Gerald Clark Boeckner
August 18, 2026
Gerald Clark Boeckner was born to Aaron and Gertrude (Holdeman) Boeckner on September 14, 1938 in Newton, Kansas. He peacefully passed away with his family surrounding him, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis, on August 15, 2026, in his home at Oakwood, reaching the age of 87 years.
His schooling was received at the French School in rural Moundridge, Kansas. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Frank Wenger on December 18, 1949, at Hesston, Kansas and stayed true to the faith. He had a positive outlook on life and taught us by example that “in acceptance there is peace”. His last encouragement to us all was to be faithful to the end.
In 1960 Dad went to Roseburg, Oregon for 1W Service. Dad was married to our mom, Thelma Harms, on December 29, 1963 in Walnut Hill, Florida, by her father, Minister Harry Harms. They lived at Hesston, Kansas until they went to the mission in Mexico for two special years. Upon returning they spent a short time in Leland, Mississippi before moving to Walnut Hill, Florida. There they raised their four children on the family farm. In their later years they treasured the eight summers spent helping their family in Alaska. In March of 2025 they moved to Brooksville, Mississippi to an apartment at Oakwood. He loved and appreciated the friendship and wonderful care he experienced there. A heartfelt thank you to the Family and Staff of Oakwood.
Dad was known for his sense of humor and teasing ways. We can all recite his standard greetings and quotes and he never seemed to run out of interesting replies. He didn’t know a stranger and his genuine interest in each person endeared him to many. He was generous to everyone with his time.
Dad’s mechanical ingenuity at times seemed limitless and his talent for fixing things was known far and wide. We’re thankful he passed down this gift to his family. His grandchildren had complete faith that Grandpa could fix anything and many broken toys found their way to his shop to be mended. Many phone calls were made for help in making something work.
Dad wasn’t perfect but had strong convictions and lived a steady, quiet life. We didn’t question where he stood and there was security in that. Dad truly listened and we all went to him for advice. He didn’t always have answers, but had a way of helping us see the whole picture.
Those left to cherish precious memories are his wife Thelma, children Kerry and Kristine Boeckner, Harrisburg, AR; Teresa and Arlen Mininger, Grant, AL; Amy and Cliff Dejax, Soldotna, AK; Sara and Sheldon Schneider, Davisville, FL; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Four sisters: Vada Schmidt, JoAnn Powell, Rose and Paul Toews, Lois and Fred Decker; two brothers: Weldon and Lois, Dennis & Eileen; one brother-in-law, Ken Litwiller; William and Margaret Brandt; one sister-in-law, Ruth Benner and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Those gone before are twin grandsons, Lance and Lane; his parents and parents-in-law, one brother, four sisters, twelve brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church in Walnut Hill, FL at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ben Koehn, Rev. Galen Harms and Rev. Rodney Harms officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church .
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shelley Ward Turner
August 18, 2026
Shelley Ward Turner, 54, of Atmore, AL. passed away on August 14, 2026. She was born on November 11, 1971 to Wayne Ward and Linda Blackburn.
Shelley was a nurse for 33 years and an avid seamstress. She was a mother to three beautiful, intelligent women, and “Mia” to two gorgeous girls and two handsome boys.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Linda Blackburn.
Shelley is survived by her daughters, Dezerae Tharpe, Emily Turner, Chelsea Reaves; a sister, Stacey Guyton of Opelika, AL; and four grandchildren, Tate Bradford, Hudson
Hammonds, Grayson Reaves, and Ellison Tharpe.
No arrangements have been made at this time.
Joseph Kelley Bellew
August 16, 2026
Joseph Kelley Bellew age 98 passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his home in Walnut Hill, FL. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Annette Bellew, and family.
Joe was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia Ellen Bellew of 38 years; his parents John Tyrie Bellew and Allie Bertie Bellew; his brothers Max Tyrie Bellew and “Pat” Fayette Edward Bellew.
Joe is survived by his wife Annette Bellew; his sister Mary Henslee; brothers-in-law BC Hall (Mary), and Robert Hall (Mary); his sons “Ted” Theodore Toop and David Bellew (Susan); his stepsons Edward Giddins and “Johnny” John Giddins; his grandchildren Gary Toop Sr. (Pam), Richie Toop (Lorretta), Chandra Toop, Scarlett Hommerbocker (Preston), “Beth” Elizabeth Cantrell (Adam), “Katy” Kathryn Rush (Josh), “Cristy” Cristin Bellew, Carmen Gindl (Stephen), Chad Giddins, and John-Dereck Giddins; great-grandchildren Gary Toop Jr., Krystale Toop, Amber McCraney, Marcus Toop, Brian Toop, Dannah Knight, Chelsey Abbott, Blessing Masciale, Breanna Hommerbocker, Addison Cantrell, Morgan Cantrell, Alexander Rush, Madison Rush, Isaiah Hughes, Benjamin Latham, Caleb Gindl, Lacie Gindl, Adam Gindl, Brayden Gindl, CJ Gindl, Izabelle Gindl, Blaise Gindl, Connor Giddins, and Cameron Giddins; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Joe was born February 1,1928, in Oneonta, Alabama, to John Tyrie Bellew and Allie Bertie Bellew. He moved to Michigan for work in 1950 where he met and married “Pat” Patricia Ellen McDonald and where their son David was born. In 1955, Joe moved his young family to Barwick, Georgia, to help his family on a farm after his brother Max’s tragic accident. After learning the farm was being sold, he met a traveling veterinarian who told him about a job in Florida where they needed a “good cow man.”
Joe began work for La Forest Perdida in 1960 as a Cattle Foreman. He was a true Cattle-Roping Cowboy. If he wasn’t working with the cows and horses, planting trees, baling hay or mowing grass, he was chasing hunters off the company property. Joe was a hard worker who had to be moving. He always preferred to be outdoors. He continued doing the work he loved for over half a century until he was made to retire at the age of 82, or as he put it, “I was fired.”
The most important event of his life happened in 1962 when, in answer to his mother’s faithful and fervent prayers, he became a new man, saved by Christ. On that day Joseph Kelley Bellew changed from dark to light. Leaving his old life behind, he was now focused on reading his Bible every day, praying and attempting to win souls for Christ. He would not be in a conversation with someone long before asking if they were a Christian or if they knew the Lord. No matter what you called him: Joe, Dad, Papaw, Brother Joe, or Deacon, he has left us all with a legacy of faith and service. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family, by his church, by his community, by the many men who came to see him as a father figure, and by the children who knew him as “The Candy Man” at Enon Baptist Church.
Funeral services for Joseph (Joe) Bellew will be held at Enon Baptist Church, 7121 CR-97A McDavid, FL, on Tuesday, August 18. Family visitation at 10 a.m., open visitation 10:30-11:30 a.m. Service to follow immediately after conclusion of visitation, followed by a grave side service at adjacent Enon cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Roy Thomas, Bill Jacoby, Robert Hall, David Chaver, Michael Chaver, and Jason Lamb.
Earl Howard Halfacre Jr
August 16, 2026
Earl Howard Halfacre Jr. met our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face and entered the gates of Heaven on August 13, 2026, surrounded by love and leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.
Earl Howard was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age, and throughout his life, the fruits of the Spirit could be seen in the way he loved, served, encouraged, and cared for those God placed in his path.
Born and raised in Cantonment, Florida, Earl Howard spent his childhood running the roads of “the Village” alongside his favorite cousins and best friends and playing just about every sport available to him. He was a naturally gifted athlete, and during his years at Tate High School, he competed in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field, earning an impressive eleven varsity letters. One of the highlights of Earl Howard’s young athletic career came in 1959, when he and his best friend, David Patrick, were chosen to play in the Colt Baseball World Series. His team went on to win the championship, and in a moment that surely stayed with him for a lifetime, Earl Howard—playing second base—caught the final out that sealed the victory
After graduating from Tate, Earl Howard attended Pensacola Junior College on a baseball scholarship. After a year of college, he chose to enter the workforce and married his high school sweetheart. Together, they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Karen and Linda.
Years later, Earl Howard’s life took an unexpected and beautiful new turn when he met and married Bobbie Hudson-Halfacre, the love of his life. His daughters were grown, and Earl Howard might have thought his days of raising young children were behind him. Instead, life gave him the opportunity to begin again.
When Earl Howard came into their lives, Amanda was five and Mark was three. He opened his heart to them, helped raise them, and loved and treated them as his own. What could have seemed like starting over became one of the great chapters of his life. He embraced it wholeheartedly.
Earl Howard’s heart extended far beyond his own family. Throughout his life, he spent countless hours coaching, teaching, encouraging, and mentoring young athletes. For him, coaching was never only about winning games. It was an opportunity to invest in young people, to teach them discipline and perseverance, to encourage them, and to help them become better both on and off the field.
Over the years, Earl Howard had the privilege of coaching football, basketball, and baseball, from Little League through the high school level. He served as an assistant varsity football and baseball coach at Vernon High School, an assistant varsity football coach at Ridge Community High School, and an assistant varsity basketball coach at The Vanguard School. Wherever he coached, Earl Howard brought with him his love of sports, his competitive spirit, and, most importantly, his genuine love for the young people entrusted with his care.
If you knew Earl Howard, you knew there were three things especially close to his heart: God, family, and the Florida Gators. His faith came first, his family was his greatest earthly treasure, and somewhere not too far behind were his beloved Gators.
If there was a Florida Gators sporting event on television, chances were Earl Howard was watching. It didn’t matter if it was football, baseball, basketball, or even girls’ softball—if the Gators were playing, he was cheering them on.
Softball, however, held a particularly special place in his heart. Long before girls’ athletics had many of the opportunities they have today, Earl Howard, along with Sonny Wise, established and coached the first girls’ softball league in Cantonment, Florida. It was another reflection of who he was. When he saw an opportunity for young people to play, grow, compete, and belong, he didn’t simply stand on the sidelines—he stepped forward and helped make it happen.
That was Earl Howard. Whether it was his family, an athlete he was coaching, or a young person who simply needed someone to believe in them, he gave his time, his encouragement, and his heart. The scoreboard may have mattered while the game was being played, but the lives he touched mattered far more.
Earl Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Howard Halfacre Sr. and Beatrice Halfacre; his dearly loved brother, Eddie Halfacre; his niece, Becky Halfacre; and several of his closest friends and lifelong buddies who went before him. We can only imagine the joyful reunion that awaited him in Heaven.
Left to cherish his memory and carry forward the love, faith, laughter, and lessons he gave so freely are his beloved wife of 40 years, Bobbie Hudson-Halfacre; his children, Karen Hatcher (Larry), and Linda Tatum (Andy), Amanda Rogers (Russ), Mark Barraclough (Hannah) and special nephew he loved like a son, Donald Troy (Chania). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Hatcher (Lindsey), Kaitlyn Smith (Austin), Jarred Tatum, Brandon Tatum, Kayla Tatum, Tripp Barraclough, Aryn Rogers, Cheyenne Barraclough, and Roman Barraclough; and his bonus grandchildren, Gunter Rogers (Rachel) and Garrett Rogers (Sabrina).
Earl Howard’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, his extended family, his beloved cousins, the countless athletes he coached and mentored over the years, and the many friends whose lives were made better simply because Earl Howard was a part of them.
While those who loved him will deeply feel his absence, there is comfort in knowing that Earl Howard’s story did not end here. The faith he carried throughout his life became sight as he entered the presence of the Savior. And the greatest pieces of the man he was—his faith, his love for family, his generosity, his lessons, and his love for the Florida Gators—will live on in all of us who were blessed enough to call him husband, Dad, Pearl, Paw Paw, The Mess, Earlvis, family, coach, and friend.
The Halfacre family would like to recognize and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and care teams who provided such loving care and support to Earl Howard.
A special thank you to his nephew, Marshall Nance, who has devoted so much of his time over the past year to helping care for Earl Howard. Your love, dedication, and support have meant more to our family than words can express.
We would also like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for being an incredible source of comfort, guidance, and support during this difficult time. Your compassion and kindness brought reassurance when it was needed most.
Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to the Baptist care team, who went above and beyond to ensure Earl Howard was cared for with dignity, compassion, and tenderness. Your dedication helped provide him with peace and comfort, while giving our family the certainty of knowing he was in caring hands.
Mary Dean Stokes
August 16, 2026
Mary Dean Stokes, 96, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2026.
She was born in Sterrett, Alabama, on May 12, 1930 to Gordie and Pearl Hartsfield. She married James Melvin Stokes, Jr., and their love story lasted 48 years until his passing. Mary had a 30-year career with Chemstrand-Monsanto as a draw twist operator. She was a faithful member of Smyrna Baptist Church, growing in grace with her church community. Her hobbies were cooking and gardening, growing a beautiful array of both flowers and vegetables.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gordie and Pearl Hartsfield; husband, J. R. Stokes; daughter, Connie Stokes Reynolds; and sisters, Gordalee Gill, Erma Jean Wallis, Billie Earle Brasher, Verina Anne Ball; and brother, Harold L. Hartsfield.
She is survived by her sister, Sara Nell Weldon; daughter, Suzanne Stokes; grandchildren, Holly DeAnn Reynolds, Heather Lane (John) Nicholls; son-in-law, Ronnie Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Zoey DeAnn Milstead, Zachary Michael Milstead, Connie Noel Nicholls, Houston Grey Nicholls; and many special nieces and nephews.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Ronnie Reynolds, Rusty Burrell, Derek Weldon, John Nicholls, Drew Weldon, Zachary Milstead, and Houston Nicholls.
A funeral service will be held at Smyrna Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mary will be dearly remembered by the friends and family that she cared for so much.
Carrie Miller
August 12, 2026
Carrie Miller, age 79, passed away on August 8, 2026, in Pensacola, FL. She was born on February 16, 1947, in Pensacola, FL, as the fourth child of Russell and Melba Tharp.
Carrie grew up in the Warrington area of Pensacola, FL. She was the daughter of Naval Master Chief Russell Tharp. She obtained her LPN medical license in 1965 and continued nursing for 37 years. She worked at Baptist and West Florida Hospitals and several nursing homes across the Gulf Coast area. She loved her family dearly and witnessed to others about her profound faith in Jesus. She loved crafting, sewing, playing softball, knitting, cooking, and singing. She was 100% an extrovert who never met a stranger without a smile.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline Ognibene, and her brother, Herbert Tharp.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jerry Miller; her brother, Calvin Tharp; her sister, Joyce (Mike) Ungerman; and her daughters: Petressa (Scott) Wynn, Michelle (Greg) Owen, and Christine Holden. Carrie had 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Many family members and friends will sadly miss her. She was dearly loved by all!
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. A procession from Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus will leave promptly at 1:45 p.m.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until noon prior to services.
Tina Marie (Garrett) Jones
August 11, 2026
Tina Marie (Garrett) Jones, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on August 8, 2026, after a long illness.
A Pensacola native, Tina was born on November 6, 1961, to Edgar Ray Garrett and Patricia (Lodge) Garrett.
After graduating from Tate High School in 1979, Tina built a career as a medical transcriptionist. She also devoted herself to raising her two children and pursuing her arts and crafts, especially her gallery glass window designs.
A fun-loving and sweet spirit, Tina was preceded in death by her beloved father, Edgar Ray Garrett and cherished dog, Simmie.
She is survived by her mother, Patricia (Lodge) Garrett; her amazing sister, Vikki R. Garrett; and her two children: daughter, Anna D. (Jones) Kimball and son, Benjamin G. Jones. In addition to her immediate family, Tina leaves behind many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Thank you to all who helped care for Tina over the years. A special thank you to her caregivers (Adrial, Lia, Ki, and Evelyn), just to name a few; Angie’s In-Home Care; her nurses (Peggy, Susan, and Laura); and her case manager with Council On Aging, Lindsey Mudge.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Council On Aging of West Florida, Inc. in memory of Tina Jones.
Nancy ‘Dixie’ Thomley Hall
August 11, 2026
Nancy “Dixie” Thomley Hall, of Bay Springs, FL., passed away on August 9, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1951, to Ernest Thomley and Flora Jean Brown Thomley.
She was a homemaker, was of the Baptist faith, and enjoyed spending time with her husband, sister, and especially her grandchildren.
Dixie never met a stranger, loved laughing and joking around. She had a pleasant demeanor and sunny disposition.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Dixie is survived by her husband, John E. Hall; two sons, Kelvin Hall of Columbus, GA, Brian (Ellen) Hall of Christian Home, FL.; her sister, Eddie Jo Talmage of Walnut Hill, FL; and her grandchildren, Berklee Hall, Brody Hall, Joshlynn Helton, Jackson “Jack” Helton, Jay Helton, and Justin Helton.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Josh Long and Rev. Ted Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Christian Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m., at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brodie Hall, Jackson Helton, Christian Sande, Chris Luker, Wayne Eccles and Craig Lowery.
Honorary pallbearers will be J.D. Montgomery, Clifford Lowery, Brandon Smith and Allen Sande.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
JoAnn Nicholson Skipper
August 10, 2026
JoAnn Nicholson Skipper, 86, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 5, 2026. She was born in Enterprise, AL, on September 17, 1939, to Mansol E. Stanford and Pauline Stuckey Stanford.
She was a retired Classification Supervisor at Fountain Prison.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Robert I. Skipper; her brother, Leo Stanford; a grandchild, Kristin Robinson and a great-grandchild, Tatum McGhee.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly Davis of Montgomery, AL., John (Stephanie) Skipper of Atmore, AL., and Robert Matthew Skipper of Richmond, VA; her brothers, Larry Stanford and Greg Stanford. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Brett, Whitney, Ashley Aurelia, and Katie; along with 2 great-grandchildren, Rileigh and Ryder.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. at Green Acres Cemetery in Brewton, AL, with Bro. Greg Stanford officiating. Interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Michael Jon Colucci
August 9, 2026
Michael Jon Colucci, 88, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away August 3, 2026. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on July 3, 1938 to Michael and Juliette Colucci. He was married to Adria M. Colucci for nearly 54 years. Michael served his nation in the Korean War, had a varied professional life before retiring, and having surrendered his life to His Lord Jesus Christ in 1986, he wrote the closing chapter of his life in layman’s ministry.
He served in the U. S. Army, the CIA, and retired from IBM. His service and work were all punctuated by his ministry efforts. He founded and operated Layman’s Walk Ministries focused in Cuba, served his church dutifully, and cared for his family sacrificially.
He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and had a passion for Missions, supporting several missionaries and works worldwide. He loved Children’s Ministry, travel, and art, producing a large portfolio of paintings, sculptures, and literary works. Before his earthly departure, he expressed that having written his “last book,” he would commit himself to mastering music.
Michael touched countless lives and left a lasting impression, due to his being a man of tremendous character, dedication, commitment, boundless energy, exuberance, and humor. He loved bringing joy and laughter to others. These traits were all reinforced by his relationship to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as seen through his commitment to his church and his sacrificial care for his family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fannie Brown Colucci; infant son, Michael Colucci; father, Michael Colucci; mother, Juliette Denault Colucci; stepfather, Walter Boulé; brother, Kenneth Colucci; and sister, Carol Colucci Largay.
He is survived by his wife, Adria De Armas Colucci; daughter, Juliann Colucci; son, Michael L. Colucci; daughter, Roxanne D. Colucci Carroll; granddaughters, Nataniah E. Colucci McCart, Trinity D. DeVries, Xarisia P. Colucci; grandson, Michael-Orazio A. Colucci; and granddaughter, Zaria-Milan S. Colucci.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 800 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida 32514 with Pastor Brian Barlow officiating. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m., and the family will receive friends starting at 1:00 p.m. The burial will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery.