W.T. Gilley
March 29, 2018
W.T. Gilley of Cantonment, better known to his friends and family as “Pap,” passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 23, 2018.
Pap was born in Bratt, FL, on May 3, 1919, and lived in the north end of Escambia County all his life. Pap began his career at the old Alger Sullivan Lumber Mill in Century. He then moved to the Florida Pulp and Paper Company in Cantonment that later became St. Regis Paper Company. He worked in the shipping department of St. Regis until his retirement. He is remembered by many for helping to open and operate Gilley’s Sporting Goods in Cantonment. Many met him there over a cup of coffee and a tall tale. Pap was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served in the European Theater near the end of the war. While in the Bastone region, he suffered severe frostbitten feet. He was sent to a hospital in England to recover and was there reunited with his brother Ted. In recent years Pap was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.
He is preceded in death by his wife of seventy-one years, Louise Gilley; his son Ronnie Gilley; and his grandson, Regan Streit.
He is survived by his daughter, Frances Streit (Jim); daughter-in-law, Barbara Gilley; three grandchildren, Gina Thomas (Clay), Aaron Gilley, Ron Gilley (Janice); 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pap was a devoted member and supporter of First Baptist Church of Cantonment where he worshiped for more than 50 years. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman; never happier than when he was in the woods or on the water with grandchildren teaching them to be good sportsmen and instilling in them principles of godly living. Many friends have rallied to support the family by helping care for Pap in recent years. Pap was thankful for these friendships, and the family is grateful not just for the friendships but also for all the tangible help and support. Special thanks to the caregivers at Homestead Village as well as Emerald Coast and Covenant Hospices.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Interment was at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
Active pallbearers were Jimmy Montgomery, Jeff Perkins, Clay Thomas, Cooper Thomas, Aaron Gilley, and Jim Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers were the deacons of First Baptist Church of Cantonment.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to First Baptist Church of Cantonment benevolence fund.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Edward O’Neil Dawson
March 29, 2018
Mr. Edward O’Neil Dawson, age 80, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Dawson was a native and lifelong resident of Barnett Crossroads, AL. He retired from Masland Carpet plant with 32 years of service and was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Clara Dawson; two daughters, Deborah Gray and Victoria Allen; two brothers, Douglas Dawson and Gerald Dawson; granddaughter, Heather Marie Sutton and a infant great-grandson.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Myrtle Lee Dawson of Barnett Crossroads, AL; one son, Joey (Liz) Carter of Barnett Crossroads, AL; one daughter, Pamela (Kenny Hawthorne) Gavin of Pollard, AL; one brother, O’Gwynn (Mary) Dawson of New Orleans, LA; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Richburg and Rev. Mitch Lambeth officiating.
Burial was at the New Bethlehem Cemetery in Barnett Crossroads, AL.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Yuhasz, Frank Carter, Timothy Knowles, Daniel Hagen, Christopher Gray and Scott Allen.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
James Richard Wilson
March 29, 2018
James “Jimmy” Richard Wilson, 67, of Cantonment, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, March 26, 2018. Jimmy was an avid fisherman, loved NASCAR racing and enjoyed doing word puzzles.
He is preceded in death by his father, John R. Wilson; mother, Inez Wilson; and his sister, Helen Myers.
He is survived by his sisters, Ruth (Curtis) Morris and Lillian Scott; brother, John (ShirleyAnn) Wilson; one aunt; nieces, nephews cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, March 30, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North beginning at 10 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Linda Marie Stephens
March 29, 2018
Linda Marie Stephens, of Cantonment, age 69, was called home Thursday, March 29, 2018. She was born December 9, 1948, in Shelbyville, Indiana to the late Clifton and Georgia Worland. Linda was a saved woman who accepted Christ with her husband of 53 years, Buzz Stephens. She was known for her selfless, graceful and generous spirit. Linda was a multi-talented person and was always finding a way to use her skills to serve the Lord. Linda worked for eight years as a seamstress for Vick’s Cleaners. Following her time there she found a calling as a piano instructor, then as a beautician, earning her license on the first take. Culminating in her operating her own station at local craft fairs selling countless self-made Christmas ornaments and other crafts.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Buzz Stephens; children David Wayne (Wilma) Stephens of North Carolina and Lonnie J. Stephens of Cantonment; her brother, Warren Worland, of Indiana; and a host of cherished friends and other family.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Rev. Bill Flannigan will officiate.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Jimmy L. Calhoun
March 29, 2018
Mr. Jimmy L Calhoun (Jim) died after succumbing to ALS in his home on March 28, 2018, in Cantonment, Florida at the age of 75.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nan Calhoun, who nurtured and protected him during his illness. He is also survived by his children, Gregory Calhoun (Derenda) of Panama City Beach, FL, Suzy McCann (Keith) of Cantonment FL; grandchildren, Nicole Calhoun, Peyton Calhoun and Patrick McHaney; siblings, Betty Sue Rogers of Elba, AL, and Larry Calhoun of Pensacola, FL.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys Calhoun; brother, Jerry Calhoun and sister, Judy Ann Thomas.
Jim was born on August 15, 1942, in Coffee County, Alabama where he met and married the love of his life, Nan, in 1962. After moving to Pensacola, Jim devoted 33 years to Layne Central Company where he served as field superintendent overseeing construction and development of municipal water well systems throughout the southeast. Jim would subsequently take his same work ethic to Griener Drilling for another 19 years where he served as a water well contractor and mentor.
Jim and Nan were members of Gonzalez Baptist Church before moving their membership to Olive Baptist Church where Jim adored his Sunday school class (The Raymond Oliver Sunday School Class). This group became his dear friends and he so looked forward to their company. Jim also had several other close friends he thought of as family. Family was his heart. He dearly loved his wife, children, and was particularly smitten by all three of his grandchildren. Quite simply, Jim was a steady foundation and safe refuge for his entire family. He will be sorely missed.
Jim’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, March 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the funeral home.
Jim will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Elba, Alabama, Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 3 p.m. Pastor Jerry Passmore will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.
The family would like to thank caregivers, hospital staff, etc. for their efforts, care, and dedication.
Pallbearers will be John Brinkman, Jeremy Brown, Chris Hatch, Andy Armstrong, Larry Kinley, and Jeff Smart.
Honorary pallbearers will be The Raymond Oliver Sunday School Class.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Richard Stephan Ward
March 26, 2018
Richard Stephen Ward, age 51, of Cantonment, was called home to his Messiah Jesus Christ, Thursday, March 22, 2018. He was born February 17, 1967, at Eglin Air Force Base, FL to the late Julian “Steve” Ward and Joyce Ward. Richard was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He studied and taught Hebrew and led a messianic dance team for many years. Richard sang like an angel and taught with compassion. He had a tender heart and a warmth that everyone who knew him was blessed by. Richard’s family was his heart and Israel was his dream. His favorite saying was, “next year in Jerusalem!” We will see you again in the new Jerusalem, Richard.
He was preceded in death by his father; and grandparents, Jimmie and Elsie Kellum, Bertha Knowles and Ibra Ward.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ruth Ward; son, Nick Ward; mother, Joyce Ward; brothers, Elvis (Dawn) Ward and their children, Ariel and Christian; Mike Ward and his children, Mikayla, Desiree and Jasmyne; father and mother-in-law, Murray and Joan Metzger; brother-in-law, Dave (Lynne) Metzger and their children, Mike Metzger and Cory Lynne Mattern; and the Kellum and Greene Families.
The family gathered for a private viewing and contemplation of his life before he was interred at Cottage Hill Community Cemetery in Cantonment, FL. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 2 p.m., at Charity Chapel, 5820 Montgomery Avenue, Pensacola, FL. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Richard’s memory to the burial fund at Charity Chapel.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Willie Adams Zika Brothers
March 23, 2018
Mrs. Willie Adams Zika Brothers, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in Century, Florida.
Mrs. Brothers was a native of Bay Minette, AL, former resident of Christian Home, FL (60 years) and resided in Bay Minette, AL for the past few years. She was a caregiver for sick and elderly people. She was a member of the Christian Home Freewill Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Frank Zika and Grady Brothers.
She is survived by her sister, Vera Mae Rice of Flomaton, AL; sister-in-law, Doris Adams of McDavid, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Grant Dykes officiating.
Burial was at the Christian Home Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Robbie Thompson, Zack Thompson, Johnie Poesl, Nick Thompson, Vince Thompson and Regan Thompson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Hollie Wayne Thrower
March 20, 2018
Mr. Hollie Wayne Thrower, 88, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Thrower was a native of Trenton, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 70 years. He was a Veteran of WWII, Korean War and was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by his son, A.L. “Snake” Thrower of Atmore, AL; daughter, Sharon Thrower of Dayton, TX; brother, Robert Glenn Thrower of Walnut Hill, FL; and five grandchildren.
Burial was held at the Walnut Hill Baptist Cemetery.
Thanks to Atmore Nursing Care Center that cared for Mr. Thrower and Hospice for help and their prayers.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Clara V. Smith
March 17, 2018
Clara V. Smith, 83, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018.
She was born on October 23, 1934, in Alabama to the late George and Clara Denham Vaughn. She was very active in her church working in leadership positions, Sunday School, Women’s Ministry, choir and food pantry. Clara was an avid poem writer and was involved in the local Cancer Society. She was a strong, loving and caring person who adored her family.
She is preceded in death by husband, Charles W. Smith; parents; and daughter, Karen McNeil.
Clara is survived by her daughter, Brenda Smith; son, Charles W. “Bill” (Shelia) Smith, II; grandchildren, Lona Thiel, Shauncey (Chloe) Fury, Michael McNeil, Joshua McNeil, Tyler (Krista) Smith and Raegan Smith; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Wesley Jackson and Rev. Billy Adams officiating.
Burial will follow services in Pugh’s Chapel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 18, 2018, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at 8 a.m. on Monday prior to services at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Shauncey Fury, Joshua McNeil, Michael McNeil, Tyler Smith, Jason Vaughn and Ronnie Ward.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Christeen Morgan
March 17, 2018
On March 13, 2018 Christeen Morgan moved to her Heavenly Home. She was born in Uriah, AL on November 12, 1928, to the late Leonard and Ethel Ardis Glover.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Otha Douglas Morgan; sister, Olean Emmons and Ruth Cabiness; and brothers, Eugene, Troy and Junior Glover.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Cynthia (Randy) Peters and Fay (Glenn) Faircloth; grandchildren, Jason (Jamie) Peters and Brandon Peters; great-grandchildren, Emily, Michael, Zach and Scott; one brother, Clark (Marie) Glover; step-grandson, Andy (Stephani) Faircloth; step-great-grandchildren, Sydney and Matthew and numerous nieces and nephews and a very special next door “son” Joey Brown.
Her home going celebration will be Friday March 16, 2018, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kevin Flannagin and Rev. Doug Odom officiating.
Interment will follow in Bratt Godwin Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jimmy McElhaney, Jerry McElahney, Josh McElhaney, Chris McElhaney, Roy Ward, Kevin Odom.
Honorary pallbearers were Scott Lee, Alvin Brown, James Bolton, John McCall, Ronnie Boone, Willie Peebles, David Johnson, Mike McCall, and Wayne Faircloth.
Special thanks goes to Hilda Hiebert, Gloria Gilman, Deborah Baldwin, Linda Doyle, and Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care and support during her illness.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bratt Godwin Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.