Florida 4-H Hall Of Fame Member Francis Robert Gindl, Sr. Passes Away
January 30, 2018
Florida 4-H Hall of Fame member Francis Robert Gindl, Sr. passed away Saturday. He was 89.
Gindl was passionate about 4-H and very active about supporting his children and hundreds of other children with their 4-H activities.
Gindl joined the 4-H Corn Club in 1939, but he soon found that 4-H had much more to offer. He was the first 4-H member in his club to raise more than 100 bushels of corn per acre. He participated in public speaking, beef, swine, poultry, and tractor maintenance projects. He also joined a state 4-H livestock judging team.
He became a volunteer leader with the Barrineau Park 4-H club, which is the longest operating 4-H club in the state of Florida. The club’s projects included consumer judging, tractor maintenance, livestock, and public speaking. His club participated in Florida 4-H Legislature, Florida 4-H Congress, the Pensacola Interstate Fair, and community service projects. His club was the first one to be integrated with both boys and girls in 1965 and then racially in 1972.
“Being part of Barrineau Park 4-H is a true honor” Dillon Conti , the 2016-2017 president of Barrineau Park 4-H Club said. “Mr Francis Gindl did so much for our club, we are very lucky that this rich history is preserved at Barrineau Park Historical Society in the museum for my generation and generations to come to see how much this man gave to Barrineau Park 4-H Club”.
He shared many of his skills with youth and adults in 4-H. He taught the state 4-H record book workshop for extension agents at the University of Florida and obtained community service grants for 4-H projects. He hosted an exchange student from Brazil with the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) program.
When inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame 2n 2002, Gindl said his decades as a 4-H member and volunteer helped him become a people person, improve his speaking ability and raising his confidence.
Gindl served on the Langley Bell 4-H Center Board of Trustees. The impact Gindl made on Escambia County 4-H is still felt today in livestock, public speaking and community service project areas. He was recognized with the State 4-H Alumni award in 1964 and was selected as the 4-H volunteer leader of the year in 1976.
He also spent 39 years working at Monsanto, and was a charter member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society.
Gindl was a 1946 graduate of J.M. Tate High School where he was voted the most handsome in the senior class. While he attended high school, he was employed by the system to drive a school bus because there was a driver shortage due to WWII. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba during the Korean War.
Gindl is survived by his wife, Pauline Summerlin Gindl; daughters, Linda (Andrew) Veren of Fairhope and Amy (Marc) Thibodeau, of Danville, VA; daughter in law, Tena Mann Gindl, Cantonment; sisters, Mildred Anderson, Pensacola and Mary Ann Prembroke of Bennington, VT; and a large number of other family members.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home in Cantonment on Tuesday, January 30 from 5:00 to 7:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 31. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
To read the complete obituary, click here.
Eleanor Annette Jones
January 30, 2018
Eleanor Annette Jones, 78 of Atmore, AL, passed away Sunday January 28, 2018, in Atmore, AL. She worked at the bingo palace and Swift Lumber in bookkeeping. Se was born in Century, FL, on April 13, 1939, to the late Luke and Bernice Rutherford Emmons.
She wass preceded in death by her parents and her sister Merle Forbes.
She is survived by three sons: James (Angie) Jones of Milton, FL, Kenneth (Jenise) Jones of Pensacola, FL, David (Felicia) Jones of Arab, AL; one sister Betty Lou Odom of Atmore, AL, and eight grandchildren.
Services will be Wednesday January 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. rom Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, Bro. Greg Forbes officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Family will receive friends Wednesday January 31, 2018, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.
Bobby Mathis
January 30, 2018
Mr. Bobby Mathis, 61, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Mathis was a native and life long resident of Century, FL. He was an avid fisherman, pasted Little League Coach and was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Annie Mathis and a son, Nicholas Andrew Mathis.
Survivors include his one son, Dennis Mathis of Century, FL; one daughter, Annie Mae Mathis of Century, FL; two brothers, Jimmy (Phyllis) Mathis of Century, FL and Tommy Lee (Sandra) Mathis of Clermont, FL; three grandchildren, Trevor Mathis, Destiny Mathis and Blake Mathis and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Glenn Johnson and Rev. Steve Crawley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Rico Padilla, B.J. Johnson, Zac Sims, Aubrey Goodman, Ronnie Ardis and Jeffrey Hightower.
Hazel Beasley
January 30, 2018
We honor and celebrate the life of Hazel Beasley, 85, departed to a heavenly place of peace on January 29, 2018.
Hazel was fortunate to have her husband, Mack Beasley, son Bobby (Vicki) Harrison, and daughter, Sherry (Ernie) Tetter by her side as she held God's hand for her final walk home.
Born September 3, 1932, Hazel was the first child born to H.W. Wise and Agnes Polk in her home town of Jay, Florida.
Residing here all her life, she was a follower of God, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-great- grandmother. She loved gardening, cooking, and 'piddling', as she called it. I don’t know a soul who didn’t want, and often request, her banana pudding when special events came around! Hazel had a way about her, through her eyes and smile, that just brightened anyone’s day. She loved her church congregation, and was devout, even when it became impossible for her to be a part of her church in person. She spent many a day just worshipping, at home, with her bible, and gospel music playing.
Hazel also loved animals and had a few in her lifetime. Two very special “babies” were with her in the latter years of her life until her parting. They are J.J and Penny, two very loved dachschunds and they gave her much love and comfort.
Hazel Beasley has many close survivors who will miss her tremendously. Other than her spouse and two children she has six grandchildren, Angi (Rick) Baker, Cherian Tetter, Victoria (Travis) Watson, Jeffrey (Krista) Harrison, Morgan Lewis, and Abbigail Harrison. She also has five great-grandchildren, Raychell Baker, Aela Watson, Emery Stover, Xavier Watson, and Koben Stover. Hazel is also survived by her sister, Myrl (JC) Berry and Betty (Peter Joe) Kelley and
her many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Earl, and her late husband Bernard Harrison.She was also predeceased by her grandmother, Camma Polk, for which she adored fervently until her passing.
Honoring her life and memory, the visitation will be January, 31, 2018, at Jay Chapel, 3853 Highway 4, Jay, Florida from 6:00 til 9:00 p.m. We will hold services at Jay Cornerstone Church on February 1, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., with graveside service to follow at Cora Baptist Church.
Officiating pastor will be Frederick Barrow. Pallbearers will be Dan Beasley, Jeff Harrison, Ben Bostic, Hank Berry, Jim Reynalds, Travis Watson, Clayton Lambeth, and Rick Baker. Honorary pallbearers are Ernie Tetter and Kyle Stover.
In parting, and by her own words..Simply said “There are things we hate so bad. But, we don’t stop to think what is so peaceful. What a good family we have. I love them all.”
Francis Robert Gindl, Sr.
January 29, 2018
Francis Robert Gindl, Sr. 89, of Pensacola, passed away with family by his side Saturday, January 27, 2018. He was born August 3, 1928, in Pensacola, Florida to the late Charles and Pauline (Laritz) Gindl. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margery Walters Gindl and his son, Francis Robert (Bobby) Gindl, Jr.
Francis was a graduate of J.M. Tate High School, Class of 1946, where he was voted the most handsome in the senior class. While he attended high school, he was employed by the system to drive a school bus because there was a driver shortage due to WWII. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba during the Korean War. In 1952, he met the love of his life Margery Walters and they married November 13 of the same year. He and Margie had three children, Bobby, Linda and Amy. Francis worked at Monsanto for 39 years until his retirement at the age of 65. Margie passed away in June 1991, but Francis was able to find happiness again with Pauline Summerlin and they married in August 1994.
Francis was very active in supporting his children and hundreds of other children with their 4-H and band activities. He received the Florida 4-H Leadership Award for his many years of service as a 4-H leader and volunteer and was inducted into the first group of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. He was an active member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Barrineau Park as an usher and a reader and was a favorite Bingo caller on Sunday afternoons in the church hall. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. Two of his favorite activities were hunting and fishing and he took delight in teaching his grandchildren how to do both. He was an avid Auburn University fan and cheered the Tigers on during football season.
Francis is survived by his wife, Pauline Summerlin Gindl; daughters, Linda (Andrew) Veren of Fairhope and Amy (Marc) Thibodeau, of Danville, VA; daughter in law, Tena Mann Gindl, of Cantonment; sisters, Mildred Anderson, of Pensacola and Mary Ann Prembroke of Bennington, VT. He is also survived by Pauline’s sons, Bob Summerlin and Barry Summerlin. Francis was loved by his eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as Pauline’s four
granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home in Cantonment on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Sabal House Assisted Living and Covenant Inpatient Hospice Center at Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassion and caring spirit. We extend a very special thank you to Lou and Jody who loved him and helped care for him day after day.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 3015 St Elizabeth St, Molino, Florida, 32577.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Robert Earl Tolbert
January 29, 2018
Mr. Robert Earl Tolbert, Sr., 80, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Tolbert was a native of Evergreen, AL, former resident of Jay, FL and had resided in Santa Rosa Beach, FL for the past two years. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Pauline Tolbert; parents, Ed and Ethel Tolbert; four brothers Bill, John, Franklin and Chester Tolbert and three sisters, Irene Barlow, Gladys Smith and Estelle Ates.
He is survived by his two sons, Robert E. (Patricia) Tolbert, Jr. of Jay, FL and Freddie (Karen) Tolbert of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; one daughter, Brenda (Jimmy) Gallagher of Winnsboro, LA; three sisters, Rose Richardson of Flomaton, AL, Sara Weaver of Pensacola, FL and Abbie Smith of Flomaton, AL; two grandchildren, Brian Kelly and Brandy Ferrington and two great-grandchildren, Aaron Ferrington and Katelyn Ferrington.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Poplar Dell Baptist Church with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Willie Oglesbee officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poplar Dell Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 12 p.m. until service time at the Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Nowling, Richard Jara, Jerry Kirkland, James Kirkland, Heath Owens and Darrell Salter.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Carolyn Irene Boykin
January 29, 2018
Carolyn Irene Boykin, 66, entered into her eternal home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, after a valiant fight with a brief battle with ALS. Her love and devotion to her family and strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ surrounded her even unto her last breath. Carolyn was born to the late Charles and Hazel Little on January 10, 1952, in Hattiesburg, MS. She graduated from Bassfield, MS and went on to be a wife to the late Buddy Boykin, mother to Anthony Arnold and Rebecca Cole, and stepmom to Devanie Ellison. She and Buddy traveled all over the U.S. doing arts and craft shows and made wonderful memories, as well as numerous friends. She was retired from the Escambia County School District where she devoted 25 years of service. She was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where she loved worshiping her Lord and Savior. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission and the Waterfront home for Women. She was loved
and adored by all and to many she was known as “Mee-Maw” or “KK”.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “Buddy” Boykin and her parents, Charles R. and Hazel I. Little.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Anthony Arnold; daughters, Rebecca Cole and Devanie Ellison (Burie). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Madison, Gracie, Chloe, and Maverick Cole, Tiffany Driver (Joe), Brittany Comstock (Aaron) and Brady Ellison (Kendra); and seven great-grandchildren, Eli, Cade, Brooks, Trent, Tucker, Emily and Teagan. She will also be missed dearly by her sister, Betty Terrell (Jerry) along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Carolyn gave of herself selflessly and never met a stranger, she was the glue that held it all together.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Brother William Heiden and Brother Mark Torrez officiating.
Interment was at Clear Springs Methodist Church Cemetery in Robertsdale, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waterfront Mission.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Teresa O’Connor Davidson
January 29, 2018
Teresa O’Connor Davidson, age 60, of Milton, was called home Thursday, January 25, 2018. She was born March 11, 1957, in Bay Minette, AL, to the late Alfred and Evelyn Maxine O’Connor. Teresa was a proud part of the Cantonment community for most of her life, taking pride in her children’s involvement with the “Cantonment Cowboys.” She was a long time employee of the Oriental House restaurant and volunteered with the Emerald Coast Honor Flights 1 and 2. Teresa was an avid Alabama football and Alan Jackson fan, although her favorite color was purple. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and caretaker to her constant canine companions Christmas, Jethro and Charlie, as well as a
host of houseplants she loved.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Eugene O’Connor; and a host of cherished pets.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband William “Bill” Davidson; her children, Ruben Caro (Angie) and Latisha Burkett (fiancé Kevin); grandchildren, Brianna, Justin, Demeire, Kayleigh, Madison and Ian; great-grandson, Camden; eight siblings; step-mother, Juanita O’Connor; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 1 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Pastor Chuck Granat will officiate.
Interment will follow at Clear Springs UMC Cemetery in Clear Springs, AL.
Teresa’s family is accepting donations in memoriam to offset funeral expenses through the funeral home office (850)937-8118.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
W.R. “Ronnie” Gilley
January 28, 2018
W.R. “Ronnie” Gilley, 72, of Molino passed peacefully from this life at his home on Sunday, January 28, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ronnie was an alumnus of JM Tate High School (’63) and a U.S. Army veteran (Vietnam). He worked at the St. Regis Bag Plant and later at Champion and International Paper Companies. He also helped run his family’s business, Gilley’s Sporting Goods, in Cantonment.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Gilley. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Barbara (Grattet) Gilley; their children, Aaron and Ron (Janice); five grandchildren, Ryan, Jayce, Holley, Colby, and Parker; his father, W.T. Gilley; and his sister Frances Streit (Jim).
Ronnie was an avid hunter and fisherman, a true woodsman, and a gifted handler of hunting dogs. He helped pioneer bowhunting in this area and worked for the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat with the Panhandle Bowhunter’s Association and the League of Northwest Florida Outdoors Clubs. He was full of compassion for the weak and defenseless, the poor and oppressed, the widow and orphan. He has loved and been loved by many friends through the years as they shared camaraderie unique to outdoorsmen. He was thankful for these friendships, and the family is thankful for them still.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 30, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p/m/ at Highland Baptist Church in Molino. The funeral service will also be at Highland Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 31, at 10:00 a.m.. Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Montgomery, Gregg Montgomery, Sammy Cowart, Doug Cowart, Steve Cody, and Anthony Black. The members of Ronnie’s Sunday School class at Highland Baptist Church in Molino will be honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Highland Baptist Church or your favorite charity.
Donald Joseph Byrd
January 26, 2018
Mr. Donald Joseph Byrd, 79, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Byrd was a native and former resident of Pensacola, FL and has resided in Century, FL for the past 10 years. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Palomino Horse Breeders Association. He was a member of the Atmore First Assembly of God Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, John F. Byrd and Dixie Glass.
Survivors include his wife Sue Byrd of Century, FL; three sons, Brian (Candice) Byrd of Cantonment, FL, Randy Blackwell of Pensacola, FL and Chad Blackwell of Mobile, AL; one daughter, Casey Blackwell of Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, John Byrd of Cantonment, FL and Bob (Bobbie Jean) Newell of Chipley, FL and four grandchildren, Aidan Byrd, Katie Lynn Byrd, Brandon Moerler and Dustin Moerler.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Atmore First Assembly of God Church with Bro. Don Davis officiating.
Burial will follow at the Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Atmore First Assembly of God Church.
Pallbearers will be Winston Bryan, Robert Kriss, Danny Wilson, Johnny Harrell, Raymond Peebles, Wayne Harris, Michael Roley and Richard Keesler.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the First Assembly of God Missions Team of Atmore, AL.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements in Atmore, Alabama.