Osmond Charles ‘Bo’ Sharpless
August 17, 2023
Osmond Charles “Bo” Sharpless, 92, a native son of Cantonment Florida, passed away on August 13, 2023 after a brief illness.
Bo was born June 14, 1931 at his family home on the corner of Old Palafox and Diamond Dairy Road [now Burgess Road]. His parents were Osmond Sharpless of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Nannie Mae Braxton of Cottage Hill, Florida. He was raised with his two sisters, Dorothy Sharpless Kinne [now deceased], and Barbara Buckendorf. He was a 1948/1949 graduate of Tate High School, served in the US Army in Germany, and graduated from Florida State University in 1956. After marrying his wife of 58 years, Lois Dean Lewis of Florala, Alabama (who passed away earlier this year), they raised five children together; Diane Capers (Tommie), Susan Grantham, Gary Richards [now deceased] (Myrtle), Steve Richards (Cindy), and Sam Sharpless (Jennifer). To support this young family, Bo simultaneously worked full-time shiftwork at the Monsanto Nylon Plant, as part time soldier in the Florida National Guard, as a basketball referee, and as a substitute high school teacher. Bo ultimately retired from Monsanto a supervisor and from the Florida National Guard as Command Sergeant Major. During retirement, Lois and Bo enjoyed square dancing, volksmarching, and traveling together. They enjoyed their four grandchildren, Katie O’Neil, Jennifer Grantham, Stephanie Brown-Richards, and Carlson Sharpless; and his extended family including Jon Allen and Robbie Adams. Bo Sharpless had a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America, beginning as a “lone scout” even before the formation of Troop 20 in Cantonment. In scouting, he earned the titles of Eagle Scout, Ranger Explorer, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Silver Beaver while mentoring countless young scouts in their lives and scouting careers. His lifetime of service included being a dedicated teacher, a postman, a tireless volunteer for the Red Cross, and serving in countless leadership positions at multiple churches and throughout multiple scouting organizations.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Gonzalez Methodist Church with Pastor Andy Perry officiating.
The family will receive friends at 1PM prior to services.
Burial will take place in Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boy Scout Troop 628, or Gonzalez Methodist church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Roy Dowling ‘Buddy’ Godwin
August 16, 2023
Roy Dowling “Buddy” Godwin, age 88, of Oak Grove, FL passed away on August 11, 2023.
He was born on December 3, 1934 in Oak Grove, FL to Edgar Clayton and Bertie LeonaGodwin. Buddy was a graduate of Ernest Ward Class of 1952 and served in the United States Air Force. He was a retired electrician with Champion and a lifetime member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He was the overseer of Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery and the Oak Grove Community Center. Buddy was known as one of the Oak Grove Historians and was a leader of the Oak Grove 4-H Club. He enjoyed farming and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Bobbie June Ward Godwin, his son, Dwight Godwin, and his siblings, Armontine “Tina” Biggs, Julian William Godwin and his infant sister, Mary Evelyn Godwin.
He is survived by his wife Marvette Pullen Godwin; his sons: Doug (Vicki) Godwin of OakGrove, FL, Lamar (René) Godwin of Oak Grove, FL, Ryan (Crystal) Godwin of Oak Grove, FL and Mark (Lois) Dean of Oak Grove, FL; his daughter-in-law, Judy Godwin, his sisters, Joyce Fore of Robinsonville, AL and Betty Ann (Donald) Dennis of Oak Grove, FL; his eighteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Albritton and Bro. Dennis Terry officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, FL.
Active pallbearers will be Jepp Godwin, William Plato, Doug Godwin, Jr., Brandon Dean, Trevor Dean, Justin Godwin and Jake Godwin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Judevine, Danny Fuller, Bobby Mason, Jim Hual, Don Wilson, Don Dennis, Dudley Harrison and Doug Hagar.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. Attn. Jackie Darby, 4350
Gobbler Road, Century, FL 32535.
Judy Emmons
August 16, 2023
Judy Emmons, age 71 of Pace, Fl passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Judy was born in Brewton, Al on August 18, 1951. She graduated from Tate High School in 1970. She went on to become a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Judy delighted in her role of caring for her family. She loved to cook, crochet, and garden. Judy loved being outdoors where she tended to her flowers and vegetables, as well as the birds, and was particularly fond of hummingbirds. Judy also loved spending time with her family and friends. To know Judy was to love her. She was very special to all who knew her. In her last days she was in so much pain, but her sweet soul shined through even in those most difficult days. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was very grateful, gracious and especially brave. The world was a better place with her in it. She will forever be remembered as a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
She was preceded in death by her father, Guy Brooks; mother, Dorothy Brooks Chambers; her sister and best friend, Shannon Brooks Faulk; and granddaughter, Tressa Hendricks.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Donnie Emmons; son, Danny Emmons; daughter, Amanda (Earl) Hendricks; her brother and best friend, Guy “Buddy” Brooks; three grandchildren, Anthony (Brianna) Hendricks, Shayna Hendricks, and Darren Hendricks; two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Adrianna; several nieces and nephews; and many friends that she loved like family.
Faith Chapel North, 1000 S Hwy 29 Cantonment, Fl 32533 is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 for friends and family from 6pm – 8pm. Funeral will be on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10am with a graveside service to follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery, 12953 Chumuckla Hwy Jay, FL.
Pallbearers will be Bubba Emmons, Allen Lavallee, Greg White, Jon Boy Ellis, Casey Bott, and Brendan Bott. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnathan Ronnlof, Aaron Emmons and Chris Brewer.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Michael Lawrence Wood
August 16, 2023
Michael Lawrence Wood, age 56, of Atmore, AL passed away on August 10, 2023 in Bay Minette, AL. He was born on December 10, 1966 in Springfield, IL to Ronald and Beverly Schmittler Wood. He was a deacon and a member of Oak Grove Church of Christ. He was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Earlier in his career, Michael was the Director of a juvenile facility and a Bootcamp Probation Officer. He also assisted in the Wilderness Therapeutic Programs in Tennessee, writing much of the protocols. Later, he was the Correctional Warden I at GK Fountain Correctional Facility. He is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Ann Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Thomas Wood; his children: Emma Beth (Colt) Black of Jasper, AL, Leah Faye Wood of Atmore, AL and Charles Michael “Jeb” Wood of Atmore, AL; his father, Ronald Wood; his sister, Rhonda (Gary) Barnett of Vandalia, MI, and his grandchildren: Ronin Ray Black, Willa Winter Black, Riven Rori Black and Wilder Wade Black.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Brad Sullivan and Bro. Sammy Bynum officiating with Military Honors.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove Church of Christ, 5470 County Road 164, McDavid, FL 32568.
Grover C. ‘Cleve’ Hanks
August 16, 2023
Grover C. “Cleve” Hanks, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023. He was born December 16, 1933, in Bratt, Florida to W. M. and Lelar Hanks. Cleve graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1952. He graduated from PJC and attended UWF. Cleve served 22 years in the United States Air Force. He was an Aide for two different Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, two years with the Gemini Program Office NASA HQS, served with The Defense Intelligence Agency, two years in Bangkok, Thailand, a remote tour in Nakhon Phanom Thailand, where Cleve was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and subsequently was awarded two Oak Leaf Clusters, awarded the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and other medals. Cleve retired from The Air Force Office of Special Investigation. After retirement, Cleve served 20 years in Civil Service for the Department of Defense. He retired from the SSN21/Seawolf Submarine Program after 11 years. He and Lauretta moved to Cantonment, Florida where they joined Olive Baptist Church. He served in the military ministry and other roles. Following Lauretta’s death, his children cared for him until his death.
Cleve is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Lauretta McGougan Hanks; sisters, Ann Wilson, Evelyn Taylor, Florella Robinson and Clara Belle Hanks; brothers, Clarence Hanks and Jay Hanks.
Cleve is survived by son Norbert (Kathy) Mitchell of Melbourne, Australia; son, Martin L.(Joyce) Hanks of Cantonment, Florida; daughter, Victoria L. (Dustin) Ashton of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; sister, Lou Marling of Pensacola, Florida; granddaughter, Alanna Mitchell; grandsons, Nathaniel Ashton, Marc Anthony, Brandon and Daniel Hanks.
Funeral Services will be Friday, August 18, 2023, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Jerry Passmore will be officiating. Interment will be at Bayview Memorial Park on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Hubert Taylor Crabtree ‘Huey’
August 16, 2023
Hubert Taylor Crabtree “Huey”, 83, was born May 5th, 1940 in Pensacola, FL, and passed away peacefully after bravely fighting a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loved ones on August 6th, 2023.
He is preceded in death by parents, Catherine Dagen Crabtree and Ollie Jennings Crabtree; brothers, Ollie Don Crabtree, Thomas Matthew Crabtree, Louis Jennings Crabtree, and Walter Allen Crabtree; daughter, Claudia Crabtree Gisclair.
He is survived by his brothers, Henry Clay Crabtree and Monte Garey Crabtree, daughter; Melissa Norton (David); grandchildren; Blade Crabtree, Zarryn Hinchen (Tawni), Lauren Ogden, Jade Gisclair, April Rogers (Jospeh), Megan Stewart (Ryan), great grandchildren; Jaylen Gisclair, Tripp Rogers, Luke Rogers, Payne Stewart, Paxton Stewart, and Phoenix Calloway. Also survived by a very close and dear friend Britney Domby.
Hubert “Huey” was the oldest of seven boys. At the young age of 17 he left home for Pensacola Florida, where he worked 3 years at the Crabtree Service Station. He left Pensacola at the age of 20 to start his career in the oil field. He spent over 40 years in the Oil Field Industry. With his brothers, he co-owned Casper Equipment Rental (CER) in Casper, WY. Working was Huey’s passion, he lived to work. In July 1966 he found his home on the Westbank of New Orleans where he was a part of many business ventures and met most of his lifelong friends.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 10AM in the Chapel of Mothe Funeral Homes, 2100 Westbank Expressway, in Harvey. Visitation will begin at 9AM. Interment will take place Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10AM at Crabtree Cemetery in Molino, FL.
A special Thank You, to Patricia Guidry, “Patty”, for the compassion and kindness she showed while taking care of Huey the last few years of his life.
Hannah Annette Martin
August 10, 2023
Hannah Annette Martin, 24, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on August 6, 2023.
Hannah was a daddy’s girl and her mother’s world. She had a beautiful spirit and a smile that would light up any room. Hannah loved spending time with family and friends and travelling to new destinations. She was the ideal big sister and best friend. She was independent, fearless, and strong. Above all, Hannah was self-less, always putting the needs of others before her own. In her twenty-four years, Hannah touched more lives than can be counted. From the elderly she cared for to her godson and nephew, she lived to make others happy. Although Hannah was never on time, you could always count on her to be there when she was needed.
Hannah was a 2017 “Top 10” graduate of Escambia County High School. She earned her CMA license in 2022, and was recently pursuing a degree in business from Columbia Southern University. Hannah was not only a scholar, but also an athlete. All throughout school, she was active in cheerleading as well as softball. As an adult, Hannah was an active player and coach for NAYO and NASA softball.
Most recently, Hannah worked as the Patient Access Specialist for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians First-Generation Clinic. Previously, Hannah worked as Adult Services Case Manager for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians from 2019-2022. Prior to that, she was a server at David’s Catfish House from 2014-2019.
Hannah was preceded in death by grandparents Bobby Martin and Johnny and Deborah Madison, and brother LaDalvin Hixon.
She is survived by parents Haley and Antywon Madison and Lamarlen Hixon; brothers Noah (Reini) Martin, Isaiah Madison, Janagen Grace, Jakhiryn Hixon; sisters LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, and Jalia Lassiter; Grandparents Bobby (Donna) Milstead, Annette Hixon Frye, and Scottie Dixon; nephew Baylor-Hayes Lavon Martin; godson Brady Joe French; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Homegoing service will be August 14th at McCullough Christian Center at 2 p.m.. Repast will follow at the McCullough Christian Center gym.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 13th at McCullough Christian Center from 6-9 p.m. for friends.
Pall bearers: Noah Martin, Isaiah Madison, Winston Barron, LaDarius Willis, Triston Knott, Tadd Huskey, Gavin Snow, and Janagen Grace.
Honorary pall bearers: LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, Alia Snow, Lexi Huskey, Trista Barlow, Jazmine Norman, Kiah Parker, Michelle Barron, Kennedy Green, and Saniyah Hixon.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Thomas O. ‘Tom’ Norris
August 10, 2023
Thomas O. (Tom) Norris was born October 7, 1938, in Andalusia, Alabama, and passed away August 7, 2023 in Pensacola, Florida.
Tom was one of 11 children. He graduated from Florala High School in 1957. From there he went into the transportation industry for 43 years serving with the L and N railroad, National Airlines, where he ascended from Ramp Agent to management, and retired from management with greyhound bus lines.
He loved gardening and watching things grow as well as listening to gospel music. He was active with the Council On Aging calling bingo and serving where he could. Tom was an avid Alabama football fan and spent every football Saturday enjoying a game with his brother David.
Tom had a special love for his church, Gonzalez Baptist Church. There he served as deacon, the Manna and food for help food distribution ministries, choir, landscaping and anywhere else there was a need.
Tom was dedicated to his family. He took care of and provided for any that had a need. He would freely give good advice to all, especially to his nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Dalton Norris and Rosa Odessa Sauls; daughter, Jamie Suzanne Norris; son, Anthony (Tony) Ladon Norris; as well as 9 brothers and sisters.
Tom is survived by wife, Nancy Nobles Norris; daughter, Tracy Harris; granddaughter, Carrie Longmire Fisk, (Byron); great grandson, son, and buddy pal, Adrien Phillips; son in law, Paul Swafford; brother, Quitman David Norris; several nieces and nephews
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Gonzalez Baptist Church. Pastor Mike Mashburn will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the roof fund at Gonzalez Baptist Church or your favorite charity.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dennis Griffis
August 8, 2023
Mr., age 60, passed away, Monday, August 7, 2023, at his home in McDavid, FL; surrounded by his loving family. He was born, January 12, 1963, in Century, FL; and has resided most of his life in McDavid, FL. He worked construction for many years.
He enjoyed all the family get togethers. He always stayed with family and friends through out their sicknesses and their stays in the hospital. He enjoyed paying practical jokes on people. He enjoyed watching movies, football games and working on electronics.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J D (Ruby Johnson) Griffis, two brothers, Wayne (Mary) Griffis, Gary Griffis, one sister, Annette Lambeth, two nephews, David Griffis, Chad Hanks, and one great-nephew, Dalton, Hanks.
He is survived by his one Godson, Jon Jon (Karissa) Griffis, of Flomaton, AL; one Goddaughter, Bailee Griffis, of Flomaton, AL; two brothers, Danny Griffis, of McDavid, FL; Tony Griffis, of McDavid, FL; two sisters, Patsy Griffis, of McDavid, FL; Brenda Hanks, (Rocky Coffey) of Century, FL; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Jay, FL.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Griffis, Jon Jon Griffis, Bud Campbell, James Emmons, Jr. Emmons, and Mark Henington.
Honorary pallbearers will be Logan Hanks, Sammy Portwood, and Jase Portwood.
Linda L. Hunt
August 8, 2023
Linda L. Hunt, age 76, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023. She was born April 13, 1947 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Linda was married to Jesse F. Hunt for 36 years. She worked in administration for Ecuatoriana Airlines for 18 years. Linda also volunteered at Council on Aging for 7 years. Linda loved animals, plants, nature and the beach.
Linda is preceded in death by her father, William F. Radcliffe; mother, Ruth L. Radcliffe; and brother, William Lee Radcliffe.
Linda is survived by her husband, Jesse F. Hunt; daughter, Tracy Morehouse; stepdaughter, Jennifer Hunt; stepdaughter, Anitra Potts; stepdaughter, Hanna Snyder; and stepdaughter, Sandra Santana.
There will be a Memorial Visitation Saturday August 12, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.