William “David” Starling Sr., 83
An incredibly loved father, grandfather, brother and friend, William David Starling, Sr., of Middleburg, Fla., passed away peacefully at the age of 83. He was born January 19, 1942, and lived in Middleburg his entire life where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, treasure hunting and working at his barn.
David Starling spent his life committed to being a caretaker of the land and teaching others the importance of agriculture. He was instrumental in preserving many historical sites in Clay County, including serving as land manager of thousands of acres that are now preserved as a Florida state forest. Mr. Starling has served as a trusted source for Middleburg history for county archives and land development, having dedicated countless hours to protect historical sites, including working with archaeologists to identify over 20 preservation sites.
In 1990, Mr. Starling settled on 10 acres of land, where the road leading to his property was named Starling Road. Starling Road is a foundation in his family, providing countless memories across his pastures and barn through many annual traditions. While Mr. Starling always had a small garden on his farm, what he was most proud of was an annual sugarcane crop. For 31 consecutive years, you would find his family gathering at his barn on the first Saturday in December for an annual canegrinding, where he would teach future generations how to make syrup the old fashioned way. The Starling Family Canegrinding would often boast over 500 people, a testament to his joy in sharing his land with others.
In addition to agriculture, Mr. Starling spent 30 years working for Clay Electric Cooperative, where he retired as Central Construction Crew Chief in 1996. There are still linemen and crews today who were trained or mentored by him.
He will be incredibly missed by his four children, William David Starling, Jr., Debra Starling Duncan (Mark), Karen Starling Green (Larry) and Wendy King; eight grandchildren, Kister Starling (Deidre), Brittani Wright (Alex), Casey Webber (Cody), Lacey Jones (Cody), Evan Green (Shelby), Logan Green (Bailey), Taylor Huntley (Josie) and Trey Starling; 10 great-grandchildren, Raylan Starling, Ellie Wright, Kaylynn Webber, Addalynn Webber, Easton Jones, Grant Starling, Aiden Starling, Blakely Jones, Henslee Green and Hayden Green; three sisters, Anita Padgett (Jerry), Kay Williamson (Kenny) and Sally Guy (Jerry); along with long-time partner, Annette Kenney, and numerous extended family members. Mr. Starling was preceded in death by his parents, William Harvey and Evelyn Virginia Starling, and sister Catherine Virginia Starling.
A visitation will be held at Russell Haven Funeral Home on Thursday, August, 7, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Then, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Middleburg followed by a graveside service at Black Pond Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be William David Starling, Jr., Kister Starling, Evan Green, Logan Green, Larry Green and Mark Duncan. Honorary Pallbearers are Horace Starling, Jerry Padgett, Gayward Hendry and Mark Townsend.
Mr. Starling was a lifelong supporter of the next generation of farmers. If you would like to make a donation in his honor to benefit a Clay County FFA student(s) raising livestock for the 2026 Clay County Agricultural Fair, donations can be made by contacting David Starling’s daughter, Debra Duncan.
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720