Raleigh Hayden Gafford
September 4, 2021
Raleigh Hayden Gafford, 69, of Cantonment, Florida, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 2, 2021. Raleigh graduated from Woodham High School, Pensacola, Florida, Class of 1970. Before retirement, Raleigh was employed as a Control Room Operator at Solutia Performance Material. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, snow skiing, and many trips with friends to the Gator Nationals. As a result of being raised in a Christian home, Raleigh trusted Jesus as his savior at a young age.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Ward Gafford, father, Robert Rand Gafford and brother-in-law, Jeff Bates. Mr. Gafford is survived by his sisters, Ramona Gafford Wright and Regena Gafford Bates; nephew, Jason (Angie) Wright; nieces Amber (Chad) Wright Faulk, Kelsey Ann Bates, Kaitlyn Joy Bates; and many great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
September 7, 2021 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Billy Boles, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
For the safety of all, the family appreciates the wearing of masks.
John Kenneth Mathis
September 4, 2021
Mr. John Kenneth Mathis, age 80, passed away, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 in Atmore, AL.
Mr. Mathis lived in the Century, FL. and Flomaton, AL until moving to Atmore, AL. in 2000. Mr. Mathis enjoyed studying the “Word”. He loved spreading the “Word of God” and working in his vegetable garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noah (Ruby) Mathis, his wife of 43 years, Luverne G. Mathis, three brothers, Tom Mathis, Noah Mathis Jr; James O Pete Mathis, one sister, Ida Mae Welch.
Mr. Mathis is survived by his one daughter, Laura Perryman, of Pensacola, FL; dear friend, Linda Bryant, of Atmore, AL; sister-in-law, Chiquita Mathis, of Century, FL; three grandchildren, Terrence Wogan II, Christopher Wogan, Jonathan Wogan, six great- grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Bro. Thurl Pearson and Sis. Carolyn Bankes officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 6, 2021 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Chris Bryant, Jonathan Wogan, and Tony James.
Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements
Grover Franklin Hall
September 4, 2021
Grover Franklin Hall, 78, died August 30, 2021, at his home in Bratt, FL. He was born March 1, 1942, in Bay Springs, FL, the son of Charlie and Amanda (Smith) Hall.
Grover attended Ernest Ward High School until he entered the United States Army. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years during the Panama Conflict, Cuban Conflict, Korean War, and Vietnam. He retired from the Army as an E-8 in 1981. After retirement, he married his wife, Twila Lewis, and they eventually settled in Bratt, FL. They celebrated 39 years of marriage. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints serving many years as a leader and co-founder of Jay Branch.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four of his children, Jason Wayne Hall of Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Annette Hall of Sylacauga, AL, Carol Ann Ragoopath of Pittsburgh, PA, Clay Allen Hall of Pittsburgh, PA; siblings Ernest Hall of Atmore, AL, Burt Hall of Pensacola, FL.
He is survived by his wife, Twila Hall of Bratt, FL; children John (Myra) Hall of Lucedale, MS, Christine Hall of Houston, TX, Roland (Jessica) Hall of Century, FL, and Eric Hall of Molino, FL; siblings, Annette (Joe) Bellew of Bay Springs, FL, B.C. (Mary) Hall of Milton, FL, Robert “Cotton” (Mary) Hall of McDavid, FL; 14 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
Services for Grover Franklin Hall were held at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore on Sunday, September 5, 2021.
Interment will be at his home in Bratt, FL.
Dewey Ronald Ward
September 4, 2021
Dewey Ronald Ward ,82, was born in McDavid, FL on March 11, 1939 to Clara Leticia Brunson and Thomas Jackson Ward. He was a 1956 Graduate of Century High School and joined the United States Navy in 1956. He passed away July 19, 2021 at his home in Alpine, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Grady, Marie, Troy and Billy Ward and Diane, Joe and Gene Rigby Dewey Ronald Ward (82) was born in McDavid, FL on March 11, 1939 to Clara Leticia Brunson and Thomas Jackson Ward. He was a 1956 Graduate of Century High School and joined the United States Navy in 1956. He passed away July 19, 2021 at his home in Alpine, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Grady, Marie, Troy and Billy Ward and Diane, Joe and Gene Rigby. He is survived by his children Keith (Valerie) Ward, Donna (Bob) Warner and Nicholas (Becki) Ward, six grandchildren Brandon (Tonya) Warner, Nikole Ward, Cameron (Caitlin) Warner, Nicholas Jr (Breanna) Ward, Shannon (Ryan) Crowley and Laina Ward as well as four great-grandchildren Ethan Warner, Kaylee Smallwood, Chloe Warner and Harleen Ward.
A celebration of his life, with military honors, was held at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, McDavid, FL on September 4, 2021. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Flags of Honor which is an educational scholarship for military families.
Carol D. Daniel
September 4, 2021
Mrs. Carol D. Daniel, age 68, passed away, August 27, 2021 in Mineola, AL. She was born in Foley, AL; but has lived most of her life in Mineola, AL. She was a member of the Mineola Baptist Church.
Mrs. Daniel loved her grandchildren and her rose garden.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Aubrey (Annie) Resmonda. two brothers in laws, Otis Stoker, and Sherwood Porter.
She is survived by her loving husband of forty-four years, Aubrey Ray Daniel, of Uriah, AL; one son, Todd Aubrey (Shelly) Daniel, of Greer, SC; one daughter, Amber Nicole (Eric) Bradford, of Uriah, AL; two sisters, Minnie Porter, of Summerdale, AL; Margaret Stoker, of Summerdale, AL; five grandchildren, Hallie, Kilee, Ty, Chase, Anna, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Celebration of life was held Friday, September 3, 2021, at Petty -Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Tony McMillian and Rev. Jesse Bohannon officiating.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Milton Darrell Sells
September 4, 2021
Mr. Milton Darrell Sells, age 63, passed away, Monday August 30, 2021 in Brewton, AL. He was a lifelong resident of McCullough, AL. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and active member, of the McCullough Fire Department for twenty-five plus years.
Mr. Sells was a loving grandfather, to the “Dirty Dozen”. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan, fisherman, and hunter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milton (Anna Lucile) Sells, two brothers, Melvin James Sells, Van Ike Sells, two nephews, Eric Leon Rolin, Ethan David Warden and other relatives.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Sells, of McCullough, AL; two sons, John Milton (Candace) Sells, of McCullough, AL; David Allen (Lanie) Sells, of McKenzie, AL; two daughters, Mary Elaine (Daniel) of Poarch, AL; Viola Renee (Joshua) Brown of Poarch, AL; one brother, Billy (Betty) Sells, of Cantonment, FL; four sisters, Hattie Louise Knowles, of Poarch, AL; Vicky (Doug) Burns, of Atmore, AL; Pandora (Frank) Andrews of Atmore, AL; Tera (Frankie) Coon, of McCullough, AL; twelve grandchildren, Tyler Sells, Jayce Sells, Talan Daughtry, Jayla and Landon Brown, Seth and Trey Sheets, Trayce and Harley Sells, Peyton Rolin, Cason Sells, Shelby Sells, host of nieces, nephews, a host of hunting and fishing buddies, several lifetime friends, A.D. French, Wade Johnson both of Atmore, AL; Papa Earl Gunn, Paul Cody, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Bro. Chris Pruitt officiating.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Sells, Jayce Sells, Talan Daughtry, Seth Sheets, Trey Sheets, Trayce Sells.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jayla Brown, Landon Brown, Harley Sells, Peyton Rolin, Cason Sells, Shelby Sells. David Matthew Banks.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Louedna Plant Bass
September 4, 2021
Mrs. Louedna Plant Bass, age 67, passed away Friday, August 27, 2021, in Atmore. Ala. She was born in Atmore, Ala. and has resided in Bratt, Fla. her entire life.
Louedna was a wonderful mother and grandmother. “Granny’ as she was affectionally known was happiest when playing games and laughing with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed music, playing the piano and autoharp, gardening, crocheting, fishing on the Pensacola pier and her cats. Louedna valued education greatly, overseeing her boys schooling in their early years. She was so proud of Joe and Jeremy as they grew into the successful men they are today.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pellar and Beatrice Plant.
Louedna is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Donnie Bass; two sons, Joe (Tess) Bass of Shalimar, Fla. and Jeremy (Sarah) Bass of Spanish Fort, Ala; six grandchildren, Sam, Hunter, Hurley, Carver, Ansley and Riley; one sister, Lois (Leon) Chavers, Davisville, Fla; two brothers, Pete Plant, Bratt, Fla. and Mike (Wanda) Plant, Dunnellon, Fla; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sheldon Harigel, Dr. Shane Harigel and Brent Yoder, CRNP, along with the nurses and staff of the Atmore Community Hospital for their special care during her brief illness.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC, with Pastor Josh Long officiating.
Burial was at the Godwin Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Sam Bass, Hunter Bass, Eric Plant, Steve Bennett, Ronnie Schneider and Greg Schneider.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Clifton David Pack, Sr.
September 3, 2021
Mr. Clifton David Pack Sr., age 87, was called home August 26, 2021 at his home in Walnut Hill, FL. He was born in Kegley, West Virginia, and has resided in Walnut Hill, FL. area since 1991. He was a member of the Dry Springs Community Church.
Mr. Pack retired from the United States Navy, after serving twenty years. Loved to play his guitar and sing. He severed as treasurer in the church for several years. He was an avid fisherman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roosevelt (Mae Cox) Pack, and one sister, Catherine Pack.
He is survived by his wife, Eylene Howell Pack of Walnut hill, FL; three sons, Ray Pack, of Milton, FL; Clifton Pack Jr. (Cathy) of Pensacola, FL; Richard Allen Pack (Ana) of Lillian, AL; one stepson, Jimmy Johnson, of Pototoc, MS; two daughters, Ginger Barbacovey (Charlie) of Pensacola, FL; Dawn Lysek, of Milton, FL; three step daughters, Tracy Johnson, of Tallahassee, FL; Iris Marie Quinn, of Atmore, AL; Margaret Waters, (Ron) of Cullman, AL; one sister, Wanda Pack, of Ronoake, VA; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 3 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Bro. Johnny Spence and Bro. Joe Gipson officiating.
Burial will follow at Dry Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 9:00 AM until service time at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Clifton Pack Jr; Richard Pack, Jason Pack, Tim Pack, Chris Read, and Chaplain Jim Stickle.
Jimmy Ladon Nelson
September 2, 2021
Mr. Jimmy Ladon Nelson, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 in Flomaton, AL.
Mr. Nelson has resided most of his life in Century, FL. He was an auto mechanic for years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and brother.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dud (Flossie) Nelson, one brother, Freddie Nelson, one sister, Linda Wiggins.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, Catherine Nelson of Flomaton, AL; one son, Zack (Lacy) Nelson, of Brewton, AL; two daughters, Amy Walston (Jeremiah) of Flomaton, AL; Amber Nelson (Dennis) of Century, FL; two brothers, Melvin Nelson, of Century, FL; Tommy Nelson, of Century, FL; brother in law, Randy Wiggins, of Century, FL; two sisters, Terry Campbell (Robert)of Flomaton, AL; Mickie stokes (Joe) of Gautier, MS: eight grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, a host of nieces , nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Crary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Stephens, Austin Trump, Thomas Carrol, Dusty Carnley, Brandon Brake, Thomas Reeves,
Honorary pallbearers will be Xander Nelson, and Gabriel Nelson
Vernie Lee “Barnhill” Gehman
September 1, 2021
Vernie Lee “Barnhill” Gehman, 83, of Atmore, Ala., went home to be with Jesus early in the morning on Aug. 27, 2021 in the comfort of her home and surrounded by family. Vernie was born on July 11, 1938 in Atmore and was the daughter of Petro Rosasco “P.R.” Barnhill and Ruby Lee McGhee Barnhill. She follows three of her siblings to Glory – James Edward Barnhill, Atmore; Roy Lee Barnhill of Daphne, Ala.; and Wilma Lee Barnhill of Atmore.
She is survived by her siblings Carl Raymond Barnhill, Atmore; Dillard Wayne Barnhill, Atmore; and Kenny Ray Barnhill, Phillipsville, Ala.
Vernie was the loving wife and partner in the Gospel mission of Martin E. Gehman for 65 years; they married on her 18th birthday in 1956. She was the devoted mother of the late Randy “Dale” (Darlene) Gehman, Akron, Pa.; Martin Gerald “Jerry” (Faith) Gehman, Atmore; David Wayne (Shyrell) Gehman, Atmore; Joe Lynn (Rhonda) Gehman, Pelham, Ala.; and Martha Elaine Gehman (Todd) Gookin, Atmore.
Vernie was a cherished Grandmother to 16 grandchildren and the greatest of Great Grandmothers to 17 great grandchildren, whom she kept daily in her prayers and in her love. In her lifetime, Vernie had many titles and occupations. She worked at the local cucumber shed in Atmore. At an early age she joined hundreds of local women working at Vanity Fair Textile Industry. She then became a full time mom and assistant manager of Marty’s Cabinet Shop and Furniture Company. In 1981 she became a general partner of Alabama Native American Broadcasting Company, including radio stations WASG and WYDH. She served as a receptionist and secretary. Vernie was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and served as a receptionist for the PCI Health Department. More recently Vernie was involved in the operation of WGYJ-LP in Atmore, where she joined her husband as co-host to produce Mom ’n Pop’s Suppertime Gospel which is broadcast every day on WGYJ-LP.
Vernie dedicated her life to serving the Lord alongside her husband at Gospel Light Church in Atmore. Throughout her Tribe and the nearby communities, Vernie ministered to, prayed for, served and led people to Christ. Vernie was endlessly kind, warm and caring. She never met a stranger and was a dear friend to many. Vernie faithfully ran her race and has met her Lord and Savior in Heaven. If she were here today, she would encourage everyone to be prepared to meet her in Heaven, just as her mother Ruby did.
A viewing will be held on Friday, Sep. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gospel Light Church located at 337 N. Trammell Street, Atmore, Ala. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 4, at Gospel Light Church with Bro. Clarence Rolin and Bro. Troy Shaffer officiating. Interment will follow in a public ceremony at Serenity Gardens Cemetery located on Highway 31, East of Atmore near the municipal airport.
