Kenneth Joseph Kelson Sr.
January 22, 2019
Kenneth Joseph Kelson Sr. of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at home at the age of 97 on January 20th, 2019. He is now reunited with his one true love of 79 years Helen Zonetta Kelson.
Born September 14th, 1921, to Charles and Anita Kelson. He was the last remaining child out of eight. Along with his parents and siblings, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife and childhood sweetheart Helen and loving son Robert. He is survived by his daughter and caretaker Dixie (Mike) Wilkinson, son’s Kenneth and Albert including ten grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He met his sweetheart Helen when he was 17 on a church hayride. In 1941, he joined the Navy during WWII and was about to ship out when Helen put her foot down and said he wasn’t going anywhere without her. So on August 8th, 1942, they were married. They spent approximately 79 years together before her passing May 8th, 2016.
He owned and operated Florida Electric Company for over 60 years, only retiring due to health concerns at the age of 93. He also served on the City of Pensacola council from 1959 to 1970 and was a County Commissioner from 1974 to 1994. He was known as “Dr. No”, because he always looked after the citizens during the meetings and voted this way if he felt it was in their best interest. In 1981-1982 he was an advocate to restore the 1890 Court house Clock during his Commission days. It now stands fully operational at the corner of Palafox Place and Government St. After three decades of Public Service the Vernon McDaniel Historical Society presented him with a plaque for his life’s work for exceptional service to the community. He was also presented with a Proclamation by the Escambia County Commissioner’s in July 2015, for his exceptional service to his community and to mankind.
Dad loved his family first and foremost. He also cherished his friends and was devoted to his customers. He never met a stranger and his heart was as big as the County he loved and dedicated so much of his time to.
Special thanks to his grandson and caretaker Cole C. Chancellor. Cole’s favorite and every night ritual would be to tell them “I love you, you’re my heroes, and my best buds”. They loved you so much, Cole!
Another special thanks to Dad and Mom’s Angel’s from Homecare Solutions, Shneidra, Alexandria, Georgia, Yvonne, Hisano, Patricia, Karen, Cassie and all the other staff who took such wonderful care of them. You became our family and we love you all. Also, to Primary House calls Nurses Christy and Barbara. Covenant Hospice Nurses Marty, Barbara, Hanna, DJ, Zackery and of course Aides Tasha and Jane. Your support was amazing and very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers it is requested to send a donation to Covenant Hospice in Dad’s name.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24th with Services at 11:00 a.m., at Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home, 124 W Gregory St, Pensacola, FL, with Father Dennis O’Brien officiating. Burial following at St John’s cemetery, with Military Honors.
Francis “Frank” Eugene Pippin
January 22, 2019
Francis “Frank” Eugene Pippin was born on September 30, 1934, in Chipley, Florida, and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2019 at the age of 84. Frank graduated from Bay High School in Panama City, Florida in 1952. He attended Pensacola Junior College for two years.
Frank worked in Mill Supply for 46 years including Industrial Marine Supply, Gulf Coast Marine and retired from Piping and Equipment in 1999.
Frank dearly loved his family, singing in the Allen Memorial Methodist Church Choir and the Gulf Coast Chorale. He also loved his Florida Gators and was a really great softball pitcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents William W. Pippin and Annie Lee Ward Pippin. Frank is survived by his loving wife Carole Lee Dubus Pippin, they would’ve celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in April, his son Jeff Pippin (Sue), daughter Valerie Kelly (Jimmy); his grandchildren, Derek Hensel (Ashley), Shane Hensel, Dustin Pippin, Cassie Pippin and Ginger Lee (Scott). Great Grandchildren: Luke, Joshua and Harleigh Hensel, Toby Pippin, Brandon Wiggins (Amber), Cody Wiggins (Bailey) and several Great Great Grandchildren. His sisters: Patricia Perkins (Wayne), Beverly Warren (Bill), brother in law Robbie Dubus (Debbie). Sisters in law Sandie Dubus and Joann Dubus, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Allen Memorial Methodist Church 206 Pace Parkway, Cantonment, Florida, 32533, on January 23rd, 2019, with Pastor John Edwards officiating. Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until noon with the service beginning at noon.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Nall, John Bledsoe, Charlie Campbell, Steve England, Andy Martin and Rusty Sparks.
Burial will be at Spruell Memorial Cemetery in Cantonment, Florida.
Wavely Kendrick McGhee
January 21, 2019
Wavely Kendrick McGhee entered into his eternal home on January 17, 2019.
Ken was born to the late Wavely and Clara Evelyn McGhee on July 20, 1933 in Dozier, Alabama. He was well known by his friends as Ken. However, his family called him Kent, a nickname given to him by his father. He graduated from Dozier High School in May of 1952. Ken served in the United States Navy from October 1, 1952 to September 26, 1956. He served in the Korean War aboard the USS Mount Baker. While serving his country, he was awarded the National Defense, United Nations, and Good Conduct medals, and the Korean Presidential Citation.
In 1957, the Monsanto Company hired Ken, where he worked for many decades before retiring. In 1963, Ken married the love of his life, Ruby Lucille Taylor. They were happily married 50 years until her death on August 5, 2013. After retirement, Ken enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. He often traveled to the “peanut country” in Jay to purchase peanuts. Ken loved to talk and one of his favorite pastimes was buying and selling merchandise to his friends and family. He was an avid gardener and had a green thumb like no other. One of the numerous joys in his life was watching all of his nieces and nephews grow up.
Ken is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Lucille McGhee; his parents, Wavely and Clara Evelyn McGhee; and his five siblings; Annie Earl Wilcox, Mary Maxine Russell, William Cannon McGhee, Robert Merrill McGhee, and Clara Eleanor Dubose.
His brother-in-law, Joe Lalas, his sister-in-law, Sara McGhee, and numerous nieces and nephews lovingly remember him.
Funeral services with Military Honors were held Monday, January 21, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Graveside service was held at the Dozier Cemetery in Dozier, Alabama.
The family would like to express our appreciation for the caregivers, nurses, and doctors of the Specialty Care Center that assisted with our loved one’s care over the past three years.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Regina Sue Matney Harsaw
January 21, 2019
Shortly before dawn, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, after a long and painful struggle with lung cancer, Regina Sue Hartsaw was called home to the Lord.
Sue lived her 84 years on earth to the fullest. In high school in Logan, West Virginia she was actively involved in Glee Club, Alpha Xi Sorority, Thi-Hi-Y, National Thespian Society, Prayer Club, and two years in the All-State Chorus. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1955 and serving as a Registered Nurse for 35 years.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, James David Matney; her mother, Dova Elizabeth (McCalvin) Matney; her five sisters and three brothers, and many dear life-long friends.
Married to Commander David R. Hartsaw, Ret. USN, for 63 years, she followed him throughout his career making a loving home for him and their son, Michael David Hartsaw, in every locale including stays in Hawaii, California, Washington State, Virginia Beach, and overseas in Morocco. Everywhere she lived, Sue was active in the community. In Pensacola she was a member of the Retired Officers Wives Club, The Pensacola Oleander Garden Club, and the Pensacola Museum of Art Guild.
She is survived by her husband; son; daughter-in-law, Lela Rast Hartsaw; her two grandchildren, Emily Hope Hartsaw and David Randolph Hartsaw II, and nieces and nephews, including Melinda Beckett of Pensacola.
The family has chosen to forego visitation or services for Sue. She will be cremated and inurned with her husband at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to any of the above organizations in her name.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Frances Akins
January 21, 2019
Mary Frances Akins, 72 of Booneville, AL, passed away January 20, 2019. She was born to the late Braxton and Ola Mae Byrd Booker in Godway, AL, on June 22, 1946.
Her parents precede her in death.
She was an active member of Booneville Baptist Church where she played piano for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce Akins of Booneville, AL; two sons, Timothy B. (Tracy) Akins of Gulf Shores, AL and Daniel Akins of New Orleans, LA; three grandchildren, Laura Akins, Oliva Akins, Braxton Akins and one great-grandchild, Brooks Hadley.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. from the Booneville Baptist Church with Bro. David Atchison officiating.
Burial will follow in Booneville Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Mickey Akins, Harry Akins, John Akins, Andy Akins, Medor Akins and Joe Helton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until service time from the Booneville Baptist Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Janice Ann Johnson Dietz
January 21, 2019
Mrs. Janice Ann Johnson Dietz, age 72, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at her home in Century, Florida.
Mrs. Dietz was a native and lifelong resident of Century, FL. She was an avid fisherman and hunter. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mickey and Elmar Johnson and two brothers, Donald Dewayne Johnson and Mickey Raymond Johnson.
She is survived by her daughter, Dana (Rodney) Burkett of Century, FL; three grandchildren, Heath Burkett, Miranda Burkett and Mazie Burkett; and two great-grandchildren, Hayden Burkett and Kenzie Burkett.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 18, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Elder Richard Ash officiating.
Burial was at McCurdy Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Randall Hollingshead, Steve Stanton, Bud Campbell, Charlie Brown, James Campbell, Randy Sims and Billy Campbell.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Randy F. Burleson
January 17, 2019
Randy F. Burleson age 63, a native and resident of Pensacola, FL, passed away on January 15, 2019. He died at his home surrounded by his family. Randy was born in Pensacola on March 19, 1955. Randy was employed with Armstrong World Industries for 40 years. He served his community in Escambia County with the volunteer fire service. He joined as a firefighter in 1984 and retired as a fire chief over 20 years later.
Over the years, Randy also coached his daughter, granddaughters, and many other players’ softball. He was a wonderful coach and was loved by so many. Randy loved and cherished his family with all of his heart.
Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Lamar and Marie Jeanette Lindsey Burleson; sister, Rebecca Burleson; and son-in-law, Lewis Ward.
Randy is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Alane Burleson; his children, Shenae (Ryan) Maxwell, Jason Burleson, and Christy (Tony) Buscaino; grandchildren, Shyanne, Maddi, Seth, Jeremy, Alexis, Abbie, Angela, AJ, Andrea, Cierra, and Taylor; brothers, Ronnie (Neal) Burleson, Phillip (Irene) Burleson, and Robin (Patti) Burleson; brothers-in-law, Louis (Dottie) Sclease, Anthony (Tracy) Sclease, Joseph (Cindy) Sclease; sisters-in-law, Trish and Cynthia Sclease; and beloved family friends, Bea Haverland and Rob Duerstock .
Randy’s family would like to send a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Inlcan and his staff, the staff at Baptist PCU, and Covenant Hospice.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Ray Williamson officiating. Burial will follow services in Eastern Gate Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 18, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Anthony Wayne Myers
January 15, 2019
Anthony Wayne Myers passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019. Anthony was born June 9, 1984, in Pensacola, Florida.
Anthony was a roofer at the time, but a painter at heart. He loved working on his vehicles and playing with his toys. He was such a joy to be around, always laughing and cutting up, making sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a loving fiancé and father that would do anything for his family. He made an impact on everyone he came in contact with. He also attended First Pentecostal Church every Sunday he could. His faith was strong and his heart was in the right place.
Anthony was preceded in death by his dad, Gary Myers; mother, Nichole Olsen; and father, Anthony “Wayne” Minchew.
Anthony is survived by his mom, Mary Sue Myers; fiancé, Crystal Gibson; daughter, Alexis Myers; step-children, Cheyenne and Trey Patterson; brothers, Bryan and Tommy Minchew, Zachary Sosby; sisters, Ryan Jacobs (Minchew), Robin Overall (Minchew), Kaylyn and Laci Olsen; step-sister, Dana Olsen; step-brother, Trey Olsen; uncles, Jerome and Betty Myers and Terry Myers; aunts, Sherry and Tom Burton, and Mary Jones.
Services were held Monday, January 14, 2019, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery. Pastor Mike Mashburn officiated services.
Pallbearers were Bryan Minchew, Brett McPhearson, Trey Olsen, Ian Penton, Allen Curtis and Travis Mack.
Honorary pallbearers were Keith Mount and Brandon Paker.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Teresa Kay Robinson
January 15, 2019
Teresa Kay Robinson (Terri), age 63, of Atmore, AL, died January 14, 2019, in Pensacola, FL. She was born July 6, 1955, in Atmore, the daughter of the late Edward Straughn “Babe” and Catherine Roberts Robinson.
She was a graduate of Escambia Academy, the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Canoe. She worked many years in retail with Jerry’s Hardware and K-Mart. She enjoyed traveling and participating in mission trips.
Ms. Robinson is survived by numerous cousins of the Roberts and Robinson families, including Carol Rafalski, cousin and caregiver of Milton, FL, and special friend, Linda Mills of Atmore.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 17 at 2 p.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, Gideons International, P.O. Box 556, Atmore, AL 36504, or a charity of your choice.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary Bell McGhee
January 15, 2019
Mary Bell McGhee, 71 of Poarch, AL, passed away Wednesday January 9, 2019 at her residence. She was a homemaker. She was born in Atmore, AL on October 28, 1947, to the late M.C. and Hattie Lou Presley Morris.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Benny A. McGhee and a sister, Marilyn Ross.
Survivors include one son, Roger Adam (Althea) McGhee of Poarch, AL; two daughters, Janet M. (Chris) Rodriguez of McCullough, AL and Carla M. (Andy) Hammonds of Brewton, AL; three brothers, Mack (Pam) Morris of Cantonment, FL, Mack Jr. (Sandra) Morris of McDavid, FL; David (Tiny) Morris of Perdido, AL; three sisters, Annette (Late Don) Nall of Huxford, AL, Lannette (Late Michael) Turberville of Uriah, AL, Gallette (David) Moore of Poarch, AL; 10 grandchildren, Gia Langham, Devin Rodriguez, Brittany Rodriguez, Tori Rodriguez, Coley McGhee, Shawna Smith, Brooke McGhee, Tristan Montgomery, Makenna Pettis and Seth “Zeth” Hammonds; and four great-grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, January 14, 2019, from Atmore Memorial Chapel with Pastor Cornelius Phillips and Tristan Montgomery officiating.
Interment was in New Home Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Coley McGhee, Devin Rod, Tristan Montgomery, Steven Ross, Wesley Morris, Austin Turberville, and Seth Hammonds.
Honorary pallbearers were Maxine Johnson, Juliette Haikey, Pauline Wilson, and Brent Pinkston.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.