Billy G. Ward
May 19, 2020
Retired Honorable Judge Billy G. Ward, 95 of Walnut Hill, Florida, passed away May 18, 2020, in Walnut Hill. He was born to the late Horace H. and Minnie Lou Morgan Ward on September 4, 1924, in Walnut Hill, Florida. He served in the United States Army and was a WWII veteran.
He was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School and University of Florida College of Law. He was a retired Escambia County Florida Judge with over 32 years of service and former member of the Escambia County Florida Bar Association. He was the last remaining charter member of the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club. He was a lifelong member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years. Judge Ward enjoyed farming, fishing and traveling in his RV.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Marshall Ward, Ernest Ward, Royce Ward and his sister Willodean Bingham.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lois King Ward of Walnut Hill, Florida; two sons, Roy (Jackie) Ward of Bratt, Florida, and Russ (Allison) Ward of Hoover, Alabama; grandchildren Jordana Ward, Jocelyn (Nicholas) Drew, Hope Ward, Seth Ward and a great-grandchild Eleanor Drew.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. The Reverend Ted Bridges and Reverend James Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Seth Ward, Nicholas Drew, Horace Ward, Scott Ward, Heath Ward, and Craig King.
Honorary pallbearers are Brett Ward, Harry Ward, Ted Bridges, Sr., Tim Gibbs, Kevin Faircloth, Edward Godwin, and Ed Hudson.
Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Billy Ward to Walnut Hill Baptist Church Life Center.
Due to the current health care crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements. Seating will be limited at the church.
Robert (Bobby) Lee Ging
May 18, 2020
Robert (Bobby) Lee Ging, 77, a lifelong resident of Molino, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020, after a very brief battle with lymphoma. Bobby was a graduate of Tate High School, Class of 1960. Shortly after graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years as an Air Policeman. In 2002, he retired from CSX Railroad after 37 years of service. He owned and operated Ging’s Heat and Air, Inc. for 40 years, his “hobby” side job where he served the north-end community with pride and excellence.
Bobby coached Little League baseball for a number of years and as President of the Molino Little League, he was instrumental, in obtaining the property from the county and the building of the Don Sutton Ballpark. He also served as President of the Board of Molino Utilities. He was a member and Past Master of the (Molino) West Florida Masonic Lodge #210. Bobby enjoyed bass fishing, primitive camping in the “Swamp of Sopchoppy” with his brothers, fish fries with friends and family, watching Florida Gator Football, reading on his Kindle, and solving crossword puzzles to “keep his mind sharp.”
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Kathleen and John Ging, Sr., his beloved brother and sister-and-law, Johnny and Judy (McCurdy) Ging, and nephews Kenny and Jeff Powell.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna (Lee); daughters Christine Barrett and Tricia (Greg) Daniels; two grandchildren, PawPaw’s pride and joy, Tristan Barrett and Alyssa Daniels; brothers Jake (Bonnie) and Tony Ging; sisters Katherine Powell and Judy Ging; nieces and nephews, Bill, Jennifer, Jayson, Melanie and Melissa.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20th at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home from at 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM. A private funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Jimmy Cook. Burial will be at Aldersgate United Methodist Cemetery in Molino. Memorials may be made to Aldersgate Cemetery, P. O. Box 216, Molino, FL 32577. Due to the continued issues of COVID-19, there will be a restriction of 70 people in the funeral chapel at any given time during the visitation. Wearing a mask will be appreciated by the family.
Pallbearers will be Greg Daniels, Jayson Ging, Frankie Archer, Steve Spinks, Larry Spinks and Kevin Spinks.
Those who knew Bobby well know that he was a simple man who loved his Levi jeans. In his honor, please feel free to dress casual for the services. Jeans are appropriate dress or whatever you feel comfortable wearing. No shorts please.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Critical Care Unit of West Florida Hospital for their compassion and loving care of our beloved Bobby, aka PawPaw.
Deborah Carr Killam
May 18, 2020
Deborah Carr Killam (Debbie), age 65, of Jay, Florida went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2020. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a faithful member of Jay First Baptist Church, and served Jay High School as the bookkeeper for 26 years. She enjoyed spending time with her precious grandchildren and family, traveling, shopping, and being outdoors. Debbie loved the Lord and wanted everyone to know Him. She was taken too soon, but she was confident in where she was going.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Benny Killam; parents, Bill and Hazel Carr; and brother-in-law, Tim Russell. She is survived by her son, Lucas (Kendra) Killam; daughter, Lana (Rhett) Rowell; grandchildren, Major Rowell, Piper Rowell, Greyson Killam, and Grant Killam; sisters, Marilyn (Alan) Michel; and Ann Russell; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Debbie will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and co-workers but is happy and well in Heaven, a place she hopes to see you in one day.
The family will hold a memorial service in June, due to social distancing guidelines, and will announce further details when available. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Debbie’s name to the American Heart Association at American Heart Association or 1-800-AHAUSA1.
Ernest Byerly Brown
May 18, 2020
Ernest Byerly Brown, 33, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Ernest was born on October 20, 1986, in Pensacola, Florida, to Gene and Renee Brown. He graduated from Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts and ITT Technical School. Ernest attended Highland Baptist Church. He enjoyed music, playing his guitar and spending time with his family. His contagious laugh and willingness to help others will always be remembered.
Ernest was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Willard B. Brown and Charles O. Van Ling.
He is survived by his parents, Gene and Renee Brown; brothers, Jeffery Brown and Justin (Britney) Brown; brothers at heart, Preston Eddings and Christopher Green; sister at heart, Annie Eddings; grandparents, Ernest (Junie) and Dorothy Sellers, Minnie Van Ling and Joyce Brown; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Blake Brown, Elliot Brown, Paul Robinson II, Pete Lauter, Ryan McIlwain and Mitchell Dunn. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Hopper, James Docherty, Joseph Diamond and Danny Bear Comer.
Kimberlee Ann Davis
May 18, 2020
Kimberlee Ann Davis, 58, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020. She was born in Pensacola, Florida to Russell Smith and Caron Graves Quinn.
She loved anything that had to do with being outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, working in the yard, and gardening. Home was her happy place and she loved cooking for others. Kimberlee was a huge Alabama football fan… ROLL TIDE!
Kimberlee is preceded in death by her parents, Russell Smith and Caron Quinn; and brother, Brad Smith.
She is survived by her son, Daniel Davis; sisters, Cindy (Jonnie) Tanton and Nicole Quinn-Clyatt; nephews, Chad, Jake, and Brandon; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; devoted friend, Steve McCoy; and her beloved chocolate lab, Zoe.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
The family invites you to join them for Kimberlee’s Celebration of Life at Nicole’s house following the memorial service.
Nancy Noble Chapman
May 17, 2020
Nancy Noble Chapman, 89 of Atmore, AL. passed away May 10, 2020 in Fairhope, AL. She was born on April 24, 1931 in Clark County, AL. She was co-owner and manager of Chapman Ace Hardware, Inc. for 30 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, PCA. Atmore, AL.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Will Stewart “Bill” Chapman, Jr; siblings; Shirley Lowder; Chet Noble and Marilyn Jensen. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She is survived by her children Will (Janice) Chapman of Atmore, AL; Bess Chapman (Richard) Maxwell of Atmore, AL; Gretchen Chapman (Steve) Odham of Pensacola, FL and Rebecca Chapman (James) Williamson of Bay Minette, AL. Two brothers Frank (Debbie) Noble of Pasadena, CA; Wesley “Buddy” (Charlene) Noble of Jackson, AL. and one sister Margie Reid of Leroy, AL. Grandchildren Will Stewart (Maya) Chapman, III; Mary Frances Chapman (Doug) Anderson; Mallory Maxwell Downey; Chapman Richard (Katie) Maxwell, Hannah Stephens; Bess Tyler; Jamie Williamson (Jack) Hazelrig, Ann Williamson (Kory) Doyle and thirteen great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her many other family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 1 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. with Reverend Jim Thorpe officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Stewart Chapman, Chapman Maxwell, Harris Downey, Kory Doyle, Bryan Shebeck, Patrick Prestarri and Jack Hazelrig.
Due to the current health crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, PCA; Atmore and First United Methodist Church of Atmore Costa Rica Missions Fund.
Eula Mae (Godwin) Lynn
May 16, 2020
Eula Mae (Godwin) Lynn, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 13th, 2020. Eula peacefully passed away in her daughter’s home in Walnut Hill, Florida. She was born February 18th, 1940 in Perdido, Alabama. Eula joyfully served school children lunch for over 20 years at Bratt Elementary School. She retired as the beloved cafeteria manager. Eula loved her co-workers, and each child that came through the lunch line. She even had the joy of serving lunch to her very own grandchildren. Eula shared her love of Jesus to everyone she met. She was a faithful member of New Life Fellowship in Walnut Hill, Florida. Eula was also a glorious talent in the gospel singing group, Restoration, which included vocalists; Kevanah and Betty Hare, Carolyn Thortis, and Glen Thrower. One of Eula’s favorite scriptures that she hung on a wall in her house was Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The way she lived her life should be an example for all of us. She made sure that as a mother, all five of her children were raised in church, and that the Word of God was instilled in them. Eula loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She lived life knowing that when her time on this earth was over, she would be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are to celebrate this day with overflowing joy in our hearts knowing that Eula is also celebrating with her Lord in Heaven. She will truly be missed.
She is preceded in death by her father James Calvin Ramer, and mother Leona Bryars Ramer. Her first husband Hilery Lamar Godwin passed away August 20th, 1997 at the age of 58. They were married for 38 years and had 5 beautiful children. Her son Reginald Lamar Godwin born on June 26th, 1963 passed away on January 1st, 2010. In 2006, she then married Loyd Lowell Lynn of Barnet, Texas. They were married for 13 years when he went to be with the Lord on March 16th, 2020. She is also preceded by her siblings Otis Ramer, Aubrey Ramer, Norman Ramer, Curtis Ramer, and a sister Edith Marie Ramer. Eula is survived by her siblings Vertis Ramer of Bay Minette, Alabama; Robert (Doris) Ramer of Perdido, Alabama; Willie (Ola Mae) Ramer of Perdido, Alabama; Arthur (Sheila) Ramer of Atmore, Alabama and Vernon (Sheila) Ramer of Perdido, AL. Her two sons Jefferey Keith Godwin and Hilery Lamont Godwin of Bratt, Florida. Her two daughters Rhonda Lynn (Tommy) Holifield of Atmore, Alabama and Cathy Madonna (Christopher) Scott of Walnut Hill, Florida; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 2:30 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ray Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL. Active pallbearers will be Nick Moore, Joshua Scott, Codye Dauson, Collin Howard, Ryan Stabler and Jamie Ramer.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 1:30 PM until service time at 2:30 PM at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Laura Elaine Lucas
May 15, 2020
Laura Elaine Lucas was born on February 25, 1925 on a farm in Bay Springs, Florida, a rural area northeast of Pensacola, Florida. While sleeping, she passed away peacefully on May 8, 2020 at age 95. Elaine was the first female child of Robert Lee Lucas and Laura Etta Barks Lucas. She was the fourth of eight children. In time, she would have four brothers and three sisters, five of whom preceded her in death. Elaine grew up materially poor in Bay Springs during the Great Depression and knew both happiness and want. At an early age, she was sent “down the road” to live with her grandmother (Miss Maggie) where Elaine lived until she met Troy Booker at a church camp meeting, where he fell in love with her the first time he heard her play the piano. They were equally matched in their love of music and their deep faith in God. They were married on December 20, 1942.
Elaine was a very gifted and loving child. She attended school in Walnut Hill, Florida where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She earned many academic awards, was chosen to teach and tutor students in lower grades, and her original essay was featured in the Pensacola News Journal after she won first prize in a statewide contest for young writers. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist, playing and singing for churches and social occasions. After high school, Elaine moved to Pensacola, taking an apartment with several girls. Prior to her marriage, she worked as executive secretary to the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Pensacola. After marriage, she was a devoted wife and a mother to two children, Troy and Emily. Her marriage and her family were her passion and her devotion. In Longview, Texas, while her husband earned his engineering degree, and to help with school costs, Elaine first worked in the LeTourneau College library and then worked as executive secretary to Mr. R.G. LeTourneau, builder of the largest earth-moving equipment in the world.
Elaine had a lifelong love of flowers and the outdoors. She spent many long hours laboring in her yard, lovingly caring for the many flowering plants she gathered around her. As a member of the Pensacola Garden Club, she won many competitive honors in flower arranging. She won the highest award for creative flower arranging, the Tri-Color Award, and was featured in Florida state gardening and flower arranging publications. She went on to open a florist business in Pensacola, “Elaine’s Elegance in Flowers,” specializing in weddings and holiday home decorating. Her specialty was designing grand arrangements suitable for banquets and very large spaces. She decorated many high-visibility homes in Pensacola and donated her musical and decorating talents to her home church, First Baptist, Pensacola, where she was a faithful and active member for 60 years. She was a very successful florist, retiring only due to age and health concerns.
An avid entertainer, Elaine loved to decorate her home, inside and out, for each season and holiday. Her home decorations were spectacular, winning awards from the community and accolades from all who saw them, including a feature article in the holiday decorating section of the local paper. Concurrent with her florist business, Elaine took up ceramic and porcelain painting. She created wonderfully beautiful paintings of scenes from her childhood memories. Fine-detail portraits of incredible beauty and whimsical rural and floral scenes were all fired under-glaze from her own kiln.
She was a kind and loving mother to her two adoring children; a loving, devoted, and supportive wife to an equally-devoted and loving husband. She cherished her role as Grandma to four grandchildren and “GG” to her ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. To them, she was a patient, playful, and wise role model. She was a superb Southern cook, preparing innumerable delicious meals for family and friends. Looking back over her 95-year life, she was a very loving, forthright, and Godly woman who acted upon her many skills, abilities, talents, and interests to better herself, her family, and the world around her. She was an amazing woman, full of energy, enthusiasm, and talent. She is greatly missed. Proverbs 31: 25-28 best summarize her life: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Troy Marion Booker, her second husband of six years, Mr. Paul Levan, five of her eight siblings, and her eldest great-grandson, Troy Michael Booker. She is survived by her son, Troy L. (Donna) Booker, Pensacola, FL; her daughter, Emily (Wes) Painter, Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren: Lane (Candy) Booker, Jacksonville, FL; Laura (Scott) Kirk, Chattanooga, TN; Kara (Roy Mauldin) Greene, Cantonment, FL; Kristin (Douglas) Ross, Chattanooga, TN; nine great-grandchildren: Haley (Ethan) Hardin, Cantonment, FL; Ashley Booker, Jacksonville, FL; Brenna Saxon, Connor Saxon, and Ethan Saxon, Chattanooga, TN; Colin McCracken and John Kirk, Chattanooga, TN; Ryan Greene and Taylor Greene, Cantonment, FL; and great-great-granddaughters Isabelle Elaine Booker and Emma Marie Hardin; two sisters, Yvonne Obren, Pensacola, FL; Ellen Settle, Molino, FL; one brother, Phil Lucas, Bay Springs, FL; and sister-in-law Charlotte Lucas, Cantonment, FL.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 15, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Ross Lankford and Dr. Dave Snyder officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be her great grandsons. Honorary bearers will be Ronald Greene, Roy Mauldin, JP Minchew, and Gerald Taylor.
Gail J. Simpkins
May 12, 2020
On Friday, May 8, 2020, Gail J. Simpkins, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.
Gail was born on February 11, 1931 in Rose Hill, IA. At the age of 17, Gail married Robert (Bob) Simpkins on November 7, 1948. Together they raised three daughters, in Rockford, IL. Gail worked for the Chrysler plant located in Belvidere, IL for many years and retired in 1981.
Gail had a passion for travel, music, family, and her dogs. After retirement Gail and Bob loved to travel and often brought their family along to enjoy the experience with them. In 2001, Gail and Bob relocated to Pensacola, FL for the beautiful gulf coast. They became proud members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Gail will be remembered for her beautiful smile, the deep love for her husband and family, her strong Christian faith, and her strong spirit.
Gail was preceded in death by her mother Bertha Belzer and stepfather, Max Belzer. She is survived by husband Robert, her three daughters Tenny Simpkins, Kim (Brian) Ekedahl and Heidi (Phil) Gonska, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Private memorial service will be held.
We would like to say a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers who lovingly took care of Gail for the last five years and Emerald Coast Hospice. Your kindness and compassionate care brought much comfort to our family.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring, may make contributes to Emerald Coast Hospice.
Mittie Juanita Etheredge McNair
May 12, 2020
Our Beloved Mother, Mittie Juanita Etheredge McNair
She was born in McCullough, Alabama on September 24, 1925 and was the youngest daughter of Caleb E. and Mamie K. Etheredge. She passed from this life and went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 11, 2O2O while residing at the Arcadia Nursing Home in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 94. She was a lifelong and devoted christian and a member of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her precious sisters, Ellen, Gladys, and Mabel; her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Edward E.McNair, Sr; and her first born son, Edward E. McNair, Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Steve McNair (Finea) and Gary McNair (Cheryl), daughter, Debbie Hamrac (Jimmy); thirteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren, that all loved her so very much.
Mother had the most extraordinary smile and had the unique ability to make everyone around her feel good and loved. She carried this precious gift with her even during the last two difficult years of her life and as her memory began to fade, her loving smile never left her. She touched so many lives and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness and her wonderful christian testimony. God continued to use her and her christian testimony up until the day that He called her home, which was evidenced by the large number of nursing home staff that sought her out and came by to see her and share their stories of her love as they cried with us.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 10AM on Friday, May 15, 2020 with Reverend Gordon Godfrey, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 5PM to 7PM Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the funeral home. Due to the continued issues of COVID-19, there will be a restriction of 70 people in the funeral chapel at any given time during the visitation, and the funeral will be limited to 70 people.