Giovanni ‘Gino’ Christopher Planer
April 29, 2026
Giovanni “Gino” Christopher Planer, age 33, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on April 22, 2026.
He was born at West Point Military Academy on September 11, 1992 to Russell Scott Planer and Wendy Lynne Groover. Giovanni had a ten-year career in the United States Navy and later became an IT cybersecurity specialist government contractor. He attended both Liberty Church and Voyage Church and had a passion for sharing the Lord. Giovanni enjoyed family and friends, motorcycles, finance trading, video games, and living his life to the fullest in his new found home of Florida.
He is survived by his daughter Anna, his father Russell Planer and his wife Eileen, his mother Wendy Groover and her husband Jeff, his sisters Christina and Alyssa, his brothers Carlos, Zach, Brian, Eleazar, and Erl Joaquin.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home at 1000 S. Hwy 29 Cantonment, FL on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor John Teele officiating.
Giovanni’s final resting place will be at the at the Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144. A graveside service will be held there at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, with Pastor David Cooper officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 34 in Rock Hill along with the US Navy.
Sandra Marie Ferguson
April 29, 2026
Sandra Marie Ferguson, 38, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on April 27, 2026. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Charles and Jamie Johnson Ferguson.
Sandra was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and a cook at Wind Creek Casino. She was also hardworking, kind, funny, and enjoyed socializing with her friends.
She is survived by her parents; her brothers, Chris Ferguson of Virginia Beach, VA., David (Sarah) Ferguson of Canada; her sister, Amanda (Jason) Hardy of Columbus, MS, nieces and nephew, Abbriana, Kensley, Allie, and Alex.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Richard ‘Mike’ Caraway
April 28, 2026
Michael Richard “Mike” Caraway, 53, of Canoe, AL., passed away on April 17, 2026, in Atmore, AL. He was born on December 27, 1972, to Collin “Pete” Caraway and Mary “Janie” Caraway.
Mike was a Correctional Officer and a Shriner. He enjoyed gardening and hanging out with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway.
Mike is survived by his parents; his daughter, Girdielene Ella Wade Caraway; his sisters, Vicky (Jerry) Timothy, Sandra Caraway (David) Brown; his brother, William (Debbie)Caraway, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 27, 2026, with Pastor Richard Daniel officiating. Interment followed at Caraway Family Cemetery in McCullough, AL.
Johnson-Quimby was in charge of arrangements.
Jack Mitchell
April 24, 2026
Jack Mitchell, 86, of Walnut Hill, FL., passed away on April 22, 2026. He was born on December 13, 1939, to John Mitchell and Mary Graham Mitchell.
He was a printer with Smurfit-Stone and a member and deacon with Liberty Church of Atmore, AL. Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was also a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Jack is survived by his wife, Hazel Flowers Mitchell; his daughters, Pam (Randy) Johnson of Stockton, AL., and Tammy (Danny) Sightler of Andalusia, AL.; 4 grandchildren, Kevin (Rebecca) Johnson, Ryan (Sarah Jane) Johnson, Danielle (Walt) Meeks, and Travis Sightler, and 5 great-grandchildren, Brook, Madison, Macey, Kaylee, and Hudson Tate.
He is also survived by his brothers, John C. Mitchell of Atmore, AL., Joe Wayne (Sue) Mitchell of Germany; his sisters, Helen Bell of Flomaton, AL., and Linda Johnson
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Wetzel and Pastor Greg Burns officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Travis Sightler, Willie Fountain, James English, and Kenny English.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Shirley Louise (Dimond) Jones
April 24, 2026
Shirley Louise (Dimond) Jones, age 81, of Pensacola, Florida, met her Savior on April 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Schenectady, New York, on July 6, 1944, to Herbert and Opal Dimond, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, nana and great-grandmother. She was known for her kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and devotion to her family. Shirley attended Gordon College, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. She was an educator from 1965-2011, teaching every grade including preschool and infants.
In 1965, she married Herbert Jones, III. They built a beautiful family, raising four children: Kathy, Steve, Pete, and Amy. Shirley loved sewing, making homemade blankets for babies and others. She loved swimming, serving as a lifeguard at camp in her teen years. She loved baking, caning chairs, and most of all, ice cream!
Shirley committed her life to Christ in July, 1951, at Camp Pattersonville in New York. She faithfully served Him in her church for the remainder of her life. She founded and directed a church preschool, taught Sunday School, organized missionary closets, interpreted for deaf ministries, and served in the Dei Gratia ministry encouraging cancer patients.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Herb; four children, Kathleen (Bruce) Cournoyer, Stephen (Tammy) Jones, Peter (Bethany) Jones, and Amy (Ryan) Hegreness; ten grandchildren, Brittany (Aaron) Oberholtzer, Brett (Jenelle) Cournoyer, Abbey Jones, Julianna (Ian) DeBoer, Micah Jones, Sara Jones, Katelyn Hegreness, Noah Hegreness, Xander Hegreness, Eliana Hegreness; five great-grandchildren, Elliana, Andrew, Caden Oberholtzer; Beckham, Delaney Cournoyer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Opal Dimond and her brother, Lyman Dimond.
A celebration of life will be held at Northstone Baptist Church (2550 W Nine Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9 AM followed by the service at 10 AM.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026 will be a burial at Barrancas National Cemetery, with a procession meeting at 10:30 am at Olive Baptist Church-Warrington.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Hope Has a Name at hopehasaname.org.
Dale Harrison
April 24, 2026
Dale Harrison, 65, of Atmore, AL., passed away on April 17, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1960, to James Leonard and Marion Lorraine Galloway Harrison.
Dale was a graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore, AL., and was a farmer most of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jimmy Harrison.
Dale is survived by his brother, Wayne (Barbara) Harrison of Atmore, AL. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jim Harrison, Chris Harrison, Glendon Harrison, Travis Harrison, Dustin Harrison, Michael Harrison, Lynn Thurber, Lesley Ann Harrison, extended family, and friends.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL., with Bro. Don Melton officiating.
Pallbearers will be all of Dale’s nephews.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Paul Francis Rydzowski
April 23, 2026
Paul Francis Rydzowski, 70, of Wing, Ala., died as the result of an accident near his home on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Mr. Rydzowski was born Nov. 9, 1955 in Century, Escambia, Fla. to Ramon Francis Rydzowski and Gloria Marie Fleming Rydzowski. He worked all his life, beginning in grade school working in his grandparent’s grocery store. During his adult working years Paul began his career at Ingalls Ship Building in Pascagoula, Miss.; he then worked as a salesman at Stanton’s in Century, Fla.; next he worked at CSX Railroad for 18 years; and finally retired after 22 as a Lieutenant in the Florida Department of Corrections in Crestview, Fla. He also worked weekends and off hours as security for FDOT roadside rest area on I-10.
Paul possessed a giant heart and loved his family deeply. He took great pride in maintaining the appearance of his yard and surrounding areas. He saw it more as a fun activity than a chore that must be done. In addition, he also highly valued being a good neighbor and helping anyone in need. He loved nature, the simple things in life, sitting on the back porch, drinking coffee and watching deer eat acorns. He was a hard-core Alabama fan and loved stock car racing. He was active in his church and a respected member of the community.
Mr. Rydzowski is survived by his wife, Karen Cook Rydzowski of 21 years; one son, Ronald William “Ronny” (Robin) Rydzowski of Satsuma, Ala.; one daughter, Elizabeth Anne “Beth” (Dwayne) Higdon of Brewton, Ala; two stepsons, Eric (Tabitha) McLeod, Brandon (Leah) Adams; five grandchildren, Joseph Rydzowski, Emma Rydzowski, Stephanie Whatley, Troy Rydzowski Higdon and Chloe Higdon; four step-grandchildren, Shawn McLeod, Trent McLeod, Hunter Adams and A.J. Reed; and brother, Steven Ray (Donna) Rydzowski of McDavid, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Charity Joanne “Sissy” Rydzowski Polk.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 24, at Union Hill Church of Christ in Wing. The funeral will be at the church with Brother Pat Brinn and the Pastor Jarrod Knoll officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Troy Rydzowski Higdon, Trent McLeod, Joseph Rydzowski, Shawn McLeod, Nick Higdon and Micheal Stanford
Honorary pallbearer will be Hunter Adams.
Mary Graham Haas
April 20, 2026
Mary Graham Haas passed away on April 16, 2026 at 100 years and 5 months of age.
Born November 15, 1925 to Walker A. Graham and Nancy Lula Graham in Mt. Olive, Alabama, she later became a longtime resident of Cantonment, Florida where she had a career in nursing.
Mary was a faithful member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church of Cantonment, as well as an active member of the Pensacola Quilter Guild. Among her enjoyments were sewing, crocheting, knitting, and the delight of sharing fresh blueberries with her families and friends.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, William Haas.
Mary is survived by her nieces and nephews, Faye Abbs, Margie Wolfe, Jerry Graham, Linda Morris, Tommy (Liz) Graham, Cheryl Booker, Peggy (Chuck) Folmar, Wayne Baldwin, James (Brenda) Graham, Nancy Davis, and Alfred Graham; her granddaughter, Janet Cavallaro; her great-nieces; her great-nephews; and her friends and neighbors.
A funeral service will be held at 11: 00 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bishop Holley officiating. Burial will follow in Spruell Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to service.
Charles Emmitt ‘Doodle’ McDonald
April 20, 2026
Charles Emmitt “Doodle” McDonald, 82, of Pace, Florida, passed away on April 16, 2026.
He was born on December 9, 1943, in Atmore, AL, to Emmitt R. McDonald and Mary Lou Kirby McDonald.
Charles worked in construction maintenance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, eating breakfast at the Anchor Café, watching Nascar, and was an avid Alabama fan. He also enjoyed his daily trips to Hardee’s.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Charlotte McDonald.
Charles is survived by his sons, Mark McDonald and Jason (Tracey) McDonald; his grandchildren, Alex (Harrison), Aaron (Lacey), Bryant, Jackson, and Mathew; and his special furry companion, “Gracie”.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Huxford, AL.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Aaron McDonald, Jackson McDonald, Harrison Kase, Bubba Moxness, Mathew McDonald, and Rusty Hall.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with funeral expenses.
Mickey Sue ‘Susie’ Messick
April 19, 2026
Mickey Sue “Susie” Messick, born October 18, 1951, in Pensacola, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Charles “Chuck” Messick; her daughter, Christy Gardner (Jesse); her beloved granddaughter, Lileah Messick; and her triplet grandsons, Jase, Grant, and Reed Gardner. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Regan, Katie O’Quinn (Buddy), Cathy Anderson (Terry), and Shirley Caro (Buddy), along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Susie was preceded in death by her son, Jason Messick, and her parents, W.C. and Thora Regan.
A graduate of Pensacola High School, Class of 1969, Susie had a special talent and passion for cooking and cake decorating. She created wedding cakes for her daughter, as well as for nieces, nephews, and many friends over the years—each one made with care and pride.
Above all, Susie’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren: Lileah, Jase, Grant and Reed, who brought her endless joy.
She found peace in traveling to the Smoky Mountains—especially Cades Cove—and loved her time at the beach at Fort Pickens. She was also a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed cheering them on.
Susie lived her life with kindness, love, and a quiet faith, finding strength and comfort in the Lord. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
“And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Faith Chapel North with Mary Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.