Ralph Darby
February 5, 2025
CMSAF Ralph Darby, age 79, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. A native of Nokomis, Alabama, he spent the majority of his life in Bratt, Florida. Mr. Darby proudly served for 26 years in the United States Air Force, after which he embraced a fulfilling retirement. He was also a faithful member of Pine Barren Baptist Church.
Mr. Darby was a man of diverse interests, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and gardening, as well as attending church and watching western films. An avid Alabama football fan, he found joy in reading, particularly the works of Louis L’Amour. Known for his loving nature and unwavering faith, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and cherished time spent with family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George Washington (Fannie Mae) Darby; wife, Katie Darby; two brothers, Jack Darby and James Alfred Darby; sister, Dot Reeves.
He is survived by his son, James (Shelley) Darby of Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Billy (Jackie) Darby of Walnut Hill, Florida; sister, Annette Hassebrock of Bratt, Florida; five grandchildren, Amanda Bohlen, Dylan Williams, Keri Darby, Austin Williams, and Cody Darby; two great-grandchildren, Amirah Bohlen and Amani Bohlen; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with and Reverend Mike Harper officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Cody Darby, Greg Darby, Joey Darby, Silas Seamans, Willie Peoples and Josh McElhaney.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Pine Barren Adult Sunday School Class.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Danny Rolin
February 5, 2025
Danny Rolin, born on December 25, 1956, of Poarch, Alabama, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and fast cars. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and a man who never met a stranger. If you knew him, you knew he never finished a conversation without saying, “I mean to tell ya!”
Danny was a devoted father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his son, Danny W. Rolin II, and his wife, Connie Rolin; his daughter, Christina Michelle Rolin Spicer, and her husband, Phillip Spicer. He was a proud grandfather to Katie Lorin Rolin, Riley Elizabeth Rolin, Susan Eve Claire Rolin, Eric Joe Bailey Rolin, and Phillip Jay (P.J.) Spicer. He also leaves behind his brother, Randy Rolin, who resides in Texas with his children, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him unconditionally.
Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleve and Rhetta Rolin; his parents, John Rolin and Charle Mae Kelly Rolin; his wife, Connie Rosell Rolin and sister, Sara Rolin Daw.
Danny had big dreams, especially when it came to car shows. His love for fast cars was only rivaled by his love for his family. His humor, his big plans, and his unforgettable personality will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories we tell and the memories we cherish.
He is also survived by his fiancée, Sherry Peavey, who shared in his dreams and laughter.
The Rooster Club A.K.A Breakfast Club doesn’t want to say Goodbye, “But we will see you Later”.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Mark Julian Elkins
February 4, 2025
Mark Julian Elkins, age 68, of Canoe, AL passed away on February 1, 2025 in Atmore, AL. He was born on February 6, 1956 in Fort Jackson, SC to James Stevens Elkins, Jr. and Mildred Davis Elkins. Mark was a member of The First Methodist Church of Atmore. To know Mark was to love him. Mark never let his learning challenges define him. Almost everyone in Atmore has special memories of him from his amazing ability to recall what vehicle a person drove to their car tag numbers, his friendly smile and kindness, and his genuine love for others. It seemed Mark never met a stranger and knew almost everyone in town.
Mark loved working for the City of Atmore. When he became physically disabled and retired in 2018, he always commented that he wished he could go back to work. Mark loved his church family. He loved participating in activities, especially the annual fish fry. He took pride in being able to get the most donations.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.
Mark is survived by his brother Jerry S. (Natalie) Elkins of Moundville, AL; his sisters, Carol Elkins of Canoe, AL, Kay Elkins of Jacksonville, FL and Janis Elkins of Atmore, AL; his beloved little “Doggie” Candy along with innumerable family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Mike von Keyserling officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his former workers from the City of Atmore Street and Sanitation Department.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church of Atmore.
SPECIAL REQUEST: As a memorial tribute to Mark, the family ask that everyone wear a bright shirt, shoes, tie, socks, etc. We also ask as many people as able to take part in the procession to Oak Hill Cemetery. Mark was a very social person who loved people. He would be honored to be recognized by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Methodist Church of Atmore, More than Bricks Fund or to Brewton Paws Crossed Dog Rescue Fund.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jo Ann McCullough
February 4, 2025
Jo Ann McCullough, age 74, passed away on February 3, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. She was originally from Bay Minette, Alabama, but had lived in Enon, Florida, for the past 45 years. She will be remembered fondly by her family and friends for the love and kindness she shared throughout her life.
Mrs. McCullough cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren at Three Runs, she’d cook up chicken and rice in her trusty pressure cooker, making sure everyone was well-fed. There were always fun times at our camp at Boatyard, especially when we’d ride the golf cart a little too fast, leaving her worried but laughing. She was always busy making jelly and candy, and if you ever left her house hungry, it was truly your own fault because she’d insist about a hundred times that you eat something before you went. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed and loved, treating even strangers like family. Most of all, her love for her family was immense and unwavering, making her truly one of a kind. Now, heaven has gained the most precious angel, and she is no longer in pain.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur C. and Josephine Merrill Jones; brothers, Glenn Jones and Larry Jones.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, David Wayne McCullough of Enon, Florida; son, Jesse McCullough of Enon, Florida; daughter, Tami (Joe) Wright of Biloxi, Mississippi; sisters, Yvonne (Johnny) Harrison of Bay Minette, Alabama and Kathryn (Joe) White of Bay Minette, Alabama; grandchildren, Jessica McCullough and Jacob McCullough; great-grandchildren, Presley McCarty, Parker Burkett, and Ella McCullough.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Joe Gibson officiating
Burial will follow at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jacob McCullough, Clint Harrison, Jeremy White, Jesse McCullough, Ken Martin and Rickey Foster.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
Danette Suzanne Odom
February 1, 2025
Mrs. Danette Suzanne Odom, age 65, passed away, Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Bay Minette, AL. She was born, April 4, 1959 in Pensacola, FL; and later in life moved to, Century where she owned her Flower Nursery.
In her cozy greenhouse, she spends delightful hours tending to her plants and trees, nurturing each one with care. The vibrant colors of her flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, creating a lively scene that brings her joy. As she works, she often has the Hallmark Channel or Food Network playing softly in the background, filling the air with stories and delicious recipes. Cooking and baking are her passions, especially when she can share the results with her family. Her greatest joy comes from making special memories with her grandchildren, whether they’re helping her in the garden or enjoying a sweet treat together.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Michael Odom, her parents, Gregory Julian (Margie Evelyn Simmons) Quina III.
She is survived by her three daughters, Margie Danette Odom, of Century, FL; Megan Suzanne (Tab) Jernigan, of Atmore, AL; Marissa (Gregory) Apple, of Germantown, OH; one brother, Gregory Julian Quina IIII, of Jacksonville, FL; two grandsons, Damon James Jernigan Dawson Tate Jernigan, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Brother Keith Lisenby officiating.
Burial will follow at Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Tab Jernigan, Greg Apple, Mike Gunn, Charlie Brown, Johnny Busch, and DC Odom.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Valerie Lynn Bullock Hicks, Charity Lynn Hicks
January 31, 2025
Valerie Lynn Bullock Hicks, 66, of Molino, Florida, and Charity Lynn Hicks, 30, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on January 23, 2025. They were tragically killed in a car accident.
Valerie was born in Grants, New Mexico on November 14, 1958 to Lynwood and Pearlie Bullock. She was married to Edward James Hicks for 42 years and they created a beautiful life together. Together they had two children, three grandchildren, and attended Lighthouse Baptist Church. Mrs. Hicks wore many hats over the years and had many passions. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor’s degree and taught at Atmore Baptist Temple. Mrs. Hicks was so loved by all of her students, parents, and teacher friends. She loved teaching and homeschooling and was an extremely hard worker. When she wasn’t teaching, she enjoyed many other things such as being a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and whipping up a delicious meal at the drop of a hat.
Mrs. Hicks is preceded in death by her father, Lynwood Nelson Bullock.
Charity was born in Pensacola, Florida on February 11, 1994 to Edward and Valerie Hicks. Growing up, Ms. Hicks was homeschooled by her mother and then later graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She worked at Temple Christian Academy for four years before becoming a realtor. Once she became a realtor, she worked at FlynnBuilt Custom Home Builders, where she excelled at real estate sales. Ms. Hicks was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church and had a passion for life, people, and adventure.
Ms. Hicks was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Fred Frank Hicks and Kathryn Abramovich Hicks, as well as her maternal grandfather, Lynwood Nelson Bullock.
Both ladies will be missed and forever in our hearts. They were perfect examples of love, kindness, faith, and hope. We mourn their death today but look forward to the day we meet them again in heaven. Both ladies lived a beautiful life that deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please pray for her husband and all family members at this critical time.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 12:30 pm at Smyrna Baptist Church with Ben Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Derek Rice
January 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derek Rice, age 46, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, nephew, brother, and friend, who left us far too soon. Derek passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
Derek was born on May 3rd, 1978, in Flomaton, Alabama. He resided in his hometown of Century, Florida where he played football and many other sports in his youth and was in the first graduating class of Northview High School (1996). Derek previously served on the Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park Board of Directors and the Northview Chiefs Quarterback Club. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family. Derek was a devoted husband to Casey for 15 years, a proud father to Chandler, Braiden, Adam, Mary, Madison, and Cooper, and a proud Paw Paw to Margo and Avery.
Derek was an avid Auburn Tigers and WWE fan which brought him joy and created lasting memories with his family. He was known for his quick wit, love for sports, and humor which left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family—whether it was cheering at his children’s games and events, card games with friends, sharing stories of his children and grandchildren, attending Auburn games, or simply enjoying time at home. His legacy of love and strength will continue to guide those he leaves behind.
Derek is survived by his wife, Casey (Peterson) Rice, his children, Chandler (Maria) Rice, Braiden Rice, Adam Peterson, Mary (Anijah) Stewart, Madison Rice, and Cooper Rice, his grandchildren, Margo Rice and Avery Rice, his sister, Whitney (Tim) Dunsford, neices, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory forever.
Derek was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilyn Rice, and grandparents, Willie and Geraldine Davis.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, Florida at 11am. Flowers can be delivered directly to the church located at 5410 Hwy 99, Century, FL 32535. Donations can be made as well, to assist with final expenses. It was at Derek’s request for the service to be casual for those that attend to celebrate his life. Auburn attire is encouraged.
Though his time with us was far too brief, Derek’s impact on the lives of those he loved is eternal. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew him…until we meet again.
Kimberly Rae Proksch
January 29, 2025
Kimberly Rae Proksch, born on January 16, 1963, to Joe E. Crowe and Patricia Mae Zeitler, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2025, surrounded by her husband, Sister and two of her Brothers After a courageous battle with cancer since 2006, Kimberly is now reunited with her parents and her oldest brother, Terry Crowe, in eternal rest.
Kimberly dedicated 14 and a half years of her life as a correctional officer at Century Correctional Facility in Century, Florida. She retired in 2006, shortly before her cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges she faced, Kimberly remained a beautiful and outgoing individual who brought comfort to those around her with her warm heart and open arms.
She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially laying on the beaches of Pensacola, Florida-a place that brought her peace and happiness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Kimberly is survived by her stepfather Brent Liles of Laplace, Louisiana; siblings Patricia and Randy Ruttenberg of Bettendorf, Iowa; David Crowe of Bettendorf, Iowa; Timothy Crowe and Daniel Crowe of Moline, Illinois; Cynthia Grabrian of Denver, Colorado; and Shannon Liles of Pace, Florida. Including Nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Kimberly’s life will take place in two locations: one in the Quad Cities and another in Pace, Florida, at a later date to accommodate loved ones from both regions.
Rest in peace, Kimberly Rae your memory bring comfort to all who loved you
Kimberly Rae Proksch
January 29, 2025
Kimberly Rae Proksch, born on January 16, 1963, to Joe E. Crowe and Patricia Mae Zeitler, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2025, surrounded by her husband, Sister and two of her Brothers After a courageous battle with cancer since 2006, Kimberly is now reunited with her parents and her oldest brother, Terry Crowe, in eternal rest.
Kimberly dedicated 14 and a half years of her life as a correctional officer at Century Correctional Facility in Century, Florida. She retired in 2006, shortly before her cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges she faced, Kimberly remained a beautiful and outgoing individual who brought comfort to those around her with her warm heart and open arms.
She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially laying on the beaches of Pensacola, Florida-a place that brought her peace and happiness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Kimberly is survived by her stepfather Brent Liles of Laplace, Louisiana; siblings Patricia and Randy Ruttenberg of Bettendorf, Iowa; David Crowe of Bettendorf, Iowa; Timothy Crowe and Daniel Crowe of Moline, Illinois; Cynthia Grabrian of Denver, Colorado; and Shannon Liles of Pace, Florida. Including Nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Kimberly’s life will take place in two locations: one in the Quad Cities and another in Pace, Florida, at a later date to accommodate loved ones from both regions.
Rest in peace, Kimberly Rae your memory bring comfort to all who loved you
William Russell Slate
January 28, 2025
William Russell “Rusty” Slate, age 57, of Atmore, AL, passed away on January 26, 2025. He was born on November 3, 1967, in Hattiesburg, MS. Rusty was a retired superintendent with the oil industry. Rusty loved the outdoors! He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed woodworking.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Hansford Slate, Sr. and Linda Jackson Slate, and his brother, Ronald H. Slate, II.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Tracey Mason Slate of Atmore, AL; his son, T.J. Jarrell of Atmore, AL; his brothers, Tony (Sandra) Slate of Bratt, FL ,and Tim (Leizl) Slate of Atmore, AL, and his sister, Melanie (Thomas) Guy of Atmore, AL.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.