James W. “Billy” Smith
March 7, 2023
James W. “Billy” Smith, age 84, passed away on March 5, 2023 at a local hospital after a brief illness. Billy comes from humble beginnings. He was born on May 8, 1938 to a full-blooded Creek Indian mother; Nunie McGhee Smith and father, Arthur A. Smith in the very small town of McDavid, Florida. He was one of nine children.
Billy loved his family and always took care of them and made sure they had what they needed. Billy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Faye Ledkins Smith of McDavid, Florida; Son, Darrin F. Smith of McDavid, Florida; one Grandson Dakota F. Smith, of McDavid, Florida; one Granddaughter, Makaya A. Smith, of McDavid, Florida; 5 Great Grandchildren; Kayden, Brayden, Bryson, Ava, and Baylor; one brother Ronnie (Mary Jo) Smith; two sister’s Eunice Nall and Judy (Robert) Amos and many Nieces and Nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur A., and Nunie McGhee Smith; two sisters, Joyce Boatwright, Margaret Rigby, three brothers Austin, Dudley, and Aubrey Smith, one Grandson, Dustin Blake Smith, one half-brother Edward Smith, two half-sisters Lorene Harrison and Inez Holden.
He graduated from Century High School in 1957. Billy served a brief time in the U. S. Army, June 14, 1957 until March 7, 1959, and received an honorable discharge for family hardship due his mother’s passing. Billy returned home and helped take care of his siblings.
Billy worked at various places such as Mid-Valley Construction at St. Regis Paper Co., American Cyanamid in Pace, FL, and retired from Georgia Pacific in Brewton, AL.
He was currently employed by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians as Manager of Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve; a position he held since 2006. He served on the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Council for 18 years; 10 of those years as Vice-Chairman. He served on the Wind Creek Casino Board for 17 years. He has been credited for naming the Casino’s “Wind Creek,” because he was of the Wind Clan. He was instrumental in starting the annual Poarch Band of Creek Indians Pow Wow’s. He was proud of his Tribe and gave his heart to everything he was asked to do with the Tribe for over 53 years.
Funeral service will be held at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC., Atmore, Alabama on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 3:00 pm. With Reverend David Elliott officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm.
Lewis Bear, Jr.
March 5, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lewis Bear, Jr., age 82, a loving family man, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and lifelong resident of Pensacola, FL. Lewis passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 10, 1941, to Lewis Bear, Sr., and Peggy Loeb Bear.
Lewis was a highly regarded leader in the Pensacola community and the state of Florida where he was well-known and respected for his business and philanthropic contributions. His work and dedication touched the lives of countless people and will continue to have a profound impact on the community for generations to come.
Throughout his life, Lewis was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his deep devotion to his wife Belle. In March of 1966, Lewis met Belle Yates of Selma, AL. Six months later the two were married. They shared countless memories together and he was quite proud to always have Belle by his side. Lewis leaves behind his beloved wife, Belle, of 56 years. He is also survived by his three children, Lewis Bear III and wife Jennifer (Taylor) Bear, Cindi (Bear) Bonner and husband Chad, and David Morris Bear and wife Cindi (Flanders) Bear, all of Pensacola; his brother, Donald Bear, and his nephew and nieces. Known to them as “Poppy”, Lewis adored his four grandchildren, Lauren and Lewis “Chad” Bonner, and Julia Belle and Max Bear, to whom he would affectionately express to each, “I love you the all”. Lewis is preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Peggy, and his sister, Susan Bear Leath.
Lewis attended PK Young school in Pensacola before earning his high school diploma in 1959 at the Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. In 1960, Lewis attended Vanderbilt University to study Chemical Engineering before transferring to Troy State University where in 1963 he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Math and English, with a minor in Art.
Upon graduation, Lewis joined the United States Air Force Reserve as a Technical Sergeant before his Honorable Discharge in 1969.
In 1965, while in the United States Air Force Reserves, Lewis began his career at The Lewis Bear Company, a family-owned wholesale grocery and beverage distribution business founded in 1876 by his great-grandfather. Working the next 20 years in various positions, Lewis earned the role of President and CEO in 1985 where he remained until the time of his death. In 1995, after selling the grocery business to Grocery Supply Company and acquiring the beverage business from his extended family, he was instrumental in its growth and expansion, which became a major distributor of Anheuser-Busch and other beverage products in Northwest Florida. The Lewis Bear Company is the oldest, continuously family-owned Anheuser Busch wholesale distributor in the world, and the oldest privately held corporation in Florida, facts he held close to his heart.
Apart from his business ventures, Lewis was also deeply committed to his community. He was involved in dozens of philanthropic organizations and was a major contributor to healthcare, education, and cultural initiatives in the Pensacola community.
Recently, Lewis was the former board chairman for the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC), a sustaining member and executive committee member for Florida’s Great Northwest (16 county economic development organization), a member of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, and a Life Trustee for the Pensacola Museum of Art.
Lewis served over ten years on the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Board of Trustees, including terms as Chairman, where he was instrumental in the development of the university infrastructure, programming, and processes. He served as a past member of the UWF Foundation board of directors, campaign chair for the UWF Foundation, and a Fellow for the UWF Foundation. He was recently bestowed an honorary doctorate degree of Humane Letters (DHL) generally awarded for significant contributions to society and a lifetime of service.
Lewis established multiple endowments, the Lewis and Belle Bear Facilities Endowment Fund at Temple Beth-El, the Lewis Bear Company Endowment for Excellence in Business Education at UWF, as well as the Bear-Bonner Endowment Fund at Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. He also created scholarships at both Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. Lewis served as chairman of the board for the Pensacola Escambia Development Commission and chairman and board member for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, where he also served three years as vice chairman for economic development, as well as a board member for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Lewis served as board chairman and campaign chair for United Way of Escambia County, chairman for the Pensacola Museum of Art, Trustee for the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), and a long-time board member of the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Lewis was a founder and charter president of Five Flags Rotary, a founding member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, and a board member of the Baptist Health Care Foundation. Lewis served as a board member and past chairman of Fiesta of Five Flags, where he also holds the title of Don Tristan DeLuna XLIX and is a proud member and past board chair of the Order of Tristan. On a state-wide basis, Lewis served as a board member of Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, Inc., and Florida State University’s Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL. Lewis was a founding board member of the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association and served as that organization’s first board chair. After serving many years as a board member for the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, Lewis was a board member of the Beer Industry of Florida, chairman of the Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Advisory Panel, and board member for the North American Wholesale Grocers Association. Lewis was appointed by Florida Secretaries of State to serve three separate terms on the Florida Arts Council and was appointed by the Florida Senate to serve on the Statewide Health Planning Council. He served as a board member for the Tourist and Convention Commission (TACC), vice president at Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, Inc. (ACE), and was a board member and past president for the Pensacola Country Club. He was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. where he served as vice chair.
Lewis’s legacy will continue to live on through his family and the various charitable organizations he supported along with his wife Belle and their children. Through his generosity, the Bear Family Foundation was established in 2007. Since that time, the family foundation has contributed nearly $14 million to 114 nonprofit organizations in the communities served by The Lewis Bear Company. His dedication to improving the lives of others and giving back to his community is an inspiration to all who knew him.
Lewis was recognized for his commitment to serving others. Among the honors and recognitions received include:
-United Negro College Fund, Distinguished Leadership Award, 1983
-Pensacola Chamber of Commerce designations include:
-Pace Award, “Business Leader of the Year”, 1985
-Distinguished Service Award, 1988
-Pace Award, “Spirit of Pensacola”, 2001
-Board Member of the Year, 2011
-Pace Award, “Pioneer” 2013
-Pensacola Museum of Art, Life Member of BOD, 1992
-United Way of Escambia County
-Distinguished Community Service, 1999
-Tocqueville “Legacy”, 2004
-American Cancer Society, Excalibur, 2003
-African American Heritage Society, Heritage Award, 2005
-American Heart Association, Chairman’s Award, 2007
-Independent News Weekly
-Power List, 2008-20, Most Powerful, 2010
-Best Politically Connected, 2011, 2012, 2013
-Best Person to Have on Your Side, 2013
-University of West Florida, Foundation Fellow, 2010
-Florida Bar, Liberty Bell Award, 2013
-Rotary International, Service Award, 2013
-Boy Scouts of America, Golden Eagle Award, 2013
-Florida Trend Magazine’s Most Influential Business Leader (retail/wholesale), 2018
-Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Honorary Endowment Award, 2017
-Florida Beer Wholesalers Assoc., Lifetime Service, 2021
-National Beer Wholesalers Assn., Life Service Award 2022
-City of Pensacola, Key to the City, 2022
-University of West Florida, Honorary Doctorate Degree, 2023
-A Paul Harris Fellow, 2023
Lewis will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the communities he served. A visitation will be held 4:00pm – 6:00pm Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Temple Beth-El of Pensacola, 800 N. Palafox St, where Lewis was a member his entire life. Funeral Service will be held 10:00am Friday, March 10, 2023, at Temple Beth-El of Pensacola, 800 N. Palafox St., with Rabbi Joel Fleekop officiating. Interment will follow at Temple Beth-El Cemetery, 2300 West Cervantes St. At the conclusion of services, a reception will be held at the Pensacola Art Museum, 407 S. Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dick Appleyard, Max Bear, Chad Bonner, Lewis “Chad” Bonner, Sam Camariotis, Jeff Eischeid, Don Gaetz, John Kennelly, James Leath, Charles Liberis, Lumon May, Collier Merrill, Mort O’Sullivan, Fred Silverstein and Sam Schreiber.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following charities:
The Lewis and Belle Bear Family Facilities Endowment Fund at Temple Beth-El, 800 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32501, https://templebethelofpensacola.org/donation-form/ or to the Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502, https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/development/give-now/donate/pensacola-museum-of-art/ or to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, 1 Bubba Watson Rd. Pensacola, FL 32504, https://rallyfoundation.org/rally-gulf-coast/
The family would like to thank the medical care team in Pensacola. Thank you to Dr. Brent Videau, Dr. Humam Humeda, Dr. Fernando Kafie, Dr. Jolita Klementaviciene, and KC Gartman, whose support went above the call of duty. We would also like to thank Dr. Ryan Alexander, Dr. Eddie Greene, and Dr. Michael Mikhail at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN for their incredible care during the most difficult time. Thank you to Covenant Hospice for your love and care in his final days.
Donna Stewart
March 5, 2023
Donna Stewart, age 91, of Atmore, AL passed away on March 4, 2023 in Mobile, AL. She was born on June 8, 1931 in Bedford County, VA to John and Adrienne Shank Dooley. Donna was a wonderful wife and mother. She devoted her life to God and her husband until God called her home. She was an International Pentecostal Holiness Church First Lady. She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Leon Stewart of Atmore, AL; her daughters, Dianne Stewart of San Antonio, TX and Denise Stewart of Daphne, AL; her granddaughters, Karen Long of Tipton, GA and Lara Stewart of San Antonio, TX and her greatgrandchildren: Ben Hendrickson, Eli Hendrickson and Ash Hendrickson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Doug Beacham officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.
Harold O’Neal Holder
March 3, 2023
Harold O’Neal Holder was born May 11, 1937 to Lee and Stella Holder in Uriah, Alabama. Harold passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 with family by his side. Harold is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lee Jr. and AJ, and sister, Doris Barnes. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Audrey Smelley Holder, his daughter, Benita Holder King, grandsons, Chad Willamson and Bobby King, and great-grandson, Carter Polanco.
Harold is survived by his daughters, Deborah Andrews, Teresa (Ronnie) Williamson and Belinda (David) Perry. His grandchildren, Melissa (Mike) Renacker, Tim (Heidi) Andrews, Joni (Andrew) Wills, Marissa (Lewis) Garvin, Austin Perry, and Moriah Williamson. Great-grandchildren Nick, Drew, Harper, Layla, Claire, Benji, McKinley, Hudson, Nolan, and Kaden. Sister, Jeanette Brannon, brother, Charles (Norann) Holder, dear cousins, Helen McKenzie and Jim Holder, brother-in-law, Emmette (Lorna) Smelley, and many extended family members.
Harold was a believer in Jesus and faithful follower of his Lord. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Molino for many years. He joined the Marines in 1955 after graduating from JU Blackshear High School in Uriah. After 3 years of active service, he transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962. Harold was employed by Armstrong World Industries as a Board Mill supervisor and retired early as he and his wife were the owners and operators of Crossroads/Hammer’s Trolling Motors until 2018. After they closed, he missed the hours of drinking coffee and comparing who had the most rain with all of his wonderful friends at the store. Harold was an avid fisherman who loved to leisurely fish for bream and compete in bass tournaments. If you were invited to a fish fry at their store, you were privileged to enjoy the camaraderie where you might have heard one or many of his stories about growing up the son of a farmer, playing high school football, dancing the jitterbug as a young man, or one of his fishing stories. If you are family, you probably heard him called Sonny Boy by his Mama, and
Son by his 6 double-first cousins that were more like siblings. If you were a friend you probably called him Hammer which meant you knew him well. Harold loved his family immensely and we knew it.
Harold’s family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff of The Residence Covenant Care and Covenant Hospice for providing excellent care in his last weeks as he fought a brave battle with bile duct and liver cancer.
A memorial service to remember Harold will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Highland Baptist Church in Molino, Florida. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with service following at 11 a.m.. Rev. Brian Calhoun and Rev. Josh Helton will be officiating.
Susan Evelyn Bradberry
March 3, 2023
Susan Evelyn Bradberry, age 71, of Walnut Hill, FL passed away on March 2, 2023. She was born on September 22, 1951 in Marianna, FL to Crawford Crews and Evelyn Byrd Scott. During her career, she worked with Harvester’s Federal Credit Union and later retired from Atmore Community Hospital. She was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church and Walnut Hill Baptist Church Crafty Ladies. She enjoyed crafts, sewing and quilting. Susan was her family’s greatest supporter especially her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Harvey Bradberry of Walnut Hill, FL; her children, Shawn (Leanne) Bradberry of Jay, FL and Kristy (Johnny) Pugh of Walnut Hill, FL; her brothers, Randy (Sandra) Scott of Atlanta, GA and Steven (Sheila) Scott of Biloxi, MS; her sister, Sherry Byrd of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren: Zack, Jarett, Mason, Riley, Bailey, Colbey, Kaitlyn, Brianna and Cody along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Cody Weston Rounsavall
March 3, 2023
Infant Cody Weston Rounsavall, age 2, , passed away on Monaday, February 27, 2023 in Atmore, Alabama. He always enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors. He always liked to do whatever “Big Brother” was doing, and he loved his Pawpaw.
Preceded in death by his maternal great grandparents, Leon (Betty) Tolin, great paternal grandmother, Regina Rounsavall, two great uncles, Ricky Tolin, Tony Scott, one great aunt, Diane Chapman, and a special friend, Josie Jones.
Survivors include his parents, Shawn (Kelly) Rounsavall, of Atmore, AL; maternal grandparents, Tim (Sonja) White, of Atmore, AL; maternal grandfather, Rodger Cravens, of Boise, Idaho, paternal grandparents, Nolan (Jerrie ’Sue) Kerr, of Silsbee, TX; three half-brothers, Hunter Ford, of Atmore, AL; Chaz Rounsavall, of Gulf Shores, AL; Aiden Rounsavall, of Semmes, AL; one half-sister, Berkley Rounsavall, of Semmes, AL; and other relatives.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at First Baptist Church Atmore, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Kevin Garrett officiating.
Nelson ‘Bubba’ Kenneth Martin
March 2, 2023
Nelson “Bubba” Kenneth Martin, 61 years of age, passed Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at his home in Poarch, Alabama.
Nelson Martin was born on January 30, 1962 to Otha and Doris (McGhee) Martin. He is a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He attended Escambia County High School where he played football. Nelson began his work career shortly after high school but his career ended quickly after a work-related injury. Nelson did not let this injury hinder him from living life to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Otha and Doris Martin; his brother Paul Martin.
Nelson leaves behind his son Joshua (Brittany) Martin of Atmore,
AL; his son Nelson Bradley (Brittany) Martin of Tuscaloosa, AL; daughter Magan (Justin) Taylor of Waxahachie, TX; daughter Hollie (Brandon) Towe of Tuscaloosa, AL.; a brother Otha Lamar (Charlotte) Martin of Pensacola, FL; a sister Pauline (Lamar) of Atmore, AL; a brother James Nathan (Susan) Martin of Atmore, AL. He has 10 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special aunts and uncles. A very special Thank You to Mary Poindexter and Robin Godwin for their special care and love towards Nelson.
He dearly loved to spend time with his grandkids as well as his nieces and nephews, playing solitaire on the computer, fishing with his boys, watching Alabama football, and playing the lotto.
The Martin family would like to extend their gratitude to the Poarch community for always caring, supporting, and loving Nelson.
If Nelson could tell us his last words it would be know I’m okay, I love you, but most of all ROLL TIDE!
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Josh long, Coach Melvin Middleton, and Pastor: Cornelius Phillips.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM at Poarch Community Church.
Pallbearers: Matthew Martin, Phillip Martin, Keith Martin, Jerry Faircloth, Tristan Daughtry, and Rodney McGhee.
Honorary Pallbearers: Lathaniel McGhee, Jerry “Buck” Sells, Daniel “Boone” McGhee, Stephen “Mario” McGhee, Deno Rolin, and Douglas “Spat” Daughtry.
Albert Alvaro Carriles, Jr.
March 1, 2023
Albert Alvaro Carriles, Jr., 69, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, in Molino, FL. He was born December 25, 1953, in New Orleans, LA. Albert was a member of the United States Marine Corp, a volunteer firefighter and worked in heavy equipment and land clearing for Expert Excavation and Land Clearing. Albert loved to dance and spoil his grandchildren, play cards with his mom, and go to Louisiana to the farm to hunt and clear land. He also loved to do woodworking. He had the biggest heart and would try to help everyone he could. He was loved by his family and friends.
Albert is preceded in death by his father, Albert Alvaro Carriles, Sr.
Albert is survived by his three sons, Michael Carriles (Melissa), Jonathan Carriles and Matthew Carriles; five grandchildren, Joeseph Carriles, Jordan Carriles, Colt Carriles, Maddie Carriles and Sadie Carriles; mother, Anna May Frederick Carriles; five sisters and one brother, Linda Murphy (Johnnie), Betty Aldridge (Steve), Mary Trujillo (Joe, deceased), Robert Carriles (Sue), Judy Champagne and Pattie Martinez (David), and many nieces and nephews and a lot of animals.
There will be an inurnment at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, at a later date.
His sons, Mike and Matt left him five dollars for his journey in the afterlife.
Roger Dale Emmons
February 28, 2023
Mr. Roger Dale Emmons, age 62, passed away, Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at his home in Century FL; surrounded by his family at his bedside. He was a lifelong resident of Century, FL. He was employed with Georgia Pacific for many years.
Mr. Emmons loved spending time with his family. He was an avid racing fanatic, dirt track, Nascar, and many others. He was a Flomaton Speedway champion with multiple wins. He always had a very good sense of humor and enjoyed a good get together. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and working on numerous projects building stuff.
Mr. Emmons is preceded in death by his parents, Joel Bernard (Edna Virginia Norris) Emmons.
He is survived by his one son, Michael Emmons, of Molino, FL; two daughters, Janice (Blake) DeLuca, of Flomaton, AL; Theresa Gill, of Pensacola, FL; one brother, Carl (Terry) Emmons, of Bratt, FL; one sister, Charlotte (Dennis) Ard, of Enterprise, AL; two grandchildren, Blake Anthony DeLuca, Jr; Elise Marie Gill, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Rev. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Mitchell, George Thompson, Mike Childress, Ray Owens, Keith Moore, and Fed Moore.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randall Blair, Sam Turner, and Craig Turner.
Lois Sharpless
February 25, 2023
Lois Sharpless, 87, of Cantonment, FL, passed away on February 21, 2023. She was born in Covington County, AL on July 27, 1935 to Trent and Maudie Gaw Lewis. She was married to Osmond C. (Bo) Sharpless for 58 years.
Lois was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of Gonzalez Methodist Church and had a passion for family, square dancing and traveling.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Gary Richards and sister, Debbie May.
She is survived by husband, Osmond C. Sharpless; daughters, Diane Capers (Tommie) and Susan Grantham; sons, Steve Richards (Cindy) and Sam Sharpless (Jennifer); daughter in law, Myrtle Richards; granddaughters, Kathryn O’Neil, Jennifer Grantham and Stephanie Richards; grandson, Carlson Sharpless; brothers, Charles Lewis (Mary), Scotty Lewis (Carolyn) and Ray Lewis (Carol); and numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gonzalez United Methodist Church. Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Pastor Andy Perry will be officiating. Interment will be at Bayview Memorial Park.