Watson-Milton Funeral Home

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

Barbara Ann Trail, 80, surrounded by family, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on June 4, 2026, after her battle with colon and blood cancer. She was born June 18, 1945, in McAlpin, Florida. She grew up in Suwannee County, the daughter of Austin and Evella Moseley.

Born to hardworking to***co farmers, Barbara spent her earliest days deeply connected to the land. Her youth was shaped by the rhythm of the seasons—waking at dawn to drive the tractor, even at the age of 5, tending to the bright green crops, smelling the earthy aroma of the curing barns, and learning the deep resilience that comes from a life rooted in rural agriculture.

Barbara graduated from Suwannee High School in 1963. Soon after graduation, on June 28, 1963, she married the love of her life, Charles Trail, and moved to Bell, Florida. Together they had five children, and Barbara was a devoted stay-at-home mother. In 1978, the Lord called Charles home, leaving Barbara to raise four young children.

Barbara dedicated her life to selflessly raising her children, anchoring her home with unwavering love and strength. As her family grew, she stepped into her cherished role as a grandmother. She was a constant and comforting presence, gladly helping care for her grandchildren while their parents worked during the day. Just as she tenderly cared for her family, she also found peace and purpose in tending to her garden. She sowed a beautiful legacy of love, patience, and growth, ensuring the flowers of her love will bloom in our hearts forever.

Affectionately known as “Granny Barbara” by many neighboring children, she was truly the heart of the community. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and incredible cooking. Granny Barbara always had an open-door policy; no plans were ever necessary to stop by. She welcomed everyone just as they were and believed a full plate was a sign of love—often becoming playfully offended if you did not pull up a chair and stay to eat. Her generous home-cooked meals created a lifetime of cherished memories for family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to visit her home.

Barbara was strong in her faith in God and did not let cancer dampen her spirit. From the day she was diagnosed until the day the good Lord called her home, she would tell you, “It is all in the Lord’s hands.” Barbara was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. In the 1980s, she volunteered with the North Gilchrist Volunteer Fire Department and served as chief for several years. She also worked many years as a custodian at Bell High School and served as the school crossing guard. Barbara is survived by and will be greatly missed by her four children: Carl (Lisa) Trail of Bell, Sherry Roux of High Springs, Myrna Aguilar (Enrique) of Bell, and Charlie Trail of Bell. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Tray (Amanda) Roux, Alicia Green, Chad (Dee) Trail, Ashley (James) Trail, Colby Trail, Bailey (Katelynn) Roux, Kailey Roux, Corey (Brittany) Trail, and Brandon Aguilar. She leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren: Jackson Stamper, Brinley Odom, Arabella Green, Oakley Morrison, Morgan Roux, Brantley Morrison, Bentley Roux, Knox Roux, Trayson Roux, Paisley Trail, and Emmalyn Trail.

She is also survived by two nieces, Brenda Howard and Janice Fletcher; her sister, Dorthy Howard; many cousins; and her special caregiver, Lisa Green.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Ray Lynn Trail; her husband, Charles Trail; and her parents, Austin and Evella Moseley.

A funeral service for Barbara will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Bell. Family invites friends for a visitation one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Barbara will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Wayfair Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

06/05/2026

Pets stand by us through thick and thin as companions, and when they age, it can be hard to accept that they will eventually die. The article below explores different practices you can use to prepare for your pet's eventual passing.

If your pet's health is declining, consider how you can improve their final days. Discover how you can prepare yourself in this article.

06/04/2026

Thomas "Scooch" Scott, a lifelong resident of Trenton and one of Gilchrist County's most beloved citizens, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland. He was 92 years old.

Born on May 19, 1934, in Trenton, Florida, Scooch spent his entire life serving the community he loved. A true local legend, he dedicated himself to his country, his family, his students, and his neighbors, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence Gilchrist County for generations to come.

In 1957, Scooch answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He completed basic training in Baltimore before being stationed in Hawaii. Following his military service, he returned home to Trenton where he worked as a mechanic for Colson Chevrolet and later for McAllister’s Tractors.

His greatest professional calling, however, came in education. Scooch became the mechanics teacher at Trenton High School, where he spent 27 years teaching and mentoring countless young men and women. He often joked that it took him 39 years to get out of Trenton schools—12 years as a student and 27 years as a teacher. Through his patience, wisdom, and practical knowledge, he helped shape the lives of generations of students who still remember him fondly today.

Scooch's commitment to public service extended far beyond the classroom. He proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Gilchrist County Fire Department and later as a deputy with the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office. He eventually became the courthouse bailiff, where his friendly demeanor, quick wit, and steady presence made him a familiar and respected figure throughout the county.

He was also a devoted member of the Masonic brotherhood for many years. Scooch was a proud Freemason and spent decades as a member of William T. Carlton Lodge No. 46 in Trenton. After the lodge was lost to fire, he later continued his Masonic journey with Brown Masonic Lodge No. 51 in Chiefland, remaining active and dedicated throughout his life.

Above all else, Scooch was devoted to his wife. He shared 68 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Lois, until her passing in 2022. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service. They were faithful members of Pine Grove Baptist Church and cherished the friendships and fellowship they found there.

Scooch never met a stranger. He was known throughout the community for his kindness, sense of humor, and gift for conversation. He had a joke ready for every occasion and a unique way of looking at life. If someone asked what he was doing when he was taking a nap, he would say he was "pressing sheets." And if asked how he was feeling, his trademark response was, "With both hands." His quick wit and infectious smile brightened the days of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

An outdoorsman at heart, Scooch loved hunting and fishing and treasured the time spent with family and friends enjoying the natural beauty of North Florida. He was a people person through and through, always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, or offer encouragement.

To say that Scooch was a pillar of the community would be an understatement. Through his service in the military, education, law enforcement, firefighting, Masonic brotherhood, church, and countless acts of kindness, he helped shape the character of Gilchrist County itself. The community we know today is better because of people like Scooch—men who quietly dedicated their lives to serving others without expecting anything in return.

He leaves behind a grateful family, countless former students, friends, neighbors, and an entire community that was blessed by his presence. While his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the example he set.

Scooch is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his mother Katie Mae Strawser; his grandparents, Bud and Cora Polk; and sister-in-law, Lottie Barrington.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Folks; a large extended family of cousins; and his brother and sisters in laws, Mae Keeling, Nina Leak, Lavern Hoover and Walt Seiler.

A funeral service to honor Scooch will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church, at 11:00 AM. A visitation the night before on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 6-8 PM will be held at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Honors for his military service, his dedication to the Masonic brotherhood, as well as his time served with both the Gilchrist County Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s office will be conducted. Scooch will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Trenton Cemetery. The staff at Watson-Milton Funeral Home have loved and adored Scooch for many years, and we are honored to assist his family during this time. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

A life well lived. A servant's heart. A true Gilchrist County legend.

Thomas "Scooch" Scott will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

05/29/2026

In life, we prepare for so many things, but despite all our best efforts, the unexpected happens, including death away from home. The question is, is your family prepared? To learn more about what to do when the unexpected occurs away from home, give this blog a quick read!

When death occurs suddenly, you may not know what to do. This article has steps you can follow in case death occurs out of town.

05/28/2026

Roger Paul Hicks Jr., born September 24, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida. Roger married the love of his life, Elena, in 1986, and together they shared many wonderful years filled with family, faith, and love.

Roger never met a stranger. His friendly personality, warm smile, and quick sense of humor made everyone feel welcome. He cherished spending time with his family, especially swimming together and taking cruises with his beloved wife Elena.

Roger is survived by his wife Elena Hicks; their daughters, Kristina Carranza (Elli) and Kayla Darnell (Brandon); his grandchildren, Annalina, Samual, Julia and Ezra Carranza and Braxton Darnell; and his sisters, Mary-Lou Hicks and Carol Ann Turner (Mike); he is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Sara and Anthony Waldrop and Michael (Amanda) and Matthew Turner (Kristen).

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Roger Hicks Sr and Mary Hicks.

A memorial service to honor Roger will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at First Baptist of Trenton at 12:00 PM. The family invites friends for fellowship just after the service also at the church. Watson-Milton Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hicks family during this time. (352) 463-8888 www.WatsonMilton.com

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is one of several special days honoring the men and women who serve our country - active service members, veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Because we value all of our military service members, we are pleased to offer veteran services for the men and women who have so valiantly served our nation.

To learn more about the unique services we offer to veterans, give us a call at 352-463-8888 or visit www.watsonmilton.com/veteran-services.

05/25/2026

Daniel Odell Jenkins, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born on January 5, 1939, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Daniel lived a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He made his home in both Ormond Beach and Bell, Florida, where he built lasting friendships and a legacy that will continue through generations.

Daniel was born to Odell Jenkins and Mary Alice Kitrell Jenkins and was preceded in death by his parents and Daphne Jenkins; sisters Merle Share, Rita George, and Linda Jenkins; and his brother, Sidney Jenkins.

He shared 69 years of marriage with the love of his life, Shirley Cannon Jenkins. Together they built a family that remained the center of Daniel’s life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Jenkins; his children, Daniel Wayne Jenkins (J. Lynne), Mary Boden (Jim), and Linda Bass; his grandchildren, Chase King, Melissa Jenkins, Danielle Crouch, Mitchell Jenkins (Kaylin), and Deanna Crouch; and his great-grandchildren, Jimmy Jenkins, Rileigh Inman, Kinsley Booth, Mitchell Jenkins Jr., Stella Mandeville, and Taytum Taylor.

Daniel is also survived by his siblings Bonnie Davis (Joe), Donita Long (Charles), Danny Jenkins (Stacey), Gene Jenkins, and Tom Jenkins.

A hardworking and respected businessman, Daniel owned and operated a licensed excavating and trucking business for over 35 years. His dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing things the right way earned him the respect of many throughout the community.

Faith was the foundation of Daniel’s life. He was a longtime member and trustee of New Hope Baptist Church in Bell, Florida, where he faithfully served and found great joy in worship and fellowship.

Outside of work and church, Daniel loved fishing and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family. Whether gathering with loved ones, serving his church, or enjoying time outdoors, Daniel lived with quiet strength, generosity, and deep devotion.

A funeral service to honor the life of Daniel will be held on Saturday, May 30th, at 4:00 PM, at New Hope Baptist Church, Bell, FL. Family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior, beginning at 3:00 PM. Daniel will be laid to rest immediately following the service at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352)463-8888

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we thank the countless men and women who have fought and died to preserve our freedom, our country, and our way of life. You have our sincere gratitude. If you would like to honor a specific veteran, please share their story with us in the comments.