Larry Ray Lancaster, 70, passed away peacefully in his home on April 16, 2018. He was born September 8, 1947 in Jacksonville, FL and was a lifelong resident of Clay County. Larry was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Green Cove Springs. Larry retired after 39 years in the Clay County School System, serving as a beloved history and government teacher and then vice Principal at Orange Park High School. He also served 16 years as a Clay County Commissioner. Larry worked as a Florida Highway Patrolman before beginning his career as an educator. He was very active in community organizations such as the Clay County Fair Association, Cattleman's Association, 4H, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Town of Orange Park Planning Committee. Larry was appointed as a Trustee on the Board of Directors for St. John's River State College. Mr. Lancaster was predeceased by his parents: Lanny and Frances Lancaster; wife, Thanna Jewell (Edwards) Lancaster; and son, Murray Leon Lancaster. Survivors include his wife, Dawna P. Berlin; children: Rebecca Lynn (Mike) Minigh, Joseph Earl (Shelley) Lancaster, Sharon (Joe) Ploeger and Bret Berlin; 2 brothers: Barry (Sandy) Lancaster and Scott (Stacie) Lancaster; sister, Joanie (Kevin) Bressler; and 15 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends 6-8 PM on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held 1 PM, Thursday, April 19, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 500 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL with Rev. David Jackson and Rev. Rick Douylliez officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
Pallbearers: Wayne Heath, Sherman Phillips, Paul Altman, Sherman Smith, Pete Sutton, Randy Branson, Leon Green, Ron Romano, Mike Scott, Bruce Butler, Arthur Ivey
