Debra Ann Dawkins Ramsey

March 1, 2026

Debra Ann Dawkins Ramsey, 71, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 9, 1954, in Brewton, Alabama, Debra lived a life marked by steadfast faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her. She carried herself with grace, compassion, and a quiet strength rooted deeply in her love for Christ.

Debra was married to Michael Ramsey, with whom she shared the blessing of children, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Michael Ramsey; her children, Ashley (Joseph) Pollard and Stacy Ramsey; her granddaughters, Shelby and Sophia Pollard; her sister, Dianne (Toney) Clements; her dearest cousin, Linda Gale Franklin; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, near and far, all of whom she loved dearly.

Professionally, Debra was a gifted and highly respected seamstress for interior designers and decorators throughout the greater Pensacola area. She worked alongside her mother for many years, learning the art and discipline of the craft, and later took over the business after her mother’s passing. She maintained the highest standards in her work and was known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep pride in the finished product. Every piece she created reflected not only her talent but her integrity and commitment to excellence.

Debra was preceded in death by her father, Ruperd Eugene Dawkins; and her mother, Joy Lindsey Dawkins.

Her life was a testimony of perseverance through an incredibly difficult disease process. Even in suffering, her faith never wavered. She endured with dignity, courage, and an unshakable trust in God, serving as a witness to all who observed her journey. Scripture reminds us in James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Debra lived this promise daily.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her compassionate caregivers at VITAS Hospice, especially Jillian and Shauna, whose kindness, tenderness, and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to Debra in her final days. Their care was a true blessing to our family.

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held on March 8 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at her sister Dianne Clements’ home, located at 1418 Knollwood Drive in Cantonment, Florida. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited. We would love to see everyone as we gather together to honor her life, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Though her family grieves her earthly absence, they find peace in knowing she is whole, restored, and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion will continue to shine through the lives she shaped and the hearts she touched.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries

Luman Ray Biggs

March 1, 2026

Luman “Ray” Biggs, 88, of Atmore, AL, passed away February 19, 2026, in Savannah, GA. He was born on July 8, 1937, in Lottie, AL, to Ernest Biggs and Neoma Green. Ray was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose faith redirected the course of his family for generations to come. His life was anchored in a deep love for God and a sincere love for others, expressed through daily prayer, faithful study of God’s Word, and a quiet generosity that touched countless lives. He leaves behind a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly possession and a legacy of many lives transformed by the Savior he loved and served so faithfully.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Biggs and Neoma Green Biggs; his spouse, Duane Gunnels Biggs; his grandson, Cory Ladd Jones; his three sisters, Nell Presley, Dorothy Little, and Ernestine Raspberry; and his six brothers, Leroy Biggs, John Thomas (J.T.) Biggs, Gladden Biggs, Otha Biggs, Lloyd Biggs, and Melvin Biggs.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Felicia Carlton; his grandson, Eric Jones; his two daughters-in-law, Carmon Jones and Dana Jones; his five great-grandchildren, Kennedy Jones, Dagan Jones, Addison Jones, Madelyn Jones, and Garrick Freese; all of his many nephews and nieces that he loved with all his heart; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, AL, with Bro. John Loper and Bro. Richard Daniels officiating.

Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until service time at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries

Joan Mae Johnson

March 1, 2026

Joan Mae Johnson, born on April 12, 1934 in South Dakota, entered eternal rest on February 23, 2026, after a life well-lived and full of love and laughter. She was raised around the Colton, South Dakota area, where she learned the values of hard work and kindness that she carried throughout her days.

Joan dedicated numerous years to working at the Avon Manufacturing facilities, where she retired to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Her favorite pastime after retirement was bird watching, finding joy in the colorful cardinals and red roses that she lovingly tended, creating a beautiful view that reflected the beauty she carried within.

Her faith and spirituality were a guiding light in Joan’s life, providing her with strength and solace in both moments of happiness and times of sorrow. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Johnson; her son, Robert Stark; and her stepson, Randy Johnson.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Pam Neal (Wayne); and son, Darin Johnson (Lucy); as well as her loving sister, Dorothy Reurink. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Mike Neal (Olivia), David Neal (Melissa), Aaron Neal (Tammie), Lori Edgington (Tony), Brandy Enright (William), Kylie Johnson, Katie Vargas (Andy), Kevin Johnson, Nicole Chavez (Adrian), Drew Johnson (Toni), Colleen Thake; along with multiple great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

As we bid farewell to Joan Mae Johnson, we celebrate a life of love, and a deep connection to nature. May her spirit soar high with the birds she cherished, forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date in Colton, South Dakota.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

50th Anniversary Celebrated: Tate Aggies 1976 State Champion Baseball Team

February 28, 2026

Before Friday night’s matchup between the Tate Aggies and Escambia Gators at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 1970s state championship teams from both schools were honored.

Tate was the home team and celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 1976 Class 4A team. Escambia honored its 1972 and 1974 Class 4A championship teams. At the time, 4A was the highest classification in Florida.

Ronnie Stryker, who was a senior on the 1976 state championship Tate Aggie team, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

There were 21 players from the Tate team committed to attend the 50-year anniversary, along with former coaches. One of those former players was a sophomore named Mike Killam, now the longtime metro director of the Northwest Florida chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

It was Killam’s brainchild to honor the 1976 team he played on.

For a photo gallery, click here.

“I got to thinking, hey, Tate is playing Escambia in this game. Let’s invite former players from Escambia’s 1972 and ’74 championship teams,” said Killam, whose FCA leadership has enabled thousands of area high school kids to get recognized at awards banquets, a golf tournament, and other special events his organization has staged.

“I figured, let’s make this really special,” Killam said. “Let’s just have a big night to celebrate these teams and these schools and all the baseball accomplishments.

“I’m so honored to have the response we’ve had.”

The former players first reunited Friday at the Pensacola Yacht Club with a luncheon event.

1976 Tate High Class 4A State Championship Team

Seniors

Scott Madison
Ronnie Stryker
Ray Conti
Steve Webb
Bruce West
Jimmy Dunlap
Wes Connor

Juniors

Keith Conley
Richard Waters
Randy Kitrell
Johnny Wells
Rocky Peoples
Danny Minton
Herb Brewer

Sophomores

Danny Karp
Mike Killam
Robert Hicks
Ken Cannon
Mike Bennett
Freddy Killam

Freshman

John Dunlap

Staff & Coaches

Equipment Manager: Lester (Killer) Rawls
Head Coach: Danny Burke
Assistant Coach: Floyd Adams
Assistant Coach: Woodrow McCorvey

A list of names for the Escambia High teams was not available at publication time early Saturday morning.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports

Man Arrested For Lewd Act Near Cantonment Bus Stop 11 Days After Jail Release For Sex Crime

February 28, 2026

An Escambia County man was arrested on Friday for a lewd act near a Cantonment school bus stop, just 11 days after he was released from jail for another sex crime.

Errice Lewis Rutledge, 36, was charged with indecent exposure and lewd and lascivious behavior in the presence of a victim under the age of 16.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a juvenile and their mother witnessed Rutledge perform a lewd act not far from a school bus stop on Milestore Boulevard. He was arrested walking into a thrift store on Nine Mile Road a short time later.

“These are felony charges as a result of a similar arrest and conviction in December of 2025,” the ECSO said in a statement.

In 2025, Rutledge was convicted of exposure of sexual organs after he was caught pleasing himself in the lobby of Dunkin’ Donuts on Nine Mile Road while in public view of a 3-year-old child under age 16 and three adults. He was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 179 days credit for time served. He was released from jail on February 16, just 11 days before Friday’s alleged school bus stop incident.

According to jail and court records, Rutledge has been arrested 21 other times in Escambia County since 2010 on a multitude of charges.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Final Night For Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical (With Gallery)

February 28, 2026

Tonight is the end of a six-performance run of Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical.

The production is a showcase of student talent and dedication. Every aspect of the show has been created entirely by students, including set construction, costume design, props, lighting, makeup, and wigs. The result is a fully student-designed theatrical experience that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of Tate’s thriving theatre program.

In addition, the production features double casting for the roles of Fiona, Dragon, Pinocchio, and Gingy. Each cast will perform on alternating nights, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy unique interpretations of these beloved characters.

Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door (cash only).

For a photo gallery, click here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Spring-Like Warmth Continues Through Monday With Highs Near 80

February 28, 2026

A warm and mostly sunny weekend is ahead with highs approaching the 80s. A light breeze and clear skies continue into early next week before a slight chance of showers returns by Thursday.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Saturday: Areas of dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Escambia Public Schools ‘Podcastapalooza’ Is Today

February 28, 2026

Escambia County Public Schools is hosting its third annual “Podcastapalooza” event a Washington High School today from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Based on the success of its ‘Voices United In Education’ podcast series, ECPS is inviting the public to learn more about the various resources, agencies and opportunities available to area families.

Guests will have the opportunity to browse vendor booths, each associated with a podcast episode. Families will receive information on scholarships, mental health resources, summer camps and year-round clubs, and tutoring and mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, Animal Tales will give a live presentation complete with various animals and audience participation. Two graduates of West Florida High School, the owners of BAM! Snoballs, will also be serving up their famous snow cones for attendees to enjoy. Food trucks will also be on site.

One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Everyone will pick up fun prizes and great tips on how to help their child succeed in school and in life.