Rickey Lavon McGhee
February 8, 2026
Rickey Lavon McGhee, a lifelong resident of the Poarch Community and a proud Citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Born in Atmore, Alabama, on April 25, 1951, Rickey’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.
Rickey was preceded in death by his fathers, Grady McGhee, Mal McGhee, and Fay Jackson. He is survived by his mother, Martha Jane McGhee Jackson; his son, Rickey Lavon McGhee Jr. (Meagan); his sisters, Carolyn White (Don), Edna Parker, Cynthia Alvarez (Wesley), and MaryLou Challender; and his brother, Mal McGhee (Tami). He leaves behind a legacy of love through his six grandchildren: Brooke McGhee, Trey McGhee, Jadon McGhee, Bella McGhee, Sage Stewart, and Nash Ledkins; and his six great-grandchildren: Emerie, Kailen, Brynlee, Kynleigh, Hutson, and Kaycelyn. Special Friend Felicia Hadley.
Rickey was a builder at heart. He began his career as an ironworker, contributing to the construction of major manufacturing and nuclear plants before transitioning into residential home building. After several years working on offshore oil rigs, he brought his talents home to his Tribe’s manufacturing business. A versatile and reliable team member, Rickey excelled as a precision machine operator. However, his true professional joy came in the last decade of his life when he earned his CDL and took to the road. Driving trucks was his dream job, and he was widely considered the best at it.
In his younger years, Rickey loved racing cars, mud riding in his four-wheel-drive truck, spending days at the creek, and dancing. As time passed, his focus shifted toward his deep love for his family. He became a dedicated caretaker for his mother and a constant pillar of support for his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing a ballgame or a special event.
A faithful member of the Poarch Community Church, Rickey served on the Leadership Committee and in numerous other capacities. His church family knew him as a man of service whose presence and dedication will be deeply missed.
Service Information
• Pallbearers: Trey McGhee, Nicholas McGhee, Wade Fretwell, Blasé Fretwell, Joshua Martin, and Daryl Bryars.
• Honorary Pallbearers: Don Jackson, Jack Allen McGhee, Odell McGhee, Jerry Sells, Don White, Charles Wicker, William Vickey, Ricky Nelson, and Cookie Lassiter.
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Service Schedule
• Visitation: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Poarch Community Church.
• Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
• Interment: To follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Sheppard James Calhoun
February 6, 2026
Sheppard James Calhoun, the son of Micah and Morgan Calhoun, passed away in their home on February 4th, 2026. Sheppard was born on October 13th, 2025, and after a 53-day NICU stay, between Sacred Heart Pensacola and Nemour’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Sheppard was able to come home on December 5th, 2025. Sheppard was the first-born son of Micah and Morgan Calhoun and was loved by so many.
Sheppard’s story is one of resilience, fervent prayer, and steadfast friendships. Those who knew Sheppard were able to see the obvious fingerprint of God’s faithfulness towards His people. Though short, Sheppard’s life prompted much prayer and fruitfulness from the body of Christians that surrounded the Calhouns during his time on earth. Sheppard James truly lived up to his namesake without ever saying a word, by reminding those around him of the importance of prayer and diligent Christian devotion, as well as how we ought to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” [James 1:2-3 ESV]
May Sheppard’s life and legacy perennially remind those within the body of Christ of God’s steadfast love and merciful goodness towards us.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 13th at Hillcrest Baptist Church followed by an 11a.m. funeral service; Pastor Brian Calhoun will be officiating. Graveside service to follow at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Honorary pall bearers are to be: Taylor Brown, Austin Collier, Peter Kreuser, Gill Phillips, Tucker Hubbell, Ben Nelson and Brandon White. Flowers may be sent to Hillcrest Baptist Church at 800 E Nine Mile Road; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ronald McDonald House Pensacola, FL in Sheppard’s name.
Thomas Elton ‘Buddy’ Byrd
February 1, 2026
Mr. Thomas Elton “Buddy” Byrd, who was 80 years old, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Atmore, Alabama, the town where he was born on December 14, 1945. He spent his entire life in Atmore and Davisville, Florida. He was a devoted member of Atmore Baptist Temple. Buddy will be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his family and community.
He had a true passion for old cars, enjoying the challenge of restoring them and perfecting their paint and bodywork. He cherished spending time with his family, especially taking his grandchildren for rides on the golf cart. He dedicated countless hours to judging car shows and coaching youth baseball, sharing his love for the game with young players. A proud member of Cruisers’ Unlimited, he looked forward to events like Cruising the Coast, where he spent many happy hours at car shows, earning various awards throughout the years for his impressive vehicles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Talton and Velma Morrow Byrd; sister, Bobby Freeman.
Mr. Byrd is survived by his devoted wife of forty-four years, Gayle Byrd, residing in Davisville, Florida. He leaves behind three sons: Ken Milstead and his wife Sandra, of Bay Minette, Alabama; Scott Milstead and his wife Debbie of Mobile, Alabama; and Trent Milstead and partner Karen Metts of Robinsonville, Alabama. Mr. Byrd’s legacy is further enriched by the presence of eight grandchildren: Amiee Milstead, Kyndall Crane (Clayton Crane), Caitlin Cook (Bradley Cook), Erica Dillard (Temple Dillard), Scotty Milstead, Hannah Milstead, Preston Milstead, and Jaden Gregson (Austin Gregson), as well as nineteen great-grandchildren: Haylin Milstead, Ethan Thomas, Aubrey Thomas, Caston Crane, Cale Crane, Tully Crane, Noah Lins, Bristol Cook, Aiden Dillard, Liam Dillard, Brynna Dillard, Sadie Milstead, Emberly Milstead, James Milstead, Adalynn Milstead, Malachi Carroll, Kamreigh Milstead, Paxton Milstead, and Wren Gregson, all of whom will cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC, with Reverend Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Sharpless, Steve Johnson, Mark Dorriety, Butch McDaniels, Danny Brooks, and Brian Shivers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Shepherd and Billy Franklin
The Byrd Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice and the Atmore Community Hospital ER staff as well as to the dedicated nurses on the 2nd floor. Your compassionate care made a world of difference during this time. We also appreciate the support from Atmore Baptist Temple, our wonderful neighbors, and the entire community. Your kindness and generosity have brought comfort to our family, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being there for us.
Howard L. Nal
February 1, 2026
Howard L. Nall, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida. Born on May 24, 1943, in the same city, Howard’s life was a testament to dedication, love, and service. Howard’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his family, his work, and his faith. He shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife, Glinda Nall, who, along with their son Steve Nall, grandsons Fisher Nall and River Dempsey, and great-granddaughter Willow Dempsey, survives him. Howard’s legacy of love and leadership will continue to live on through them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard E. Nall, his mother, Bessie Ruth Nall, his brothers Thomas Raymond Nall and W.C. Nall, and his sister Faye Kliensmith. Professionally, Howard was a captain on an oil ship, working for Edison Chouest Offshore. Howard’s love for the outdoors was unparalleled. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. His passion for country music often served as the soundtrack for his outdoor adventures and family gatherings, creating a legacy of cherished memories.
As a proud member of the Cantonment Masonic Lodge No. 322, Howard exemplified the values of brotherhood, truth, and charity. His involvement in the lodge was not just a pastime but a significant part of his life’s work, contributing to various community initiatives and fostering bonds that would last a lifetime.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Howard’s strength and character will be honored by his pallbearers: Steve Nall, Fisher Nall, River Dempsey, and Brad Lowe. Together, they will carry Howard to his final resting place, just as he carried them through life’s challenges and joys. Howard’s life story is one of unwavering commitment to the things he held dear. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever. As we say goodbye to Howard L. Nall, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed, and a soul that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on this world.
Visitation will take place from 11 a.m until noon at Faith Chapel Funeral Home-North, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Funeral services will begin at noon. Interment will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Molino.
Barbara Ann Creel
February 1, 2026
Ms. Barbara Ann Creel, age 77, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
Ms. Creel was born in Robertsdale, AL and resided in Cantonment, FL for most of her life. She was well traveled and had moved around the country and the world. She was a proud mother and Nana, always happy to make a new friend. She had worked various jobs in customer service and always treated any stranger as if they were a friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Sadie Barlow; brother, Edward Barlow; and two sisters, Eloise Carlton and Eva Loyce Kersey; and grandson Joshua Huckaba.
She is survived by her three sons, Stephen Huckaba of Defuniak Springs, FL, Sherman (Christy) Huckaba of Paxton, and Johnnie (Melissa) Creel of Cantonment, FL; two daughters, Stephanie White of Crestview, FL, Jodie (Shawn) Pritchard of Lake Stevens, WA and two brothers Charles (Noreen) Barlow of Cantonment, FL and Robert (Lisa) Barlow of Ponce De Leon, Florida; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 1545 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, Fl. 32504 (cancer.org) or your favorite charity.
Charles Van Deese
January 31, 2026
Charles Van Deese, 62, of Shellman, GA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be conducted and announced when complete.
Van was born on July 14, 1963, in Pensacola, FL the son of Charles Eustace Deese, Jr. and Jo Ann Cotton Deese. He was a graduate of Tate High School in Pensacola, FL, was a member of the Shellman First Baptist Church and made a career as a general contractor.
Survivors include his parents, Charles and Jo Ann Deese, wife Delena Denham, daughter, Bailee (Autumn) Copeland, 2 sons, Joseph Eli (Elizabeth) Deese and Charles Tanner (Taylor) Deese, sister, Suzanne Williams and 4 grandchildren, Macey Rayne Deese, Olivia Sage Deese, Jaxon Kash Deese and Violet Cove Copeland, nephew, Daniel (Whitney) Cook, 2 nieces, Sarah S. Cook and Elyse McKenna, 2 great nephews, Landon Cook and Dax Cook and a great niece, Emerson Gates.
Robert Wesley Bartley
January 29, 2026
Robert Wesley Bartley, born October 10, 1953, in Century, FL, and a resident of Atmore, AL, for the past 38 years, passed away at his home on January 28, 2026.
Robert is preceded by his parents Robert L. and Mary B. Bartley of McDavid, FL.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Gladys Marie Bartley. Gladys has stood beside him through a 10-year-long illness, as his loving wife, caregiver, a precious daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt.
Robert is survived by a sister, Mary Lorene (Merle) Whitmire of McDavid, FL, two brothers, Troy Randall Bartley of Atmore and Ricky L. Bartley of McDavid, one niece Darla F. Wilson of Spanish Fort, AL, and one nephew Brian Belle, 2 great-grandnieces, one great-nephew and six great-great-nieces and nephews.
Robert graduated from Tate High School and moved to McDavid, FL, at 18.
Wallace Ray Byrd
January 29, 2026
Mr. Wallace Ray Byrd, who was 79 years old, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Atmore, Alabama. He was originally from Oak Grove, Florida, but spent most of his life in Atmore. Mr. Byrd was a cherished member of Stockton Baptist Church, where he found community and support throughout the years. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.
He was a passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. With skilled hands, he worked as a carpenter and was also talented in paint and body work. As a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and a Shriner, he valued community and service. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and cherished time spent with family and friends. Always friendly and ready to lend a hand, he loved talking to others. After spending twenty-six years with Scott Paper Company and Kimberly Clark, he also took on the role of shop foreman at Hendrix Tractor Company. He was also a retired Staff Sergeant in the Alabama National Guard. His life was marked by hard work, joy in simple pleasures, and a deep connection to those around him.
Preceded in death by his parents, A.G. and Ila Mae Killam Byrd; brother-in-law, Henry Lindsey; nephew, Keith Lindsey.
Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-three years, Helen Byrd of Atmore, Alabama; sons, Chris Byrd (Kathy) of Atmore, Alabama and Bryan Byrd (Angel) Elm Grove, Louisiana; sister, Jean Lindsey of Atmore, Alabama; grandchildren, Justin Byrd (Brooke) and Daisy Byrd; great-grandchildren, Cali Odom and Camden Byrd.
The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC, officiated by Reverend Otis Thames.
After the service, he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
The pallbearers will Ronald Byrd, Sonny Evans, Joe Witherington, Eddie Bexley, Fritz Currie and Steven Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Dunn, Matt Cooper, Dewayne Killam and Fred Peavy.
Alex Blake Jay
January 28, 2026
Alex Blake Jay, age 33, of Stapleton, AL, passed away on January 27, 2026.
Alex was born April 13, 1992, in Birmingham, AL, to Randall Eugene and Joyce Thompson Jay.
He loved the outdoors and cherished time hunting with his dad and his special friends, Lester Scott and Billy Franklin.
Alex is preceded in death by his grandparents, Willard and Ann Thompson, and Mary Jay.
He is survived by his parents, Randy and Joyce Jay of Stapleton, AL; his brothers, Michael (Abby) Jay of Daphne, AL, and Stephen Craig Jay of Tulsa, OK; his sister, Anna (Drew) Odom of Spanish Fort, AL; his aunts and uncles, Sharon (Todd) Stearns of Brewton, AL, and Robin Earl (Stephanie) Jay of Pensacola, FL; his nieces and nephews, Jay Odom, Emma Odom, Beau Snowden, Bella Snowden, Luca Snowden, Blossom Jay, and Mary Charlotte Jay, along with a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Father Pat Madden officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery in Davisville, FL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Gertrude Smith
January 28, 2026
Gertrude Smith, age 97, of Atmore, AL, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, in Foley, Alabama. She was born to Ruby and Ollie Moye on December 25, 1928. She was a graduate of Escambia County in Atmore, AL.
She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Atmore, AL., where she cherished her church family and friendships. A devoted stay-at-home mother, she poured her life into caring for her family. Her home was always immaculate: a reflection of the pride and love she put into everything she did.
She would do anything for her children and grandchildren, and her love, strength, and quiet dedication shaped generations. She will be remembered for her kindness, always smiling, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband of 63 years, Jack Smith; her sisters, Earlene Helton, Gladys Stanton, Willanette Troutman; and her brother, Claude Moye.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Robin Swift, of Orange Beach; her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Susan Smith, of Orange Beach; her grandchildren, Justin (Andrea) Beasley, of Atmore; Jace (Lauren) Beasley, of Atmore; Bailey (Adam) Stitt, of Orange Beach; her great-grandchildren, Kendal Beasley, Kate Beasley, Klaire Beasley, Alexa Beasley, Jackson Beasley, Paige Lassiter, Ragan Lassiter, and Brooks Stitt.
Funeral Services will be held on January 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at Atmore First Baptist Church, in Atmore, AL, with Rev. Kelly Brown and Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating. Visitation will be held on January 29, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until service time at 11:30 at Atmore First Baptist Church.
Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atmore First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Johnson-Quimby is in charge of arrangements.