John Harold Eck
July 8, 2025
John Harold Eck was born on December 28, 1943, to John Eck and Edna Hiebert Eck in Haskell County, Kansas. He peacefully passed away on July 2, 2025, reaching the age of 81 years.
Dad was raised on the family farm near Copeland, Kansas, as the fourth oldest of 15 children. He had good memories of growing up in a rural setting on the home place and attending school at the one room Independence school.
He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, on January 11, 1956 by Minister Orlan Wedel. His conversion experience was clear to him, which he always appreciated.
After receiving his primary education, he attended Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, which helped prepare him for teaching special needs children and working at a mental health hospital in Aurora, Colorado. After his time in Colorado, he went on a six-month motorcycle tour of Europe which provided him with a lot of experiences that he enjoyed sharing throughout the years.
Following his travels Dad moved to Walnut Hill, Florida. While working there, Dad recommitted his life to the Lord and was faithful to his vows until the end. During this time in Florida, he fell in love with our mother Latayne Ann Sigafoose. They were married on December 21, 1975 by Minister Wilbert Peters. Our folks were blessed with three children. We always felt Dad’s love, support, and interest in our lives which meant so much to us.
Dad liked growing plants from an early age which inspired his lifelong occupation of being a farmer. He enjoyed improving land and watching his crops grow and took satisfaction in a job well done. Dad worked hard and provided well for us as a family. He had a generous nature and was blessed for it throughout his life.
Dad’s interests included reading, railroads and trains, growing flowers, gospel tract work, visiting friends and neighbors, and providing encouragement and a listening ear to young people.
He looked forward each week to attending Church and Sunday School. His relationship with God was important to him, and provided an anchor throughout his life, leaving us an example to follow.
In later years, as Dad’s health declined, God granted him a softness of spirit and a resignation to whatever the future held. We are thankful that he is at rest and look forward to meeting him in Heaven.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Latayne; three children: Silas and Stephanie, Prescott Valley, Arizona; Emily and Warren Wiebe, Linden, Alberta; Abigail and Quenton Unruh, Atwater, California; nine grandchildren; siblings: Judith Sigafoose, Evalena and Galen Litwiller, Bonnie and Jerry Haynes, Barbara Unruh, Jeanette and Milton Koehn, Carol and Doug Seiler, Anita Haynes, Steven and Leonida Eck, Helen Redding, Charles and Bethany Eck, Mitzi and Paul Dykast, Ernest and Patricia Eck; and sister-in-law, Brooxene Koehn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, one brother, one sister, and four brothers-in-law
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, Walnut Hill, Florida. Ministers Carlos Koehn, Ben Koehn, Brian Decker, and Darin Litwiller officiated. Internment will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens, Walnut Hill, Florida.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Travis Berry
July 4, 2025
Travis Berry, 67, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away peacefully in Pensacola, FL on June 24, 2025 with his family by his side. Travis was born on July 20, 1957 in Atmore, AL to Colon Berry and Gwnette Wilkins Berry. Travis retired from International Paper Company, and later worked for Escambia County Road Department. Travis was an active member of Oak Grove Church of Christ where he also served as a church elder. Travis loved his time spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren whom he was lovingly known as “Pappy.”
Travis is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers; Ervin Berry, and Everett Berry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patsy Godwin Berry, his son; Richard Keith (Julia) Berry of Lake Mary, FL, his daughters; Stacey (Travis) Harrison of Jay, FL, and Lisa (Frank) Smarr of Jay, FL, his brother; Sammy (Laura) Berry of Bratt, FL, and his eleven grandchildren; Ava Berry, Katelyn Harrison, Cooper Harrison, Kendal Harrison, Nathan Smarr, Justin Smarr, Tyson Smarr, Tenley Smarr, Clayton Smarr, Coach Smarr, and Paxton Smarr.
Memorial services for Travis will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson- Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Brad Sullivan officiating.
Family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. In Leu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude in Travis’ memory.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Gilbert Wade Blackwell
July 1, 2025
Mr. Gilbert Wade Blackwell, who was 36-years-old, passed away at his home in Atmore, Alabama, on June 27, 2025. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, but spent his whole life in Atmore. His presence in the community will be greatly missed, as he was known for his kind spirit and dedication to those around him.
He was a kind-hearted man who loved dogs and truly enjoyed being around people. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he made friends easily and brightened the lives of those around him. His passion for cooking brought his family together, as he loved to prepare meals for them. A devoted Christian, he held strong values and always tried to live by them. In his younger days, he played football for Escambia County High School, where he not only showcased his athletic skills but also built lasting friendships on and off the field.
He is preceded in death by father, Gregory Boyd Blackwell; grandparents, Otto and Barbara Blackwell, grandmother Betty Joyce Gibson; special step-father, Lurby J. Denais
He is survived by his mother, Rebecca Walls of Atmore, Alabama; daughter, Baileigh Irene Blackwell of Pensacola, Florida; special friend and mother of his child Ashlyn Patterson of Pensacola, Florida; brother, Brandon Shane Joiner of Atmore, Alabama; two sisters, Hannah Irene Blackwell of Atmore, Alabama and Tawaka Chantel Rolin of Atmore, Alabama; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Brother Brandon Tanner officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Petty Funeral Homes is entrusted with all arrangements
Benjamin ‘Thomas’ Miller
June 27, 2025
Benjamin “Thomas” Miller, 5, of Cantonment, passed away June 23, 2025. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on December 27, 2019 to Sean and Jenny Miller. He was a member of Victory Assembly of God and the West Florida Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God.
He is survived by his parents, Sean and Jenny Miller; brothers, Jordan and Eli Miller; sisters, Arianna and Avianna Miller; grandparents, Bennie and Linda Miller and Randy and Jan Kent; aunts and uncles, Shannon and Kim Miller, Donnie and Shelley Rutledge, and Jacob and Ashley Kent; and numerous cousins that he adored; “HIS baby”, Cal; honorary brother, Beckham; best friend, Phoenix; and all of his friends and the wonderful staff at Pensacola HealthCare for Kids.
Pallbearers are Tyler Rutledge, Dakota Rutledge, Trenton Rutledge, and Dalton Hadley.
Visitation will be July 1 from 5-7 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God in Cantonment.
Funeral services will be July 2 at 11 a.m. at Victory Assembly of God in Cantonment.
Ellen Jane Taylor
June 27, 2025
Ellen Jane Taylor, 75, of Cantonment, passed away June 18, 2025. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 22, 1950 to Elmer Boyington and Mary Wozniak. She had a career in chemical and maintenance for Monsanto / Solutia.
She had a passion for caring for her grandchildren and crocheting.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Boyington and Mary Wozniak; siblings; and numerous cousins.
She is survived by her son, Preston (Bethany) Sanders; grandchildren, Hunter Sanders, Makayln Sanders, Preston “Skye” Sanders, and Ryder Sanders.
Nelda Sunday King
June 27, 2025
Nelda Sunday King, age 91, was called home to our Lord on June 22, 2025. She was born January 10, 1934, in Pensacola by a midwife. She was married to Gordon Curly King, February 9, 1951, until his death in June of 1990.
Nelda was a homemaker and loved being outside planting and tending her flowers or mowing her lawn. She loved riding the lawn mower and even after back surgery, her first question to the doctor was, “Can I drive my mower?”
We had to hide the keys! She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Nelda was a member of Bellview Church of Christ and served faithfully for as long as she was able to attend.
Nelda is survived by her son, Gordon King (Roberta); daughter, Cyndi King Reed (Jim); daughter, Jody Ritchie (Rex); and son, Willard Butch King; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Vitas Hospice, especially Katy, for the amazing care and love shown to our mom.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Bellview Church of Christ. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10 a.m.. Interment will be in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.
John William Milner, Jr.
June 26, 2025
John William Milner, Jr., 89, of Pensacola, Florida passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of June 16, 2025, at DeLuna Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 22, 1936, to his parents John William Milner Sr. and Mary Dorothy Barton.
He was married to Dorothy (Dot) Bryan Moore for 36 years. John had worked as a Chief Broadcast Engineer at WEAR-TV, WSRE-TV and also for several various radio stations in the Southeast. He and his wife Dot owned, operated and managed the successful business of Sight and Sound Service Center in Pensacola for many years. John was a member of the Gonzalez Methodist Church in Cantonment, Florida. His longtime passion and hobby was amateur radio, or ham radio, operations. His call sign was K4VZS. His skill at repairing and rebuilding amateur radios and many other electronics was well-known and well-respected in the South and Southeast.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Milner, Sr., and Mary Dorothy Barton Milner; his sister, Judith Milner Fitzpatrick; his beloved wife, Dorothy Bryan Moore Milner, and his son John L. Moore.
He is survived by his children, James “Jim” (Sarah) Moore, Jr., Micheal (Cindy) Milner, David Milner, and Donna M. Milner (Nall); nephews, Tad Fitzpatrick and Tod Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Amanda Moore (Lee) Braswell, Kendall Milner (Joshua) Olsen, Alexia Milner (Eric) Thompson, and Victor Joseph Nall; and great-grandchildren, Maddox Braswell, Keaton Braswell, Isaac Milner and Tyler Olsen.
In lieu of funeral and grave site services, a Celebration of Life will be held at Gonzalez Methodist Church on June 28, 2025, from 2-4 p.m.
Travis Berry
June 26, 2025
Travis Berry, 67, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away peacefully in Pensacola, F,L on June 24, 2025, with his family by his side. Travis was born on July 20, 1957, in Atmore, AL, to Colon Berry and Gwnette Wilkins Berry. Travis retired from International Paper Company, and later worked for Escambia County Road Department. Travis was an active member of Oak Grove Church of Christ where he also served as a church elder. Travis loved his time spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren whom he was lovingly known as “Pappy.”
Travis is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers; Ervin Berry, and Everett Berry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patsy Godwin Berry, his son; Richard Keith (Julia) Berry of Lake Mary, FL, his daughters; Stacey (Travis) Harrison of Jay, FL, and Lisa (Frank) Smarr of Jay, FL, his brother; Sammy (Laura) Berry of Bratt, FL, and his eleven grandchildren; Ava Berry, Katelyn Harrison, Cooper Harrison, Kendal Harrison, Nathan Smarr, Justin Smarr, Tyson Smarr, Tenley Smarr, Clayton Smarr, Coach Smarr, and Paxton Smarr.
Memorial services for Travis will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Brad Sullivan officiating.
Family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, 2025,at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Travis’ memory.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James Michael Bush
June 25, 2025
James Michael Bush, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on May 12, 2025. He was born in Atmore, Alabama, on February 2, 1961, to Lillian Annette (Morris) Bush and John Edward Bush. He was blessed with children by Lillian Ngirmekur and his former wife, Doreen (Busch) Bush. He worked for/had a career in the United States Navy Construction Battalion, Home Building, Small Engine Repair, and as a Business Owner. He took pride in working with his hands. He could build anything from children’s toys to a house. He lived a life defined by integrity, qiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Throughout his life, he was also known for his reliability. He believed in hard work, honesty, and helping others without expecting anything in return. He was a founding member of Dave’s Bar and Grill. A sanctuary he and his best friend, Dave, built. James enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, watching football and car racing, going fishing, playing pool and woodworking.
James was preceded in death by mother, Lillian Annette (Morris) Ruiz; bonus dad, Ernesto D. Ruiz; aunt; Judy Carrol (Morris) Karita; aunt, Margaret I (Morris) Brady; Maw Maw, Ruby L. (White) Morris; and Paw Paw, Charlie James Morris.
James is survived by his daughter, Kira (Bush) Basilius, her husband Remung Basilius; bonus daughter, Avolyn Tucheliaur, and sons, Steven, Dustin, Robert and Kenny Fulater; siblings, Jacquelyn (Bush) Fisher, Joseph Shane Bush, and Tanya (Ruiz) Robinson (husband, Kenny). He is “Paw Paw” to six grandchildren, that he loved dearly, Erique, Rolmii, Erbes, Kesiil, Zack and Bella.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home on June 28, 2025, at noon.
Christopher Glenn Lambeth
June 25, 2025
Christopher Glenn Lambeth, age 34, passed away on June 21, 2025. Born on March 29, 1991, Christopher lived life to the fullest and left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Christopher was known for his contagious laughter, giving heart, and adventurous soul. He loved to spend time with his wife and two dogs (Henri and Harli), travel, ride horses, hunt, fish, read, sing, and play the guitar. He embraced life with passion and purpose, never meeting a stranger, and always offering a helping hand. To know him was to be loved by him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sydney Lambeth; his father, Eric (Emily) Lambeth, his mother, Kristie (Patrick) Lambert; his sister, Whitney (Kyle) Parish; and his brothers, Caleb (Nikki) Stewart, E.J. Lambeth, and Tyler Lambeth. He also leaves behind his extended siblings: sister Amber Richburg; and brothers Nate Sheffield, Conner Sheffield, Jake Sheffield, Bryant (Sofia) Lambert, Will (Brianna) Lambert, and Grant Lambert.
Christopher was blessed with a large and loving family. He is also survived by his grandparents: Leland Coy “Bud” Lambeth; Raymond (Laura) Lambeth; and Deborah (Dewayne) King.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Katie Lynette Lambeth; his uncles, Leland “Keith” Lambeth, and Jim Manning.
Services will be held at Liberty Baptist Church, 102 Pineview Cemetery Road, Brewton, Alabama 36426. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5-8 PM. The funeral service will follow on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will take place at Travelers Rest Cemetery in Flomaton, Alabama, immediately following the ceremony. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and honor his memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Freedom Center, 42 County Road 278, Corinth, MS 38834 — a cause close to Christopher’s heart.
Though his time here was far too short, Christopher’s love, laughter, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.