James Charles Watkins
November 20, 2019
In loving memory of my little soldier, James Charles Watkins. He was born on September 18, 1982, he was the youngest of three boys born to Mary Watkins. He had two brothers, Marcus Rhys Watkins and Benjamin Dean Callaway. Jamie graduated from Woodham High School 2001. He was in ROTC, Chorus, Drama and played soccer. He was a boy scout with his cousin, Eddie Belcher. He received many badges. After high school, Jamie joined the Army and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was so proud, he wanted to honor his grandpa, John Charles Fowler who served in WWII. Jamie played guitar and enjoyed fishing and being with his brother Rhys. He was always his mother’s baby, Jamie. He fought diabetes until his heart could not go anymore. He went home to be with God on November 15, 2019 to rest with his grandparents, Bonnia and John Fowler; uncle, Charles Fowler and his cousin, Chris Jackson.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Watkins; brothers, Rhys Watkins and Benjamin Callaway, nephew, Alex Watkins, nieces, Annabelle Kramer and Abigail Callaway; aunts, Jackie Rich and Sherri Belcher; uncle, Edmund Belcher; cousin, Eddie Belcher; great uncle, Joe Fowler and many more cousins and wonderful friends.
Rest in peace my beautiful son, you will be missed forever.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rhys Watkins, Craig Macks, Nicky Flores, Brian Tapley, Carl Wilson, Nicholas Moss, Kenny Martin and Chris McDurmont.
Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South beginning at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.
Gerald Don Schroeder
November 20, 2019
Papa Ding Dong Diddley Daddy Debateably Darin’ Diggin’ -out- dashin’ dip diggin’ Don Schroeder has fought the good fight of faith and finished the race of enduring faith, and on November 15th, he entered into his eternal rest with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he devotedly served with great faithfulness. Gerald Don Schroeder, known affectionately to his family, friends, and the greater Pensacola Community as “Papa Don,” and to his grands as “Papou,” is survived by his wife, Mama Gail, daughter, Melanie Rose Saccomanno (Peter) son, Christopher Scott Schroeder (Jamie) and daugher-in-law Lisa Schroeder Knight (Dave); his grandchildren, Christopher (Nicole) Schroeder, Lauren Saccomanno Roberts (Sam), Lindsey Rose and Leah Maree Saccomanno, Kyle (Maya ) Blake, Derek, Zachary, and Vivian Rose Schroeder; great-grands, Harper Roberts, Kaiden Schroeder and a little brother ready to enter this world at any moment. Upon entering Heaven’s Gate, he was joyfully reunited with his sons, Michael and Jerry Schroeder, his mother, Marie Blackmon, and his sister, Brenda Frenkel.
Papa Don had a tenacious entrepreneurial spirit, and he was a character like few others, always providing an experience to any and all in his presence. He was a magnanimous and generous soul, striving to help others, and was a devoted marketplace minister. He began his career as a recording artist, and discovered “he had an ear for a hit.” He began producing artists like Twiggy, Webb Pierce, Mighty Sam, James and Bobby Purify, Pat Boone, and Dion Warwick. As a vocalist and writer, “Melanie” became quite popular in the Southeast, adding to the top 100 billboard lists the following: “I’m Your Puppet,” “Shake a Tail Feather,” and “Everlasting Love.” As a disc jockey in the 1960’s, he achieved some of the highest ratings in radio by craftily bridging the music gap, mixing rhythm and blues and pop music, which served to help tear down the seemingly insurmountable racial barriers of his era. In the 1970’s after experiencing a real encounter with the Holy Spirit, he returned home, purchased a radio station, and, along with his family, began spinning records, playing Contemporary Christian Music, a new genre for Pensacola, founding WPFA (With Power From Above). When the Gulf War broke out, he skillfully transitioned to CNN Headline News programming, becoming the first affiliate to rebroadcast CNN Headline News (WPNN).
During this time, he undertook a weekly, family TV show on BLAB. Again, his ratings soared. Missing the recording business that he loved so much, he once again ventured out and initiated several Christian recording projects, one of which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
“Papa Don” was his name, and promoting was indeed his game. He was the consummate promoter which led him into vast and numerous entrepreneurial ventures.
The last two decades, in the midst of persevering through life threatening cancer, multiple back surgeries, complications, and the loss of two sons, he robustly embraced life and ardently continued his marketplace ministry. He was ever quick to share his faith, and it was not uncommon for one to get an invite to church, followed by his gracious hospitality of lunch at his home afterwards.
“Papa Don” will be remembered for his unwavering principles, his generosity, his larger than life personality, his deep and abiding love for Jesus and his family, and his great compassion for souls.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olive Baptist Church, Trinitas Christian School or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be at Olive Baptist Church on Friday, November 22nd from 4 to 7 pm, and Saturday, November 23rd, from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by the Service at 1pm. Interment will take place at Bayview Cemetery, followed by a Feast and a Celebration at Olive Baptist Church.
Jesus loves you and so does Papa Don.
Earlene Caraway Biggs
November 20, 2019
Mrs. Earlene Caraway Biggs, age 84, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Century, Florida.
Mrs. Biggs was a native of Nokomis, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for most of her life. Her first love was her family, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a great cook and equally important was her church family and serving her Lord at the Atmore First Baptist Church where she was actively involved. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron at McCoy Chapter #34 and the Escambia Squares, where she loved to square dance. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alto and Lillie Caraway and two brothers, Jesse Caraway and Eugene Caraway.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, James G. “Jim” Biggs of Bratt, FL; three daughters, Linda (Jimmy) Francia of Mobile, AL, Sandra (Doug) Welch of Pineview, AL and Kathy (Ben) Seales of Birmingham, AL; eight grandchildren, Lindsey, Brittney, Dominick, Emily, Angela, Lillie, Andrew and Brooke and five great grandchildren, Tegan, Parrish, Rush, Lorelei and Mary Kathryn.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Atmore with Rev. Marcus Caraway and Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Francia, Dominick Francia, Ben Seales, Brandon Lami, Doug Welch and Drew Welch.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Vitas Hospice of Escambia, Florida.
Robert “Bobby” McGhee
November 19, 2019
Robert “Bobby” McGhee, 72 of Atmore, AL. passed away November 14, 2019, in Atmore. He was born to the late Roy and Opal Reeves McGhee on May 13, 1947, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and previously served as a Tribal Council member. He was a member of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church in Poarch, Alabama. After twenty years of service he retired as a First Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps. During his military service he completed two terms during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. He was also a retired Postal Carrier from the United States Post Office in Atmore.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Chief Calvin and Joyce McGhee, his parents Roy Lee and Opal Faye McGhee, his brother Kenny McGhee and his first wife Doris McGhee.
He is survived by his current wife Sharon McGhee of Atmore, AL. Two sons Robbie McGhee of Atmore, AL, Daniel McGhee of Bay Minette, AL and a daughter Shawn Wells of Indiana and one foster daughter Denise Curly and daughter-in-law Jaime McGhee. Four sisters Kay (Ray) Archer, Linda McGhee, Barbara (Dave) Stephens all of Atmore, AL. and Rose (Dave) Conlon of Okeechobee, FL. Four grandsons Brice, Xan, Daughtry, Jamison and one great grandson Kai. Many nieces, nephews, god children and family and friends.
He was referred to as Uncle Bobby by many loved ones (and self-proclaimed as the inspiration to Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee!”) Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 12 Noon from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Hill officiating.
Burial will follow in Judson Creek Indian Cemetery with full military honors.
Active pallbearers will be Jason Stephens, Chris Stephens, John Stephens, John O’Barr, Charles “Bubba” O’Barr, Ronnie Huskey, and Luke Vega.Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Daughtry, Ronnie Lehman, Bo Slate, Jason Griffey, Dave Stephens and Andrew Daughtry.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 10:30 AM until 12 Noon from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Barbara Brantley Perry
November 18, 2019
Mrs. Barbara Brantley Perry, age 79, A native of Flomaton, Alabama and resident of Daphne, AL, passed away Friday, November 15, 2019.
Barbara was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and retired from Providence Hospital with over 40 years of service.
She is survived by her husband, Howard N. Perry of Daphne; children, Shelley Moates of Navarre, FL, Jennifer (Wayne) Goodman of Ft. Pierce, FL, Stephanie (Brink) Davis of Mobile, Matthew (Brandy) Perry of Spanish Fort; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Seaborn Wood, Brantley Smith, Lana Tucker, Kasey Bossard; and many loving friends and family.
The family will receive friends Tuesday November 19, 2019 from 11:00 am until time of the service at 1:00 P.M. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home Brewton, Alabama.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday afternoon, November 19, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton, Alabama.
Leon Earl Jeter
November 12, 2019
Mr. Leon Earl Jeter, age 73, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019, at his home in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Jeter was a native of Booneville, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for most of his life. He was a jack of all trades, an excellent carpenter and was retired from Swift Lumber Company with 20 years of service. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his mother, Effie Cumbie; father, Joe Jeter, wife of 51 years, Kathryn Hardy Jeter; two brothers, Danny Jeter and Edwin Jeter and sister, Patsy Taylor.
He is survived by his two sons, Joey (Brandy) Jeter of Atmore, AL and Todd Jeter of Atmore, AL; special friend and caregiver, Melissa Gorum of Atmore, AL; three sisters, Sherry Buckhault of Atmore, AL, Cheryl (Joe) Matthews of Repton, AL and Marilyn Peavy of Uriah, AL; four grandchildren, Blaine (Rachel) Jeter, Sissy (Brett Gorum) Jeter, Cole Sanspree and Nick Sanspree; two great grandchildren, Braxton Jeter and Charlie Jeter and numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 9, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Beauchamp officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ray Singleton, Eddie Gideons, Fred Whitaker, Whit Whitaker, Don Jackson and Richard Boutwell.
Honorary pallbearers were Charles Lowery, Billy Dorriety, Aubrey Peacock, Bubba Wolfe, Fred Harrison and James Morris.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Lois T. Plair
November 12, 2019
Lois passed away on November 8, 2019, with family by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gibson and Kate Turberville; her sisters, Eunice Stewart and Eloise Hull; husband of 63 years, James; her granddaughter, Shelley Parker; and her daughter, Delores Coleman.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Williams; son, James Plair; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her adopted daughter, Patsy Hill; and adopted son, Doug Patterson.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 11, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Will Stone and Rev. Larry Huff officiating.
Burial will follow in Spruell Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Walker Arnold, Jeff Williams, Donnie Hull, Ronnie Butts, Wayne Hadley, and James Peacock.
Robert Franklin Johnson, Jr.
November 12, 2019
Mr. Robert Franklin Johnson, Jr., age 63, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Johnson was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. Mr. Johnson was a retired mechanic from Gulf Construction with 10 years of service, a veteran serving with the US Army in Special Forces and was of the Baptist Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert F. Johnson, Sr. and Lillian Johnson.
He is survived by one son, Jason (Joy) Johnson of West Blocton, AL; two daughters, Chasity (Adam) Johnson of Perdido, AL and Ashley (Johnny) Smith of Tuscaloosa, AL; two brothers, Michael (Kathy) Johnson of Perdido, AL and Terry Johnson of Bay Minette, AL; one sister, Diane (Roger) Ward of Atmore, AL; seven grandchildren, Hunter, Joshua, Jason, Jr., Mikie, Chloe, Sophie and Levi; one nephew, Robert and three nieces, Amy, Kristy and Jenni.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Thurl Pearson officiating.
Burial will follow at the McCullough Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Johnson, Jason Johnson, Jr., Johnny Smith, Adam Barrow, Ricky Gohagan and Billy Aaron.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Pansy Willine Bryan
November 12, 2019
Mrs. Pansy Willine Bryan, age 90, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019, in Jay, Florida.
Mrs. Bryan was a native of Tuscaloosa, AL and had resided in Century, FL for the past 60 years. She was member of the Bratt First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, played piano and organ. She was a former member of the Galloping Gourmet and the Flomaton Research Club. She was an artist and painted several nature scenes. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Preston Earl Bryan, Sr.; parents, Locklin Lyall and Jackie (Lewis) Zeigler and a great granddaughter, Caroline Bryan.
She is survived by her three sons, Preston Earl (Willene) Bryan, Jr. of Century, FL, John Kenneth (Charlotte) Bryan of Pace, FL and Terry David (Sheila) Bryan of Bratt, FL; one sister, Dean Bethea of Pensacola, FL; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Carrie) Bryan, Michelle (Shawn) Bryan, Jacqui (Matt) Luberto, Amanda (Ryan) Bryan, Jill (Jeffrey) Laborde, Heath (Shelby) Bryan and Brian Callaway; 14 great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Megan, Logan, Raven, Gracie, Jackson, Paisley, Juliana, Laura, Brantley, Ledger, Forest, Ruth and Collene; five great-great grandchildren, Kayden, Triston, Alex, Duke and Karlie; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 11, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Sanders and Bro. Mitch Harrington officiating.
Burial was at the Byrneville Methodist Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Heath Bryan, Jeff Laborde, Kevin Bryan, Logan Bryan, Jeremy Bryan Sims and Matt Luberto.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Frances Wilson Morgan DuBose
November 12, 2019
Mrs. Frances Wilson Morgan DuBose, 90 of Atmore, AL, passed away Friday, November 1, 2019, in Atmore. She was born to the late Jackson Leroy and Estelle Jones Wilson in Lottie, AL, on April 10, 1929. She was a member of Presley Street Baptist Church and was a retired bookkeeper from Frank Currie Gin with over 30 years of service. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Eugene “Son” Morgan; a brother, James Ray Wilson; sisters-in-law, Cathy Wilson, Jean Wilson; and great-grandson, Coby Smith.
She is survived by her two children, David (Cindy) Morgan of Megargel, AL and Debbie (Johnny) Smith of Atmore, AL; three brothers, Charles Wilson of Atmore, AL, Norman (Francine) Wilson and Danny (Cynthia) Wilson both of Nokomis, AL; grandchildren, Levi (Codi) Smith, Lesli (Jeremy) Flowers, Marty (Naomi) Smith, Tommy (Kim) Smith, Josh (Lisa) Morgan, and Kayla Morgan; 22 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 5, 2019, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joseph Simpson and Bro. Dave Taylor officiating.
Burial was in Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.