Judith Ann Meldrim
September 22, 2023
Judith Ann Meldrim, 77, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Judith was born July 10, 1946 in Berea, Ohio to the late Coy and Lila Burchwell. She was a member of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, and a member of Prime Timers.
Judith is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob Meldrim; her three children, Jeff Meldrim (Nichelle), Mark Meldrim (Christie), and Jennifer Freckleton (Jeremy); 12 grandchildren, Alexis, Dillon, Libbie, Leann, Victoria, Robert, Eric, Lindsey, Sara, Ashley, Kelcey, and Joseph; her great grandchildren, Lennox, Lucas, and Salem; sisters, Patty Kitching (Stanley), Barbara Salvador (Steve), Susan Sprunger (Dong); and extended family.
The family will receive friends for visitation at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Nancy Marie Helman Stafford
September 21, 2023
Nancy Marie Helman Stafford died in Pensacola on Monday, September 18th at age 91. She was the beloved wife of Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Stafford, Jr. and proud mother of William III, Donald, and David.
The only daughter of Donald Emerson Helman and Florene Gift Helman, Nancy was born May 11, 1932, in the village of Marion in south central Pennsylvania. Her parents and three brothers – Crawford Eugene “Ben” Helman, James Edwin “Ed” Helman and Thomas Reed “Tom” Helman – all predeceased her. Nancy was educated in the public schools and graduated from Chambersburg High in 1950. After working for a year to earn money, she was awarded a Pennsylvania state scholarship and enrolled at Penn State, graduating in 1955 with a B.S. in Elementary Education.
Nancy, along with a girlfriend, then headed south to join two high school classmates working in Pensacola. Her first teaching job was at Jim Allen Elementary School in the Cantonment area of Pensacola. Her best friend eloped with a naval officer and persuaded Nancy to move with them to California, where they both found immediate employment. In 1958, she was introduced to Bill Stafford, a fellow officer and shipmate of her girlfriend’s husband. Not only were she and Bill both from Pennsylvania, but soon discovered they had the same birthday, one year apart! The romance continued coast-to-coast when Bill’s ship moved its home port to Norfolk, and were married on July 11, 1959, in her home church in Marion.
Nancy took a sabbatical from her teaching career to raise three sons. Although not in the classroom, she remained active in the community as a member of the Christ Church choir, and as an enthusiastic coach of “The Green Machine” girls softball team in Gulf Breeze.
Bill’s judicial appointment took the family to Tallahassee in 1976. The boys’ schooling and activities were a large part of Nancy’s life. When asked where she lived, her quick response was: “In a blue station wagon!” She also served on the vestry at St. John’s Church and sang in its choir, and was a long-standing member of the Newcomers Club, especially its bowling and bridge activities. Nancy became an enthusiastic Florida State fan, and was a member of the “Renegade Team,” helping to get the Seminole mascot on the field.
As the boys became more self-sufficient, Nancy returned to education, serving as Grants Administrator for the Florida Institute of Government. Nancy loved to travel on Bill’s judicial assignments; one of their earliest adventures took the family to the Panama Canal Zone while the Panama Canal treaty was being debated in the U.S. Senate. Their personal travels took them to many parts of the world; the British Isles, the European continent, Israel, Canada, and Alaska were highlights. Nancy visited all 50 states and never had a bad trip!
As the boys married, Nancy excitedly welcomed her daughters-in-law, and later grandchildren, into the Stafford family. Her eldest grandson began calling her “GIPPY” as he was learning to speak – a name that stuck and has since been adopted by family and friends. Gippy found her greatest joy as a grandmother to her six grandchildren.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Bill; children Bill III (Andrea), Don (Jane) and David (Kim); grandchildren David, Jr., Charlie, Kate, Sarah Grace, William, and Nick. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members, as well as the many friends she made along the way.
Funeral services will be held at Christ Church in Pensacola at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023. The family will host a reception in the parish hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to Christ Episcopal Church, 18 W. Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida, 32501.
James Hoyt Coon
September 19, 2023
James Hoyt Coon, age 84, of Atmore, AL passed away on September 17, 2023. He was born on April 22, 1939 in McCullough, AL to William Alvin Coon and Frances Turk Coon.
He attended Lottie Baptist Church. He was an Auto Mechanic but his passion was his wrecker service. Hoyt also enjoyed deep sea fishing and PBR bull riding. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Larry Coon and Dale Coon Fiveash.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Hardy Coon; his children: Debbie (Brett) Beck of Destin, FL, Pam Magee of Orange Beach, AL and Cris (Marc) Owens of Old Texas, AL; his siblings: Sharlett (Fred) Peevy of McCullough, AL, Thelma (Wayne) Price of Pulaski, TN and Jessie “Hootie” Myrick of Goodway, AL and his grandchildren: Whitney (Matt) Byrd, Caleb Beck, Chloe Beck, Marcus Owens, Cameron Beck and Matthew Owens.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Pruitt. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Jimmie Pennington
September 19, 2023
age 86 of Chumuckla, Fl died in his home on the morning of September 15, 2023. Jimmie was born in Louisa, Kentucky on January 14, 1937.
He grew up and joined the Navy at eighteen and was stationed in many places. He met his wife (Carol (Pennington) Pennington- no relation) while on leave in Washington D.C. They married and eventually were stationed at NAS Pensacola. Jimmie retired as a Navy Chief, with 21 years of service.
Jimmie was proceeded in death by his wife, Carol Pennington, father, Roy Pennington and mother, Hazel Fugett Pennington, brother Dick Pennington, and sister Nora Wyatt and granddaughter, Jessica Pennington.
He is survived by his son Jeffrey (Cyndi) Pennington and Tracey (Dale) Campbell, beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn Carol Campbell and Dale Robert Campbell Jr.
Also, three sisters, Darlene Candle, Wonola Pennington, and Junevie Pennington, of Midland Heights Pennsylvania.
Jimmie played the guitar and sang mostly for self-enjoyment, but if you were lucky enough to be around when he pulled his guitar out, you were in for a treat. He loved Merle Haggard, Willie and Waylon and the boys! He had a great sense of humor and slightly sarcastic wit that made us laugh all the time.
He enjoyed his yard and planted many fruit trees and berry bushes. He loved animals and had a menagerie of them through the years, including a pot- bellied pig and squirrels he’d nurse back to health.
He stayed active and became involved with the seniors up at the Chumuckla Community Center. He enjoyed going up there for lunch daily. When Jimmie got sick, his special girl, Ruth Hawthorn, would bring a meal to him at his house.
The diagnosis of Leukemia/Bone Marrow cancer less than a month ago, took him quickly but we were all able to be with him and tell him how much he was loved.
Visitation will be at Jay Funeral Chapel,
Friday, September 22nd at 3:00 PM
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 PM
Connie Louise Gibson
September 18, 2023
Connie Louise Gibson, age 68, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on September 16, 2023. She was born on August 23, 1955, in Atmore, Alabama, to the late David and Ruby White. Connie was a retired self-employed business woman who extended her love and support to many and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.
Connie is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Gibson, of Pensacola, Florida. She is also survived by her son, Ashley Dupree, and her grandson, Kagen Dupree, both of Pensacola, Florida. Connie was a beloved great- grandmother to Indie Rose Spagnuolo, also of Pensacola, Florida and Adeline Marie Covey of Madison, Alabama. She is also survived by her sisters, Francine Wilson (Norman), of Atmore, Alabama, Nancy Pace (Joe), of Murphy, North Carolina, Marsha Wright and Judy Walace (Otto) of Pensacola, Florida. Connie is also survived by her brothers, David White, Ricky White, Wendell White, Tony White, and Terry White (Sherry), all of Atmore, Alabama. Connie was preceded in death by her father, David White, and her mother, Ruby White (Presley), both of Atmore, Alabama. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Russell White and Paul White, all of Atmore, Alabama and her grandson Dylan Covey of Madison, Alabama.
Please join the family in celebrating Connie’s Life on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 12 Noon at Hosey Presley Cemetery in Nokomis, AL with Bro. Don Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Hosey Presley Cemetery.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Johnathan White, Thomas White, Chad White, Justin Godwin, Daniel White and Travis White.
Honorary Pallbearers are Tony Wilson, Derek Wilson, Steve White and Riley White.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Connie Gibson during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Claudia Burkett Powell
September 15, 2023
Claudia Burkett Powell, age 76, of Bay Minette, AL passed away on September 13, 2023. She was born on October 13, 1946 in Davisville, FL to Comer Eugene Burkett and Lela Bruce Burkett. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Tommy Burkett, Johnny Burkett, James Burkett and Cindy Burkett.
She is survived by her children: Roger (Shelley) Scott, Cynthia Scott and Sherry Scott; her brothers, Gene Burkett, Wayne Burkett, Mike Burkett, and Floyd Burkett; her sisters, Ruby Sanspree, Frances Godwin and Shirley Boatwright; her grandchildren: Jessyka (Tali), David (Whitney), Bookie (Crystal), Whitney, Matt (Savannah), Courtney, Tamaria, Summer (Scott), Shawn (Katelyn), Anthony, Jace, Zack, Holly (Bobby) Ethan and Devin along
with 31 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Hadley and Bro. Steve Hadley officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Shawn Ramer, Anthony Ramer, Zack Daniels, Jace Daniels, Matthew Scott and Michael Burkett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Courtland Scott, Bryson Scott, Bookie Scott and David Scott.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas David Kearley
September 14, 2023
Mr. Thomas David Kearley, age 55, passed away at on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at his Flomaton residence.
Mr. Kearley was born in Pensacola, FL and grew up in in Walnut Hill, FL. He was a Captain on a supply boat for the oil industry. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Kearley of Flomaton; daughter, Taylor Danyelle Kearley; stepsons, Jay Young of Mobile, Khrystopherr (Erica Adams) Wood of Wing, AL, and Dustyn Wood of Flomaton, AL; two brothers, James Stepp of Campobello, SC and Steve (Lisa) Kearley of San Diego, CA; one sister, Marie (George) Paulsen of Pensacola, FL; three grandchildren, Tiffany Flowers, Kinsley Wood, and Audrey Wood.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Pastor Joey Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Poston Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Craver’s Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Donny Riddlehoover, Allen Kelly, Khrystopherr Wood, Dustyn Wood, George Paulsen, and Jim Howell.
Raymond McDaniel
September 14, 2023
Raymond McDaniel, 68, of Jay, FL, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Flomaton, AL. He was born on April 5, 1955 in Niceville, Fl and was a resident of Jay. Raymond was a retired oil field worker and retired from the City of Jay as the Director of Public Works. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Inverness, FL and attended the First Baptist Church of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School in 1974 and attended Jefferson Davis Jr. College in Brewton, AL.
He is survived by his parents, James David McDaniel SR. and Georgia Lee McDaniel; a daughter, Jennifer Marie McDaniel; Brother, James David McDaniel JR. ( Doc ) and his wife Brennis and daughter, Audrey Bodiford; his sister, Amanda McDaniel Whiting ( Delbert ); three grandchildren, Kaitlyn ( Ricky ) Cofield, Evan McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel; four great grandchildren, Georgia, Madilyn, Ezra, and Emery.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Jay with Dr. George Fredericks officiating assisted by Dr. Eugene Bengston. A private Graveside service will be held at the Magnolia Cemetery in Defuniak Springs, FL
Timothy John ‘T.J.’ Gardner
September 13, 2023
Timothy John “T.J.” Gardner, 34, husband of Krystal Hawkins Gardner, died Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Born June 19, 1989, in Knoxville, TN, he was a son of the late Alton Wade Broxson, and was reared by his grandparents, Carolyn and Mike Cook. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Afghanistan. He was employed by Black River Electric Cooperative. He was a proud supporter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Survivors include his wife; two children, Wyatt Gardner and Hollie Gardner; mother-in-law, Lynn Hawkins; stepmother-in-law, Glenda Hawkins; and special friends, Brian Beaty, Taylor Martin, Jake McCall, and Dakota Curtis.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel.
Memorials may be made to the NWTF, 770 Augusta Rd., Edgefield, SC 29824-0530.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
Mark Clyde Higdon
September 13, 2023
Mark Higdon went to be with Jesus on September 11, 2023. After several abdominal surgeries with complications, he went septic and his body was unable to fight any more. Mark was born on January 6, 1968. He was so loved and an answer to many prayers. He was a sweet, kind, little boy and he loved big. He was always kind and helpful to others. He enjoyed going to church and playing baseball and basketball. He loved animals and would bring kittens home to his sister. He had a Shiba Inu dog named Geisha that he loved for 17 years. He often stopped his truck to save a turtle crossing the road. His grandaddy was a very special person in his life. They would ride the tractor and garden together. They also loved fishing together. He was looking forward to getting out of the hospital so he could go fishing with his longtime buddy, Joey in Louisiana.
Mark struggled with addictions for much of his life, which caused him untold grief and heartache. He longed for freedom from this and asked Jesus to forgive him and save him this past Saturday, an answer to many prayers.
Mark was a hard and very skilled worker and took great pride in his work. He was talented and did all kinds of construction and remodeling. He enjoyed his life and loved to have fun in God’s creation, especially the beach and the rivers. He enjoyed cars.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Clyde Higdon; his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Delores Higdon; and his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Grace Lora.
Mark is survived by his children, Samantha (Robert) Howard and Joshua Higdon; his grandsons, Nicholas Mark and Matthew Elliott; his mother, Lena Higdon; sister, Alisa (Doug) Dillard; and their children, Stephen (Ali), their son Charlie, Jason, and Kara; brother, Paul Alvin Higdon.
He enjoyed his grandsons and was proud of them. They brought him great joy. His passing has left a great void in our family. He will be loved and missed forever.
Visitation services will begin at 12 noon until 1 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533). Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Hicks officiating. Mark will be laid to rest at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.