Ronnie Harvell
March 20, 2024
Ronnie Harvell, 69, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on March 18, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Roberts Cemetery, off Creighton Road in Pensacola, FL. The family will receive friends for visitation the night before from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, March 27, 2024.
Ronnie was born in Pensacola, FL to Chan and Evelyn Harvell on April 14, 1954. He went to school at Workman in Pensacola. He married Rhonda Ross on July 22, 1975 in Pensacola. He signed on with the Merchant Marines at the young age of 16. He sailed to Vietnam in support of US War ships in the south China Sea. He left the Merchant Marines after 8 years and went to work for Brown Marine as a welder, and later became the shipyard foreman after working there for 28 years. He then worked on off shore boats in the Gulf of Mexico for a few years. Upon his semi-retirement these last few years, he has been working with his son doing odd jobs to stay busy. Although he was a welder by trade, he was a master with ropes and knots.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Taylor; brothers, Randy, Larry, and Kenneth Harvell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rhonda Ross; children, Darrell W. Harvell (Tracey), Ronnie L. Harvell (Ivy); special nieces, Karla, Tashia, Cindy; brother-in-law, Albert Taylor; and many other nieces, nephews, and his longtime friend, Butch Waters.
Pallbearers will include Darrell Harvell, Ronnie Harvell, Jimmy Alford, Ronnie Alford, Butch Waters, Jeff Harkey, and honorary pallbearers, Paul Pollak and Greg Thompson.
Ronnie so loved his family and spent much time with his two sons. He was a wonderful dad but was firm when he needed to be. He pushed his sons to do their best in life, anything less was not acceptable. He loved to fish and his 1993 Chevy 4×4 truck, which no one was allowed to touch. Next month, around his birthday, would be the 30-year anniversary of him buying it. His truck was his pride and joy. Even in his last days he made us promise to look after mom and don’t let anything happen to his truck.
The family of Ronnie Harvell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr.’s and nurses of the Cardiology department at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL for their caring and excellent care given during his stay.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Margaret Jean O’Rourke
March 20, 2024
Margaret Jean O’Rourke, 82, of Cantonment, Florida passed away March 16, 2024. She was born in Cordova, Alabama on May 30, 1941 to Marvin and Jean Gurganus. She was a member of Plainview Baptist Church and had a passion for living a Christian life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Jean Gurganus; brother, Butch Gurganus; and her sons, Mitchell and Michael.
She is survived by her son, Joe Pilgrim; daughter, Lourena Mellott; son, Jay Pilgrim; grandsons, Caleb and Darrin Qualls; two great-granddaughters; one brother, Roy (Pat) Gurganus; one sister, Becky Burnside; her niece, Ann Wright; and her three nephews, Paul Burnside, Darryl Gurganus, and Dewayne Gurganus.
Services for Margaret Jean O’Rourke will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Bill Flanagan officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Dale H. Irby
March 20, 2024
Dale H. Irby, 63, of Mountain View, MO, passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2024.
He was born December 6, 1960, in Houston TX. He was raised on the Gulf Coast and Walnut Hill, Florida. He attended Davisville Elementary, Ernest Ward and Kodiak High School.
In 1975 he ventured north to Alaska where he met and fell in love with the the love of his life and soulmate, Tammy Irby. Dale was a Head Chef and culinary master employed at some of the finest resorts, restaurants, and camps all over North America from Alaska to Florida for 44 years. In the 1990s he and his family moved back to the Florida panhandle to train and raise horses on his family’s 20-acre farm.
He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for trail rides, fishing, road trips and camping. He was happiest on the back of his horse beside his beautiful wife. Dale retired in 2018 due to ongoing health issues and settled in the community of Mountain View, MO.
He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 46 years, Tammy G. Irby of Mountain View Missouri, his two daughters, Dana L. Franklin of Grove Hill, Alabama, Jamie A. Downham of Gulf Breeze, Florida, five siblings; Leisa St. Clair of Jackson, Mississippi, Danelle Cavitt of Pearland, Texas, Rhonda Irby of Washington D.C., Maryland & David Irby of Lauire, Missouri, and Matthew Irby of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, seven grandchildren and many many friends all over the country. He never met a stranger.
A celebration of life will be held this summer at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations please be made to the funeral services directly for his widow. All proceeds will benefit his widow, Tammy Irby and for the funeral & memorial cost.
Cremation services by Always Faithful Memorial Services of West Plains, Missouri. Please contact Always Faithful Memorial Services in West Plains to make donations.
William Elmer Parsons, Jr.
March 20, 2024
William Elmer Parsons, Jr.
January 12, 1951- March 6, 2024
William (Bill) was born in Spring Valley, Illinois to William Elmer Parsons and Lorraine Marie (Barto) Parsons, and lived in Spring Valley, IL through his school years. After graduation from Hall High School in Spring Valley, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. and was sent first to NTC Great Lakes, IL and then to NCIC Pensacola, FL for training as an (ET) Electronic Technician.
Upon completion of his specialized training in Pensacola in 1972, Bill was assigned to NAVFAC in Adak, Alaska. When Bill was assigned to Key West, Florida in 1973, he met and fell in love with Victoria Jane Sisson, a Navy Ocean Systems (OT). The two would marry in February 1974 in the chapel at Truman Annex, Key West. Vickie and Bill would be dedicated to one another for almost fifty (50) years before she passed away in Pensacola, FL on February 12, 2024, twelve days before their 50th anniversary. She was Bill’s life-long love.
While they were in Pensacola, Bill and Vickie arranged to have matching orders and they went together to Argentia Newfoundland. They fell in love with Newfoundland and Labrador and its people. While in Newfoundland, Vickie completed her enlistment and Bill remained on active duty. It was there, in 1977, that their first son, Brian, was born. The couple remained in Newfoundland until 1978, when Bill was assigned to Keflavik, Iceland.
Bill served with distinction in Iceland until 1980. That assignment enabled the couple to travel extensively in Denmark and Spain. The next assignment for Bill was to FLEASWTRACENLANT IN Norfolk, VA. While spending four years in Norfolk, the couple’s second son, Kenneth (Kenny) was born in 1981. In 1984, Bill was assigned once again to Newfoundland, his favorite place.
In 1986, Bill returned to Pensacola, where he found good schools and no snow. Bill retired from the US Navy in Pensacola in 1991 after serving faithfully and well for twenty-two (22) years.
Bill was promoted to OTMC E7 and earned distinction as OMT 9502/Instructor and as an Integrated Underseas Surveillance Specialist. Bill was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Proficiency Award, five (5) Good Conduct Medals, and five (5) Navy and Marine Overseas Service Ribbons.
After his Naval Service, Bill thrived as a member of the Financial Aids Staff at Pensacola Junior College and a service technician for Coastal Computers.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Vickie.
Bill is survived by sons Brian Parsons and Kenneth Parsons both from Cantonment, Florida, by his sister, Sheryl (Jack) Hunter of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and by grandchildren Jazmine (Anthony) Marion of Brewton, Alabama, and Kellie Parsons and William Parsons, both of Cantonment, Florida.
Bill will be placed in Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, next to his beloved Vickie.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida is entrusted with arrangements.
Cantonment Rotary Presents Lifetime Service Award To Jack O’Donnell
March 19, 2024
The Rotary Club of Cantonment hast presented a Lifetime Service Award to Jack O’Donnell.
The award recognizes O’Donnell for over 42 years of dedicated service, not only to Cantonment Rotary but also to Rotary International.
He served in many capacities in Rotary and has continued to be actively involved in Rotary.
Until recently, he provided ‘bull” each week to the members, bringing up many facts on many subjects,” Bill Farinas of Cantonment Rotary said, congratulating O’Donnell on a well-deserved recognition.
O’Connell’s wife Cinny is an honorary member of Cantonment Rotary and attends the weekly meetings with him.
About 35 members and guests attended a dinner in O’Donnell’s honor, including Cantonment Rotary President Dustin Vaughn, District Governor Kerry Anne Schultz, and emcee Paul Frederick.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Today Is Presidential Preference Primary Day
March 19, 2024
Today is the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary, and polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here’s what you need to know in Escambia County:
- The 2024 Presidential Preference Primary is for Republican voters only. Florida holds closed primary elections. In partisan primaries, you are only eligible to vote in contests for the party in which you are registered, unless it is a universal primary or nonpartisan contest.
- Some Republican party candidates for president have suspended or ended their presidential campaigns. A vote cast for any candidate nominee appearing on the ballot will count as a vote for that candidate.
- Confirm the location of your polling place prior to Election Day: It is listed on your sample ballot, voter information card, online at EscambiaVotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- Several polling locations have changed since the last election. All affected voters were sent a notice of their updated polling location, but for a complete list polling locations, visit EscambiaVotes.gov/where-to-vote.
- If you are unsure of your registration status, check EscambiaVotes.gov/am-i-registered, e-mail soe@escambiavotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- If you need to update your address, contact the SOE prior to Election Day so you can be directed to your proper polling location. Visit EscambiaVotes.gov/update-my-info for more information.
- Photo and signature ID is required for all voters – if you do not present one of the 12 approved forms of photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
- Be sure to review your sample ballot prior to Election Day in order to familiarize yourself with all of the contests and bring it with you to the polls. A sample ballot was mailed to voters, and you can view your sample ballot online at EscambiaVotes.gov/sample-ballots.
- Remember to make only one selection per contest on your ballot.
- Registration books closed on February 20. New registrations and party changes for this election may not be made at the polls.
- You may not return your completed vote-by-mail ballot to your precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
- If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, we request that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be cancelled.
- Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., mid-day, and 4:00 p.m. until polls close.
- “Over-the-counter” Vote-by-Mail ballots can be picked up by voters (or their designees) at our office on Monday. Affidavits are required.
- Early voting ended Saturday, March 16. If you have not yet voted or did not request a vote-by-mail ballot before the deadline, you must go to your designated precinct on Election Day.
- If you voted-by-mail, you can visit EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot for the status of your ballot.
Tate Graduate Recognized As ‘Warfighter of the Day’ Aboard USS George Washington
March 19, 2024
Airman Evan Straight, a Tate High School graduate, was recognized as Warfighter of the Day aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George Washington.
Warfighter of the Day is a command program where the ship’s captain personally recognizes an exemplary sailor for their accomplishments. Straight was selected by leadership for this honor. His motivation is always inspiring to his peers and represents the “Spirit of Freedom,” the ship’s nickname.
Straight, a 2022 graduate of Tate High School, joined the Navy over a year ago.
“I am proud of the hard work I’ve done to be able to get qualified in my job,” said Straight. “One day, I’d like to be a great role model for my kids.”
Aircraft carriers, such as USS George Washington, project power and presence worldwide by serving as the cornerstone of a Carrier Strike Group and launching and landing various types of aircraft.
George Washington is undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard. RCOH is a multi-year project performed during a carrier’s 50-year service life that includes refueling the ship’s two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repairs, upgrades and modernization.
USS George Washington is named after the first president of the United States.
The ship’s motto is “First in War, First in Peace.”
Pictured: Airman Evan Straight, right, receives his Warfighter of the Day certificate from Capt. Brent Gaut, commanding officer of USS George Washington (CVN 73). US Navy Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
With Two Avery Stuckey Homers, Northview Blanks Escambia 15-0
March 19, 2024
With two home runs from Avery Stuckey, the Northview Chiefs blanked the Escambia Gators 15-0 Monday night in Pensacola.
Stuckey had a solo home run in the seond inning and had a three-RBI homer to left centerfield in the third inning.
Jamison Gilman started in the circle for the Chiefs, allowing two hits and no runs in two innings, striking out three and recording no walks. Mikayla McAnally threw an inning in relief, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out three.
Kyleee Langham went 3-3 at bat for the Lady Chiefs. Gilman, Chloe Ragsdale, and Riley Brooks each had multiple hits for NHS.
The Chiefs earned win in a run-ruled three innings.
Pictured above: Avery Stuckey hit two home runs for the Northview as the Chiefs beat the Escambia Gators 15-0 Monday night. Pictured below: Riley Brooks, who went 2-3, celebrates with Stuckey. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Low In The 30s Again Tonight, Maybe Some Frost
March 19, 2024
There is a frost advisory in Escambia County, Alabama tonight, but some frost is possible north of Molino in Escambia County, Florida.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers likely before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Tate Beats Yukon, OK, Monday Night On Day One Of Aggie Classic
March 19, 2024
The host Tate Aggies earned one for the win column in their first game of the 29th Aggie Classic.
The Aggies beat the Millers of Yukon, Oklahoma, 5-2 in Cantonment.
Neal Croom earned the win on the mound for Tate, giving up four hits and a couple of runs in two innings while striking out five and recording no walks. Nate Conners collected the save in two innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Bray Touchstone and Madox Land each had two hits for Tate Ketch King,Clif Quiggins, Connor Hassell, and Brayden Beck each drove in one run for the Aggies.
In their second Game of the Aggie Classic, Tate will face the Maroons of Perry, Oklahoma, Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Cantonment.