Bobbie Pearson
Mrs. Bobbie Pearson, age 80, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 in Atmore, Ala. She was a native and life-long resident of Atmore. She was a member of the Poarch Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Pearson; three sisters, Olen Philyaw, Melbus Roberts and Bonnie Rolin; three brothers, Arthur Rayborn, Julius Rayborn and Hubert Rayborn.
Mrs. Pearson is survived by one daughter, Margie (Ronnie) Rolin of Atmore; one brother, Jimmy Rayborn of Thomasville, Ala.; one brother-in-law, Doug (Esther) Smith of Atmore; one sister-in-law, Susie (Bobby) Ganey of Loxley, Ala.; two grandsons, Dempsey and Haley Rolin and Ronald and Heather Rolin, all of Atmore; one granddaughter, Heather Rolin of Atmore; four great-grandchildren, Braxton Harrison, Harper Rolin, Bryleigh Rolin and Emersyn Rolin, all of Atmore and special friend, Lois Schultz; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Poarch Baptist Church with Bro. Bubba Rolin and Bro. Roger Grandstaff officiating. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday, January 24, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Poarch Baptist Church.
Pallbearers were Joe Smith, Michael Ganey, Jr. Ganey, Erby Parker, Don Wayne Rolin and Tyler Reeves.
Honorary pallbearers were Connie Vickery, Lois Schultz, Katie Presley, Margaret Luker, Hazel Steadham, Mary Jane Tullis and Vera Ramer.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.
Douglas Wayne Barnes
Mr. Douglas Wayne Barnes, 47 of Atlanta, Ga., passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in Denver, Colo. He was born in Pensacola, Fla. to Wendell and Audrey Miller Barnes. He was a 1988 graduate of Escambia County High School and a graduate of Auburn University. He was employed with Marriott Hotels.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Barnes.
Mr. Barnes is survived by his mother, Audrey Miller Barnes of Atmore, Ala.; his brother, Jim (Rebecca) Barnes of Mobile, Ala.; and by his Barnes family and many friends.
A memorial service was held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 3 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Family received friends Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 2 until service time at 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Inc in charge of all arrangements.
Curtis (Clark) Hale, Sr.
Mr. Curtis (Clark) Hale, Sr., age 82, of McComb, Miss., passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at his home. Clark was born August 31, 1935 in Atmore, Alabama the son of the late Novie Lee and Myrtle (Cook) Hale. After graduation from Escambia County High School. He moved to Washington, D.C. and worked with the FBI working under Director J. Edgar Hoover. He served as a Military Intelligence specialist for the US Army at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Ala. He had an interesting variety of entrepreneurial endeavors: co-founder of Eden Manufacturing in Liberty, MS, owner of Utility Rural Water Management Company, Oil & Gas leasing, and he also worked for Croft Metals. He became known as Smoky Hale in the competition BBQ world. He later published two BBQ cookbooks and a BBQ instructional video. He began traveling the country as a BBQ judge on the Kansas City Barbeque Society and Memphis in May circuits. He earned his Ph.B. (Doctor of BBQ Philosophy) from KCBS in 1989. In 2017 he received the prestigious Jack Daniels Pioneer Award from the ranks of very select few to be honored. He was chess player and avid reader
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Donald Beasley of Atmore; sister-in-law Laura Dailey Hataway and brothers-in-law, Wilton Hataway and James Marvin Dailey.
In the early 1980’s Clark. As Smoky Hale. After a number of years competing on the BBQ circuit, As Smoky, he enjoyed sharing his love of the BBQ cooking sport with others and many are grateful. He was a true BBQ Legend who shared his passion for BBQ with many.
Mr. Hale is survived by his wife of thirty-one, Sylvia Dianne Hale; three daughters, Corinne (Eugene Jr.) Broxson of Leesville, La., Alison Hale of Princeville, HI, Kelly (Bill) Morse of Ballwin, Mo.; son, Clark, Jr. (Melanie) Hale of Round Rock, Texas and step-son Ronnie (Michelle) Norwood of Zachary, La.; six granddaughters, Sarah Broxson (Robert Jr.) Ellis of Jasper, Texas, Emily Morse of Falls Church, Va., Maggie Morse of Ballwin, Mo., Brooke Hale of Round Rock, Texas, Caitlin Norwood and Berkeley Baudouin, both of Zachary; five grandsons: Preston Broxson of Leesville, La., Jordan Hale and Cody Hale, both of Round Rock, Texas, James Morse of Ballwin, Mo., Colby (Stephanie Norwood) of Camp Pendleton, Ca.; one great-grandson, Owen Ellis; three sisters, Linda (Bernard) Peacock of Stockton, Ala., Sandra O’Brien of Alaska and Sue Duncan of Florida; brothers, Douglas (Mary) Hale of Atmore and Rodney (Dena) Hale of Clearwater, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Louise Beasley of Atmore, Carolyn (Joey) Liles of Pensacola, Fla. and Sue Dailey of Fairhope, Ala.; an aunt, Bonnie Cook Holland of Pensacola and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Following his wishes, there was no funeral service. A private family gathering will be held later in Alabama.
Ollie Jean Strength
Ms. Ollie Jean Strength, age 75, of Atmore, Ala., passed away January 24, 2018 in Atmore. She was born in Escambia County, Ala. to the late Ollie James and Allie Belle King Strength. She was a 1960 graduate of Escambia County High School Class and attended Massey Draughon Business College graduating in 1961. She was a payroll clerk for Vanity Fair.
Ms. Strength is survived by her aunt, Joyce (Russell) Braswell of Atmore and uncle, Shelby King of Flomaton, Ala. and her loving family and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Robert Heard officiating. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Raymond Kimmons, Allen Sharpless, Aubrey Till, Hugh Long, Jed Dukes and Russell Braswell.
The family received friends Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, INC in charge of all arrangements.
Donald Joseph Byrd
Mr. Donald Joseph Byrd, age 79, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 in Pensacola, Fla. He was a native and former resident of Pensacola, Fla. and has resided in Century, Fla. for the past ten years. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Palomino Horse Breeders Association. He was a member of the Atmore First Assembly of God Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John F. Byrd and Dixie Glass.
Mr. Byrd is survived by his wife, Sue Byrd of Century; three sons, Brian (Candice) Byrd of
Cantonment, Fla., Randy Blackwell of Pensacola and Chad Blackwell of Mobile, Ala.; one daughter, Casey Blackwell of Jacksonville, Fla.; two brothers, John Byrd of Cantonment and Bob (Bobbie Jean) Newell of Chipley, Fla.; four grandchildren, Aidan Byrd, Katie Lynn Byrd, Brandon Moerler and Dustin Moerler.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church, Atmore with Bro. Don Davis officiating. Burial followed at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
The family received friends Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church.
Pallbearers were Winston Bryan, Robert Kriss, Danny Wilson, Johnny Harrell, Raymond Peebles, Wayne Harris, Michael Roley and Richard Keesler.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God Missions Team of Atmore, AL.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Earl Levon Silcox
Mr. Earl Levon Silcox, age 90, of Goodway, Ala., passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Springhill Memorial Hospital in Mobile, Ala. He was a lifelong resident of Goodway. During WWII he worked as a welder at the shipyard in Mobile.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Following the war, he established a farm, cleared land and planted pine trees. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas Silcox and Lillian Gertrude Grissett Silcox; siblings, Floyd Silcox, Ettie McCorkel, Ruby Bell, Roy Silcox, Lillian Huggins, Eula Mae Lisenby, Eugene Silcox, Arvin Silcox, Eunice Lamberth, Eulene Hall and Rayford Silcox.
Mr. Silcox is survived by his wife of seventy years, Doris Bernice Matchett Silcox; sister, Erma Ledkins, and five children, Larry (Judy) Silcox of Wilmer, Ala., Ronnie (Terry) Silcox of Athens, Ga., Connie Waller of Goodway, Donna (Doug) Silcox of Uriah and Cary (Jennifer) Silcox of Brewton, Ala.; fourteen grandchildren: Tyler Silcox, Tommy Silcox, Derick Neal Silcox, Chris Silcox, Patrick Silcox, Jennifer Brown, Laura Martin, Brenda Weaver, Travis Waller, Ron Salter, Allison Joseph, Ansley Silcox, Calley Silcox and Micah Silcox; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. C.L. Langford officiating. Interment followed at Enon Baptist Cemetery.
Johnson Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Monroeville, Ala.
Vertices “Allen” Powell, Jr.
Mr. Vertice “Allen” Powell, Jr, age 59, of Uriah, Ala., passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his residence. He was a graduate of Milton High School and earned his Associate Degree from Pensacola Jr. College and went on to earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama in social work. He worked for the Santa Rosa County Hospital in Milton, Fla. He also worked for the Monroe County Department of Education in the Department of Human Resources and the United States Postal Service. He was a member of Uriah Methodist Church, Uriah Area Development Association, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, General Society of the War of 1812, and Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He also served as the treasurer of Uriah Area Food Pantry. He enjoyed researching geneology not only his own but helped many others with theirs. He was a walking history book and had a passion for collecting geneology and history. According to the Sons of Confederate Veterans he had documented more Confederate Soldier ancestors than any other member. He was also proud of his Indian heritage and provided social services help to Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vertice Allen Powell, Sr. and Gladys Hollinger Powell and a brother, Tim Powell.
Mr. Powell is survived by two brothers, Steve (Patricia) Powell of Uriah and Shannon Harris of Foley, Ala.; sister-in-law, Judy Powell of Uriah, AL; one niece, Jessie Powell; three nephews, Steven (Lindsey) Powell, Ryan Harris and Connor Harris and one great-niece, Lake Lynn Ikner.
The family received friends Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 29, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Diane Everett officiating. Interment followed at Uriah Cemetery.
Johnson Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Earl Tolbert
Mr. Robert Earl Tolbert, Sr., age 80, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Pensacola, Fla.
He was a native of Evergreen, Ala., and a former resident of Jay, Fla. and has resided in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. for the past two years. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Pauline Tolbert; parents, Ed and Ethel Tolbert; four brothers, Bill, John, Franklin and Chester Tolbert and three sisters, Irene Barlow, Gladys Smith and Estelle Ates.
Mr. Tolbert is survived by his two sons, Robert E. (Patricia) Tolbert, Jr. of Jay and Freddie (Karen) Tolbert of Santa Rosa Beach; one daughter, Brenda (Jimmy) Gallagher of Winnsboro, La.; three sisters, Rose Richardson of Flomaton, Ala., Sara Weaver of Pensacola and Abbie Smith of Flomaton; two grandchildren, Brian Kelly and Brandy Ferrington and two great- grandchildren, Aaron Ferrington and Katelyn Ferrington.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Willie Oglesbee officiating. Burial followed at Poplar Dell Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from Noon until service time at 2 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Nowling, Richard Jara, Jerry Kirkland, James Kirkland, Heath Owens and Darrell Salter.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.
Tommy Ray Taylor
Mr. Tommy Ray Taylor, age 72, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Atmore. He was a truck driver. He was born in Brewton, Ala. to the late Lee Olivett and Ida Ora Portwood Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Beverly “Kathy” Taylor of Atmore; three sons, Kenneth Ray (Mary) Taylor of Springfield, Mo., Chris Conatser of Tenn. and
Nate Dennison of Va.; step-children, Skip (Samantha) Sponeman, Charles (Naomi) Grisham and Kristin Staten; one brother, Lavon (Maggie)
Taylor of Collinsville, Ill.; one sister, Elizabeth Beasley of Milton, Fla.; twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial services were held Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 2 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Earl Harrison officiating.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, INC in charge of all arrangements.
Eleanor Annette Jones
Eleanor Annette Jones, age 78, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Atmore. She worked at the Bingo Palace and Swift Lumber
in bookkeeping. She was born in Century, Fla. to the late Luke and Bernice Rutherford Emmons.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Merle Forbes.
Ms. Jones is survived by three sons, James (Angie) Jones of Milton, Fla., Kenneth (Jenise) Jones of Pensacola, Fla., David (Felicia) Jones of Arab, Ala.;
one sister, Betty Lou Odom of Atmore; eight grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, Bro. Greg Forbes officiating. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday January 31, 2018 from 10 until services time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in charge of all arrangements.
Baby Hixon
Baby Hixon died Saturday, January 27, 2018 at D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala.
Funeral services are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Turner Funeral Chapel LLC.
Jacqueline Dukes
Mrs. Jacqueline Dukes, age 69, of Atmore, Ala. (Freemanville Community), passed away Friday, January 26, 2018 at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Ala. She was a native of Atmore and a 1967 graduate of Escambia County Training School. She loved flowers and enjoyed fishing. She was a member of The House of God
Pillar of the Truth Church serving as a deaconess and the church treasurer.
Mrs. Dukes is survived by her husband, George Dukes of Atmore; daughter, Hazel (Kenneth) Bright of Brewton, Ala.; sons, Gary Barnes and Kendrell Dukes, both of Atmore; sisters, Lula Banks of Atmore and Melanie (Bishop Maurice) Etheridge of Century, Fla.; brothers, Robert (Willie) Salter of Los Angeles, Calif., Jessie Salter and Kenny (Susie) Salter, all of Atmore and Glenn Young of Ocala, Fla.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral service were held Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 1 p.m. at The House of God Pillar Ground of Truth Holiness Church with Rev. Shirley Dean, Pastor and Bishop Maurice Etheridge, Eulogist. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 5 – 7 p.m. Her body didlie in repose at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.
Turner Funeral Chapel LLC in charge of all arrangements.
Adam David Gantt
Mr. Adam David Gantt, age 82, passed away Friday, January 12, 2018. He was born to the late Cornellia Williams and Kermit Gantt. He was a 1954 graduate of the Escambia County Training School. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a minister. He was a welder builder and handyman as well as a dentist as the need occasioned and a barber to his children.
He was preceded in death by one son, Steven Lynell Gantt, Steven Gantt Jr., Deandre Gantt and Adam David Gantt Junior;
Mr. Gantt is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mamie Gantt; three sons, Paul, Thomas and Joseph Derek; two daughters, Joyce and Valerie; grandchildren, Paul Gann Junior and Parker Daniel Gantt; sisters, Doris Johnson, Dorothy W. Benjamin, Mary L. Green and Jannette; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Willie Powell officiating. Burial followed at Veterans Cemetery at Spanish Fort, Ala.
Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
Marcelete Maxine Hollis Harris
Mrs. Marcelete Maxine Hollis Harris, age 101, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018. She was born in Atmore, Ala. to the late John and Roxanna Hollis. She graduated from Escambia County Training School and earned a Teachers’ Diploma from Alabama State Teachers College returning later to earn her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She spent forty years as a third and fourth grade teacher. She was one of the first teachers to integrate the local schools. Her love of gardening led her to become a charter member of the Atmore Garden Club. She was a member of Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church for over ninety years serving as Sunday school teacher, Youth Choir Director and member of the Missionary Board.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers, Lula (Earnest) Hunter, Gus (Madline) Hollis, Minnie (Wilbert) Ellis, Blanche (Bryant) Nathaniel, Pauline (Willie) Jones, Nellie (Wick) Lockridge, John Hollis, Alice Hollis, Henry (Marjorie) Hollis and Gertrude (Eugene) Robinson and sister-in-law, Mary Hollis.
Mrs. Harris is survived by her son, Steven (Linda); daughters, Patricia (Wayne) Luckett and Rosiland (Jerrold) McRae; brothers, Steven Theophilus Hollis; grandchildren, Steven, (Chad (Erin), Kirbi (Lanny, Warren, Brandon and Earl; great-granddaughter, Arianna; host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and special life-long friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 29, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Greater Mount Triumph Baptist Church with Rev. Willie Hawthorne officiating. Interment followed in Stallworth Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Steven Douglas Harris, Brandon Curtis Luckett, Chad Jabari Harris, Earl Lewis Thomas, Warren Braxton Luckett and Lanny Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of Greater Mt. Triumph Church, Atmore Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and nephews.
Flower bearers were members of Atmore Garden Club and former students.
Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
Diane Denise Rabb-Dent
Mrs. Diane Denise Rabb-Dent, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018. She was employed at Wal-Mart and Lil Angels Development Center.
She was a member of Empowerment Tabernacle, Inc. where she served as treasure usher.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Dent; parents, Henery C. Rabb and Elizabeth LO. Wright Rabb-Hicks; her Pops, Joseph Hicks.
Mrs. Rabb-Dent is survived by two children “Great Nieces” Tijayah and Sasha Sumerlin and Enaid Moye; God children, Regina Rabb, Airron Rabb, Henry Rabb, Jr., Takila Adger and Scott Rabb, Jr.; host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; siblings, Darryl Bang, Sherryl and William America, Mamie Dawson, Henry and Lera Rabb, Gregory and Shenita Rabb, Tracye and Michael Bell, Eugene Rabb, Scott and Bernadette Rabb, Barbara Freeman, Joseph Hicks, Jr,, Shata Powers and beloved dog, Liz Bit Rabb-Dent.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Empowerment Christian Center with Bishop Darryl North officiating.
The family received friends Saturday, January 27, 2018 from noon until service time.
Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.