FORT MEADE, Florida (AP) - A central Florida couple married for 71 years died just days apart.

The Ledger of Lakeland reports Arno and Myrtle Birdsong were remembered by more than 100 people who attended their funeral on Saturday at the First Church of God in Fort Meade.

The newspaper reports that 88-year-old Myrtle Birdsong died a week ago. Her 89-year-old husband Arno died two days later. Both died of heart failure.

Lakeland, Florida -- They aren't much bigger than a thumbnail, but don't judge them by their size.

A Lakeland family says their son is dead after being bit by a brown recluse spider. Bill Reese says he is still very upset after laying his 62-year-old son Ron to rest.

"It's been devastating," says Reese.

Bill says 6 months ago when Ron was tearing down a roof at an old house near Mulberry, he was bitten by a brown recluse spider.

LAKELAND, Florida (AP) - Central Florida authorities are reporting a rare death from a spider bite.

Polk County Medical Examiner Stephen Nelson tells The Ledger that Ronald Reese of Lakeland died Feb. 16 from complications of a spider bite.

Reese's father says the 62-year-old had been bitten in August by a brown recluse spider. H.K. William Reese says required lengthy hospital stays and numerous procedures for six months after the bite.