Charles Arnold Nell
May 20, 2016
Born May 14, 1926, in Pensacola, he was the son of Eugene Michael Nell and Mary Lee Sharp. As a young boy he played Mite and Midget Little League Baseball in a sand lot at W. Gregory and G Street and later attended Pensacola High School. Drafted by the Army in 1944, he was sent to Le Havre, France, arriving on Armistice Day. He achieved the rank of Platoon Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1946.
He was employed by Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company for 20 years, and later served as Executive Vice President of the NW Florida Crippled Children’s Association. He was an active member of Civitan International, receiving the Club, District and International Honor Keys for his volunteer service.
He joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in 1961, and remained an active Elk for the rest of his life, serving as Exalted Ruler of Lodge 497, and later Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Great Northwest District of Florida. He became a life member in 1996.
Charles was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola, where he trained acolytes for more than 20 years. He will also be remembered for his volunteer service to Escambia Westgate School and Miracle League of Pensacola.
Charles Nell is survived by his wife of 69 years, Emily Louise Kiedinger Nell; son Terril Arnold Nell (Cathy) of Brevard, NC; granddaughters Amanda Paige Nell and Emily Faith Nell, and sister Eleanor Genevieve Hess of Pensacola. He was predeceased by brothers Eugene Cromwell Nell and William Pope Nell, and by a sister, Mary Lee Sherhouse.
The family will receive friends on June 7, 2016 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd. Funeral Service will take place on June 8, 2016 at 10:00 am, Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with interment immediately following at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Louise Nell, c/o 522 Feedrock Road, Brevard, NC, 28712. Memorial donations can be made to the Pensacola Humane Society, 5 N. Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 or to Escambia Westgate School, 10050 Ashton Brosnaham Road, Pensacola, FL, 32534.
James Henry Littlejohn, Sr.
May 20, 2016
James Henry Littlejohn, Sr., 94, surrounded by his loving family, went peacefully to be with the Lord and his precious wife Louise, May 19, 2016. Jim was born at home, in Bear Springs, Tennessee on February 14, 1922, to Robert Henry and Ella Virginia Littlejohn. Raised on the family farm, living through the depression, built qualities that set him so far beyond the common standard of men!
Dad was loving, gentle, kind, patient, humble, good, disciplined, loyal, more wonderful things than we could begin to say. Through his life he taught us, love is unconditional, be a giver and a forgiver, character and integrity matter, hard work is honorable, do right no matter the cost, live for God and others. Leaving the farm at 18, Jim joined the U.S. Navy Protecting our freedom in WWII, he was in every major invasion of the South Pacific. As a corpsman he treated thousands of wounded men, saving many lives. He was awarded many medals including a silver star and two bronze stars. He is truly an American hero! We as his children are grateful for such a dad!
On September 22, 1945 Jim married Louise Johnson, the love of his life for over 65 years. They had a wonderful life together! Jim served our nation for 26 years finally retiring in Pensacola. Jim and Louise moved to the country with 5 acres so the farm boy could plant huge gardens and happily return to his roots. He loved gardening, fishing, doing crossword puzzles and fixing things, but his greatest loves were God and his family. Dad received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and lived the rest of his life loving and serving God. He loved God’s Word, prayer, and church. Through his example he has led, inspired and helped us forward for God. What a Godly heritage! Dad was preceded in death by his precious wife Louise, his parents and two brothers.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters; Sherry Wigen, Sheila McGaughey (Jim), and his son Jimmy Littlejohn (Emily); 7 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many precious friends. To those who held our Dad up in prayer, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is with the deepest gratitude and heartfelt love, our family would like to thank Dr. Anita Westafer, for her love and care for our Dad for so many years.
Thank you for doing everything you could to help Dad. He loved you and included you as his daughter. Our thanks to Covenant Care, and Sonshine Companion Care, staff for being such a comfort and help to Dad, and all of us. Sherry, all of the family is indebted to you and more thankful than we can find words to say for taking Dad into your home and loving and caring for him in the very best way you could! God knows each sacrifice you made in love.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Wed., May 25, 2016, at Charity Baptist Church, 1675 West Roberts Road, Cantonment, FL, with his son-in-law, Pastor James McGaughey officiating.
Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be, Jimmy McGaughey, Jeff McGaughey, Jerry McGaughey, Ron Ruben, and Mike Stefanko.
The family will receive friends at the church Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 10-11:00 am.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy 29 S., Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
We will always love you, will miss you, and we will see you soon in heaven.
Alexander Cutts
May 19, 2016
Alexander Cutts, 89, of Pensacola, FL, passed away May 14, 2016. He was World War II Veteran. He later retired after 60 years of baking.
Alexander was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one daughter, and one son-in- law.
He is survived by his wife, Ester Cutts; sister, Mag Hughes; two daughters, Evelyn (Joe) Lord, Charlotte Huff; one son, Giovanni Cutts; seven grandchildren, Micheal (Danielle) Lord, Timothy (Sarah) Lord, Vivian Huff, Chris (Bridget) Burkett, Wayne Burkett, Brianna and Brayden Cutts; 14 great-grandchildren, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2016, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Reverend Johnny Edwards will be officiating and interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Micheal Lord, Timothy Lord, Chris Burkett, Wayne Burkett, Mike Janes and David Rowland.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29 South, Cantonment, is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Glenn Ward
May 19, 2016
Mr. Michael Glenn Ward, 76, of Pensacola went home to be with his Heavenly Father on May 18, 2016. He was born May 1940 in Brewton, Alabama and later moved to Pensacola where he attended and graduated from Pensacola High School before joining the United States Navy. After serving in the military, he went on to work for Liberty National Insurance for 47 years. Mr. Ward was a long time member of East Brent Church where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Florida Gators, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Stella Ward. Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Ward of Pensacola; son, Mike (Brooke) Ward of Pace; one sister, Thressia (Robert) Parker of Pace; two precious grandchildren, Alexa and Emma Ward; niece, Stacie (Jon) Brady of Falls Church, Virginia; and nephew, Danny Parker of Pensacola.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 21 from 12:00pm-2:00pm, with funeral service following at 2:00pm, Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, Florida. Graveside service will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Dale Patterson will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to East Brent Baptist Church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North has been entrusted with all arrangements
Martha Verl Ellison
May 17, 2016
Martha Verl Ellison went home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2016, in Seguin, TX. She was born on April 17, 1941, to the late Calarence and Eve Dilmore. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Billy, Shorty, Leah, Buena; husband, P.W. Ellison; son-in-law, Jimmy Powe; and grandchildren, David Gary Guy and Kyle Powe.
She is survived by four children, Joy Powe Gunn (Art Gunn), Belinda Shehan (Marvin Shehan), Lisa Colbert (James Colbert) and Scott Janes (JoAnn Janes); siblings, Herschel, Robert, Pat and Edna; 11 grandchildren, Chris Stacey (Jessica Stacey), Chad Stacey (Jenilee Stacey), Brandon Guy, T.J. Ashcraft (Kari Ashcraft), Troy Shehan, Cameron Janes, David Amerson (Dallas Amerson), Alexis Gibson (Derrek Gibson), Mercedes Janes Hard (Zach Hard); 13 great-grandchildren, Logan Stacey, Corbin Stacey, Kayden Stacey, Mattison Stacey, Kylee Rae Stacey, Jax Stacey, Bailey Guy, Brantley Guy, Blaze Thomas, Jacob Thomas, Caston Ashcraft, Zander Scott Hard and Axel David Amerson.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brandon Rowell officiating.3
Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Melanie Shaw Branch
May 17, 2016
Melanie Shaw Branch, 38, passed peacefully into glory May 14, 2016, at her home. She was born December 12, 1977 in Pensacola, and was never far from the white sands of Pensacola Beach. She graduated from Tate High School and University of West Florida. She brought Classical Conversations to the Pensacola area and eventually coordinated several home school groups. She helped provide a unique learning experience to many families. Her love of music and sweet voice blended together as she served Dogwood Baptist Church where her husband Rusty served as pastor.
She loved Rusty and her children, Emma Rae, Elizabeth and Allen. Her sweet humble spirit will be missed by those lives she touched including her parents, Beth and Larry Morris; her brother, Mason and sister-in- law Danna; her sister, Merry Beth Low and brother-in- law, Jim; her mother and father-in-law, Debbie and Donnie Branch; brothers-in-law, Justin and Jeremy Branch, uncles, aunts, special cousins, nieces, other family members and many friends.
The family would like to thank those who supported Melanie in her battle with breast cancer. Also thanks to those who influenced and help mold her into a compassionate woman who was able to give and be a blessing to others. This was Melanie—she would not want attention drawn to her but to Jesus who was her sustainer and ultimate deliverer.
A celebration of her life will be Tuesday, May 17 at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel North. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to The Florida Baptist Children’s Home, 1000 Chemstrand Road Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
William F. (Bill) Fillingim
May 16, 2016
William F. (Bill) Fillingim, Sr., 88, of McDavid, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2016. He was born on August 26, 1927, in Barrineau Park, to Asa Mountain and Nora Fleming Fillingim.
Bill married Vivian McClammy in 1948 and they made their home in McDavid, where they raised three children: Sharon (Walt) DeWitt; Freddie (JoAnne) Fillingim; and Regina (Richard) Hudson. He retired from St. Regis Paper Company, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Bill was an accomplished musician and played many instruments by ear, including piano, guitar and mandolin. He entertained crowds throughout the years, playing and singing at church and other venues. Bill was a lifelong member of Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church in Barrineau Park where he played on Sundays, holidays and for special services. “Uncle Bill” loved his church family and they loved him.
In addition to his three children, Bill is survived by three granddaughters, Rachel Locklear, Alison (Jesse) Hollingsworth and Kristen (Matthew) McGehee; and three great-grandchildren, Jacob Locklear, Justin Locklear and Vivian McGehee.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Fillingim; and siblings, Elsie Fillingim, A.J. Fillingim, Columbus Fillingim, Cliney Miller, Thelma Altman, Margaret Grant, Quentin Fillingim, Aubie Fillingim and Martin Fillingim.
Special thanks to Pastor Pam Avery and Bill’s church family for the love they showed him through the years. Also, thank you to the physicians, nurses and techs of the ICU and ER at West Florida Hospital for the tender care they provided during his final hours.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church, Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Pam Avery officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ottoway Fillingim, Craig Exner, Marcus Baker, Tristpan Baker, Gil Baron and Daniel Elder.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to LCUMC Memorial Bells Fund, 2690 Jacks Branch Rd, Cantonment
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Bennie Coley Roberson
May 16, 2016
Mr. Bennie Coley Roberson, 68, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Century.
Mr. Roberson was a native of Flomaton, and a resident of Brewton, for the past 30 years. Mr. Roberson was a friend and loved to help everyone. He worked for Freeze Gravel & Trucking. He is preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Molly Roberson; wife, Rosie Roberson; sister, Irene Jones; stepson, Ronald Conway and grandson, Kevin Luke Crowder.
He is survived by one stepson, Leonard Conway of Stanley Crossroads; one stepdaughter, Shelia Crowder of Gulfport, MS; two sisters, Etta Marie Lambeth of McDavid and Frances Roberson of McDavid; three grandchildren, Rhonda (Timothy) of Stanley Crossroads, Candi (William) Sheets of Bay Minette and Sabrina Hall of Ponce de Leon, FL; five great grandchildren, Cheris Rogers, Rylee Rogers, Victoria Sheets, Cloe Sheets and John Luke Sheets; and one nephew, Joe D. Roberson of Opelika, AL.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Knowles officiating.
Burial was at the Wildfork Cemetery.
Pallbearers were James Emmons, Don Ward, Mike Brown, George Hendrix, John Hendrix and Logan Hendrix.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Alabama.
Erin Stephanie Lee
May 15, 2016
Ms. Erin Stephanie Lee, age 49 of Flomaton, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at her home.
Ms. Lee was a lifetime member of the Century and Flomaton areas and she was a homemaker. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is preceded in death by her father, Carl Lee; and brother, Christopher Carl Lee.
She is survived by her mother, Sheila Lee of Century; son, Trey Weekes of Flomaton; daughter, Erin Elizabeth Weekes of Flomaton; sister, Elizabeth Lee of Flomaton; granddaughter, Brailee Hobbs of Flomaton; and lifelong friend, Lisa Nicholls.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel at 10 a.m. with Rev. Nathan Brown officiating.
Interment will follow in Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia.
Flomaton Funeral Home is directing.
John Kyle Bell
May 15, 2016
Mr. John Kyle Bell, age 30, of Flomaton passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016, after injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a native and former resident of Orange, Texas before moving to Flomaton in 1990. Mr. Bell had attended the Little Escambia Baptist Church. He was a 2004 graduate of Flomaton High School and was a machinest at Industrial Machines with 10 years of service. He enjoyed playing guitar.
Survivors include his parents, Gary and Jeani Hilderbrand Bell of Flomaton; grandmother, Jean Sprouse of Gulfport, MS; one brother, Curt (Caryn) Bell of Flomaton; half-sister, Patricia Lynn Bell of Hattisburg; and two nephews, Ross Bell and Jeremiah Bell.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Eunice Bell; grandfather, Philip Hilderbrand; and step-grandfather, Robert Sprouse.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 16, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Little Escambia Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Hogg and Rev. Edward Hilderbrand officiating.
Interment will follow in New Bethelhem Cemetery in Flomaton.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton is directing.