Beau Brandon Rodrique
January 11, 2025
Born March 2, 1982, in Pensacola, Florida, Beau Rodrique was the beloved son of Greg and Cindy (Robinson) Rodrique. He passed away on January 5, 2025.
He spent the majority of his life in Beulah before relocating to Walnut Hill. Beau graduated from Tate High School in 2000, where he was a proud member of the 3-time champion Bull Dressing team (1998, 1999, 2000).
A natural leader and dedicated community member, Beau followed in his father’s footsteps by volunteering at the local fire station. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Beulah Fire Department for 20 years, ultimately reaching the rank of Deputy Chief. Beau’s commitment to service extended to his career choice, where he worked for 15 years at Pensacola Naval Air Station before transitioning to Otis Elevator company. He thrived there for the past seven years and was recently promoted to the role of General Manager, further demonstrating his strong work ethic and leadership.
Beau had a passion for grilling and smoking meats, often delighting his friends and family with his culinary creations. His love for Alabama football, proudly shouting “Roll Tide!” with every game, was another aspect of his personality that endeared him to all who knew him.
In 2009, Beau met the love of his life, Kirstie, and they were happily married in October 2010. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Kaylee (23), Wyatt (11), and Audrey (3). Beau was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the center of his world.
Known as the “Gentle Giant,” Beau’s kind and loving nature touched everyone he met. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Survived By:
Beau leaves behind his wife, Kirstie (Dombrosky) Rodrique; daughter, Kaylee Rodrique; son, Wyatt Rodrique; and daughter, Audrey Rodrique. He is also survived by his mother, Cindy (Robinson) Rodrique; sister, Crystal (Rodrique) Johnson, and brother-in-law, Jody Johnson; father-in-law, James Dombrosky; mother-in-law, Monika (Martin) Dombrosky; sister-in-law, Julie Vala; brother-in-law, John Vala; brother-in-law, Jacyn Dombrosky; and sister-in-law, Shanalee Dombrosky. Additionally, Beau is survived by four nieces (Ansley, Savannah, Alexa, Raelynn), two nephews (Aiden, Ryker) and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Rodrique, Robinson, Martin, and Dombrosky families. His large circle of friends, who he considered family, will also miss him dearly.
Preceded in Death By:
Beau was preceded in death by his father, Greg Rodrique; grandmother, Ruth Robinson; grandparents, Lloyd and Elizabeth Rodrique; step grandmother Waneta Rodrique; grandmother-in-law, Hilde Martin; and uncles Brent Robinson, Orin Kanzigg, John Bellanca, and Tom Rodrique, as well as his aunt, Kathy Rodrique.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked to donate to Folds of Honor, a charity organization for first responders and veterans.
In Loving Memory of a Golden Heart
God saw that you were tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So He placed His arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes, we watched you,
As you gently passed away,
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
And hardworking hands found rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
Mary Faye Gandy
January 9, 2025
Mrs. Mary Faye Gandy, age 84, passed away at her Flomaton residence on January 7, 2025.
Mrs. Gandy was born in Brewton, Alabama and a longtime resident of the Flomaton area. She was a member of The Eastern Star for over 25 years. She enjoyed doing the flowers for her church. Mrs. Gandy was very involved with the community and her family. She loved baking and decorating cakes of all kinds. She raised boston terriers and poodles and loved them dearly. She also entered “Star”, her boston terrier, into dog shows and brought her to “Champion”. Mrs. Faye had a huge heart for her community and was ALWAYS willing to step in and help any way she could. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John L Gandy; her parents Carl Griffith and Mary VanHorne; maternal grandparents F.C. and Ivye Lee Phillips; paternal grandparents Earl and Mary Ellen Griffith; sister Dolores Morgan; brother Carl Griffith Jr; and a grandson Judson Slocom.
She is survived by two sons, Mike (Rena) Gandy of Century; Tracy Gandy of Century; one daughter Belinda (E.J.) Black of Seminole; seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Faye Gandy will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11 A.M. from the Chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Floyd and Bro. Robert Gandy officiating.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 10 A.M. until 11 A.M. at Flomaton Funeral Home.
Russell R. Lassiter
January 9, 2025
Mr. Russell R. Lassiter, who was 86 years old, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama, where he made many cherished memories. Mr. Lassiter attended the Fretwell Tabernacle Holiness Church, reflecting his deep faith and connection to his community. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Mr. Lassiter was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, embracing each moment with enthusiasm and warmth. His love for hunting brought him to places like Ox Bow (Matthews Family Hunting Camp) and Bell Creek Hunting Club, where he spent countless hours pursuing deer, turkeys, and doves. Beyond his hunting expeditions, Mr. Lassiter was an accomplished carpenter who took great pride in his craftsmanship, yet he cherished even more the time he dedicated to his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, always the loudest cheerleader in the stands. His passion for gardening, particularly for planting watermelons, exemplified his nurturing spirit, as did the moments he spent teaching his little ones how to navigate four-wheelers, filling the air with laughter and learning. In quieter times, he enjoyed watching Westerns and programs on the outdoor channel, often accompanied by his beloved dog, Lucky, and surrounded by the tranquility of his tractors. Fishing at Smith Lake and the Alabama River provided him with peace and happiness, but above all, his deep love for the Lord guided his life and choices, grounding him in faith and gratitude.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Jack (Ada Bell Wall) Lassiter; 3 sons, Bobby Lassiter, Gary Joe McGhee, and Martin Russell Lassiter; grandson, Joey McGhee; 1 great-granddaughter, Schaefer Camryn McGhee, 5 brothers, Comer Lee Lassitter, Carnis Lassitter, Milford Lassitter, Rubert Lassitter and Marshall Lassitter; 4 sisters, Shirley White, Grace Myers, Sue Cumbie, and Carol Cumbie.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maxine Lassiter of Atmore, Alabama; 3 sons, William Russell “Rusty” (Sonya) Lassiter of McCullough, Alabama, Randall Rydell Lassiter of Ohatchee, Alabama and David Allen McGhee of Atmore, Alabama; daughter, Elizabeth Linda (John) Hamilton-Roche of Gulf Breeze, Florida, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special Thank You to Kaylee Sanspree, Jennifer Carnley, Sandra Pinkerton, Linda Dortch, and Quita Odom.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Reverend Don Davis and Sister Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Clint Lassiter, Cassie Lassiter, Drake Lassiter, Russell Lassiter, Jalia Lassiter, Tripp Lassiter and Adam McGhee
Honorary pallbearers will be Hooper Matthews III, Cody Cumbie, Bruce Vickery, Otis Gatlin, Pat Lassitter, Mark White, Curtis Fayard and Eugene “Kookie” Lassiter.
Stephanie Marie Leavins
January 8, 2025
Stephanie Marie Leavins, born April 3, 1977, in Milton, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
From the moment she was born, God began using her life to minister to those around her. To know Stephanie is to know unwavering, Christ-like love. She dedicated 47 years of her life to sharing God’s love through testimony and song. Her dedication, her love for others, and her beautiful soul are just a few of the qualities that everyone loves so much about her.
Stephanie was the baby girl that her mama and daddy always wanted, but as soon as she was born, she was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. They began to run tests, and after four long months, she was diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffman’s disease, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. The doctor’s prognosis for her wasn’t good, and they told her parents that she probably wouldn’t live long enough for them to take her home. She couldn’t eat and she couldn’t move, but even with the doctor’s horrible prognosis, her family decided to bring her home and spend the next 47 years caring for the miracle that is Stephanie Leavins. She never met a stranger, and she would show love to everyone no matter what season of life they were walking though. She traveled the United States ministering to everyone that she could, and there is no doubt that every person that met Stephanie had their life changed by her in some way.
In every concert that she gave, Stephanie would make these two comments, and they truly summarize who she was. “If you fill your heart with the love of Jesus then you have no room for hate” and “If we can’t love each other on earth, how in the world are we going to love everybody once we get to Heaven.”
On behalf of Stephanie, we encourage you to show the love of Jesus in all that you do and continue to go out and spread the gospel and be the hands and feet that Stephanie was to this community.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Irene Leavins, and John and Wille Cameron; as well as many beloved aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her parents, Joseph and Mary Leavins; brother, Stephen Leavins; sister-in-law, Amanda Leavins; nieces, Amber (Alex) Celestial, and Katelyn (Jason) Adams; beloved great nieces and nephews, Jaxon, Bristol, Bryson, Lily, and Asher; and many dear aunts and uncles.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday January 11, 2025, at Pace Assembly of God Church, 3948 US-90 Pace, Fl 32571, with visitation Friday January 10, 2025, from 5:00pm-8:00pm and service Saturday at 10:00am. Interment will immediately follow at Bagdad Cemetery.
Joseph Reuben Fears III
January 8, 2025
Our Daddy, Joseph Reuben Fears III, 87, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born on April 15, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Louisville Male High School and attended the University of Cincinnati to study art. He went on to pursue a career as an optician specializing in contact lens technology, traveling extensively to teach physicians how to fit contact lenses.
He was an accomplished artist who loved painting horses and, later in life, creating pet portraits for people—a passion he pursued right up until the day he passed. His paintings captured not only the physical beauty but also the spirit of his subjects, leaving behind a legacy we will cherish forever. He also found time to explore other interests, including race car driving, fishing, and even long-haul trucking. However, his greatest passion was always his family, especially the love of his life, Judy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Carol Higdon Fears; his father, Joseph Reuben Fears, Jr.; his mother, Ocie Grace Carr Fears; and his sister, Anne Hayes.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynne Fears (David), Jennifer Grace (Frank), and Julie Morse; his son, Joseph Fears IV; six grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Grandaddy,” Julia (Riley), Annie, Jillian, Ryan, Addie, and Cole; and one precious great-granddaughter, Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Clubhouse in Hillcrest Subdivision, 12618 Ridgemoor Dr., Prospect, KY 40059.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Daddy’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that Mom and Dad supported faithfully for years.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Jeffery Ray Strickland
January 8, 2025
Jeffery Ray Strickland, age 71, from Pensacola Fl passed away at his residence on 25 December 2024 ending his battle with cancer.
Jeff was born in Wichita Falls, TX on 17 June 1953. He was a man full of laughter, the best storyteller and always smiling. He never forgot a face/name (good or bad). His family was the most important and instilled in many of us that no matter who you were, where you lived, blood or not blood -Family was/is always First. He’s an alumnus of Tate High School Class of 1971, served as a 2101 Aerospace Operator Control Helper at Keesler AFB until 8 April 1974; and then attended Tallahassee Barber College in 1975. After years in the barber business, Jeff went to finish his career hanging dry wall/sheetrock for several years later.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Roy J Strickland, and his grandparents Mary and Willbur Lee Maxwell.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Maxine Maxwell Strickland; his sisters, Kim Little (Rhyan), Kristy (Carl/Keeli/Tray) Miller, Kelly Lambeth, Angelia Miller; his brother, Buddy Brown; and his wife, Wendy Stevens-Strickland. Jeff has five children and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His daughter-Mandy Strickland-Figueroa (Charles); and his sons, Jeffery Anderson (Jennifer), Mackenzie Lee Strickland, Austin Gale Strickland, and Colin Ray Strickland. He has six grandchildren, Mitchell M. Belch, Alexis M. Worsnop (Paul), Valeri Andersson, Hannah Anderson, Devin Black and Dane Phillips. His 3 three great-grandchildren Syree Miyuki Belch 2yrs, Silas Manabu Belch 9mths, Vera Sophia Worsnop 17mths. He leaves behind many friends, family, and loved ones that will deeply miss him and cherish all the memories and laughter he left behind.
Jeff’s Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 340; 8890 Ashland Ave Pensacola, FL on 1 February 2025 from 12-3. All family/friends are welcome. His funeral will be held at the Westville Family Cemetery at a later date.
Ada Ruth Edwards
January 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ada Ruth Edwards, who left this world peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 90.
Ruth was born on February 23, 1934, in Harmon County, Tennessee, to Mary Elizabeth Ayers and John Jefferson Lafayette Ayers, in a time and place filled with humble beginnings and deep family bonds. She was the eldest of 9 children. She grew into a woman of unwavering strength, boundless love, and profound faith, leaving a lasting legacy for all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Theodore Edwards, her cherished son Bill Bostic, her parents, her brother Johnny Ayers, her sister Leda Hancock, and her niece Sheryl Downey, Ruth now reunites with them in eternal rest.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Janice Thorsen and Cheri Watson, who will carry her memory forward with grace and love. Ruth also leaves behind a rich family legacy, including five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy to her life and will cherish her memory.
Ruth is also survived by her six devoted siblings, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her brothers are Donald Ayers and his wife Sue, whom Ruth lovingly described as another sister; James Ayers; and Bob Ayers and his wife Beth. Her sisters include Dorris Van Deusen, Janie Troup and her husband Jerry, and Mary Wasson and her husband Joel Wasson Jr. Beyond her immediate family, she was surrounded by an extended network of nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who adored her. Her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ruth’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and generosity. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Faith Chapel in Cantonment, FL. on Sat. Jan 11th. Family viewing is at 12pm, friends are welcome at 1pm and service will start at 2pm.
Though we mourn her loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that Ruth’s love and legacy live on in all of us.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Frances Marie Pate
January 7, 2025
Frances Marie Pate, 84, of Robertsdale, AL passed away December 23, 2024.
She was born March 4, 1940, in Pensacola, FL to Charley and Adelia Smith.
Frances graduated from Tate High School, then went on to work for the Escambia County School Board, as a bus driver until she retired. She attended 3 Rivers Church in Seminole, AL.
She is preceded in death by husband, WH Pate; daughters, Jewell Lee Fretwell, Vickie Lynn Fretwell, and Pamlar Jean Perez; sister, Charolette Salzar.
Frances is survived by daughters, Frances Lavell Watson, Laura Ann Carter, and Susan Elaine Fretwell; sisters, Debra Paulk Castler, Glenda Ruston, and Patricia Pudsey.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. January 13, 2024, at Whitmire Cemetery. The reception will follow at 3 Rivers Church in Seminole, AL immediately after.
The family would like to give a special thanks to her niece, Tracy Colasono; for helping take care of her while she was homebound. She had a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren she left behind.
James Earl Sermons
January 7, 2025
James Earl Sermons, known as “Jim” to his family and friends, was born on July 30, 1942. He passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2025, after a brief battle with renal cancer. Jim was a graduate of Tate High School. He was a member of Celebration Church of Saraland. Jim was an entrepreneur, with an eye for detail which he used to remodel and restore homes. Jim enjoyed visiting the beaches of Mississippi and mountains of Tennessee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John William and Nellie Katherine Summerlin Sermons; his brothers, Gerald Sermons and Donald Sermons; his best friend and brother-in-law, Robert Edwin Miller.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Sermons, of 39 years. Together, they share a daughter, Victoria Sermons Buford (Jonathan) of Prattville, AL and grandson, Deacon Buford. “Pawpaw” and Deacon share the sweetest bond. Jim is also survived by two other children, Damon Andrew and Ivy Burleson; his sister, Margaret Miller as well as several other grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wesley Hall officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Terry Miller, Billy Miller, Wayne Faircloth, Bryon Cook, Josh Hall, Keith Morgan, Terry Pritchett, Gary Bryan, and Carl Warren.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bovee, Vincent Glozier, Robert Talmadge and Jerry Mason.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until service time of noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Paul N. Yoder
January 7, 2025
Paul N. Yoder, age 79, of Atmore, AL passed away on January 5, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1945, in Dundee, OH to Noah and Ida Miller Yoder. Paul was an avid collector of old things and loved Braves baseball and Alabama football.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roman Yoder.
Paul is survived by his siblings, John (Brenda) Yoder, Miriam Classen, Barbara (James) Ward and numerous family and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Kyle officiating.
Active pallbearers were Mike Beachy, Kevin Classen, Jamison Ward, Kenny Rolin and Andrew Ward.