James Madison Smith
January 24, 2017
James Madison Smith, 98, of Booneville, AL, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017, in Atmore, AL. He was a farmer. He was born in Morvin, AL, on May 17, 1918, to the late Harry Barron and Eunice Daisy Pugh Smith. He was a member of the Huxford Masonic Lodge #779. He is preceded in death by his wife, Vera Mae Stafford Smith; siblings, Coleman Smith, W.B. Smith, Josephine Brogdon, Earlene Thomas, Irene Sanspree and Eunice Sizgorich.
Survivors include one son, John Madison (Glennis) Smith of Booneville, AL; three daughters, Frona (Albert Jr.) Venetia of Booneville, AL, Annie Diann (Hooper, III) Matthews of Atmore, AL, and Cynthia (Bryant) McPherson of Peterman, AL; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Friday, January 20,2017, at Booneville Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. David Atchinson officiating.
Active pallbearers were Keith Smith, Richard Burgess, Joe Swain, Rusty Lassitter, Tom Dawson and Mark Burgess.
Honorary pallbearers were Bruce Akins, Tom Frazier, J.P. Pipkin and Jimmy Pipkin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Booneville Baptist Church.
Johnson-Quimby funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Shirley Jean Barnhill
January 24, 2017
Mrs. Shirley Jean Barnhill, 79, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Barnhill was a native of Flomaton, AL and a resident of Atmore, AL most of her life. She attended the Gospel Light Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Iva White; brother, James “Peanut” White; and step-son, Roger Barnhill.
She is survived by her husband, Dillard Barnhill of Atmore, AL; two sons, Ronald “Rocky” Barnhill of Stockton, AL and Michael “Mike” W. Barnhill of Atmore, AL; three daughters, Melissa (Philip) Ellis of Flomaton, AL, Terri (Scott) Watkins of Atmore, AL and Madonna Barnhill of Mobile, AL; one sister, Carol “Pug” Brantley of Flomaton, AL; seven grandchildren, Kelly, Mickey, Jonathan, Tiffani, Ashley, Jessica and Dustin; and five great-grandsons, Karson, Kaicen, Kannon, Kendall and Tait.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at the Gospel Light Church with Rev. Martin Gehman officiating.
Burial was at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were David Gehman, Jerry Gehman, Kenneth Barnhill, Ricky Gibson, Clay Gibson and Clarence Rolin.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Kenneth Harold Meharg
January 24, 2017
Kenneth Harold Meharg, 60, of Rocky, Oklahoma, passed away on January 13, 2017, in Cordell, Oklahoma.
Ken was born in Pensacola, FL, to Harold Lloyd and Clara Evelyn Meharg on February 11, 1956. He went to Tate High School in Gonzalez, Florida. He married Sharon Nowak Meharg on August 30, 1980, in Pensacola, FL. He graduated from Auburn University with his Bachelor’s Degree and the University of West Florida with his Master’s Degree. Ken worked as an agricultural education teacher for 36 years and was an advocate for the National FFA Organization having been an FFA advisor in both Florida and Oklahoma.
Ken is preceded in death by his father, Harold Meharg; his stepfather, Jack Brown; and his father-in-law, Ernest Nowak.
Ken is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sharon Meharg; his daughters, Allison Meharg (Jacob Schachle) and Lynsey Meharg McAnally (Cameron); siblings, Perian Herring (Eddie), Michael Brown (Vernie), Donald Brown (RitaLynn) and Rory Brown; brother-in-law, Jimmy Nowak; sister-in-law, Sandi Laird (Roy); mother, Evelyn Brown; mother-in-law, Ethel Nowak; grandson, Finnegan Schachle; nieces, Leanna Herring and SherriLynn Brown; and nephews, Logan Herring and Cortney Jennings.
Ken was an avid outdoorsman, an advocate for vocational agriculture and had a tremendous heart for students. With that in mind, his family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his name to the Florida FFA Foundation to fund the Florida FFA State Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award. Anyone wishing to contribute in Ken’s honor can do so by mailing a check to:
Florida FFA Foundation
5600 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, Florida 32608
* Please specify in memory of Ken Meharg
Donations can also be made online at: https://donorbox.org/kmeharg.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Farish, John Kelley, Randy Meharg, Jake Adams, Matt Adams, Swinson Shipman, Ronnie Gilley, Eddie Hewes, Gary Loggins and Doug Robbins.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Sanford Stanton of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.
Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Ronnie Lamar Hayes
January 19, 2017
Mr. Ronnie Lamar Hayes, 60, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, in Milton, Florida.
Mr. Hayes was a native of Greenville, AL and a resident of Century, FL for most of his life. He served in the U.S. Navy, was an avid fisherman and helped others in need. He was a member of the New Life Fellowship Church. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Velma Louise Glover; aunt, Margaret Jones; and first cousin, Ilene Cook.
He is survived by his mother and step-dad, Velma Aline and Willie Morris Covan of Century, FL; two brothers, Radford Covan of Pace, FL and Randy Covan of Brewton, AL; one sister, Recindia McCormick of Milton, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Lavon Caraway officiating.
Burial will follow at the Providence Methodist Cemetery in Georgiana, AL.
Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Joyce Cotton
January 19, 2017
Joyce Cotton, the matriarch of our family passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 18, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on August 12, 1939, to the late Ernest and Florence Caraway Green. She was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church and was a born again believer in our Lord and Savior.
On Friday June 13, 1958, she was united in marriage with John David Cotton Sr. A union that stood the test of time and was an example to their children and grandchildren during their 58 years together. Along with Mr. Cotton, she is survived by her children, John Cotton Jr. (Gail), Jennifer Woodfin (Walt) and Julie Miller (Chad); grandchildren, Jonathan Cotton (Karmen), Allison Woodfin, Raeleigh Woodfin, Stewart Woodfin, John Edward Miller, Ansley Miller, Zoe Angus, and Daizee Angus; great-granddaughter, Kayley Cotton; and sister, Bernice Smith (Clifton). Preceding Joyce in death were her brothers, James Colvin, Eugene and L.C. Green.
Granny enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and was known for her signature dumplings and mashed potatoes. She looked forward to attending church on Sunday with her family and gathering around the dinner table to share good food and family time. She found great pleasure in mowing and landscaping her yard along with fishing in the pond with her grand kids.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. from the Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Bridges officiating.
Burial will follow in the Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Jonathan Cotton, Walt Woodfin, Chad Miller, Buddy Green, John Gene Green and Michael Floyd.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Walnut Hill Baptist Church building fund in memory of Joyce Cotton, 5741 Arthur Brown Road, Walnut Hill, FL 32568.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Fred Harold Aaron, Sr.
January 18, 2017
Fred Harold Aaron, Sr. 71 of Pensacola passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017, in Indianapolis, IN. Mr. Aaron was the owner/operator of Security Engineering Inc. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. A licensed pilot, Fred enjoyed the love of flying, fishing and was a avid marksman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwina Gandy and Martin Collier; and his daughter, Laurie Aaron.
Fred is survived by his wife, Cheryl Aaron; his children, Fred Aaron, Jr. (Cathy), Denise Evans (Bobby), Kevin Aaron (fiance Patricia); the mother of his children, Sandie Aaron; grandchildren, Brianna Aaron, Jarod Morris, Justin Bingham (Tiffany), Forrest Mahoney, Michelle Lebel (Stephen) and Ben Evans; six great-grandchildren, Christian and Ava Bingham, Amy and Caleb Doyle, Sherry and Grayson Lebel.
Visitation will be 2 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jon Carnes officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida in memory of Fred Aaron, 105 N. “S” St., Pensacola, FL 32505 (850-433-9453) http://www.pensacolawildlife.com/ or Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Relief Project, Fred Aaron Missions Project, 3475 Pine Forest Rd., Cantonment, FL 32533, www.penaz.org.
Mildred Clarice Meharg Hudson
January 17, 2017
Mildred Clarice Meharg Hudson went to be with the Lord on the morning of January 16, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, including her seven children. Clarice was born on May 12, 1930, in Atmore, Alabama, to Mildred and Loyd Meharg. She moved with her family to Jay, Florida at the young age of 4 years old.
Clarice is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Loyd Meharg; brother, Harold Loyd Meharg; sister, Mary Lee Meharg; granddaughter, Mandy Hobbs; and husband of 57 years, James Braxton Hudson.
She is survived by her siblings, Mack (Barbara) Meharg, Janie Frances (Don) Trombley, and Edna Jean (Bob) Horton; sister-in- Law, Evelyn Meharg Brown; children: JB (Jo) Hudson, Rev. Julie (Bob) Wasser, Marshall (Donna) Hudson, Larry (Diane) Hudson, Terry Hudson, Rev. Ray (Marie) Hudson, and Rev. Gene (Cindy) Hudson; grandchildren: Steven (Denise) Hudson, Keith Miller, Ron Sheffer, Peter (Kelly) Sheffer, Justin (Makenna) Hudson, Clint (Hollie) Hudson, Chris Hudson, Tony Hobbs, Cassi (Clifford) Routley, Chase (Kimberly) Hudson, Kenneth (Madison) Lambeth, Tonya Lambeth Turner, Heather (Charles) Murphy, and Joshua (Raven) Hudson; and 16 great-grandchildren with number 17 due in July.
Clarice was a faithful member of Cornerstone Christian Church, formerly Jay First Assembly of God. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She also served on the Farm Bureau Board, the Mt. Carmel Water Board, and the Government Farm Board. She served her community as part of the Brownsdale Community Crime Watch and as a Poll Deputy. Clarice also served as the Brownsdale Women’s Chairwoman.
Funeral services for Clarice Hudson will be held at Cornerstone Christian Church, 14047 Alabama Street, Jay, FL, on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Frederick Barrow and Rev. Bobby Carnley officiating.
Interment will be at Cora Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Steven Hudson, Justin Hudson, Clint Hudson, Chris Hudson, Chase Hudson and Joshua Hudson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Miller, Ron Sheffer and Peter Sheffer.
Trahan Family Funeral of Milton is in charge of the arrangements.
Leo Marten Howard
January 17, 2017
Leo Marten Howard was born on July 2, 1929, and was called home on January 15, 2017. Leo was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He served for his country and his community by joining the Navy in 1950. Once honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954, Leo worked for Monsanto where he retired after 30 years. He also had numerous side jobs to help support his family. While he was working to support his family, he still found time to coach Little League baseball for several years. He met the love of his life while he was stationed at Whiting Field. He and his wife Bobbie were married for almost 65 years and they have seven children, 22 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Leo was a very devout Catholic, and a person would usually find him volunteering in the church daily. He was a part of the Knights of Columbus and served as a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound.
Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Irene Howard; his sister, Irene Henschell; and brother, Jerry Howard.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Howard; his brother, Phillip Howard; his children, Michael Howard (Susan), David Howard (Kathy), Daniel Howard, Theresa Bivens (Tim), Tony Howard, Donna Vasquez (Jerry), and Richard Howard (Kathy); and his grandchildren, Carol Cantrell (Jason), Sutton Bryant (Angelica), Janet Middleton (Christopher), Melissa Allday (Brandon), David Howard, April Quina (Brent), Bonnie Howard, Jessica Bivens, Tommy Bivens, Morgan Bivens, Nicolas Howard (Lisa), Lauren Rowan (Justin), Carlos Howard, Kristen Howard, Jordan Howard, Sergio Howard, Marco Howard, Randy Vasquez (Marissa), Steven Vasquez (Jordan), Amanda Vasquez, Adam Howard, and Regan Howard. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Wade Cantrell, Brian Cantrell, Benjamin Cantrell, Kaze Bryant, Ian Bryant, Olivia Middleton, Wyatt Middleton, McKenzie Walden, Abbie Walden, Haylie Allday, Riley Quina, Aidan Quina, Beau Quina, Gavin Howard, Vaughn Howard, Camryn Rowan, Carson Rowan, Nolan Vasquez, Nathan Vasquez, Harper Vasquez, and Jackson Vasquez.
A viewing will be held at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. On Thursday, January 19, 2017 there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St Thomas More at 9 a.m.
His burial will be at 2 p.m. at Canaan Freewill Baptist Cemetery. Mass will be officiated by Father Nicholas Schumm.
Leo’s pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Edward Earl King, Sr.
January 16, 2017
Mr. Edward Earl King, Sr., age 80, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away Tuesday January 10, 2017, in a Pensacola, Florida hospital after a brief illness. He was a native and long time resident of Brewton, Alabama before moving to Cantonment. Mr. King attended Elim Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, and was retired from Monsanto with 37 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing poker, dominos, and Alabama football.
Survivors include his wife, Sara Frances Blair King of Cantonment, Florida; four sons, Edward King, Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Marlin King of LaPlace, Louisiana, Donald King of Cantonment, Florida and Glenn Eugene King of Cantonment, Florida; four daughters, Patricia Parker of Pensacola, Florida, Donna Lee Qualls of Milton, Florida, Sara Elizabeth Sapp of Pensacola, Florida, and Carla Marie King of Cantonment, Florida; two brothers, Bill King of Brewton, Alabama and Ralph King of Allentown, Florida; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2017, from 1 p.m until 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton, AL.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Glenn Daniel officiating.
Interment will follow in Elim Cemetery Brewton, Alabama.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton is directing.
Susan Elaine Cooke Brown
January 13, 2017
Mrs. Susan Elaine Cooke Brown, 62, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017, in Pensacola.
Mrs. Brown was a native of Springfield, MA, and a resident of Atmore, AL, for most of her life. Mrs. Brown was a great and determined mother. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Wayne Brown, parents, Harvey and Louise Cooke and grandmother Minnie Presnall.
She is survived by her faithful companion of 29 years, Pat Conn of Atmore, AL; two sons, Chris (Sandy) Brown of Oak Grove, FL and Clint (Liana Lambeth) Brown of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Shelley Brown (Don) Presley of Perdido, AL; one brother, Richard “Ricky” Cooke of Baton Rouge, LA; three sisters, Sherry Hartley of Sparta, TN, Debra Harrison of Mobile, AL, and Cindy Formby of Walnut Hill, FL, and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. John Hamon officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Clint Brown, Daniel Lambeth, Tyler Presley, Dale Brown, Dawson Brown and Keaton Brown.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tripp Presley, Kypton Presley, Jake Lambeth, Rusty Miller and Kelby Amos.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.