Elbert Eugene Hersey

Mr. Elbert Eugene Hersey, age 76, a lifelong resident of Theressa passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was born April 19, 1943, to Clyde and Geneva (Alford) Hersey graduated with the Class of 1962 from Bradford County High School. Elbert served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he worked as an electrician first for Clay Electric, and then for Bradford County School Board until his retirement. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, serving in the Easter Pageant and singing in the choir. He was proud to serve as a Bradford County School Board Representative, and was elected as Chairman for a portion of his service. Mr. Hersey also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and working on the Hersey Farm. He always supported the local school sports and was an avid Gator fan. Mr. Hersey was known for his dignity and selflessness but most of all the love he gave his grandchildren and family. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Betsy "Crenshaw" Hersey; siblings Raymond Hersey and Denise Hersey Norman; step siblings Becky Reddish and William Newham. Mr. Hersey leaves behind three loving daughters Mindy Hersey Polk (Randall) of Starke, Danielle Hersey and Tori Hersey both of Keystone Heights. Also left behind is a sister Margaret Brannen and seven brothers Dewitt Hersey (Helen), Doley Hersey (Mary), John Wayne Hersey (Peggy) of Theressa, Donald Hersey (Charlotte) of Palatka, Dwight Hersey (Lois) of Worthington Springs, Lancin Hersey (Tootie) of Brooker and a step-brother David Newham. Mr. Hersey was also lovingly called Grandpa or "Gramps" by Caleb Polk, Jacob Polk, Savannah Branch, Noah Branch, Micah Branch, Elijah Branch, Jeremiah Branch, John David Schenck, and Bryar Schenck. Viewing for Mr. Hersey will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel in Starke. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastors Dr. James Peoples and Scott Stanland officiating. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Elbert Hersey can be made to the Keystone Heights High School Athletics Program, 900 Orchid Ave., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200.www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Cemetery Hope Baptist Church Cemetery 3900 State Road 100 Starke FL 32091 US Visitation Tuesday, November 19, 2019 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Service Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11:00 AM - Trinity Baptist Church 3716 SE State Road 21 Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200