Stephany Marie Kizer Peterson
January 10, 2018
Stephany Marie Kizer Peterson , 51, died Sunday January 7, 2018 at her home in Perdido Key, Florida. Stephany was born at U.S Marine Corps Air Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on September 29, 1966 to the late LTCOL. James P. and Marie Kizer. After about a year, the family traveled from Hawaii to California. Over the next twelve years, as LTCOL Kizer moved to assignments in the U.S. and Vietnam, the family travelled back and forth between California, North Carolina, and Virginia. Stephany and her family often spent much of their summers in Atmore Alabama enjoying the warm days with her grandparents, extended family, and with friends. Stephany, like all Marine brats, attended several elementary and middle schools. In the summer of 1978, following LTCOL Kizer’s retirement from the Marine Corps, the family moved from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California to Atmore, Alabama.
Stephany attended Escambia County Middle School in Atmore and spent three years at Escambia County High School. She transferred to Ernest Ward High School in her senior year and graduated in 1984; after graduation she attended Auburn University. Stephany later determined that her destiny was not Auburn and instead traveled to Grapevine, Texas and began Flight Attendant Training with American Airlines. She spent nearly 5 years as a flight attendant with American Airlines living in New York and Grapevine, Texas where she married her children’s father. She and her husband moved to LaFayette, Louisiana and were blessed with the birth of her first son, Patrick Casey Byers, on December 8, 1993. The family later moved to Jupiter, Florida where she was again blessed with the birth of her second son, Bradley Joseph Byers, on December 2, 1997. In 2000, Stephany and her husband divorced, and she moved to Tequesta, Florida.
To be closer to her family, Stephany and her two boys moved to Orange Beach, Alabama in 2007. In 2011 Stephany embarked on a new chapter in her life when she and a partner opened Ya Ya’s Restaurant. Stephany, supported by her associates, served as not only the owner, but also as the cook, waitress, and chief bottle washer! In 2012, Stephany met David E. Peterson and the two dated for the next 5 years. On April 8, 2017, Stephany and David were married and moved to Perdido Key, Florida.
Stephany Peterson’s survivors include two sons, Patrick Casey Byers and Bradley Joseph Byers, her husband David Peterson, and his children John Thomas Peterson, Michael Peterson, and Ashley Peterson; her brother James P. Kizer Jr. and wife, Beth, of Navarre, Florida, her brother Steven J. Kizer and wife, Michelle, of Gulf Shores, and two nephews James Garrett Kizer and Spencer Joseph Kizer. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. January 12, 2018 from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Father Milsted officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Alan Blake Clark, Sr.
January 10, 2018
Mr. Alan Blake Clark, Sr., age 70, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Clark was a native of Penscola, FL, spent most of his life in Gulf Breeze, FL and Pensacola, FL and has resided in Booneville, AL for the past 13 years. He was of the Methodist Faith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Clark, one step-daughter, Kimberly Dawn Suggs McClain and parents, Albert & Lillian Clark.
Survivors include his son, Alan Blake (Rikki English Clark) Clark, Jr. of Booneville, AL; daughter, Angelique B. Clark of Booneville, AL and seven grandchildren, Marie Clark, Lilee Clark, Destiny Clark, Drake Ryan, Blake Ryan, Shelby McClain and Amanda McClain.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Mary Flannigan Helton
January 10, 2018
Mary Flannigan Helton, age 90, passed away Sunday, Januray 7, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family. She enjoyed a long career with Bell South, later AT&T as a Chief Operator.
She is preceded in death by her husband Loyd”Pappy” Helton, son Patrick Carroll, brothers Edward Flannigan and Loyd Flannigan.
Survivors include her daughter Cindy (Warren) Tyon, brother Jerry (Charlotte) Flannigan, grandson sPatrick, William and Hunter, great grand children Deva, Jason, Tommy, Amber, David, Estella and Hanna.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:00am at Pine Crest Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile,AL.
Johnny James Watson, Sr.
January 9, 2018
Johnny James Watson, Sr. was born into the union of John Lex Watson and Maggie Eddins on August 3, 1935 in Jay, Florida, just two years after the end of the Great Depression. He was born at his family’s farm house in the Pine Level community. The hands who ushered him from his mother’s womb where those of his Grandmother Hawthorne. He was blessed with loving, God fearing parents and a large family. Johnny lived in the Jay area most of his life and he loved “God’s Country” as he sometimes called it. Johnny passed away at the age of 82 at the home of his oldest daughter, Amanda, on January 5, 2018 in MiIton, Florida with his family surrounding him.
He grew up farming in the fields of Jay, Florida and Elba, Alabama with his family for many years and eventually worked a host of jobs before he was hired as an inspector for the State of Florida Department of Agriculture, where he spent 25 years before retiring in 1996. Johnny was an extraordinary musician and singer who played multiple musical instruments. He was the front man and lead singer for a number of bands. One of which was the Good Times Band, his favorite instrument was the bass guitar. He played music and sang at numerous venues throughout the local area as well as in Mobile, Alabama for time spanning over forty years.
Johnny was charismatic and charming, especially when he flashed his million dollar smile while crooning in his sultry, smooth voice. Many were said to have hearts fluttered when he sang. ohnny rarely ever said a harsh word about anyone preferring to not say anything at all even toward those who were the most deserving of harsh criticism. He was a friend to all who would let him. He was a hard worker and one who often chose to fix things himself, whether he had the aptitude for the task or not. He would often say, “I am either going to fix it or tear it up worse”, often in more colorful language.
Johnny left behind a large family and countless friends made over the years wherever he lived or worked.
Johnny was married and divorced several times and his unions brought forth seven children. He was preceded in death by his former wife, and sweetheart Janice Charlene Michael Watson who bore him five of those children.
Johnny is survived by his children, Billy Watson (Dianne), Amanda Watson, Johnny Watson, Jr. (Tammy), Chris Watson (Bonita), Mike Watson, Mark Watson (Louise) and Jonathon Watson. He had 14 grandchildren, Zackary, Canaan, Seth, Adam, Brandy, Kelly, Konner, Sydney, Racheal, Taylor, Taylia, Tylan, Mackenzie, and Landon. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Felicity, Aubrey, Emelia, Scarlett, Paisley and Jaxon.
Johnny is also survived by his adoring siblings, Annie Merle Rogers (Doug), Dennis Watson,Sr. (Patsy), Jimmy Watson (Linda), Bonnie Dole, Brenda Calhoun (Phil), and Clifton Watson. Johnny’s sister, Jean Marie Warrick and youngest brother, Doyle Dwayne Watson preceded him in death as did his loving parents, John Lex and Maggie Watson.
He leaves behind a large extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins, too numerous to name. His family, even the extended family remained a close and vital part of his life, even unto his last breath. They were all very near and dear to his heart.
A Celebration of Johnny’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a service immediately following at True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 Hwy 87, Jay, FL 32565. The pallbearers, who are family so close to him, will be John Watson, Dennis Watson, Jr., Clint Sheffield, Justin Sheffield, Jarrett Watson, and Jason Watson. Graveside service to follow, in God’s Country at Pine Level Cemetery in Jay, Florida.
Bruce Campbell
January 9, 2018
Bruce Campbell, 92, of Century, passed away on December 28, 2017 at Creekside Living in Pensacola. Bruce was born April 20, 1925 to Lee and Omar Campbell and lived on the same piece of property in Century for over 70 years.
Bruce’s love of the land surrounding him was evidenced his entire life. In early years he hauled sand and gravel, and by his mid-fifties he retired from trucking to then farm and raise cattle. He and his wife saved diligently to buy two farms for some farming and cattle pasture. His cattle were his babies, and he always pampered them. He loved fishing, having fish fries with family and friends, and just enjoying the outside. In his later years, you could often find him in his rocking chair on his front porch, just watching the traffic.
Bruce was a people person who never met a stranger. His first question to anyone was “Where are you from?” and if you were from the Florida Panhandle, you were instantly his friend. He was a “most popular” resident in his home, Creekside, the last 5 years of his life.
Bruce is survived by his only child Ronnie Campbell (Anne), of Tupelo, MS, 2 granddaughters, Karen Campbell Kassen (Joe) of Memphis, TN, and Kristi Campbell McNeely, (David), of Olive Branch, MS. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Hays and Wynn Kassen, and Campbell and Cooper McNeely, numerous nieces, nephews, a special great niece, Paula Hammond, who lovingly helped care for him in later years, and a close friend and farming buddy, Larry Bates, of Jay, FL.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Earlene Magaha Campbell. Being the youngest child of seven, Bruce outlived one brother, Rufus, and 5 sisters, Lizzie, Noreen, Myrtle, Lottie Mae, and Elmer. Then, after many years of being a widower, Bruce married Geraldine Killam. They enjoyed life together until her death in 2012, after which his health declined rapidly.
The family forever is indebted to Julie Bingham, hospice nurse, who blessed him and the family as his death was imminent. Also a special thanks to all his caregivers at Creekside, who became like family.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 at our chapel at 3:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Officiating pastor will be Hospice Pastor Rickey Tedder, of Walnut Hill. Pall bearers will be David McNeely, Joe, Hays and Wynn Kassen, Billy Campbell, and Randal Hollingshead. Burial will follow in Concord Church Cemetery just south of Jay. Funeral services provided in cooperation with Family Funeral and Cremation.
Raymond E. Norris
January 6, 2018
Mr. Raymond E. Norris, 98, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Norris was a native of Frisco City, AL and has resided in Bratt, FL since 1936. He was the caretaker of the Pine Barren Cemetery, veteran of WWII, member of American Legion Post 90, VFW Post 7016, retired Correctional Officer Escambia County Florida Road Department. He was a member and assistant treasurer of the Pine Barren Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Norris, daughter, Katie Darby, parents and siblings.
He is survived by his son-in-law, Ralph Darby of Bratt, FL; grandson, James E. Darby of Louisville, KY; three great grandchildren, Amanda Darby of Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Keri Anne Darby of San Antonio, TX and Cody Darby of Louisville, KY; special niece, Mary Ann Allen of Bratt, FL and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Harper, Rev. C.L. Langford and Chaplin Glenn Wardrop officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ethan Allen, Russell Norris, Rodney Norris, Paul Norris, James Jeter and Jimmy McElhaney.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the VFW-American Legion, Jim Gulsby and Jack Norris.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the VFW 7016.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements in Atmore, Alabama.
Gregory (Greg) C. Pitts
January 5, 2018
Gregory (Greg) C. Pitts, age 54, of Navarre, FL, went home to his heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Greg was the son of Genelda Pitts-Page and the late Woodrow Pitts of Pensacola, FL. He was a proud graduate of Tate High School and made his career as a foreman for 32 years. He loved NASCAR, Dallas Cowboys, FSU and the Atlanta Braves. He was an outgoing person who never met a stranger and was an inspiration to many because of his phenomenal personality. From the age of three he loved to play in the dirt on his grandpa’s tractor.
Greg is preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Pitts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lori Pitts; son, Brad (Samantha) Pitts; daughter, Heather Sheffield; step-sons, Christopher (Marissa) Smith and Samuel (Monica) Smith; Mother, Genelda (Don) Page; brothers, Ken (Sherri) Pitts and Eric (Kelly) Pitts; grandchildren, Addison Pitts, Rylee Pitts, Zander Pitts, Cheyann Rousch, Brooklyn and Allia and his beloved Shih Tzu, Snowball.
Visitation will take place Sunday, January 7, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with funeral services for follow immediately at 12:30 p.m. with interment to follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Rev. Ramsey will serve as officiant.
Serving as pallbearers are Kris Pitts, Randy Clarke, Victor Martin, Daniel Daughenbaugh, Chad Cramer and Dylan Pitts.
Honorary pallbearers are Brayden Pitts and Elijah Pitts.
Kathryn Lee Reynolds
January 5, 2018
Kathryn Lee Reynolds, 89 of Atmore, AL, passed away Wednesday January 3, 2018 in Pensacola, FL. She was a homemaker, born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on August 11, 1928, to the late Oliver Eugene and Drusilla Lee Knight. She was a devote Christian.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Earl Ben Reynolds.
She is survived by two sons, Earl (Bobbie) Reynolds and Christopher Allen Reynolds of Atmore, AL; two brothers: Comer Knight and Oliver (Connie) Knight both of Pensacola, FL; two sisters Ann Wiggs and Lois (Tom) Wright, Sr. both of Pensacola, FL; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be Saturday January 6, 2018, at 10 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Sonny Willingham officiating. Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens. Active pallbearers will be: Tom Wright,Jr, Kent Clark, Josh Nichols, David Anderson, Greg Cole, and John Murphy Akins.
Family will receive friends, Saturday January 6, 2018, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m.
Kay Lea Pray
January 4, 2018
Kay Lea Pray, 62, passed away unexpectedly December 24, 2017, at Sacred Heart Hospital. Kay was born December 1, 1955, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, David Lewis Young and Vivian Delores Young; infant son, Gregory Samuel Pray; and brother, David Earl Young (Robin).
Kay is survived by her son, Mark Pray; daughter, Angela Ransburgh and husband Russ; daughter-in- law, Beth Spalding; brothers, Paul Norman Young and George Edward Young; grandchildren, Kayla Bennett, Kyle Bennett, Rachelle Ransburgh, and Khloe Ransburgh; and numerous relatives and friends. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Duke.
Kay was a loving family member and friend. She will be dearly missed. Her smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. Her personality filled every room she entered.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Bill Flannigan officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Gary Alan George
January 4, 2018
Gary was born on February 10, 1949, in Washington, MO to Alphy Pies George and Littie Mildred (Bull) George. He moved to Pensacola, FL with his family and attended Escambia County public schools. He graduated from Tate High School in 1967. He enlisted in the United States Marines in November 1968. He served in Vietnam receiving three service medals and also earned a good conduct medal. He was then transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves where he completed his Marine obligations and was given an honorable discharge. In civilian life he was primarily self-employed as a roofer on commercial buildings. He was an accomplished bull rider and enjoyed the shooting sports.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Pies and Mildred George; a sister, Darlene Strickland; nephew, Gordon Strickland; and niece, Tami Lynn Tosie.
He is survived by his brother, Donald George (Blanche); sister, Farajean Tosie {Ted); and nephews, Bruce George (Debra), Charles George (Karen), Lex Strickland, Dennis Strickland, Mark Strickland, Terry Tosie (Karen), Forrest Tosie (Patricia), Tim Tosie (Karen), and Patrick Tosie; and niece, Toni Lee Hilderbrand (Keith).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your chosen charity.
Pallbearers will be Bruce George, Charles George, Terry Tosie, Tim Tosie, Patrick Tosie and Dennis Strickland.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph George, Alex George and Carl Culbertson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North beginning at 11 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Donald George will be officiating.
Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.