Francesco Paolo Manzi (Franco)
December 5, 2022
, 64, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022 in the presence of family.
Born in Italy on December 18, 1957, Franco, who was known for his selfless and giving nature, dedicated his life to serving his family and community.
As a first-generation immigrant to America, Franco achieved his dream of owning his own restaurant with the opening of Franco’s Italian Restaurant in 1999, after managing Marchello’s Italian Restaurant for 17 years. He ran his family restaurant for almost 23 years with the help of his friends and business partners, Gennaro Intermoia and Giovanni Volpara, his family, as well as countless others who became like family. Serving authentic Italian food and his famous one-of-a-kind Italian dressing, Franco had a way of making everyone feel like family, and it was because of his caring and generous nature that Franco’s quickly became a special place to so many people in Pensacola.
He was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Manzi.
Franco is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kimberly; his three children, Michael Manzi, Francesca Thomas (Nathan) and Anthony Manzi; his grandson, Liam Thomas; granddaughter, Reese Thomas; his mother, Loreta DeLaurentiis; and four brothers Duilio, Bruno, Ettore, and Massimo.
A public memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. All are welcome to join in the celebration of his life at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Pensacola.
Eunice Lunelle Bailey
December 1, 2022
Eunice Lunelle Bailey, 85, of Molino, Florida, passed away on November 29, 2022.
She was born in Enon, Florida on September 2, 1937 to Grover Leslie and Lottie Melandie Lewis Hall. She was married to Marion Blueford Bailey for 66 years. Eunice was a member of Victory Assembly of God. She was a homemaker and had a passion for sewing, gardening, canning, family, friends, church and helping others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Leslie Hall and Lottie Melandie Lewis Hall; brother, Grover W. Hall. She is survived by her children, Judy Bailey (Carl) Daley, Randall (Melodie) Bailey, and Charles Bailey; 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; sister, Bernice Hall (Ralph) Carrick; brother, O. Wendell (Karen)Hall. Pallbearers will be Jason A. Lamb, P. Lamar Lamb, J. Alec Bailey, Justin A. Cruce, Zachery X. Lamb, Jacob D. Bailey.
Funeral services will be at Victory Assembly on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be prior to service at 11:00am. Burial will be at Bay Springs Cemetery.
Gregorio “Pony” Banda
December 1, 2022
Mr. Gregorio “Pony” Banda, 77 years of age, passed away, Tuesday, November 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. He was born may 9, 1945 in Col San Isidro, Mier Y Noriega, NL; and resided in Texas before moving to Atmore, AL; in 1999. He was a member of Renovation Ministries. He was employed in the Cotton Gin Industry for over 40 years, and was employed with Golden Gin Company in Jay, FL.
Mr. Banda enjoyed spending time with his family, church family, and friends. He loved his dogs, and chickens. He loved people, and he was always a hard worker. He always had this very infectious smile on his face. God shared a vision with him in 2018 about planting a church in Mier Y Noriega, México. In September 2022 Renovation Ministries opened a sister church in Mier Y Noricga, Nuero Leon México, La Iglesia de Ministerios de Renovacion. He was able to see his vision given to him by God completed. In his words “Ya despues de ver eso, que Dios me lleve.” “To God be all the glory.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Luciano (Maxcimina Ramírez) Banda, one son-in law, Ricky Herrera, and one grandson, Ricky Josh Herrera.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Tomasa Banda, of Atmore, AL; three sons, Tony (Diana) Banda, of Kress, TX; Thomas (Amber) Banda, of Poarch, AL; Isidro (Maria) Rico, of Mier Y Noriega, MX, four daughters, Maria Concepcion Banda (Juan de Dios Alvarado), of Valle Hermoso, MX; Melissa Herrera, of Atmore, AL; Maxcimina (Christopher) Knorr, of Atmore, AL; Lorraine (Andrew) Marez, of Perdido, AL; two brothers, Armando Banda (Carmela) Ramirez, of Lockney, TX; José Luis (Matilda) Banda, of Lockney, TX; one sister, Maria Banda, of Valle Hermoso, MX; other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel funeral Home, LLC. with Pastor, Brad Wilson officiating.
Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 2, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Luciano Banda, Armando Banda, Jr; José Luis Banda, Jr; Arnulfo Campos, Jr; Isaac Bernal, Rodolfo Rico.
Honorary pallbearers will be Payo Cantú, Guadalupe Turrubiates, Phillip Marshall, Stephen Wolfe, and Isidro Rico.
John F Coon
December 1, 2022
John F Coon, 62, of Flomaton, AL, passed away November 13th in Holbrook, AZ.
He was born at the old Turberville Memorial Hospital in Century, FL to Gerald C Coon, Sr and Doris Bowman Coon. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Randy Cannon and sisters, Lisa and Donna Coon.
John was a man of many talents who had done a little bit of everything. He owned his own paint and body shop at the age of 18, built trusses, roofed and framed many a home, operated heavy equipment, owned a repossession company, delivered UPS trucks all over the country and always pursued his passion for muscle cars. He was a genius when it came to working on vehicles. He will always be remembered for his funny memes, pics of his travels and all the classic cars and trucks he saw along the way. John loved connecting with family through genealogy and would sit for hours listening to stories from “the good old days”.
John is survived by daughters, Amanda Hicks of Birmingham and Chloe Coon of Nebraska, son, Caleb Henderson of Pensacola, sisters, Debbie Anderson of Nevada, Nan Gomez of Pensacola and Jeannine Walston of New York, and brothers, David Giovacchini of Nevada and Gerald Coon of Tennessee, special nephew, Chris Coon, of Pensacola, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
As John wished, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Kathy Adams
December 1, 2022
Mrs. Kathy Adams, age 78, passed away, November 29, 2022, in Atmore, AL; with her family at her bedside. She was born June 17, 1944, in Brownwood, TX; and resided in Hope Hull, AL; since then, she moved to Atmore, AL and has resided there for the past 20 years. She owned and operated her Daycare business for many years. She was a member of Little Rock Church.
Mrs. Adams enjoyed spending time with her family and going to church. She loved children, and she loved Christmas time. She enjoyed taking care of her dogs, cats, and spending time in her vegetable garden. She was an avid Alabama Football Fan. She was a very devoted care taker for both her mom and dad.
Mrs. Adams is preceded in death by her parents, Louis (Doris Reid) Zangas, Jr; husband, Wendell Adams, and one sister, Brenda Starks.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Michael) Gantt, of Titus, AL; one brother, Larry (Faye) Zangas, of Flomaton, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Friday, December 2, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Eddie Starks officiating.
Burial will follow at Little Rock Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 2, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Michael Gantt, Phillip Zangas, Brian Starks, West Starks, Larry Cox, and Jack Cox.
George ‘Skip’ Gibson
November 29, 2022
George “Skip” Gibson, 72, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
A visitation and service will take place on Saturday, December 3rd at Faith Chapel North at 1 pm, followed by a gathering of family and friends. Please contact Bonnie Gibson for more information.
Skip was born in Cantonment, Florida on November 8, 1950 to his parents George Gibson and Betty Curran. He attended Tate High School, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, and then Chipola Junior College where he starred as a multi-sport athlete. He married Bonnie Gibson, the love of his life, on November 18, 1978 in Pensacola, Florida and they were married 43 years. He served in the US Navy on the Submarine USS U.S. Grant from 1970 to 1974. After his service in the Navy, he was a Senior Officer at the Juvenile Detention Center in Pensacola for 20 years. He was passionate about playing and watching sports, particularly baseball, football, and later in life, golf. He also loved music, especially southern rock and blues. His dogs Princess, Socks, Amy, Bailey, China, and Brees were like family and he enjoyed watching them around the house. His greatest joys came from spending time with his children and grandchildren and watching them experience life. He loved nature and to travel to the Smoky Mountains.
Skip is preceded in death by his father, George Gibson; his mother, Betty Curran; and brothers, Robert Curran and Bill Curran.
Skip is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue; his strong sons and daughters-in-law, Dion and Jenny Gibson, Jeremy and Krystal Gibson, and Matthew and Lindsey Gibson; his spoiled grandchildren, Mason, Jackson, Oliver, and Birdie Gibson; his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Cheryl Gibson; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Machelle and Ron Waters and Jennice and Larry Soley; and many nieces and nephews.
Danny Darrell Wallace
November 29, 2022
Danny Darrell Wallace, a resident of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on November 24th, 2022, in the presence of his children. Danny was born on February 21, 1961, in Piedmont, Alabama to John David and Gladys Mae (Young) Wallace. He worked most of his life as a Collision Repair Specialist. Naturally, as he gained more knowledge in the industry, he became a mentor to many, including his three sons. The impact that he made on those lives and many others is immeasurable.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys; four brothers, Roger, Jerry, Tony and Larry; a sister, Joyce Hart.
Danny is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Michael (Heather), Ashley, Heath (Loni), Cody (Myranda), Kendra (Nigel), & Katie; sister, Juanita Springer and 14 grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be prior to service from 9:00am until 10:00am. Burial will be at Oliver Pugh Cemetery.
Frank Pelmer ‘Pelt’ Wilkinson
November 29, 2022
Frank Pelmer “Pelt” Wilkinson, age 82, passed away November 20, 2022, at his home in Cantonment, FL, surrounded by family and friends.
Born to JD and Mattie Ruth Johnson Wilkinson, he was the middle brother of three boys. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Judge Elmer Wilkinson and Hugo Wilkinson, and wife Jerelda Wilkinson.
Born in Clio, AL, Frank grew up in and around Ariton, AL. His childhood was simple, and he was taught at an early age how to work on the farm and work hard. He continued his hard work by working most of his career with Southern Prestressed Concrete and later with Florida Mining and Materials. He traveled with SPC for many years as the foreman of the construction/erection crew. He was a favorite in the family. Fondly referred to as ‘Uncle Pelt’ by many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of his siblings. Adoringly referred to as ‘Pelt’ by his chosen children in the neighborhood where he lived for many years in Coosada, AL.
Frank enjoyed being around family and friends, having a cup of coffee and Little Debbie snacks on the front porch and spending time with his dogs Coco and Shelby on the back porch. Despite any obstacles in his life, he lived it to the fullest and with a smile. He loved working in his shop, creating various woodworking and welding artwork for close family and friends.
Frank “Pelt” Wilkinson is survived by his sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren of his siblings, bonus daughter, step-daughters and their families, and special friend Ms. Debbie. We are grateful to know that Frank is finally at
peace and no longer in pain.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jerry Fleming officiating. All are welcome.
Joyce Loraine Nelson
November 25, 2022
Joyce Loraine Nelson of Cordele, Georgia, passed away at the age of 90 Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Crisp Regional Nursing and Rehab.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. George A. Nelson; parents, George L Greenwell and Louise Loraine Bowman Greenwell; a brother, Tommy Greenwell; and son-in-law, Bill Hinkleman.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 in the chapel of Rainey Family Funeral Services. Joyce will be laid to rest in Sunnyside Cemetery. The family will greet friends prior to the service Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.
Born in Pensacola, FL, she was a homemaker and a devoted and faithful pastor’s wife for over 52 years and a charter member of Grace Baptist Church. Joyce is survived by two sons, Andrew (Pam) Nelson of Newnan and Steve (Mona) Nelson of Americus; two daughters, Phyllis Hinklemann of Valley Head, AL, and Delores (Bob) Butterfield of Mason, OH; a brother, Roger Greenwell of Gonzalie, FL; two sisters, Barbara Johnson of Century, FL and Sharon Rigby of Gonzaliz, FL; eight grandchildren, Anthony Hinkleman, Scott Hinkleman, Bradley Nelson, Stephanie More, Jenifer Wilson, Heather Welborn, Greg Nelson and Karen Parsley; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Tara Renee Dortch ‘Lassitter’
November 23, 2022
Mrs. Tara Renee Dortch “Lassitter”, age 46, passed away, Sunday, November 20, 2022 in Booneville, AL. She has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL.
Mrs. Lassitter enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was an avid New Orleans Saints Fan and Alabama Football Fan. She loved spending time shopping, going to the beach, and the creek.
She is preceded in death by her father, Rubert Lassitter, and one brother, Ronald W. Lassitter.
She is survived by her mother, Eloise Lassitter, of Booneville, AL; three daughters, Amy Morris (Cole Thornton) of Chatom, AL; Cierra Caraway (Derrick Bridges) of Atmore, AL; Dallas (Hunter) Rivers, of Calvart, AL; one brother, Matt Henley, of Deweyville, TX; three sisters, Kristina Nimmo, of Ohio, Melanie Cass, of Brewton, AL; Chelsea Wilson, of Ohio, seven grandchildren, Serenity Phillips, Chandler Rivers, Ella Phillips, Rowynn Rivers, Maliyah Phillips, Branson Bridges, Luxton Rivers (unborn), numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Marshall Wall officiating.
Burial will follow at McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Derrick Bridges, Hunter Rivers, Cole Thornton, Matthew Scott, J.C. Flowers, and Gary Watson.