Donald ‘Don’ R. Vachon, Sr.
October 7, 2025
Donald “Don” R. Vachon, Sr., 84, of Molino, Florida, passed away October 04, 2025. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 21, 1941 to the late George Renee Vachon and Eva Marie Russeau Vachon. Don had a career as a professional truck driver and had a passion for home improvement projects.
He was a member of Pugh’s Chapel and had a passion for home improvement.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Rebecca Poston Vachon; son, Leslie Poston; grandchild, RJ Vachon; sister, Arlene Gordon; and parents.
He is survived by his sons, Doug (Julie) Vachon, Rick (Serena) Vachon, Kenneth (Tabitha) Poston, Greg Poston, and Doug Poston; daughters, Denise McCaughan and Dawn Ramirez; grandchildren, Tanya Walker, Hunter Poston, Joshua (Lee Anne) Poston, Sara Poston, Brittanie (Nate) Hicks, Megan (RJ) Moye, Misty (Troy) Woodruff, Casey Vachon, Andrew Vachon, and Martin (Jen) Vachon; brother, George R (Peg) Vachon; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Alton L. Killam
October 5, 2025
Alton L. Killam, 88, of Bratt, FL, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Pensacola, FL. He was born on June 11, 1937 in Century, FL, to Arthur Killam and Ruby Wasden Killam. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and retired from Monsanto. He also served our country in the Army and the Army National Guard. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 65 years, Lillie Brooks Killam, and his daughter, Tammy Ann Martin.
He is survived by his son, Tony Killam of Bratt, FL; grandchildren, David Hawkins, Kara Hawkins, Nikolaus Salter, Shana Killam; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Matt Brown officiating. Internment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
William ‘Billy’ Alexander Arnold Sr.
October 5, 2025
William “Billy” Alexander Arnold Sr., 92, of Gonzalez, Florid,a passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Billy was born on April 19, 1933, in Gonzalez, Florida, to John Albert Arnold and Anna Mueller. Billy will be remembered most for his gentle heart, contagious smile, dedication to his trade, and devotion to his faith and family. Billy found joy in raising his boys, playing with his grandchildren, fishing, farming, and football. Billy graduated from Tate High School and attended Murray State University in Kentucky until he was drafted by the Army for the Korean War. After returning home from the war, Billy went to work for Westinghouse where he retired after 30 years. Billy spent his retirement doing all the things he loved with his family.
Billy leaves behind Vivian Arnold, his wife of 66 years; his two sons, Tommy (Kim) Arnold and Bill Arnold (Sommer Holt); as well as Lisa (Mike) Barnes; his grandchildren, Courtney Arnold (Branden Farmer), Blain (Rachel) Arnold, Emily Arnold (Trent Parker), Austin Holt (Makayla Thomas), and Kensly Holt; his great-grandchildren, Brantley Arnold and Haisley Holt, his brother, M.J. Arnold; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. Billy is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mueller; father, John Albert Arnold; and seven siblings.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Faith Chapel North in Gonzalez, Florida. Family and friends are invited to gather at 1 0pm for visitation, with services starting at 2 pm, followed by a committal service at Lathram Chapel. Serving as Pallbearers are Blain Arnold, Branden Farmer, Trent Parker, Austin Holt, Ronnie Williams, and Mike Barnes. Honorary Pallbearers are Brantley Arnold, Mike Camp, Randy Hensel, and Mike Glenn.
Billy has gone home to be with the Lord, and we find comfort knowing that he is now at peace in God’s hands until we meet again. Billy will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Tammy C Hodge
October 4, 2025
Tammy Hodge, born in Atmore, Alabama, and a long-time resident of North Escambia County, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She lived her life with a steadfast faith in God and a deep love for her family. Tammy’s gentle spirit, compassion for others, and devotion to Christ touched all who knew her.
A devout church volunteer, Tammy dedicated countless hours to serving her church and community. Her heart for helping others was recognized in 1987 when she was honored as a Florida School Volunteer of the Year Finalist—a testament to her servant’s heart and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Tammy was first married to Gerald Bell, with whom she shared the blessing of children. She later married Aaron Hodge, who preceded her in death, and with whom she shared many years of love and companionship.
She is survived by her mother Nancy Neal, her children: Christal Bell-Rivera (Ronnie), Naomi Conner (Tim), and Jeremiah Hodge (Katie), and her grandchildren: Angel Mitchell, Mallory Bell-Rivera, Taylor Smith (Charlie), Lucas Hodge, Hannah Conner, Avery Hodge, Mylo Hodge, and Micah Hodge.
She was preceded in death by her father Wallace Reid, stepmother Mattie Reid, her beloved son Christopher Bell, and her brother Ricky Pritchett.
Tammy also leaves behind her brothers Joe Reid (Myra), Steve Reid (Melissa), Glen Reid (Tammy), and Lonnie Purvis; and her sisters Claudia Turberville (Richard “PeeWee”), Margaret Jackson, Elanie Purvis, Regina Purvis, Robin Salter, Joy Simpson (Darrel), and Amanda Merritt (James).
Tammy’s life was a reflection of Proverbs 31:28— “Her children arise up and call her blessed.” Her faith, kindness, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Serving as pallbearers will be BJ Reid, Johnathan Holland, Travis Holland, Al Capitell, Kevin Smith, and Jamie Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons Mylo Hodge and Micah Hodge.
Funeral Services
A Homegoing Celebration for Tammy will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Flomaton Funeral Home, with Brother Eric Johnson officiating. Family visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by public visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God.
William Golsen ‘Billy’ Gates Jr.
October 4, 2025
Mr. William Golsen “Billy” Gates Jr., age 78, sadly passed away on October 3, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family. He was originally from Selma, Alabama, but spent most of his life in Atmore. Billy was known for his kind heart and the joy he brought to those around him, leaving behind cherished memories for his family and friends.
In his early years in the military, he was a helicopter mechanic. Commander Local Post 7016 VFW in Atmore was a dedicated community member known for his many contributions spending countless hours in service. He was a proud member of the American Legion and founded the Automotive Career Technology program at Escambia County High School, where he taught for 39 years. His service to his country included time spent in both the United States National Guard and the U.S. Army, with deployments to Korea and Iraq. Beyond his military and educational achievements, he enjoyed simple pleasures like drinking coffee with friends and spending time at NAPA, where he cherished the camaraderie of those around him. Greatly enjoyed watching Westerns, NCIS and 24.
Preceded in death by his parents William Golsen Gates, Sr. and Dorothy Battles Gates; sister, Diane Southerland.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Linda Gates of Atmore, Alabama; son, Justin Gates and wife Sarah of Loxley, Alabama; daughter, Alison Fournier and husband Chad of Atmore, Alabama; brother, Robert Gates of Lowndsboro, Alabama; six grandchildren, Jordan, Jesse, Savannah, Darrian, William, and Anna; six great-grandchildren, Viola, Dash, Atlas, Scarlett, Maggie and Jack Sheppard; dogs Brie and Briscoe.
Graveside service will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Alabama State Veterans Cemetery in Spanish Fort, with Reverend Rowdy Boyette officiating.
Visitation will be held October 9, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes.
Virginia (Jenny) Neil Wright
October 1, 2025
Virginia (Jenny) Neil Wright, 61, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on September 25, 2025. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on December 10, 1963 to James and Pansy Wright.
She loved being a Nana, decorating, birdwatching, and spending time with family. She had a multitude of hobbies; painting, gardening, cooking, creating florals, crafting, and enjoying a good cup of coffee with cream.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Neil Wright; mother, Pansy Gertrude Chambers; and her brothers, James (Bo) Neil Wright, Jr. and Jonathan Henry Boland.
She is survived by her sister, Neila Wright Halter; daughters, Jennifer Lynn Kaiser and Heather Alice Pansy Spearman; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Michelle Spearman, Kaylee Rae Spearman, Austin Michael Spearman and all the Kaiser Crew; Elijah, Samuel, Annabelle, Elliott, Thomas, Theo, Naomi, and Nathaniel.
Laudie Mildred Higdon
September 30, 2025
Mrs. Laudie Mildred Higdon, 75 years old, departed this life on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. She was born on October 19, 1949, in Century, Florida, and spent the majority of her life in Flomaton, Alabama.
She absolutely loved spending her time outdoors, whether it was fishing by the river or cheering on the dirt track races. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom she shared countless laughter-filled moments. A talented cook, she made some of the best cat head biscuits that brought everyone together at the table. In her downtime, she enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, and reality shows, finding comfort in their stories. Every Fourth of July, she looked forward to visiting the river at Eureka Landing for parade and fireworks. She enjoyed moments with family going to the mountains and traveling through Cades Cove watching all the animals. Her strong faith was evident as she was a devoted member of Lighthouse Baptist Church, where she especially loved being around the children, sharing her warmth and kindness with all.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James O’Pete (Mary Moore) Mathis, one sister, Peggy Mathis McDonald, one brother, Jerry Wayne Mathis, grandson, Ronnie Michael Higdon, and one daughter in-law, Heather Marie Sutton.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 54 and a half years, Danny Higdon, from Flomaton, Alabama; two sons, Marcus Wayne (Cindy) Mathis of Century, Florida, and Daniel (Sonya) Higdon, also of Flomaton, Alabama; one daughter, Gidget (Jeremy) Dortch, residing in Flomaton, Alabama; two brothers, James Dooley (Vivan) Mathis from Bay Minette, Alabama; and Johnny (Tina) Mathis from Flomaton, Alabama; three sisters, Evelyn (Gilbert) Cozart of Jay, Florida; Gayle Mathis of Century, Florida; and Kathy Mathis Simmons of Jay, Florida; five grandchildren: Ryan Reeves, Cody Mathis, Shae Etheridge, Jakob Higdon, and Cadie Higdon; as well as three great-grandchildren, Josie Mathis, Rowdy Etheridge, and Emersyn Higdon, along with numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Lighthouse Baptist Church with Reverend Chuck Day and Reverend Gilbert Cozart officiating.
Burial will follow at Little Escambia Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. at Lighthouse Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Isaiah Day, Josh Day, Parker Bell, Nick Driver, Randy Cozart, David Cozart, and Michael McDonald.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangement
Max Allen Smith
September 29, 2025
Max Allen Smith, 67, of Jay, Florida left his earthly home Sunday, September 21, 2025. Max Allen was born in Century, Florida on December 9, 1957 to Max Ray and Billie Faye (Cannon) Smith. He was later blessed with a sister, Kelly R. Smith.
He was a lifelong resident of Jay, graduating from Jay High School in 1975. At 15 he started working along side his father at Big “M” Tire Center, Inc. He worked there for 53 years. He was very loyal and well known for his role at the shop.
Max Allen was blessed with three girls Julie Adkinson, Holly (Trent) Ledbetter, and Janna (Bryan) Ellis. Our favorite memories with daddy were staying in Destin, Florida every summer, all the camping trips, and late night catfishing.
Our daddy was set in his ways. You could find him at J&J in the early mornings making the first pot of coffee, sitting around talking with friends and learning the local news. In the afternoons you would find him at Williams Lake with Little Bit, his side kick. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Daddy also loved Florida Gators and Nascar.
He is proceeded in death by his mother Billie Faye Cannon Smith.
Survivors include his father Max Ray Smith; sister Kelly Smith; daughter Julie Adkinson, Holly (Trent) Ledbetter, Janna (Bryan) Ellis; grandchildren Annasyn and Olivia Adkinson, Bella, Blane, and Boone Ledbetter, and Hydie and Harper Ellis, all of Jay, Florida.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon), at Jay Funeral Chapel. Pastor Larry Pearson will be officiating. Visitation will be from 11AM until time of service.
Pallbearers will be Timmy Roberts, Jeffrey Patterson, Doyle Marshall, Josh Lloyd, Jarrett Lloyd, Steve Farish, Pete Smith, and Joey Golden.
The family asked that you dress casual or wear Florida Gator attire.
Emily Ahnelia Castleberry
September 28, 2025
Emily Ahnelia Castleberry, 84, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away peacefully, Saturday, September 27, 2025, surrounds by family. Emily was born in Prichard, Alabama and was in the area for over 75 years.
Mrs. Castleberry was a beloved wife to Kenneth Castleberry, Sr. for over 64 years, she was a mother to many and a loving grandmother to all. She was a faithful member, choir singer and nursey worker at Victory Bible Baptist Church for more than 48 years. She had a love for youth camp, cooking, roses and taking care of others. She is known as a Godly woman who loved children. She will be deeply missed.
Emily was an avid member at Victory Bible Baptist for many years.
Emily is preceded in death by spouse, Kenneth Franklin Castleberry, Sr. Parents, Rufus and Elizabeth Burnham, great granddaughter, Evelyn Walton, nephew, Larry Wayne Burnham, as well as several other precious children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren born silently to Jesus.
Emily is survived by children, Diane Van Meris (Jean), Brenda Chavis (Eddie), Kenneth Castleberry (Angela), Eddie Castleberry (Nona), Beth Livingston (Billy), Belinda McGrath, Keith Castleberry (Sandy), Junior Kozlowski (Karin), grandchildren; Cody Castleberry, Patrice Beradelli (Jeremy), Debbie Lee (Jerry), Kaila Ward (Addison), Steven Chavis, Trey Thompson, Randall Castleberry (Tessa), Amber Wise, Tayler Dimmick, Nikole Perna (Vincent), great grandchildren; Brody and Colton Castleberry, Mckenzie and Brantley Beradelli, Zachary, Grayson, Noah and Kiaden Lee, Bradley and Summit Castleberry, Xander and Phoenix Dimmick as well as Jaxson Perna and brother’s Doyle (Earlene) Burnham, Donnie (Jeanne) Burnham, Charles (Vicki) Burnham, David Burnham. Plus numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, October 3 from noon until the service begins at 1 p.m. Brother Allen Cotton will be officiating and the grandsons will be pallbearers. A special thank you to her nurses Jillian, Andrea and Virginia at VITAS Hospice.
JD ‘Dink: Spence
September 27, 2025
Mr. JD “Dink” Spence, who lived a remarkable 97 years, born on March 29,1928, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Surrounded by his loving family, he left this world in a calm and loving atmosphere. Dink was known for his warm heart and gentle nature, and his family cherished the many memories they created together over the years. His life touched many, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
He was a devoted partner at Spence Brothers Logging and spent his early years working in a machine shop in Atmore. He cherished the time he spent outdoors, whether it was building beautiful cedar chests or tending to his big garden. Raising animals brought him joy, as he loved caring for chickens, cows, and goats. Above all, he had a deep love for his Lord and Savior, Christ, and held his family close to his heart. A faithful servant, he found great happiness in attending Fretwell Tabernacle, where he shared his faith and love with others.
Preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children Lois Heathcock Spence; parents John A and Alice Albritton Spence; son Billy Ray Spence; brothers, Alton Spence and John W. Spence; sisters, Marie “Lady” Locke, Doris Payne and Annie Mae Cook.
He is survived by his loving wife Norma Jean Spence of Walnut Hill, Florida; son, John C. “Johnny” and wife Diane Spence of Walnut Hill, Florida; daughter, Susan “Sue” and Husband John Welch of Bay Minette; six grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Sister Helen Stewart officiating.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 1:00PM until 2:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at Pineville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Howard Spence, Hunter Spence, Fisher Spence, Don Spence, Allen Stacey, and Joey Brown
Upcoming