- BGA Memorials

BGA MEMORIALS

May the Souls of all our former BGA Members Rest in Peace.

BGA Founder and Commissioner Jim Remler, in March 1997.

RIP September 10, 2023

Jim Remler has been one of a kind. He built the BGA, despite many obstacles, and tolerated Members' shenanigans with a patience none of us possess. Jim has been the most kind and charitable person anyone could meet. He has ruled the BGA by talking softly, carrying a big stick, and managing the BGA with tactful professionalism. We would not have the enjoyment of the BGA today without Jim Remler. The BGA Website, approved by Jim in 2008, has become a tribute to Jim from all BGA Members. The site is available to all, and anyone on the internet may have access. The site lets the world know, in a serious and fun way, that we miss, love, respect and appreciate Jim Remler.

“Many people will walk in and out of our lives, but only true friends will leave footprints in our hearts.”

Until we meet again Jim, soon. Clint Wynne

Latest Post: September 10, 2023

Jim is a person who always surprises you with the unexpected things he does. An example, is when I was fortunate to get a hole-in-one earlier this year. Without me realizing it, Jim retrieved the original score card handed in to the club and replaced it with a duplicate he made out. Jim did this so he could attach the original score card to the back of a framed Hole-In-One certificate of recognition he made for me. It was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated. Playing golf with the BGA, that would not exist without Jim's efforts, and tennis with the doubles group Jim got me started with, is a large part of why for me Citrus Hills is such a great place to retire. Thanks a lot Jim, its great to have a friend like you.

Posted by: Mike Rizzio

October 2008

I have never met a guy who drives a $30,000.00 (est.) golf cart and carries a $2.50 rake! That's the essence of Jim Remler. The cart was a gift but the rake is an heirloom. Jim has been involved with students and school systems for a good part of his life. This experience has made him the perfect titular head of the BGA. He is still administrating to 64 adolescents who love and respect him dearly.

Posted by Paul Piotte

October 2008

Several years ago, instigated by Jim, we had a lot of interaction thru email with the guys from BGA North. We had 2 clubs, BGA North and BGA South. There was constant controversy over the rules governing the 2 clubs. At one time Jim was accused by the North of violating one of the rules even though the rule was not in the Southern BGA book. The North contended that seeing they were first that their rules took precedence. The discussion took place between many of us for several months. It ended with the North sending a constable down and arresting Jim. It took us Southerners several weeks to arrange suitable bail that would be accepted by the North. Bail was finally arranged so Jim was released and could take over his defense trial. It was finally agreed that the North would secede and separate rules would be followed. This allowed the annual North/South tournament to continue.

Posted by: Dick Hensel in 2008. Dick passed away in April 2017. Dick was a Founding Member of The BGA in Florida. A great guy who knew the BGA is more than just golf. We pray his Soul rests in peace.

I met Jim Remler in the Spring of 2008 after expressing an interest in joining the BGA. Jim sat down with me in the club room and we had a great chat during which he explained the workings of the BGA. Later in the day, thinking about the two outstanding items stuck in my mind, regarding the purpose of the BGA. The first was that each person enjoys the golf, good or bad, signified by the motto, "Bad But Proud". Once in a while, as we travel the road of life, we meet people who leave an indelible impression on us. Jim Remler is such a person. He wears no crown, carries no scepter, has no title but has devotion and help from members who make the BGA work. He is just plain Jim Remler, what you see and hear is what you get. That's the way he wants it and that's the way he likes it. Know something? That's the way I like it too.

Posted by:

Larry Mahoney, October 2008.

Larry passed away in 2016. We remember Larry as a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. We pray his soul rests in peace.

Spurgeon Youngblood passed away on Saturday September 16, 2023. Spurgeon has had a series of health issues over the past few months.

Spurgeon became a BGA member in September 2020.

BILL WHITEMAN (RIP)

June 30, 2023

(1962-2023)

Bill was officially made a member of the BGA on Friday March 17, 2023.

William "Bill" R. Whiteman, age 61, of Hernando, FL, passed away June 30, 2023. William was born on February 13, 1962 in Lorain, OH to Frederick Whiteman and Patricia (Milligan) Whiteman.

Bill graduated from Lincoln High School in 1980 and WVU in 1986. While in High School he enjoyed participating in the marching and jazz bands. He also was a member of the WVU marching band his freshman year of college. He spent many years participating in 4-H from childhood until college. Bill was a recipient of the 4-H Charting Pin and participated in the youth exchange programs. Bill was an avid fan of West Virginia football and basketball and rarely missed a game. He enjoyed relaxing by the pool and listening to country music. He enjoyed playing basketball with his children and going on family vacations. He very much loved the wonderful memories of the Whiteman/Kelleher family vacations at Seneca Lake, New York. Bill was a loving husband who cared deeply for his children.

He moved to Hernando, FL one year ago from Largo, FL. William was a Self-employed Financial Planner. He was a member of the Bad Golfers Association and he attended St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto, FL.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Whiteman; maternal grandparents, Charles and Nellie Milligan; and his paternal grandmother, Vivian Webb.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rosann E Whiteman of Hernando, FL; two children, Patrick Whiteman of Ft. Myers, FL and Christopher Whiteman of Clarksburg, WV; parents, Frederick and Patricia Whiteman of Gypsy, WV; siblings, John Whiteman of Shinnston, WV, Karen Marie Whiteman of Gypsy, WV and Nancy Whiteman Jenkins and her husband Wayne of Vienna, WV; Godson and nephew, Chandler Jenkins; nieces and nephews, Danielle and Frank Carpenter, Karissa Gutierrez, Anthony Gutierrez, Shannon and Jonathan Maxwell, Raenna Jenkins, Nellie Whiteman, Dustin Whiteman, and David Whiteman; great-nieces and -nephews, Donovan, Kaitlyn, Kassie, Violet, William and Wyatt; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Lecanto, Florida. Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto. Private cremation will follow the Mass and burial will take place on Saturday at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Beverly Hills, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dog Rescue.

illiam "Bill" R. Whiteman, age 61, of Hernando, FL, passed away June 30, 2023. William was born on February 13, 1962 in Lorain, OH to Frederick Whiteman and Patricia (Milligan) Whiteman.

Bill graduated from Lincoln High School in 1980 and WVU in 1986. While in High School he enjoyed participating in the marching and jazz bands. He also was a member of the WVU marching band his freshman year of college. He spent many years participating in 4-H from childhood until college. Bill was a recipient of the 4-H Charting Pin and participated in the youth exchange programs. Bill was an avid fan of West Virginia football and basketball and rarely missed a game. He enjoyed relaxing by the pool and listening to country music. He enjoyed playing basketball with his children and going on family vacations. He very much loved the wonderful memories of the Whiteman/Kelleher family vacations at Seneca Lake, New York. Bill was a loving husband who cared deeply for his children.

He moved to Hernando, FL one year ago from Largo, FL. William was a Self-employed Financial Planner. He was a member of the Bad Golfers Association and he attended St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto, FL.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Whiteman; maternal grandparents, Charles and Nellie Milligan; and his paternal grandmother, Vivian Webb.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rosann E Whiteman of Hernando, FL; two children, Patrick Whiteman of Ft. Myers, FL and Christopher Whiteman of Clarksburg, WV; parents, Frederick and Patricia Whiteman of Gypsy, WV; siblings, John Whiteman of Shinnston, WV, Karen Marie Whiteman of Gypsy, WV and Nancy Whiteman Jenkins and her husband Wayne of Vienna, WV; Godson and nephew, Chandler Jenkins; nieces and nephews, Danielle and Frank Carpenter, Karissa Gutierrez, Anthony Gutierrez, Shannon and Jonathan Maxwell, Raenna Jenkins, Nellie Whiteman, Dustin Whiteman, and David Whiteman; great-nieces and -nephews, Donovan, Kaitlyn, Kassie, Violet, William and Wyatt; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Lecanto, Florida. Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto. Private cremation will follow the Mass and burial will take place on Saturday at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Beverly Hills, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dog Rescue.

It took Bill only one week, as a BGA Member, to earn the BGA Sandbag.

How Jerry would best like to be remembered.

Gerard (Jerry) McClernon on June 6, 2023 entered fully into the presence of his savior Jesus Christ.

Jerry served in the Army, was a sergeant in the NYPD until retirement in 1980, and then went to work for the National Credit Union Administration for the next 20 years. He is a member of Grace Coastal Church, PCA, in Okatie and was an active volunteer in Sun City.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mae; his four children, Colleen (CJ) Goodwin, Gerard McClernon, Matthew (Lisa) McClernon, and Mae (Kyle) Wilson, numerous grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Kathleen (Ralph) Rabbito, and brother Michael McClernon, and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry fought for his country, protected and provided for his family, and loved Jesus more than life itself.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Grace Coastal Church, PCA, 15 Williams Drive, Okatie, SC. Following the service there will be a light meal prepared by the ladies of the church.

In lieu of flowers it is requested donations be made to the Grace Coastal Church Deacons’ Fund in memory of Jerry.

From BGA Commissioner W. A. Pace:

Jerry was a long time member of the BGA and was a valuable contributor to the BGA. Jerry and Mae moved to South Carolina several years ago. He continued to maintain contact with the BGA over the years. A couple of examples come to mind....

He is, perhaps best remembered as his self proclaimed title of the Worlds Best (or was it greatest?) Golfer and I have the flag to prove it. If my memory is right he gifted the flag to Ed Ryan when he moved.

He actively participated in our various themed tournaments, dressing up for Turkey day, Christmas, and groundhog day. Although my memory is not very good, he acquired a rather large turkey. He gifted that to Peter Lindley when he left (shall I say he left it on Peter's doorstep the day they moved). Peter, if my memory is correct mailed it to Jerry. The last time I spoke with Jerry, several weeks ago, he asked me to tell Peter the turkey is on its way back.

He purchased one of the patriotic hats that member Joe Skender purchased for BGA members. Jerry said he proudly wore the hat on the last Friday of each month to honor our military and first responders.

Jerry was a long time member of the BGA and was a valuable contributor to the BGA. Jerry and Mae moved to South Carolina several years ago. He continued to maintain contact with the BGA over the years. A couple of examples come to mind....

He is, perhaps best remembered as his self proclaimed title of the Worlds Best (or was it greatest?) Golfer and I have the flag to prove it. If my memory is right he gifted the flag to Ed Ryan when he moved.

He actively participated in our various themed tournaments, dressing up for Turkey day, Christmas, and groundhog day. Although my memory is not very good, he acquired a rather large turkey. He gifted that to Peter Lindley when he left (shall I say he left it on Peter's doorstep the day they moved). Peter, if my memory is correct mailed it to Jerry. The last time I spoke with Jerry, several weeks ago, he asked me to tell Peter the turkey is on its way back.

He purchased one of the patriotic hats that member Joe Skender purchased for BGA members. Jerry said he proudly wore the hat on the last Friday of each month to honor our military and first responders.

Joesph P. Matt was a long time Member of the BGA. He passed away in 2023.

Paul Foss - RIP - March 15 1931

November 18. 2022

Paul Richard Foss, 91, of Inverness, Fla., passed away on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. He went peacefully, without pain, surrounded by family members.

He was born on March 15, 1931, in DeKalb, Ill., the son of Roy and

Edith (White) Foss.

A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Paul was a lifelong educator and administrator, holding positions in Illinois, Michigan, and overseas in Libya, Colombia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Argentina. Over a span of decades, Paul impacted hundreds of lives – students, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. Towering over most people with his 6'7" frame, the gentle giant left a memorable impression on most everyone he met.

After retiring to Florida in 1998, Paul kept even busier volunteering with Hospice, the Citrus County Resource Center, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Although no longer working, he still enjoyed traveling the world. He played golf regularly with the BGA for at least 20 years, getting only a single hole-in-one the entire time!

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara (Schaus); a daughter Cindy (Greg) Harris of Eugene, Ore., a son-in-law Archie Tate of Eleva, Wis.; and two infant siblings.

Survivors include his partner of 21 years Kay Stegemann; children: Debbie Foss Tate of Eleva, Wis., Terry and JD Kessler of Olney, Ill., Brent Foss of DeForest, Wis., Sharyl (Arent) and Greg Mart, of Zeeland, Mich., and David Arent of Benton Harbor; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a large extended step-family.

Donations may be directed to the Military Order of the Purple Heart (www.purpleheartflorida.org) in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be from noon-3 p.m. on Dec. 6, at the Citrus Hills Garden Room. Another celebration will follow in DeKalb in early June.

Art Block, RIP, November, 2022

Mike Scholes was a Member of the BGA for several years. Mike with his wife Alice.

C. Michael Scholes, 70, passed away on June 14, 2022 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Mike was born on May 3, 1952 in Mayfield, KY to Charles E. Scholes and Bettye S. Burton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 1:30 – 3:30 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch, 4310 Solutions Ln., Bradenton, FL 34211.

Angelo Previte, RIP April 4, 2022

Celebration of his life in the Windsor Room from 2 to 5 on Saturday, April 9th

Memories 0f Angelo

Hole-In-One

BGA winnings

Lovable guy.

Bob Jones was a loyal and respected Member of the BGA for many years.

Robert Louis Jones, age 91, Hernando, FL passed away February 17, 2022 at his residence with his loving family at his side. Bob was born in Racine, WI on July 2, 1930 to the late William J. Jones and Lucy Denn Jones and came to Florida in 1995 from Hull, MA. He was a retired grocer who owned and operated Lasker's Variety store in Boston, MA. Bob and his wife Gerry operated the store for 35 years, after purchasing it from her parents, who had operated the store for 50 years prior to selling to Gerry and Bob. Bob served our nation in the 9th Infantry Division, U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Bob worshipped at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Lecanto. He was a devoted supporter and passionate member of the church.

Bob was an avid golfer and member of Citrus Hills BGA. He loved gardening, growing vegetables and enjoying his harvest.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Gerry Lasker Jones and a daughter, Danette Lynn Casper and husband, Mark of Hernando, FL. He also leaves his pride and joy, grandson, Dimitri Casper. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan Morin.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox church. Father Michael Petrides and Father George Ioannou will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness Florida.

Here is a picture of Jim Remler with Jon Walton (no relation to John Walton). Jon passed away, January 2022. Jon was not a member of the BGA but played with the BGA many times over the past years. Most of the new members of the BGA probably did not know Jon. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's several years ago and had not played with either the BGA or the Citrus Hills Men's Golf Association since his Parkinson's diagnosis.

Jon and his wife Jackie moved to Iowa about one year ago to be close to their daughter. Jon required a lot of care and was in an assisted living facility in Iowa.

Jon was a very active member of the CHMGA and served a term as President some years ago.

For those that might be interested in Jackie's address it is:

Jackie Walton

680 NE Alice's Road

Unit #1

Waukee, IA 50263

Thanks to Foster Panza for this picture and BGA Commissioner W. A. Pace for the information.