Billy Wayne (Bill) Sneed
July 10, 2022
This world lost an amazing and unselfish man on June 23, 2022. died at home in Cantonment, FL, at the age of 81, after a long journey with dementia and a short battle with cancer. Bill will be remembered for his strong devotion to his family, great sense of humor, outrageous storytelling, and a sincere desire to help others.
Bill was born in Russellville, AL, on January 21, 1941, to parents Carrie and Jack Sneed. He graduated from Russellville High School, class of 1960, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Football was always his favorite sport, and he was a lifelong fan of the University of Alabama football team. Roll Tide!!
After graduation, Bill enjoyed a successful career with Chemstrand/ Monsanto Company, working in the research lab in Durham, NC, and then in the 750 Building in Pensacola, FL. He later became a Technical Service Laboratory Coordinator for many years before retiring in 1996 after 35 years with the company.
On June 14, 1974, Bill married the love of his life, best friend, and traveling partner, Ruth Ann Carnley. Bill and Ruth raised three children in a blended family, continued their individual careers, and traveled to all fifty states, usually camping in their RV, and to many other countries. When they could no longer travel long distances, Ruth became Bill’s constant companion and encourager at and near home.
Bill was a member of Ensley Masonic Lodge#278, York Rite, and Scottish Rite. As a member of First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Bill worked with other retired men doing repairs and restoration, (R & R). He also prepared meals in the church kitchen, served the hungry at Loaves and Fishes, and was a founding member of the Ike Terry Sunday School Class. For many years he volunteered at the information desk at West Florida Hospital. One of his greatest joys was going on fishing trips with his buddies and communing with nature.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his precious grandson Camden, his younger brother Bob, and his dear friend Ralph Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann Sneed, his daughter Sharon Lynne Yetzer of Pensacola, his sons, Todd Alan Carnley of Mobile and Brian David Sneed (Malyn) of Three Rivers, MI, seven grandchildren, three great-grandsons, his sisters, Betty Grissom and Glenda Williams, and his brother, Jackie Sneed (Dean). The family wishes to thank their special nurse Julie from Vitas Health Care for her kindness and care for Bill and Ruth.
A memorial service and celebration of Bill’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 6 E Wright Street, Pensacola on Friday, July 15 at 3:00, followed by a reception in the Wright Place. The service will be live streamed on the church website.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church, designated for Fifty Forward Senior Adult Ministry, United Ministries of Pensacola, 257B E. Lee St., Pensacola, FL 32503, or the Alzheimer’s Association
Thomas W. “Tommy” Holland Jr.
July 10, 2022
passed away July 6, 2022. Tommy was born in Pensacola, Florida, October 3, 1951. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was the manager of Pensacola Tire Center for many many years. He was a 1969 graduate of Pensacola High School and later received a degree from Pensacola Junior College.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Sr. and Bonnie Cook Holland and his brother David C. Holland.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pamela Robey Holland, his brother John D. Holland and wife Deborah, David’s daughter Morgan J. Holland and her fiancé Stevie Stokes, John’s son, Jonathan D. Holland and wife Tiffany, and their children Noah and Sunny.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Family visitation will begin at 10:30 AM followed by open visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
William Donald “Don” McCrory, Jr.
July 10, 2022
William Donald “Don” McCrory, Jr. born in Pensacola, FL on November 1, 1968 left this world on June 24, 2022 in Birmingham AL at the age of 53.
Don was preceded in death by his grandparents: John & Helen Brinkman and William & Mildred McCrory; two aunts: Della Brinkman Railey and Bonnie McCrory Stacey; two uncles: John Brinkman Jr. and Benny McCrory; and countless other family members.
He is survived by his parents Eileen McCrory Tucker and William Donald McCrory, Sr.; brother Todd McCrory; son, Jon Vige, and granddaughter Blaire Vige; a very special friend, Susan Roldan; and many other family members.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on July 13 at 4 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 3 p.m
Thomas L. Silcox
July 9, 2022
, 88, of Pensacola, Florida passed away Monday, July 4, 2022 after a long battle with chronic kidney disease.
Tommy was born April 2, 1934 in Seminole, AL to Annie Givens and Henry Davis Silcox. He was one of eight children and is survived by two sisters, Alyce Emmons, and Margaret McLarin. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tommy graduated from J.M. Tate High School and joined the Air Force right after. He served during the Korean War and spent time deployed in Japan. After his military service, the majority of his career was with International Paper, where he met the love of his life, Max Blackwell. They married in 1964, had three daughters, and were blissfully married for 43 years until her passing in 2007.
Tommy was an all-around outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, and camp.
He is survived by his daughters; Tina Conner (Ryan), Anita Day, and Donna Hastings (Scott); and 5 grandchildren; Taylor Rogers (Nate), Shelby Day, Payton Conner, Jaylon Conner, and Sydney Day.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Faith Chapel North at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m.
Eunice McGhee Presley-Pierce
July 9, 2022
, 85 years young, was surrounded by family in her home as she was made whole at 10am on July 1, 2022 and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She was born September 10, 1936 to Farrish McGhee and Pearl Barnhill-McGhee in the Alyssa community near Uriah, Alabama. As a child, her family moved to Walnut Hill, Florida. A few years later, she moved with her family to their 88 acre McGhee Homestead and farm located in Huxford, Alabama.
She shared many stories of her childhood. To earn money for school clothes, she would pick as many oranges as she ate until her skin would turn orange or rise early to pick cotton before going to school. Her Mother baked potatoes that she would put in her pockets to keep her hands warm on the way to school, which also made a great school lunch. Growing up on a farm she learned the art of planting, harvesting and putting up the freshest veggies straight from the field. And oh, what an incredible banquet spread she could prepare. Never afraid of hard work, she acquired a car from her sister, Daisy, at the age of 13 and began a career at Vanity Fair sewing…no license and under age.
She was close to all her siblings. You could catch her visiting with Daisy, running the roads with Aubrey, or going on a shopping spree with Eloise (who we affectionately called, Thelma & Louise). Dating consisted of sitting together at Huxford Pentecostal Church then Mother and Daddy following closely in the car behind on the way home. It was there that she met the dashingly handsome Fred Lee Presley. After marrying, they moved to Pensacola. It was there they lived and raised their three girls (Hayes Street…Hwy 29 Cantonment, Mississippi Circle and back to Hwy 29 home in Cantonment they had built together). Eunice & Fred were married 24 years. As a young adult, Eunice worked as a car hop on skates at a popular local ice cream and burger drive-in at the circle on the corner of Mobile Hwy and Warrington Road. She finally settled into her career as a school bus driver from which she retired, May 24, 2002 with 30 years of service. She often said that she wanted her house to be paid off by the last time she pulled her bus into the drive. She worked hard to fulfill that dream.
On March 15, 1977, Eunice married the wonderful E.D. “Bob” Pierce on his birthday. Oh, how they loved one another! They lived in Pensacola on B street until they designed and built a home together on Rebel Road. She wanted to start a petition to change the road name because she was anything but a rebel. They were married for 37 years. Her favorite hobby was fishing. Put a fishing pole in her hand and she would fish the hours away whether the fish were biting or not. Eunice was passionate about showing the love of Christ through her actions and the talent God had given her. Her face would light up and tears come to her eyes when she spoke of God using her through singing, testifying and playing the piano as she traveled and ministered with the Southern Gospel singing groups, “Faith Trio” (Eunice, Rosetta and Annie Mae) and the Gospel Harmonairs” (family group for over 40 years in ministry). She was so touched when people came to the altar to give their hearts to the Lord as she felt God using her to make a difference in the lives of others. She also enjoyed ministering and singing with her cousin Linda (who was more like a sister to her) and friend Barbara for several years. She fiercely loved her family! It didn’t stop there… You could say that she SIMPLY, UNCONDITIONALLY LOVED WELL! To know her was to know you were loved! Her biggest prayer request she had even written and put in her Bible was that her family would be saved. When asked what she would do when she saw Jesus, she said, “I just want to hug Him”. There are no words that can come close to sharing the legacy of faith and love she leaves behind. She was the example and glue that taught us how to to live, forgive and love well.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Farrish and Pearl McGhee; Husband, E.D. Bob Pierce; Sister, Daisy (Wes) Long); Brother-n-law, Jasper Stewart; Sister-n law, Shirley McGhee.
She is survived by: Anita Carol Presley (daughter), Judy Marie Presley (daughter), Reverend ReGina Gayle Presley (Robert) Bryan (daughter), James Aubrey McGhee (brother), Eloise Stewart (Sister), Four Grandchildren: Brian (Kellie) Malone, Taylor Edwards, Christina Bryan, David Bryan. Seven Great-Grand Children: Garrett, Michael, Kayleb & Jordan Malone; Mariah, Taylee & Avery Edwards. We acknowledge Kristy McRae & John Hawkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her greatly. Special thanks to Ace Jones, Faye Blue, our Poarch Creek Indian family, Ensley UMC Church family, Dr. Shepherd, Regency Hospice, Synergy Caregivers, Shannon, Grace, Eunice, Addie and especially Shay and niece, Patsy, who along with the family, ministered special loving care in times of need.
Rev. Timothy Nail and Rev. Gina Bryan will be officiating her Celebration of Life service Monday, July 11th. Visitation 9:30am, Service 10:30am @ Faith Chapel North (1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL) followed by a 12-noon graveside internment at Pensacola Memorial Gardens (7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, Florida).
Frances Wilson Dortch
July 8, 2022
Frances Wilson Dortch, age 82, of Davisville, FL passed away at her residence on May 24, 2022. She was born on November 18, 1939 in Century, FL to Lonnie and Irma Adell Miller Wilson. She was a member of Pine Barren Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clark Wilson and her sister, Oleda Steege.
She is survived by her husband, Franklin E. Dortch of Davisville, FL; her son, Paul E. (Carolyn) Dortch of Poarch, AL; her daughters: Marliss Dortch of Davisville, FL, Cathryn Dortch (Jimmy) Reynolds of Oak Grove, FL, Charlotte Dortch (Doug) Purvis of Robinsonville, AL, Shannon Dortch (Michael) Doremus of Bratt, FL; ten grandchildren which includes CPL Logan Doremus in the United States Marine Corps and many great grandchildren including PFC Austin Greenwood in the United States Army.
Graveside services will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL with Dr. Tim Tew officiating. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Matthew Reynolds, Aaron Purvis, Randall Rolin, Nathan Dortch, Luke Moye, Brodie Rolin and PFC Austin Greenwood.
Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Mack, Mike Helton, Rodney Helton, Brian Fayard, Jonathan Wilson and Thomas Miller.
Ray Ladon ‘Uncle Ray’ Singleton
July 6, 2022
Mr. Ray Ladon “Uncle Ray” Singleton, age 77 passed away, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Canoe, AL. He was a native of Atmore, AL; and has resided in Fort Deposit, AL; for the past 18 years. He was in Retail Sales in hardware for 35 years and was the best in matching paint colors. After semi retiring, he would farm with some local farmers and he also would drive a semi-truck for some of his local friends.
“Uncle Ray” valued his time he got to spend with his wife, family, and grandsons. He was the greatest Daddy and loved his daughter and friends dearly. He enjoyed telling good ole stories and making people laugh. He enjoyed football and always loved a good concert. He had the biggest heart and would help people out any way he could.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Sudie Gilmore) Singleton, Edward Singleton, Lenard Singleton, Earl Singleton, Bernard Singleton, Carlos Singleton, Thelma Barnes, Sue Kniseley, and one brother in-law, Newton Weaver.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Elaine Singleton, of Fort Deposit, AL; one daughter, Ladonna Young, of Bay Minette, AL; one step-daughter, Summer (Clay) Brogden, of Greenville, AL; two brothers, Barney (Pat) Singleton, of Atmore, AL; Albert (Carolyn) Singleton, of Robinsonville, AL; one sister, Laura Weaver, of Canoe, AL; two grandsons, Tristan Young, of Hoover, AL; Jack Brogden, of Greenville, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center with Pastor: Cornelius Phillips officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday July 8, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center.
Pallbearers will be Troy McKinley, Sammy Singleton, Jack Brogden, Chris Singleton, Sam Lee, and Johnny Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Holland, David Womack, Clay Helton, Jr; Nic Johnson, Terrell Singleton, and Larry Singleton.
William Amos “Bill” Spear
July 6, 2022
William Amos “Bill” Spear, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Bill was born on May 7, 1926 in Bainbridge, Georgia to Amos Allen Spear and Christine Lunday Spear.
He lived in Pensacola for most of his life. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He was onboard ships in the Pacific as a gunner’s mate throughout the war. He was part of The Greatest Generation. Bill retired after 20 years in the Navy. He was stationed onboard aircraft carriers for most of his service as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He also spent 3 years working for the Department of Defense in Vietnam during that conflict. He was most proud of obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was honored in 2015 by the upcoming CPO class at NAS Pensacola at a special ceremony where they presented him with a Navy Working Uniform. Bill was a hard working man who loved to build things. He built homes and businesses all over Pensacola and the Southeast.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was still gardening in his 90’s at his assisted living facility.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Christine Spear, his sister Eunice Brisch (John), brother Perry Allen Spear, and son David Allen Spear. He is survived by two sons: Billy Spear (Gail) and Scott Spear (Kahly); two daughters, Susan Rawls (Don) and Christie Harris, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, John Gavin.
Visitation will be on Monday July 11 at 10:30 am at Faith Chapel (South) with the service following at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Toys for Tots.
Rev. David Merle Taylor
July 5, 2022
Rev. David Merle Taylor, 92 of Atmore, AL. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on July 1, 2022in Atmore. He was born in Brewton, AL. to the late James Lewis Taylor and Annie Lou Bell Taylor. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired machine maintenance worker at Vanity Fair. He was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and served many years as an ordained minister with the Southern Baptist Association. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Marilyn Peebles and Helen Campbell.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Doris Ruth Peacock Taylor of Atmore, AL. One daughter Karen (Tony) Thomas of Stanley Crossroads, AL; grandson David (Rheanna) Thomas and one great grandson William Thomas.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Tim Tew and Bro. Jerry Peebles officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Rick Warren, Gary Hare, Hugh Long, Allen Sharpless, Jeremy Jones and Tyler Roley.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 1 PM until service time at 2 PM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Brooks Memorial Baptist Church or Gideons International.
Shane Lee Copeland
June 29, 2022
Shane Lee Copeland, age 54, of Jay, Florida, passed away in Jay, Florida. He was born December 31, 1967.
Shane was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Russell Copeland, Doris Louise Grant, paternal grandparents Samuel C. and Mary Lucille Copeland, maternal grandparents Coy D. and Dessie Lou Jordan, and one brother Terry Donnell Copeland. Shane was baptized August 8, 2004 by Bro Doug Greer (Divine Temple of Brewton, AL).
Shane is survived by five children: Nichole Lewis (Daniel) of Jay, FL; Austen Copeland of Pensacola, FL; Summer Gandy (Phillip) of Century, FL; Landry Copeland (Carly) of Norfolk, VA, and Ethan Copeland of Jay, FL; four grandchildren, Jacob Lewis, Brantley Lewis, Asher Lewis, and Whitney Gandy; two stepchildren: Delania Ellis (Jeremy) of Jay, FL; Dillon Anthony of Brewton, AL; one step grandchild Addisen Ellis; one step brother Dwaine Grant of Milton, FL, one sister Kristy Goodson (Kevin) of Jay, FL and step father Wyndell Grant of Jay, FL.
Visitation for family and friends will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022, with the memorial immediately following, at New Bethel Baptist Church in Chumuckla, FL with Bro. Matthew Dobson officiating.