Richard Nicholas Mihalik
July 18, 2015
Richard Nicholas Mihalik, 68, of Cantonment, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late George and Clara Mihalik.
Richard married Brenda Joyce Malone of Cantonment on Valentine’s Day, Februray 14, 1975. He proudly served three tours in Vietnam. He traveled extensively while serving as a ships serviceman on carriers and destroyers. He retired with 21 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy and 22 years with Civil Service as an Education Technician at DANTES Saufley Field.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Georgia Titus.
Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Brenda; children, Gina (Bobby) Bowers and Kevin Mihalik; grandchild, Saleyna (Lisa) Salter; great-grandson, Grady Dean Salter; sister, Tina (Terrance) Carney; brother-in-law, Charles Titus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at the funeral home.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Norman Roscoe Byrd
July 18, 2015
Norman Roscoe Byrd, 91, of Pensacola, was called home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2015. He passed away peacefully while holding Kate’s hand, his wife of 65 years. A man of few words with a passion for God, his country, and especially his family, he made many sacrifices in life to secure their well-being. His dry sense of humor, wisdom, and love will forever be cherished by the loved ones he left behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie S. and Ida Bessie Byrd; and by his sister, Naomi Shaw.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kate T. Byrd; three children, N. Richard Byrd (Martha), Anne Free (Ben) and Gary F. Byrd (Jean); and two grandchildren, Garet Free and Megan Free.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Farm Hill United Methodist Church followed by services at 11:15 in the sanctuary.
Interment with military honors will be at 1:15 p.m. at Barrances National Cemetery.
Visitation for the family will follow services at Norman’s residence.
Honorary pallbearers are Garet Free, Olin Tisdale, Randy Tisdale, Eddie Tisdale, Riley Tisdale, John Shaw III, Robert Junk, and Johnny Farill.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Farm Hill United Methodist Church, 1251 Muscogee Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 or to Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32514.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Infant Gabriella Lynn Casey
July 18, 2015
Infant Gabriella Lynn Casey of Atmore, passed away July 14, 2015, in Mobile.
She is survived by her parents, Colton Casey and Anna Presley; grandparents, Debra Presley and the late Eddie Presley, Jerry Casey, all of Atmore; great-grandparents, James and Jackie Presley, Lillie Casey, Loyce Strawbridge and the late Ronland Strawbridge all of Atmore; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Graveside services were held Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Nokomis Baptist Cemetery with Bro. James Hill officiating.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
Charles F. Adams, Sr.
July 18, 2015
Charles F. Adams, Sr. was born on October 31, 1928, in Canton, Ohio. Charles was a loving and nurturing soul who was devoted to his family. His greatest enjoyment was to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He was a devoted Christian and a member of the Lawton Street Baptist Church. He was a great inspiration and well respected man.
Charles is survived by his wife, Wilma J. Adams; son, Charles A. Adams; daughter, Kathy (Randy) Holloway, of Georgia; granddaughter, Wilma (James) Lumpkins; grandsons, Charles (Heather) Adams, II of Mississippi, Brandon (Naduxa) Booker of Utah, and Logan (Ashley) Booker of Georgia; great-grandson, James Lumpkins, Jr., of North Carolina; great-granddaughter, Jessica Lumpkins; great-grandsons, Dylan Lumpkins, and Kevin Adams, of Mississippi; and great-granddaughter, Ruby Adams of Mississippi.
Funeral services were held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South on Saturday, July 18, 2015, with Brother Brockman officiating.
Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Pallbearers were James Lumpkins, Willie Howell, Charles Adams, II, Malcom Nix, Dylan Lumpkins and Charles Sims.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements.
Lois A. “Coot” Gibson
July 15, 2015
Lois A. “Coot” Gibson, 89 of Walnut Hill, passed away July 15, 2015, at her residence. She was born in Escambia County, FL, on December 2, 1925, to the late Otis and Vera Melvin Agerton. She was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband A. L. “ Jack” Gibson.
She is survived by her children, Joan Gibson and James L. “Buddy” Gibson both of Walnut Hill; one brother, Edward (Ann) Agerton of Oak Grove; four grandchildren, Donnie (Katie) Gibson, Sandra Gibson (Jay) Chimento, Levan (Jennifer) Trull and Tommy Gibson; six great-grandchildren, Ashley (Bo) McCall, Rebeca Gibson, Joey (Michelle) Mizell, Melissa (Quinn) Nichols, Jordan Trull and Sarah Gibson; five great-great-grandchildren, Landon, B. J., Zoey, Laiken and Madi Claire; and three nephews, Gene Agerton, James Agerton and Robert Agerton.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2015, at 11 a.m. from the Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Bro. James Boyd, Bro. Ted Bridges and Bro. Roy Chewning officiating.
Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Kent Sherrill, Little John Davis, Steve Gabriel, Larry Gibson, Robbie Ferguson and Jason Stabler.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joan’s Sunday School Class.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Freida Margene Allen
July 14, 2015
Freida Margene Allen, 58, of Molino, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015.
She was a loving wife and mother who will be missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jeanette McCrory of Cantonment.
Freida is survived by her husband, Larry Allen of Molino; her children, Rodney (Carol) Allen of Cantonment and Dale (Joan) Allen of Tampa; grandchildren, Gracie and Brady of Cantonment and Justine of Tampa; and siblings, Carolyn of Cantonment, Theresa of Arlington, TX, Wayne of Cantonment and Marilyn of Cantonment.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015, with Bro. Fred Stallworth officiating.
Burial to follow in Pugh’s Chapel.
Visitation will begin one hour prior to services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Senior Rae Gilbert Griffin
July 14, 2015
Senior Rae Gilbert Griffin, 85, of Jay, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2015. She was prepared to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Senior was born on March 8, 1930, and grew up in Ashland, Alabama. During her early life, she was an active member of Jay First Baptist Church and was involved in many activities for the youth and the choir. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Griffin; and parents, Perry and Nellie Jane Waldrop Gilbert.
She is survived by her loving children, daughters, Joan Byrd, Doris Jackson, and Debbie (John) Bell; sons, James Griffin and Bryan Griffin; grandsons, Michael Holland, Gary Holland, Daniel Haan, Joey Wolfe, Ryan Wolfe, and Greg Byrd; granddaughters, Lacy Griffin and Vonda Byrd Buckhault; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Voncille Shannon and Shirley Caldwell; and brother, Charles Gilbert.
Senior’s mother died when Senior was only 13, so she became the mother figure and caregiver to her siblings, which helped shape her as the caring and generous woman that she became. She was selfless and giving of herself and truly had a servant’s heart. Her early career as a kindergarten teacher not only provided many of the town’s children a head start on their education but also educated their hearts, teaching them how to love and treat others.
Through her many years as a florist, she shared in countless memories with the people of Jay and its surrounding areas. She helped the community celebrate joyous occasions, as well as comfort them in times of sickness, sorrow, and grief with her beautiful floral arrangements that she lovingly created. She was always there to offer a kind word and a warm hug to her customers. She worked hard and long hours doing what she loved to do, helping provide a good life for her family and bring joy to others. Her house was always open to her children’s friends, and she became a mother to all of them.
She always made those around her smile. During her two years residing at Century Health and Rehabilitation Center, she brightened the day of the other residents with her witty remarks, compliments, and classes on flower arranging. She was a gentle and generous Southern lady to the end.
The family wishes to extend its thanks to the entire staff of Century Health and Rehabilitation Center for its tremendous love and care of their mother. Also, sincere thanks to Covenant Hospice, Dr. David Smith, and roommate Nancy Thames.
Visitation at Jay First Baptist Church will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. for immediate family and from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. for friends. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m.
Interment will be at Jay Cemetery.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Hubert Parker
July 14, 2015
William Hubert Parker, 99, passed away Monday, July 13, 2015. As we celebrated granddad’s 99th birthday, we will now celebrate his new life. He was a man of humility and never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He was born May 28, 1916, in Brewton to the late Lydia Douglas Parker and Archie Parker.
He was the past president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. As an ordained Pastor he faithfully served his Lord and congregation and was often referred to as “Rabbi.”
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Gladys Louise Thompkins Parker; daughter, Mary Louise Harrell; granddaughter, Debbie Brown; great-grandson, Ronnie Brown; daughter-in-law, Marie Parker; brother, Elbert Lee Parker; and sister, Mary Sue Parker McIntosh.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son, James Kenneth Parker; daughters, Rosa Lee Ard and Pamela Kay (Frank) Murphy; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
His family extends their thanks to Ms. Velva and Regency Hospice nurse, Kalie.
To his “special” sons, Clayton and Frank, thank you for fulfilling all his dreams. You were his sons-in-law by chance, but became his sons by choice.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Jean Comans and Pastor Virgil Pope officiating.
Burial will follow in Jordan Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2015.
Pallbearers will be James Parker, Chris Parker, Josh Parker, Tanner Montanez, Suede Collins, Jacob Hawkins, Gary Hawkins, Rece Howard, and Ryan Floyd.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and encouragement which reminds us all that ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted’. Matthew 5:4.
Martin Andrew Stephens
July 13, 2015
Martin Andrew Stephens, 36, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015.
Martin, an avid Auburn fan, was born on August 13, 1978, in Pensacola. He was a member of the Woodham High School baseball team and graduated in 1996. He was enrolled at Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida as a full-time student. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he faithfully served his country for 12 years. During that time, he deployed overseas nine times which included, Djibouti, Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He was stationed at Hurlburt Air Force Base with the Special Operations Unit. He was placed on temporary medical retirement as a TSgt because of his next battle, bone cancer. Martin was a four year cancer survivor. In April 2014 his family faced yet another battle. Their home was destroyed by the floods and they had to be rescued by boat. Despite all the battles he faced, he remained a humble, loving, father, son and friend to all. His greatest loves were his family, Jenny, who was his high school sweetheart and wife, and their two sons, Ethan and Henry. Martin was the type of man who would help others before himself. His kind and gentle spirit will be missed forever.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny; their two sons, Ethan and Henry; his loving mother, Pamela Martin (Keith) Waters all of Pensacola; his father, Michael (Miriam) Stephens of Kinston, AL; and his loving sister, Fielding (Collin) Ryder also of Pensacola. Martin also will be lovingly remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins, step-brothers and step-sisters, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friends, Zach Fleming, Travis Shaw and Allen Miller.
Even though he was faced with many battles throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his Christian faith. He has no more battles and he is finally at peace.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Darren McClellan officiating.
Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Nellie Grace Russell Ballard
July 12, 2015
Nellie Grace Russell Ballard, age 77, of Berrydale, Florida entered Heaven’s gate on July 10, 2015, after a brief illness with COPD. Nell was born July 1, 1938, in Miami, Florida to Hurbert “Bo” and Margaret “Mag” Russell. She graduated from Jay High School at the age of 16 and then graduated with her Associates in Science Degree from Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa May 2, 1957. After graduation, she married Silas Ballard of Lamoni on June 2, 1957, and they moved to Berrydale (Jay) Florida and began their family.
Nell is proceeded in death by her parents, Bo and Maggie Russell; infant siblings, Wade Durrell and Doris Elaine; and a stillborn, premature son, Kenneth.
Nell is survived by her children; Myrna (Lynn) Cobb of Jay, Peggy Melton of Rock Hill, South Carolina (companion Bert Settle of Jay), and Keith Ballard of Louisiana; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Erik (Tori) Cobb, Peighton and Jansen, Erin (Tonya) Cobb, Micala, Caden, and Kerrigan, Kendell (Andrew) Teague, Hamilton, Presley Melton, and Silas Ballard (his mother Debbie Sturm). Nell is also survived by her sister, Margaret Calhoun; her brother, Sid (Leanne) Russell; one nephew and three nieces. She is also survived by her special aunt, Becky Pugh of Milton as well as numerous cousins.
Nell held various jobs throughout her lifetime. She was a homemaker. She worked for the Monsanto Company. She was a substitute teacher and substitute bus driver for the SRC, before starting a career as a rural letter carrier in the Milton Post Office in 1972 where she retired April 30, 1997, after 25 years of service. Nell also was a caregiver to residents of the Jay area.
Nell was saved in the spring of 2001 and was baptized, joining Berrydale Baptist Church, July 29, 2001. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and volunteering at her church.
Her hobbies included crocheting, cross stitching and researching and compiling her family’s genealogy records. Nell was also an avid sports fan.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Jeff Kelley, the staff of Jay Hospital, the staff of Century Care Rehabilitation Center, and Covenant Hospice for their compassion and professionalism in attending to their mother’s needs.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.