William Garland Byrd
April 28, 2021
William Garland Byrd passed away on April 22, 2021 at his home in Molino, FL.
Garland (as he was called by close family) or Bill (as he preferred and was known to friends, neighbors, and co-workers) enjoyed a long and rich life. He will be remembered as a faithful and devoted husband, a loving dad, a proud Pa Pa, an avid Alabama fan, and a humble Christian man, content to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
He was born at home in Frisco City, AL on October 22, 1932, an only child to Lamar and Lola Mae Byrd. Life was more difficult after his father died at Bill’s young age of 13, but he and his mother continued to build a life for themselves in Frisco City. A football and basketball player for Frisco City High School, he met an Excel High School cheerleader, Bobbie Dove, and the two were married on August 9, 1953.
Soon after his 1950 high school graduation, Bill joined the United States Air Force. His four-year military service took him to Korea during the Korean War, as well as assignments at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, TX, at Chillicothe Business School in MO, at Robins AFB in Macon, GA, and at Bolling Air Force base in Washington, D.C. He received an early discharge to attend college at the University of Alabama where he majored in mechanical engineering. Daughter Selinda was born during Bill’s final college term in May of 1958.
Bill accepted a job at Chemstrand in Pensacola, FL soon after college graduation and his family of three relocated from Tuscaloosa, AL to the panhandle of Florida. In October of 1964, their family grew to four as they welcomed son Scott. The ensuing years were filled with family life and vacations, fishing, occasional scuba diving excursions, reading, remodeling their house, and his job at Monsanto (formerly Chemstrand). Bill and Bobbie purchased a beach cottage on East Bay where the family enjoyed weekends and summers for many years.
Work took Bobbie and Bill to Guntersville, AL in the fall of 1977 for four years until the Sand Mountain plant closed. Bill was then sent to school at Washington University in St Louis, MO for a year, but chose to settle near Pensacola, FL when the opportunity arose after his schooling was complete.
In 1982, Bill and Bobbie bought their current house and property out in Molino, FL. Bill retired from Monsanto in 1985, after 27 years of service. Post-retirement years were filled with travel, especially drives cross-country to Oregon to visit their daughter’s family. When at home, Bill spent happy hours doing projects out in his shop, while listening to his beloved country music and tunes from the 1940’s & 1950’s. He cherished his role as loving Pa Pa when his two grandchildren visited from the west coast. When his health declined and mobility became a struggle, he spent more time indoors, reading, watching TV, & enjoying peaceful country living.
For a number of years, Bill was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He held various positions of service such as Chairman of the Trustees and Chairman of the Building Committee during the building of the church’s Sunday school wing. He attended the men’s club. Sadly, as he got older and could not hear well or move around as easily, his participation decreased.
Too, as he aged, Bill battled health issues, including diabetes, heart problems, and difficulty with mobility. He was severely ill the last six months of his life with a number of random serious conditions that forced him to spend much time in the hospital and multiple Rehab facilities. His final days were spent at home where he was cared for by his wife, Bobbie, with the help of the “earthly angels” of Covenant Hospice. God called Bill home on April 22, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Lamar Byrd, and his 107-year-old mother, Lola Mae Cohron Byrd Loth.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bobbie Dove Byrd, his daughter Selinda and son-in-law Dan Smith of West Linn, OR, his son Scott and daughter-in-law Tobbe Byrd of Gulf Breeze, FL, his two grown grandchildren: Ryan Smith of Charleston, SC and Lauren Smith of West Linn, OR,
and his beloved 4-legged canine children, Roxie and Rascal.
A quiet man, not prone to many words and not overly sentimental, Bill was nonetheless a man of integrity and character, who valued honesty and hard work. He loved his family with all his heart, spent his entire life providing well for them, and was loved and cherished in return. He leaves behind a legacy of service to his country, his community, his workplace, and his church. And he leaves behind an even greater legacy of love and pride for his family, as well as a wealth of warm memories that will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.
Dr. James “Jim” Elwood Hall, Jr.
April 24, 2021
Dr. James “Jim” Elwood Hall, Jr.
February 21, 1943 – April 13, 2021
On April 13, 2021, Jim Hall was called home after 78 years of good and faithful service to God, his family, and his community. He will be remembered as a loving, funny, wisecracking family man, musician, dentist, dedicated Christian, and proud Florida Gator.
Jim was born to Margaret Jernagan Hall and J. E. “Bud” Hall on February 21, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida. He was the second of three children. Jim graduated from Escambia High School in 1961 where his dad was the principal. He was in the first Hall of Fame class, selected as an outstanding scholar athlete for the state of Florida, and voted “Best All Around” his senior year. Jim attended the University of Florida where he played football as a kicker and quarterback. He then attended Dental School at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Jim made life-long friends wherever he went and he cared very much for all of them. He also found a way to play music wherever he went playing his guitar with bands locally and in both Gainesville and Birmingham.
While in Birmingham, Jim met the love of his life, Karen Miller, and they were married in 1968. After Dental School he spent 2 years as a dentist in the United States Army. Jim and Karen returned to Pensacola in 1971. Jim kept a dental practice in the Pensacola area from 1972 to his retirement in 2008. In Pensacola, Jim and Karen raised 5 rambunctious boys who were the joy of their lives. Jim loved his family more than anything and he never let them forget it.
Jim’s greatest passion, besides his family, was music. There was always music in the Hall household thanks to Jim. He kept guitars everywhere in the house and he passed his passion for playing music on to all his boys. Some of his happiest times were when his boys played instruments or sang along with him whether it was publicly or just sitting around the house. Writing music was one of Jim’s life-long ambitions. He was known to even make up songs about the ones he loved. He was always taking down notes or talking into one of his many tape recorders, and he enjoyed being a part of a local songwriting community. Music was a big part of his life and he liked to share it with anyone he could.
Jim also loved to play music at church whenever he got the chance. Jim’s faith was central to his life. He was a long-time member of Pine Forest United Methodist Church where his family has been a part of the congregation since its inception. He loved the people there. He and Karen also attended Gonzalez United Methodist Church for several years when the twins were born. While practicing as a dentist, Jim took several medical mission trips to Central America with both churches. He was always ready to help the church in any way he could.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Jim will forever be loved and remembered by his wife of 52 years, Karen; sisters Helen Correll (Ward) and Susan Hall; sons Jay (Kim) of Nashville, TN, Jody of Pensacola, Casey of Houston, TX, Kyle and Jacob of Pensacola; granddaughters Ashley, Kiara, and Piper; grandson Alex (Alisha); and a host of other relatives and friends.
A private funeral will be held with his immediate family in the coming days. A public celebration of Jim’s life will hopefully be held at a later date. Jim’s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at Pine Forest United Methodist Church Cemetery.
A special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice for the care they provided to Jim and his family in his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the music ministry at Pine Forest United Methodist Church.
Delia Inez Lowrey Croley
April 20, 2021
Mrs. Delia Inez Lowrey Croley, age 86, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola FL.
Mrs. Croley was a native of Century, FL having lived in Montgomery for 14 years before returning to Century for the remainder of her life. She loved working in her church with musical programs; she was a member of the Full Gospel Group having sung at various churches in the area; reading her Bible was a joy to her; she loved to bake for family, making sure everyone had a special dessert; loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie A. and Mary Shivers Lowery; five brothers and two sisters; and a son, David Levon Croley.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edgar L. Croley; a daughter, Angela June Croley of Century FL; a brother, Russell (Betty) Lowery of Flomaton, AL; grandchildren, Cheryl (Wayne) Ward of Century FL; and great-grandchildren, Hayley, Lainey, and David.
A visitation will be held at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, from 11:30 p.m until 1 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. with Rev. James Peacock officiating on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be at Flomaton Cemetery.
Clayton Scott
April 19, 2021
Clayton Scott, age 89, a native of Bay Minette, Alabama, and a resident of Walnut Hill, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Clayton was employed for 30 years at Armstrong World Industries before retiring in 1992. He was well respected and made many friends over the years throughout the community. Above all, he had a loving, kind and giving heart. He especially loved the outdoors and about tending his garden.
Clayton is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Burley Parker Scott, and 10 siblings.
Clayton is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Verna Lee Mason Scott; his daughters, Cynthia Koklas (Stephen), Penny Morton and Marsha Jordan; his sons, Christopher Scott (Cathy) and Chadrick Scott (Blair); his grandchildren, Kristina Shernoff, Kelly Koklas, Ryan Morton, Leigh McCormack, Joshua Scott, Danielle Dauson, Brittany Colley, Chelsea Ferguson, Jenna Johnson, Madison Norton, McKenzie Nassar, Madison Nassar, Mary Paige Nassar and Maggie Scott; and 20 great grandchildren.
Funeral service were held Friday, April 16, 202, at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating. Interment followed at Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut Hill, Florida.
Active pallbearers were Joey Colley, Rocky Ferguson, Stephen Johnson, Cullen Cochran, Kurt McCormack and Codye Dauson.
The family extends a special thank you to Emerald Coast Hospice, with special gratitude to Katie, Darcy, Becky and Jim.
Ira Brunette “Peggy” Green
April 19, 2021
Ira Brunette Green was born Ira Brunette Barrow, but she was known to most as “Peggy.” Peggy was born in Pollard, Alabama on January 3, 1932 and resided in Jay, FL and finally in Bunkie, LA where she went to be with the Lord on March 29, 2021. For many years, Peggy was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #208 Jay, FL. She was a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and loved attending church. Peggy was the social hub of the community and knew most everyone. She loved her family.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents: Ira G. Barrow and Lena Calloway Barrow of Century, FL, siblings: Ivey Barrow, Roy Barrow, Paul Faulk, Margie Brown, and Dorothy Cooper, a husband, Doug Green, a daughter, Amanda Carroll Reese, and a grandson, Shannon Steudlein.
She is survived by two daughters: Wanda F. Steudlein of Pensacola, and Dori (David) Ard of Bunkie, La.; seven grandchildren: Robin (Robert) White of Milton, FL, Sandy Hammond of Pensacola, FL, Robert E. Reese, Jr. of Jay, FL, Shawn Steudlein of Pensacola, FL, Wendy Lynn Valdez of Salt Lake City, UT, Hailey (Ky) Tran of Dallas, TX, and Madison (Stanton) Faulk of Lafayette, LA; eleven great-grandchildren: Derek (Brooke) Smith, Ryan Reese, Amanda O’Dell, Matthew Hammond, Brandon Hammond, Jacob Hammond, Hunter Sellers, Waylon Reese, Trinity Sellers, Summer Palmer, Victor Tran and one great-great-grandchild, Aubrey Smith, numerous nieces and nephews and
innumerable friends.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held for family and friends on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Pine Level Baptist Church in Jay, FL. Interment will follow at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery in Jay, FL.
Delia Inez Lowrey Croley
April 19, 2021
Mrs. Delia Inez Lowrey Croley, age 86, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola FL.
Mrs. Croley was a native of Century FL having lived in Montgomery for 14 years before returning to Century FL for the remainder of her life. She loved working her in and church with musical programs; she was a member of the Full Gospel Group having sung at various churches in the area; reading her Bible was a joy to her; she love to bake for family, making sure everyone had a special dessert; loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie A. and Mary Shivers Lowery; five brothers and two sisters; and a son, David Levon Croley.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edgar L. Croley; a daughter, Angela June Croley of Century FL; a brother, Russell (Betty) Lowery of Flomaton, AL; grandchildren, Cheryl (Wayne) Ward of Century FL; and great grandchildren, Hayley, Lainey, and David.
A visitation will be held at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 11:30 to 1 PM.
Funeral services will be at 1 PM with Rev. James Peacock officiating on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be at Flomaton Cemetery.
Cecelia Gregson Nobles
April 18, 2021
Ms. Cecelia Gregson Nobles. age 51, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in Atmore, AL.
Ms. Nobles was a native of Atmore, AL. She was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edward Gregson and Daisy Bell Rolin; brother, Eddie Wayne Gregson; and sister, Sherry Ann Phillips.
She is survived by her one son, Fayv Blain (Hunter) Nobles (Kassadi) of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Daya Nicole (Pookie) Nobles of Atmore, AL; two brothers, Charles Gregson (Cheryl) of Atmore, AL; Timothy Gregson of Semmes, AL; two sisters, Robin Barlow (Larry) of Atmore, AL; Melanie Gregson of Atmore, AL; two beautiful grandchildren, Harmonie Nobles and Bentley Ard.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Friendly Holiness Church.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, April 19, 2021, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Friendly Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Fayv Nobles, Dakota Barlow, Aaron Gregson, Bryan Gregson, Anthony Phillips, Steven Gregson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Gregson, Keith Griffith, Corey Gregson, Cody Phillips, Michael Wayne McGhee, Jeff Ard and Andy Nobles.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in Atmore, AL is in charge of all arrangements.
Marilyn Denise Wesley
April 18, 2021
Ms. Marilyn Denise Wesley, 65, of Atmore, AL (Canoe Community), entered into eternity on Monday, April 12, 2021, at Select Specialty Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
A native of Atmore, Alabama, Ms. Wesley was an Honor Student Graduate of Escambia County High School in 1973. She was a 1978 Cum Laude Graduate of Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, with a B.S. Degree, Psychology and she completed Graduate Coursework (Master of Public Administration Program) at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL.
She had an extensive work history including as an Account Executive with the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce (Pensacola, FL) 1981-1988; Program Coordinator with the Escambia County Workfare Program (Pensacola, FL) 1988-1991; Director II-Department of Community Affairs, Escambia County Board of Commissioners (Pensacola, FL) 1991-2015; Special Program Manager-Developer, Engineering & Planning Resources, P.C. (Pensacola, FL) 2016-2019 and Escambia County Human Relations Commission-Interim Director (Pensacola, FL) 2019-2021. Also, she was a Community Engagement Representative (Consultant) Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL).
During her childhood, she was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church (Atmore, AL) and she was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Pensacola, FL) serving as Congregation President. Her passion was service to others; and, she spent her life fulfilling that mission.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Wesley and her brother, Charles Wesley.
Those left to cherish loving memories of her life are her sister, Amy Y. Wesley of Union City, GA.; a sister-in-law, Sarah (Charles) Wesley; nephews and nieces, Ryan Donald, Reginald Donald, Amanda Donald, Eric Mose, Danyell (Kevin) Epps, LaFrederick Rowe; aunts, Voncile Wesley-Ford, Evelyn Louise (Jesse) Richardson and a host of extended family members, dear cousins and friends.
A public visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 12:00 – 5:00 pm and on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Christian Family Funeral, 4020 North Davis Hwy., Pensacola, Florida 32503. The Committal will take place at the end of the Saturday viewing (beginning 1:00p.m.) with Reverend Dr. James P. Brown, Sr. presiding. Retirement of her cremains will be in accordance with her wishes.
Kristopher Bradley Respress
April 16, 2021
Kristopher Bradley Respress, age 30, passed away on April 10, 2021 in Atmore, AL. He was born on September 8, 1990 in Atmore, AL to Patricia Respress and the late Anthony Wayne Respress.
He is preceded in death his father, Anthony Wayne Respress; his grandparents, Willie Claud “Bill” Rutherford, Amon and Evon Respress and his uncles, Larry Kyser, Donald Respress,Tom Respress, Frank MaGuire and Jerry Mason.
He is survived by his wife, Britton Baisden Respress of Atmore, AL; his daughter, Britton Grace Respress of Perdido, AL; his mother, Patricia Respress of Atmore, AL; his grandmother, Essie Mae “Pat” Rutherford of Atmore, AL; his brothers, Colton (Lindsey) Respress of Goodway, AL and Michael Sean Respress of Foley, AL; five nephews, Seth, Sage, Michael, A.J. and Carlos and many aunts, uncles, family and friends.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Derek Gobert officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date.
Active pallbearers will be Chris Lambeth, Colton Respress, Dustin Colbert, Joseph Husband, Cliff Amerson, Jr. and Jerome Quinn.
Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Rutherford, Dale Rutherford, Aaron Miller and Mike Respress.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist with funeral expenses.
Augusta Parker Hopkins
April 15, 2021
Augusta Parker Hopkins peacefully departed this world on April 13, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Augusta was born on January 7, 1933 to Lawrence and Eula Parker in Davisville, FL. She also resided in Atmore AL, Mobile, AL and was a long time resident of Orange Beach, AL.
Augusta was a successful businesswoman, owning several ventures with her husband Troy in Atmore, Mobile and Orange Beach. Together they won several awards and trips abroad as top sellers in their industry. She also had a true talent for raising a large family and making it look easy. There was always room for another chair around the table at the “big house” on Horner Street and many of her children’s friends considered it a second home. She was a wonderful cook and loved teaching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to make her many recipes, buttermilk biscuits being at the top of the list. She never met a stranger and had a unique knack for finding something in common with every one she met. Augusta also loved sports, played basketball in school and enjoyed traveling with Troy to cheer on the Alabama Crimson Tide both home and away. Sharp as a tack mentally she worked crossword puzzles with an ink pen in minutes.
Augusta was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Eula Parker; husband Troy E. Hopkins Sr.; son Troy E. Hopkins Jr.; sister Ruby Lee Varner; brothers Eddie and Arnold Parker; grandchildren John, Miranda and Melissa Hawkins and son-in-law Charles Walker.
She is survived by three daughters Dianne Walker; Charlotte Culbreth and her husband Steve of Orange Beach and Cindy Hopkins of Foley. One son, Greg Hopkins Sr. One brother, Curtis A. Parker and his wife Annie. Eight grandchildren Troy Hopkins III (Brandie);Minnie Bilbo (Cline); Gus Smith(Andy);Beau Hawkins(Chelsie);Emma Hawkins; Greg Hopkins Jr.; Katie Hopkins and Elizabeth Hancock (Scott);38 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, 1322 South Main St. in Atmore, AL on Saturday April 24, 2021. The family will gather at 12:30pm with visitation at 1pm and the service following at 2pm. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore. Pallbearers will be Troy Hopkins III, Gus Smith, Cline Bilbo, Steve Culbreth, Beau Hawkins, Peyton Smith, Reece Hopkins and Grant Bilbo.