Richard E. Starling

to Jacksonville and met and married his wife Margay in 1986. Together they opened Starling's Market

in San Marco Square, where it became a thriving business and he made many friends of customers.

"Papa Gene" loved children and they loved him.....no child went unnoticed and he made every one of

them feel special while talking to him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Margay; his son Rick Starling (Cherrie); grandsons

Trey Starling, Wesley Cowart and Brandon Cowart; granddaughters Tina Starling and Stephanie Starling

Ahrends, all of Jacksonville and Tiffany Anderson of Lawtey. Also, Joshua Tillman of Lawtey.

Margay and Gene spent much time at their lake house on Drayton Island in Georgetown,

FL where he made many good friends. He loved boating, fishing and cooking for friends.

Memorial services will be at Southside United Methodist Church, 3201 Hendricks Ave.,

Jacksonville,FL at 11 a.m. on Saturday Jan. 8,2011. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to

Southside United Methodist Church Youth Program or Jacksonville Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation & Burial Society, Jacksonville, FL, 904-346-3331.