Kathryn Sue Russell Hadley
March 24, 2024
Kathryn Sue Russell Hadley, age 87, of Atmore, AL passed away on March 10, 2024 in Brewton, AL. She was the daughter of the late Bill and Helen Russell of Bay Minette, AL. Sue was a 1954 graduate of Baldwin County High School and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Troy State University. She taught GED classes, college prep classes as well as post college prep classes in order to pass her college entrance exams. Sue’s career was in education, working as Secretary to the Dean of Education and to the President as well. During her career, she also taught on and off campus. She retired in 2001 from the Houston, Texas Windom Prison Facility.
She is preceded in death by her parents, W.J. “Bill” Russell and Helen Eubanks Russell; her husband, Arion “Little Boy” Hadley; her sons, John Alan “Johnny” Hadley and Robert Marion “Bobby” Hadley; her sister, Miriam “Bootsie” Russell; her brother-in-law, Marion “Big Boy” Hadley; father-in-law, John W. Hadley; her sister-in-laws, Marie Hadley Byrd and Mildred Hall, and her great grandson, Robert Everett “Rhett” Hadley.
She is survived by her son, Jimmy (Cathy) Hadley; her grandchildren, Robert Shane (Jessica) Hadley, Valisa Lee (Matthew) Lambert and Alece Hadley; her step grandchildren, D.J. Hunter and Tiffany Kelley; her great grandchildren, Nevaeh Hadley, Ashley Wilson, Jonathan Dunigan, Brandon Stone and Dalton Hadley; her step-great grandchild, Crimson Davis.
Graveside services will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ronnie Harvell
March 22, 2024
Ronnie Harvell, 69, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on March 18, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Roberts Cemetery, off Creighton Road in Pensacola, FL. The family will receive friends for visitation the night before from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, March 27, 2024.
Ronnie was born in Pensacola, FL to Chan and Evelyn Harvell on April 14, 1954. He went to school at Workman in Pensacola. He married Rhonda Ross on July 22, 1975 in Pensacola. He signed on with the Merchant Marines at the young age of 16. He sailed to Vietnam in support of US War ships in the south China Sea. He left the Merchant Marines after 8 years and went to work for Brown Marine as a welder, and later became the shipyard foreman after working there for 28 years. He then worked on off shore boats in the Gulf of Mexico for a few years. Upon his semi-retirement these last few years, he has been working with his son doing odd jobs to stay busy. Although he was a welder by trade, he was a master with ropes and knots.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Taylor; brothers, Randy, Larry, and Kenneth Harvell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rhonda Ross; children, Darrell W. Harvell (Tracey), Ronnie L. Harvell (Ivy); special nieces, Karla, Tashia, Cindy; brother-in-law, Albert Taylor; and many other nieces, nephews, and his longtime friend, Butch Waters.
Pallbearers will include Darrell Harvell, Ronnie Harvell, Jimmy Alford, Ronnie Alford, Butch Waters, Jeff Harkey, and honorary pallbearers, Paul Pollak and Greg Thompson.
Ronnie so loved his family and spent much time with his two sons. He was a wonderful dad but was firm when he needed to be. He pushed his sons to do their best in life, anything less was not acceptable. He loved to fish and his 1993 Chevy 4×4 truck, which no one was allowed to touch. Next month, around his birthday, would be the 30-year anniversary of him buying it. His truck was his pride and joy. Even in his last days he made us promise to look after mom and don’t let anything happen to his truck.
The family of Ronnie Harvell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr.’s and nurses of the Cardiology department at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL for their caring and excellent care given during his stay.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Sarah B. Moorer
March 21, 2024
Sarah B. Moorer, 96, of Cantonment, Florida passed away March 18, 2024. She was born June 7, 1927 in Uriah, Alabama to parents Jeff Bargnare and Lodie Hicks. Sarah was a graduate of Ranson Adult School. She retired from the Escambia County Nursing Home after 22 years. She found God’s presence in praying, singing, reading her Bible, gardening, sewing, and cooking. Her heart’s desire was with her family and church ministry.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Patricia Ann Moorer; granddaughter, Deborah “Doobie” Moorer; siblings, Annie Lee Bynum, Lucille Longmire, Pearlie Bargnare, Johnnie Bargnare and Ben Longmire; sons-in-law, Benjamin Easley and Dan Parker, Jr.
She is survived by her children, David (Dorothy) Moorer, McEarnest (Isalene) Moorer, Joyce (David) Mallety, Barbara Easley, and Linda Parker.
Services for Sarah B. Moorer will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Greater First Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Bishop Donice Brown will be officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Curtis Moorer, Kevin Moorer, Brandon Cooper, Dorian Mallety, Damarius Young, and Joseph Young.
Honorary pallbearers will include her sons and nephews.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Ronnie Harvell
March 20, 2024
Ronnie Harvell, 69, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on March 18, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Roberts Cemetery, off Creighton Road in Pensacola, FL. The family will receive friends for visitation the night before from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, March 27, 2024.
Ronnie was born in Pensacola, FL to Chan and Evelyn Harvell on April 14, 1954. He went to school at Workman in Pensacola. He married Rhonda Ross on July 22, 1975 in Pensacola. He signed on with the Merchant Marines at the young age of 16. He sailed to Vietnam in support of US War ships in the south China Sea. He left the Merchant Marines after 8 years and went to work for Brown Marine as a welder, and later became the shipyard foreman after working there for 28 years. He then worked on off shore boats in the Gulf of Mexico for a few years. Upon his semi-retirement these last few years, he has been working with his son doing odd jobs to stay busy. Although he was a welder by trade, he was a master with ropes and knots.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Taylor; brothers, Randy, Larry, and Kenneth Harvell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rhonda Ross; children, Darrell W. Harvell (Tracey), Ronnie L. Harvell (Ivy); special nieces, Karla, Tashia, Cindy; brother-in-law, Albert Taylor; and many other nieces, nephews, and his longtime friend, Butch Waters.
Pallbearers will include Darrell Harvell, Ronnie Harvell, Jimmy Alford, Ronnie Alford, Butch Waters, Jeff Harkey, and honorary pallbearers, Paul Pollak and Greg Thompson.
Ronnie so loved his family and spent much time with his two sons. He was a wonderful dad but was firm when he needed to be. He pushed his sons to do their best in life, anything less was not acceptable. He loved to fish and his 1993 Chevy 4×4 truck, which no one was allowed to touch. Next month, around his birthday, would be the 30-year anniversary of him buying it. His truck was his pride and joy. Even in his last days he made us promise to look after mom and don’t let anything happen to his truck.
The family of Ronnie Harvell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr.’s and nurses of the Cardiology department at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL for their caring and excellent care given during his stay.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Margaret Jean O’Rourke
March 20, 2024
Margaret Jean O’Rourke, 82, of Cantonment, Florida passed away March 16, 2024. She was born in Cordova, Alabama on May 30, 1941 to Marvin and Jean Gurganus. She was a member of Plainview Baptist Church and had a passion for living a Christian life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Jean Gurganus; brother, Butch Gurganus; and her sons, Mitchell and Michael.
She is survived by her son, Joe Pilgrim; daughter, Lourena Mellott; son, Jay Pilgrim; grandsons, Caleb and Darrin Qualls; two great-granddaughters; one brother, Roy (Pat) Gurganus; one sister, Becky Burnside; her niece, Ann Wright; and her three nephews, Paul Burnside, Darryl Gurganus, and Dewayne Gurganus.
Services for Margaret Jean O’Rourke will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Bill Flanagan officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Dale H. Irby
March 20, 2024
Dale H. Irby, 63, of Mountain View, MO, passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2024.
He was born December 6, 1960, in Houston TX. He was raised on the Gulf Coast and Walnut Hill, Florida. He attended Davisville Elementary, Ernest Ward and Kodiak High School.
In 1975 he ventured north to Alaska where he met and fell in love with the the love of his life and soulmate, Tammy Irby. Dale was a Head Chef and culinary master employed at some of the finest resorts, restaurants, and camps all over North America from Alaska to Florida for 44 years. In the 1990s he and his family moved back to the Florida panhandle to train and raise horses on his family’s 20-acre farm.
He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for trail rides, fishing, road trips and camping. He was happiest on the back of his horse beside his beautiful wife. Dale retired in 2018 due to ongoing health issues and settled in the community of Mountain View, MO.
He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 46 years, Tammy G. Irby of Mountain View Missouri, his two daughters, Dana L. Franklin of Grove Hill, Alabama, Jamie A. Downham of Gulf Breeze, Florida, five siblings; Leisa St. Clair of Jackson, Mississippi, Danelle Cavitt of Pearland, Texas, Rhonda Irby of Washington D.C., Maryland & David Irby of Lauire, Missouri, and Matthew Irby of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, seven grandchildren and many many friends all over the country. He never met a stranger.
A celebration of life will be held this summer at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations please be made to the funeral services directly for his widow. All proceeds will benefit his widow, Tammy Irby and for the funeral & memorial cost.
Cremation services by Always Faithful Memorial Services of West Plains, Missouri. Please contact Always Faithful Memorial Services in West Plains to make donations.
William Elmer Parsons, Jr.
March 20, 2024
William Elmer Parsons, Jr.
January 12, 1951- March 6, 2024
William (Bill) was born in Spring Valley, Illinois to William Elmer Parsons and Lorraine Marie (Barto) Parsons, and lived in Spring Valley, IL through his school years. After graduation from Hall High School in Spring Valley, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. and was sent first to NTC Great Lakes, IL and then to NCIC Pensacola, FL for training as an (ET) Electronic Technician.
Upon completion of his specialized training in Pensacola in 1972, Bill was assigned to NAVFAC in Adak, Alaska. When Bill was assigned to Key West, Florida in 1973, he met and fell in love with Victoria Jane Sisson, a Navy Ocean Systems (OT). The two would marry in February 1974 in the chapel at Truman Annex, Key West. Vickie and Bill would be dedicated to one another for almost fifty (50) years before she passed away in Pensacola, FL on February 12, 2024, twelve days before their 50th anniversary. She was Bill’s life-long love.
While they were in Pensacola, Bill and Vickie arranged to have matching orders and they went together to Argentia Newfoundland. They fell in love with Newfoundland and Labrador and its people. While in Newfoundland, Vickie completed her enlistment and Bill remained on active duty. It was there, in 1977, that their first son, Brian, was born. The couple remained in Newfoundland until 1978, when Bill was assigned to Keflavik, Iceland.
Bill served with distinction in Iceland until 1980. That assignment enabled the couple to travel extensively in Denmark and Spain. The next assignment for Bill was to FLEASWTRACENLANT IN Norfolk, VA. While spending four years in Norfolk, the couple’s second son, Kenneth (Kenny) was born in 1981. In 1984, Bill was assigned once again to Newfoundland, his favorite place.
In 1986, Bill returned to Pensacola, where he found good schools and no snow. Bill retired from the US Navy in Pensacola in 1991 after serving faithfully and well for twenty-two (22) years.
Bill was promoted to OTMC E7 and earned distinction as OMT 9502/Instructor and as an Integrated Underseas Surveillance Specialist. Bill was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Proficiency Award, five (5) Good Conduct Medals, and five (5) Navy and Marine Overseas Service Ribbons.
After his Naval Service, Bill thrived as a member of the Financial Aids Staff at Pensacola Junior College and a service technician for Coastal Computers.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Vickie.
Bill is survived by sons Brian Parsons and Kenneth Parsons both from Cantonment, Florida, by his sister, Sheryl (Jack) Hunter of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and by grandchildren Jazmine (Anthony) Marion of Brewton, Alabama, and Kellie Parsons and William Parsons, both of Cantonment, Florida.
Bill will be placed in Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, next to his beloved Vickie.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida is entrusted with arrangements.
Reverend Russell H. Naron Sr.
March 19, 2024
Reverend Russell H. Naron Sr., of Cantonment, FL died Friday, March 8, 2024, at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola, FL. Born in Vardaman, Mississippi, he graduated high school in Rayville, Louisiana. He went on to attend Louisiana State University, studying veterinary medicine. Russell was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the United States Army as Supply Sargeant, in the “Hell on Wheels” tank division at the Grafenwoehr military base in Germany. After serving his country, Russell found success in the retail business, working for a department store.
Russell accepted God’s call to devote his life to preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister in 1964. He attended and graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with an Associate of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries in 1981. His pastoral career included serving many churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia. He served for several years on the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board. Most importantly, throughout his career, he witnessed to countless people about Christ’s love and sacrifice on the cross as forgiveness of sin, and of a new life through Christ’s Salvation. He had the joy of presiding over the marriage of many couples, as well as the honor of conducting over 200 funerals throughout his career.
He retired from preaching full time in Virginia, spending his retirement years in Cantonment, attending Campus Church at Pensacola Chrisitan in Pensacola, FL. Without a doubt, he will be remembered by the church members he pastored. His accomplishments are evident in the impact he had on numerous individuals he led to the saving knowledge of Christ.
In addition to being a life-long servant of Christ, he was a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Clara “Tootsie” Naron. He was a father to seven children, a dedicated son, brother, uncle, and father-in-law. He is survived in death by his wife, Tootsie Naron; his children, Russell “Russ” Naron, Jr. of Biloxi, Deborah Ellen Knepton and son-in law, Howard of Mobile, AL, Spence “Buck” Naron and daughter-in-law, Vickie, of Semmes, AL, Royce W. Naron and Clay E. Naron of Biloxi, Jason T. Naron and daughter-in-law Mary of Alabaster AL, and Heather Naron-Hiller and son-in-law Kevin, of Odessa, FL. Further; and his six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ford Naron and Huldah Ivalee Putnam and his sisters, Patricia McClure, and Edna Earle Brady.
Services for Reverend Russell H. Naron will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Joshua Burdick officiating. Rev. Naron will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery at 11:00am on Thursday, March 28,2024.
Honorary Pallbearers include Kevin A Hiller, Justin W. Naron, Lt. William Naron (Navy, active duty), Dylan Naron, David Kleindienst and Jason Waddel.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements
Nelle Burnette Goodman
March 19, 2024
Nelle Burnette Goodman, 92, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away March 20, 2024. She was born in Barnesville, Georgia on November 22, 1931 to Harvey and Myrtle Burnette. She was saved on Easter Sunday night in 1941 at the age of 9 (83 years ago). She was filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 16 while at Emmanuel College (now Emmanuel University). She first attended Mountain Gap Pentecostal Holiness Church, until the Barnesville PHC was built in her hometown.
Nelle developed a strong work ethic at a young age by working on the family farm milking cows and tending to the other farm and household chores. She also worked in her father’s grocery store for several years. She graduated from high school in 1948, and from Emmanuel College in 1950. In 1953, she married Hal Goodman and was a pastor’s wife for the next 40 years. Hal and Nelle pastored 6 different churches during this period across Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida within the Pentecostal Holiness Church. She had many duties besides being a pastor’s wife. She was a substitute teacher from 1958 to 1975, and notably served as the Alabama (now Alpha) Conference Women’s Auxiliary (now Women’s Ministries) vice president and president for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Goodman; daughters, Rhetta Goodman and Julie Goodman; son, Ronald Goodman; parents, Harvey Burnette, Sr. and Myrtle Cook Burnette; and her brothers, Harvey Burnette, Jr. and John Burnette.
She is survived by her son, Tim Goodman, and her sister Carolyn Virginia Adams.
Services for Nelle Burnette Goodman will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at Central Church Worship Center. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Nail officiating. Nelle will be laid to rest at Harvest Christian Center Cemetery following the service.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Lee Bernice Purvis
March 17, 2024
Lee Bernice Purvis of Bratt, FL passed away on March 15, 2024 in Jay, FL at the incredible age of 100 years. Mrs. Purvis was born on March 23, 1923, in Tallahatta Springs, AL, to a family with extraordinary historical significance to the states of Florida and Alabama. Her father, Occie Phillips, a farmer native to Clark County, AL, resided in Escambia County, FL, for 62 years and was honored with a road named after him in the Walnut Hill area; and her mother, Shady Lee Williams, was part of the Williams family who owned a supply shop around the small settlement of Williams Station and later became the modern-day City of Atmore. Mrs. Purvis married Raymond Purvis on October 18, 1942, and together began their farm after the war focusing on dairy farming and then expanded to row-cropping until her husband’s retirement.
Mrs. Purvis is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Purvis; her son, Steve Purvis; her sister, Mable Gantner; two brothers, J.E. Phillips and W.V. Phillips, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Fillingim Purvis.
Mrs. Purvis is survived by her sons, Gary (Ginger) Purvis of Bratt, FL and Mike (Cathy) Purvis of Blountstown, FL; her grandchildren, Gary Wayne (Monica) Purvis, Sharon (Mark) Delmar, Brad (Nicole) Purvis and Ashley (John David) House; her daughter-in-law, LaVonne Purvis Swindel; her sister, Margaret McCullough of Walnut Hill, FL; her great grandchildren, Nicholas Delmar, Brandon (Mallory) Purvis, Colton (Hannah) Purvis, Barrett Purvis, and Harper House; her great-great grandchildren, Adaline and Oliver Purvis along with many other special family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12 Noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 12 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.