Hosea Wilson Fitch Jr.
July 23, 2021
Hosea Wilson Fitch Jr., 93, of Cantonment, FL, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at West Florida Hospital. He was born in Lake City, South Carolina and had 8 siblings.
He is survived by one sister, Ann Ward and his 3 children; Darlene Alden, Nelda Sansone, and Anthony Fitch and additionally; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild that is due on August 26th of this year. He was preceded in death by his wife Nell Fitch in 2006, his and her parents, 7 of his siblings, and grandson, Scott E. Collins. After his discharge from the Navy after WWII, he attended Seminary College in Waxahachie, Texas for two years and became a Lay Minister for many rural Methodist churches. He had a deep love and reverence for his Personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully throughout his life by helping those in need and bringing people to Christ. He always gave freely of himself, his time, and had a driven love for humanity. In the 1950’s he began working at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) where he became a supervisor and retired in the late 1980’s. He was an avid fisherman and always enjoyed any time spent on the water fishing.
Visitation and Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Family Visitation from 12:00p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friends Visitation from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. , and the Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Faith Chapel North Chapel followed by Interment at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North located at 1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL is entrusted with the arrangements.
Sgt. Maj. Samuel A. Jackson
July 23, 2021
Sgt. Maj. Samuel A. Jackson, USMC, Retired, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of July 16th, 2021, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He spent over 30 years in service to his country, and was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was born on November 5, 1945 to Albert and Minnie Jackson in Aliceville, Alabama. He graduated from W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton, Alabama before joining the Alabama National Guard in 1963. He enlisted in the Marines in 1965. While stationed in Hawaii in 1968, he married fellow Marine Clarice (Schwieters) Jackson. In 1972 their daughter, Cheryl was born. After duty stations in Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Norway, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, he settled with his family in Pensacola, FL.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Timothy Thompson and niece Anissa Ann Lowell.
He is survived by his wife, Claire, and their daughter, Cheryl Jackson, and grandchildren Brendan, Ethan, and Megan (Landrum); sisters Barbara (Jim) Harrison, Martha (Glenn) Cook, Ellen Thompson and Diane Breseda; his brother, Thomas W. (Terry) Jackson, along with nieces, nephews and cousins.
His loved ones will remember his rugged exterior and warm and compassionate heart. He worked tirelessly and always with a purpose. His dedication to his family, friends, neighbors, and community was inspiring.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 9945 Hillview Dr, Pensacola FL 32514. There will be a military internment service at 2:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery.
By the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Samuel A. Jackson.
Barbara Joyce Harrison Wearren
July 22, 2021
Barbara Joyce Harrison Wearren, age 78, of Davisville, FL passed away on July 14, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. She was born on August 5, 1942 in Flomaton, AL to the late Herman and Ester Mae Bell Findley. She retired from the medical records department at West Florida Hospital.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Carlton Findley and her sister, Elsie Housman.
She is survived by her husband, Rudolph Wearren of Davisville, FL; her brother, Winston Findley of Jacksonville, FL and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brian Richburg officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Home Holiness Church Cemetery in Flomaton, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Chris Christian, Chris Ales, Aron Christian, Freddie Owens, Jeff Nowling and Rusty Miller.
Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Black and Brandon Smith.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Glenda “Glimpy” Diane Reid
July 22, 2021
Glenda “Glimpy” Diane Reid
4/27/1948 to 7/20/2021
Glenda was a very honest and sometimes too blunt of a person, who wore her heart on her sleeve. She always wanted to help others and bless them if she could even when she had little to give. She came from a hardworking family, growing up in Pensacola most of her life. She loved to dance and joke. You could always see her laughing. She befriended everyone that was blessed to have gotten to know her. She was very proud of her Native American heritage. She gave her heart to the Lord a few years ago and attended East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola when she was able.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Bessie Josey; siblings, Beatrice & Edward Bass, Cecil and Faye Salter, Jeannette Hanks, L.D. Josey, Bill ‘Lil Boy’ Daniels, Louise & Randy Trawick, and Cecil Turnbull; daughters, Diane and Marti; grandson, Cody; nieces and nephews, Gayle Grissett and Chucky Davis.
Glenda was survived by her life partner, Doug Croll; sister-in-law, Peggy Turnbull; children, Perry, Stevie, and Kim; grandchildren, Candy and Michael; and several great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
She is also survived by very special nieces, Lisa, Sandy, Mandy, and Nette Jo; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews close to her heart; and her beloved cat, Dudley.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will begin at 10AM prior to services. Graveside Burial for family at Live Oak Cemetery on Bonifay, FL. In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations to be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://givenow.lls.org/ or call 888-557-7177.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and have strength of heart. Do not be afraid or shake with fear because of them. For the Lord your God is the One Who goes with you. He will be faithful to you. He will not leave you alone.”
Arion (Little Boy) Hadley
July 22, 2021
Arion (Little Boy) Hadley, of Atmore, AL passed away at the age of 88 on July 18, 2021 at 5:02 AM. Arion was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. He attended public school in Atmore, Marion Military Institute and was a graduate of Auburn University. He was one of the Barnes’ Boys. Arion married Kathryn Sue Russell of Bay Minette, AL and they had three boys, James Arion, John Alan and Robert Marion Hadley.
He is preceded in death by his father, John William Hadley; his mother, Venie Hadley Brown; his twin brother, Marion (Big Boy) Hadley; his son, John (Johnny) Alan Hadley; his sister, Marie Hadley Byrd and nephew, Bruce Hall.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; two sons, Jimmy (Cathy) Hadley; Bobby Hadley; his sister, Mildred Hadley Hall; his grandchildren, Shane (Jessica) Hadley, Valisa (Lee) Lambert and Alece Hadley and six great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Bro. Ricky Tedder officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Hall, David Weatherford, Tracy Mobley and Lee Lambert.
Honorary pallbearers will be Floyd Adams and Carl Madison.
Brenda J. Tomas
July 22, 2021
Brenda J. Tomas, 71 of Atmore, AL. passed away July 16, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. She was bornin Atmore, AL. on July 27, 1949 to the late Alton and Gladys Lucas Johnson. Mrs. Tomas had a Master’s Degree in education and had worked for the Escambia County Alabama School System.
She was a talented pianist and an active member of Presley Street Baptist Church where she enjoyed playing piano. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Melvin “Bo” Johnson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Kenneth Tomas of Atmore, AL; her son Marcus and wife Melissa Tomas of Greenwood, S.C. and three grandchildren Blain, Caiden and Braxton all of Greenwood, S.C.
A memorial service will held Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11 AM at Presley Street Baptist Church with Pastor Joseph T. Simpson and Bro. Doug Frost officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Presley Street Baptist Church or Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital.
Dorothy Al Langham Ryan
July 19, 2021
Dorothy Al Langham Ryan died Monday, July 19, 2021 at the age of 81. She was one of four children born to Emery Lee and Nancy Griffin Langham of Bay Minette. She attended Baldwin County High School and raised her own family in her hometown, where she worked at various positions including local drug stores, cleaners and as a church secretary, among other positions. Her family said her most important job was as a mother to her four children, as well as countless cousins and neighbors as part of a big extended family. While there are many adjectives that can be used to describe “Ginga” – as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – some of the most often used are humble, kind, loving, generous, and selfless. She was always willing to help to anyone in need, even when she didn’t have it to share. She always put others needs ahead of her own and was never able to turn anybody down that needed a helping hand. She was generous in spirit and in deed.
Ms. Ryan was a young bride and young mother and was devoted to her close-knit family which included her four children and a host of nephews, nieces and neighbors. She truly enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and would find great joy in attending their sporting and school events or any get-together. She was a member of 14th Street Church of Christ. Her children credit her with instilling the importance of attending church in each of them and she often brought along many of the neighborhood children as well.
She leaves behind a legacy of love for her four children, Diann Ryan (Al) Peavy, Carol Ryan (Jerry) Ballard, both of Bay Minette, Earnie (Martha) Ryan of Bay Minette, Eddie (Kimberly) Ryan of Bratt, FL; grandchildren, Danielle Brown, Ryan Watson, Megan Hester, Mallory Glick, Austin Ryan, Kaston Peavy; great-grandchildren, Ryder Nease, Bear Brown, Story Jean Brown, Juniper Rae Brown, Slayden Peavy, Jase Hester, Grady Hester, Dustin Watson, Peyton Watson, Jayden Watson, Maelyn Glick; and baby Ryan who will be born in January 2022 to Austin and Emily, and lifelong friend, Clarise Cook.
She is preceded in death by her parents Emery Lee Langham and Nancy Griffin Langham; and three siblings, Donald Langham, Jimmy Langham and Gloria Bell Gilliland; and Adolph Ryan, the father of her four children.
Visitation will take place 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Norris Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at noon at the funeral home, followed by burial at Bay Minette Cemetery. Brother Jerry Childs will serve as the officiant.
Pallbearers will include Kaston Peavy, Austin Ryan, Ryan Watson, Peyton Watson, Joel Bell and Bart Bell. Honorary pallbearers will include Keith Langham, Tommy Langham, Brandon Hester, Michael Glick and Bubba Brown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to 14th Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 694, Bay Minette, AL 36507 or Community Hospice, 1450 N. McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535.
Harold Lee Milstead Sr.
July 19, 2021
Harold Lee Milstead Sr. was taken from this world too soon and went to be with his Lord and Savior, July 17, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. He was born in Atmore, AL on May 27, 1955 to Charles (Buck) Lester Milstead and Dorothy Elois Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Harold Lee Milstead Jr. and his brothers, Charles Milstead and John Milstead.
Harold was raised in Cantonment, FL and spent the the last 22+ years traveling with his wife Debbie throughout the United States for his career in Electrical Instrumentation. He was a Project Manager until his retirement in June 2019. Harold was a member of the Ensley Lodge No. 278, __A & A Scottish Rite and Hadji Shrine. He loved spending his free time fishing, hunting, golfing, and occasionally visiting the casino. He also enjoyed watching college football and was an avid Florida Gators fan. After his retirement he returned to his home in Cantonment, FL where he enjoyed spending time on numerous projects around the house, “piddling” around in his garden and making sure the yard was always well maintained.
Harold was a wonderful husband, father, Pawpaw, brother, friend, and a mentor to many. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed making memories with them at every opportunity. He brought life to everything, was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Debbie, two daughters, Melissa (Steve) Whisler and Cassandra “Sandie” (Joacim) Borg, seven grandchildren, Montana (Britt) Biggs, Dagan Biggs, Wyatt (Kyla) Milstead, Dillon Milstead, Brychan Whisler, Isabella Borg, Kynaston Whisler, four great grandchildren, Keylan and Maisie Biggs and Jayce and Adelyn Milstead, his five siblings, William (Janet) Milstead, Dorothy “Polly” Woods, Francis Chilton, Betty Jo (Lynn) McNorton, Ray (Donna) Milstead as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Steve Whisler, Joacim Borg, Montana Biggs, Dagan Biggs, Wyatt Milstead and Brychan Whisler.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Friday, July 23, 2021 between 12:30-1:30 pm and service will follow. Graveside service will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Pastor Doug Kimsal will be officiating.
Steven Arnold Brown
July 18, 2021
Steve Brown was a comedian who never met a stranger. He kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in the most mundane circumstances. He was an epic storyteller that would leave you wondering how much of the story was true. Even though his failing earthly body took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.
Steve had a passion for football, Century Blackcats and a heart for all kids. If you saw him in town, you were sure to see him with at least three kids or more. Kids gravitated to him like a magnet because of his love for them and his ability to relate to them. He was a father/grandfather figure for so many kids that did not have that example in their life.
Steve is survived by his wife of 33 years, Angie. His children Katie (Roger) Milam and Derek Brown. He was a proud Pawpaw to five grandkids: Kia, Cloe, Kaylynn, Kilo and Keanu. His parents Harold and Oleta Brown, brother Gerald Brown, sister Cynthia (Chris) Smith, numerous nieces, and nephews. His daily presence and bright smile will be missed at the football field where he coached Century little league since 1987.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. with Elder Michael Johnson officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 19, 2021 from 6PM until 7PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Tab Jernigan, Butch Jernigan, Shawn Emmons, Michael Stump, Chris Smith and Jackson Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Wilson, Tristan Pace and Aiden Maher.
Burial will follow at Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where he was a dedicated deacon.
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr.
July 18, 2021
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr. was born on March 14th, 1936, in Albany, NY to Marion Margaret Brand and John F. Murphy.
He served 3 years in the Army as an engineer including 10 months in a combat zone in Korea where the cease fire was signed while he was on a troop ship headed for the war zone with the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion. He returned to the U.S. to complete his enlistment and later returned to Albany. He eventually went to work for Niagara-Mohawk Power Company.
Jack and his first wife Helene Jane Van Beusichem were married on April 12, 1958 and settled in Claverack, NY. They adopted three children, Thomas John (Kelly), Linda Jean Turner (Bruce), and James Matthew (Jayne). Jack served his community as a member and leader of several organizations including the A.B. Shaw Fire Company, St. John’s and St. Thomas’ Lutheran Churches, the Hudson Elks, VFW, American Legion, Hudson Power Boat Association, and Hudson Whalers Pop Warner Football. He also served 10 years as a member of the Hudson City School District Board of Education including two years as president and liaison to the NY State Schools Boards. Jack retired from NiMo as the superintendent of transmission and distribution for the Hudson service area after 35 years.
His wife Jane preceded him in death in August 1986. Jack remarried Joan Steineke and they later retired in North Fort Myers, FL, where he remained active in civic organizations. After many years in Florida, Jack returned to the Hudson, NY, area. After his second wife passed away, he met his second “soul mate” in Rose (Betty) Taylor and they split time between Crossville, TN, and East Greenbush, NY. Betty passed away in 2019 and Jack moved to Pensacola, FL, and was a proud member of American Legion Post 240 where he was the eldest of four generations of Post and Sons of the American Legion members, the youngest being his great grandson, Seamus.
Jack loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers and their wives, Kenneth Pleat (Clarice) and George Pleat (Georgette).
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Summer Vista assisted living facility (particularly Kerrianna, Danielle, and Holly) and Vitas Healthcare (particularly Stephanie, Jasmine, Ellen, and Kelly). Jack requested his family have “a big party” instead of a funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. or the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.