Edward “Buster” Merlen Johnson
November 13, 2023
Edward M. Johnson, affectionately known as “Buster,” peacefully passed away on
November 2, 2023, at the age of 77, in Pensacola, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished.
Born on February 21, 1946, in Galveston, Texas, Buster was the son of Harold Gillespie and Virginia Harris. He grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf Coast.
He was married to Mary R. Johnson for 34 years, and their love continued to blossom over
the course of their 36-year relationship. They built a beautiful life together as partners with the
U. S. Department of the Navy/Defense, Federal Service, and the U. S. Navy, active duty, working, transferring, and traveling. Together, they enjoyed land and water activities around Pensacola, Guam including the islands of the Mariana’s, Micronesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Hawaii, and finally the festivals and parades in New Orleans.
Buster found his calling in law enforcement. Law and policing pounded through his veins.
He graduated from the Alabama Police Academy and the Alabama College of Police Science, became a police officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department, next hired as the Chief of Police for Millry, Alabama, and then entered into Federal Service law enforcement as his career until his retirement. After retirement, he continued his involvement and his personal high standards for education. Buster completed the Escambia County FL’s Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, a weekly ten evening course.
Prior to finding law enforcement, he spent a few years in the U.S. Army, and entered the U.S. Navy for the Vietnam Conflict. He was a Boatswain Mate, using his earlier Gulf Coast years for the Navy’s boats and water needs in the Vietnam rivers and the Pacific Ocean.
Buster was a man of integrity, known for his dedication and commitment in both his personal
and professional life. He was known for his attention to detail, laws and procedures, schedules, common sense, honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Overall, a person would know where Buster stood on a topic based on Buster’s standards and expectations. Contrasting his seriousness, he had a kind heart. He would provide a helping hand or a listening ear, and would uplift others with his quick wit and warm smile.
Outside of work, Buster had a passion for bowling, and time for fishing, relishing the peaceful moments on or near the water. At times, he searched with his metal detector. He was also an active member in various locations of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, in the Pensacola Rare Air VW Club, and the President of our local Neighborhood Watch.
He is preceded in death by Virginia Harris, his mother; Dixie Allessio, his sister; and Richard Johnson, his brother.
Buster is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Richard (Colleen), Thomas (Brandy),
Virginia (Eric), and Rebecca; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his sisters, Theresa, Rene, Cindy, Andrea, and brother, Andrew.
Harold Rolin
November 10, 2023
Harold Rolin, age 70 of Poarch, AL passed away on November 9, 2023, in Poarch AL. He was born on April 8, 1953, in Bratt FL, to the late Frank Rolin and Sissy Kelly Rolin of Bratt FL. Mr. Harold was a Dozier operator for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending his free time hunting, fishing, and going to the Wind Creek Casino. He was a member of Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Mr. Rolin is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Kat Rolin.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce Rolin of Poarch, AL; sons, Joseph Rolin (Melody Boutwell) of Flomaton, AL , and Jonathon Rolin (Lacie Bundy) of Georgianna, AL ; grandchildren, Christopher Logan Rolin, Mary Jane Rolin, Deanna Rolin, Nathan James Rolin, and Nola Rolin; great grandchild, Derek James Andrews; brothers, Billy Wayne Rolin of Pollard, AL , Jeff Rolin of Poarch, AL, Steve Rolin of Poarch, AL, and Tony Rolin of Pollard-McCall, AL; and sister, Glendale Rolin of Century, FL.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Dry Springs Community Church. Interment will follow at Dry Springs Cemetery in Enon, FL.
Active pallbearers will be Christopher Logan Rolin, Justin Rolin, Jerry Capers, Henry Capers, John Victor, and Bill Stuckey.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Dry Springs community church in Enon, FL.
Peggy Louise Norton
November 8, 2023
Annie Arleene Howell
November 8, 2023
Annie Arleene Howell, a 1966 graduate of Tate High School went to join her mom, dad, brother, and two sisters in Heaven on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. “Miss Annie”, as many called her, was a former paper worker for both St. Regis and Stone Container. Unable to settle into retirement, Miss Annie became a bus assistant for the Escambia County School District in 2017. She found her greatest enjoyment through being a bus assistant. She loved being with the special needs children on the bus. They all called her “granny”.
When Miss Annie was not working, she was spending time with her daughter sewing or playing jokes with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the Casino with Debbie, Susie, or Sandra. “But don’t tell Darlene”.
Miss Annie’s family would like to thank all the transportation family, Vitas Health Care for loving on mom and keeping her comfortable.
Annie is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Godwin and Farrell Alton Howell; brother, Alex Eugene Howell; and two sisters, Pam Howell and Althea Godwin.
She is survived by her daughter, Darlene Hart (Dan), granddaughters, Brandy Hart (Chris), Savannah Dees (Colby); grandsons, Jon’Micheal Hart (Savannah), Dan Hart (Victoria); great-granddaughters, Emma, Skye, Clara Jane and Randi Jo; great-grandsons, Dru, Blake, and Westin; and sister-in-law, Sandra Howell.
Pallbearers include Colby Dees, Dan Hart, Chris Griener, Josh Howell, Jon’Micheal Hart, Levi Howell, and Hunter Howell.
Honorary pallbearers include Guy Howell, Richard Howell, Rex Howell, Kenney Howell, Walter Howell, and Charlie Howell.
Services for Annie Arleene Howell will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Friday, November 10, 2023. Visitation services will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Annie will be laid to rest at Pughs Chapel Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Annie Arleene Howell please visit our Sympathy Store.
Bobby Guy King
November 6, 2023
Bobby Guy King was born January 9, 1980. Bobby passed into eternity at the age of 42. Bobby is preceded in death by his mama, Benita Kay Holder King, his cousin, Chad Williamson, his maternal grandparents, Harold & Audrey Holder, and his paternal grandparents, James and Ruby King. Bobby is survived by his maternal family: aunts and uncles, Deborah Andrews, Teresa & Ronnie Williamson, Belinda & David Perry, cousins, Melissa, Tim, Joni, Marissa, Austin, and Moriah. His paternal family members: father, Guy King, aunts and uncles, Larry & Mary Jane King, Frankie Archer, Marie Faircloth, Merlene Bruce, cousins, Christa, Kaye, Keith, Kim, Danna, Johnny and Michael.
After the passing of his mama when he was 8 years old, Bobby was raised by his Granny and Paw Paw Holder and was more like a son than a grandchild to them. Bobby grew up in Molino, Florida, attended Molino Elementary, Barrineau Park Elementary, Ransom Middle School and Tate High School. He was always adventurous and loved spending time fishing and hunting with his PawPaw. Bobby was very attentive to his Granny in her last months of life. His life was filled with many hard times but he always knew he was loved by his family.
Bobby accepted Jesus as his Savior and was a member of Highland Baptist Church. We have comfort knowing Bobby is in the presence of Jesus for eternity and has peace greater than we can imagine.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-29
A graveside service was held on November 4, 2023 at Highland Baptist Church with family friend, Rev. Brian Calhoun officiating.
In memory of Bobby, donations can be made to provide Bibles to those who are incarcerated at www.prisionfellowship.org or you can call 1-703-554-8450 to allocate your donation to go to Bibles for those incarcerated as well as request a letter indicating the donation is in memory of Bobby.
Nell Tennant Thomas
November 6, 2023
Mrs. Nell Tennant Thomas, age 89, passed away, November 6, 2023 in Uriah, AL; born June 8, 1934, in Atmore, AL. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Atmore. She worked at Atmore Community Hospital with many years of service.
Mrs. Thomas enjoyed spending time with her friends. She favorite things to do was, gardening, fishing and hunting.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton (Florence McKenzie) Tennant, husband, Dr. J. B. Thomas, two brothers, Harold Tennant, Curtis Tennant, and one daughter, Sara Patrick.
She is survived by her one daughter, Terri (Tim) Turner, of North Carolina, best friend and care taker, Mandy Matthews, of Atmore, AL; special friend, Sharon Dinovo, of Uriah, AL; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Dr. Kevin Garrett officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 9:30 AM until service time at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Kimberly Denise Smith
November 6, 2023
Mrs. Kimberly Denise Smith, age 51 passed away, Friday, November 3, 2023, in Atmore, AL. She was born, October 13, 1972 in Chicago, IL; and has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Smith loved spending time with her family and friends. She really enjoyed working alongside of her husband. She liked going shopping and was an avid Alabama Football Fan.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James (Wanda Cash) Brooks, and one brother, Randy Brooks.
She is survived by her loving husband of 12 years, Jerry Smith, of Atmore, AL; one sister, Ebony Brooks, of Tennessee, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Don Davis officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Ralph Douglas Benson
November 5, 2023
Ralph Douglas Benson, 88, of Pensacola Florida, left this life on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
“Doug” to his family and friends, was born in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Brevard, North Carolina on March 6, 1935 to Ralph and Julie Benson. He was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Martha Hooper Benson for an amazing 70 years! They would have three lovely daughters, Debbie, Jeanie, and Kathy.
Doug had a career in instrumentation, and was the owner/operator of Benson Instrument Group. He served 4 years Active duty in the United States Air Force and completed a 38-year career in the Air Force reserves. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, and had a passion for collectible cars, golf, water skiing and his grandkids.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Julie Benson; his brothers, Joe Benson and John Benson; and sister, Margaret Garren.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Benson; daughters, Debbie Garrett (Dan), Jeanie Roberts (Lyle), and Kathy Speese (Gene); 8 grandchildren, Jennifer Welu (Ben), Nicholas Garrett, Daniel Garrett (Kayla), Jeffrey Garrett, Chennon Roberts, Alyssondra Roberts, Joshua Roberts, Brandon Speese (Kendra); 6 great grandchildren, Jackson, Quinn, Claire, Cooper, Grant, and Barrett; sister, Linda Peeples (Paul); and brother, Mike Benson (Debbie).
Funeral services for Ralph Douglas Benson will be held at Faith Chapel North on Hwy 29 Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Locks officiating. Ralph will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.
Pallbearers include Brandon Speese, Jeffrey Garrett, Joshua Roberts, Nicholas Garrett, Daniel Garrett, and Ben Welu.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
Benny Dale Biggs
November 3, 2023
Benny Dale Biggs, age 84, of Atmore, AL passed away on November 2, 2023 in Bay Minette, AL. He was born on September 1, 1939 in Lottie, AL to John Henry Biggs and Mary Evelyn Smith Biggs. He attended Lottie United Methodist Church and served in the
United States Army. Benny farmed most of his life. He was an avid golfer and cherished his time hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, John Leon Biggs, Henry Derwood Biggs and Charles William Biggs.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann Johnson Biggs; his daughters, Rebecca (Bruce) Moore of Brewton, AL, Tracy (Robert) Lambrecht of Birmingham, AL and Vicky Dale Biggs of Lottie, AL; his sister, Evelyn Ann Biggs (Mike) Williams of Brewton, AL and his
grandchildren: Nick (Maria) Moore, Emily Moore, Laura Leigh Moore, Bryce Lambrecht, John Brady and Catherine Brady. Graveside services will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Lottie United
Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kailey Beth Smith and Bro. Robert Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Lottie United Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL. Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
H. Wayne Lovett
November 3, 2023
H. Wayne Lovett, 77, of Gonzalez, Florida, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023. He was born in Gainesville, Florida on March 29, 1946 to Hardy M. and Thelma A. Lovett. He was married to Christine M. Lovett for 46 years. Wayne served in the U.S. Army from 1966 – 1973, including time in combat zones in country during the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1970 flying, maintaining, and test flying transport and gunship helicopters with the 174th Assault Helicopter Company. Wayne worked in civil service at Farmer’s Home Administration (now known as Natural Resources Conservation), Florida Extension Service, and United States Postal Service.
Wayne was a member of Pinewoods Presbyterian Church. He had a passion for gardening, metal detecting, and repairing lawn equipment.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jeanne McCall; brothers, Hardy Marion Lovett, Jr. and John Robert Lovett; and great nephew, Brandon Debock.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Marie Lovett; daughter, Theresa Alice Keefer (Charles Scott); son, David Aaron Lovett; daughter, Anna Marie Lovett; and sister-in-law, Delores Costine Lovett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center or to Pinewoods Church Disaster Relief Fund.
Funeral services for H. Wayne Lovett will be held, Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Pinewoods Presbyterian Church (2198 County Rd 297A, Cantonment, FL 32533). The family will receive friends for visitation at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Joel Treick officiating. H. Wayne Lovett will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Wayne and his family will be dressed casual and comfortable. Everyone attending is welcome to dress in kind. Blue jeans, button down, military vests or dress, polo shirt, etc. Please come as you are.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Harold Wayne Lovett please visit our Sympathy Store.