Toney Gibson
January 19, 2021
Mr. Toney Gibson, age 71, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Gibson was a native of Atmore, AL, former resident of Biloxi, MS and had resided in Poarch, AL for the past 16 years. He was a retired Union Pipe Liner, loved to fish, shoot pool and Alabama Football. He was a Tom Brady Fan. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Ida Gibson; two sons, Rodney Gibson and Toney Gibson; two sisters and three brothers.
He is survived by his two daughters, Tracy Gibson of New Orleans, LA and Alice Janene Gibson of New Orleans, LA; three brothers, Ricky Gibson of Atmore, AL, Larry Gibson of Atmore, AL and Jerry (Connie) Gibson of Atmore, AL; thirteen grandchildren, Gavin, Toni, Antonio, Tregan, Makayla, Talissia, Toney, Tameron, Daniel, Rodney, Christopher, Christian and Takoda; seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Antioch Baptist Cemetery with Bro. Trevor Daughtry officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Antonio Walls, Tregan McCreight, Greg Gibson, Carson Griffith, Derick Grosskurth, Gavin Bourgeois and Ricky Maddox.
Due to covid, the family request mask and social distancing.
Turner Maurice Brooks
January 18, 2021
Mr. Turner Maurice Brooks, age 78, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at his home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Brooks was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. He loved his wife, sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He liked fishing, cooking and was a member of the Cross Point Baptist Church. He was a mechanic with Southland Telephone Company and retired with over 30 years of service. He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Daphne Mae Brooks; six brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Brooks of Atmore, AL; two sons, Rodney (Shannon) Brooks of Nokomis, AL and Jamie Brooks of Atmore, AL; one brother, Jimmy Brooks of Perdido, AL; four sisters-in-law, Sarah Brooks, Maxine Brooks, Lillie Brooks and Collie Brooks; five grandchildren, Brad (Holly) Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Jade Brooks, Ashley (Nick) Priest and Zayden Brooks; four great grandchildren, Andelina Herrah, Nahla Brooks, Nevaeh Martell and Amaya Martell and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Guy Heath officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 18, 2021 from 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brad Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Nick Agerton, Troy Emmons, Allen Stacey and Jimmy Brantley.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Howard Weaver, Bruce Day, Dewayne Pruitt and Cody Fowler.
Ervy D. Wenger
January 18, 2021
Our dear Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, Ervy D. Wenger, was born to Frank and Anna (Dyck) Wenger on February 5, 1927, in McPherson County, Kansas. With his children at his side, he peacefully departed to his reward on January 15, 2021 at the age of 93 years.
Dad received his education at the French School in McPherson County, Kansas. When he was 11 years of age, he gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized on February 22, 1938 into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Meridian congregation. He remained faithful to God and the church to the end.
In his young single years, Dad spent some time in 1-W service in California. He talked with fondness of this time. Dad moved to Walnut Hill, Florida, around 1950. Then, on December 26, 1951, he was united in marriage to Velma Schneider at the Meridian congregation in rural Hesston, Kansas. In the earlier years of their marriage, they spent time in service in Roseburg, Oregon. The remainder of their married life was lived in Walnut Hill, Florida. Dad grew up on a farm in Kansas and farming continued to be his occupation throughout his life. Mom was a help to Dad in many ways and that included helping Dad with clearing land in the earlier years, picking up many, many sticks, and, later, driving the grain truck to the grain elevator. Dad was a conscientious person who desired to be obedient to God and His will. He, along with Mom endeavored to teach us those values. He treasured service to God and the Church and spent many hours writing and proofreading lessons for the Sunday School quarterly. After Mom passed away in 2011, life was not the same. Dad eventually moved to Oakwood Manor in Brooksville, Mississippi and then, finally, to a memory care home in Pensacola, Florida.
Those left to cherish his memory are two children, one son and one daughter: Dale and wife, Carol of Lobelville, Tennessee, Rachel and husband Kim Holdeman of Walnut Hill, Florida, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren: eight sisters: Ruth Johnson, Moundridge, Kansas, Edith Ensz, Montezuma, Kansas, Verna Schmidt, Brooksville, Mississippi, Vesta Peters and husband Verle, Davisville, Florida, MaryAnn Nickel and husband Jay, Tuscola, Illinois, Martha Koehn and husband Allen, Bowersville, Georgia: three brothers; Maynard Peters and wife Vera, Stapleton, Georgia, John Wenger and wife Kathleen, Walnut Hill, Florida, and Glenn Wenger and wife Kay from Faunsdale, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, six brothers and sisters: Harry Wenger, Alice Miller, Elda Koehn, Josephine Jantz, Paul Wenger, Grace Diller, and Alice Dyck.
The funeral service will be held at 3 pm. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, Walnut Hill, Florida on Monday, January 18, 2021, with visitation starting at 2 pm. The ministers presiding are Verle Peters, opening remarks, Brian Decker, the message, and Franklin Wenger at the graveside. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Robert Young Cotton
January 18, 2021
Robert Young Cotton, 85, of Atmore, AL passed away on January 10, 2021 after a lengthy battle with COPD. Mr. Cotton was born in Brewton, AL on October 10, 1935. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired as a chemical operator from Monsanto after 35+ years of employment. He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ.
Mr. Cotton is preceded in death by his parents, King David Cotton and Evelyn Lanier-Cotton; daughter, Vicky Lynn Bell; brother, John Cotton and sisters, Mable Edmiston, Ann Beasley and Marjorie Troutman. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Katie Cotton; two children, Carol Dreadin (Glen) of Huxford, AL and Stephanie Conway (Chris) of Bon Secour, AL; two brothers, Stacy Cotton (Suzanne) of Covington, GA and Gene Cotton (JoAnn) of Robinsonville, AL; sister, Linda Helton (Don) of Atmore, AL; six grandchildren, MAJ Benjamin Daniel (Ann Heathe), Russell O’farrell, MAJ Steven O’farrell (Raquel), Lee Cruit (Michelle), Les Cruit (Pam) and Allison Clark (Josh), along with twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.at Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Atmore, AL with Pastor Billy Randolph and Pastor Brad Sullivan officiating. Active pallbearers will be Ronnie Berry, Travis Berry, Travis Harrison, Frank Smarr and Chris Conway.
The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their wonderful care and support. For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
JW Nichols
January 16, 2021
Mr. JW Nichols, age 77, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Nichols was born in Wallace, AL and had resided in the Byrneville-McDavid area for most of his life. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved Florida Football, boxing and fishing. He was a retired driller with Layne Central with 12 years of service. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Odel Nichols and three brothers, Alfred Nichols, William Nichols and Charles Ray Nichols.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary Nichols of McDavid, FL; one son, Jay Wesley (Theresa) Nichols of Atmore, AL; two step-sons, Chris (Cole) Champion of Monroeville, AL and Eddie (Tracy) Champion of Uriah, AL; two daughters, Tina Nichols (John) Richerson of Brewton, AL and Kristie Hamilton of McDavid, FL; two brothers, Lee (Jean) Nichols of Flomaton, AL and David (Janice) Nichols of Semmes, AL; twelve grandchildren, twelve grandchildren, Morgan Nichols Smith, Annah Nichols Hammond, Tiffany Richerson Busby, Bradley, Kaylee, Jacob, Brittney, Erica, Karlee, Addison, Zachary and Sadie and four great grandchildren, Evalyn, Jaycelyn, Ramsey Jay (RJ) and Addison.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Rickey Tedder officiating.
Burial will follow at the Byrneville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Allen Hampton, Chase Hampton, Chris Kinley, Larry Kinley, Nolen Lorezana and Tony Franklin.
Estella Rena’ Floyd
January 15, 2021
Estella Rena’ Floyd, 53, of Cantonment FL was called home in the early morning of January 5 2021. Rena was known for her kind spirit and humble heart and had a passion for teaching and cooking. She was employed with the Escambia County School District for over 20 years when she retired from Pine Forest High School
She is survived by three children: Kamisha and Alexzandrea Thompkins, Loucheiz Purifoy.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 16, 2021 @ 11:30AM at The City of Refuge Bible Center, 614 Muscogee Rd, Cantonment FL.
Lois Yvonne Stuckey
January 15, 2021
Lois Yvonne Stuckey, age 70, of Walnut Hill, FL passed away on January 4, 2021. She was born on May 27, 1951 in Charleston, SC to the Archie Eagerton and Adele Mitchem Ryals. She was a member of Dry Springs Community Church.
She is preceded in death by her father, Archie Eagerton.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry M. Stuckey; her mother, Adele Mitchem Ryals; her children, Pamela “Renee” Boyington of Walnut Hill, FL, Jerry Wayne (Tracy) Stuckey of Walnut Hill, FL, Anthony (Cathy) Stuckey of Castleberry, AL and Clifford (Katrina) Stuckey of McDavid, FL; her brothers, Loisil “Chip” Baker of Lake Martin, AL and Paul (Linda) Ryals of Walnut Hill, FL; her sisters, Althea (Fred) Rudd of Saluda, SC, Geneva
(Leon) Hewett of Jackson Gap, AL, Elaine Herndon of SC and Sherry (Donald) Williamson of Hogansville, GA; twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. John Spence officiating. Interment will follow in Pineville Cemetery in Pineville, FL.
Active pallbearers will be Jerry Wayne Stuckey, Dakota Stuckey, Troy Stuckey, Tony Hadley, Tony Chavers, Steve McCullough and Dustin Boyington.
Visitation will be Friday, January 15, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Elizabeth “Sue” Grimsley
January 15, 2021
Elizabeth “Sue” Grimsley of Molino, FL passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the age of 74. She was born in Pensacola, FL on Feb. 2, 1946 to the late L. W. Grimsley and Elizabeth Mae Thomas. She graduated from Tate High School in 1964 and Samford University in 1971. Sue was a pharmacist for 40 years. She was a member of Olive Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class. Sue had a servant’s heart and gave to anyone in need.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sue is survived by her sisters, Sandra (Jim) Moore and Linda (David) Partrick; five nephews, Dave, Earl, Chris, Michael, and Matt; one great niece, MacKenize; three great nephews, Wes, Cameron, and Reece; best friend, Beverly (Bill) Warren and their children, Jennifer and Brandon; and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Fri., Jan. 15, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Duck officiating. Burial will follow in Enon Cemetery, Walnut Hill, Florida.
The family will receive friends at 1PM prior to services.
Aubrey Johnson
January 14, 2021
Mr. Aubrey Johnson, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Johnson was a native of Century, FL and had resided in Escambia County, FL for most of his life. He retired from the Fountain Correctional Facility with 20 years of service, was an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Church of God and attended the Cottage Hill Assembly of God Church. He is preceded in death by his parents; son; brother and four sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Rosa Lee Johnson of Pensacola, FL; one son, David (Jackie) Johnson of Bratt, FL; one daughter, Alice Bennett (Dee) of Pensacola, FL; one grandson, Terry Dale (Karen) Johnson; one great grandson, Nate Johnson and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Ron McGlothren and Bro. Dale Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at the McCurdy Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 1:30 PM until service time at 2:00 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Campbell, Ben Campbell, Trey Campbell, Noah McBride, Bud Campbell and Nick Emmert.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Campbell, Mike Campbell and Masons.
Tharon Douglas Godwin
January 14, 2021
Tharon Douglas Godwin, passed away on Jan. 11, 2021, after living 100 years of life in only 78 calendar years, because he truly knew the meaning of enjoying the time he had been given, especially when one on one with God, the river and the woods. Born to his parents, Clifford Oree and Hazel Jackson Godwin, Tharon, also known as “Uncle Bo,” to all of his nieces and nephews, quickly acquired a stellar reputation for being the go-to for agriculture, not only because he grew up on the Old Godwin Farm, working the land “by hand and by machinery,” but because he also learned and excelled in Jay High School’s Agriculture and FFA programs, something he always encouraged current young kids to do also. After his 1960 graduation from Jay and many lessons of ballroom dancing (something he said he wished he had continued doing for the rest of his life), Uncle Bo never desired to venture too far away from his family, his town and his history. “There’s just something about living around people you went to school with, or sharing tomatoes with an old friend’s elderly mother,” he would softly exclaim. “These are the people that’ll stand by you when you mess up, and cheer for you when you do something great. That’s what a hometown is all about.” Uncle Bo practiced this idea because after attending Pensacola State and taking classes in agriculture and public speaking, he kept his roots planted in the Jay area.
Anybody who knew him became privy to his thoughts on the government, music, politics, turkey hunting and perhaps a few secrets about willow flies and fishing, but that particular conversation was only if he decided he liked you. An outspoken advocate against too many regulations, Uncle Bo sometimes wrote his own rules and paved his own way. As a lifetime farmer, Uncle Bo was very successful with peanuts, cotton and beans, but the one thing he could manage to grow without much effort was animals. “For the life of me, every time I would save an abandoned dog or leave my door open for that little squirrel that I called Grayson, pretty soon I had more dogs and squirrels than I bargained for.”
His love of animals didn’t keep him from enjoying their harvest. His nieces and nephews have heard all the details about his fishing trips to Mexico and hunting trips to White Oak. “Those were some great trips,” he would say at the end of the stories; however, the love affair of Uncle Bo and the White Gobbler that he had chased forever but actually let him go, is the family’s favorite, and most of them know the story by heart. Even his pet turkey hen Maybelle would accompany Uncle Bo on his turkey trips, riding shotgun in his truck and assisting him in All Things Gobbler.
Uncle Bo enjoyed his time alone, but only if he could get outside. His favorite time was in the fall during peanut season when the soil had been freshly turned and the smell of the dirt could fill every part of his thinking. “It takes me back to earlier days,” he would always say. “When things were simple.” Simple things were what he would surround himself with, including old “Andy Griffith” series and music from the 60s and 70s, especially Elvis. He looked forward to bonfires and fireworks with his extended family, and believed in “baptizing” a family member’s date with firecrackers and Roman candles.
Uncle Bo is preceded in death by his parents, Oree and Hazel of Jay; his brother, Brandon Earl Godwin of Jay; sister-in-law, Peggy Godwin of Jay and nephew Solon Gandy of Jay. Survivors include his older brother Terrell Wayne Godwin and sister Brenda Godwin, both of Jay; nephews Bruce Godwin (Debbie); Haynes Gandy (Suzanne) and Stacey Godwin (Miranda); Nieces Stephanie Solomon (John); Suzi Godwin; Sandy Godwin; Melissa Godwin; and Vicki Baggett (Garry); a great friend, Richard Savage, and several great-nephews, great-nieces, and other relatives whose hearts were truly touched by his large and unforgettable spirit.
There will be graveside services on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Justin Morgan of Cora Baptist Church officiating and burial to follow. Trahan Family Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. Active pallbearers will be Corry Baggett, Jace Gandy, Sawyer Gandy, Brandon Godwin, Levi Solomon, JP Solomon, and Luke Theron Gandy, a great-nephew, who is named after Uncle Bo.