Watson-Milton Funeral Home

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

Getting your affairs in order may feel a little overwhelming, but it's an excellent way to make the future easier on your children and heirs. To make the process simpler, check out these 5 steps to getting your affairs in order and start today!

If you are interested in getting your affairs in order, take a moment to review these tips for getting started on the process.

03/26/2026

Ira Gore, 81, of Chiefland, Florida, passed away on March 24, 2026 at Haven Hospice in Chiefland. Born on December 1, 1944, he was an example of quiet strength to all who knew him.

Ira was born to the late Ira Cleveland and Sleatha (Cannon) Gore in Chiefland, the sixth of ten children. He graduated from Chiefland High School as a part of the class of 1962. In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and faithfully served his country for two years while he was stationed in North Korea. Following his return home, Ira served four years in the United States Army Reserves.

Ira was a devoted and beloved member of the Trenton Church of Christ. He was known by all as a quiet, gentle, and kind man. His simple and humble nature, paired with a strong work ethic, led to a career with Central Florida Electric Cooperative for 30 years.

Ira was a fourth generation Florida farmer, nurturing and sowing watermelons alongside his brother. He had a passion for working in and canning vegetables in his garden, often bringing his family together in the fields.

For the past ten years, Ira and his family grew sugar cane and came together to create homemade cane syrup. He enjoyed the hard work and quality time together and lovingly shared cane syrup with family and friends.

In a beautiful union that lasted almost 57 years, he was married to his loving wife, Linda Matthews Gore. Together they created a warm and nurturing family environment that was a testament to their profound love for one another.

He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Belinda (Randy) Wilkerson and Anita (Pat) Parrish; his adoring grandchildren, Taylor Parrish, Ashley Wilkerson, Blaine (Julie Ann) Parrish, and Alana Wilkerson; brothers, Edward Gore, Wesley Gore and Lesley (Elwanda) Gore, his sisters; Betty Sue McElroy, Audrey (Johnny) Parrish, and Linda Gore.

Ira is preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Gore; his parents, Ira Cleveland and Sleatha Gore, as well as his sisters, Dorothy Harper, Margie Lee, and Willie Ray.

Ira Gore’s legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and service to God will continue to remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A visitation will be held at Trenton Church of Christ, located at 502 NE 7th St, Trenton, Florida, on Monday, March 30, 2026 beginning at 12pm. A funeral service will follow at 1pm. Ira will be laid to rest immediately following the service, where military honors will be conducted at Antioch Cemetery, 6230 NW CR 345, Chiefland, Florida. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. 352-463-8888.

03/20/2026

Grieving as a family can be difficult, especially if you are all grieving at different rates and depths. But having a funeral service can help you each take necessary steps toward healing and grow closer together in the process. Click the link to learn more about healing as a family after loss.

Every family will face unique challenges on the road toward healing after a death. Learn how a funeral can help with the process!

03/20/2026

Today is the first day of spring! While the winter has its own beauty, there's nothing like the cool days of spring as the flowers bloom and the grass turns green again. What are you looking forward to seeing again now that spring is here?

03/19/2026

Carolyn Thomas, 68, passed away on March 16, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida. She was born on February 8, 1958, in Gainesville, Florida.

Carolyn was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Kenrick, who lovingly described her as the perfect wife. If they weren’t working, they were side by side, sharing life together. She was his everything and his greatest supporter, and their bond was one built on deep love, companionship, and quiet moments. Especially the ones spent sitting on their porch watching planes pass overhead.

For over 30 years, Carolyn dedicated her career to Bell Elementary School, where she worked as a guidance clerk. She poured her heart into her work and cherished every child she encountered. Fiercely protective and deeply caring, she kept in touch with many of them over the years, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Carolyn was a wonderful and devoted mother to her daughter, Amanda. She always wanted the absolute best for her, offering constant encouragement, love, and support. Her giving nature and steady presence shaped Amanda’s life in countless meaningful ways, and their bond was one rooted in deep love and pride.

Carolyn had a larger-than-life personality, and at times wonderfully fiery. Beneath that strength was a deeply loving woman who was also a devoted sister, practically raising her siblings when they were growing up. Her love for family extended to her grandchildren, whom she adored being “Nanny” to.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from feeling the breeze at the beach, to sharing peaceful, quiet moments with Kenrick. She was also known for her famous cracklin’ cornbread. Her faith was an important part of her life; she was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord wholeheartedly.

Mrs. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Muriel Cannon; her step son, Kenrick Dale Thomas Jr., and her brother James Homer Cannon.

She is survived by her wonderful husband, Kenrick Thomas; her daughter, Amanda (Everett) Langford; her siblings, Billy Cannon (Shanann), and Sharon Batson; her grandchildren, Kade Langford (Ashley) and Montana Langford (Sarah). She is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Bryson, Grayson, Annalee, Jasper, and little Charlie who’s on the way.

Carolyn will be remembered for her strength, her love, her unwavering devotion to those she held dear, and the lasting impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service for Mrs. Carolyn will be held on Sunday, March 22, at 2:00 PM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Haven Hospice. www.havenhospice.com/donate

Watson-Milton Funeral Home is honored to assist Mrs. Carolyn’s family during this time. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352)463-8888

03/17/2026

Did you know that green has been worn on St. Patrick's Day since the 1680s? So, today, join in the tradition and pull out your green favorites!

03/13/2026

Hospice volunteers play a vital role in caring for patients, providing respite for caregivers, and helping everything go smoothly behind the scenes. Read the article below to learn what hospice volunteers do and how you can get involved!

Hospice volunteers play a vital role in patient companionship and caregiver respite. Learn how you can get involved!

03/10/2026

Are you on the fence about whether burial or cremation is right for you?

To help you understand your options, we have a FREE “Burial or Cremation: What’s Right for You?” eBook available on our website.

To download it and get more information about both burial and cremation, go to www.watsonmilton.com/planning-ahead/burial-or-cremation-ebook today!

03/10/2026

Phronia Stanley, 84, went to be with her Lord at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was born on October 14, 1941, to Maggie and Author Langford. She was preceded in death by her loving husband George (Bud) Stanley. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage.

She leaves behind two children, Wendy Newman and Randy Stanley, grandchildren Kristofer Gardana, Tiffanie Piazza, Andy Gardana, Randy Stanley Jr., Daniel Stanley, Nicole Stanley, and 9 great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Joseph (Sonny) Langford, and three sisters, Joyce Trail, Elsie (Marie) Johns, and Sue Riner.

She was a godly woman of deep faith. She enjoyed being a seamstress for many years and loved working in her garden. She wrote and related many stories about her childhood living on the farm in Alachua County, FL. Her greatest joy was her family, and she looked forward to going home to be with her heavenly father.

A funeral service to honor Phronia will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Phronia will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Center Hill Cemetery. Arrangements and under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888