Janet Marie Cherry
December 20, 2022
Janet Marie Cherry, a much loved and special daughter, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
Janet was born November 29, 1964 in Pensacola, Florida to Frank G. Cherry and Nancy M. Cherry. Janet was a member of ARC Gateway all her life. She was a special Olympian, a league bowler, a player on the Miracle League, and the best square dancer with the Pensacola Special Steppers (a square dance group of and for persons with special needs).
Janet Marie is preceded in death by her father, Frank G. Cherry, her sister, Paula Lynn Cherry, and her grandparents, Fred and Barbara Schuldt, and Phillip R. Cherry and Madeline A. Giani.
She is survived by her mother, Nancy M. Cherry, her brothers, David B. Cherry (Tiffany) and Jason P. Cherry, her uncles Barry K. Schuldt (Anna), and Dennis Cherry (Sandra).
Please make memorials in Janet’s honor to Northview Community Center for Vera Manor Group Home: Hillview Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32514.
Mary B. Bartley
December 20, 2022
Mrs. Mary B. Bartley, of McDavid, FL; went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 18, 2022. Mary was born August 17, 1930, in Oklahoma.
Mother’s heart was her family, the only thing she loved more was her Lord and Savior. When she was younger, she loved fishing and hunting. Mary got saved in her 30’s and then her Love was church! Mother was always filled with laughter and had joy for life. The thing I remember most as a young child is my mother and her best friend Lois Whitmire, laughing as they worked in the fields, cooked and anything else they did together. We always went and spent a week on the river camping every year with several other family members. After daddy passed and she was sick, my mother lost her laughter. The last thing I remember her saying before she passed, was Jesus please take me to where daddy is (that is what she always called our daddy).
Mother is preceded in death by her mother and father, George Wesley and Oma Elizabeth Hamilton, of Oklahoma, her beloved husband, Robert L. Bartley in 2014, three brothers, Dutch Hamilton, W.C. Hamilton, Troy Hamilton, and two sisters, Betty Bond, Ole Mae Pruitt, that she loved dearly.
Mother is survived by her four children, Ricky (Kim) Bartley, of McDavid FL; Randy (Mae Ann) Bartley, of McDavid, FL; Robert (Gladys) Bartley, of Atmore, AL; Lorene (Merle) Whitmire, of McDavid, FL; two grandchildren, Darla (Glenn) Wilson, of Spanish Fort, AL; Brian Belle, of McDavid, FL; three great-grandchildren, Amanda (Blake) Brewton, Ashley (Mitchell) Baker, Aaron Boswell, six great-great beautiful grandchildren, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Christian Home Church with Rev. Kenny Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Christian Home Cemetery
Our hearts are heavy for our loss, but my mother lived a pure, clean, loved filled life for 92 years. The whole family Loves you Mother and Daddy more than you will ever know, your children.
Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Aubrey “Sugar Boy” Strength
December 20, 2022
Mr. Aubrey “Sugar Boy” Strength, age 83, passed away, Saturday, December 17, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. He was a lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL. he retired from Scott Paper Company with many years of service.
Mr. Strength was an avid Alabama Football Fan. He loved being outdoors fishing, enjoying his walks on the creek, and riding his four-wheeler. He enjoyed working in his yard and always liked to eat.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Sebastian (Rosie Johnson) Strength, wife, Perry Lee Strength, two brothers, Terry Glenn Strength, Andrew Houston Strength, two sisters, Earnestell Ellis, and Johnnie Mell Pettis.
He is survived by his one daughter, Judy Towery, of Atmore, AL; three brothers, Sylvester Strength, of Flomaton, AL; John Travis Strength, of Brewton, AL; Henry David Strength, of Flomaton, AL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Wright, Dakota Chancery, Sonny Strength, Buddy Strength, Bill Harris, and Donald Jordan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Malcolm Colvin, and William Bell.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. are in charge of all arrangements.
Timothy Rhett Smith
December 20, 2022
Timothy Rhett Smith, 70, passed away on December 17, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones in Pensacola, Fla. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and was known to those who loved him as a fierce advocate for animals.
Rhett was born in Pensacola, Fla., on June 27, 1952, and grew up in Warrington and East Hill neighborhoods. He attended Pensacola Christian School, East Hill Christian School, A.V. Clubbs, and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1970.
As a young man, Rhett served in the United States Marine Corps before serving as a deputy sheriff in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. He later pursued a career in law, first attending Troy University before obtaining his law degree at the Florida State University School of Law.
Rhett was a vital part of the legal community in Pensacola, first as an attorney at several law firms before starting his own private practice in 1997. In addition to providing legal services to those in need, Rhett was also an active board member of local charitable organizations.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Isabelle Smith; his father, Octavius Hopkins Smith, III; his older brother, William Hopkins Smith; and his canine companions, Jake and Sheba. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Ellen Liles; his son, Timothy Rhett Smith, II, daughter-in-law Ashli Danielle Smith, grandsons William Cash Smith, and Robert Jude Smith; his daughter, Michelle Jenette Davitt, son-in-law Christopher Davitt, and granddaughter Elisabeth Violet Davitt; his daughter, Melissa Katherine Keller, son-in-law Michael David Keller, and grandson Emerson Reese Keller; his sister, Elise Smith-Dawson, brother-in-law Jeffrey A. Dawson, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held for friends and family in the new year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the ASPCA.
Beverly Jean Williams
December 20, 2022
Beverly Jean Williams, born March 2, 1948, was the daughter of the late Victor and Anna Calvesio, later raised by John and Louise Schmuhl.
She was preceded in death by a sister Elizabeth and survived by two brothers, Victor and Raymond.
She was of the Catholic faith. Beverly married Douglas K. Williams on October 1, 1968. She was a loving mother to four surviving children, Sue, Angela, Heather, and Preston, eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of her life to be announced at another time.
Kelly Ray Swanson
December 19, 2022
Mr. Kelly Ray Swanson, age 65, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, December 14, 2022, in Atmore AL; with his family by his bedside. He was born August 29, 1957, in Lansing, MI; then resided in Seattle, WA; before moving to Atmore, AL; a year and a half ago.
Mr. Swanson loved his dogs, enjoyed camping, and riding his Harley. He always stayed busy working, especially in his yard and around his pond.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd (Alice) Swanson, and twin sister, Becky Cunningham.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (James) Brazwell, of Atmore, AL; three grandchildren, Kelsi Brazwell, Michael Brazwell, Madison Brazwell, and one nephew, Chris Stewart.
Graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 2:30 PM at Poplar Dell Cemetery with Rev. Bill Stuckey officiating.
Norman Glenn Dean
December 15, 2022
Mr. Norman Glenn Dean, age 68, passed away, Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in Mobile, AL. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. He was a big truck driver for many years.
Mr. Dean enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid drag racer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman William (Mary Alice Brown) Dean.
He is survived by his one son, Michael Wormy (Amy) Dean, of Atmore, AL; one daughter, LaWanda Dean, of MS; brother-in law, Thomas (Pam) Amos, of Atmore, AL; three grandchildren, Caitlyn Gindl, Whitney (Blake) Adams, Mary Joiner Dean, five great-grandchildren, Vivian Gindl, Isabel Gindl, Little Rudy Gindl, Conner Gindl, Lanceton Adams, other relatives, and friends.
Thomas Mack “Tommy” Nelson
December 15, 2022
Mr. Thomas Mack “Tommy” Nelson, age 80, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022 in a Century, Florida health care facility.
Mr. Nelson was born in Pensacola, FL and was a lifelong resident of the Brewton area. He worked as a machinist for Container Corp. for 34 years. He was a member of Catawba Springs Baptist Church. Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Mack & Isabel Nelson; two brothers, Daniel Nelson and Red Nelson; and a sister, Elizabeth Sue Horton.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Mrs. Katie Hoomes Nelson of Brewton; three daughters, Tammy (Duane) Riley of Brewton, Jolinda (Jonathan) Southworth of Pell City, and Robin (Ronnie) Rydzowski of Satsuma; a brother, Anthony Dewitt (Yong) Nelson of Huntsville; a sister, Ruby Jean Davis of Cantonment; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Riley, Jackson Riley, Jessica Southworth, Samantha Southworth, Thomas Southworth, Joseph Rydzowski, and Emma Rydzowski.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Catawba Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Catawba Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until service time at 10:00 A.M. at Catawba Springs Baptist Church.
Pallbearers: Jonathan Riley, Jackson Riley, Thomas Southworth, Joseph Rydzowski, Mike Wilcox, and Darrell Arrant.
Honorary Pallbearers: Men’s Fellowship of Catawba Springs.
Ronald Wayne Kaatz
December 12, 2022
Ronald Wayne Kaatz or “Ronnie” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, passed away suddenly December 5, 2022 in Pensacola Florida where he lived.
Ron was born September 10, 1964 in Stuttgart, Germany to Robert R. and Rosalie A. Kaatz, while stationed there in the U.S. Army. The family relocated to Pasadena Texas in August, 1965. Four years later the family moved to LaPorte Texas, where Ron graduated from high school in the top 10% of his class. He attended two years of college at San Jacinto College in Pasadena Texas. Ron was quiet, until you got to know him, and he was a fun and loving guy! He loved to cook and grill outdoors. Ron had many close friends, and loved his wife and family very much. He had a strong passion for offshore fishing, and loved deer hunting every year at his dad’s.
Ron is survived by his wife Amy, his step daughter Sara, his father Robert (Nancilee) Kaatz, and his mother Rosalie (Don) Peck, and all of his loving family and friends. Ron will be terribly missed by all.
Memorial services were held December 9, 2022 at 10:00 am.
Linda Elizabeth Driver
December 12, 2022
Linda Elizabeth Driver, 81, of Cantonment, Florida passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. She was born in Denmark, South Carolina on December 11, 1941 to the late James Hightower and Jackie Still Hightower. She was
married to Lloyd Driver for 58 years. Linda loved and adored Jesus Christ and her blessed church family at Smyrna Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tommy Hightower; sister, Sybil Hightower; great grandson, Bryce Driver; In-laws, Charlie Driver and Lou Agnes Driver; and brother-in-law, Don Driver.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Driver; children, Ed (Connie) Driver, Mike (Theresa) Driver, Linda Susan (Daniel) Puckett, Debbie (Barry) Joyner and Stephen Driver; sister, Sherri Ann Bell; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great children; and her special friend, Carolyn Findley.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Smyrna Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to services.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons Christopher Driver, Eddie Driver, Charlie Driver, Douglas Driver, Jared Driver, Wesley Joyner and Joey Bragg.