William Leslie Morris, Sr.
December 26, 2013
William Leslie Morris, Sr., age 82, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Morris Stone, and beloved daughter-in-law, Kimberley Rabren Morris.
Mr. Morris is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dovie Cherry Morris and his four children, Donna (James) Tummler of Pensacola, William Leslie Morris, Jr. of Pensacola, Dina (Keith) Lafont of Snyder, OK, and Wayde (Anita) Morris of Pensacola; brother, Richard (Laura) Morris of San Diego, CA; 13 grandchildren, Amanda (Kevin) Calkins, Phillip Light, Christopher Light, Garrett (Lorraine) Morris, Megan Morris, Teresa (Jimmy) Gilbee, Joshua (Erin) Lafont, Danielle Diehl, Keith Lafont, Jr., Olivia Lafont, Nicholas Morris, Brittany Morris, and Logan Morris; and 13 great-grandchildren.
“Bill” was born September 12, 1931, in Irvington, New Jersey to the late William Jackson Morris and Alberta Laible Morris and moved to Pensacola as a child. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1949, after which he served in the Army. He was a veteran in the Korean War. Mr. Morris was named Post Commander for the American Legion Post 33 in Pensacola in 1957-1958. He retired from Monsanto after 27 years in the 707 lab, and in 1968 he opened Morris Lock and Safe where he worked with his son Bill, Jr. until he retired in 1995. He was also a valued auxiliary deputy with the Escambia County Sherriff’s Department for 13 years.
He was an active member and deacon at Leonard Street Church of Christ.
A memorial will be held at Leonard Street Church of Christ, located on the corner of “W” and Leonard Streets on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at 6:30.
A service at Barrancas National Cemetery will take place on Friday, January 3, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Leonard Street Church of Christ will be accepted.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Teen Charged With Murdering His Mother
December 25, 2013
A 17-year old has been arrested in Santa Rosa County for the Christmas Eve murder of his mother.
William Brandon Aydelott is charged with the murder of his mother, Sharon Lynn Aydelott, who was found dead Tuesday night .
Investigators said William Aydelott had been arguing with his mother for some period of time before stabbing her several times with kitchen knives and striking her with a baseball bat. Sharon Aydelott succumbed to her wounds at her Gulf Breeze home.
William Aydelott fled the scene and was located by deputies about three hours later at a nearby residence. Deputies surrounded the home, and he surrendered without incident.
Invesigators said the suspect was taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail where he confessed to the murder. He is being held without bond.
A Look Back: Century Christmas In The 1930’s
December 25, 2013
Here’s a look back at Christmas past for the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company and what is now Century.
In the top photo, Mr. James H. Jones is seen giving out presents to Alger-Sullivan Lumber Co. employee children in the 1930’s. By the 1940’s, this practice had been discontinued, but Mr. Hauss always sent some families a tin of dates from California. The company always seemed to be interested in keeping families together and satisfied, although when it came to the job, it was hard-nosed about making sure the workers gave a day’s work for a day’s pay.
The picture below depicts a scene in December 1936 from one of the logging camps in the woods where races were mixed on the job, despite the attitude towards segregation. Here you see two of the bosses, Fred Gilmore and Mr. Luke Earl (with glasses), a somewhat beloved woods foreman, and a group of workers and children observing Santa Claus as he holds a little boy at their Christmas gathering. Several of the children are clutching their little bags of goodies, probably candy and some trinkets, that Santa had passed out earlier. It’s not know what purpose the wash pot, if any, played in the festivities.
Photos courtesy the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society (top) and Photo by Fischer (bottom) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Look Back: Ernest Ward High School Christmas Past
December 25, 2013
Here’s a look back at Christmas past at Ernest Ward High School, with a peek into the pages of the 1955, 1971 and 1988 yearbooks. Click any of the images to enlarge.
Below: The 1955 Christmas Pageant at Ernest Ward High School.
Below: “In Celebration of Christmas”, 1988, Ernest Ward High School.
Below: “Christmas Present And Future”, 1988, Ernest Ward High School.
Below: Christmas 1971, Ernest Ward High School.
Special thanks to Sherri Stallworth and Delaney Reynolds, EWMS Yearbook staff, for their research in finding these photos. Photos courtesy Ernest Ward Middle School for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2013
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Your Christmas Forecast
December 25, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast. Merry Christmas!
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Escambia Woman Dies Aftering Being Backed Over At Walmart
December 25, 2013
An elderly Escambia County woman has died after being backed over in a Walmart parking lot.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday that 88-year old Virginia M. Abercrombie passed away December 20 at Joyce Goldenberg Covenant Hospice from injuries she received in the parking lot of the Mobile Highway Walmart on December 11.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 83-year old Matilda R. Townsend of Pensacola was backing up for a parking space when she failed to observe 38-Susan A. Wilson of Loxley in a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird behind her. Wilson began backing up to avoid being struck by Townsend.
The FHP said Wilson failed to notice Abercrombie and struck her.
Charges are pending the outcome of a FHP traffic homicide investigation.
Jeff Miller’s Christmas Message
December 25, 2013
The holiday season is a joyous time of year for millions of Americans across the country. As we celebrate Christmas this week, basking in the glow of our Christmas lights and opening the presents nestled under our Christmas trees, let us also take time to reflect on the true reason for the Christmas season: celebrating that first miraculous Christmas 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. And whether or not you and your family celebrate Christmas, it is important to recognize the freedom of religion provided by our First Amendment and allow Christmas traditions for those who celebrate it.
As Christians, we celebrate Christmas as the day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. But sometimes we can forget the meaning of Christmas by becoming too caught up in decorating or gift-giving. But the act of gift-giving is rooted in our religious tradition, as we read in Ephesians 4:7-8 “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” And this spirit of giving can be extended beyond family and friends to reach those in need of a little help in our local community to bring Christmas cheer to everyone.
And for lawmakers in Washington, it is all too easy to overlook the significance of Christmas during legislative sessions. That is why I am proud to cosponsor legislation this year to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected for those who celebrate Christmas. This legislation reiterates that Christmas is a National Holiday and makes clear that the Founding Fathers wrote the First Amendment to protect Americans rights to practice the religion of their choosing from intrusion by the federal government, not to prohibit the public display of religion or the celebration of Christmas.
For centuries Americans of all faiths have come together to seek the American Dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through the free exercise of religion. Like those who participated in the first Christmas, we look to a higher light for guidance and give thanks for the many blessings He has bestowed on us and this great Nation, and we pray that these blessings continue.
To all those in Northwest Florida I wish you and your family a Happy Holiday, Happy Hanukkah, and of course, a Merry Christmas!
Century Updates Old Fashioned Christmas Light Display
December 25, 2013
The Town of Century updated their roadside park Christmas display this year, adding a new a new tree and removing several outdated decorations.
The new tree, currently standing 20 feet tall, is expandable with additional sections up to 40 feet tall. The remainder of the decorations were donated to Century after the City of Pensacola upgraded some number of years ago. Because of age and condition, not all of the donated decorations were displayed this year.
The decorations are in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Hwy 29) and Hecker Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Rice Krispie Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Hot Chocolate
December 25, 2013
We are continuing our Christmas recipe series today with some family time favorites.
Today’s recipes include Traditional Oatmeal Cookies, Crockpot Candy and Rice Krispie Treats — perfect recipes for the family to make together. And what would Christmas be without Hot Chocolate? Our quick and easy recipe can easily be increased to make enough for everyone, plus it’s easy to include some extra cocoa powder for a deeper, darker treat.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Crock Pot Candy
submitted by Brooke Mixon
- 16 oz Salted Peanuts
- 16 oz UnSalted Peanuts
- 4 oz German Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Almond Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Butterscotch Morsels
Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours. Do not stir or open lid. After 2 hours, turn off crock pot, stir candy and drop in clusters onto wax paper. Let cool and enjoy. This recipe will make 70-90 pieces of candy, depending on the size.
Traditional Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups of Quaker Oats (Quick)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheet, remove to wire rack.
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (10 oz., about 40) pkg. regular marshmallows or 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and continue to stir until the marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal coating them well with the melted marshmallow mixture. Using a buttered or silicone spatula, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan which has been buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with wax paper. Cut into squares when the mixture cools. Makes 24 squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Microwave butter with marshmallows on high setting for 2 minutes in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir together when melted. Microwave again on high for 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into pan as above.
Hot Chocolate
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 c. milk
- a bit of vanilla, if desired
Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.