Clifton "Gene" Folsom

Mr. Clifton Eugene "Gene" Folsom, our beloved husband, father, brother and son, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gene Folsom was born March 16, 1929 to Laura Rachel Detwiler Folsom and Charles James Folsom. Gene lived, grew up, and graduated High School in West Liberty, Ohio. His pursuits of education began at Fort Wayne Bible College. Gene married his first wife, Phyllis Virginia Stradling Folsom in 1951. They had six children together, Danny, Rebekah, Suzanne, Laura, Tabitha, and Angel Folsom. He was in the first graduating class of Central Florida Community College where he earned his AA Degree, then received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Florida. He then went to Asbury Theological Seminary and received his Masters Degree in Divinity. In 1979, Gene moved to the community of Starke and married Carolyn (Westrick) Folsom. They had one daughter, Bonnie Jean Folsom. After living in Starke, Gene and Carolyn lived at Kingsley Lake for 28 years. Gene pastored at many churches in the area including Anthony, Lawtey, Fort White, and Worthington Springs. He was very active as a volunteer at Lawtey Community School, alongside his wife Carolyn, and was a curriculum specialist at Lawtey for 25 years. Gene was a very active person who loved the ministry, his family, and exploring nature. He loved all types of water sports, whether lobster diving, a sailing adventure, swimming with the manatees, or sitting by the lake. Gene never met a stranger and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was an adventurer, friend, and father and will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Beryl Arroyo. Survivors are his wife of 36 years, Carolyn Folsom, children, Daniel Folsom (Janet), Rebekah Near (John), Suzanne Stone (Dale), Laura Folsom (Wayne Bird), Tabitha Brownfield (Craig Burke), Angela Watson (Gene) and Bonnie Jean Folsom. Also surviving him are his sister, Ruth Buck (Joe), grandchildren, Aaron, Stormy, Evangeline, Danielle, Mathieu, James, Kenneth, Rachel, Lindsey, Sophie, Sarah, and Virginia Lynn, great-grandchildren, Timothy, Emma, Lainie, India, Drake, Gabriel, Sophia, Gavin, Parker, Lydia, Braden, Gage, Taeo, Jacob, Carter, and Orion. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Lawtey with Reverend Roseanna Barnett and Reverend Geary Rowell officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 620 E. Nona Street, Starke, FL 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com Memorial Service Saturday, March 19, 2016 11:00 AM - Grace United Methodist Church 1822 Maison Street Lawtey FL 32058 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200