In Memoriam

At the age of 66, on August 15, 2023, Laurie passed away surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Laurie was born in White Plains, New York to Turkish parents. Both her parents died when Laurie was a child and the next of kin was her aunt in Istanbul, Turkey. Having dual citizenship, Laurie came back to America and joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Laurie met Michael Lawrence and Jean Murphy and their family who openly accepted Laurie as their own, giving Laurie the basis for a real family. Laurie calls them “Dad” and “Mom”.

Laurie and Dennis met numerous times throughout her Navy career and they started dating in 2000 and married in 2005. Laurie retired from the US Navy in 2001, attended and graduated college Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees in International Business and Logistics Management and started working at FRCSE where she became a Logistics Manager GS-13.

Laurie’s passion included spending quality time with family and friends, decorating for Halloween and Christmas (for the children), scuba diving, travelling, helping others especially veterans, collecting Snoopy memorabilia and riding her Harley Davidson customized Trike. Laurie participated in almost every benefit ride since 2016 to include: Boots on the Ground, Hogs for Dogs, Clay County Police Athletic League, Fallen Hero’s, and “Cruizin For Boozer”, another veteran who was diagnosed with cancer.

A loving wife, dedicated family member, loyal friend, and a proud retired veteran of the United States Navy; Laurie will be dearly missed by her husband, family and friends.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., also at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home. Interment with Honors will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery, at 2:00 p.m. following the celebration of life.

During his younger years, he enjoyed drag racing with his younger brother Robert and for the past 14 years, Jim’s love of motorcycles became his passion. He was a member of the HOG (Harley Owner Group) Chapter in Orange Park, as well as Northeast Florida Riders of Wind Therapy. Jim had a deep love for his country and was a member of VFW Post 7909. Additionally, he was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan! Jim could be found wherever he was on game day, screaming at a television. He had an infectious laugh and had never met a stranger. Jim would talk to anyone and everyone with his quick wit and tell it how it is attitude. To know him was to love him as Jim will always be remembered for his giving spirit and his unending love and support for his family. He was always there to lend a helping hand or offer his wisdom with valuable advice. Above all of his passions, Jim cherished time spent with his family as he was a devoted and loving husband, Dad, Papa and Pops McCary who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded by his parents, James and Annie McCary and his grandparents, Burl and Jewel McCary. Jim is survived by his best friend and wife, Betty Armstrong McCary; Michael McCary (Serene), Sheryl Lorentzen (Casper) and Scott McCary; brother, Robert McCary (Martha); grandchildren, Brandi McCary (Jessica), Andrew Nordvik (Susann), Randy Lorentzen, Chelsy Cronn (Sgt. Zachary Cronn), Kia, Malu, Cay, Anja, Easton & Adley Lorentzen; great grandson, Xzavier with a host of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Middleburg with a continuation of celebration at the VFW Post 7909 following the service.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Charles Kreiser and Phyllis Kreiser; and his siblings, Chuck and Janie. He is survived by : his wife Pennie Allen Kreiser; his children, Charles B. (CB) and Christina; his daughter-in-law Meghan (AJ); his grandchildren, Charlie, Heidi, Dakota, Renaesmae (Reya) and Nathaniel; his siblings, Gary and Terri; his sister-in-law Gerri; his nephews, Little Gary and Chuck; and his niece Kacey.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, October 8th 2022 at Countree Life Rd, Florida 32011.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Organ. Donation and Transplant Association of America in Bubba’s honor.

IN THE PAST HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE SUWANNEE BARBER SHOP QUARTET… HE LOVED TO SING… HE LOVED ENTERTAINING OUR BIRD BY WHISTLING SONGS TO HIM… HE LOVED CATS…. WE HAVE LOTS OF CATS AND HE NEVER MINDED THAT THE RACOONS AND POSSUMS ALSO CAME UP TO EAT… ONE YEAR HE CAME HOME WITH A BLACK KITTEN… PEOPLE HAD BEEN FEEDING THE KITTEN IN THE PARKING LOT… AND THEN LEFT IT… HE BROUGHT IT HOME TO ME… LOOK AT THE ANNIVERSARY PRESENT I BROUGHT YOU…IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS A BOY… “BC” (BLACK CAT)…
GRANT ATTENDED AIR FORCE ACADEMY IN COLORADO SPRINGS FOR 2 YEARS AND FINISHED UP FLORIDA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY… GRANT WAS IN THE AIR FORCE, HE WAS A VIETNAM VET… AND WAS IN THE NAVY RESERVES DURING DESERT STORM.

A GATHERING FOR A CELEBRATION OF GRANT’S LIFE WILL BE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11th FROM 9:30-10:30AM AT SAINT CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1649 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073, FOLLOWED BY A CATHOLIC MASS AT 10:30AM.

Leo honorably served his country in the US Navy for 23 years, as a flight engineer and Chief. He earned many honors and service awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), National Defense Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (3 awards), Vietnam Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Ribbon; and had over 10,000 hours in a P3. After retirement from the Navy, he also worked in Civil Service as a flight mechanic.

In his younger years, Leo was an enthusiastic small craft pilot, boater and motorcyclist. He loved all things Harley Davidson, and had a large collection of Harley paraphernalia, as well as Zippo lighters. He was a long-time supporter of K & C Pet Rescue and Adoption Society, Inc.

Leo had a zest for life, and was known by coworkers and friends as a jokester who made everyone laugh with his antics. He had many long-time friendships, and was loved by many, including his girlfriend of five years, Carolyn Jones. He touched the lives of so many people, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Leo will be especially remembered as a wonderful grandfather.

Funeral Services with military honors will be held at the National Cemetery, followed by a reception, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to K & C Pet Rescue and Adoption Society, Inc. or Community Hospice.

	John Richard Garrow 07/30/1958 – 11/19/2020
GARROW John “JW” Richard Garrow, 62, of Jacksonville, Florida, born July 30, 1958 in Plattsburgh, New York to Aaron John Garrow and Calla Marie Scribner, went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2020. He was preceded by his parents, aunts, and uncles, including Harvey (Winnie) Garrow. JW is survived by his wife Kathryn, daughters Jennifer (Tim) Hunter and Aimee Garrow, son James Garrow, granddaughter Calla Hunter, and sister Peggy Garrow. JW attended SUNY Plattsburgh where he met the love of his life, Kathryn, and earned a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1980. The two were married in 1983 and together for 37 loving years. JW briefly worked at General Dynamics and Philip Morris before joining AT&T where he was part of the 1984 divestiture and continued as a computer consultant for them in Jacksonville, Florida for the next 22 years. He was hired by S&P Group and enjoyed seven years with them in Bangkok, Thailand. Later in life he worked at Harley Davidson and, most recently, enjoyed helping others in his many roles at the UPS Store. JW and Kathryn were longtime members of the Orange Park Harley Owners Group. He loved to travel throughout Northeast Florida with the HOG and on family road trips across America. On their annual visits to Plattsburgh, JW always made sure they stopped for michigans, a local favorite. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed growing, canning, and pickling vegetables with his family. As an active member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church, JW served as Deacon, Elder, and, most recently, assisted with parking for large events. He lived a life full of love and laughter and will be dearly missed. A celebration of his life will be held at 4pm on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Mandarin Presbyterian Church (2501 Loretto Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223).
	Virginia Penney Davis 07/06/1949 – 4/30/2019
Virginia passed away unexpectedly at home in Moreno Valley, CA from a previously diagnosed brain aneurysm. She is survived by her loving son, Robert Hodge, also of Moreno Valley. Virginia loved to fish and loved to ride motorcycles. She was a friend to all. She was a member of the OP H.O.G. Chapter and loved by Mike Watley. She will be missed. Ride on in heaven, Virginia! A memorial service was held on May 11 at 1530 in Green Cove Springs for Virginia at 3:30pm, Shiloh Baptist Church 1055 county rd 226 off of 17.
	Susannah Spencer 07/07/1943 – 2/14/2019
Susannah Angelina Spencer, age 75, lost her battle with breast cancer on February 14, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Susannah was born on July 7, 1943 and was raised in Hertfordshire, England. She came to live in the US in 1964 as a nanny and married in 1966. She had a long career with British Airways where she worked at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC until relocating to Jacksonville in 1986. She worked at State Employees Credit Union in Jacksonville until 2010 and relocated to her beloved home in Riverside in 1998. Susannah loved life and life loved her. She thoroughly enjoyed her retirement and was an avid member of many social clubs including Riverside Tennis Club, The Garden Club of Riverside, Jacksonville British Club, POETS Society of Riverside as well as an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Susannah always loved adventure, whether sailing early in life or riding on the back of a Harley later in life. She traveled across the globe always making friends along the way with her infectious smile, zest for life and positive spirit. Susannah is survived by her three daughters, six grandchildren and her partner, Michael. Susannah was cherished by all and touched the hearts of so many and will be greatly missed. Farewell, our lovely Sassy, you will be in our hearts forever.
	Kathleen Dyky 01/11/1951 – 2/05/2019
Kathleen Yarborough Dyky, born on January 11th, 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Betty Bruce Fletcher and the late James Edward Fletcher. She passed away at age 68 on February 5, 2019 in Orange Park, Florida. Kathleen was the beloved wife of LEONARD DYKY for 11 years. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Randolph Jenkins and Shawn Randolph Scoville; brothers, Bruce and James Fletcher; and her sister, Linda Bryan. Kathleen has a blended family of six children, 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She retired in 2016 from the Department of Defense Child Development Center at Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL after 25 years of service. She devoted her life to her family and all the children she came in contact with. She is at peace now, riding her Harley trike as fast as she wants on Heaven’s open freeway, with the sun shining on her and all our loving memories to fueling her ride. A memorial service was held March 31, from 1 to 3 pm at Adamec Harley Davidson, 1510 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL 32073.
	Sharan Blankenship 10/23/1967 – 1/21/2019
It is with heartfelt sorrow to inform you that our new LOH Officer Sharan Blankenship passed away 1/21/2019. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lee and her family.
	Rocky Cox 1956 – 7/5/2017
Rocky was born in Mrytle Beach, SC and moved to Jacksonville, FL from Charlotte, NC in 2004. He got his first motorcycle in 2011 (Honda Interstate). It didn’t take long before he wanted something bigger. He traded that in for a 2017 Ultra Classic Limited Low and that was his prize and joy. He was a big advocate for animal rights and rescue. He had a stroke on 7/3/17 and passed on 7/5/17 at the age of 61.
	Cheryl Lorenzo 5/26/1949 – 12/23/2015 Jacksonville Memory Gardens
Cheryl was an active member of the Orange Park HOG chapter along with her husband of 45 years, Leo. Cheryl was born and raised in Florida, and dedicated her life to helping others as both a Registered Nurse and her passionate volunteer work with K & C Pet Rescue. She will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Cheryl was 66 when she found her rest after a 10 month battle with cancer.
	Kevin Mann 2/29/1980 – 10/29/2013 Jacksonville Memory Gardens
Kevin was an active member of the Orange Park HOG chapter along with his wife Jeanine and father Al. His passion and lifelong love for motorcycles was evident whenever he spoke to you, and he was a proud owner of a Harley Road King, ’16 model K and ’17 model O Indian motorcycles. Kevin was born and raised in Florida, graduated from Baldwin High School and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He will be fondly remembered for his genuine kindness and willingness to always help those in need. Kevin was 33 when he found his rest after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
	Gary Dunn 10/10/1963 – 11/21/2012
Gary Thomas Dunn was born on October 10, 1963 in Charleston, South Carolina and passed away on November 21, 2012 in Jacksonville, FL and is under the care of Hardage Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home. There was a Memorial Ride for Chapter Member Gary Dunn on December 8, 2012. There were 30 bikes, 40 members from OPHOG on hand for the memorial service for fallen comrade Gary Dunn who died in a motorcycle accident. A brief 6 mile ride was made to the Hardage Gidden Chapel. Memorial services will be held on December 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm at Hardage Giddens Rivermead, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Chet Harden will conduct the services. Gary was not only the greatest postman he was also a shipmate, Legion Rider and belonged to the Orange Park Harley Davidson Club (OPHOG). His professionalism and friendship will be hard to replace. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. “I Love and Miss you so much Baby. You will always be ‘My knight in shinning armor’ and ‘My Officer and a gentelmen’ ‘I love you my dear husband” Rhonda Dunn (Jacksonville, Florida). Online Tribute go to www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.