Dewey Starling, Sr.

Bro. Dewey Starling, Sr. age 81 of Sanderson passed away July 27, 2021 at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville. He was born on August 14, 1939 in Jacksonville to the late Mr. Joe and Effie Mae (Sweat) Starling. He would go on to join the United States Air Force, where he would have an extensive career that would see him serve around the world. He would attend college at George Corley Wallace State Community College in Selma, Alabama. He eventually became an ordained minister and would assist as a pastor at Glen Friendship Tabernacle, also serving as the choir director for ten years. Mr. Dewey would work for the Baker County collection site in Baxter for over twenty years and used the few minutes he had with visitors to tell them about his Lord and Savior. In his spare time, Dewey enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, and hunting. Above all, his family was his heart and soul.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Rev. Neil Starling, Doris Burnham, and Geraldine Rottenberry; and one great-grandchild.

His is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Bettie (Gilchrist) Starling of Sanderson; children: Dewey “Buddy” Starling, Jr. of Sanderson, Donna Sue Hayes of Anchorage, Alaska, Alice Lynette (Robert) McDonald of Mt. Vernon, Alabama, Lamar (Joie) Starling of Pinson, Alabama, and Chris (Bobbie) Starling of Sanderson; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 2, 2021 at Road to Calvary Church at 1:00 PM with Pastor Tommy Anderson and Rev. Albert Starling officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Macedonia Cemetery.

Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the Starling family with arrangements. “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dewey Starling, Sr., please visit our floral store.