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.
Mary “Penny” Butler Pittman
July 29, 2025
Mary “Penny” Butler Pittman, age 76, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 19, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, Penny brought warmth, creativity, and a deep devotion to family into every aspect of her life.
Penny was a gifted artist who found joy and expression through painting and quilting. Her works were not only beautiful, but imbued with heart—each one a reflection of her vibrant spirit. She was a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother, and a fiercely loyal sister. Her family was the center of her world, and her love was steady, unconditional, and ever-present.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Cecil “Josh” Joshua Pittman; children, Michelle Paquette, Jennifer “Jenny” (Matthew) Fromsdorf, Michael “Mike” (Brittany) Paquette, David Pittman, Mac (Holly) Pittman, Nathan (Shannon) Pittman, and Elain (Adam) Gardner; beloved sister, Darlyn Butler; brothers, Skip (Karen) Butler and Randy (Stephanie) Butler; sister-in-law, Kristin Butler; 13 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents, James “Jim” Butler and Bennie Jo Butler; and her brother, Jodie Butler.
Her legacy of creativity, compassion, and unwavering loyalty will live on in all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Penny’s life will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533 on Thursday, July 31st, at 8am.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements
William A. ‘Bill’ Blackwell
July 29, 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 freemason 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.
Jesse Edgar Casey
July 25, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jesse Edgar Casey, who left us on July 24, 2025 at the age of 72. He flew into the arms of our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by loved ones.
Born on January 25, 1953 in Monroeville, Alabama, he was the beloved son of Jack and Mary Casey. He will be remembered for his love of cars, racing, and hunting, kindness, sense of humor, and work ethic.
Jesse is survived by newlywed wife of 50 years Sally Jo Casey; 3 children, Tracy Casey Tullier (Sean), Tommy Casey, and Jason Casey; 3 grandchildren, Dakota, Chantz, and Taylor; 5 great grandchildren; two sisters Louise and Eloise; numerous nephew, niece, and great nephew and preceded in death by parents Jack and Mary Casey; sister Shirley Stewart.
A memorial service will be held on July 31, 2025 at 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. for visitation and funeral services 10:30, at Marcus Pointe Baptist. All who knew and loved Jesse are welcome to attend and honor his memory.
“Though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts.”
Larry Van Davis
July 25, 2025
Mr. Larry Van Davis, who was 77 years old, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He lived in Atmore, Alabama, his whole life and was a devoted member of Bethel Methodist Church. His kindness and spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
He loved spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing or working in the yard to make everything look nice. Riding around on the golf cart with his dogs brought him joy, as they raced alongside him. Coaching little league baseball gave him a chance to share his love for the game with kids, while watching football and baseball games kept him entertained. He enjoyed relaxing with western movies and cherished moments with his family and grandchildren. And through it all, his loyal dog, Little Bit, was always by his side, adding to the warmth of his days. He worked at the bus shop as a supervisor for thirty years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dalton and Amelia Thomley Davis; sister, Tracy Ballentine; grandson, Kameron Davis; granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Davis.
Mr. Davis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Ann Davis of Atmore, Alabama; two sons, Wesley and wife Paige Davis of Atmore, Alabama and Steve Davis of Atmore, Alabama; two brothers, Terry Davis and wife Beth of Conroe, Texas and Jerry Davis of Florence, Alabama; five sisters, Pat Sadler of League City, Texas, Sue Davis of Rogersville, Alabama, Barbara Eppley of Santa Fe, Texas, Tina Davis of Jacksonville, Florida, and Tammy Williams and husband Shane of Perdido, Alabama; three grandchildren, Kyle (Kasey) Atkins, Sommer (Jack) Davis and Emily Davis; three great-grandchildren, Kannon, Gracie, and Daizee-Mae.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC with Reverend Kay Vickrey officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 2:00 PM until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Jacqueline B. Freisinger
July 22, 2025
Jacqueline B. Freisinger
February 16, 1931 – July 19, 2025
She was born February 16, 1931. in Pensacola, to Andrew Dowling and Maggie Mae Nicholson Bowman. She was a lifelong resident of Escambia County and a descendent of several pioneer families to Florida.
She held membership in Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years and later in the Highland Baptist Church in Molino, always an active member.
Her family was very special to her. She made her career with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved the natural environment. Her retirement years were spent in church ministry and civic endeavors in the community. She was an avid genealogist with membership in local historical and genealogical societies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Marvin Lee Lucas, who passed away December 31, 1952, and her sister Doris Coon. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard William Freisinger. She is survived by her son, Marvin Lee and Sharon Cutts Lucas, and daughter, Carol Ann Freisinger and Harry Swinford; grandchildren Heather Lucas and Joshua Bedwell, William Ashton and Amber Williams Lucas, Marvin Dowling and Chelsea Prather Lucas, and Margaret Huston Swinford; great grandchildren, Mollie Lenea Bedwell, Madalyn Lei Bedwell, Anson Lane Bedwell, Aidan Loche Bedwell, Skye Grace Marie Tanton, Kora Leigh Lucas, Jacqueline Aniece Lucas, William “Liam” Ashton Lucas II, Laurance Graham Lucas and Huston Mackenzie Lucas; brother, Julian Duane and Shirley Bowman, sister, Faye and Jimmy Silvia, sister-in-law Ollie Mae Freisinger, along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private family burial at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia, Florida. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the family will receive family and friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 4-7 p.m.
The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to Virginia, Lillie, Debra S. and Debra G. Also, Life Care Center of Pensacola and Vitas Healthcare.
The family would welcome memorial contributions be made to a local charitable organization of your choice.
Woodrow Richardson Watters
July 21, 2025
Woodrow “Woody” Richardson Watters, 73, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Selma, Alabama, Woody lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Marshall Watters and Frances Richardson Watters, who raised him in the values of faith, family, and hard work—principles he carried with him all his life.
Woody is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Karen Brasier Watters of Cantonment, Florida; his children, Johnathan David (Amanda) Watters of Cantonment, Florida, Cynthia Grace (Ricky) Conner of Loxley, Alabama, and Regina Marie (Nathan) Parmely of Morganton, Georgia; and his brothers, Ruben (Beth) Watters and James “Jim” Watters, both of Sprott, Alabama.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to: Faith Elizabeth Watters of Century, Florida; Kelsey Conner (Reid) Kilborn of Loxley, Alabama; Savanah Hope Watters of Pensacola, Florida; Lane Dawson Conner of Loxley, Alabama; Zoie Marie Parmely of Blairsville, Georgia; Charity Ray Watters of Pensacola, Florida; and Abigail Grace Parmely of Morganton, Georgia. He also found immense joy in his great-grandchildren: Ella Wren Kilborn (2) of Loxley, Alabama; Liam Karson Watters (5 months) of Pensacola, Florida; and eagerly awaited the arrival of Cambree Marie Schuknecht, due to arrive on Sept 3, 2025. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Woody’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He lived out the Gospel through his actions—kindness in his words, gentleness in his spirit, humility in his work, and unconditional love for his family. His legacy is a testament to Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
He dedicated more than 40 plus years to the glass and glazing industry, where he served as the General Manager of Pensacola Glass Company. He was respected for his integrity, patience, and leadership. More than a boss, he was a mentor—someone who quietly poured wisdom into the lives of those around him.
Outside of work and family, Woody had one absolute favorite pastime — cheering on his Alabama Crimson Tide. Whether watching at home or talking football with friends, he bled crimson and white. Roll Tide!
He will be remembered for his warm smile, integrity, unconditional love, and the peace he carried in his presence. Though our hearts ache, his memories he created will remain in the hearts of the family as we rejoice in knowing he is now whole and at peace in his eternal home.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Pine Flat Baptist Church Cemetery in Selma, Alabama at 2:30 pm.
Christopher James Corbitt
July 18, 2025
Christopher James Corbitt, age 45, born in Mobile, AL and a resident of Rabun died Thursday, July 17, 2025 at his residence. He was a Police Captain for Atmore Police Department.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica Michelle Hadley Corbitt of Rabun; his children, Dylan Lee (Taylor) Brunson, Justin Issac (Emily) Brunson and Braylon James Corbitt all of Rabun; his mother, Kay Charmaine Williams of Nokomis, AL; his father, James Thomas Corbitt of Bay Minette, AL; two brothers, Mika Sean (Krista) Corbitt of Bay Minette, AL and Gabriel Heath (Ashlee) Williams of Nokomis, AL and one sister, Charmaine (David) Paul of Nokomis, AL.
He was preceded in death by a son, Casten Michael Corbitt.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Bay Minette with Reverends David and Chris Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Guy’s Chapel Methodist Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 21, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. service at First Baptist Church.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Springhill Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36461 or to Gound Angles of Houston, 1306 Briar Bayou Road, Houston, TX 77077.
Rufus Clay Campbell
July 15, 2025
Rufus Clay Campbell, a proud Navy veteran, devoted husband, and lifelong farmer of the Wallace Community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 99.
Born on April 23, 1926, in Chumuckla, FL, Rufus was one of eleven children born to Cuyler and Bessie Campbell. Growing up among seven brothers and three sisters, he learned the values of hard work, family, and faith early in life — principles that would shape the rest of his days. He attended school in Chumuckla and graduated from Chumuckla High School, a proud milestone in a close-knit rural community.
Rufus answered the call to serve his country in World War II. He enlisted in February 1944 before graduating from high school on April 28. He then reported for duty and served four years in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the harbor off Iwo Jima when the war came to an end. As horns and whistles sounded in celebration, he and his shipmates threw their hats in the air. He often recalled, with fondness, that his hat landed overboard—a memory that stayed with him for life. He was also on deck when the iconic photograph of the Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi was taken—an image he witnessed firsthand.
After completing his service, Rufus returned home and began a long career as an aircraft mechanic at Naval Air Station Pensacola where he worked diligently until his retirement. While working full-time, he also built his farm in the Wallace Community, turning it into a full-time operation he lovingly tended for decades. He remained active on the farm until recent years when his health no longer allowed it. His family will carry forward the legacy he built—honoring his hard work and deep love for the land.
Rufus was married for 75 years to his beloved wife, Beverly DuBois Campbell, and together they raised a family anchored in love, respect, and strong values. They were longtime members of Wallace Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and is survived by his son, Clay Campbell (Mary Ann);his daughter, Carol Jenkins (Waylon); six grandchildren: Alan Jenkins (Shana), Angel Campbell Ward, Diana Campbell Holm (Daniel), Laura Jenkins Norville (Pelham), Ryan Campbell (Miranda), and Brett Campbell (Maggie); and five great-grandchildren. He was also cherished by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss his steady presence, quiet wisdom, and generous spirit.
A funeral service honoring Rufus’ life will be held at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Milton on Friday, July 18, with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m. and the service at 3:00 p.m.
His nephews David, Keith, Roger and Ronald Campbell; grandsons, Ryan Campbell, Brett Campbell, and Alan Jenkins will serve as pallbearers. The service will be conducted by Rev. LaDon Hall with grandson Alan Jenkins conducting the graveside service. Music will be provided by Dan Kirkland.
The family wishes to thank all who supported Rufus in his later years. His hands may now rest, but his legacy—of service, faith, family, and farming—will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
John William Haines
July 15, 2025
John William Haines, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 82 surrounded by the love of his family.
John was born on September 1, 1942 in Osceola Mills Pennsylvania. As a young adult he made his home in Somerville NJ, starting a career with the United States Postal Service. It was there were he met his his future wife, marrying in 1968. For 57 years, he shared a deep and faithful marriage with his best friend, his beloved beautiful bride, Pamela Haines—a bond that stood as a shining example of enduring love and partnership. After retirement, John and Pamela moved to the Florida Panhandle and made their home in Milton. John lived a life grounded in faith, integrity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
John was the proud father of two sons, Eric Haines (Elizabeth) and Scott Haines, and the cherished grandfather of three adoring grandchildren Emily Kurek (Hunter), Evan Haines (Hallie), and Lily Haines. He is also survived by his brother Steve Gasper (Mollie), sister-in-law Dorothy Haines and numerous extended family members. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by family, whether it was at the dinner table, playing games, fishing, gardening, or quietly supporting those he loved through life’s trials and triumphs.
John was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Haines, his mother, Carrie Haines Gasper, his brother, Larry Haines, and his sister, Karen Bolden.
He was a man of quiet strength, steadfast values, and deep belief in Jesus Christ. His life was marked by hard work, selflessness, and a calm, guiding presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John’s legacy lives on in his family—in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the countless sacrifices he made to provide and protect. He was a constant source of strength, grace, and wisdom and his absence leaves a hole that can never be filled.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home located at 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida, with family visitation beginning at 10:30 am and friends at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to come honor a man whose life truly made a difference.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s name to Emerald Coast Hospice at 5536 Stewart Street, Milton, FL 32570.