John Douglas McMurphy
December 15, 2023
“Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea…” This was the heart cry of John Douglas McMurphy. He was called to his Heavenly Home on December 13, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. To walk with Jesus leads to a
lifestyle of service. John was born December 11, 1944, in Atmore, Alabama where he resided his entire life.
John served his country in the Army National Guard, he served as a deacon, and he served his family by providing for them and leading them. He served his friends by offering them time. Whether they were sitting around talking
about classic cars, farming, enjoying good food and Alabama Football, or just taking an afternoon drive, John excelled in relationships. He invested in his family starting with his siblings and his children to his grandchildren. He
loved well and was very well-loved.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph McMurphy, Jr., and Annie Lois Glass McMurphy and his brother, William Joseph “Bill” McMurphy, IV.
He is survived by his daughters, Heather (Brian) Deason of Tuscaloosa, AL and Holly (Steven) Brewer of Tuscaloosa, AL; his brother, William Joseph “Joe” (Toni) McMurphy, III of Atmore, AL; his grandchildren, Hannah
McMurphy, McKenzie Brewer and Anna Lois McMurphy, nephews and nieces.
The family will receive visitors at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., with a graveside service following at 3:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, Alabama. Pastor Randy Beard will
preside over the service.
Active pallbearers will be Steven Brewer, Brian Deason, Chad McMurphy, Justin McMurphy, Turner McMurphy and Paul Thomas.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Century Approves ‘Shape’ Plan For New $3 Million Carver Community Center
December 14, 2023
In April 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century to renovate two community centers.
One is the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 West Jefferson Avenue. The former school building was constructed in 1945. Due to advanced termite damage and deterioration, it will be razed and replaced with a new structure.
This week, the town council took a big step by choosing a basic “shape” for the building. The state won’t allow the grant to be used to mirror the existing historic building exactly in order to avoid confusion in the history books.
Architect Ben Townes will now go to work on a final layout for the interior of the building.
The remainder of the grant awarded by DeSantis, about $850,000, was designated for improvements at the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard. Project consultant Robin Phillips said those funds will likely be diverted to the Carver Community Center due to unanticipated and drastic increases in construction costs.
A new Carver Community Center will pay homage to the existing structure.
Pictured top: The preliminary “shape” plan approved by the Century Town Council for a new Carver Community Center. The rejected plans are below. NorthEscambia.com graphics/photos, click to enlarge.
Mid 40s Tonight; Showers For the Weekend
December 14, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 61. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
All Star High School Football Game Is Friday Night
December 14, 2023
It’s East vs. West as local high school seniors battle to see who’s the best in the Pensacola Sports’ High School All-Star Series Football Game! This event showcases top players from Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia County High Schools. Student athletes are nominated by their coaches and every player gets a chance to shine in their final high school game. Join us for an unforgettable night of football talent and community spirit.
- What: Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series Football
- When: Dec. 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Booker T. Washington High School
- Tickets: $10 general admission and $5 for students - Tickets available here
2023 All-Star Football – West Team
- PHS DeQuan Gaddy OLB/CB
- Northview Wyatt Scruggs DB/WR
- Northview Joe Wright V MLB/RB
- Northview Devin Kelly CB/WR/RB
- Escambia Santwon Burnside Slot/RB
- Escambia Tadarius Wright DB/WR
- Escambia Trevion Killette DB/WR
- Escambia Lillas Legree DL/OL
- Escambia Anthony Hall QB
- Pine Forest Corey Odoms OL
- Escambia Cam Mayo WR/DB
- Escambia Lejon Williams LB
- Escambia Jaylon Harris LB
- Escambia Messiah Everheart DE/DT
- Escambia Ryan McVay DE/DT
- Escambia Josh Jackson WR/DB
- Escambia Jashawn Williams OL
- Washington Kendrick Burrell TE/WR
- Washington Connor Johnson OL
- Washington Aveon Riley DL
- Washington James Brown RB/SLOT
- Catholic Ryland Bragg OL
- Catholic Desjon Robertson DT
- Catholic Turner McLaughlin LB
- Catholic Cortney Clark DE/TE,H
- Catholic Jacob Lacour OL
- West Florida John Nicholas QB
- West Florida Tre Knott Corner/S
- West Florida Logan Weeks Center/G.T
- West Florida Cole Willis K/P
- West Florida Marquez Jones RB/KO
- Tate Edward Obrien TE
- Tate Jackson Clarke K/P
- Tate Andre Colston RB
- Tate Clayton Philly OLB
- Tate Labron Baldwin OG
- Tate Trey Edwards OT
- Tate Jaxson Moore C
- Tate Jayvon Lenius CB
- Tate Nathan Shimek SS
- Northview Jacob Spence TE/OL
- Northview DJ Lions DL
- Washington Luke Sate
2023 All-Star Football – East Roster
- Crestview Maddox Reeves DT/OL
- Crestview Michael Foley C/OL
- Crestview Braden Hood DB/WR
- Crestview Isaiah Brooks OT/OG
- Crestview Ahmad Thomas DB
- FWB Bam Davis LB
- FWB Jeremiah Norman C
- FWB Eric Scott DL/OL
- Baker Dustin Clark OL/C/3T
- Jay Brock Stout RB/CB
- Jay Eli Stephens OL/DL
- Jay Tucker Nowling WR
- Pace Jackson Ward LB
- Pace Chase Taylor LB
- Pace Brayden Gates FS
- Pace Carson Wright SS/WR
- Gulf Breeze Gavin Quenneville S/WR
- Gulf Breeze Luke Denby C/G/T
- Gulf Breeze Shamane Walker DL/DT
- Navarre Hunter Pfiester QB
- Navarre Charlie Cottrell Center
- Navarre Braydon Brown TE/H
- Navarre Nate Hanson WR
- Navarre Jaxson Spalla OL
- Navarre Cameron Pollard OL
- 2023 All-Star Football – East Roster
- Crestview Maddox Reeves DT/OL
- Crestview Michael Foley C/OL
- Crestview Braden Hood DB/WR
- Crestview Isaiah Brooks OT/OG
- Crestview Ahmad Thomas DB
- FWB Bam Davis LB
- FWB Jeremiah Norman C
- FWB Eric Scott DL/OL
- Baker Dustin Clark OL/C/3T
- Jay Brock Stout RB/CB
- Jay Eli Stephens OL/DL
- Jay Tucker Nowling WR
- Pace Jackson Ward LB
- Pace Chase Taylor LB
- Pace Brayden Gates FS
- Pace Carson Wright SS/WR
- Gulf Breeze Gavin Quenneville S/WR
- Gulf Breeze Luke Denby C/G/T
- Gulf Breeze Shamane Walker DL/DT
- Navarre Hunter Pfiester QB
- Navarre Charlie Cottrell Center
- Navarre Braydon Brown TE/H
- Navarre Nate Hanson WR
- Navarre Jaxson Spalla OL
- Navarre Cameron Pollard OL
- Choctaw Jesse Winsletter QB
- Milton Malik Cobb RB
- Milton London Snellgrove DL
- Choctaw Jashawn Armstrong OLB
- Choctaw Jonathan Boyd Safety
- Choctaw Justin Whidbee Safety/P
- Rocky Bayou Gideon Rossell RB/OLB
- Rocky Bayou Cam DeWitt ILB/TE
- Milton Kaden French LB
- Milton Manuel Kimmons DL
- Milton Jamarion Hadnot DL
- Milton Jaydon Leverett WR
- Milton Ethan Diamond QB
- Milton Landon Pulliam K/P
- Milton Carson Wolfe OLB
- Niceville D.J. Robinson RB/LB
- Niceville Landon Campbell C/DL
- Niceville D.J. Shorts RB/LB
Ransom Middle Names Holiday Student Of The Month
December 14, 2023
Seventh grader Vincent Robinson was named the Ransom Middle School Holiday Student of the Month. Phoo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man On Scooter, Struck And Killed By Motorcycle Wednesday Night
December 14, 2023
A 63-year old Escambia County man crossing the roadway with a scooter was struck and killed by a motorcycle Wednesday night.
It happened shortly after 8 p.m. near the intersection of Beverly Parkway and Concordia Boulevard. The Florida Highway Patrol said a motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on the eastbound lane of Beverly Parkwa as the man walking his scooter north. The motorcyclist struck the man with the scooter. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. The 29-year old motorcyclist was transported to Baptist Hospital with critical injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
Escambia Notice Of Elections Arriving In Postal Mailboxes
December 14, 2023
Escambia County voters should are receiving the 2024 Notice of Elections in their postal mailboxes this week.
The notices were mailed to all active voters and include information on the three statewide elections being held next year, the three different ways to vote, and how to update a voter signature.
Gov. Ivey Discusses Alabama’s Expanding Broadband Infrastructure During Atmore Event
December 14, 2023
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday completed the third stop on her broadband tour at Atmore Community Hospital in Escambia County. She discussed the importance of high-speed internet in allowing Alabamians to access telehealth services, while highlighting the progress being made in broadband projects in both Escambia and Baldwin counties, as well as across the state.
“Broadband availability is not just for our convenience – it is a lifeline, particularly evident in telehealth services. For thousands of Alabamians in rural areas, telehealth bridges the gap to medical facilities, and without broadband, this vital resource remains out of reach for many,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud to say Alabama remains committed to expanding our digital infrastructure, aiming to connect households, businesses and institutions. Our broadband journey continues until every Alabamian has the ability to access high-speed internet.”
At Wednesday’s event, Governor Ivey was joined by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) and Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton).
The speakers addressed the more than $17 million in grant and matching funds committed for broadband projects which will give more than 3,600 currently unserved addresses the ability to be connected in Escambia and Baldwin counties. This will result in over 140 miles of new fiber. Additionally, the overall success of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) was discussed.
ABAF, which is funded by the Alabama Legislature, supports targeted projects in communities in need of high-speed internet access. These funds, awarded by Governor Ivey and managed by ADECA, give internet service providers the ability to execute projects that connect individual households, businesses, community anchor institutions such as libraries and schools, and others to broadband infrastructure.
“When you look at the digital world we live in today, access to broadband infrastructure is just as important, in many ways, as having access to electricity or running water,” said Sen. Albritton. “But for many Alabamians, especially those living in tougher to access, rural areas of our state, getting connected to high-speed internet is difficult and expensive. That’s why the programs we have funded through the legislature are so important, they give internet service providers the support needed to connect these hard-to-reach areas so that no Alabamians are left out. I have been proud to support broadband expansion in my leadership role in the Alabama Senate, and I will continue my work on this issue until all Alabamians have access to the 21st century technologies needed for everyday life.”
Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting more than 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.
“Our continued progress in expanding high-speed internet access would not be possible without a unified team working hard every day to accomplish our state’s broadband goals,” said Director Boswell. “This team includes Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, and others too many to name working together to make sure Alabama residents and Alabama communities have the tools needed to thrive.”
Marvin M. “Doodle” Creamer
December 14, 2023
Marvin M. “Doodle” Creamer, age 94, of Century, FL passed away on December 9, 2023. He was born on August 27, 1929 in Wawbeek, FL to Thomas and Lena Godwin Creamer. He worked in construction most of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ernest Earl Creamer, Sr.; his sister, Georgia Ann Walker and his brother, Hose M. Creamer.
He is survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer Wilson, Junior Creamer, Jeffery Creamer and Joseph Creamer and six great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Bowman Cemetery in Wawbeek, AL with Bro. Faron Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Bowman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for funeral expenses.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Clayton Ward Jr.
December 14, 2023
Mr. Thomas Clayton Ward Jr. age 80 passed away at his residence in Century FL. Wednesday December 13, 2023.
Mr. Ward was a life-long resident of Century FL. and was of the Baptist faith. He was a retired owner/operator of Thomas Ward Trucking, and retired Veteran of The United States Army where he served during the Vietnam era, serving alongside his late brother James L. “Booter” Ward.
In his spare time, Mr. Ward enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren which his love was unsurpassed.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years Kathy Ward of Century FL; stepson Scotty Hagan of Pensacola FL; daughters Debbie (Dennis) Finegan of Green Cove Springs, FL. Karen (Andy) Layton of Milton FL; brother Bennie (Jenny) Ward of Cantonment FL; Sisters Delois Brown of Bratt FL. Joyce Burkett of Byrneville FL. Barbara (Dennis) Kilcrease of Byrneville FL; grandchildren that were the light of his life Andrew (Taylor Hendrieth) Howell, Christina Finegan, Wesley (Brooke) Layton, Ashley Finegan, Delaney Hagan, Ian Hagan; several nieces and nephews, and a friend like family Jeff (Junia) Fisher of Flomaton, AL.
Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his father and mother Thomas Clayton Ward Sr. and Ruby Flowers Muse; first wife Margeret Ann Ward: brothers Byron “Bit” Martin, James L. “Booter” Ward.
Visitation will be held Sunday December 17, 2023, from 1P.M. until 2 P.M. service time at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Clayton Ward Jr. will be held Sunday afternoon December 17, 2023, at 2 P.M. from the chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home with Brother Tim Floyd officiating