Ronnie Ray Jackson
August 20, 2025
Mr. Ronnie Ray Jackson, who was 76 years old, sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at his home, where he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Atmore and spent most of his life in Poarch, Alabama. Ronnie will be remembered for the warmth he brought to the lives of those who knew him.
He was a beloved figure in the Poarch community, known for starting the Poarch Christmas Parade and being a passionate Alabama fan. He loved coon hunting and treasured time spent with his family and friends. As a father and grandfather, he was dedicated and caring, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone he met. His contributions were significant, especially in the REC Department, where he played a key role in laying the gym floor. In 1985, he helped establish the Poarch Fire Department, transforming it from a volunteer service to a professional department, serving as chief from 1985 to 2022. He also made his mark as a former Tribal Council Member and served on various boards, including NAYO and NASA. Over the years, he coached countless kids and adults in baseball and softball, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Mable McGhee Jackson; wife, Deborah Jackson; brother Larry Jackson; great-grandson, Brayden Jackson.
Mr. Jackson is survived by his two sons, Ronald Scott (Tammy) Jackson of Wetumpka, Alabama and Ernest “Bubba” Rolin of Poarch, Alabama; two daughters, Nioma (Shawn) Till of Frisco City, Alabama and Tammy (Mike) Gaffrey of Atmore, Alabama; two brothers, Don (Marcia Ann) Jackson of Brewton, Alabama and Eddie “Dinky” Jackson of Atmore, Alabama; sister, Catherine Sells of Poarch, Alabama; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at McCullough Christian Center with Reverend William Bubba Rolin and Reverend Steve Breceda officiating.
Burial will follow Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center.
Pallbearers will be Robert Johnson, Kevin Baggett, Spencer Williamson, Cade Langham, Dylan Byrd and William Ervin.
Honorary Pallbearers will be All Former Poarch Softball Teams.
Petty Funeral Homes, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in entrusted with of all arrangements
Ann Staff
August 14, 2025
Mrs. Ann Staff passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama. She was born on September 5, 1938, in Cullman, Alabama, and spent the majority of her life in Atmore. A devoted member of Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, she was known for her passion for Alabama football, NASCAR, and her enjoyment of watching “Gunsmoke” with her beloved husband. Ann took pleasure in sewing and creating garments, and cherished moments spent at their beach house in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren, and many affectionately called her “Mama Ann.”
She served as the mayor’s secretary for the city of Atmore and later worked as the secretary for Ollie Strawbridge at First National Bank. Cooking and baking were among her delights, and she placed great importance on caring for those less fortunate.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Bill Staff, of Atmore, Alabama; two sons, Bill Staff Jr. and his wife Tina from Orange Beach, Alabama, and Speer Staff and his wife Cindi from Ocean Springs, Mississippi; two daughters, Suzanne McGill and her husband Mark from Atmore, Alabama, and Leslie Brand and her husband Doug from Senoia, Georgia; one sister, Helene Taylor from Fairhope, Alabama; along with nine grandchildren Shayna, Mandy, Ashleigh, Arielle, Anna Marie, Haden, Haleigh, Cayleigh, Christen, Ashley; eight great-grandchildren Will, Corbin, Thatcher, Norah, Evvie, Charlie, Nicholas, Ella.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John (Elizabeth Tekulve) Hoehn and one sister Babara Jean Mixon.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father Joji Chacko and Father Gordon Milstead officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Strawbridge, Will Strawbridge, Chris Hein, Tanner Webster, Peter Ramsey, Stewart Kremer, and Tommy Mixon.
Although flowers will be accepted, donations may be made to Smile Train or any Catholic charity of your choice.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
James Lawrence Whitehead
August 12, 2025
James Lawrence Whitehead, age 87, a longtime resident of Cantonment Florida, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025 after a long battle with COPD with family by his side.
James was born on March 7, 1938 in Belleville, Alabama to Willis Floyd Whitehead, Sr. and Marie Driver Whitehead.
He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers and worked on construction sites throughout Northwest Florida and Alabama. He worked for a while in the bag plant at the papermill in Cantonment.
James and his wife, Carlie, enjoyed boating and fishing. In the 70’s while, living in Robertsdale, Alabama, they and their daughter, Patricia, sang as a gospel family group performing in Florida and Alabama. In the 80’s and 90’s James and Carlie performed with a local band known as the Drifters in the Pensacola area. In their later years, they sang in their church and various other churches.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Floyd Whitehead, Sr. and Marie Driver Whitehead; brothers (infant), John Robert Whitehead and Jerald Wayne Whitehead; sister, Helen Emerich; his loving wife of almost 67 years, Carlie Morris Whitehead; son, Donald Ray Whitehead Sr.; and daughter Patricia Estill.
He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Davis of Cantonment and Margaret (Bobby) Boyette of Robertsdale, Alabama; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and special friends.
Reverend Jean Comans will officiate the service, which will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, Florida. Visitation will be held on August 14, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM for friends.
Burial will be at Cottage Hill Assembly of God cemetery in Cantonment Florida. There will be no graveside service.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Jason ‘Jay’ DeWayne Brown
August 12, 2025
Jason “Jay” DeWayne Brown, 51, of Molino, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Born April 14, 1974, in Pensacola, Florida to Wayne Brown and Donna Brown-Jernigan, Jason was a 1992 graduate of Tate High School. He was a member of East Side Assembly of God. He married the love of his life and beautiful bride, Jamie Knowles Brown, on October 25, 1997. Together they have three children: Kaylee, Kenley, and Karson.
As the owner of Brown Electric, Jason built lasting relationships with many local residents and businesses. He was a Master Electrician and a “Master Griller,”—he loved to cook delicious steak and brisket for his family and friends. A father-figure to many, Jason had many “adopted” children and did all he could to serve his community. He was affectionately known to many as “Brown Sugar” and loved cracking jokes, eating at La Hacienda with family, and singing along to Jimmy Buffett.
He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Brown, and close friends Kevin Danforth, Curtis Finney, John “Whop-head” Webb, and Rev. Avon Fowler.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie Knowles Brown; three children, Kaylee (Gage) Gibson, Kenley Brown, and Karson Brown; his mother, Donna Brown-Jernigan; his brother, Rodney (Amanda) Brown; nephews, Kaleb (Madison) Brown and Hunter Brown; and many other loved ones.
Visitation for Jason will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 12:00 pm until service time at 1:30 pm at East Side Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida, with Rev. Fred Stallworth, Rev. Jimmy Cook, and Rev. Ken Johnson officiating. Internment will follow at Poplar Dell Baptist Church in Century, Florida.
Active Pallbearers will be Gage Gibson, Ean Lundy, Hunter Brown, Kaleb Brown, Nathan Johnson, Rodney Brown, Nathan Danforth, and Jonathan Knowles.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Paul Aldridge
August 11, 2025
Mr. Charles “Chuck” Paul Aldridge {Monkey Puncher}, 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Flomaton, Alabama, on Friday, August 8, 2025. He was a lifelong resident of Flomaton, where he spent his entire life surrounded by the community he loved. His presence in the town will be greatly missed, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
He was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. With a deep love for hunting and fishing, he spent many weekends outdoors, embracing nature’s beauty. His heart swelled with pride as he cheered for Alabama football and watched his grandchildren play their own games, always encouraging them from the sidelines. For 40 years, he dedicated himself to being a truck driver, traveling the open roads while enjoying episodes of Gunsmoke and classic westerns during his downtime. A true fan of Mountain Dew, he savored each sip while sharing laughter and stories with his family. In the end, he left this world with a smile and his final words, “ROLL TIDE,” a testament to his unwavering spirit and love for the things that mattered most to him.
He is preceded in death, by his parents Leon and Louise Garner Aldridge; sister, Jennifer Kay Peterson; brothers, Mark Aldridge and Mike Aldridge.
He is survived by his daughters, Wendy Caraway, of Century, Florida, Kelly Sims (Wes) of Century, Florida and Amanda Byrd of Flomaton, Alabama; mother of his children Gayle Mathis Aldridge of Century, Florida; brothers, Donald Aldridge, of Jay, Florida and Lamar Aldridge of Pensacola, Florida; sisters, Janet Pierce of Pensacola, Florida, Helen Aldridge of Prattville, Alabama and LeeAnn Tharp of North Carolina; grandchildren, Eric Lambeth, Jr., Tyler Lambeth, Lane (Kaitlin) Sims, Laurel (Gracie) Outzen, Layton Sims, Lawyer Sims, Landry Sims, Chasten Headden, Chandler Headden, Carson Headden, Elsie Byrd and Jace Byrd; great-grandchildren, Bristol, Caegan, Sam, Bexlie, Delilah, and Keaton; The family would like to say Thank you to a special niece Jennifer Youngblood, Emerald Coast Hospice and Southern Care Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC., Brother William Cozart and Brother Waylon Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jay Youngblood, Michael McDonald, Layton Sims, Wes Sims, Daniel Higdon, and Lane Sims.
Frances Godwin Carnley
August 10, 2025
Frances Godwin Carnley, 94, of Lakeland, FL, died peacefully at home with family by her side on August 8, 2025.
She was born and raised in Bratt, FL to James Thomas and Nancy Jane Hulion Godwin and was the youngest of nine siblings. Frances attended Ernest Ward High school before attending Christ Faith Mission in Saugus, CA. There she met and married the love of her life, Jack M. Carnley. They began a lifelong journey of ministry in 1953 that included attending Southeastern University, and pastoring three churches in Virginia (Ewing, Valleyview, and St. Paul Assembly of God). Frances loved family and people and served faithfully in the churches and district where her husband pastored.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Jack, her husband of 56 years, daughter Karen Patrick, grandson Christian Patrick, sisters Ola Peebles, Lillie Stanley, Lizzie Edwards, Claudia Blackmon, and Nellie Trog; brothers Leslie, Wesley, and David Godwin and nephew who was raised as a brother, Lee Godwin. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Thomas and husband Gilbert, her son James Carnley, grandsons Gilbert and wife Andrea Thomas, Jackson and wife Suzie Thomas, Thad Patrick, granddaughter, Keri Bentley, great grandchildren, Chloe, Conner, Mia, Oliver, and Ava.
Services will be in Jay, Florida, but date and time are pending.
Special thanks to Trinity Home Services and Vitas for the compassionate and loving care given. You are angels from above and have become family.
Mallory ‘Bonzie’ Kermit Gibson, Jr.
August 9, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Matt Gibson, a man whose kindness, generosity, and love for others will be remembered forever. Matt left us far too soon, but we find comfort in imagining that God had a special job for him—perhaps touching up the heavens with his painter’s brush, blending the colors of eternity just right.
Matt was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering on his team through every high and low. His passion for football was matched only by his passion for helping others. Known for his big heart, Matt would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need—often without a second thought.
He spent his professional life as a talented painter, taking pride in his craft and in the beauty he left behind in every project. His work was not only a career but an art form, a reflection of his patience and skill.
Matt is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Brunelle; his brothers and sisters, Randall Gibson, James Gibson, Terry Smith, Pamela Sanders, and Annette Franklin; his children, Miranda Gibson, Dalton Gibson, Jesse Gibson, Cody Gibson, Timberly Carey, and Tonya Taylor; and his beloved grandchildren, Elijayah Salter, Rosalina Curry, Adrianna Taylor, Jackson Taylor and Jayce Gibson.
He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Mallory Gibson, Darieon Gibson, Owen Gibson, Brittney Gibson, Tamara Gibson, Amber Gibson, Wesley Gibson, Devon Whitbey, DJ Whitbey, Jason Smith, Brandon Smith, Abby Smith, Gracie Smith, Zachary Smith, Alexis Smith, and Gabby Smith. Each one held a special place in his heart.
Matt’s legacy is one of generosity, laughter, and love. Though our hearts are broken, we know the world is more colorful because he was in it—and heaven is surely brighter now that he’s there with a paintbrush in hand.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on August 16 at 10:00 AM at West Florida Funeral Home at 1200 W Gadsden St. Pensacola, FL 32501 followed by a short graveside service at Whitmire Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to share stories, remember his life, and honor the man who gave so much to everyone around him.
“Perhaps they needed a painter in heaven,
To make the golden streets shine.
God called you home to add your touch,
And left your colors here with mine.”
Cory Sylvester Odom
August 8, 2025
Mr. Cory Sylvester Odom, aged 47, sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home. He was originally from Flomaton, Alabama, and had been living in Brewton, Alabama, for the last fifteen years. His presence in the community will be deeply missed.
He had a passion for the great outdoors, delighting in hunting and fishing whenever he could. As a skilled Pyrotechnician, he brought joy to many with his dazzling fireworks displays. Riding four-wheelers was one of his favorite pastimes, and he never missed a chance to cheer on Auburn football. In the evenings, he enjoyed relaxing with shows like NCIS and Tulsa King. Family meant everything to him, and he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved getting his hands dirty, tinkering with motors, cars, and trucks, using his welding skills from years of experience in construction. Every moment spent doing what he loved brought him happiness.
He is preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Odom; sister, Becky Spears, grandchild, Noah Buckhault.
He is survived by his mother, Sandra Odom (Jim Meskill) of Flomaton, Alabama; wife, Dana Lianne Odom of Brewton, Alabama; four sons, Travis Odom, of Flomaton, Alabama, Trent Odom, of Century, Floirda, Logan Odom of Brewton, Alabama, and Braeden Odom of Brewton, Alabama; two daughters, Brooke (Shannon) Buckhault of Evergreen, Alabama and Alexis Odom of Brewton, Alabama; four sisters, Joyce Petty of Atmore, Alabama, Mary Edna (Doug) McKee of Meridian, Mississippi, Cindy Gordon of Flomaton, Alabama, Debbie (Robert) Cash of Flomaton, Alabama; grandchildren, Dawson Buckhault and Liam Buckhault.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes. Brother Jim Meskill officiating.
Burial will follow at Emmons Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM until service time at Petty Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Brady Harris, Cole Harris, DeWayne Pugh, Chris Blackmon, Blake Godwin and Steven Powell.
Betty Jean Weeks Thomley
August 7, 2025
Betty Jean Weeks Thomley, age 82, of Perdido, AL went to her Heavenly Home to be with her husband and son on August 2, 2025 in Bay Minette, AL. Betty was born on February 6, 1943 to Burl Weeks and Louise Brock in Robertsdale, AL. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Braxton Thomley, Sr; her son, William Timothy Burl Thomley; her parents; and her siblings, Frances Weeks, June Townson, Bobby Weeks, and Robert Weeks.
Betty is survived by her children, Joey (Sherry) Thomley of Perdido, AL, and Donna (Randy) Carpenter of Perdido, AL; her grandchildren, Hayley, Adam, Alex, Danielle and Donyel; eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; her sisters, Glenda Godwin of Oak Grove, FL, and Wanda (Johnny) Mosley of Andalusia, AL; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Splinter Hill Holiness Church in Perdido, AL, with Bro. David Baggett officiating. Interment will follow in Bryars-McGill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Joey Thomley, Hayley Thomley, Adam Thomley, Camron Ganey, Brandon Rolin, and Hayden Thompson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Grantlee Thomley and Hunter Ganey.
Services were held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Splinter Hill Holiness Church in Perdido, AL.
Karyn Ann Turner
August 7, 2025
Kayrn Ann “Kay” Turner, age 75, of Pace, FL, passed away on July 26,2025, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born on March 28, 1950, to the late Rev. J. R. and Nell Turner in Montgomery, AL, and was raised in Atmore. A 1968 graduate of Escambia County High School, Kay attended Orlando College Medical Education Center, majoring in the Medical Assistant Program. She retired from Covenant Hospice, Pensacola, FL in 2007.
An avid reader, Kay enjoyed cross-stitching, watching English movies and series, and loving her dogs and cats. She was a member of Pensacola United Methodist Church.
Kay is survived by her two sons, William Turner McMurphy, Pace, FL, and Justin Tate McMurphy, Niceville, FL, sisters, Sheila Broughton (Dan), Opelika, AL, and Janice T. Smith (Mike), Canoe, AL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lauren and Luke McMurphy of Santa Rosa Beach, FL., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL with Bro. Paul LaSala officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the charity of your choice or The Florida Australian Cattle Dog Rescue @ australiancattledog.rescueme.org/florida.
The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Granny Nannies for the kindness shown to Kay and her family.