Frances Wilson Dortch
July 8, 2022
Frances Wilson Dortch, age 82, of Davisville, FL passed away at her residence on May 24, 2022. She was born on November 18, 1939 in Century, FL to Lonnie and Irma Adell Miller Wilson. She was a member of Pine Barren Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clark Wilson and her sister, Oleda Steege.
She is survived by her husband, Franklin E. Dortch of Davisville, FL; her son, Paul E. (Carolyn) Dortch of Poarch, AL; her daughters: Marliss Dortch of Davisville, FL, Cathryn Dortch (Jimmy) Reynolds of Oak Grove, FL, Charlotte Dortch (Doug) Purvis of Robinsonville, AL, Shannon Dortch (Michael) Doremus of Bratt, FL; ten grandchildren which includes CPL Logan Doremus in the United States Marine Corps and many great grandchildren including PFC Austin Greenwood in the United States Army.
Graveside services will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL with Dr. Tim Tew officiating. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Matthew Reynolds, Aaron Purvis, Randall Rolin, Nathan Dortch, Luke Moye, Brodie Rolin and PFC Austin Greenwood.
Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Mack, Mike Helton, Rodney Helton, Brian Fayard, Jonathan Wilson and Thomas Miller.
Ray Ladon ‘Uncle Ray’ Singleton
July 6, 2022
Mr. Ray Ladon “Uncle Ray” Singleton, age 77 passed away, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Canoe, AL. He was a native of Atmore, AL; and has resided in Fort Deposit, AL; for the past 18 years. He was in Retail Sales in hardware for 35 years and was the best in matching paint colors. After semi retiring, he would farm with some local farmers and he also would drive a semi-truck for some of his local friends.
“Uncle Ray” valued his time he got to spend with his wife, family, and grandsons. He was the greatest Daddy and loved his daughter and friends dearly. He enjoyed telling good ole stories and making people laugh. He enjoyed football and always loved a good concert. He had the biggest heart and would help people out any way he could.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Sudie Gilmore) Singleton, Edward Singleton, Lenard Singleton, Earl Singleton, Bernard Singleton, Carlos Singleton, Thelma Barnes, Sue Kniseley, and one brother in-law, Newton Weaver.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Elaine Singleton, of Fort Deposit, AL; one daughter, Ladonna Young, of Bay Minette, AL; one step-daughter, Summer (Clay) Brogden, of Greenville, AL; two brothers, Barney (Pat) Singleton, of Atmore, AL; Albert (Carolyn) Singleton, of Robinsonville, AL; one sister, Laura Weaver, of Canoe, AL; two grandsons, Tristan Young, of Hoover, AL; Jack Brogden, of Greenville, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center with Pastor: Cornelius Phillips officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday July 8, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center.
Pallbearers will be Troy McKinley, Sammy Singleton, Jack Brogden, Chris Singleton, Sam Lee, and Johnny Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Holland, David Womack, Clay Helton, Jr; Nic Johnson, Terrell Singleton, and Larry Singleton.
William Amos “Bill” Spear
July 6, 2022
William Amos “Bill” Spear, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Bill was born on May 7, 1926 in Bainbridge, Georgia to Amos Allen Spear and Christine Lunday Spear.
He lived in Pensacola for most of his life. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He was onboard ships in the Pacific as a gunner’s mate throughout the war. He was part of The Greatest Generation. Bill retired after 20 years in the Navy. He was stationed onboard aircraft carriers for most of his service as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He also spent 3 years working for the Department of Defense in Vietnam during that conflict. He was most proud of obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was honored in 2015 by the upcoming CPO class at NAS Pensacola at a special ceremony where they presented him with a Navy Working Uniform. Bill was a hard working man who loved to build things. He built homes and businesses all over Pensacola and the Southeast.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was still gardening in his 90’s at his assisted living facility.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Christine Spear, his sister Eunice Brisch (John), brother Perry Allen Spear, and son David Allen Spear. He is survived by two sons: Billy Spear (Gail) and Scott Spear (Kahly); two daughters, Susan Rawls (Don) and Christie Harris, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, John Gavin.
Visitation will be on Monday July 11 at 10:30 am at Faith Chapel (South) with the service following at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Toys for Tots.
Rev. David Merle Taylor
July 5, 2022
Rev. David Merle Taylor, 92 of Atmore, AL. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on July 1, 2022in Atmore. He was born in Brewton, AL. to the late James Lewis Taylor and Annie Lou Bell Taylor. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired machine maintenance worker at Vanity Fair. He was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and served many years as an ordained minister with the Southern Baptist Association. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Marilyn Peebles and Helen Campbell.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Doris Ruth Peacock Taylor of Atmore, AL. One daughter Karen (Tony) Thomas of Stanley Crossroads, AL; grandson David (Rheanna) Thomas and one great grandson William Thomas.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Tim Tew and Bro. Jerry Peebles officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Rick Warren, Gary Hare, Hugh Long, Allen Sharpless, Jeremy Jones and Tyler Roley.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 1 PM until service time at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Brooks Memorial Baptist Church or Gideons International.
Shane Lee Copeland
June 29, 2022
Shane Lee Copeland, age 54, of Jay, Florida, passed away in Jay, Florida. He was born December 31, 1967.
Shane was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Russell Copeland, Doris Louise Grant, paternal grandparents Samuel C. and Mary Lucille Copeland, maternal grandparents Coy D. and Dessie Lou Jordan, and one brother Terry Donnell Copeland. Shane was baptized August 8, 2004 by Bro Doug Greer (Divine Temple of Brewton, AL).
Shane is survived by five children: Nichole Lewis (Daniel) of Jay, FL; Austen Copeland of Pensacola, FL; Summer Gandy (Phillip) of Century, FL; Landry Copeland (Carly) of Norfolk, VA, and Ethan Copeland of Jay, FL; four grandchildren, Jacob Lewis, Brantley Lewis, Asher Lewis, and Whitney Gandy; two stepchildren: Delania Ellis (Jeremy) of Jay, FL; Dillon Anthony of Brewton, AL; one step grandchild Addisen Ellis; one step brother Dwaine Grant of Milton, FL, one sister Kristy Goodson (Kevin) of Jay, FL and step father Wyndell Grant of Jay, FL.
Visitation for family and friends will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022, with the memorial immediately following, at New Bethel Baptist Church in Chumuckla, FL with Bro. Matthew Dobson officiating.
Donna Marie Bell
June 29, 2022
Mrs. Donna Marie Bell, age 64, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at her Flomaton, AL residence.
Mrs. Bell was born in Middletown, PA and had been a long-time resident of Flomaton, AL. She was an avid hunter and fisherwoman; a computer whiz, seamstress, and thoroughly enjoyed a good book. Dawn Lee McKenna was a favorite author of hers. Donna was a member of Ridge Road Baptist Church. She especially enjoyed encouraging and ministering to young adults. She worked with Liberty National Insurance Company for several years. She worked as IT Director for the City of Brewton while serving as Interim Director of the Brewton Public Library between 1993 – 2002.
Donna and her husband owned and operated W.J. Hall Logging Co. until 2011, where she kept the books.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, James William Bell; father and mother, Dewey and Marie Morris; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rum and Myrdice Bell; several brothers and sisters-in-law; two baby nieces, Tina Marie Morris, and Melanie Nycole Joyner; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. And one special furry friend, Mickey.
She is survived by one daughter, Jeanie Bell Smith of Flomaton; one son, John William Bell of Pueblo, CO; one sister, Debbie (Jeff) Wright of Pineview; one brother, Jerry (Margaret) Morris of Pineview; two granddaughters, Hannah (Artimus) Bell of Denver, CO, and Alyssa (Nyx) Blackwell of Milton, FL; one adopted granddaughter, Corynn Meyer of Denver, CO; two grandsons, Tristan Bell of Flomaton, Tyler Bell of Pueblo, CO; one paternal aunt, Eleanor Morris Whitacre; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. And one special furry friend, Sue-Sue.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Bro. Mitch Herring, Bro. Kris Chancery officiating.
Judith Louise Doherty
June 28, 2022
Mrs. Judith Louise Doherty, age 77, passed away, Thursday, June 23, 2022 at her home in Oak Grove, Fl. surrounded by family and dearest friend. She was born in Bonifay, FL; and resided most her life in Oak Grove, FL.
Mrs. Doherty valued her time she got to spend with her family and friends. She took so much pride in her mission work that was her priority, spreading the gospel. She always took care of the shut-ins. She enjoyed quilting, and had a big heart with a little bit of sassy in her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frankie L. (Beatrice Graham) Milstead, husband, Charles Doherty, and one daughter.
She is survived by her one daughter, Jenny L. Doherty, of Oak Grove, FL; (Trace Lewis), one brother, Vincent (Cindy) Milstead, of Oak Grove, FL; best friend, Elaine Godwin, of Bratt, FL; one grandchild Coralyne Lewis, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Sheppard, George Carpenter, Scott Warren, Jarrod Dawson, Ernie Hester, and Vincent Milstead.
Winston Edward “Wink” Killam
June 28, 2022
Mr. Winston Edward “Wink” Killam age 85, passed away, Monday, June 20, 2022 in Bay Minette, AL. He was born in Century, FL; and resided in Bay Minette, AL; since 2013. He was a graduate of Century High School of “Class of 1955”. He was a member of Poplar Dell Baptist Church and served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a construction engineer with many years of employment.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard (Zeba Elizabeth Mathney) Killam, two brothers, James Killam, Claude Killam, one sister, Illa Mae Byrd.
He is survived by his niece, Glenda Killam White, of Flomaton, AL; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Poplar Dell Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mitch Herring officiating.
Burial will follow at Poplar Dell Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Poplar Dell Baptist Church
Joel David Brown
June 28, 2022
Mr. Joel David Brown, age 85 passed away, Thursday, June 23, 2022, at his home in Perdido, AL. He retired from Masland Carpets with 34 years of service.
Mr. Brown valued his time he got to spend with his wife, family and church family. He enjoyed playing gospel and bluegrass music. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing, and working with his vegetable garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley (Ethel) Brown, five sisters, Estelle Morris, Nora Ayers, Dorothy Hadley, Muriel Stewart, Shirley Hanks, two brothers, William Wesley “Bill” Brown, Samuel Paul Brown.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shelby Brown, of Perdido, AL; two sons, Joel W. “Joey” (Bertha) Brown, of Perdido, AL; David Allan (Barbara) Brown, of Phillipsville, AL; one daughter, Trisha (Keith) Ganey, of Perdido, AL; one brother, John Daniel (Lucy) Brown, of Perdido, AL; three sisters, Christine Patterson, of Eight Mile, AL; Opal Paul, of Columbus, GA; Bobbi (Jim) Bryars, of Milton, FL; six grandchildren, Brandon Garrett, Jason Brown, Justin Brown, Shannon Turner, Janna Collier, Morgan Ganey, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. James Peacock and Rev. Shawn Major officiating.
Burial will follow at Brown Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jason Brown, Justin Brown, Waylon Collier, Rusty White, Freddie Stewart, Angie Trest, and Jim Whidbee
Benjamin John Eicher
June 27, 2022
Benjamin John Eicher, age 78, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, 1943 in Summerdale, AL to the late Dorcy John Eicher and Iva Schroeder Eicher.
Ben voluntarily entered into the United States Army in September 1966 and served in Germany for three years. During his service he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter M-14, and obtained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He continued his military service by serving in the United States Army Reserves for an additional three years after returning stateside. Upon his return from Germany he returned to McDavid, FL where he began his cabinetry business. Being self taught, he operated his business for many years building custom made cabinets and furniture. His craftsmanship was well known in the Walnut Hill, Atmore, and Pensacola areas. In addition, for many years he taught woodworking at a local trade school. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and traveling with his many friends. In his later years after retiring from woodworking and due to limited mobility, he enjoyed visits from friends and family, growing vegetables, and sitting on his porch swing watching the local wildlife.
Ben is preceded in death by his brother and sister in-law, Eldon and Rosie Eicher; sister and brother in-law, Vada and Bobby Byrd; brother, Winston Eicher; and sister, Nadine Eicher. He is survived by his daughter Natalie Weston (John); two grandchildren, Elizabeth Weston and Ryan Weston (Brittany); and one great-granddaughter Lillie Weston. Ben was also blessed to have many close friends as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for July 2, 2022, which would have been Ben’s 79th birthday, at Pine Forest United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL. Visitation is scheduled for 10 am and the service at 11 am.