Russell E. King
March 28, 2016
Russell E. King (Tony), age 96, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Tony was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was known as “Papa” to family and friends alike.
Tony is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Jonnie King.
He is survived by his son, Russell (Janice) King; four daughters, Betty (Toby) Atwell , Ruby (Alan) Hass, Brenda (Mario) Santinelli and Linda (David) Foster; grandchildren, Sonya Hudson, Russell (Erika) Hass, Mary (James) Stankard, Lonnie (Tammy) Wilson, Johnny (Joanna) Wilson, Mark (Jodi) Santinelli, Steve (Jenny) Hass, Donnie (Jennifer) Wilson, David Hass, Melinda (Mike) Moulton; 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom will dearly miss their Papa.
In 2013, Tony and Margery Paulk were united. She was his loving companion and friend and they shared many wonderful adventures together. Tony served his country for two years in the US Navy. He retired from St. Regis in 1985 after 33 years of faithful service. He was a volunteer firefighter with Brent Fire Department, served with the FHP auxiliary unit, Troop A, for approximately15 years and also served with ECSO Senior crimes unit until his health declined in June of 2015. He was a member of Gonzalez United Methodist Church. He loved to camp, fish, and spend time with his family.
Family will receive friends following the graveside service in the CEC at Gonzalez United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s name to Covenant Hospice. The family would like to give a special thanks to Missy, Darrell, Balinda, Lori, Amanda, Barbara, Deloris and Pam for the wonderful care they gave to our Papa.
Graveside services were held at Gonzalez United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saturday, March 26, 2016.
Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
James C. Johnson
March 28, 2016
Mr. James C. “Jimmy” Johnson, Jr., 67, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Flomaton.
Mr. Johnson was a native of Fort Bragg, NC, former resident of Jay and had resided in Flomaton most of his life. Mr. Johnson was a Gideon. He was retired from Exxon with 25 years of service, was a mechanic at Stokes Small Engine, worked with Johnson Brothers Pumping and was a member of the Moyeville Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by a baby sister, Marilyn Denise Johnson and a brother, Wayne D. Johnson.
He is survived by his parents, Rev. James “Jim” and Lecia Johnson of Flomaton; wife, Susan Dianne Johnson of Flomaton; three sons, Matt Johnson of Flomaton, Marc (Lynne) Johnson of Riverside, AL and Luke (Renee) Johnson of Brewton; one daughter, Marilyn Johnson (Chuck) Day of Flomaton; one brother, Glenn (Charlotte) Johnson of Flomaton; one sister, Deborah (Joe) Golden of Flomaton; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Carnley officiating.
Burial was at the Moyeville Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Isaiah Day, Cody Johnson, Joshua Day, Chandler Johnson, Buddy Morris and Lamar Byrd.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Bingham Raithel, Jr.
March 28, 2016
Robert “Bob” Bingham Raithel, Jr., 80, of Pensacola, passed away on March 23, 2016. He was born to the late Robert and Helen Raithel, Sr. on December 29, 1935, in Montclair, N.J.
He attended Verona High School and continued his education at Amherst College and graduated in 1957. On March 14, 1958, Bob joined the U. S. Marine Corp where he served his country proudly. He taught school in Verona, N.J. where he retired. Bob enjoyed tennis, football, ping pong and most sports. Most of all he loved to go to his daughter’s field hockey and lacrosse games.
Bob is survived by his wife, Millie; his four children, Jeff, Tim, Sheryl, and Rob; and one grandson, Seth.
Funeral services will be held at Tuesday, March 29, 216, at 11 a.m. at Faith Chapel North with Rev. Randy Hamill and Rev. Terry Van Gilder officiating.
Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of services.
Faithful Celebrate Resurrection
March 27, 2016
Easter morning services were planned at many locations across the area Sunday morning.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Slight Rain Chance Tonight; Sunshine Monday
March 27, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers between 9pm and 3am. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Vietnam Veterans Get Long Overdue ‘Welcome Home’ (With Gallery)
March 27, 2016
It was an emotional welcome home Saturday for a small group of Vietnam veterans….a welcome home decades overdue.
The Atmore Memorial VFW Auxiliary hosted a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” ceremony at Atmore’s Heritage Park.
Yellow ribbons were tied to trees around the park for the event which included the patriotic music, food and fanfare of a welcome home ceremony most of the Vietnam veterans in attendance had never received.
The ceremony concluded with VFW Auxiliary members giving each Vietnam veteran a gift — and sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek — to thank them for their service. It was a scene reminiscent of a welcome home ceremony that has played itself out over and over for other American wars.
And tears that were decades overdue fell from the eyes of several veterans as they were finally welcomed home.
Organizers are already planned a ceremony for the last Saturday in March 2017.
For a photo gallery click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Kids Scramble For 50,000 Easter Eggs
March 27, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hosted “Egga-Wahooza” Saturday. The free Easter egg hunt had 50,000 eggs and was divided in age categories for children from age to fifth graders. There was also an egg hunt for special needs children. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Cantonment Rollover Accident
March 27, 2016
There were no injuries in this single vehicle rollover accident Saturday on West Roberts Road near Stallion Road in Cantonment. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Despite Rain, Kids Enjoy Cantonment Egg Hunt
March 27, 2016
Saturday’s rain did not stop the children at Pine Forest Assembly of God in Cantonment from having a great time. The kids were able to enjoy and indoor egg hunt with prizes and loads of candy. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Bill Signing Season
March 27, 2016
It may have been a quiet, post-session week in the Capitol, but the rest of the state wasn’t exactly slumbering at the start of spring.
State wildlife officials announced that Florida black bears, which were prolific enough to be hunted last year, continue to have a “robust” population. But no word yet on a 2016 hunt.
It wouldn’t be Florida without a fix of redistricting-related news involving the courts.
A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the request for legal fees from a coalition of voting-rights organizations in their mostly otherwise-successful battle over congressional districts.
Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s fight against her redrawn District 5, stretched across Northeast Florida to Tallahassee, went before a federal three-judge panel in Tallahassee on Friday.
And Gov. Rick Scott drew a few headlines Thursday by pushing Florida as a travel destination while he criticized President Barack Obama for not abandoning an international trip in order to address Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Scott made the biggest news this week, however, in ink — the kind he used to sign more than 100 bills into law.
HERE COME THE NEW LAWS
Other than a single local bill involving a regional utility in Gainesville — where Scott objected to the prospect that authority board members could be paid up to $18,000 a year — Scott gave his blessing this week to 111 proposals sent his way by legislators.
The measures range from the serious to the sublime, including a controversial plan (HB 1411) that bars public funding for organizations associated with abortion clinics, a bill (HB 307) that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to full-strength marijuana, and a proposal (HB 4009) authorizing the sale of a maritime device known as a “slungshot.”
Most of the bills were signed without comment from the governor, but Scott did chime in on a measure (SB 636), backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, intended to speed up testing of law enforcement “rape kits.”
He also commented on a proposal (HB 427) that will provide a discount of about 12 percent on vessel-registration fees for boaters that have purchased emergency locator devices.
The boater-safety issue was crafted in response to the disappearance of two 14-year-olds from Tequesta, who went missing in July after steering a 19-foot boat out of the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean.
“We have made it a priority to make Florida the safest state in the nation, especially for those sailing and enjoying our beautiful waters,” Scott said in a press release on Friday.
Among the bills Scott signed Thursday is a measure, backed by Democrats, requiring law enforcement agencies to set standards if they intend to use police body cameras.
Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, a sponsor of the bill, said the procedures could help protect police officers and citizens.
The bill garnered additional attention after musician Corey Jones was fatally shot last year by a plainclothes Palm Beach Gardens officer who did not have a body camera.
“This bill is one that really hit home for me after the death of Corey Jones, and hopefully now that it has been signed by the governor, we can hear less about lives lost and more about the unity between law enforcement and the community,” Jones said in a press release.
Scott has so far signed 177 of the 245 general and local bills that have been sent to his desk. The legislature approved 272 bills in the regular session.
MORE BUSH-TRUMP SMACK TALK
Jeb Bush, whose exit last month from the Republican presidential contest came much quicker than the former Florida governor expected, on Wednesday announced he was backing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the whittled-down race.
And, true to form, GOP front-runner Donald Trump couldn’t contain himself on social media in reaction to the news.
Bush, widely seen as the establishment favorite when he officially entered the contest back in June, issued a statement that described Cruz as “a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests.”
But Bush also pointedly raised the concern of many GOP leaders that part-time Palm Beacher Trump would turn off general-election voters and keep Republicans from taking the White House.
“For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies,” Bush said.
Trump, a master at using social media to wallop his adversaries, fired back the same day on Twitter.
“Low energy Jeb Bush just endorsed a man he truly hates, Lyin’ Ted Cruz,” Trump tweeted, using one of his nicknames for Cruz. “Honestly, I can’t blame Jeb in that I drove him into oblivion!”
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
The search for the state’s appointed insurance commissioner is down to a former federal official with experience in insurance issues related to terrorism and flooding — and who has been backed Scott — and a state representative who was once Iowa’s insurance commissioner.
On Thursday, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater agreed to go with the two finalists — State Rep. Bill Hager, R-Delray Beach, and Jeffrey Bragg — that made the cut from 55 applicants.
Scott and Atwater must jointly recommend the next commissioner before the Cabinet, meeting Tuesday, votes to fill the position, advertised as paying up to $200,000 a year.
Hager, 69, who was once Iowa’s appointed insurance commissioner, was backed by Bondi.
Bragg, a 67-year-old Palm Harbor resident, was executive director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Terrorism Risk Insurance Program from 2003 to 2014. Before that, Bragg spent a little under two years as a senior vice president at Zurich Risk Management in New Jersey. In 1981, Bragg was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he oversaw the National Flood Insurance Program and worked with Congress to terminate the federal riot reinsurance program.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Scott signed 111 bills into law.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am clean. Goodness. Clean. Yes.” — Congresswoman Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat under investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics and the Department of Justice, responding to reporters’ questions about the probes.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida