James Thomas “JT” Baker
August 28, 2017
Mr. James Thomas “JT” Baker, Sr., 85, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Baker was a native and former resident of Hackleburg, AL and has resided in Atmore, AL for the past 50 years. He retired from Diamond Oil with 45 years of service. He was of the Baptist Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kim Buck and Lorene Baker, one brother, Melvin Baker and one sister, Sara Easley.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Judy Baker of Atmore, AL; two sons, James Thomas Baker, Jr. of Pensacola, FL and Devon (Wanda) Baker of Pace, FL; five daughters, Sandra (Michael) Sciacca of Pace, FL, Tammie (Thomas) Hardy of LaGrange, GA, Jacey (Phillip) Bowler of Mobile, AL, Melissa Baker of Atmore, AL and Tammy (Tommy) Smith of Atmore, AL; one brother, Tommy Baker of Hackleburg, AL; one sister, Lina Hall; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, August 28, 2017 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Roy White, Tim White, Lamar White, Matt Martin, Wesley Morrison, David Kirby, Brandon Bowler and Seth Bass.
Gloria Sheffield Lambeth
August 27, 2017
Gloria (Sue) Sheffield Lambeth, 62, of Cantonment, FL went home to her heavenly father Tuesday, August 22, 2017. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved to fish, play bingo and spend time with her family.
Sue is preceded in death by her brother, Chester Pritchett and grandson, (Little) Tommy Hennessey.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Lambeth; daughters, Susan Hennessey (George Spraberry) and Tammy Rothe (Timbo); son, Dale Gill (Melissa); stepsons, Ronnie Lambeth II and Shane Lambeth; stepdaughter, Misty Lambeth; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held at Faith Chapel North Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 10 a.m.
Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at a later date.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Jackie Samuel Fields
August 27, 2017
Jackie Samuel Fields, 61, of Bonifay, FL passed away Friday, August 25, 2017. He was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida but had resided in Bonifay, FL for the last 20 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonny; mother, Doris Manning; two sisters, Sandra and Ruthie; seven brothers; nine grandchildren; and two stepsons.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in Jackie’s memory.
Pallbearers will be Devin Snipes, Chuck Morgan, Joey Fields, Robbie Manning, Austin Sandonato and Victor Mobarak.
Graveside services will be held Monday, August 28, 2017, at Whitmire Cemetery at 11 a.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Florence Davis Maddox
August 27, 2017
Mrs. Florence Davis Maddox, 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, in Bay Minette, Alabama.
Mrs. Maddox was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. She attended the West End Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Bessie Davis; husband, Theron Manford Maddox; one brother, Burlie Freeman; and one sister, Martha Brantley.
She is survived by her son, Tim Maddox of Atmore, AL; one brother, Isaac Davis of Perdido, AL; one sister, Louise (Terry) Troutman of Atmore, AL; three grandchildren, Amanda Raines, Caitlin Maddox and Troy Maddox; three great-grandchildren, Hildi, Arden and Ripley; and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 26, 2017, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Patterson officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Terry Troutman, Ray Brantley, Dwayne McDonald, Jarrod Shook, Garrett Shook and Jeremiah Raines.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Merriam Clay
August 27, 2017
Mr. Merriam “Gary” Clay, 76, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017, Foley, Alabama.
Mr. Clay was a native of Waynesboro, MS, former resident of Mobile, AL and had resided at the Glen Lakes Golf Community in Foley, AL for the past 22 years. He graduated from Murphy High school in Mobile, AL. He attended the University of Alabama for one year. He was a 1970 graduate of the University of Florida from the school of industrial engineering with a Bachelor of Arts and Science, where he served as a member of four Honorary Fraternities and served as president Tau Beta Phi and OmiCron Delta. He was named Industrial Engineer of the year for the State of Florida, while attending the University of Florida at Gainesville. He was a member of Gainesville Jaycee’s Sertoma Club and the Lion’s Club. He was a member of the Glen Lakes Golf Club Community. He was retired from the United Parcel Service (UPS), as an industrial engineer operation manager for 28 years from Corp Headquarters in Atlanta GA. Mr. Clay’s career carried all across the United States and abroad.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy (Bell) Clay of Foley, AL; mother, Jewel Whitney Clay of Mobile, AL; one son, Mike P. (Karen) Clay of Mobile, AL; two brothers, Don (Carolyn) Clay of Daphne, AL and Kim (Jane) Clay of Hendersonville, NC; two sisters, Jane Morton of Mobile, AL and Lisa Clay of Mobile, AL and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives & many friends.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Hutto officiating.
Family will receive friends Saturday, September 9, 2017, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, Alabama.
Honorary pallbearers will Mike Clay Steve Jones, Jerry DuBose, Tim Newman, Don Clay and Kim Clay.
In lieu of flowers memorials maybe made to the Moyeville Baptist Church of Overlook Presbyterian Church in Mobile, AL.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Greg Evers
August 26, 2017
Senator Robert G. “Greg” Evers, of Baker, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Evers served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 and in the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2016. He was known for being an unwavering Second Amendment advocate, supporter of smaller government and a legislative champion for law enforcement, first responders and veterans. His distinguished legislative career was marked by his common sense and “get it done” approach.
A fifth-generation northwest Floridian, Greg’s roots ran deep in north Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. He was born in Milton on June 16, 1955, to high school sweethearts John Robert Evers and Rhanalda Jequita Holley Evers. He grew up on the family farm in Munson. Greg graduated from Jay High School in 1973, where he lettered in multiple sports and served as a statewide Vice-President for the Future Farmers of America; he later attended Pensacola Junior College. He was a lifelong member of Beaver Creek Baptist Church and a long-time member of the Beaver Creek Masonic Lodge No. 230.
Evers’ primary career was as a farmer, growing cotton, peanuts, soybeans and wheat. He also took over the Baker Farm Center upon his parents retirement and moved it to its current location. In 1991, Greg decided he wanted to learn to grow strawberries and Akers of Strawberries was born. He quickly nurtured his strawberry business from a shed to the largest u-pick strawberry patch north of Plant City. The flourishing of this enterprise became the highlight of his farming career; Greg absolutely loved watching families pick his berries and enjoy frozen yogurt and his “almost famous” strawberry shortcake.
Evers was known for his infectious smile, southern charm and perfect strawberries. His vast knowledge of agriculture combined with his steady demeanor and signature use of “sugar” as a greeting with his friends made him a magnetic force.
Evers loved his community and consistently found opportunities to contribute. He served as a member of the Milton Rotary Club, Crestview Lion’s Club, Okaloosa County Farm Service Agency, President of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau, and Chairman of the Yellow River Soil & Water Conservation District.
Evers is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Leonard and Clyde Peaden Evers, his maternal grandparents William Thomas and Thelma Renfroe Holley, and his brother Thomas Jeffrey Evers.
Evers is survived by his parents, John and Jequita Evers; wife, Lori Weems Evers; children, Stephanie (Anthony) Barlow, Jennifer (Kendal) Wallace, and Robert (Marley) Evers; grandchildren, Alli, Rex, and Reece; brother, Eric (Michelle) Evers; sister, Kay (Tom) Dawson; nephews, Kyle (Lindi) and Christopher and niece, Kaylee; and great-nephew, Grayson.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Milton. Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Milton on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, beginning at 1 p.m. Evers will be laid to rest at Beaver Creek Baptist Church.
Greg’s deepest wish was that his legacy of service continue for future generations. In honor of this wish, the Evers family asks that,in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Greg Evers Florida’s Heroes Memorial Fund at www.eversmemorialfund.com. The fund is used to provide education scholarships to the children of Florida law enforcement and fire rescue personnel who have fallen in the line of duty.
Robert O. Sawtell
August 26, 2017
Robert “Bob” O. Sawtell, 66, of Pensacola, Florida, unexpectedly died early in the morning, Friday, August 25, 2017, at his home. Bob was born in Manhattan, NY to Edward and Ana Sawtell on March 3, 1951. He traveled the world as he worked aboard a Tramp Steamer. Upon his return to New York he attended and graduated from Columbia University. He was recently retired from his successful career as a constructional engineer. Bob was a generous man who donated monthly to local charities. Bob was a member of The Lanier Sailing Club for 17 years, and loved to sail any chance he had. He also like to cook, do yard work, and play with the family pets. We will always carry the memories of him in our hearts.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ana Sawtell.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sondra of 34 years; son, Rob Sawtell; daughter, Charlotte (Brandon) Steed; stepson, Sean (Nancy) Knickman; grandsons, Joshua Knickman and Bradley Robert Steed; sister, Nancy Freiler; brother, Edward (Paula) Sawtell and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30, 2017, beginning at 9 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. Pastor Doug Moesta will be officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements.
Howard Vero Southard
August 23, 2017
Howard Vero Southard, 84, of Pensacola, entered Heaven Friday morning, August 18, 2017.
He was born Nov. 30, 1932 to Pearl Parnell Southard and Tom Martin Southard in Norfork, Arkansas. After attending school in Norfork, Howard and family moved to Mountain Home where after high school, he graduated from Wichita University in 1955 and then entered Naval Officer Candidate School. During his naval career, he flew as a Naval Flight Officer. One flight activity was with Photo Squadron (VAP-62) conducting monthly mapping updates of Cuba for two years prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served as the first Executive Officer of VAW-115, an airborne control squadron deployed on board the USS Ranger (CV61) to set up air control in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam in 1968. He later served as Executive Officer at Naval Air Station Dallas. He retired from the Navy in 1981 while serving as Executive Officer as NAS Atlanta. Following his naval career, he worked in the Civil Service at Saufley Field for 25 years.
On December 31, 1960, he married Lanara Stewart, and was blessed with three children, Celeste, Mark and Scott. Our children have been obedient to God’s Word in honoring their parents, especially while Howard has been sick. Celeste was there almost night and day when her Dad was in the hospital even though she worked. The Southard family moved to Pensacola in 1982 and joined Olive Baptist church. That was one of the best decisions we ever made. He was a deacon at Olive. What a devoted and humble man he was to God and family. Even when he was only capable of making 5 or 6 steps, he wanted to be in church. Bob Hill would come by the house, load up the electric wheel chair and take him to make sure his wishes were met. Nothing was more important to him than his Savior, wife, children and grandchildren. Howard worked hard, but always gave himself time to be with his children. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and especially golf. He loved his golfing friends who helped him in every way possible to play as long as he could.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his seven brothers and sisters and their spouses, Clara (Hershel) Perry, Opal (Walter) Gorrell, Lela Southard, Clifton (Verna) Southard, Nola (Manford) Edens, Hugh (Wanda) Southard, and Betty (Delbert) Peters; sister-in-law, Margaret Campbell; and brother-in-law, Lorenzo Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 57 wonderful years, Lanara Southard; and by his children and grandchildren, Celeste Southard of Milton, Mark (Joyce) Southard, and their children Nolan and Mia of Pace, Scott (Joanna) Southard and their children Molly and Kleet of Huntsville, Alabama; a special friend, Amy Miller has been by our side every step of the way. He is also survived by brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Glen Campbell of Chumuckla, Millie and Jack Hare of Milton, Ruthie and Edmond Fortune of Pace, Mavis and Bill Morris of Huntsville, AL, Lorandal and Beth Stewart of LaGrange, GA, Jeannie Stewart of Pensacola; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As our 7 year old granddaughter wrote in a letter to her granddad: “The whole world loves you”, she spoke truth. He served a mighty God and left a legacy for all of us. He was respected by all who met him for his kindness, grace, humbleness and his strong faith in Jesus. This precious man was an example for all to live by. One of the last things he said to his wife, “do all you can to see that the children and grandchildren meet me in heaven one day.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Ted Traylor and Jerry Passmore officiating.
Interment was at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Jewell P. Watley Sport Hogg
August 23, 2017
Jewell P. Watley Sport Hogg of Cantonment, Florida, passed away August 21, 2017, at Covenant Hospice surrounded by her loving family. She was 96 years, 1 month and 22 days old and was very proud of her age. She was born in Rose Hill, Alabama, June 30, 1921, to Homer and Ealon Watley, both deceased. She had three brothers, Sammy, Dearril, and Joe Watley, all deceased.
She is preceded in death by two husbands, Thomas Sport and Everitt Hogg.
She leaves behind two daughters, Martha McLaughlin (Charles, deceased) and Sue Graham (J W); four grandchildren, Kim Pyle (Tim), Wendy Clarke (Walt), Tommy Graham (Mendy) and Robin Kent (Robbie); nine great-grandchildren, Logan Clarke, Tyler Clarke, Garrett Clarke, Sam Pyle and Ealon Pyle , J R Graham, Cole Graham, Mackenzie Kent and Cameron Kent; one niece, Norma Williams (Mack); and two sisters-in-law, Edna P. Watley and Mattie P. Sport.
Interment will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Greshan Portwood
August 23, 2017
Mrs. Mary Gresham “Sis” Portwood, 74, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017, in Flomaton, Alabama.
Mrs. Portwood was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL. Mrs. Portwood was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked at Vanity Fair for 27 years and she was of the Holiness faith. She is preceded in death by a son, Darrell James Howington; her parents and five brothers.
She is survived by her two sons, James A. Howington, Jr. of Nevada and Michael Todd Howington of Milton, FL; one daughter, Brenda Lee Tobey of Saco, Maine; two brothers, Huey Cleveland Gresham of Georgia and Ronald Wayne Gresham of Mississippi; four sisters, Marie Peebles of Flomaton, AL, Caroyln Smith of Byrneville, FL, Rosa Lee Lambeth of Flomaton, AL and Frances Louise Warren of Kerns, TX; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, at 12 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Donnis Bowman officiating.
Burial will follow at the Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will Wade Pittman, Dan Bruan, Dwayne Gresham, Luke Peebles, Brian Peebles, B.J. Thompson and Donald Gresham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Foundation.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.