Clyde Verneal Huff
June 16, 2014
Clyde Verneal Huff was born January 12, 1922, to Joseph Oswald and Fannie Vera Darr Huff of Millport, Alabama. He died Friday, June 13, 2014.
He was married for over 67 years to Frances Adele Flowers Huff, a wonderful wife and mother of their three children. Preceding him in death are his son, Joseph Hobson Huff (Charlotte), his daughter, Brenda Joyce Huff, and brother, Derral Huff. Mr. Huff is survived by his wife Frances, his son, Larry Waldo Huff (Susan), brother Fred Huff of Thomasville, Alabama, four granddaughters, Tammy Hester, Wendy Huff, Vivian Ruth Huff, and Amanda A. Hindsman (Craig), one grandson, Christopher Lee Huff, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Clyde served in the Army in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Dutch East Indies where he served as a member of a mortar crew. He received the Purple Heart in the Philippines. He mustered out of the service on December 25, 1945, and returned home to Millport where met and married the love of his life, Frances Flowers.
After graduating from Millport High School, Clyde attended Mississippi State College where he played semi-pro baseball. Clyde moved his family to Pensacola in the late forties. He worked at Saint Regis Paper and retired as a head finisher after working there for 28 years.
Clyde loved to hunt and fish with his friends. “Bro. Clyde”, as he was known by most, was a man of his word. If he told you he was going to do something, you could always depend on him doing it one way or another. Clyde also loved coaching softball and flag football. He influenced many young people by his dedication and commitment, not to the game, but to them. When you played for Mr. Clyde you were expected to play your best, act your best and always play fair.
Clyde’s greatest joy, besides being married to the greatest woman he had ever known, was sharing the love of Jesus by what he could do for others around him in need. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior when He was 32 years old, during a revival at Plainview Baptist Church. He was ordained and served as a deacon. He was a wonderful man, fine husband, father, grandfather, brother, and all around friend to everyone who was privileged to have known him. Clyde has come to the end of his journey here on this earth and has now heard the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome to your reward in paradise.” So now his greatest journey has just begun. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral service for Mr. Huff will be Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Susan Bear Leath
June 14, 2014
Susan Bear Leath, 75, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014. Susan was born on December 14, 1938, in Pensacola. She is the daughter of Lewis Bear Sr. and Peggy Loeb Bear Freiberg.
Susan is survived by her husband of 51 years, James William Leath; son, Eric Leath; daughter, Nikki Leath (Roy) Faktor; brothers, Lewis (Belle) Bear Jr., and Donald Bear; sister-in-law, Janis Bear; nephews and nieces, Lewis (Jen) Bear III, Cindi Bear (Chad) Bonner, David (Cindi) Bear, Emily Bear, and Daisy Bear; cousins, Ellen (John) Walsh, Leo (Monica) Loeb, Sally (David) Loeb, Dottie Kahn Boyle (David) Galloway, Elisa Jennings (Mike) Sullivan, and Leslie Jennings (Jeff) Eckhouse.
Always ready to help anyone, Susan was a Brownie troop leader, frequent school volunteer, a lifelong member of the Temple Beth El sisterhood, and member of Impact 100, along with many other charitable organizations. She followed the path of an old saying–”any good that I may do let me do it now for I may not pass this way again”. She always reached out to lend a hand to others, without regard for any recognition. She loved animals, small children and people. She always closed a conversation with “I love you” and meant it.
Rabbi Joel Fleekop will be officiating a memorial service followed by a celebration-of-life at 1 p.m. on Sunday June 22, 2014, at New World Landing. All friends and family are welcome, attire will be casual. We request that contributions to your favorite charity be sent in lieu of flowers.
Helen Rankin Byrd
June 13, 2014
Mrs. Helen Rankin Byrd passed away June 12, 2014. She was a native of Texas County, Missouri, former resident of Pensacola and Walnut Hill. She was currently residing in Marianna, FL. She was a beautician in Pensacola and worked at the Old Navy Point stores. She later was employed by the Jackson County Florida School Board teaching adult arts and craft classes. She was an accomplished artist. She was a member of Woodmen of the World Lodge 65, the Art Guild of Pensacola, and the Artist Guild Of Northwest Florida. She was the oldest living member of First Baptist Church of Marianna. Helen was a member of the Faithful Workers Sunday School class and the Joy Club.
Mrs. Byrd is preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Cora Clark Rankin and her husband Wiley T. Byrd, Sr.
Mrs. Byrd is survived by two sons, Wiley T. (Buddy) Byrd II of Westville, FL and Steven L. (Sue) Byrd of Walnut Hill; three daughters, Wanetta A. (Thomas) McGinty of Walnut Hill, E. La Vonne (Danny) Swindle of Pensacola and Rhonda K. (Bud) Byrd-Lee of Westville, FL; 14 grandchildren, Leslie Garner, Lynn Yelverton, Laine Austin, Wiley T. (Johnny) Byrd III, Deana Coursey, Jennifer Carstens, Anneke Tschirhart, Tanaia Gleason, Teegan McCooey, Shannon Byrd, Shane Byrd, Zack Byrd, Bryan Lee and Barry Lee; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 16, 2014, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Marianna with Rev. Michael Petty and Dr. Mark Long officiating.
Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2014, with Rev. Danny Swindle officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral service at First Baptist Church in Marianna.
Donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Gay and Chipola Medical Staff and Emerald Coast Hospice for the love and care shown to their mother and grandmother.
Irene Brandt
June 13, 2014
Irene Brandt, 91, of Cantonment, went home to be with our Lord Jesus on June 5, 2014. She is now joined with her parents, Eino and Toini Anderson and her beloved husband Gustav Brandt in Heaven.
Irene was born and raised in Ewen, Michigan where she met the love of her life, Fred. After marrying they relocated to Cantonment in 1945. She was an employee of Associates Finance Company for 25 years.
Irene was an active member of the Ensley United Methodist Church where she participated in the women’s “Gleaners” Sunday School Class and Jolly Makers. She also served as an officer in the United Methodist Women’s group and was a member of the church choir where she was a very strong alto. Irene was also a member of the TOPS Chapter FL98.
She loved her family and especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren saying they kept her young. She is survived by her sister, Adeline Robl; daughters, Christine Ellis (Gary) of Houston, Texas and Karen Teets (Dale); grandchildren, Todd Parker (Robin), Jason Parker, Christine Carpenter (Charles), Michael Ellis (Heather) of Houston, Texas, April Johnson, and Kaitlin Frederickson (Anthony); and nine great-grandchildren.
Flowers are optional, but if you would like to send a donation in memorial of Irene, please donate to the Ensley United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
where she was a strong supporter.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Eastern Gate. Services will be co-officiated by Pastor Gina Bryan and Bro. Mark Dees.
Eastern Gate Funeral Home has been entrused with arrangements.
James Kimberly Smith
June 12, 2014
James Kimberly Smith, 60 of McDavid, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Pensacola. He was a dry wall artist born in Dade City, FL on November 21, 1953, to James Buford and Patricia Duey Smith.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Buford Smith and a son, James Colin Smith.
Survivors include his mother, Patricia Smith of Kissimmee; one daughter, Celeste Smith of Jacksonville; one grandson, Jacobi James Smith of Jacksonville; and one brother, Stephen Smith of Kissimmee.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jacobi James Smith College Fund c/o Regions Bank/Celeste Smith.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, is in charge of all arrangements.
Anne Long Davidson
June 12, 2014
Mrs. Anne Long Davidson, 47, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014, in Mobile.
Mrs. Davidson was a native of Decatur, Alabama, former resident of Bay Minette and was a resident of Grand Bay.
Her father, Harold Bracken; daughter, Kristy Windsor and brother, Charles Bracken, precede her in death.
She is survived by her mother, Ann Bracken of Bay Minette; husband of 4 ½ years, Lee Davidson of Grand Bay; two sons, Richard Long, Jr. of Theodore and David (Britney) Long of Theodore; two brothers, Michael (Traci) Bracken of Bay Minette and Timothy (Madeline) Bracken of Columbia, SC; four sisters, Virginia (Bobby) Lee of Bay Minette, Frankie “Nina” (Rodger) McDuffie of Bay Minette, Amy (Clayton) Huggins of Wilcox, and Omaree “Marie” (Jason) Graham of Bay Minette; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Full Power Holiness Church with Rev. Ed McMillan and Rev. Joe Welch officiating.
Burial will follow at the Bay Minette Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 13, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Full Power Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Adam James, Joseph Hilburn, Bill Long, Chris Long and Lee Cooley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Leslie Bartley
June 11, 2014
Mr. Robert Leslie Bartley, 82, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 in Atmore.
Mr. Bartley was a native of Walnut Hill, former resident of Pensacola and had resided in Christian Home since 1973. Mr. Bartley was a Korean War Veteran and an employee of American Linen. He is preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Mary B. Bartley of Christian Home; three sons, Robert W. Bartley of Atmore, Troy Randall Bartley and Ricky Lynn Bartley, both of Christian Home; one daughter, Lorene (Belle) Whitmore of Christian Home; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at the Christian Home Cemetery with Rev. Kenny Johnson officiating.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Frank James Milstead
June 11, 2014
Frank James Milstead, 89, of Cantonment, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 10, 2014.
Born of Creek Indian heritage in Uriah on November 8, 1924, to Jesse James and Almeda Woods Milstead, he spent most of his life in Cantonment. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and after discharge married Bessie Carolyn Silcox. They were married for 68 years. Frank was the last postmaster of the Muscogee post office and retired from Monsanto after 25 years.
He loved fishing, hunting, camping, enjoying nature, and spending time with family. He was a lifelong member of Disabled American Veterans and the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are his wife, Carolyn; children, Janis (Rob) Rose, Cathy Hébert, Frank (Deborah) Milstead, II, Chandra (Art) Dehnz and Steve (Karen) Milstead; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; sisters, Jessie Mae Fitch and Ruth Crutchfield; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
A visitation will be held for family and friends at the family home at 4 p.m. Friday, June 13, with the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Faith Chapel North.
Interment will be at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity.
J.W. Philyaw, Sr.
June 11, 2014
J.W. Philyaw, Sr. 52 of Repton, passed away Monday June 9, 2014, in Brewton. He was a truck driver, born in Atmore on July 2, 1961, to the late John Lee and Dorothy Capers Philyaw.
Survivors are one son, J.W. Philyaw, Jr; two daughters, Dorthy K. Philyaw and Rosa Darlin Philyaw all of Repton; two brothers, William (Every) Philyaw and James Philyaw both of Century; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Services will be Friday, June 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Janet Lee officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Family will receive friends, Friday June 13, 2014, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Archie Gerald Sellers
June 11, 2014
Mr. Archie Gerald Sellers, 82, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2014, in Atmore.
Mr. Sellers was a native of Frisco City and a resident of Atmore for most of his life. Mr. Sellers owned and operated Sellers Electric. He attended the Church of the Living God. His wife, Cleo Sellers; grandson, Cody Brown; parents, John and Ruby Sellers; brothers, Charles and Raford Sellers; and sisters, Ervie Bray and Atha Hale precede him in death.
He is survived by his three daughters, Wanda (Chipper) Staff, Vickie Carrier and Sandra (Mark) Brown all of Atmore, AL; five grandchildren, Angela Leachman, Michelle Smith, Scott Fayard, Casey Fayard and Joshua Brown; three step-grandchildren, Kit Leachman, Jake Leachman and Haley Leachman; eight great-grandchildren; and caregivers, Mildred Edwards and Dorothy Roberson.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Harrison and Rev. Don Davis officiating.
Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Dean, Kelly Gunn, Ron Weinmann, Billy Rollin, Mike Digmon and Robert Harrison.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.