Harvey James Rolin
July 9, 2019
Mr. Harvey James Rolin, age 69, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019, at his home in Poarch, AL.
Mr. Rolin was a native of Dallas, TX and had resided in Poarch, AL for most of his life. He was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the Poarch Community Church. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Eugene and Bessie Rolin; brother, Donnie Rolin; and one great-granddaughter.
He is survived by his two sons, James Wilson (Melinda Rolin) of Poarch, AL and Josh (Lindsey) Hammac of Poarch, AL; two daughters, Keisha (Joey) Lambert of Shreveport, LA and Tonya Whatley of Bay Minette, AL; nine brothers, Ernest (Tina) Rolin, Roy Rolin, Walter (Anita) Rolin, Kenneth “Radio” Rolin, Anthony (Jennifer) Rolin, Deno (Necole) Rolin, Johnny (Ashley) Rolin, Shawn (Stephanie) Rolin and Aubrey “Tinker” (Tasha) Rolin all of Poarch, AL; three sisters, Peggy Couch, Virginia Bell Godwin and Tonya (Wesley Rayborn) Jordan all of Poarch, AL; special sister (sister-in-law), Dianna Rolin of Poarch, AL; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the McCullough Christian Center with Bro. Cornelius Phillips and Bro. Walter Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at the Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be James Wilson, Dakota Lambert, Bryan Couch, Shawn Rolin, Shane Gibson and Anthony “Buzzy” Jordan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Andrews, Ronnie McGhee, Gino Wiggins, Tony Gibson, J.T. Holland, Julius Sells and Jerry Sells.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Franklin Johns
July 9, 2019
Robert Franklin Johns, known respectfully and lovingly as “Chief CedarBear” of the Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, following medical complications that arose during his treatment for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on June 2.
Interment, following escort by the Patriot Guard Riders to Barrancas National Cemetery, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019. Then, on Saturday, August 31, 2019, the Perdido Bay Tribe in conjunction with the Native Paths Cultural Heritage Museum, will host a Memorial Celebration of Life Event. More details regarding the exact location and time of this event can be found at www.facebook.com/perdidobaytribe in the days to come.
Robert was born May 10, 1960, in Macon, Georgia, attended high school in Warner Robins, Georgia, and entered the Navy in a delayed entry program so that shortly after leaving high school, he began a one tour enlistment with the United States Navy. Following training, he served on the U.S.S. Constellation Aircraft Carrier (known as “Connie” to its crew), which was based in San Diego, California. His final mission aboard Connie began in February, 1980, as the ship moved westward following in November, 1979, takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Connie arrived at Gonzo Station on May 1, 1980, to relieve the Coral Sea, with Connie and her crew’s “at sea period” for this mission lasting a record setting period of time that resulted in the Connie crew members being awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for their service.
Following his Navy service, Robert worked in a fairly wide variety of businesses, most of which were retail operations of one sort or the other, working everything from sales to inventorying to management training, but he finally went to work with Excel Logistics where he stayed for about 17 years. During his time with Excel, he worked in a variety of positions at several different locations in the western metro-Atlanta area and also spent a year in New Mexico as a member of the team sent to help open a new facility for the company in Albuquerque. During his time in New Mexico, being surrounded by Native American culture, Robert became more interested in his Native American Heritage, an interest that grew to become an integral part of the remainder of his life. Robert left Excel Logistics in 2008 and moved to Florida to work with his father and the Perdido Bay Tribe at Native Paths Cultural Heritage Museum, where he continued until the time of his motorcycle accident and subsequent death.
He was preceded in death by his father, who was founder and predecessor Chief of the Perdido Bay Tribe, Bobby Thomas “Chief Bearheart” Johns, and his step-father, Claude “Fred” Fraser.
He is survived by his mother, Matilda “Ann” Berry Fraser, and his step-mother, Marian Johns-Holcombe (Mike); his wife, Lynn Bundrick Johns and his children, Krystal Lace Johns Eisemann (Patrick), Kara Lauren Johns Nunnally (Jamie) and Jesse Robert Johns; his grandchildren, Lorelei Michelle Eisenmann, Cordelia Lace Eisenmann, Rhett Lee Nunnally and Jacie Lynn Nunnally; his brother, Christopher Berry Johns (Linda); his sisters, Cynthia Johns O’Herron (Billy) and Karen Johns Turner (Ben); his sister’s children, Kimberly Paulsen Phelps (Michael), Julia Bonnie Ann Turner and Logan John Turner; a great nephew, Anthony Michael Phelps, and many other extended family members; his life-long friend, Harold McMullen, the friend who was by his side through his final illness, John Hailer, and his pastor, Henry Lewis of Community Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Our deepest appreciation goes out to the entire staff and medical team of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SINU) at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola for providing such amazing, respectful and loving care to this man who spent 22 ½ days with them. There was never a doubt that this group of amazing people were pulling for the “Chief” (as so many of them chose to call him).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chief Cedarbear’s honor to the Perdido Bay Tribe via the GoFundMe page referenced on their facebook at www.facebook.com/perdidobaytribe or by mail to PBT, 3300 Beloved Path, Pensacola, FL 32507.
Thelma Wiggins Holley
July 6, 2019
Thelma Wiggins Holley, 90, died Friday, July 5, 2019, at her home in Bratt after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Holley was born in Bratt on March 9, 1929, the daughter of Robert and Addie Wiggins. She was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School. Upon her marriage, she moved to Pensacola in 1954, where she lived for forty-three years. She was a long-time teacher aide, first in the Head Start program, and then at McMillan and Brentwood Elementary Schools. She was a faithful member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Pensacola. Upon her retirement in 1997, she returned to Bratt, where she was a member of Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Edgar Holley, in 1963; by her brothers Robert James Wiggins, H. B. Wiggins, Rufus Wiggins, Henry Wiggins, Leon Wiggins, and M. L. “Buddy” Wiggins; by her sisters Bertha Wiggins, Dorothy Norris, Myra Brantley, and Essie Coleman; and by her step-son and daughter-in-law, Talmadge and Dorothy Holley.
She is survived by her son, Darrell Holley, also of Bratt; and by her sisters, Glyndal Robbins of Bratt and Jessie Wiggins of Pensacola; by her four step-grandchildren, as well as by a large extended family.
Visitation will be Monday, July 8, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, located at 5410 North Highway 99.
Funeral services will be Monday, July 8, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, with Rev. Matthew Pinson officiating.
Pall bearers will be Gregory Robbins, Brian Robbins, Marvin Wiggins, Joe Brantley, John McCall, and Rev. James Sage.
Burial will be at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Petty Eastside Funeral Home of Atmore.
Betty Stuckey Owens
July 6, 2019
Betty Stuckey Owens, age 83, of Jay, Florida, went to be with the Lord on July 2, 2019. She was born and raised in Byrneville, Florida. She married James Edward Owens on August 29, 1953, and moved to Jay. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, and she faithfully served her church, Jay First Baptist, for many years.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Owens; her father, T.W. Stuckey; mother, Margaret Matheny Stuckey; and sister, Aleece Stuckey Hayes.
She is survived by her sons, Gary (Judy) Owens, Larry (Ramona) Owens, and Ricky (Sabrina) Owens; eight grandchildren, Redina (Jack) Gavin, Amanda (Shane) Dawsey, Micah (Jessica) Owens, Meredith Owens, Carly Owens, Zach Owens, Adam (Brittany) Olsen, and Kaity (Nick) Dishler; nine great-grandchildren, Lane Burgess, Alex Gavin, Laura Gavin, Owen Dawsey, Oakleigh Dawsey, Opal Dawsey, Adaline Owens, Landyn Dishler, and Raylan Olsen. Betty is also survived by her brother, William (Linda) Stuckey.
Betty was a loving wife and mother, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends..
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. David Smith, Jay Hospital, and The Terrace for the excellent care given to Betty during her illness.
Services were held Friday, July 5, 2019 at Jay First Baptist Church.
Graveside services immediately followed at Jay Cemetery.
Douglas Anthony Hadley
July 6, 2019
Douglas Anthony Hadley, 75 of Century, FL passed away Monday, July 1, 2019, in Milton, FL. He was an retired equipment operator with Swift Lumber Company. He was born in Escambia County, FL on December 16, 1943, to the late Louie Lee and Ola Mae Spence Hadley. He was an avid Alabama football fan, Atlanta Braves fan and coached Little League Baseball for many years.
He is preceded in death by his father, Louie Lee Hadley; and sister, Lisa Allen.
Survivors include his mother, Ola Mae Weekley of Walnut Hill, FL; two sons, Anthony “Tony” (Teresa) Hadley of Canoe, AL and Nicky (Valire McGhee) Hadley of Poarch, AL; one daughter, Jolene (Brian Joiner) Elliott of Walnut Hill; five brothers, Billy Taylor of Frisco City, AL; Roger Hadley, Ronnie Hadley, Joe Hadley and Brian Hadley all of Perido, AL; three sisters, Patsy Newhart of Atmore, Janice Williams of Nokomis, AL and Peggy McDuffie of Perdido, AL; eight grandchildren, Tashina, Emily, T.J., Anna, Lyn, D.J., Nakisha and Joe Michael and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Friday July 5, 2019, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Hazel Smith Strawbridge
July 6, 2019
Hazel Smith Strawbridge, 74 of Atmore, AL, passed away Wednesday July 3, 2019, at her residence. She owned and operated Hazel’s Curl Country Beauty Salon for over 50 years. She was born in Huxford, AL on April 13, 1945, to the late Grover Frisco and Myrtle Irene McKinley Smith. She was a member of the Robinsonville Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis G. Strawbridge; grandson, Dylan Strawbridge; three brothers, Carvin McKinley, Roy Smith and Billy Smith.
Survivors include two sons, Keith (Ashley) Strawbridge of Atmore, and Michael Strawbridge of Huxford, AL; one brother, David (Brenda) Smith of Atmore; two sisters, Wanda Speron of Atmore and Patricia (Eddie) Baker of Robinsonville, AL; two grandchildren, Keely and Braylee Strawbridge.
Services were held Saturday, July 6, 2019, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Phil Johnson officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Carl “Buster” McGhee
July 3, 2019
Carl “Buster” McGhee, age 102 of Poarch, AL. and was formerly of Walnut Hill, FL. passed away July 2, 2019 in Atmore, AL. He was born to the late Littles and Ellen Colbert McGhee in Huxford, AL. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. He was the oldest living WWII veteran and Poarch Creek Tribal Member in the state of Alabama. He was an avid fisherman and was preceded in death by his parents, wife Atrebee “Bootee” Dees McGhee six brothers, a sister, a son Stephen McGhee and granddaughter Rhonda Kay McGhee.
He is survived by his children Gilbert (Mary) McGhee of Walnut Hill, FL; Carl Farron “Fay” McGhee of Poarch, AL; Robert (Annette) McGhee of Saraland, AL; Glenn (Billie) McGhee of Pensacola, FL; Larry E. McGhee of Poarch, AL; Harold (Lynna) McGhee of Brewton, AL and Sandra (Larue) Chunn of Theodore, AL. One sister Thelma Henson of Frost Proof, FL; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; ten great- great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11 AM from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. James Boyd and Bro. Rowdy Boyte officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Will McGhee, Charlie McGhee, Kenneth McGhee, Ronnie McGhee, Roger Howard, Robert Howard, Paul Howard and Kenneth Manning.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randy McGhee, Doyle McGhee, Tim McGhee Ben Colbert, Jerry Colbert, Marty Henson, Wayne McGhee, Wendell McGhee and Dicky Johnson.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 5, 2019 from 6PM until 8 PM from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Clifton H. Mims
July 1, 2019
Clifton H. Mims, Jr. passed away June 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Atmore, AL on August 22, 1951, to the late Clifton H. Sr. and Lorene Tucker Mims. He attended Jefferson Davis Community College and AUM of Montgomery. He was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Atmore were he served in many roles and was a member of the church choir for over 41 years. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and he tapped out in the Order of The Arrow. He was an outdoorsmen, avid turkey hunter, bird watcher, gardener, and animal lover and truly loved his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gayle Mims Ward; and a brother, John Clifton Mims.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Darla Bethea “Totise” Mims of Atmore, AL; his children, Joshua Cullen Mims of Daphne, AL; Lindsay Bethea Mims and Anna Katherine Mims both of Atmore, AL; Five grandchildren, Jazmine, Ella, Sydney, Keaton, Jasiah; and his special companion “Bama” who never left his side.
A memorial service was held Sunday, June 30, 2019, from the First United Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Brennan Peacock and Rev. Andy Gartman officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Church Choir at First United Methodist Church of Atmore.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pilots for Christ.
Kevin Glen Rich
July 1, 2019
Kevin Glen Rich, 61, of McDavid, Florida passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019.
He was born on December 4, 1957 in Daytona, Florida to parents, Harvey Edwin Rich and Mary Louise Mathis and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1977. Kevin served in the United States Marine Corp as a baker. He held many different jobs including, a tree surgeon, Mr. Mom, a bridge builder and a farmer. Some of his greatest accomplishments were providing for his family, living life to the fullest and being the best father a family could hope for. We have many fond memories of the many river trips and being around the farm.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Deborah Lucille Rich; his parents; his grandmother, Ruby Mathis; brothers, Douglas Hampton Rich, Barry Earl Rich and Brian Keith Rich and house mother, Wilma Bailey.
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Ann Rich; brothers, Donald E. Rich and Daniel Lee Rich; sister, Debbie Rich; house sisters, Suzanne O’Brien and Renee Evans; best friends, Jason Lamb, Randy Bailey, Marion Bailey and Eunice Bailey; close family friend, Seema Jeter and Baby Rich, his dog.
Kevin was so full of life. He never met a stranger he didn’t befriend and loved all of his animals, four dogs, 60 chickens, nine honey beehives and an adopted goat. The VFW Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan has many great memories of his childhood. He was the neighborhood Dad to all of the children and he will be deeply missed by all the lives he has touched. The love and memory of him will always be in our hearts.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 2:00pm at Bay Springs Full Gospel Church Cemetery, Bay Springs, Florida.
James Richard Strickland
June 24, 2019
James Richard “Ricky” Strickland, 67, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. He was born in Atmore, AL on October 3, 1951, to the late James Howard Strickland and Vera Mae Daniels Strickland.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Julie Nell O’Farrell and Bobbie White.
Ricky is survived by his wife, Brenda Strickland; sister, Gloria Faye (Jerry) Kent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Friday, June 21, 2019, at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL.
Pallbearers were Wade Kent, Hal O’Farrell, Chad Kent, Harvey Bradberry, Carl Bowman, and Freddy Pitts.
Ellis O’Farrell, Matt Lambert, Jerry Kent, Kenny Lloyd, and Jack White as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Cowboy Church or the American Heart Association In Memory of Ricky Strickland.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.