Thomas Taylor
August 7, 2025
Thomas Taylor, 57, of Pensacola, passed away on August 07, 2025. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 20, 1968, to Tony and Barbara Taylor. He was married to Mary Taylor for 35 years. Thomas had a career in utilities for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. He had a passion for racing and spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Taylor; son, John (Toni) Taylor; daughter, Jennifer (George) Bower; granddaughter, Amelia Bower; sister, Lynita Taylor; mother-in-law, Pat Warren; father-in-law, Tommy Warren; and lots of other friends and family.
Services will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
James Dickey Avirett, Jr.
August 6, 2025
James Dickey Avirett, Jr., 68, passed away July 31, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Jimmy, as he was affectionately known, was born in Dothan, Alabama on July 18, 1957. However, he lived nearly his entire life in Cantonment, Florida, growing up on Well Line Road. He began working at St. Regis Paper at the age of 19 and retired from International Paper after 44 years of dedicated service. He was very proud of his work at the Paper Mill.
Jimmy was preceded I death by his parents, James Dickey Avirett, Sr. and Carol Jane Avirett.
He is survived by his sons, Matthew Avirett and Brian (Christina) Avirett; and step daughter, Amanda (Justin) Canfield with his former wife, Cynthia Avirett; 5 grandsons, Hunter Bentley, Shayne Avirett, Dylan and Kyle Canfield; 2 step daughters, Brittney and Shannon Glass with his current wife, Angel Avirett; 4 grandchildren, Dallas Owens, Chase, Riley and Pressley Ritchey.
In his spare time, Jimmy really enjoyed digging for old bottles. He had a real appreciation for antiques and relics of the past. Jimmy also had an appreciation of his family heritage and had books on the subject. He really enjoyed fishing and boating with his kids and grandkids. He would also spend time taking the kids to Spring Lake and hiking around different areas in nature. Jimmy was a family man, he loved all the kids and they loved him right back. Jimmy will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.
Charles Marion Cooper
August 5, 2025
Mr. Charles Marion Cooper, who was 61 years old, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, but spent most of his life in Bratt, Florida. Mr. Cooper was a valued member of the Bratt First Baptist Church, where he brought joy and support to his community. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.
He had a vibrant personality that lit up every room, he was a beloved figure in the community, known for his infectious enthusiasm for life. An avid Alabama football fan, he spent countless weekends cheering on his favorite team at games, often surrounded by friends and family who cherished his spirited nature. His grandchildren were the brightest part of his life, bringing him endless joy and happiness. He loved spending time with them, whether it was playing games, telling stories, or just enjoying a quiet moment together. Beyond the thrill of sports, he was a dedicated prankster who could always be counted on for a good laugh. His love for helping others shone through in his community work—whether it was lending a hand with yard work or providing meals for those in need. For many years, he worked at Cooper Grocery Store, where he not only delivered fresh produce to local stores but also created lasting friendships, as he never met a stranger. Passionate about connecting with others, he traveled across the region offering payment solutions to local businesses, always emphasizing the importance of community and connection in all he did.
Mr. Cooper is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Doris Troutman Cooper; son, Bryant “Coop” Cooper; brother, Carl Cooper.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Cooper of Bratt, Florida; son, Austin (Lorri) Cooper of Bratt, Florida; step-daughter, Kayla Kresta of Bratt, Florida; sister, Judy (Robert) Gilmore of Pensacola, Florida; three grandchildren, Ella Chason, Lakelyn Chason and Ava Jane Cooper; numerous cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC., Reverend Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Bill Smith, Wesley Webb, Mark Lewis, Byron Vaughn, Greg Vaughn, Todd Wiggins, and Mike DIgmon.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve McGill, Mark McGill, and Bryan McGill
Tammie Knowles Penegar
August 4, 2025
Tammie Knowles Penegar passed away in her home surrounded by family and friends on the morning of July 31, 2025. She was born on December 28, 1964 to her parents in Atmore, Alabama. She was her Mother’s Darling Darlene. Tammie spent most of her life as a resident of Cantonment, Florida.
Tammie loved being a mom to her children Branden and Tyler. She was also “mom” to their many friends whom could be found at her house at any time of the day or night.
Tammie worked in the cellular industry for 12 years. She then worked for a period of time for Don Cotton in estate sales.
As Tammie lived a life of being a Christ follower, she was led to teach Sunday School and be a Youth Leader for many years at Gonzales Methodist Church where many youths’ lives were changed for Christ.
Tammie was preceded in death by her son, Branden Heath Penegar, and by her parents, Frankie and Nora Knowles. She leaves behind her husband, Elbert “Bert” Penegar and her son, Aaron Tyler Penegar. Also left behind are all of the kids who called her “mom” along with many people who called her friend.
Funeral services for Tammie will be held on Saturday, August 09, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida, with a visitation on August 07, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Cottage Hill Baptist. A reception to follow at the funeral home for family and friends. Reverend Dr. George Dunn will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Tyler Penegar, Trevor Berry, Kendall Hendry, Kevin Gray, Cade Bowman, and Bryant Walsh.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Dortha Clinton
August 1, 2025
Dortha Clinton, age 95, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025 at Homestead Assisted Living. She was born on March 29,1930 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Charlie and Josie Sherouse. She has been a resident of Pensacola for 72 years. She married Grady Clinton in Georgia on May 11, 1947.
Dortha worked at Monsanto, Ensley Elementary School and Barrineau Park School.
She went to nursing school to become an LPN and worked at Sacred Heart hospital until she retired.
She was a member of the Eastern Star and reached the status of Grand Matron.
She worked with the rainbow girls and chaperoned them on their outings. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church and enjoyed helping organize the many fund-raising dinners. Her favorite thing to do was baking and reading her large collection of cookbooks from many areas. She and her husband were members of the Good Sam camping club and enjoyed camping in many states with their family. They were also members of a square dance group.
She is survived by her husband, Grady Clinton; children, Sandra (Kenneth) Kulpa, Teresa (Dennis) Reid, Charlotte (Paul) Schwartz; grandchildren, Angela (Chris)Pilcher, Melissa Reid, Jennifer (Rob) Davies, Christine (Aaron) Schultz; great-grandchildren, Savannah (Cade)Parker, Ryan Pilcher, Jordan Reid, Evelyn Davies, Ethan Davies; great-great-grandson, Landon Reid; and younger sister, Betty Gipson. Also, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Josie Sherouse; brothers, Clarence, Elbert and Marion Sherouse.
Visitation will be August 6 at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel North prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Union Hill Cemetary on West Fairfield Drive.
Heather Harris
August 1, 2025
Heather Harris, a vibrant soul who left us too soon, passed away on July 15, 2025. She was born on April 16, 1986. Heather’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep connection to the world around her.
Heather had a profound passion for collecting unique rocks and found peace spending time outside near a riverbank or on the water, fishing pole in hand. Her radiant smile and truly contagious laugh brought joy to all who knew her. Heather had a heart that loved deeply, whether it was for people or her simple pleasures.
Heather’s greatest dream was to be a mother and give her children the best life possible. Her love for them knew no limits, and everything she did was with their future in mind.
She is lovingly survived by her six beautiful children: Elijah Chase, Hadleigh Lou, Chason Riley, Sieanna Lynn, David Michael, and Myla Naygeh, each a unique reflection of her strength, love, and spirit.
Heather is also survived by her devoted mother, Nikki Harris; her father, Ernie Blair; her beloved maternal grandfather, Tommy Harris; and her paternal grandmother, Mary Blair.
Heather’s memory will live on through her loving sister, Courtney Boyett, and her half-sister, Felicia Blair. She was a proud aunt to her cherished nieces and nephews: River, Leland, Parker, and Lanie. She is also remembered by her uncles, Elton Blair and her aunts, Leigh Anne Mabry and Christi Oppenhien.
Heather’s love, laughter, and light live on in each of her children and in the countless hearts she touched throughout her life. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, free from pain, and watching over us with that same bright smile we will never forget.
Rest easy, Heather. You will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the Molino Community Center.
Donald Keith Griffis
July 31, 2025
Mr. Donald Keith Griffis, who was 72-years-old, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born in Atmore, Alabamac and raised in Century, Florida, where he lived for his entire life. His love for his hometown and the community around him was evident to everyone who knew him. He will be remembered fondly by family and friends for his kind spirit and gentle nature.
He loved music, especially playing the piano and guitar. Whenever he got the chance, you could find him strumming away, lost in the melodies. He was also a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves, cheering them on with excitement during every game. His family meant the world to him, and he cherished spending time with them. Going to church was important to him too, where he found comfort and joy in his faith. Reading his Bible brought him peace and guidance, helping him stay grounded in life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Earl and Della White Griffis; three brothers, Robert Griffis, Billy Griffis and Marty Griffis.
He is survived by his brother, Rodney Griffis of Century, Florida; sister-in-law, Angie Baggett of Flomaton, Alabama; aunt, Jean Clark of Century, Florida; nieces and caregiver, Mandy Griffis (David) Odom of Century, Florida and Brandy (Jamie) Gafford of Century, Florida; nephew, Josh Griffis of Century, Florida; great-niece, Kaitlin “KK” Gafford; great-nephews, Kaden Odom, Easten Odom, and Keaten Odom; numerous other nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, Brother Mitch Herring and Brother James Peacock officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Don Word, Nikki Odom, Cody Odom, Johnny Griffis, Patrick Griffis, and Jamie Gafford.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Rocky Coffey, Wayne Stanton and Jimmy Stanton.
Petty Funeral Homes is entrusted with all arrangements.
Henry Kiah Robbins
July 30, 2025
Henry Kiah Robbins, 88, of Molino, Florida, passed away on July 15, 2025. Born on April 24, 1937, to parents, William and Clara, Henry was a resident of Molino.
Henry proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, before beginning a long career with AT&T, where he worked until his retirement. After retiring, he went to college to later receive his bachelor’s degree. He found great joy in his second career as a realtor, where he continued to connect with people in his community.
Henry was married to his beloved wife, Annette Robbins, for many years. Their life together was one filled with love, dedication, and shared memories.
He is preceded in death by his son, Kent Robbins.
Henry is survived by his wife, Annette; and his son, Jason Kiah Robbins.
Visitation will be from noon until funeral service begins at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Trahan Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Joseph Eugene White
July 30, 2025
Mr. Joseph Eugene White, age 74, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his residence.
Mr. White was born in Flomaton and has lived here for 59 years moving from Pensacola. He was the President and founder of W.O.A. (Wheel’n Outdoors Adventures). He enjoyed hunting and used to make ceramics and paint ceramics. Mr. White loved to go camping and fishing in Eufaula, Alabama. He loved to spoil his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father – J.W. White; nephew – Blaze Johnson; mother n law – Kathryn Goolsby; father n law – Herman Goolsby; sister n law – Kathy Molder and brother n laws – Donnie Molder and Chuck Frazier.
Mr. White is survived by his mother – Rosa Lee White; wife of 55 years – Stella White; brother n laws – Allen (Carolyn) Goolsby of Jay, and Ricky (Jill) Goolsby of East Brewton; sisters – Dianne White of Flomaton, Debra (Wayne) Brown of Brewton; sister n laws – Brenda (Ronnie) Johnson of Flomaton and Gail (Randy) Dewberry of Brewton and Ginger (Doug) Norsworthy of Brewton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.
William A. ‘Bill’ Blackwell
July 30, 2025
William A. “Bill” Blackwell, 71, of Cantonment, FL passed away surrounded by family Friday, July 18, 2025. Bill married his high school sweetheart Janice in 1971 and graduated from George Stone High School in 1972. He then enlisted in the US Army and later became an HVAC instructor for the US Army Corp of Engineers. As a free mason he was a member of the Cantonment Masonic Lodge No.322. He started and ran a prominent HVAC company in Pensacola, Blackwell Heating & Air, for almost 40 years before selling the business and retiring in 2017. Bill thoroughly and passionately enjoyed forestry, hunting, fishing and outdoors at his Peterman, AL farm for many years before and after retirement. After being diagnosed with ALS he moved back closer to family and continued care.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents James M. and Alice T. Blackwell and his brother James M. Blackwell, Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Janice B. Blackwell; son and daughter-in-law, William I. “Billy” and Kelley Blackwell; daughter, Tonya B. Stillwater; grandchildren, Tyler Blackwell (Katie), William “Cole” Stillwater, Skye Stillwater, Landon Blackwell and Layla Bush; great grandchildren, Reed Blackwell and Arabella Stillwater.
Memorial service will be 11am Friday, August 1st at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Pkwy. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steven Johnson, Arlan “Chris” Christoffersen, Gerald Tompkins and Aaron Stillwater.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association to help find a cure for this horrible disease. The family would also like to extend extreme gratitude towards the Veterans Affairs, Gracepoint Home Care and Community Hospice.