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.
Donald Wayne Gibson
June 18, 2019
Mr. Donald Wayne Gibson, age 64, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019.
Mr. Gibson was a native of Atmore, AL and resided most of his life in the Walnut Hill/Atmore area. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and grand dogs, was an avid Alabama Football Fan and enjoyed dancing. He was a retired carpenter and was of the Pentecostal Holiness Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Ida Gibson; wife of 42 years, AtriceBea Gibson, two sisters, Janette Taylor and Bernice Defoe and two brothers, Hubbard Gibson and Otis Gibson.
He is survived by his two sons, Donnie (Tiffany) Gibson of Waynesboro, GA and Greg (Sylvia) Gibson of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Joy Bernice Gibson of Huxford, AL; four brothers, Jerry (Connie) Gibson of Middletown, IN, Ricky Gibson of Atmore, AL, Tony Gibson of Poarch, AL and Larry Gibson of Poarch, AL; seven grandchildren, Blake Moye, Olivia Gibson, Caitlyn Gibson, Presley Gibson, Michaela Kirsch, Lilliana Bea Gibson and Alexander William Gibson; two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Carl Wilson officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poarch Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, 2019 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Freddie R. “Tony” Antone
June 18, 2019
Freddie R. “Tony” Antone, 79, of Baker, FL went to be with his Lord on Fri., June 14, 2019 while surrounded by family. He was born in Pensacola, FL on June 10, 1940 to the late Reuben Antone and Frances Kersey. Longtime owner of Tony’s Paint and Body Shop. He loved his Lord and Savior, family, fishing, and he was a proud supporter of President Donald Trump.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Freddie R. Antone, Jr.; and brother, Robert “Bobby” Rittenhouse.
Freddie is survived by his daughter, Frances (Scott) Givens; son, Fred “Bert” Antone; daughter, “his baby” Tilly Antone; three brothers, James (Judy) Boulaware, Donnie Rittenhouse, and Richard Vickery; nine grandchildren, Chuck Hedden, Aimee(J.R.) Beard, Rebecca Givens, Sarah Givens, Ricky (Letisha) Antone, Heather Goins, Salena Antone, Brooke Antone, and Bella Antone; and twelve great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wed., June 19, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Whitmire Cemetery, Pensacola, FL.
Visitation will begin at noon prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Hedden, J.R. Beard, Scott Givens, Josh Manning, Mike Collins, and Freddie Lynn Pendleton
Linnie Barnhill Johnson
June 17, 2019
Mrs. Linnie Barnhill Johnson, age 94, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Johnson was a native of Milton, FL and had resided in Atmore, AL for most of her life. She was a Christian Mother, loving family lady, very loving and giving to family and friends, employed with Vanity Fair and was a caregiver for many years. She was of the Pentecostal Faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Cornelia Barnhill; husbands, Ira Carpenter, Clay Whitehead and Roy Johnson; one son, Jerry Carpenter; two daughters, Edna Mae Carpenter and Marilyn Welch; four sisters and four brothers.
She is survived her three sons, Melvin Carpenter of Perdido, AL, Steve (Gayle) Carpenter of Atmore, AL and Raymond (Rebecca) Carpenter of Bratt, FL; one brother, W.C. (Doris) Barnhill of Molino, FL; twelve grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren and fifteen great-great grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sis. Eloise Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at the Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Ronnie Morris
June 17, 2019
Mr. Ronnie Morris, age 58, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at his home in Jay, Florida.
Mr. Morris was a native of Jay, FL, former resident of Bratt, FL and had resided in Jay, FL for the past five years. He was a loving father, brother, avid fisherman, woodworker and retired from Swift Lumber Company with 37 years service. He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Mary Morris; two brothers, Alton Morris and Preston Morris and infant son, Michael Morris.
He is survived by his daughter, Ariel Morris of Jay, FL; brother, Mason (Debra) Morris of Jay, FL; sister, Vivian Joiner of Jay, FL; two special nephews, Shannon (Cheri) Joiner of Jay, FL and Jeremy Morris of Jay, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel Lay officiating.
Burial will follow at the Sardis Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Randon Watson, Jeremy Morris, Thomas Rhoades, Cody Bell, Frank Lowry and Mickey Diamond.