Opal L. (Cornelia) Hatcher
January 18, 2023
Opal L. (Cornelia) Hatcher, 86, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, after a short illness.
She was born in Sneads, Florida on January 18, 1936, daughter of the late Percy and Blanche Lanier, and sister of her late brother William Lanier. She is survived by her daughter Janice Hardin and her husband Kerry, son Larry Hatcher and his wife Karen, and Allen Hatcher and his wife Yolanda. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Opal graduated from Sneads High School (Florida) where she was a cheerleader and then graduated as Salutatorian of her class. She met her future husband, Charles K. Hatcher, at a basketball game and married in October 1953; they were married for 45 years until his death in 1998. She soon thereafter attended and graduated from Montgomery Business College. They moved from Chattahoochee, Florida to Pensacola in 1957 and both began work at Chemstrand. She also worked in administration at the firm of Cabiness, Hiles, and McCloud and later had a long administrative career at Pensacola Junior College in the IT and Data Processing Department.
Charles and Opal built their first home in Ensley, Florida in 1960 and later built a new home in Cantonment. Opal was a very family-oriented lady; her family’s well-being always came first to her. She loved her husband and children dearly and was never more content than on those occasions when they could all be together. In addition to her family, she loved music and working in her yard and garden, but what she loved most was taking care of others. She could not bear to see anyone suffer and was tireless in her efforts to assist and heal. Her efforts in taking care of both her parents, her brother and her husband, when they were in ill health, were remarkable and set a standard for love and sacrifice that few will ever match.
She also loved to laugh, and her children discovered in her later years that she had much more humor within her than was ever suspected. She began exhibiting a degree of quick wit and humor they had never witnessed and this has left them with many fond and delightful memories of her latter days. Opal was a faithful member of the Pensacola Boulevard Church of Christ and later attended the Gateway Church of Christ. She was not “preachy” and she taught others primarily how she lived her life and how she treated others. She was an exemplary model of what a mother and wife should be. She laughed heartily in the good times, worked hard and long in times of difficulty, and seldom if ever, complained. She was a light in the world for many people and will be sorely missed. Pallbearers will be Justin Hatcher, Stan Oliver, Burt Goodman, Justin Hardy, Patrick Bradley, Austin
Smith.
A funeral service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home-North on Friday, January 20. Visitation will be from 2 pm to 3:30 pm with the funeral service to follow immediately. Opal will be buried on Saturday at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at 2:00 pm and all family and friends are welcome to attend.
Nancy Patricia James
January 17, 2023
Nancy Patricia James, nee Hicks, of Pensacola, Fl, passed away on January 8, 2023, just one day short of her 84th birthday.
She was born in Greensboro, AL to Stanley and Grace Hicks, one of nine children. They all predecease her. She was the last “Hicks”.
Over Spring Break in 1956, she was visiting the Gulf Coast and met a handsome NAVY Flight Mechanic, Dale Buddy James, in the surf of Pensacola Beach. They were married a year later. This marriage lasted 65 years with Nancy following Bud from coast-to-coast and to the Orient.
She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1961 and remained faithful to her religion until her death.
Nancy was admired for her beauty, wit, keeping a lovely home, and being devoted to her pets.
She is survived by her husband, Bud James, her daughters, Janice (Steve) Kline and Kaylynne “Dede” McClellan. She has 4 granddaughters, Tiffany (Bill) Whyte, Tehra (Landon) Walker, Kathleen Chambers, and Anjolie Kline, great grandson Brayden Walker, great daughters Emmalyn Whyte, Elizabeth Whyte, and Ella Walker.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Chapel North on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at 11:00am.
The Service will be live-streamed.
James L. M. Berry
January 17, 2023
James L. M. Berry entered into eternal patrol on December 16, 2022, as submariners do when they leave their earthly life, into the life God has promised us. James was a loving father to his 3 daughters Nichelle (Nic), Stephanie, and Barbara (Renee). James was a good friend to all who knew him. He was always willing to help out anyone in need. James was a Volkswagen enthusiast and a longtime member of Rare Air Volkswagen Club. He held weekly engine building classes in his garage which he very much enjoyed. James also collected various 1967 Volkswagens; a bug, single and double cab trucks, and a Karmann Ghia, as well as a “New diesel” VW. James was a man of many talents. He sang and played multiple instruments; drums, piano, violin, and the accordion. James loved Dixieland Jazz and had been a member of multiple bands over the years. James won many trophies in Navy talent shows. He was a proud U. S. Navy Submariner and loved sharing his experiences like how subs worked, as well as, all of the places he had visited during his career. James thoroughly enjoyed using some of the foreign languages he had picked up over the years, especially German, Spanish, Tagalog, and Hawaiian Pidgin. While serving in the Navy in Hawaii, James took up flying, and obtained his private pilot certification. James was a model train collector. He was given his first train at a very young age which started his love for trains. He still runs that train on a track suspended in his home today. As well as collecting and enjoying his own trains over the years, James was involved in the Foley Railroad Museum where he volunteered every week. James enjoyed building models of planes and boats. He was meticulous with details and the authenticity of each project.
James grew up in LaCrosse, Wisconsin with his parents Leo and Edith Berry and his three sisters, Bonnie Hesse (Gary), Sharon Fundum, and Susan McGuire. James joined the Navy after high school and served 26 years; 15 of them being “submerged” on submarines. James retired from the military and landed in Pensacola, Florida as he didn’t want any part of dealing with winter snow. James went to work at The Endoscopy Center of Pensacola and The Imaging Center as a valued employee.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Edith Berry; his daughter, Stephanie Ware; and brothers- in- law, Carl McGuire and Dale Fundum.
James is survived by his daughters, Nichelle “Nic” Smith and Barbara “Renee” Ware; sisters, Bonnie (Gary) Hesse, Sharon Fundum and Susan McGuire; five granddaughters; four grandsons; twin great granddaughter and grandson; and his special Best Buddy, Matthew. James will be missed dearly by his family, close friends and all those that knew him. James was an active member of The Subvets, volunteered at the Drum in Mobile, Alabama at Battleship Park where he enjoyed giving tours and shining brass on the sub. James attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida for many years.
Donations can be made on James’ behalf to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Deborah Kay Lee
January 16, 2023
Ms. Deborah Kay Lee, age 67, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 15, 2023, in Century, FL. with family at her bedside She resided most of her life in Bratt, FL. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church.
Ms. Lee enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved to travel, and enjoyed baking cakes, and sewing. She loved to sit down and watch Hallmark Movies.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Carthell Alderman and Ms. Betty Mullins, one son, Shane Lee, two sisters, Lillian Ard, Susan Alderman, and one brother, Jimmy Alderman.
She is survived by her one son, Robert (Debra) Findlay, of Gulf Breeze, FL; four daughters, Mary Amber (Joel) Broadhead, of Bratt, FL; Sheena (Jacob) Carach, of Bratt, FL; Karissa (Willie) Knight, of Walnut Hill, FL; Heather (Michael) Couillard, of Pace, FL; thirteen grandchildren, Skye Lee (Cody) Parham, Lexi Broadhead (Keyshawn Breedlove), Somer (Christian) Coleman, A.J. Broadhead, Naudia Carach, Zach Carach, Aiden Broadhead, Tyler Carach, Peyton Lee, Landon Lee, Willie Knight IV, Lilliana Couillard, Remington Knight, two great-grandchildren, Cason Coleman, August Parham, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be A.J. Broadhead, Aiden Broadhead, Zach Carach, Tyler Carach, Joel Broadhead, and Jake Carach.
Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Couillard, and Willie Knight III, and Landon Lee.
Patricia Faye Billingsley
January 16, 2023
Mrs. Patricia Faye Billingsley, age 57, passed away, Thursday, January 12, 2023, in Atmore, AL. She was a lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL. She attended the Gospel Light Temple for many years.
Mrs. Billingsley loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed listening to music, and dancing. She was very artistic, loved to draw and loved making beaded jewelry. She enjoyed going to the mountains, and the creek. She always opened her home up to anyone in need and enjoyed taking care of many babies over the years.
Mrs. Billingsley is preceded in death by her parents, James McLain and Betty Hall McLain, two brothers, Kenneth Dewayne McLain, Donnie Lee McLain, grandparents, Jesse Lambert, and Allen Sutton.
She is survived by her aunts, Kathy (Raymond) Rolin, of Atmore, AL; Mary (Scott) Hardin, of Pensacola, FL; one step-daughter, Carrie Coleman, of Brewton, AL; half-sister, Vanessa Tillman, of McDavid, FL; step-mother, Patsy McLain, of McDavid, FL; a special friend, Maegen Ferrera, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Bro. Clarence Rolin and Bro. Raymond Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at Pollard Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Matt Lee, Jeffery Lambeth, Johnathan Watson, Eduardo Rosales, Jared Anderson, and Justin Anderson.
Ruby Lois Cooper
January 15, 2023
Mrs. Ruby Lois Cooper, age 88, passed away, Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. She resided most of her life in Cantonment, FL. She retired from health care with many years of service. She was a member of Farmhill Holiness Church.
Mrs. Cooper enjoyed working in her vegetable garden, she also shared her crop of vegetables and loved to cook the fresh vegetables that she gathered. She enjoyed gospel music, and Christian Television Network. She really enjoyed going to the mountains and attending church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Archie (Emma Presley) Ardis, husband, Johnny Cooper, one son, Warren Dean Cooper, and one brother, Grady Ardis.
She is survived by her two sons, John (Lisa) Dale, of Atlanta, GA; Daniel (Debra) Cooper, of Seminole, AL; two daughters, Wanda Massey, of Cantonment, FL; Pamela Cooper, of Cantonment, FL; two brothers, Hubert (Alice) Ardis, of Wimberly, TX; Danny (Renee) Cole, of Baton Rouge, LA; one sister, Emogene (Johnny) Wood, of Talladega, AL; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Bro. Clyde Hughes officiating.
Burial will follow at Presley Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Clifford Buck, Joseph Snow, Donny Thompson, Michael David, Daniel Cooper, and Johnny Cooper.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chance Coleman, and Clay Coleman.
Cecil H. “Junior” Driver, Jr.
January 10, 2023
Mr. Cecil H. “Junior” Driver, Jr., age 61, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023 at a Pensacola, FL hospital.
Mr. Driver was born in Munich, Germany and had been a resident of McDavid, FL before moving to Molino thirteen years ago. He was a member of the Century High School Class of 1979. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had worked as a mechanic at Masland Carpets. He was a member of McDavid Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil H. Driver, Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cindy Driver of Molino, FL; his mother, Josie Driver of McDavid, FL; two sons, Nick (Heather) Driver of Flomaton, AL, Cody (Ashley) Driver of Molino, FL; daughter, Valarie Driver of Mobile, AL; brother, Scotty (Tracee) Driver of Jay, FL; sister, Cheryl (David) Beck of Lake Mary, FL; six grandchildren, Brianna, Morgan, Conner, Brantley, Hayes, and Hayden.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at McDavid Methodist Church with Bro. Randy Enfinger officiating. Interment will follow in Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Thursday at Flomaton Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Jeff Steadham, Jeffery Steadham, Michael Hammonds, Daniel Kelley, Chad Burkett, and John Madison.
Glennis Carl Simmons
January 10, 2023
Glennis Carl Simmons, age 87, of Cantonment, Florida passed away December 23, 2022. He was born on December 8, 1935 in Brewton, Alabama to Travis and Cora Simmons. He was married to Betty Joyce Odom Simmons for 61 years. He had a career in Construction & Building Supplies for Owsley Lumber Company, West Lumber Company, Banner Builders Supply and Langford & Mills.
He was a member of Olive Baptist Church. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, baseball, football and his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Travis Monroe and Cora Grissett Simmons; brothers, Doug Simmons, Cecil Carnley; son, Glennis C Simmons Jr.; son-in-law, Terry Lee Dorch. He is survived by his wife, Betty Joyce Odom Simmons; son, Devin K. Simmons (Amy); grandsons, Mark (Lindsey) Simmons, Chad (Lexi) Simmons; granddaughter, Karen (Ben) Kimsal, and six great grandchildren, brother-in-law, James (Jacque) Odom, nephews, Jason and Jacob. He was also involved in the following, President of Cantonment Little League, President & Treasurer of Tate High School Quarterback Club, Tate H.S. Student Advisory Board and Deacon at Pinewoods Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Covenant Hospice at Covenant Care 5041 N. 12TH Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504 or St. Jude Hospital at donors@stjude.org.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 2:00pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will follow in the event room at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
William Charles Krushas, Jr.
January 10, 2023
William Charles Krushas, Jr. (Bill), passed away quietly at the age of 81 in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 7, 2023 with Jo Ann, his loving wife of 23 years, by his side.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Bill enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and retired as Senior Master Sergeant having dutifully served his country for a total of more than 20 years of active and reserve duty. After retiring from active-duty service, he worked as a civil servant at NAS Pensacola for approximately 40 years. When Bill wasn’t working, he liked to relax. Relaxing for him usually involved more working. Working in the yard. Working on his house. Fixing things. Cleaning things. Building things. Tinkering on things. Building things, he could tinker on that he could then fix and that would probably require cleaning.
But Bill wasn’t just an extremely hard worker. He also had a seemingly endless thirst for knowledge. What he didn’t know he wanted to learn about, and this allowed him to be a vast resource for anyone who needed help. Bill was kind and generous. He was industrious and endlessly energetic. He was clever and witty. He was a good friend; a good son; a good father; a good brother; and a good and loving husband.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ora and William Krushas, Sr., as well as his stepson, David Karrick, (Bubba). He is remembered by his wife, Jo Ann Krushas; his two sisters, Burgett Mobley, and Bobbie Cowart; his children and step-children, and their spouses, John Kingsley and Kym Embry, Tracy and Shane Leggett, Tera and Paul Schmidt, and James and Hailey Krushas; as well as cousins and nephews and nieces and an abundance of the most amazing and more or less well-mannered grandchildren a person could dream of. Bill will also be remembered by his good friend and neighbor, Bo Boyett. Not mentioned here are the countless other friends Bill met along his life’s journey, the men and women he served with, and even the random passerby who happened to be lucky enough to glimpse his charming smile and wit. He will be missed by all and forgotten by none.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 10:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be prior to service at 9:30am.
Ruby Lois Cooper
January 10, 2023
Mrs. Ruby Lois Cooper, age 88, passed away, Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. She resided most of her life in Cantonment, FL. She retired from health care with many years of service. She was a member of Farmhill Holiness Church.
Mrs. Cooper enjoyed working in her vegetable garden, she also shared her crop of vegetables and loved to cook the fresh vegetables that she gathered. She enjoyed gospel music, and Christian Television Network. She really enjoyed going to the mountains and attending church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Archie (Emma Presley) Ardis, husband, Johnny Cooper, one son, Warren Dean Cooper, and one brother, Grady Ardis.
She is survived by her two sons, John (Lisa) Dale, of Atlanta, GA; Daniel (Debra) Cooper, of Seminole, AL; two daughters, Wanda Massey, of Cantonment, FL; Pamela Cooper, of Cantonment, FL; two brothers, Hubert (Alice) Ardis, of Wimberly, TX; Danny (Renee) Cole, of Baton Rouge, LA; one sister, Emogene (Johnny) Wood, of Talladega, AL; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Bro. Clyde Hughes officiating.
Burial will follow at Presley Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Clifford Buck, Joseph Snow, Donny Thompson, Michael David, Daniel Cooper, and Johnny Cooper.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chance Coleman, and Clay Coleman.