Michael Lee Barberi
January 27, 2014
Michael Lee Barberi passed away Friday, January 24, 2014. He was born in Albany, Georgia, on February 7, 1964. Michael Barberi was so many amazing things: a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful son, a loyal brother, a thoughtful uncle and a phenomenal grandfather. Michael proudly served active duty in the U.S. Air Force and continued his service as a StaffSergeant in the Reserves. He then worked for Winn-Dixie as a refrigeration expert for15 years in the Atlanta, GA, area. Michael returned to Pensacola in 2005 to work in his father’s family business, Barberi Heating & Air, and he became president and owner in 2008. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in the woods.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Barberi and children, Laura, Amanda and Jillian; stepchildren, Kayla, Brian, Susan and Brandy; step-grandchildren, Zane, Chase and Paisley. Michael is also survived by his father and stepmother, Michael W. and Beverly Barberi; mother and stepfather, Susan and Gene Gurley; three brothers and three sisters, David (Pam) Barberi, Sherri (Charlotte Starkey) Barberi, Suzy (David) Godwin, Christopher (Helen) Barberi, June (Russ) Burchfield, and Stephen (Nicole) Gurley.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. at the Escambia Education Association building, 6551 N. Palafox, Street, Pensacola.
According to his wishes, Michael will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to your favorite charity in Michael’s name.
Family-Funeral & Cremation is handling arrangements.
William Joseph Johnson
January 26, 2014
William Joseph Johnson went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 23, 2014.
William, whom his family and friends called Bill was born on April 27, 1928.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Mamie Chavers Johnson, his brother Junior Johnson and sister Ruby Griffis. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Gladys Johnson, his stepdaughters Dianne Bryant, Sharon Giraud, and stepson David Shirey; His grandchildren, Jamie Cleckley, Julia Manning, Tori Toms, and Trevor Toms; His great grandchildren, Ashlyn Fuller and William “Billy” Mann. Bill is also survived by his siblings Marie Carnley, Louise Capps, Evelyn Tolbert, Ester Cartwright, Dott Bohannon, Laura Kimmons, Marylee Gilmore, Fred Johnson, Buford Johnson, and Jimmy Johnson; His children Preston Johnson, Wanda Pinter, Daryl Johnson, Shelia Fisher, Dwight Johnson, Ronnie Johnson and Danna Lewalski; His grandchildren Joey, Little Daryl, Donnie, Jessie, Destiny, Misty, Christy, Amy, Staci, Tamala, and Junior.
Bill is a Korean War Veteran. During his time in the service Bill rose to the rank of corporal.
Among his award are the, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and a Bronze Star. Bill received an Honorable discharge on February 24, 1954.
William Joseph Johnson touched the lives of so many. He is loved and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2014, from noon until the 2 p.m. funeral service at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Don Neese officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Cemetery in Molino.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North , 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements.
Lawrence Melvin LaCoste
January 25, 2014
Lawrence Melvin LaCoste, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and brother in Christ, slipped the bonds of earth and entered into the presence of his heavenly Father on January 21, 2014. He was 79.
Born one of seven children to Lawrence LaCoste and Paralee Merchant LaCoste in Century, Florida on September 25, 1934, Melvin grew up helping his father on a small family farm. Their lives were humble – he recalled drawing water from the well because there was no running water in the house – but full of love. Melvin’s mother passed away when he was just 16 and as his four older siblings had already left home, Melvin cared for his younger brother Ronnie and baby sister Patricia. Despite his responsibilities, Melvin was a favorite and star athlete at Century High School, excelling in football and baseball. He met his wife, Vonnie Dunsford there, and the two married when he was just 18 and she 16.
He attended apprenticeship school and learned to be an electrician. The trade took the young couple from Pensacola to New York City in the early 1950s where Melvin worked on the restoration of the Waldorf Astoria among other projects. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, they made their home where work took them, Utah, Idaho, California, Texas and Birmingham, Ala. With his easy manner, quick wit and penchant for teasing, Melvin made fast friends wherever he went. Back in Pensacola, Melvin partnered with his brother to form LaCoste Electric Company and later his own company, Arc Electrical Contractors. He developed a reputation for fairness, loyalty and a superior work ethic and made many friends in the construction industry in Northwest Florida.
Melvin and his family joined Smyrna Baptist Church in the early 1970s. The church was Melvin’s anchor in life. He served as Sunday School superintendent for 20 years and has served as chairman of the Board of Deacons for the past decade. He sang in the church choir and often sang solos during services. His clear tenor voice seemed impossibly sweet coming from a broad-shouldered man who topped six-foot-three, and people were moved to tears hearing him sing his favorite songs, such as “Beulah Land”. Melvin also spent time volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission, accompanying his pastor to sing hymns before the sermon. He never forgot his humble beginnings and his generosity knew no bounds. He has helped countless souls through the years – whether they were family members, church visitors or a homeless stranger passing through.
Melvin was married to the love of his life for 61 years and never tired of kissing her and telling her how pretty she is. Melvin’s pride in his three sons, his daughter and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were obvious to all who met him. He loved people and through his career and dedication to his church, touched hundreds of lives. Children were drawn to him and he always had a hug and candy to hand out for the Sunday School children at Smyrna. Wait staff at restaurants he frequented knew him by name and his habit of greeting girls and ladies with a “Hey Boy!” remains a source of great delight and amusement.
He suffered a stroke in late 2012 and moved to the Health Center of Pensacola. Though he could only attend his beloved church infrequently, he enjoyed visits from his church family and his children and grandchildren. The twinkle in his eye and the smile on his lips remained to his last day. Melvin was bigger than life, both literally and figuratively. His passionate love for his wife and family, his unfailing dedication to his Lord and his true Christ-like, servant’s spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Vonnie LaCoste of Pensacola; his four children and 12 grandchildren: Skip LaCoste of Pensacola, wife Jean and children Kari, Joshua and Sarah; Tim LaCoste of Slidell, La., wife Vickie and children Megan Gulledge, and Leanne and Chantry Huffman; Scott LaCoste of Chumuckla, wife Mitzi and children Wyatt and Cameron LaCoste and Alexis and Nate Gentry; and Jenny LaCoste Caputo of Austin, Tx., husband Anton and children Dante and Lexi. He is also survived by three siblings, Elsie Allred of Century, Patricia Gibson of Ponchatoula, La.; and Ronnie LaCoste of Pensacola; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Joshua LaCoste, Dante Caputo, Bruce Robertson, Danny Fuller, Marc Fuller, Mark Trinkle, Bryan LaCoste and Mike Jones.
Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Smyrna Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held January 25, 2014, at Smyrna Baptist Church.
Interment was at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Hollis Luker
January 25, 2014
Mr. Hollis Luker, age 63, of Brewton, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at Atmore Community Hospital.
Mr. Luker was a native of Atmore and a longtime resident of Baldwin County, where during his working years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was of the Pentecostal faith and was preceded in death by his son, Benny Hollis Luker and his brother, Howard Luker.
He is survived by his son, Clarence Luker of North, AL; daughter, Jennifer Luker of Cantonment; sisters, Clara Allison of Calera, AL, Linda Harrelson, Louvania Roberson of Pineview, AL; and two grandchildren.
Graveside services were held on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Homer Stewart officiating.
Pallbearers were Sammie Roberson, Wayne Lisenby, Bob Fore, Earl Parker, Ray Parker and Huston Gill.
Flomaton Funeral Home directing.
Luveda Etta Cunningham Shanks
January 25, 2014
Luveda Etta Cunningham Shanks, 88 of Atmore, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014, in Atmore. She was a retired nurse with 45 years at Atmore Community Hospital. She was born in Atmore on August 27, 1925, to the late Buddie and Hattie Belle English Cunningham. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
She is preceded in death by Voncile C. Madison; brother, Charles T. Cunningham; niece, Charolette M. Underhill; and nephew, David Russell Madison.
Survivors include her son, Charles Larry (Vicki) Shanks of Atmore; one daughter, Debra Ann (Gene) Agerton of Walnut Hill; two sisters, Marvadean (Lloyd) C. Barrow of Century; Dorothy C. Killam of Atmore; grandchildren, Mindy Jackson McGhee, Nicklas Agerton, Jordan Agerton, Heather Michelle Shanks and Matthew Ryan Shanks; great-grandchildren, Christopher Fay, Thunder Jackson, Kaiden McGhee, Adrianne Shanks, Troy Nicole Ard, Kendell Ard, Brianna Shanks, and Jaylee Shanks.
Services were held Friday, January 24, 2014, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Diane Everette officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers were Nicklas Agerton, Matt Shanks, Christopher Fay, Greg Legerton, Russell Lee, Russell Underhill and Hunter McKinley.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of all arrangements.
Kenneth Earl Higdon, Jr.
January 24, 2014
Kenny Higdon, age 59, a lifelong resident of Beulah, entered Heaven’s Gate Tuesday, January 21, 2014. He was born January 17, 1955, the first born son of the late Kenneth Earl and Peggy Higdon. He is survived by his brother, Jamey Higdon and Jamey’s wife Sue Higdon; nephew Jeremy Higdon (Bullfrog), and niece Emily Higdon (Princess Emily/ Moe, the apple of his eye); and many relatives and friends. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Kenny will be remembered by many and forgotten by few. He was a highly respected deep sea boat captain and fisherman. He knew where they were, and how to find where they hid. He was a giant of a man. To borrow one of Kenny’s unlimited reserve of sayings, he was “tougher than four kinds of nails”! But he had a heart so big it would be difficult to find someone who knew Kenny and did not love him.
Kenny lived an incredibly full life. His greatest loves were his family, fishing, boating, and serving as a cook extraordinaire for gatherings in Beulah, or wherever his boat was anchored. He was content sipping on a beverage, frying mullet, snapper, and shrimp and watching grateful diners enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Kenny’s friends from far and wide are so many they would overflow most auditoriums. If they all gathered in one spot and began recounting “Kenny” stories (most of which are suitable for mixed company), the tales would never end. Embellishment would not be necessary.
A visitation and memorial service celebrating Kenny’s life will be held Saturday, January 25th at Faith Chapel, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m.. The Service will begin at 2p.m.. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. A fellowship will follow at “Kenyea’s on the Lake” on Beulah School Road. Messages of condolence may be posted at Higdonracing@aol.com.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements.
Fernie Cleveland Faircloth
January 22, 2014
Fernie Cleveland Faircloth, 89, of Bratt, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 20, 2014, at his residence. He retired from St. Regis/Champion Paper Co. after 36 years. He was born on December 21, 1924, to the late Daniel Gabriel and Mary Chandron Faircloth. He was a Veteran of World War II and received an Honorable discharge from the Army in 1946. He was a member and former Deacon of Pine Barren Baptist Church, loved working outdoors and cherished the time he spent with family and his many friends.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Opal Rutherford Faircloth.
Survivors include two sons, Larry Wayne (Janice) Faircloth and Glenn (Fay) Faircloth, both of Bratt; one daughter, Ruth Bethea of Knoxville, TN; five grandchildren, Andy (Stephani) Faircloth, Kelly (Charles) Taylor, Selena Steadham, Christie Faircloth and Misty Faircloth; five great-grandchildren, Devin and Shealyn Steadham, Sydney and Matthew Faircloth and Ariel Bethea; and two step-grandchildren, Leahna and Michael Taylor.
Services will be Thursday, January 23, 2014, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Harper officiating.
Interment will follow at Pine Barren Baptist Cemetery with full military honors.
Active pallbearers will be Mickey Peterson, Jerry McElhaney, Johnny Steadham, Mark Dorriety, Jimmy McElhaney and Billy Darby.
Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Dove, Ralph Darby, Raymond Norris, J.R. Healey, Butch Fillingim, R.C. Rice, Doug Purvis, John Calvin Davis, Douglas Morgan, Mike Dormus, and Michael Peterson.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of all arrangements.
Cleve Taylor
January 21, 2014
Mr. Cleve Taylor, 78, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Pensacola.
Mr. Taylor was a native of Bluff Springs and a lifelong resident of Bratt. Mr. Taylor was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He attended the Bethel Temple Holiness Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jewel Taylor and Bartell Adcox; brother, J.W. Taylor and stepmother, Minnie Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Taylor of Bratt; five daughters, Janice (Clayton) Flowers of Atmore, Louise (Woody) Bozeman of Monroeville, Marie (Randy) Hatfield of Bratt, Lynette Colbert of Atmore and Annette (Glen) Carr of Milton; one sister, Shirley Wambels of Dothan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be Friday, January 24, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Godwin Cemetery with Rev. John Coleman officiating.
Pallbearers will be Glen Carr, Matthew Wilson, Jeremy Hatfield, Clayton Flowers, Woody Bozeman and John Coleman.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
Marilyn Dianne Davis Rice
January 21, 2014
Marilyn Dianne Davis Rice, 57, passed away January 20, 2014, in Gainesville, FL. She was a lifetime resident of Century and a charter member of Faith Bible Baptist Church in Century. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James L. (Jim) Rice; her godly parents, Willie and Geraldine Davis; grandparents, John and Katie Henderson, Thelma Weaver; and niece, Jeri Dense Davis. She had a special love for children and babysat from her home. She always put others first and would help someone in need. We will miss her and we will never forget her beautiful face.
She is survived by her children, Derek (Casey) Rice and Whitney (Timothy) Dunsford all of Century; grandchildren, Zoey Dunsford, Chandler, Braiden, Mary Grace, Adam, Madison and Cooper Rice; sisters, Jackie (Jason) Thomas of Jay and Susan (Daniel) Macks of McKenzie, AL; brothers, Billy (Karen) Davis and Keith Davis both of Century; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
Marilyn was a loving mother, wonderful sister, a great daughter and a caring friend.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014, at 11 a.m. from the Faith Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Dunsford officiating.
Burial will follow in Byrneville Methodist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Donations can be made to the Marilyn Rice memorial fund at United Bank in Flomaton.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore is in charge of arrangements.
Nicholas “Nick” Aaron Rolin
January 21, 2014
Mr. Nicholas “Nick” Aaron Rolin, 22, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2014, in Atmore.
Mr. Rolin was a native and lifelong resident of Perdido. Mr. Rolin was happy and he never met a stranger. His grandparents, Carlis & Beulah Johnson and Charles Rolin precede him in death.
He is survived by his father and mother, Danny & Pat Rolin of Perdido; one daughter, Autum Hastings of Nokomis, AL; two brothers, Brandon (Donyel) Rolin of Perdido and Patrick Rolin, all of Perdido; one sister, Kimberly (Kevin) Douglas of Lake City, FL; grandmother, Betty Rolin of Atmore; one aunt, Melinda (Dennis) Ferrell of Rabun; three uncles, Mickey (Gena) Johnson of Perdido, John Paul (Chea) Johnson of Bay Minette and Charles Edward Rolin of Monroeville; special great-aunt, Annette McCreary of Daphne; one niece, Madyson Rolin of Perdido; three nephews, Peyton Rolin, Hunter Ganey and Cameron Ganey all of Perdido; Jodi Vinson Stewart and very special cousins, Jessica Ferrell, Logan Ferrell, Hunter Johnson, John Taylor Johnson, Haley Johnson Dillon Johnson and Teri Tolbert.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 23, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Reo Pugh and Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Rolin, Patrick Rolin, Dywayne Hadley, Justin Johnson, Willie Hall, Charles Thomas Rolin, Josh Plant and Rolando Martinez.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.