Family Members Identify Fiery Fatal Crash Victim As Atmore Native
December 4, 2019
Family members have identified the victim of a fiery fatal crash as an Atmore man.
They say 28-year old Randell Gordon Nichols, Jr. passed away in the crash about 3:30 a.m. Friday, November 29 near Brushy Creek on Deere Creek Road, just north of Alabama-Florida state line. Nichols only person found inside the burned vehicle.
Nichols’ obituary says he was an Atmore native now living in Birmingham and was in Atmore for Thanksgiving.
Alabama State Troopers did not immediately release Nichols’ name following the crash as they worked to make a positive identification.
Jim Allen Fifth Graders Decorate Escambia Sheriff’s Office Christmas Tree
December 4, 2019
Fifth grade students from Jim Allen Elementary School decorated the Christmas tree in the lobby of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday.
It’s an idea that started with Jim Allen’s school resource officer. Over the last few weeks , the students worked to create the handmade ornaments to trim the tree.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We’ve got some folks that the holidays are a huge deal at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. They are people that, guess what, reach out to our community. So, when we can draw the school systems into this, itjust makes it that much better,” Sheriff Morgan says.
This was the first year students have decorated the ECSO tree, but Morgan says they will invite the students back year.
The Jim Allen students also got a behind the scenes tour of the ECSO including the dispatch center, and they also saw a K-9 demonstration and met the people and horses of of the mounted posse.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, including photos courtesy NewsRadio 92.3/1620, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Holding Tryouts
December 4, 2019
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host two tryout events in December for a job with a starting pay of $14.57 per hour.
Tryout dates:
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m
- Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.
The tryouts will take place at the University of West Florida Aquatic Center, located at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 72. Applicants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early and to bring all relevant certifications to the tryout event.
Position requirements for employment include the following:
- Able to swim 600 yards in a pool in 10 minutes or less
- Able to run 1.5 miles on a track in 12 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is preferred
Attending and passing a tryout is required to be considered for employment. If you pass the physical tests in the allotted time and meet all of the other requirements, you will be scheduled for an interview. If selected to be hired, you will receive paid training. Training includes, but is not limited to, successfully passing 80 hours of open water training and emergency medical training.
Click here if you are a student at an accredited secondary school, vocational school, college or university to fill out an online application prior to the tryout. Students must be currently enrolled or have intent to enroll next term.
Click here if you are a non-student to fill out an online application prior to the tryout.
Stafford Announces Availability Of 2020 College Scholarship
December 4, 2019
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford has announced the 2020 Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) college scholarship. Three $1,200 scholarships will be awarded this summer by FSASE for the 2020 school year.
The scholarship is available to juniors or seniors attending an accredited Florida university or college, with a major in: political science, public or business administration, or journalism/mass communications. Among the requirements, students must have maintained a “C” average or above the previous year, demonstrate financial need and be registered to vote.
Copies of the application and full eligibility requirements may be downloaded from the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections website at EscambiaVotes.com or may be picked up at the Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor. Completed applications must reach the Supervisor’s office by close of business Friday, February 28, 2020.
Stafford will forward one application with a written recommendation to the FSASE Scholarship Committee, which will review the submissions from all 67 Florida counties. The scholarships will be awarded by the Association and the winner will be announced at the 2020 FSASE Summer Conference in May.
Students from Escambia County were scholarship winners in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2016.
Randell Gordon Nichols, Jr.
December 4, 2019
Randell Gordon Nichols, Jr., age 28, passed away November 29, 2019, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Atmore, Alabama. Mr. Nichols was an Atmore native and current resident of Birmingham, Alabama. He spent his last day in Atmore celebrating Thanksgiving and passionately rooting for his team, the New Orleans Saints, with his family and friends.
Mr. Nichols was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Isham Gordon “I.G.” (Joyce) Nichols, Jr.; his maternal grandfather, Hal Knox Waller, Jr.; and his maternal uncle, Hal Knox Waller, III.
He is survived by his parents, Melissa and Randell Gordon Nichols, Sr.; his sister, Ann Walton Knox Nichols; and his grandmother, Ann Walton Waller, all of Atmore, and his paternal aunt and uncle, Scarlet Nichols (Greg) Strom; cousin, Sterling Strom (Cory) Carter; and cousin, Anna Catherine Strom; all of Monroeville, Alabama.
Mr. Nichols graduated from Escambia County High School in 2009 and attended the Marion Military Institute for one year before transferring to the University of Alabama, where he graduated with a major in marketing and a concentration in real estate. After college, he began his career in commercial sales and recently accepted a position with a national real estate advisory and property management firm in Birmingham, where he was pursuing his long-held interest in commercial real estate.
In the close-knit Atmore community, Mr. Nichols was a well-known face who would always light up a room with his presence. An old soul and consummate Southern gentleman, he was the first to say hello and stand to greet a woman. He began working at a local veterinary clinic at the age of 11, a job he kept until he graduated from high school. He was also a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Atmore and was a starting offensive lineman for the Escambia County Blue Devils from 2006 through 2009.
At Alabama, he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and cast a large circle of friends on campus, who were endeared to his quick sense of humor, big hugs, and unyielding loyalty. He had a special knack for making those around him laugh and particularly enjoyed impersonating friends, teachers, and celebrities, often answering his telephone in the voice of the person calling. His favorite places in life were the Sigma Chi house, Escambia County High School, his hunting camp in Claiborne, Alabama, and, most important to him, his family home in Atmore.
Mr. Nichols was a devoted son, brother, grandson, and friend who harnessed his overriding love for people toward a higher calling, never tiring of bringing those closest to him together for fun and fellowship. He will do so one last time Thursday, December 5, 2019, at 4 p.m., when friends and family will gather at Hodnette Auditorium on the campus of Escambia County High School in Atmore for a Celebration of Life and to cherish the memories he left behind. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Escambia County High School Randell “Gordon” Nichols, Jr. Scholarship Fund at 1215 S. Presley St., Atmore, Alabama 36502.
Pallbearers will be Ethan Brooks, Austin Eicher, William “Billy” Eyster, III, Elliott Faircloth, Kyle Parish, and Tray Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Alexander Barineau, James Barnett, Jason Barnett, Randal Barnett, Ryan Benk, John Blunt, Kyle Davis, Jimmy Dean, Tracey Edwards, Nicholas Enns, Lawton Esdale, Robert Faircloth, Jr., Scotty Flowers, Dallas Gregg, Scott Grissett, Michael Hawes, Alexander Henderson, Rodney Helton, Mitch Jones, Perry Jones, William Mackin, Chandler Pope, Hudson Riedel, Carl Raley, Jr., Karl J. Robinson, Stefan Spadaro, Connor Somerville, Forrest Smith, and Graham Smith.
Lee Roy Wiggins
December 4, 2019
R. Lee Roy Wiggins, 92 of Walnut Hill, FL. passed away December 4, 2019 in Pensacola, FL. He was born on September 26, 1927 in Bratt, FL. to the late Preston and Grace Langford Wiggins. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bratt and honorary deacon and was past deacon at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. He was a mason, a member of the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club for over 50 years and was the First President of Walnut Hill Water Works. He served in the United States Army and served on the draft board. He was a retired district conservationist from Escambia County Florida Soil and Water Conservation. Mr. Wiggins was instrumental in working with Past Superintendent Jim Mayo of the Escambia County School Board for the location of Northview High School. He worked on creating the Northview High School Football Field and Baseball Fields at Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Rayford Wiggins and Leonard Wiggins.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years Lois Shell Wiggins, two sons Larry (Pamela) Wiggins of Daphne, FL. and Gary (Judith) Wiggins of Davisville, FL. Two sisters Clydell Tisdale of Daphne, AL. and Willneila Henderson of Flomaton, AL. granddaughters Leah (Gary) King, Robyn (Brian) Andrews, Kerrie (Teryll) Boutwell, Melissa (Josh) McElhaney, Jessica (Terry) Levins, Amanda Lashley, Deana (Shawn) Jones and twenty-three great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Roy Chewning officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.
Active pallbearers will be Ricky Wiggins, Lamar Wiggins, Harry Brooks, Phillip Henderson, Shawn Jones and Terry Levins.
Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 9AM until service time at 10:30 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Duane L. Banks
December 4, 2019
Duane L. Banks, 53, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019. He was born November 21, 1966, in Asheville, North Carolina to the late Jack Banks and Mary Lee Connors Banks. He was a carpenter most of his life until he became ill several years ago. Duane was a former trustee for the F.O.E. #2442 in Shoals, Indiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Steven Pace.
Duane is survived by his wife of 17 years, Virginia Banks; son, Jory Anderson; three step-children, Alexia Nelson, Derek Nelson, and Taylor Gaskey; five grandchildren; sister, Denise Pace; niece, Rachel Pace; nephews, Steven Pace and Rannon Pace; aunt, Carolyn Babb; and cousins, Larry (Renee) Babb, Tamara Babb, Frances Ducker, Bobby Ducker, Brenda Bledsoe, and Donna Ducker.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Family will receive friends at 3 p.m. prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Duane’s memory to the American Liver Foundation.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Gloria Jean Christiansen
December 4, 2019
Mom, Daughter, Granny, Nana, Gloria J. Christiansen, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019. She lived a good life filled with friends and family and adopted many extra children. She managed several convenience store chains before going into the cleaning business and becoming disabled.
Gloria always had a big heart, was willing to help anyone that she could, and would not leave a friend stranded. She did the best she could to make people happy.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Tague; grandparents, John and Garnett Coburn and Raymond and Sylvia Christiansen; father, Lawrence Christiansen; and mother, Viola Meredith.
Gloria is survived by her father, Bruce Meredith; brothers, John, Terry, Dave, and Bobby Christiansen; sisters, Patty Rolett and Debbie Christiansen; daughters, Shelly (Ron) Burch, Yvette Tague, and Royette (Cody) Owen; son, Tyrone Tague; her sidekick and companion, Sassy; grandchildren, Nichole and Kris Burleson, Cody and Kenneth Fincher, and Dallas and Trent Tague; and great-grandchildren, Mariah and Mallory Burleson, and Addison Fincher.
Memorial services were held Monday, December 2, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Johnnie Mae White
December 4, 2019
Mrs. Johnnie Mae White, age 92 of Flomaton, AL, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at her home.
Mrs. White was a long time member of the Flomaton community coming from Pineview, where she was employed as secretary with White’s Pallets. She was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of Vision Church in Flomaton, AL. She was preceded in death by her son, Bennie White, Jr., and her husband, Bennie White, Sr.
She is survived by her brother, Robert Godwin of Brewton, AL; sisters, Delray Dewberry of Brewton, AL, Juanita Parker of Brewton, AL, Delores Bagget of Cantonment, FL; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ricky) Hart of Flomaton, AL, Craig (Amy) White of Flomaton, AL; daughter-in-law, Linda White of Flomaton, AL; great-grandchildren, Savannah (Brett) Gafford, Garrett (Alyssa) Hart, Noah White, Nathan White, Sawyer Hart, Zoe White.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ricky Hart and Bishop Leon Stewart officiating.
Interment was in Flomaton Cemetery in Flomaton, AL.
Pallbearers were Garrett Hart, Noah White, Nathan White, Buck Smith, Wayne Lisenby, Dave Brantley.
Honorary pallbearers were David Baggett, Robert Holt, Toby Boutwell, Miller Stallworth.
Flowers are being accepted, but in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission Fund at Vision Church Hwy 31 Flomaton, AL 36441.
Walter Thomas Ard, Sr.
December 4, 2019
Walter, age 83, was born on June 23, 1936, in Cantonment, Florida and passed away on November 26, 2019, in Cantonment, Florida. Walter loved fishing with a passion but his world revolved around his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always willing to help someone in need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Edna F. Ard and son, Walter T. Ard, Jr.
Walter leaves behind his daughter, Brenda Ard; son, Benny F. Ard; grandsons, Eric Ard, Jeffery Ard and Scott (Angel) Griffis; granddaughters, Heather Griffis and Mary Ard; great-grandchildren, Tyler Jensen, Kodi Griffis and Ryler Ard; sisters, Dollie Byrd and Jannie Ard; and his brothers, Benny Ard and Edward Ard are also left to cherish his memory.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Burial was in Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Scott Griffis, Jeffery Ard, Ray White, Steven Leonard, Robert Leonard, Sr. and Robert Leonard, Jr.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.