Chafic Ibrahim Atallah
June 15, 2023
Chafic Ibrahim Atallah, 93, was peacefully ushered into glory at 11:57 a.m., on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from his home in Byrneville, Florida, surrounded by his family.
Chafic Atallah’s life exemplified his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, believing in the resurrection and eternal life with his Savior.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of fifty-three years, Mona; his sister, Florence; his son Nadim (Carol) and their children Anthony and Maya; and his son Raja (Angela) and their children Adrianna, Madeleine, Ayden, and Amahl; and his many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Shafika Daou.
Chafic was born on December 26, 1929, in Beirut, Lebanon, to his late parents Ibrahim and Franjieh Atallah. He grew up in his family mountain village Adonis, in the Byblos region.
Chafic joined Arabia Insurance Company as a late teen out of high school and worked there until retirement, fifty-three years later. Having already learned French and Syriac besides his native Arabic language, Chafic also had to learn his fourth language English for his insurance job. He worked his way up to become the manager of the company’s largest department, marine insurance, with multiple branches throughout the Middle East. For his dedication and services for the company, he received the Nishan, an award for the highest distinction.
Chafic was a war survivor who had to cross dangerous war zones to get to his work; on many occasions, he dealt with active shootings, snipers, and bombings. His faith in God remained strong; he would answer those who expressed concern about his dangerous route, “My faith is my weapon.”
Outside of his work, he served as an elder at his Brethren church and was on the board of directors for Manarah Society (a Christian bookstore organization). He enjoyed traveling around the world, playing backgammon and ping pong, and cooking.
Chafic’s notably kind heart and sacrificial love were evident to all who knew him. He lived in peace with everyone; others’ happiness brought him contentment. His life consistently exhibited the joy of the Lord no matter the circumstances and challenges.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 10:00-10:50 a.m., at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, 1322 South Main Street, Atmore, AL. A funeral service will follow on June 17, at 11:00 a.m., also at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Pastor Gene King officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Virginia Annette Brooks
June 15, 2023
Virginia Annette Brooks age 86 of Century passed away peacefully at home in Bluff Springs on Sunday, June 4th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years Clinton ‘Curly’ Brooks Sr., a daughter Mary Brooks, and 2 infant children Barbara and Billy, and one Grandson Cody Gafford.
She is survived by 4 children, Michael (Jeannie) Brooks of Kentucky, Clinton Everette Brooks Jr. of Century, Phyllis Brooks of Flomaton, and Rebecka (Daniel) Kelley of Milton. 5 Grandchildren, Richard (Angela) James of Washington, Michael Burkett of Flomaton, Morgan (Brandon) Meredith of Kentucky, Tara Gafford of Flomaton and Kaitlyn Kelley of Milton. As well as 5 great-grandchildren Alex, Ian, Amber, Carter, and Mollie. She is also survived by those who loved her dearly and while not technically family were special friends, Kathy Petersen, Cathy Maxwell, Kimmie Fretwell, Betty Watson, and Jeane Nolen. Along with her numerous friends in the Christian Singles group whom she held dear in her heart.
Annette was never one to seek out the spotlight but had the ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She could make anyone feel comfortable and cared for. She enjoyed her family, her animals, her garden, her friends, crocheting, cooking, and canning, and was always thinking of others first and herself last. Her beauty and gentle kindness were a blessing to all, even those she never met but still cared for through her acts of kindness. Her passing has left all who knew her in mourning, yet we mourn for us because we no longer have her here, we do not mourn for her soul, we know she was welcomed home to Heaven and is rejoicing with loved ones until we can all be together again.
A memorial service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the Annette Brooks Memorial account has been established at Navy Federal Credit Union.
Adam Lynn Jordan
June 15, 2023
Adam Lynn Jordan of Pace, Florida passed away June 3, 2023 at the age of 35. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 19, 1987 to James Jordan and Virginia Kay Young Jordan.
Adam owned and operated his own business working in pressure washing, remodeling and painting of homes. He was a true handyman. He also worked for Accelerated Construction and Four-Star Drywall. He had a passion for being on the water, boating and fishing. Adam loved being around his children, riding dirt bikes and go-karts. He also loved drawing and carving pictures into wood.
Adam is preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Jordan; grandmothers, Edith Brock and Marion Kidwell; uncles, Leonard “Lenny” Jordan and John Thomas Jordan; and aunt, Brenda Jordan.
He is survived by his life partner of 18 years, Danielle Petrillo; daughters, Alyssa Jordan and Alora Jordan; son, Kobi Jordan; father, James Jordan; mother, Virginia Jordan; brothers, Mitchell Young, James Edward Jordan Jr., Justin Jordan, and Brandon (Sherry) Jordan; cousins, Samantha Hedges, Michelle Johnson, Brandy Jordan, Len Jordan, Chris Jordan, Tim Jordan, and Donald Jordan; nephews, Trenton Jordan and Tony Hedges; nieces, Kayla Chaffee, Madelyn Jordan, Victoria Hedges, and Taygen Hedges; along with many more family members; and friends, Chante, Wade and Devin McNeal.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Charles Givens officiating.
The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. prior to service.
Jerry Del Bardin
June 15, 2023
Jerry Del Bardin, of Chipley, FL passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023. He was born in Pensacola, FL on August 20, 1976, to Deborah P. Booker and Arthur D. Bardin, Jr. Jerry was employed in Logistics for Capstone Logistics LLC. He had a bachelor’s degree in theology from Emmaus Baptist College (formerly Florida Baptist Institute and Seminary). Jerry had a passion for helping others, listening to music, singing, and playing guitar. He also enjoyed kayaking and fishing. Jerry loved his family, friends, country, and God. Jerry has given the gift of life to two individuals by kidney transplant.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Arthur D. Bardin, Jr.; grandfathers, Edward L. Parker and Arthur D. Bardin, Sr.; grandmother, Audrey Gilley Waller; biological father, Charles D. Skipper; and uncles, Phillip Bardin, Ronny, Allen, and Timmy Skipper.
Jerry is survived by his mother and stepfather, Deborah and Will Booker; sister, Paula S. Norman; aunts, Barbara Merritt (Jessie), Becky Joseph (Kenny), Brenda Parker, Patricia Price (Jeff), Karen Strader (Mark) and Debbie Skipper; uncles, Greg Bardin and Keith Skipper; nieces and numerous cousins; girlfriend, Shawn Williams; and two lifelong friends, Danny Jones and Charlie Hazelwood.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10:30 a.m.
Galen Charles Walker
June 15, 2023
Galen Charles Walker, age 74, of Atmore, AL passed away on June 9, 2023. He was born on April 21, 1949 in Battles Wharf, AL to Gladwin Charles and Nora Vinson Walker. Galen was a tug boat captain for most of his career. He worked along-with his father at Walker Towing Company and later worked for almost thirty years with Parker Towing Company. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Penny Vickery Walker; his children, Chuck (Lee) Walker of Robinsonville, AL, Chad Walker of Fairhope, AL and Carrie (Michael) Turberville of Perdido, AL; his siblings, Larry (Barbara) Rook of White House Fork, AL, Terry Walker of Summerdale, AL and Don (Lisa) Walker of Gulf Shores, AL; his eight grandchildren, Blake Walker, Clay Walker, Kaitlyn Walker, Ella Walker, Avery Walker, Jessie Turberville, Samantha Turberville, and Bentley Turberville; his six great grandchildren along with many friends and family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
PSC Approves FPL Rate Decrease Beginning With July Bills
June 14, 2023
Florida Power & Light customers could soon see a rate reduction on their electric bills due to lower than expected natural gas costs.
Tuesday, the Florida Public Service Commission approved an additional $359 million reduction to FPL’s 2023 fuel costs.
A reduction of approximately $256 million will be applied to customer bills from July to December 2023. The remaining $103 million reduction will be applied to FPL’s 2024 fuel cost recovery factors.
Beginning in July, an FPL residential customer bill in Northwest Florida for a typical 1,000 kWh usage will decrease $3.95 from $158.86 to $154.91.
“We are committed to keeping bills as low as possible for our customers,” Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of FPL, said. “With fuel prices moderating, we are pleased to pass along additional savings to our customers. We also encourage our customers to use FPL’s free tools to save energy and make their bills even lower.”
Utilities do not earn a profit on fuel charges. The fuel and capacity cost component of customers’ bills is set for each calendar year, but mid-course corrections are used when a utility’s costs increase or decrease significantly in the interim.
IP To Award $63,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits. Here’s How To Apply.
June 14, 2023
The International Paper Pensacola Mill has announced that it will be awarding a total of $63,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2023.
International Paper Pensacola Mill recognizes the vital role non-profit organizations play in addressing critical needs within the local communities. Through these grants, organizations will be able to fund new projects and programs that align with IP’s signature causes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
To apply for these grants, non-profit organizations are invited to submit their applications until Tuesday, July 11. Interested parties can access the application form at www.ipgiving.com.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “We are committed to supporting organizations that share our vision of creating positive change and improving the lives of individuals.”
The International Paper Foundation focuses on making sustainable investments that address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Grants are awarded based on signature causes.
Signature causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact.
For more information about grant guidelines, contact Fike at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Man Charged With Battery On Girlfriend After Cantonment Disturbance
June 14, 2023
An Atmore man has been charged in connection with Cantonment disturbance involving his girlfriend.
Andrew Hank Stabler, 30, was charged with battery and felony criminal mischief.
On Sunday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at the Circle K on Highway 29 at West Roberts Road. The victim told deputies that she became involved in an argument with Stabler, her boyfriend, at an unknown address on Frank Ard Road. She said she agreed to give him a ride to his residence off Copper Ridge Drive.
The victim said Stabler began to use his fist and head to hit the dashboard and radio in the vehicle, a 2019 Dodge Charger, before grabbing her back the neck and telling her “he was going to kill her while she was driving”, according to an arrest report.
The damage to the vehicle dash and radio was estimated at $1,500.
Stabler denied striking the victim, instead telling deputies that the victim hit him in the face, and he denied damaging the vehicle ,the report states.
When deputies contacted Stabler at his residence, he had a laceration above his right eye and on his hand near his knuckles, injuries that were “consistent with the damage that was done to the vehicle”, according to an arrest report.
Stabler was released from jail Tuesday night on a $3,000 bond.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch; Winds Up To 85 Mph, Large Hail, Tornadoes Possible
June 14, 2023
There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 p.m. These severe storms will be capable of producing destructive winds up to 85 mph, hail up to two inches in size, and a few tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with heavy rain. High near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Juneteenth: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Plan Ahead: Most Government Offices Closed Monday For Juneteenth
June 14, 2023
Most Escambia County offices and facilities and Century offices will be closed Monday in observance of the federal Juneteenth holiday.
TOWN OF CENTURY
All Town of Century offices will be closed.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
The following Escambia County offices will be closed on June 19, 2023.
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - all departments including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- ECAT administrative offices
Open On Monday/Exceptions
- ECAT will run current weekday service Monday, June 19. UWF trolleys will not run. Regular service will resume Tuesday, June 20.
- The Clerk’s Official Records, Finance, Treasury and Clerk to the Board offices located at 221 Palafox Place will be closed. The Clerk’s Century office located at 7500 N. Century Blvd. will also be closed. All other Clerk’s offices located at the MC Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Juvenile Building and Public Records Center will be open.
- The Perdido Landfill will be open with regular hours Monday, June 19.