Steven Ross Preston
August 15, 2020
Steven Ross Preston, 56, of Milton, Florida, peacefully passed away, Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Baptist Hospital. He was born the youngest of three children to Paul and Amanda Sue Preston on April 24, 1964, in Milton, Florida. After graduating from the University of West Florida in 1985, Steven pursued a career as a state trooper for the Florida Highway Patrol. During his 25 plus years of faithful service as a lieutenant, Steven’s drive for excellence led him to serve various roles on the force including a road trooper, drug interdiction officer, sergeant, and public relations officer. Upon retirement from the Florida Highway Patrol in 2016, Steven pursued a second career with the Department of Defense as an NCIS special agent where he specialized as a polygrapher. Steven always strove to demonstrate outstanding character and integrity in all he did in life and will be remembered by many as someone you could count on to make you laugh.
Steven was preceded in death by his loving parents, Paul and Amanda Sue Preston. He is survived by his four daughters, Rylee, Ashlyn, Blakely, and Carley Preston, of Milton, Florida; his lifelong friend Park Lee, of Milton, Florida; his two sisters, Paula (Buz) Turner and Lori Preston, of Milton, Florida; his two nieces, April (Chris) Davis and Brooke (Jeffrey) Scott, of Milton, Florida; and his great nephew and four great nieces, Tucker, Corrinne, Avery, Lanie, and Olivia, of Milton, Florida.
The visitation for Steven Preston will be held in Milton at the Lewis Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 18,2020. Family is welcome from 5:00-6:00 PM; and friends as well from 6:00-8:00 PM. The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 11:00 AM, at the Lewis Funeral Home and officiated by ministers Mike Wiggins and Alan Stout. Following the service, the burial will take place at Serenity Gardens in Milton, Florida.
The Active Pallbearers will include: Park Lee, Buz Turner, Darren Williamson, Fred Chavers, Tony Harris, Tony Preston, Ken Ford, and John Holland.
The Honorary Pallbearers will include: Adam Ward, Craig Faircloth, Rylee Preston, Ashlyn Preston, Blakely Preston, Carley Preston, the Florida Highway Patrol and the NCIS of Pensacola.
In Steven’s last years of life at the NCIS, he worked closely with the women and men who serve our country. With this in mind, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made, in Steven’s name, to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
The family would like to extend the deepest thanks and appreciation for all the doctors and nurses of Baptist Hospital for the love and care given to a great father, brother, and friend.
Benny Earl Barnes
August 15, 2020
Benny Earl Barnes, born May 6, 1934, passed away August 18, 2020 at his home with his loving wife, Edna Earle, son, Keith and wife, Beth and granddaughter Chelsea at his side.
Mr. Barnes was born in Santa Rosa County, and had been a member of the Century community since 1960 coming from the Byrneville area. He was a veteran of the United States Marines, and had worked at Monsanto as a power house operator. He served as councilman and Mayor of Century for 13 years. Mr. Barnes was a member of Community of Christ Church of Atmore where he served as an Elder, and he was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Martha French Barnes and eight siblings.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife, Edna Earle Barnes of Century, FL; son, Keith (Beth) Barnes of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; sister, Catherine (Larry) Balkcom of Perry, FL; grandchildren, Chelsea Barnes of Ft, Walton Beach , FL and Luke Barnes of Wichita, KS ; two great-grandsons; many nieces and nephews, numerous other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date by Mr. Barnes family.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you honor his memory with donations to the campgrounds he loved so much, Bluff Springs Camp Grounds at 1300 Liahona Trail McDavid, FL 32568.
Mejhor Morta
August 12, 2020
Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, joined hands with the Lord on the 17th of July, 2020, at Stillhouse Lake near Fort Hood Texas.
Mejhor, was born May 19, 1996, in Kidapawan City, Philippines. He studied Mechanical Engineering in the University of Mindanao, Philippines and became a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic in the US Army and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. His awards include the Global War in Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Mejhor died a Christian with genuine faith in God. He has always had a generous helping hands to his, family, friends and even to strangers living rough along the streets. Aside from being a soldier with a vigorous nature, Mejhor was also a business minded man invested on stock markets and some properties in the Philippines. He tends to be frugal to himself and yet very generous to others especially those in need. Mejhor was a loving son to his mother, Mrs. Lerma Boehm. He always sought a better life for himself and for his family. He had his goals lined up and had always strived to achieve them. Mejhor enjoyed reading books about business, novels, devotional books and as well as the Holy Bible.
Mejhor joins his biological father, Eduardo Morta.
Mejhor’s laughter and smiling face will forever be remembered by his sisters, Angel Lou Madrid, Hannah Villanueva, Hazel Morta, and Ayana Morta. His loving nature and joyful spirit will forever be cherished by his parents, Mrs. Lerma Boehm and Mr. Joseph Boehm; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Michael Boehm and Mr. and Mrs. Benigno Balico.
Family, friends and others whose lives Mejhor touched are invited to Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South in Cantonment, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020, to remember and reminisce about his life.
“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like His.” Romans 6:5
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
George M. Posey
August 11, 2020
George M. Posey passed away on August 8, 2020, from a heart attack. Born on December 8, 1960, in Andalusia AL, George grew up in Pensacola, Florida and graduated from Pine Forest High School and George Stone Vocational School.
George worked most of his career at Killinger Marine Center, starting there washing boats at age 15. He worked hard and became a superb Marine Mechanic/Technician. Killinger Marine was home to George, but he also worked a short period at Harbor View Marine in the late 80’s and later worked for his best friend Mickey Parriman at Key Marine. He eventually retired to raise his sons and to teach them everything he knew. He spent his life helping his neighbors, family and friends with lawn care, engine work, home repairs, or anything that they needed. He was an awesome troubleshooter and a deep thinker who analyzed every situation and made sure it was resolved precisely as it should be done. Known by his younger sister as ‘Genius George’, he was her on-call handyman. His younger brother often said that if an alien space ship broke down nearby that George could troubleshoot and fix it. George acquired his mechanical knowledge at a younger age from his special Uncle Mack Helms.
George enjoyed hiking, camping, bonfires at his oldest sister’s, making dad jokes, and feeding and watching birds in the bird oasis he created in his backyard which he watched from his dining room window. He loved his cats, enjoyed researching movie history, and enjoyed spending time with his sons, who were his best friends. George suffered from excruciating arthritic pain for many years that affected his lifestyle. Jesus has healed him and he is no longer in pain.
George is preceded in death by his mother, Sara Posey; his brother-in-law, Allen W Gray, Sr. and his nephew Allen W Gray, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sherry Blackwell Posey; sons, Matthew Martin Posey and Daniel Jacob Posey; his father, Ronald B. Posey (Barbara); his oldest sister, Juanita Holley (Acie), younger sister, Rhonda Gray and younger brother, Terry Posey (Amy); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Mclemore, Doug Dillard, John Hoobler, Roy Hykes, Rick Hawkins and Kendall Nutt.
Honorary pallbearers will be his sons Matthew and Daniel.
Funeral Services are being handled by Faith Chapel North.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service immediately following at East Brent Baptist Church, 4801 N. Davis Hwy.
A private family burial will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at a later date. The service will be recorded. Social distancing is strongly encouraged.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Franklin Hall
August 11, 2020
Franklin “Tracey” Hall, 60, of Atmore, AL passed away on August 6, 2020. He was born on September 19, 1959, to the late Charlie Ernest and Margaret Coker Hall. He was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School in 1977 and attended Hall’s Fork Assembly of God Church. He worked in the construction industry and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and playing bass guitar.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Timothy “Timbo” Hall and his sister, Delois “Dee” Hall.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Hanks Hall; one daughter, Donna King (Joseph Lee Holloway) of Uriah, AL; one son, James R. “J.R.” Hall (Virginia) of Gordo, AL; one brother, Tony (Jeanene) Hall of Bay Springs, FL; one sister, Donna Lee Hall of Atmore, AL; eight grandchildren, Tracie Alexis, Jaxon, Lillie, Allyson, Jayson, Landon, Aiden and Emma Rose; one niece, Kristen Hall and two nephews, Brandon (Jessica) Hall and Ricky Hunt.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Richard Daniels and Bro. Windell Hadley officiating.
Interment was at Bay Springs Cemetery in Bay Springs, FL.
Active pallbearers were Brandon Hall, Jake Jordan, Jaxon King, Ronald Peebles, Sammy Lee and Tony Hall.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Bodiford, Keith Jay, Paul Lundy and Jimmy McKinley.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Julie Hadley
August 11, 2020
Julie Hadley, 89, of Perdido, AL, passed away on August 8, 2020. She was born on June 5, 1931, to the late Arlene Ganey Harville. She was a member of Perdido Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Ganey Harville; her husband, Marvin Hadley; her sons, Edward Hadley, Earl Hadley and Anthony Hadley and her sisters, Thelma Harville and Virginia Gentry.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Tammy Harrelson (Chris Chandler) of Lottie, AL, Angie (Jerry) Cowart of Pine Grove, AL, Kim Hadley (Glenn) Dorsey of Gulf Breeze, FL, Shelia Kay Hadley of CA and Clayton Hadley of Rabun, AL; her great-grandchildren, Zayden, Jessica, Tonya, Brittany, Brianna, Brian, Tristan and Gunnar and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Malcolm Harrelson officiating.
Interment will follow at Guy’s Chapel Cemetery in Rabun, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Clifford Hall, Jr., Jerry Cowart, Marcus Loftis, Blake Bossard, Clayton Hadley and Terrance Newsome.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from 10 a.m. until service time at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Nannette Cobb Shell
August 11, 2020
Nannette Cobb Shell, age 87, passed away on August 7, 2020. She was born and lived in Atmore for 84 years. For the past 3 years, she resided at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, AL.
Nannette was born on March 3, 1933, to the late Nancy Lowery Cobb and William Rufus Cobb. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill Cobb and Ty Cobb and sister, Linda Bodtke.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, James Howard Shell, as well as her children, Nancy Shell Fayard (husband, Gary) of Atlanta, GA and James Burton Shell (wife, Kim) of Pawleys Island, SC. She is also survived by five adoring grandchildren, John Fayard, Chris Fayard, Mollie Shell Schimmel, Laura Shell, Sam Shell and three great-grandchildren, Liam Fayard, Isabelle Fayard, and Charlotte Fayard. Her most cherished role in life was being “Nana” to all and
loving them each “50 million”.
Nannette retired after a successful career at Atmore Milling and Elevator. She then embarked on a second career at Escambia County High School. Upon her second retirement, she began her last and final career as the loving Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in gardening, cooking and sharing with others. She could often be found on her tractor with its bushhog.
Nannette was the longest surviving member of First United Methodist Church of Atmore and loved her time working with the children in the nursery during church services.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Atmore Nursery, 311 South Pensacola Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502.
Notes and cards may be sent to: Howard Shell, #47 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36525.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Franklin D. Cotton
August 11, 2020
Franklin D. “Red” Cotton, 83, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 3, 2020. He was born on July 12, 1937, to the late J. D. and Ada E. Brown Cotton. He owned and operated The T&W Flea Market, Red’s Swap Shop, Brother’s Furniture and Summerdale Flea Market.
He moved to Atmore and opened The Atmore Flea Market, Cotton’s Furniture Store and Cotton’s Mini Storage. He was a member of The First Pentecostal Church of McCullough. He was a caring and generous person who loved helping anyone in their time of need.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Pat Hutson and his siblings, Jack Cotton, Ernest Cotton, Buster Allen Cotton and Morris Cotton.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beulah Grissett Cotton; his sons, J.R. and his wife Virgie Cotton of Pensacola, FL, T.W. Cotton of Pensacola, FL and Matt and his wife Kelley Cotton of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Ashley Cotton of Atmore, AL; one brother, Gary Cotton of Atlanta, GA and two sisters, Virginia Hendry of LA and Barbara Aceto of Pensacola, FL; 14 grandchildren and 12 plus two on the way great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Andy Lolly, Bro. D.L. Harvell and Bro. Alton Lister officiating.
Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers were Matthew Cotton, T.W. Cotton, Kenny Boykin, Joseph McCraney, Michael Trawick and Mark Presley.
Honorary pallbearers were Floyd Hopkins, Benny Enfinger, Gary Gibson and Michael Woods.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Larry Wilber Godwin
August 11, 2020
Larry Wilber Godwin, 71, of Atmore, AL passed away on August 3, 2020. He was born on August 19, 1948, to the late Siddie Godwin and Claudia Parker Godwin Mitchem. He served in the United States Army and worked in the construction industry. He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Cliff Mitchem and his siblings, Judy Paul, Geary Godwin and Terry Godwin.
He is survived by his sibling, Jan (James) Jeter; his step-siblings, Cliff (Deborah) Mitchem, Jr., Sandy Grabre, Jim (Denise) Mitchem and Tim (Katherine) Mitchem; his nieces, Becky Ganey and Vicky Jeter; his nephews, Pete Godwin and Allen Hall; his children, Christy (Ronnie) Huskey, Bubba (Sylina) O’Barr, Wade Minchew and Natalie (Mark) Rodgers and his grandchildren, Rylee Huskey, Ruthie Huskey, Tad Huskey, Karahgan O’Barr, Camryn O’Barr, Shyla O’Barr, Dakota O’Barr, Bailey Jones, Gavin Rodgers, Landon Rodgers, Chase Minchew, Chelsea Minchew, Christopher Minchew and Chandler Minchew.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dale Patterson officiating.
Interment was at Bratt-Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.
Active pallbearers were Freddie Jernigan, Bill Ganey, Bo Bryan, Ronnie Huskey, Mark Rodgers and Lathon Owens.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Adam Gene Miller
August 10, 2020
Adam Gene Miller, born June 6, 1991 passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the age of 29. He was the first born son of Gene and Kelly Miller and weighted 11 lbs. 1 oz. at birth. He was born in Pensacola, Florida but raised in the Gateswood area of Alabama for most of his life. Adam was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He especially loved going fishing with his late Paw Paw, Ralph McCormick, who spent a lot of time with his grandsons. Adam played football at Tate High School where he started on the varsity team his junior and senior years. He was a captain on the team his senior year and was known as Big Country. He was liked by both teachers and students at Tate. The last few years he was a proud member of the Teamsters Union and the team at UPS. He was truly loved and will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his Maw Maw, Betty Jenks McCormick; Paw Paw, Ralph E. McCormick; and aunt, Lisa Ramey.
Adam is survived by his mother, Kelly McCormick Miller; dad, Gene Ray Miller, Jr.; grandmother, Paulie Hunter; grandfather, Gene R. (Char) Miller, Sr.; two brothers, John Ray (Little Country) Miller and Chason Harris; two aunts, Traci McCormick Garman (Jodie Howard) and Vicki McCormick (Stan) Pagonis; and cousins, Megan, Rachel, Sarah, Jessica, Brandon, Nikki, Carly, Margaret, and Alex.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM, on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Farm Hill Holiness Church with Pastor Clyde Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 9:30AM prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Brandon McCormick, Brandon Wiggins, Ron Smith, John Rasmussen, George Purvis, and Thornton Rogers.