Robert H. Maxwell
April 7, 2018
Robert H. Maxwell, retired Atmore lawyer, died Friday, April 6, 2018. He was 90 years old.
Maxwell is survived by his two sons, Richard King Maxwell (Bess) of Atmore and Dr. David Hamilton Maxwell (Jeanne) of Tuscaloosa; six grandchildren, Mallory M. Downey of Orange Beach, Richard Chapman Maxwell (Katie) of Atmore, Regina M. Allen (Carl) of Pelham, Amanda Bridges Maxwell of Greenville, SC, Robert Hamilton Maxwell II of Tuscaloosa, Kathryn Street Maxwell of Tuscaloosa; and six great grandchildren, Leslie Austin Downey, Harrison Maxwell Downey, Richard Warner Maxwell, Douglas Hamilton Maxwell, William Chapman Maxwell, Gilbert Talmadge Allen and numerous nephews and nieces. Mr. Maxwell was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Hattie Mallory King Maxwell and his four brothers, W. Randolph Maxwell of Miami, George T. Maxwell of Pensacola, Joseph W. Maxwell of Fairhope, and Dr. Benjamin C. Maxwell of Atmore, and by his parents , W.R. “Dolphie” Maxwell and Mary Talmadge Maxwell of Atmore. He was a graduate of Escambia County High School. In 1944 Maxwell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and saw service in the South Pacific and in China. He was a 1951 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and practiced that profession until his retirement in 1998. While a student at The University of Alabama he held membership in Phi Eta Sigma scholarship fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega service group, Phi Alpha Delta legal organization, and Sigma Chi social fraternity. In the latter organization, Maxwell served successively as president and house manager.
Maxwell was a member of local and state bar associations, and in October, 1995 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Atmore where for many years he served as trustee, choir member, Sunday School teacher and department superintendent. He was a member of the Atmore Lions Club and the Atmore Jaycees, in which he served as president. He also served as state vice president of the Alabama Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Mobile, and from that university he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 2001. Maxwell was an incorporator and founding director of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc., and for 29 years was a director and corporate secretary of United Bank. Maxwell served for 12 years as a member and secretary of the Utilities Board of the City of Atmore, and for a number of years he was a member of the Alabama State Oil and Gas Board. Maxwell was active in political affairs, having served as a member of the Escambia County Republican Executive Committee from its inception in 1962, and for 12 years he was a member of the Alabama counterpart of that committee. In 1998, he won the Republican primary election and contended for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Atmore with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix, Jr. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, with Johnson- Quimby Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that gifts be made to the University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 or the charitable foundation of the Atmore Lions Club – The Robert H. Maxwell Charitable Foundation P.O. Box 906, Atmore, Alabama 36504
Flora Lynn McKenna
April 7, 2018
Flora Lynn (Henderson) McKenna, 73, of Pensacola, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital.
Flora Lynn McKenna was born to Robert Luther and Mary Elizabeth Henderson, on July 26, 1944, and grew up in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola. She attended public schools; graduated in 1963 from Pensacola High School; and attended Pensacola Jr. College.
Flora brought her sharp, inquisitive mind and caring heart to everything she did. She valued faith, family, community, and patriotism. Flora was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lovingly raised two beautiful daughters, and delighted in spending time with her two grandchildren. Along with raising a family, Flora enjoyed success as a small business owner for several years.
Survived by her mother, Mary Elizabeth (Aldredge) Henderson; husband, Lawrence McKenna; daughters Kaly McKenna and Lisa McKenna; grandchildren Keith and Akira; many favorite nephews and nieces, beloved cousins, and dear friends. Predeceased by her father, Robert Luther Henderson; brothers Robert (Bobby) Henderson, Aubrey (Buddy) Henderson, and sister Jean (Henderson) Ramirez.
Special thanks to Flora’s caregivers and staff at West Florida Hospital and University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital for their compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 10:00 AM with a Mass of the Christian Burial at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pensacola, followed by a gravesite service at Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:00 noon. Family and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Faith Chapel North, 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas More Society, a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect for life, family, and religious liberty, and located at 19 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 603, Chicago, IL 60603.
Wayne Cox
April 7, 2018
Wayne Cox, 46, of Pace, FL, passed away in a tragic accident on Saturday, March 31, 2018.
He had a love and passion for fishing and hunting that he shared with his best friend, his wife Lisa. He took part in many tournament trails and was proud to be a pro-staff member of Blazer Boats, Big Bite Baits, Bass Pro Shops, and many others. The friends he made along the way were numerous and meant so much to him. He spent his career in the HVAC industry. When not working or fishing, Wayne enjoyed spending time with the grandkids, friends, and family and loving on his big boy Rosco who completely adored him. Wayne carried a large presence and boisterous personality, and if he wanted to, he could put a smile on anyone’s face. He will be sorely missed by anyone lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Cox, step-daughter, Vanessa Leger (Jason), grandchildren, Emory, Adeline, Isla, Olive, and Everett, father, Jack Cox (Pat), mother, Gail Cox, brother, Bobby Cox (Bobbie Sue), sister, April, nieces, Courtney, Haley, and Alexis, mother-in-law, Bertha Blacksher, brothers-in-law, Dale (Dianna) and David (Roxanne), sisters-in-law, Carol (Bruce) and Teresa (Brian), and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Catch A Dream Foundation or Cast For Kids Foundation.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 1:00 p.m.
No Injuries On Loaded School Bus In Highway 29 Wreck
April 6, 2018
No one was injured on an Escambia County School bus crash Friday afternoon on Highway in Cantonment.
There were 40 students from Jim Allen Elementary School on bus, according to Deputy School Superintendent Norm Ross. No serious injuries were reported in the passenger car that was struck by the bus. Both vehicles were moved off the roadway following the crash.
Parents and guardians of the students on Bus 19-15 were notified of the crash.
Further details have not yet been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Highway Worker Struck And Killed On Highway 29; Century Woman Seriously Injured
April 6, 2018
A highway worker was struck and killed by a vehicle Friday afternoon on Highway 29 near Siglar Road, north of McDavid.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 60-year old Sharon Odom of Century was southbound on Highway 29 when her 2006 Ford Mustang traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder, colliding with worker Maceo A. Perkins, 41, of Pensacola and an unoccupied Dodge Ram truck that was off the roadway.
Odom was trapped in her vehicle and was extricated by firefighters before being airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with serious injuries. Perkins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All charges are pending the outcome of a traffic homicide investigation, according to FHP.
Perkins reportedly worked for Broadspectrum, a contractor for the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT was unable to provide information late Friday afternoon on the nature of the work being performed.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Meth Baggies Float: McDavid Man Busted After Diving Into Creek
April 6, 2018
A McDavid man learned an important lesson this week — plastic baggies of meth float if you jump into a creek while running from the cops.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Highway 97A just east of Dan Hall Road after receiving a report of an unresponsive male and female parked under a bridge. They arrived to find a female sunbathing on the ground behind a black Chevrolet Impala and male behind the wheel. When the man, later identified as 44-year old William Hall of McDavid, spotted deputies, he ran toward the creek and dove into the water, according to an arrest report.
A deputy watched Hall treading below water level as he reached towards his pockets. After Hall complied with an order to show his hands, the deputy said he watched as two plastic baggies floated to the water surface. Hall began to swim back to the deputy and attempt to push the plastic baggies way from him, the report states.
A deputy positioned on the bridge above the creek said he observed Hall remove something from his pockets and the plastic baggies float to the surface. Deputies were able to use a local resident’s boat to retrieve the baggies from the water. The substance in the baggies test positive for methamphetamine. Deputies also reported finding a burnt glass pipe in plain view in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Hall was charged with possession of methamphetamine, destruction of evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $11,000.
The female was not charged with any crime.
Second Century Man Arrested For Armed Home Invasion
April 6, 2018
A second Century man has been charged in connection with a local home invasion robbery with a firearm back in January.
Gregory Lavone Williams, 52, was charged this week with first degree felony home invasion with a firearm and misdemeanor criminal mischief with property damage.
Kendrick Jamar Washington, 29, was previously charged with first degree felony home invasion and aggravated assault
Washington allegedly knocked on the female victim’s door about 4 a.m. while dressed in a dark colored hoodie and camouflage pants. As she was closing the door, he pulled the door back and shoved the female backwards, according to an arrest report, with both men entering the home. Washington then allegedly pulled a gun and pointed it the victim’s face while demanding money. Washington allegedly took the cash and headed it to Williams before both men ran out the front door.
The victim told deputies she had about $1,500 in her purse because she worked as a cocktail waitress at Wind Creek Casino in Atmore and she had cashed her check there but not yet deposited it into the bank.
Williams remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $75,000, while Washington is being held without bond.
Owl Rescued From Tangled Fishing Line Is Released Back Into The Wild
April 6, 2018
A barred owl — better known as a hoot owl — rescued near Century back in January has been released back into the wild.
The female owl was successfully rehabilitated and released near Walnut Hill on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com first brought you the story about the owl on January 28, the morning after it was found hanging by a wing that was tangled in fishing line at Salter’s Lake. After being rescued by a group of local residents, the owl was picked up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and transported to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.
Ben Preston, David Preston, Ross Daughdrill, Lakelynn Parker and Tammy Parker were hunting when Ben Preston went out to retrieve a duck that had fallen into a wooded area. He came upon the owl hanging from the fishing line. They covered the owl with a bag while the fishing line was cut. Ben and Lakelynn wrapped the owl in Ben’s jacket and put him in their boat.
They called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a FWC officer met them at the Salter’s Lake Boat Ramp to pick up the owl.
The FWC warns that that monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks can snag and entangle birds, sea turtles and manatees, leading to injury and even death.
“People can prevent injury and death to wildlife by committing to stop litter of tackle and monofilament line,” said FWC biologist Ricardo Zambrano.
Tackle should be checked frequently for frayed line that may easily break. Unwanted or damaged line should be stored safely and securely until it can be placed in a recycling bin. The FWC urges those outdoors to pick up, secure and appropriate dispose of any fishing line they may see.
Photos by Ross Daughdrill and Tammy Parker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students Of The Month
April 6, 2018
Ernest Ward Middle School has named students of the month for February and March.
February students of the month are: Jaquez Moorer, sixth grade; Madison Rowinsky, seventh grade; and Naveah Brown, eighth grade (pictured above, L-R).
March students of the month are: Isabella Sanders, sixth grade; Zacharie Jones , seventh grade; and Khiazhia Jones, eighth grade (pictured above, L-R).
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Outside Westbound Exit Lane Reopens On I-10 At Highway 29
April 6, 2018
The I-10 westbound outside travel lane near Highway 29 interchange (Exit 10 – Pensacola/Cantonment) is now open, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.