Cecil D. Girdner, Jr.
September 11, 2026
Cecil D. Girdner, Jr., 77, of Cantonment Florida passed away on September 6, 2026. He was born on September 10, 1948, to Cecil D Girdner, Sr. and Martha Girdner.
Cecil was a hard-working man who spent much of his life as an owner/operator with Girdner Trucking. He took great pride in his work and was always happiest when he was staying busy, fixing something, building something, or working with his hands.
In his earlier years, Cecil especially enjoyed woodworking and took pride in creating things from wood. He also had a lifelong love for racing, trucks, cars, fishing, and skiing.
Throughout his life, Cecil was widely known by his CB radio handle “Hellraiser”. It was more than just a nickname-it was a name many friends and acquaintances came to know him by and one that became part of his personality and story.
More than anything Cecil loved his family. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren in great-grandchildren, and those family moments were among the most important parts of his life.
Cecil was proceeded in death by his mother, Martha Girdner; father, Cecil D. Girdner, Sr.; sister, Sandra Girdner, brother Larry Girdner, and great-grandchild, Hunter Abrams.
He has survived by his wife, Charlotte Faye Girdner; daughter, Wendy Anderson, and son-in-law, Jamie Anderson; daughter Tracy Lynn Girdner; sister; Virginia Griffith; grandchildren, Austin Devon Gillenwater, Amber Lynn Abrams, and Clayton Clark Abrams, and great-grandchildren, Brody Johnson, Audrie Jarvis, and Waylon Jarvis.
Cecil will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of trucks and racing, his talent for woodworking and building, and the unforgettable personality behind the name “Hellraiser”.
Above all he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who loved his family deeply.
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Michael ‘Mike’ Jerry Amerson
September 10, 2026
Michael “Mike” Jerry Amerson went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Mike was born in Atmore, Alabama, on January 29, 1955, to Ruby and Wallace “Jerald” Amerson. He was raised in Bratt, Florida, and graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1973. He also graduated from Mississippi State University in 1978.
Mike was an avid ball player who played throughout his life until the age of 50. The friendships he made playing the game led to an awesome group of guys who remained close to him until the end of his life. He also loved playing golf and enjoyed spending time on the course with family and friends.
Mike spent many years as a teacher and coach, as well as overseeing the recreational facility at Century Correctional Institution. He finished his career as an instructor for Homeland Security, where he traveled throughout the United States to provide training and instruction at airports.
For 35 years, Mike was a loving member of Northview Baptist Church, where he had the opportunity to teach and preach.
Mike was a devoted husband to Cyndi for 34 years and a loving father to Kristen and Michael, who meant the world to him. He had a special bond with his mother, Ruby, whom he loved deeply and honored daily.
Those who remain to keep his memory alive are his wife, Cyndi Amerson; daughter, Kristen Amerson; son, Michael Joseph Amerson; and mother, Ruby Wells Amerson. He is also survived by his sisters, Pam (Kent) Stewart, Kathy (Tommy) Smith, and Linda (Darrell) Jackson; his brother, Jeff Amerson; brothers-in-law, Keith (Angela) Mott, Eldon Mott, and Bryan Mott; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Mike dearly.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Northview Baptist Church, with Pastor Keith Mott officiating. Interment will follow to Bratt Godwin Cemetery. See less
Timmons K Latner, Jr.
September 10, 2026
, known to family and friends as Tim, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida, at the age of 82.
Tim was born on January 20, 1944, in El Paso, Texas to the late Timmons K Latner, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Gould Latner.
Tim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He entered the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he completed A school. He was then transferred to El Centro, California, where he was stationed for two years. Later, he was reassigned to Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he served until his discharge. His military service was an important part of his life, and it reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment.
Following his service, Tim built a life centered on work and family. He was self-employed in many different areas of mechanics and land clearings, and he took pride in being able to work with his hands and figure out how to get things done. He was handy in every sense of the word, and his skills were valued by many over the years.
Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Latner; son, Keith Williams; daughter, Felecia Williams; parents; and brother, Robert Hughes.
He is survived by son, Todd (Jessica) Williams; daughter, Mylinda (Yurii) Dougherty; brother, David (Jane) Latner; sister, Pat (Danny) Schmitz; sister, Maryanne (Willie) Pierce; grandsons, Michael Dougherty and Thomas Dougherty; great-granddaughter, Eden Dougherty; great-grandson, Ryder Dougherty; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Jordan Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 12N prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Michael Dougherty, Barry Herron, Randy Mock, Charlie Chambers, Gene James, and Justin James.
Shirley Joan (Stinson) Elliot
September 10, 2026
t, 82, of Pensacola, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 8, following a brief illness.
She was born in Chumuckla, Florida, on October 20, 1943. Shirley lived a life filled with happiness and brought joy to everyone around her. She enjoyed working in her yard, planting flowers, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Her hobbies included sewing and journaling. She recently made quilts for her children and grandchildren, and was so excited to share them!
She was always willing to help those in need and did so with great kindness and love. Shirley never complained and was always thankful for everything. She was a warm and caring person who consistently put others before herself. Her beautiful spirit and infectious laughter will be remembered forever.
She lived her life dedicated to reflecting Jesus with a deep, active faith and unconditional love for others.
She looked forward to the great reunion in Heaven with her honeybun, Howard; her beautiful daughter, “Paulie”; and the many loved ones who had gone before her.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Howard C. Elliott; her daughter, Paula Elliott; her father, Chester G. Stinson; her mother, Dottie N. Stinson; her sister, Carolyn Williams (Ted); her brothers, Don Stinson (Grace) and Winston Stinson (Judy); and her brothers-in-law, Bobby Nolen and Ross Snyder.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Samantha); her daughter, Michele (Joey) Hedden; her grandchildren, Brittany, Joey (Amanda), Jamie, Jacob (Kalie), Jessica (Dakota), Nikki, and Justin; and her great-grandchildren, Seth, Ashton, Brooks, Dawson, Dax, Demi, Theo, Eleanor, Odin, Brookelynn, Dillynn, and Colynn.
She is also survived by her sisters, Joy Snyder and Dorthy Nolen, and her brothers, Ray (Linda) Stinson, Larry (Ann) Stinson, Ken Stinson, and a host of family and friends.
Shirley also leaves behind her beloved dog, Khaza, who was a sweet and devoted companion.
Special thanks to the staff and nurses at People’s Hospice: Maddie, Annette, Peggy, Shay, LaQuawn, and Chaplain Gail.
Special thanks to Dr. Ted Traylor for his visit and prayers.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Hedden, James Elliott, Jacob Hedden, Dakota Singleton, Seth Hedden and Ashton Gaff
A visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, September 19, at Faith Chapel North, 1000 S. Hwy. 29, Cantonment, FL 32533.
Family: 9:00 AM
Friends: 10:00 AM
A service will follow at 11:00 AM.
Interment will take place at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, 8008 Chumuckla Hwy., Pace, FL 32571.
Marion ‘Mike’ Jackson, Jr.
September 9, 2026
Marion ‘Mike’ Jackson, Jr went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2026 at the age of 68.
Born in Pensacola, Mike spent the last several years in Oklahoma before returning home.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, MG Jackson; mother, Hattie Jackson as well as 3 sisters. He is survived by a wife, Diane Jackson; children, Gabe Jackson, Jessica Keef, Dixie Hadley, Josh Allen, Chelsey Hale and Trina Morris along with all of their families as well as a sister, Myra Harvey and many nieces and nephews. A lifelong heavy equipment operator and truck driver, Mike spent the last several years of his career driving for JRT Trucking, a company whose team loved and took care of him and he was proud to have been a part of. A special thanks to the ones who assisted and cared for him during his final days.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a graveside at Pugh’s Chapel Cemetery in Molino to follow.
Montague Benton Haight Jr.
September 9, 2026
Montague Benton Haight Jr., “Benny,” 68, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife on September 5, 2026. Benny was a loving husband, son, father, Granddaddy, brother, Uncle, and friend to so many people.
Benny was born in DeLand, Florida on July 30, 1958. Benny grew up in DeLand, Daytona Beach, and Knoxville, Tennessee. At just 17 years old, Benny joined the United States Marine Corps and started his career on Embassy duty. His last tour was with General Wilson, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. as his personal bodyguard and chauffeur. Benny met fellow Marine Cathy in the last week of October 1978, he asked her to get married on December 19, 1978, and married her January 26, 1979, and swept her off her feet. They were married for forty-seven magnificent years. In 1980, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl Annie and moved to Pensacola, Florida from Knoxville to start a new life. In 1983, they welcomed their handsome son, Monty and completed their family of four. Benny worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier and Supervisor for over 30 years. For seventeen of those years, Benny walked the same ten miles a day through East Hill delivering mail. He genuinely loved his residents and made friends with so many of them over the years. You all held a special place in his heart. Benny and Cathy were youth advisors for over 10 years teaching the love of Jesus to every youth that walked through the doors of the church and many more outside of the church. You were all special to him, and he loved you like his own children. Benny coached Pre-T, T-Ball and Youth baseball for many years at Bellview Ballpark. He was excited for every win and every child he coached, including his own children. Benny was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and then St. Luke United Methodist Church until his health declined. The last year Benny defied the odds of survival after a devastating stroke last July. Benny was a devoted husband, father, and Granddaddy participating in every aspect of our lives to the best of his ability. Benny loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them. They were his life. Benny was a die-hard Tennessee Volunteers football fan and loved the orange and white! Go Vols! For the last few years, he even cheered for the LSU Tigers with his son-in-law and grandchildren! Geaux Tigers!
Benny is survived by his beloved wife Cathy, daughter and son-in-law Annie and Thomas Townsend, son, Montague Benton Haight III “Monty,” grandchildren, Baylen Matthew Payne, Allie Grace Townsend, Thomas Andrew Townsend Jr. “Andrew,” sisters, Sherry and Joe Nero, Deborah Cline, Vicky Curtis, Kathy and Nick Proffitt, Robin and Joe Brown, Aunt Betty Beck, Aunt Marion and Uncle Theron Padgett, Aunt Judy Caldwell, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his adopted daughters from UWF, and friends that were family.
Benny is proceeded in death by his parents, Montague Benton Haight Sr. “Monty” and Barbara Cox Caldwell, Step-Father Bobby Joe Caldwell, father-in-law, Dillon Gregory Touart Jr., son-in-law, Richard Manning Hutson, brother-in-law Allen Curtis, Uncle Fred Parantha, Uncle Joe Parantha, Aunt Bee and Uncle Mike Ruff, Uncle Fred Beck, and Uncle William “Billy” Haight.
Our Grandaddy, Daddy, Hubby, Son, Brother, Munchkin, and friend will be missed dearly by all. His wit and wisdom kept us on our toes, and his knowledge of life was always beyond his years. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Sullivan, Tracy, Kendall, and the entire staff at Emerald Coast Hospice for the last 14 months of care, love and concern you have shown Benny and Cathy and our entire family. We are profoundly grateful for all you have done for us.
A memorial visitation will be held on September 12, 2026, at 2pm at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 S Hwy. 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Graveside services will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola at a later date.
Please wear your Orange and White to celebrate Benny’s love of the Tennessee Volunteers and his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your local Veteran’s Association.
Vernell Honeycutt
September 8, 2026
, age 94 of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026.
Vernell was born in Flatwoods, Alabama, on December 20, 1931, to Virgil and Pauline Willcutt. She was married to Cecil Ralph Hall for 42 years before his passing in 1993. They were faithful members of Pensacola Blvd Church of Christ for over 40 years. They enjoyed traveling, fishing and camping. Nell was a gifted seamstress; she loved tending to her flowers and growing vegetables in her garden. One thing that brought her great
joy was visiting the sick, shut-ins and widows from her Church family. Vernell was kind, loving and always smiling. Her goodness was a bright Star to everyone who knew her.
Vernell was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Willcutt, mother, Pauline Willcutt, husband, Cecil Ralph Hall, husband, Robert Honeycutt and ex son-in-law Robert Chris Fleming.
Vernell is survived by her daughter, Diane Harmon, (Lee), granddaughter Christy Dawn Laiben, and great granddaughter Jada Laiben. Step grandsons Myles Harmon (Laura),
Hayden Harmon (Sky), great grandchildren Lane Harmon and Layklyn Harmon. stepdaughter Sandy Munden (Charles).
Nell graduated from Berry High School in 1950 and very soon moved to Pensacola to live with her Aunt and Uncle. She was with her favorite cousin Bobbi; they both worked at Martines, a highly popular Drive-In during the 50’and 60’s. There she met Cecil Ralph Hall who was in the Navy, and they quickly eloped in Mississippi. Pensacola was always their home base but travels did take them on tours with the Navy to Guntamou Bay
Cuba, and Providence RI. Cecil and Nell were married almost 43 years when he passed away in January of 1993. She later married Robert Honeycutt in October of 1995 until his death in November of 2000.
She loved and honored her family and friends well. She exemplified beauty, kindness, faithfulness, strength and courage to all who knew her. Her strong faith carried her through life and into the arms of Jesus. She will be greatly missed by her family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Thank you to the staff and extended family at Country Cottages where she called home since October of 2020. There she received excellent care, attention and love. Thank you Dabrina, Heather, Jayme, and Nikki for loving my sweet momma. The family also wants to thank Emerald Coast Hospice and their entire staff for their attention, love and care.
Services to be held at Faith Chapel North. Burial will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Penny Vickery Walker
September 8, 2026
, 76, of Atmore, AL, passed away on September 1, 2026. She was born on January 30, 1950, to Johnnie Farrar (Red) Vickery and Bonita (Bonnie) Kirkpatrick Vickery.
Penny graduated from Escambia County High School in Atmore, AL, in 1968, worked as an insurance agent for 15 years, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Atmore.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 55 years, Galen Charles Walker; and sisters, Judith V. Branum and Beckey V. Shivers.
Penny is survived by two sons, Charles Farrar (Chuck) Walker and wife Lee of Robinsonville, AL, and Chad Alen Walker of Perry, FL; her daughter, Carrie Anne Walker Turberville (Michael) of Perdido, AL, and her sister, Peggy V. James (John).
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Blake Walker (Ally), Clay Walker (Carlee), Kaitlyn Walker, Ella Walker (Tate Dominguez), Avery Walker, Jessie Turberville, Samantha Turberville, Bentley Turberville; and her great-grandchildren, Braiden Walker, Charleigh Walker, Reid Walker, Bryson Walker, Kaysten Walker, Blakely Walker, Olivia Palmer, and Rhett Dominguez.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Atmore at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Arnold Hendrix and Rev. Neal Butler officiating.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Atmore from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Marion ‘Mike’ Jackson, Jr.
September 4, 2026
Marion “Mike” Jackson, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2026 at the age of 68.
Born in Pensacola, Mike spent the last several years in Oklahoma before returning home.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, MG Jackson; mother, Hattie Jackson as well as 3 sisters. He is survived by a wife, Diane Jackson; children, Gabe Jackson, Jessica Keef, Dixie Hadley, Josh Allen, Chelsey Hale and Trina Morris along with all of their families as well as a sister, Myra Harvey and many nieces and nephews. A lifelong heavy equipment operator and truck driver, Mike spent the last several years of his career driving for JRT Trucking, a company whose team loved and took care of him and he was proud to have been a part of. A special thanks to the ones who assisted and cared for him during his final days.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a graveside at Pugh’s Chapel Cemetery in Molino to follow.
Catherine Stewart Whitehead
September 3, 2026
Catherine Stewart Whitehead, 77, of Molino, went home to the Lord on August 28, 2026, surrounded by her children and her sister.
Catherine was born and raised in Molino, and she spent her whole life taking care of people. She drove a school bus. She owned and ran a day care. She was a foster mother to at least fifty children, and she never stopped counting them as hers. The taking care started early. Her home was never quiet and never empty, and that was exactly how she wanted it.
She was a generous person and she gave without asking for credit or thanks. That was who she was. If you were hers, she fought for you.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Augusta Stewart and Earnestine Stewart Dykes; her paternal grandparents, Elvis and Eliza Jane Stewart; her maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Ard; her husband, Jimmy Ray Whitehead; her son-in-law, Donnie Kent; two sisters, Carol Stewart and Sandy Madden; and three brothers, Carl Stewart, Tim Jordan (Donald Ray), and Tom Bunn (Thomas Earl).
She is survived by her children, James Whitehead and his wife Belinda McLamb, and Sandra Whitehead and her husband Robert Richardson; her grandchildren, Catherine Kent and her husband Ethan Masters, and Harrison Kent and his wife Kerry; her brother, Joey (Denise) Jordan; and six sisters, Jerlain (David) Folk of Ehrhardt, South Carolina; Rosie (Glen) Johnson of Georgia; Ann (Tracey) Ford of Cantonment, Florida; and Alice Smith, Betty “Kay” Smith, and Linda (Greg) Bauer, all of Pensacola, Florida. She is also survived by the many foster children she raised, who knew her as Mom.
Catherine will be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held on October 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Joshua McLamb officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Children’s Home Society in her memory.