Judge Ray Gatlin

Mr. J. Ray Gatlin, age 80, of Macclenny, Florida died Thursday, July 23, in the Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital, Macclenny, Florida following a long illness. He was born in Opp, Alabama and had resided in Macclenny, Florida since 1957. He was the owner and president of Ray’s Land, LLC of Sanderson, Florida which had owned Blair’s Nursery of Macclenny, Florida and Ray’s Nursery of Sanderson, Florida for many years. He was a former Athletic Director of Baker County High School and former Assistant Coach at Union County High School, Baldwin High School and Baker County High School. He received his degree in physical education at Florida Southern College and served as First Lt. with the ROTC at the college. He received his Master’s Degree in Health at Union College, Barberville, Ky. He was a member of the Macclenny Masonic Lodge, the Shrine Club and Scottish Rites and the Morocco Temple. He enjoyed eating-out with his family, golf and the Florida Gators. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gerra Lee Blair Gatlin, his parents, Levy and Mary Alice Colquitt Gatlin and his brother, Robert Levy Gatlin. He is survived by his daughter, Gina G. Gatlin of Macclenny, Florida: His son, Blair (Janet) Gatlin of Macclenny, Florida: Sister-in-law, Gwendolyn (J.W.) Keen of Baldwin, Florida: Four grandchildren, Casey Keith (Ashley) Davis, Ginny Raulerson, Miranda (Jim) Thrift and Karissa (Doug) Starling: Three great-grandchildren, Alexa Raulerson, Kinley Starling and William Starling. A remembrance service to honor the life of Mr. Gatlin will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, July 26, in the Christian Fellowship Temple, Macclenny, Florida with Rev. David Thomas and Rev. Tim Thomas, officiating and assisted by Elder Casey Davis. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Macclenny, Florida. Visitation and gathering with the family will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, July 25, at the church. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny, Florida is in charge of arrangements. www.guerryfuneralhome.net

---