Thelma Wiggins Holley
July 6, 2019
Thelma Wiggins Holley, 90, died Friday, July 5, 2019, at her home in Bratt after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Holley was born in Bratt on March 9, 1929, the daughter of Robert and Addie Wiggins. She was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School. Upon her marriage, she moved to Pensacola in 1954, where she lived for forty-three years. She was a long-time teacher aide, first in the Head Start program, and then at McMillan and Brentwood Elementary Schools. She was a faithful member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Pensacola. Upon her retirement in 1997, she returned to Bratt, where she was a member of Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Edgar Holley, in 1963; by her brothers Robert James Wiggins, H. B. Wiggins, Rufus Wiggins, Henry Wiggins, Leon Wiggins, and M. L. “Buddy” Wiggins; by her sisters Bertha Wiggins, Dorothy Norris, Myra Brantley, and Essie Coleman; and by her step-son and daughter-in-law, Talmadge and Dorothy Holley.
She is survived by her son, Darrell Holley, also of Bratt; and by her sisters, Glyndal Robbins of Bratt and Jessie Wiggins of Pensacola; by her four step-grandchildren, as well as by a large extended family.
Visitation will be Monday, July 8, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, located at 5410 North Highway 99.
Funeral services will be Monday, July 8, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, with Rev. Matthew Pinson officiating.
Pall bearers will be Gregory Robbins, Brian Robbins, Marvin Wiggins, Joe Brantley, John McCall, and Rev. James Sage.
Burial will be at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Petty Eastside Funeral Home of Atmore.
Betty Stuckey Owens
July 6, 2019
Betty Stuckey Owens, age 83, of Jay, Florida, went to be with the Lord on July 2, 2019. She was born and raised in Byrneville, Florida. She married James Edward Owens on August 29, 1953, and moved to Jay. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, and she faithfully served her church, Jay First Baptist, for many years.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Owens; her father, T.W. Stuckey; mother, Margaret Matheny Stuckey; and sister, Aleece Stuckey Hayes.
She is survived by her sons, Gary (Judy) Owens, Larry (Ramona) Owens, and Ricky (Sabrina) Owens; eight grandchildren, Redina (Jack) Gavin, Amanda (Shane) Dawsey, Micah (Jessica) Owens, Meredith Owens, Carly Owens, Zach Owens, Adam (Brittany) Olsen, and Kaity (Nick) Dishler; nine great-grandchildren, Lane Burgess, Alex Gavin, Laura Gavin, Owen Dawsey, Oakleigh Dawsey, Opal Dawsey, Adaline Owens, Landyn Dishler, and Raylan Olsen. Betty is also survived by her brother, William (Linda) Stuckey.
Betty was a loving wife and mother, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends..
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. David Smith, Jay Hospital, and The Terrace for the excellent care given to Betty during her illness.
Services were held Friday, July 5, 2019 at Jay First Baptist Church.
Graveside services immediately followed at Jay Cemetery.
Douglas Anthony Hadley
July 6, 2019
Douglas Anthony Hadley, 75 of Century, FL passed away Monday, July 1, 2019, in Milton, FL. He was an retired equipment operator with Swift Lumber Company. He was born in Escambia County, FL on December 16, 1943, to the late Louie Lee and Ola Mae Spence Hadley. He was an avid Alabama football fan, Atlanta Braves fan and coached Little League Baseball for many years.
He is preceded in death by his father, Louie Lee Hadley; and sister, Lisa Allen.
Survivors include his mother, Ola Mae Weekley of Walnut Hill, FL; two sons, Anthony “Tony” (Teresa) Hadley of Canoe, AL and Nicky (Valire McGhee) Hadley of Poarch, AL; one daughter, Jolene (Brian Joiner) Elliott of Walnut Hill; five brothers, Billy Taylor of Frisco City, AL; Roger Hadley, Ronnie Hadley, Joe Hadley and Brian Hadley all of Perido, AL; three sisters, Patsy Newhart of Atmore, Janice Williams of Nokomis, AL and Peggy McDuffie of Perdido, AL; eight grandchildren, Tashina, Emily, T.J., Anna, Lyn, D.J., Nakisha and Joe Michael and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Friday July 5, 2019, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Hazel Smith Strawbridge
July 6, 2019
Hazel Smith Strawbridge, 74 of Atmore, AL, passed away Wednesday July 3, 2019, at her residence. She owned and operated Hazel’s Curl Country Beauty Salon for over 50 years. She was born in Huxford, AL on April 13, 1945, to the late Grover Frisco and Myrtle Irene McKinley Smith. She was a member of the Robinsonville Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis G. Strawbridge; grandson, Dylan Strawbridge; three brothers, Carvin McKinley, Roy Smith and Billy Smith.
Survivors include two sons, Keith (Ashley) Strawbridge of Atmore, and Michael Strawbridge of Huxford, AL; one brother, David (Brenda) Smith of Atmore; two sisters, Wanda Speron of Atmore and Patricia (Eddie) Baker of Robinsonville, AL; two grandchildren, Keely and Braylee Strawbridge.
Services were held Saturday, July 6, 2019, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Phil Johnson officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Carl “Buster” McGhee
July 3, 2019
Carl “Buster” McGhee, age 102 of Poarch, AL. and was formerly of Walnut Hill, FL. passed away July 2, 2019 in Atmore, AL. He was born to the late Littles and Ellen Colbert McGhee in Huxford, AL. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. He was the oldest living WWII veteran and Poarch Creek Tribal Member in the state of Alabama. He was an avid fisherman and was preceded in death by his parents, wife Atrebee “Bootee” Dees McGhee six brothers, a sister, a son Stephen McGhee and granddaughter Rhonda Kay McGhee.
He is survived by his children Gilbert (Mary) McGhee of Walnut Hill, FL; Carl Farron “Fay” McGhee of Poarch, AL; Robert (Annette) McGhee of Saraland, AL; Glenn (Billie) McGhee of Pensacola, FL; Larry E. McGhee of Poarch, AL; Harold (Lynna) McGhee of Brewton, AL and Sandra (Larue) Chunn of Theodore, AL. One sister Thelma Henson of Frost Proof, FL; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; ten great- great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11 AM from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. James Boyd and Bro. Rowdy Boyte officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Will McGhee, Charlie McGhee, Kenneth McGhee, Ronnie McGhee, Roger Howard, Robert Howard, Paul Howard and Kenneth Manning.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randy McGhee, Doyle McGhee, Tim McGhee Ben Colbert, Jerry Colbert, Marty Henson, Wayne McGhee, Wendell McGhee and Dicky Johnson.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 5, 2019 from 6PM until 8 PM from the Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Clifton H. Mims
July 1, 2019
Clifton H. Mims, Jr. passed away June 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Atmore, AL on August 22, 1951, to the late Clifton H. Sr. and Lorene Tucker Mims. He attended Jefferson Davis Community College and AUM of Montgomery. He was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Atmore were he served in many roles and was a member of the church choir for over 41 years. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and he tapped out in the Order of The Arrow. He was an outdoorsmen, avid turkey hunter, bird watcher, gardener, and animal lover and truly loved his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gayle Mims Ward; and a brother, John Clifton Mims.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Darla Bethea “Totise” Mims of Atmore, AL; his children, Joshua Cullen Mims of Daphne, AL; Lindsay Bethea Mims and Anna Katherine Mims both of Atmore, AL; Five grandchildren, Jazmine, Ella, Sydney, Keaton, Jasiah; and his special companion “Bama” who never left his side.
A memorial service was held Sunday, June 30, 2019, from the First United Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Brennan Peacock and Rev. Andy Gartman officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Church Choir at First United Methodist Church of Atmore.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pilots for Christ.
Kevin Glen Rich
July 1, 2019
Kevin Glen Rich, 61, of McDavid, Florida passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019.
He was born on December 4, 1957 in Daytona, Florida to parents, Harvey Edwin Rich and Mary Louise Mathis and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1977. Kevin served in the United States Marine Corp as a baker. He held many different jobs including, a tree surgeon, Mr. Mom, a bridge builder and a farmer. Some of his greatest accomplishments were providing for his family, living life to the fullest and being the best father a family could hope for. We have many fond memories of the many river trips and being around the farm.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Deborah Lucille Rich; his parents; his grandmother, Ruby Mathis; brothers, Douglas Hampton Rich, Barry Earl Rich and Brian Keith Rich and house mother, Wilma Bailey.
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Ann Rich; brothers, Donald E. Rich and Daniel Lee Rich; sister, Debbie Rich; house sisters, Suzanne O’Brien and Renee Evans; best friends, Jason Lamb, Randy Bailey, Marion Bailey and Eunice Bailey; close family friend, Seema Jeter and Baby Rich, his dog.
Kevin was so full of life. He never met a stranger he didn’t befriend and loved all of his animals, four dogs, 60 chickens, nine honey beehives and an adopted goat. The VFW Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan has many great memories of his childhood. He was the neighborhood Dad to all of the children and he will be deeply missed by all the lives he has touched. The love and memory of him will always be in our hearts.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 2:00pm at Bay Springs Full Gospel Church Cemetery, Bay Springs, Florida.
James Richard Strickland
June 24, 2019
James Richard “Ricky” Strickland, 67, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. He was born in Atmore, AL on October 3, 1951, to the late James Howard Strickland and Vera Mae Daniels Strickland.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Julie Nell O’Farrell and Bobbie White.
Ricky is survived by his wife, Brenda Strickland; sister, Gloria Faye (Jerry) Kent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Friday, June 21, 2019, at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL.
Pallbearers were Wade Kent, Hal O’Farrell, Chad Kent, Harvey Bradberry, Carl Bowman, and Freddy Pitts.
Ellis O’Farrell, Matt Lambert, Jerry Kent, Kenny Lloyd, and Jack White as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Cowboy Church or the American Heart Association In Memory of Ricky Strickland.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dylan Wayne Baxter
June 24, 2019
Dylan’s life was taken in a tragic accident on June 15, 2019. Dylan was born on September 1, 1995. He was a lifelong resident of Pensacola, attended Pensacola Christian Academy and Beulah Academy of Science. Dylan received his GED from George Stone Vocational School-something he was very proud of. He possessed a loving heart and kind nature towards others. He loved rap music and began writing lyrics at a very young age. Dylan was a star athlete at Bellview Ballpark in football and baseball. He then discovered basketball-this was his love. Dylan was an avid Gator fan. Dylan had trials during his short lifetime but always knew how much unconditional love his family had for him. We will always be grateful that he understood this.
Dylan is survived by his adoptive parents and grandparents, Leon and Betty Baxter; Kenzie Alpin, his partner of seven years; their daughter, Miya Baxter; father, Richard D. Baxter; mother, Michelle Ard Baxter; sisters, Ricki Rene Baxter and Stephanie McSwain; grandparent, Sandra Mathenay; great-grandparent, Monroe Mathenay; and great-grandparent, Melba Ard, whom he loved dearly and many other beloved family members who will miss him greatly.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Bellview Baptist Church.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements.
Willie Morris Covan
June 24, 2019
Mr. Willie Morris Covan, age 84, passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, in Milton, Florida.
Mr. Covan was a native and lifelong resident of Byrneville, FL. He liked playing his harmonica, liked to travel, loved old country music, outdoors, and liked old western movies, traveling to the Smokey Mountains; afternoon walks, moon pies, honey buns, oatmeal cookies and RC cola’s. He was a member of the Byrneville Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Alva Covan; two sons, Ronnie Hayes and Randy Covan; three sisters, Deloris Shiverly, Virgie Mae Kenney and Annie Ruth Necase and one brother, Theodore Sherman Covan.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Velma Aline Covan of Milton, FL; one son, Radford (Tina) Covan of Pace, FL; one daughter, Recindia (Buck) McCormick of Milton, FL; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 24, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. David Rowan officiating.
Burial was at the Byrneville Methodist Cemetery.
Pallbearers were DL Covan, Matthew Covan, Ashton Covan, Ben Covan, William Covan and Mich Franklin.
Honorary pallbearer was be Buck McCormick.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.