Commander Edmund William Berry, USN
April 29, 2023
Commander Edmund William Berry, USN, Retired left for his final duty station on Wednesday, the 26th of April, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his brothers, Dan, Tim, and Joe; his sister Ann; two daughters, Ann and Emily, and four grandchildren, who have learned over the years to appreciate his quick sense of humor, his fun-loving personality, and his love of good Irish whiskey.
Born to a Marine Corps pilot and a first-generation Irish immigrant in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Ed grew up with a love of the outdoors that continued throughout his life. He hunted, fished, and boated whenever he had the chance—until he discovered the greatest sport of all time: golf. When Uncle Sam came calling during the Vietnam War, he signed up to join the Navy based on the promise he could fly. Twenty-two years and a master’s degree later he had not only flown, but had taught others to fly, influenced national security decision making, and become an adjunct professor of same through the Naval War College.
After he retired in 1994 Ed followed his wife’s career back to Pensacola where their love story began so many years prior and took up substitute teaching and volunteer work to fill his days in meaningful ways. Through Civitan International and church service he touched the lives of countless local families. He enriched the choir of St. Jude Thaddeus church every Sunday by picking up as many harmonies as he could with his rich voice, strong in the belief that making a joyful noise unto the Lord was the best form of worship.
Ed was the life of every party he attended and was renowned for his smoked meats and baking prowess. His passionate and playful approach to life helped him build powerful bonds with his grandchildren, who have always been his biggest fans. His stories kept everyone around him laughing even as he lost his twenty-one month battle with pancreatic cancer. He will always be remembered as the embodiment of the saying “love conquers all.”
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel North funeral home in Cantonment, FL from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 4th. A funeral Mass will be said at St. Jude Thaddeus church on Friday, May 5th at 10:30 AM, with graveside service to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you contribute to the charity of your choice in Ed’s name.
Gordon R. Creighton
April 26, 2023
, 88, of Cantonment, FL, passed away on April 23, 2023.
He was born in Pensacola, FL on February 27, 1935 to John R. Creighton and Edytha Forrest Hayes Creighton. He was married to B. Carolyn Garman Creighton for 60 years. Gordon had a career in Equipment Operation and Truck Driving for Southern Prestressed, Fred Rich, St. Regis, Himself, Pensacola Skid & Pallet and Schneider.
He was a member of Grace Open Bible Church in Cantonment, FL and had a passion for fishing in his younger days and trucking in his later years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Creighton; son, Warren Creighton; and daughter, Cheryl Creighton.
Gordon was survived by his daughters, Carol Sealey and Teresa Woods; son, Clay Creighton; and many grand and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2:30PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Grace Open Bible Church with Pastor Carlos Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Pallbearers will be Myles Resmondo, Brett Adkisson, Bradley Woods, Zachery Woods, Avery Resmondo, and Joie Woods.
Catherine Tolbert Williams
April 26, 2023
Mrs. Catherine Tolbert Williams, age 79, passed away, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Millbrook, AL. She resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. She worked as a nurse in the healthcare field for many years.
Mrs. Williams enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed going fishing, the outdoors gardening with both flowers and vegetables. She was very creative, loved to paint, especially oil paintings, and enjoyed making different things. She loved to travel…. “She was always ready to go”.
Mrs. Williams is preceded in death by her parents, Roy (Pauline Winham) Tolbert, husband, Albert F. Williams, one grandson, Anthony Stroud, eight siblings, William Tolbert, Joe Tolbert, Geraldine Pugh, Larry Tolbert, Imogene Burgess, Diane Tolbert, and Harry Tolbert.
She is survived by her one son, Albert Jason (Jacqueline) Williams, of Donaldsonville, LA; two daughter, Judy Williams (Jerry) May, of Millbrook, AL; Julia Williams (Tony) Stroud, of Summerdale, AL; one brother, Roy Lee Tolbert, of McCullough, AL; two sisters, Mattie Turner, of Goodway, AL; Sue Carol (David) Williams, of Goodway, AL; eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Teresa) May, Jennifer May, Jade (Ben) Salter, Tanner Williams, Caleb Fullurton, Christian Williams, Trinidy Williams, Gracie Williams, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Jerry May officiating.
Burial will follow at Poplar Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Ben Salter, Tanner Williams, John Stephens, Adam Tolbert, Jason Williams, Brad Tolbert, and Jordan Tolbert.
Honorary pallbearers will be Christian Williams, and Caleb Fullurton.
Doris A. Adams
April 20, 2023
Mrs. Doris A. Adams, age 75, passed away, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in Milton, FL. She resided in Flomaton, AL; but resided most of her life in McDavid, FL. She worked for a sewing factory for many years, and was a caretaker for Lake Stone for 14 years.
Mrs. Adams enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed the outdoors gardening with both flowers and vegetables, and loved to cook. She enjoyed reading, going fishing, and watching TV.
Mrs. Adams is preceded in death by her parents, Percy Wilson (Evelyn Tolin) Johnson, husband, Jesse Edward Adams, one son, Timothy Edward Adams, four brothers, Willie Blackwell, James Johnson, Donnie Johnson, John Thomas Johnson, two sisters, Janie Milstead, Betty Ruth Johnson, and one daughter-in law, Susan Adams.
She is survived by her one son, Thomas G. (Nancy) Adams, of Century, FL; one daughter, Dianne (Philip) Muse, of Brewton, AL; one sister, Linda Faye Merchant, of Century, FL; two grandchildren, Austin Joshua Adams, Cody Ryan Adams, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Christian Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Billy Merchant, Kevin Merchant, Richard Merchant, Tyler Merchant, Percy Johnson, and B J Johnson.
Joyce F. Watson
April 19, 2023
Mrs. Joyce F. Watson, age 86, passed away, Friday, April 14, 2023 in Atmore, AL. She has resided most of her life in Flomaton, AL; before moving to Atmore, AL. She loved playing the piano and attending church at, Sardis Baptist Church.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, loved her dogs, and listening to gospel music. She was a great seamstress, awesome cook, and enjoyed decorating. She liked antiques, and loved working with her flowers, and ferns.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe (Reaby Conway) Fore, husband, Terry Watson, two brothers, Butch Fore, and Billy Fore.
She is survived by her one son, Mark Watson, of New York, two daughters, Gay Watson, of Mobile, AL; Beth (Bart) Cooke, of Houston, TX; one brother, Vernon Fore, of Atmore, AL; sister-in law, Sandra (Gene) Pettis, of Orlando, FL; and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Rickey Tedder officiating.
Burial will follow at New Bethlehem Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Mary Rita Hughes Leake
April 15, 2023
, our beloved Nana, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 just 13 days shy of her 100th birthday. Rita Hughes was born in Midland, Maryland to the late John and Anna (McGowan) Hughes on April 27, 1923. She was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She retired from the Akron City School system in 1979. Rita was an active member of both St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio, as well as, St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Barrineau Park, Florida. She enjoyed volunteering, traveling, and reading, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her four granddaughters and two great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James W. Leake; three brothers; and a sister.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Ann (George) Wayte; granddaughters, Rebecca (Jerry) Hatch, Jacquelyn (Dave) Goddard, Tina (Mark) Barber, and Beth (Chris) Ryzoc; and two great grandchildren, Lillian and John Hatch.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12Noon, Saturday, April 22, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Family will receive friends at 11AM prior to services. Burial will be held in Frostburg, Maryland.
We want to thank Covenant Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Barrineau Park, Florida.
Gary Hiram McDonald, Sr.
April 15, 2023
. resident of Molino, Florida went home to be with Jesus on April 13, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born on February 26, 1950 in Pensacola, Florida to Tommy and Vermel Perry McDonald.
Gary owned several businesses including McDonald Tire in Baker, Louisiana and Gary’s Tire Center in Pensacola, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Ilence and Clora Miller Perry; and paternal grandparents, William and Anna McDonald.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Rhesa (Ben) Robinson; son, Gary (Ashleigh) McDonald, Jr.; three grandchildren, Haley Robinson, Haden Robinson and Gavin McDonald; sister, Felicia (Jeremy) and Karen (Steve) Ward; several nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Shelley Hamm Cooley.
Gary was a faithful member of New Hope Apostolic Church. He loved going to church, witnessing to others, and passionately serving the Lord. He also enjoyed hanging out at Cracker Barrel and sitting in a rocking chair while greeting folks. Gary loved to joke around and make people laugh. He was loved and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle, Molino, Florida on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastors Jeremy Shields and Steve Ward officiating. Burial to follow in First Pentecostal Church Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Ben Robinson, Haden Robinson, Gavin McDonald, Harlan Foster, Austin Garrett, and Thomas Richardson.
Rose Marie Winchester
April 15, 2023
On April 12, 2023, of Barrineau Park, Florida died suddenly at her home at the age of 84. A devastating loss for friends and family, but more so for the animal world she cared so passionately about. She was the voice for neglected and abused animals as a former investigator for Panhandle Equine Rescue. Rose Marie will be defined by the untold number of animals she rescued. So many people relied on her wealth of knowledge of animal care and holistic remedies. Rose Marie was a former member of the Escambia Sheriff’s Posse. She lived a full life while independent, brave and stubborn.
Rose Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Winchester.
She is survived by her daughter, Shawn (David) Phillips.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 202, at Faith Chapel North with Dr. Chris Croley officiating. Burial will follow in Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery. Family request casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pensacola Humane Society Website – Cat spay and neuter “Community Cats”
James (Jimmy) McLeod Wilson
April 14, 2023
James (Jimmy) McLeod Wilson, 86 of Byrneville, FL passed away on April 13, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bay Minette, AL to the late D.C. and Media Wilson. He was a retired chemical operator from Monsanto with 37 years of service. He was a member of Byrneville UMC, an avid fisherman and hunter, and a New Orleans Saints fan.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Barbara Covan Wilson; one son, James Michael Wilson and three daughters, Sharon Denise Odom, Teresa Marie Jordan and Mary Kathryn Black and one grandson Mikey Odom.
He is survived by his daughter, Beth (Kevin) Beck of Lake Mary, FL; eight grandchildren, Jessie, Nicholas, Lindsey, Kasey, Jessica, Caleb, Jacob, and Sarah and eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Byrneville Community Church with Rev. Fred Stallworth officiating.
Interment will follow at the Byrneville Community Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Byrneville Community Church.
Terence ‘Ted’ Evans French III
April 14, 2023
Terence “Ted” Evans French III passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Pensacola, Florida. He was born on October 15,1934 in Atmore, Alabama where he grew up graduating from Escambia County High School. He attended Auburn University (API) obtaining a finance degree in 1957. Ted then joined the Air Force flying B47’s and B52’s. He was honorably (medically) discharged in September 1968 as an Air Force Captain.
Ted married Margaret (Rabon) French in 1969. They welcomed a daughter, Mary-Margaret in 1976. He enjoyed hunting with his nephews and fishing on Perdido Bay with his family and friends. He loved Auburn football and watched every game he could.
He is preceded in death by his infant son; his mother, Mary Willie; his father, Terence and sisters, Jane, Lillie and Mary Louise.
Ted is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Mary-Margaret; grandchildren, Conner, Morgan and Carter; nephews, Warren, Robert, Scotti; nieces, Ann, Betsy, Peggy and Cathy and many more family members, Auburn fans and friends.
Graveside services will be held 3:00PM Monday, April 17, 2023 at Stockton Memorial Cemetery 52441 Stockton Cemetery Road, Stockton, Alabama 36579.
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