Send obituaries (including a picture) to matthew.harrell@gilchristcountyherald.com.

Mitchel Harrell

Mitchel Harrell, 82, of Bell, Florida, passed away on May 6, 2024. He was born on July 20, 1941, in Nashville, Georgia.
Mitchel held many roles in his lifetime. He served as a volunteer firefighter and mayor of the town of La Crosse, Florida. He also worked as an electrician, owning his own business, then working throughout the Caribbean in places like the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for Electric Maintenance and Construction, Inc. out of Tampa.
The role Mitchel was best at was “Papa.” He made sure to spend as much time as he could with his grandchildren. He would be the first to make it to their sporting events, whether they were playing as children or coaching as adults. He would even stop by and watch practice if he was in the area.
He enjoyed spending time in the woods listening to his hounds run and fishing for trout and redfish in the Gulf. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing golf and softball.
Mitchel is preceded in death by his son, Lawrence Matthew Harrell; his parents: James H. Harrell Sr. and Muriel B. Harrell; and his siblings: L. Margaret Barber, Jerry L Harrell, and Carol H. Whidden.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy; his son James Mitchel (Lydia) Harrell; his daughters: Debora (Ron) Thomas and Deanna (Dave) Smith; his grandchildren: Justin Thomas, Kayla Mowery, Matthew Harrell, Lance Thomas, Chandler Smith, and Andrew Harrell; his brother, James H. Harrell Jr.; and his eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Priscilla Baptist Church, 5509 W CR 232 Bell, FL 32619.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Haven Hospice.
Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050.

Dr. Andrew Nguyen

Dr. Andrew Nguyen (Nguyen Duc An) passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on August 2, 1938, to Quang Duc Nguyen and Vong Thi Nguyen in Hanoi, Vietnam. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linh Diana Tang Nguyen, his son Nelson Nguyen, and his five grandchildren, Jade, Annabelle, Drew, Noah, and Gabriel, all of whom knew him as Ong Noi. He is also survived by his many brothers, sisters, and cousins. He was preceded by his beautiful daughter, Christie Diana Nguyen.
Andrew was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, friend, physician, musician, author, and gardener. He took pride in ensuring that his family had every opportunity for success. It was his love, passion, sacrifices, and unrelenting drive that provided his family with those opportunities for freedom, happiness, and a brighter future. His dreams were for a better life for his family now, and generations to come. He can rest in peace knowing that he did fulfill those dreams.
Anyone close to Andrew knew that he had a love and appreciation for music. His dream was to obtain his college degree in music arts and become a high school music teacher. Due to the Vietnam War, and at the advice of his father, he made the decision to become a physician. He graduated from Saigon Medical School in 1970. As a physician in Vietnam, he owned and operated a private practice in Family Medicine, was the director for a rural hospital network, and the chief emergency room physician at Quang Dong Chinese Hospital. He was later promoted to acting chairman of the internal medicine department at Quang Dong Chinese Hospital. This is where he met his future wife, Linh.
Andrew and Linh’s immigration to America was one of many harrowing stories that could be made into a movie. With the help of his brothers, sisters, and friends in America, they were able to gather enough money and supplies to make the journey by boat from Vietnam to a refugee camp in Thailand on June 9, 1979. After spending approximately six months in the refugee camp, they were able to obtain the proper clearance to immigrate to America. That journey brought them to Virginia on December 23, 1979, where they lived with Andrew’s brother, Nam, and family. What a wonderful Christmas gift that must have been!
Andrew and Linh relocated to Pomona, California (Eastern Los Angeles County) two months later so he could obtain his medical license to practice in the Unites States. After three years of hard work and determination, he was able to obtain his Florida medical license. On February 1, 1984, Andrew and Linh opened the doors to Andrew Nguyen, M.D., P.A. in Trenton, Florida, and their second practice in Newberry, Florida a few years later.
Andrew proudly served his community not only in his medical practice, but also with organizations such as the Gilchrist County Rotary Club and other healthcare institutions. He was able to enrich the lives of many people in and around North Central Florida through his patient care, collaboration, volunteer work, and music. He gives credit to the close friends that embraced and welcomed him and Linh into the community. They wouldn’t have achieved their level of success without the love, support, and guidance of those friends.
Even though Andrew wasn’t able to become a high school music teacher, his love for music wasn’t forgotten. Oftentimes, his patients had the unique opportunity to hear him in his office playing the piano, guitar, cello, saxophone, clarinet, or whatever instrument he felt like picking up that day. He will be remembered by many for a multitude of reasons. His legacy will live on through his family, his medical practice, his books, his music, and through the memories of everyone and anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Dr. Andrew Nguyen.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea 823 N.W. 143 St. Newberry, FL. with a reception to follow. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Justin Wayne Kulp

In loving memory of Justin Wayne Kulp, age 35 of Trenton, who passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at HCA North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. Justin’s passing occurred peacefully, surrounded by family and childhood friends.
Born on September 2, 1988, in Gainesville, Justin was the beloved son of Elizabeth A. Kulp and a proud resident of the Tri-County area throughout his life. A skilled laborer, Justin was helping construct beautiful in-ground swimming pools.
Justin’s vibrant spirit was marked by his memorable and sometimes crazy antics, his love for singing country songs, and his remarkable skill with drawing/sketching. His unique blend of humor and creativity will always be fondly remembered by those fortunate to know him.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Madeline Labik. He is survived by his grandmother, Etta Kulp, his loving mother, Elizabeth A. Carman, three siblings: Alicia Kulp, Brandon Kulp, Mandolin Martin (Kulp), along with his adopted daughter, Hazel Kulp.
In accordance with Justin’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, there will be a private family gathering that will take place to scatter Justin’s ashes at a later date. May Justin’s memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Kenrick Thomas Jr.

Kenrick Dale Thomas Jr., affectionately known as Rick, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born on October 15, 1976, at Alachua General Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, Rick was the cherished son of Joni Rae Lindsey and Kenrick Dale Thomas Sr. He was a beloved father, grandfather, son, and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.
Rick is survived by his loving family, including his paternal grandparents, Perk and Audry Thomas, and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Netsie Lindsey. He is also survived by his father, Kenrick Thomas Sr., and his stepmother, Carolyn Thomas. Rick was a proud father to four children: Desirae VanDike (Benjamin VanDike), Destiny Thomas, Ayla Thomas, and Shelton Thomas. He was also a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.
Rick was known for his infectious smile, his unwavering support for his loved ones, his ability to bring people together, and his undying love for his Beloved Florida Gators. He had a passion for life that was evident in everything he did, from his dedication to his family to his love for the outdoors. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his laughter, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.
A memorial service to honor Rick’s life will be held at Midway Church of Christ in Trenton, on July 26th at 11am. In this time of sorrow, we invite all who knew him to come together to celebrate his life and the love he shared.
Rick’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love he so freely gave.