566.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Hope Cecelia Stanton Klee

Hope Cecelia Stanton Klee, of Dover, FL, died Nov. 21, 2024. Born Mar. 31, 1937, in Cortland, NY, she is pre-deceased by her husband Harold John Klee of over 60 years, her parents and all her siblings. She is survived by her children – Alvin J.S. Klee (Edwina) of Sparta, TN, David H. Klee (Gayle) of Durant, FL, Wilmajoy R. H. Sisk (John) of Almere, Netherlands, and Ray N. Klee (Brandi) of Ft. Meade, FL. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many other family and friends. Hope’s body was interred at her request in Taylor Rural Cemetery, Taylor, NY on Nov. 30, 2024.  

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Assembly of God – 7051 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL.  Visitation will be at 10 AM followed by service at 11 AM.  Memorial donations may be made to Lillian Trasher Orphanage in Egypt, in care of Assembly of God World Missions – 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 or by visiting www.ag.org

Doris D. Phillips

Doris D. Phillips, of Plant City, Fla., passed away peacefully at her home on Nov. 20, 2024. She was born on Nov. 29, 1938. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Phillips family.

David Francis Cash

David Francis Cash, age 85, of Germantown, Tennessee passed away on Nov. 16, 2024. He was born on Aug. 28, 1939. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Cash family.

Marvin Gray Deshong 

Marvin Gray Deshong, age 91, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Nov. 23, 2024. He was born on Nov. 18, 1933. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Deshong family.

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