Timothy “Moe” Kelley, Sr.
February 9, 2021
Mr. Timothy “Moe” Kelley, Sr., age 60, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at his home in McDavid, Florida.
Mr. Kelley was born in Pensacola, Florida and had resided in McDavid, Florida all of his life. Tim “Moe” was a 1978 graduate of Century High School. He was a pipe insulator with Vintage Petroleum and retired with 20 plus years of service. He loved fishing, golfing, boating, outdoors, doing yard work and Sunday dinner at Mom and Dad’s. He was a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Brown Kelley and second wife, Rhonda Dixon Kelley.
He is survived by his parents, Clyde “Buck” and Glenda Kelley of McDavid, FL; one son, Lee Kelley, Jr. of McDavid, FL; two daughters, Lindsey Kelley of McDavid, FL and Parish (Joshua) Harrell of Bogia, FL; one brother, Brenton Kelley of Bogia, FL; two sisters, Ellen (Darryl) Sims of Bogia, FL and Beverly (Mike) Digmon of McDavid, FL; two grandchildren, Piper Harrell and Rosemary Strachan and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Brown officiating.
Burial will follow at the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 9:00 AM until service time at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Mike Digmon, Joshua Harrell, Brenton Kelley, Cody Roberson, Daniel Kelley and Colton Sims.
The family has requested social distancing and mask.
Elder John J. Johnson Sr.
February 9, 2021
Elder John J. Johnson Sr. was born to the late Reverend Asey Johnson and Bertha Lee Small in Swifton, Arkansas on March 19, 1944. He was the oldest boy of nine children. His family moved to Ruskins, Fl. and then finally settled in the Pensacola area. He attended school in Escambia County.
After completing high school, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served 5 years in various duty stations. Most notably he served in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. During his service, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He incurred an injury to his back and right leg during a parachute jump. He was then honorably discharged in 1970.
He worked for Escambia County in the capacity of a Refuge Control Officer. He also worked many years as a Heavy Equipment Specialist. He later owned and operated Success in Friends Diversified Services, specializing in transportation and individual income tax preparation.
In 1970, John met the love of his life, Loretta Walton Bathay and they were united in Holy Matrimony on November 10, 1972.
He received three commissions, the 3rd one with Ward’s Temple AFM Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Donice Brown where he remained until his passing. As an elder, his passion for ministry led him to serve his church and the community in any capacity he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Asey Johnson and Bertha Lee Small, siblings Cora Lee Johnson, Victor Johnson and Lena Averhart and grandson Julius Johnson-Rich.
He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving wife Loretta Johnson, son Stuart M. Johnson of Hillsborough, North Carolina, son Julius C. (Simone) Rich of Slidell, Louisiana, son John J. Johnson Jr. of Pensacola, Florida, godson Kenneth (Zelma) Clarke of Anchorage, Alaska and goddaughter Rosie (Troy) Williams of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a loving grandfather to grandsons Scorpio White, Justin (Bianca) Johnson-Rich, Caleb Klag and to great grandchildren: Grace, Amia, Jayden and Jashiah. Additionally, he is survived by siblings Francis Dixon of Atlanta, Georgia, Bertha Simpson of Pensacola, Florida, Shirley Huff of Pensacola, Florida, Ernestine (Herman) Broughton of Pensacola Florida and Ruth Walker, of Tampa, Florida. A special sister Dorothy Underwood Simmons. Brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Lois Madison, Patsy Craft, Brenda (Thomas) Casey, Betty Hogans, Gerry (Russell) Hinds, Alice (Paul) Everett, Jerry (Miriam) Hale, Thomas (Vanessa) Hale, Veronica Albert, Zethie Hale, Elizabeth Hale, Timothy (Aletha) Hale and Johnnie (Bonnie) Walton. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as Ward’s Temple family and friends, with life-long friends, Jack and Ruth Butler.
Funeral services to be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bishop Donice Brown officiating.
Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL.
The family will receive friends from 3PM to 5PM on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Ward’s Temple AFM Church of God Widow’s Fund at: P.O. Box 941, Cantonment, FL, 32533
Tessie Althia Kimmons
February 9, 2021
Mrs. Tessie Althia Kimmons, age 45, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Kimmons was born in Tennessee, former resident of the Century and Flomaton area and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 16 years. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her mother, Al Godwin; father, Marvin E. Kimmons, II; grandparents, Buck and Annie Godwin and sister, Miranda Kimmons.
Given all she had endured she always seemed to have a smile on her face, that smile gave away the goodness in her heart. Mom had a lot of hurt inside of her. But she truly loved everyone and she knew we loved her back. She was a blessing in disguise; she taught me things like what love is not. She led a hard life. She taught me that I can be a good person, a good mom, but mostly it’s that life is too short. To love who you have while you have them and if you have animosity with a loved one let it go. I’m glad she can rest now and be at peace with our other loved ones.
I love and miss my sister already; she would do without to make sure others had, even though she didn’t have much herself. I love you Tess. Love Pvine.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Psalms 103:8.
She is survived by her two daughters, Nikki (Lance) Payne of Molino, FL and Savannah Hart of Molino, FL; three brothers, Marvin “Pvine” Kimmons, Bradley Kimmons and David Kimmons and two grandchildren, Collin Little and Willow Little.
Funeral service will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. James Gay officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pugh’s Chapel Cemetery in Molino, Florida.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Marvin Earl “Pvine” Kimmons, David Kimmons, Bradley Kimmons, Lance Little and Trent Little.
Willard (Bill) Wood Caine, Jr.
February 9, 2021
Willard (Bill) Wood Caine, Jr., 78, went to be with Jesus on February 7th, 2021. He was born here in Pensacola on November 20th, 1942 to Florence Estelle Higdon Caine and Willard Wood Caine, Sr. both now deceased. Bill grew up in a very religious family. He accepted the Lord as his Savior when he was a young boy.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen Jo Mason Caine, two sons, Todd Eugene Caine and Dean William Caine. Two grandchildren, Joseph Mason Caine and Melia Shea Caine. Three great grandchildren, Mason Lee Caine, Kinsleigh Jo Caine and Ah’Niah La’Shay Caine Smith A brother, Jerry (Sharon) Caine and sister Margaret (Scott) Jerauld. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by another sister, Carolyn Gideons.
Bill retired from Gulf Power Company in 1999 after 38 years, his last position with the company was as a supervisor at the Crist Steam Plant. He was well respected and liked in his workplace. Bill was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of the Gravel Creek Hunting Club in Camden, Alabama, where he served as their president and was known as “Cotton”. He passed his knowledge of hunting on to his son Dean and grandson Joey. Many club members have benefited from his knowledge of the land they were hunting on. He was an excellent cook which the club members can attest to. Every spring he labored making a huge garden for his family which he also shared with his friends and neighbors. He was a kind and generous, level headed man who will be missed by many. He fought a hard battle with Covid but Covid won.
Visitation will be February 12th at 10AM followed by a celebration of his life at 11AM at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy. 29, Cantonment, Fl. 32533..Following this service there will be a graveside service at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery, 3351 Scenic Hwy. #90 E Pensacola, Fl. 32503
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International at gideons.org
Alabama Police Chase Ends In Florida With Fire, Kidnapping Arrest
February 8, 2021
A stolen vehicle and police chase out of Atmore ended with a fire and a kidnapping arrest in Florida Sunday night.
Brandon Kieth Sheppard, 18, was charged with two felony counts of false imprisonment (kidnapping), one count of a felony false imprisonment (kidnapping) domestic violence related, one felony count of resisting arrest with violence, one count of resisting arrest without violence and possession of a stolen vehicle in Escambia County, Florida. He remained in the Escambia County Jail in Pensacola without bond.
Sheppard allegedly stole a pickup truck from an Atmore gas station Sunday night and later picked up three girls from an Atmore motel. They were unaware the truck was stolen, according to Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks. Atmore Police spotted the truck on Florida Highway in Alabama and gave chase onto Florida continuing at a high rate of speed for several miles in both Florida and Alabama.
The truck slowed and one of the the girls jumped from the truck near Hollingsworth Road in Nokomis (FL).
During the pursuit, Sheppard drove into a Florida field off Jones Road along the state line in Nokomis.
Sheppard refused to exit the vehicle and was holding the two teens against their will, according to the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’ Office. After several minutes passed, the two females exited the truck and ran toward officers unharmed, Brooks said.
“He continued to try to accelerate there in the field but was stuck in the mud and going nowhere,” said Amber Southard, ECSO spokesperson. After trying to get the vehicle out of the mud for about 45 minutes, the pickup truck began to smoke and eventually caught fire.
Sheppard exited the truck and tried to flee on foot but was captured by deputies, Southard said.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze about 9:20 p.m.
Once released in Florida, Sheppard is expected to face a charge of theft of property first degree in Alabama.
Sheppard provided a residential address in Gilbert, South Carolina, at the time of his address.
Here Is Escambia County’s Vaccine Distribution Plan For The Week, And How To Register
February 8, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has announced this week’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
Vaccines allocated by the state are being distributed through county health departments, which are receiving an allocation based on their county’s percentage of Florida’s over-65 population. FDOH-Escambia received an allocation of 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine for the week.
The doses will be distributed as follows:
- Ascension Sacred Heart: 500 doses
- Baptist Health Care: 500 doses
- Community Health Northwest Florida: 800 doses
- FDOH-Escambia: 500 doses
- West Florida Hospital: 200 doses
Some appointments will be scheduled using the statewide preregistration system. FDOH-Escambia and partner organizations are in the process of contacting individuals to schedule appointments, do not contact the providers directly for these appointments.
To register, Escambia County residents age 65 and over can call the state preregistration number at (866) 201-1025 or register online at myvaccine.fl.gov. The state has established a help line at (833) 959-0217 for those who need to make changes to their original preregistration.
Residents who previously completed FDOH-Escambia’s online interest form do not need to call or email to confirm their registration. Those registrations have been transferred to the new state system.
Ruth Carol Whitney
February 8, 2021
Mrs. Ruth Carol Whitney, age 77, of Flomaton, AL, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Whitney was a native of Standish, ME, and a resident of Flomaton for 24 years coming from Parsonsfield, ME. She was a member of the Phithian Sisters, the American Legion and the Grange Association in Maine. She loved her farm animals and enjoyed her crafts. Mrs. Whitney was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church and she preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Whitney, Sr.
She is survived by her children, Raymond R. (Jodi) Whitney, Jr. of Flomaton, AL, Gary (Kimberly) Whitney of Adolphus, KY; daughters, Lori Blake of Oklahoma City, OK, Lisa Whitney of Flomaton, AL, Georgia Ford of Flomaton, AL; brothers, Philip Smith of Vermont, George W. (Judy) Smith, Jr. of Jasper, AL, Harold E. (Robin) Nason of Standish, ME, Norman E. Smith of Lewiston, ME; sisters, Dorothy Dyer of Maine, Cora (Ronnie) Woods of Phoenix, AL, Mary Nason of Jay, ME, Sally (Dana) Smith of Auburn, ME, Cindy Nason of Sanford, ME, Terrie Smith of Indiana, Sharon Smith of California, Norma (Jeff) Willis of Gorhum, ME; 18 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held by Mrs. Whitney’s family at a later date.
ECUA Replacing Over 15,000 Blue Cans In North Escambia
February 8, 2021
Are you an ECUA customer with a blue garbage can? If so, it’s time for a replacement can.
On Tuesday, ECUA will begin replacing the over 15,000 blue cans still being using in North Escambia. The cans were a part of the Allied Waste service area that ECUA took over in January 2009.
It is expected to take three or four weeks to complete the can switch. ECUA customers are asked to leave their cans out at the curb after this week’s pick up as crews will be working each day to expedite the replacement process. Cans that already have the ECUA logo are not included in this effort.
ECUA customers will not be charged for their new can.
The replacement cans are not a new expenditure for ECUA. The cans were used for ECUA service in Santa Rosa County, which came to an end on December 31. 2020.
NorthEscambia.com file graphic.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
February 8, 2021
Ransom Middle School has named their January Students of the Month. They are seventh grader Alinson Crawford and eighth grader Ellen Rigby. Photos for NorthEscambia.com. click to enlarge.
Rain Returns Overnight Monday And Into Tuesday
February 8, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 66. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.