Obituaries

Obituaries, week of August 18, 2021

Ryan Keith Preston

Mr. Ryan Keith Preston, age 64, of Stockton, Ala., passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, Ala. He was born in Panama to Noel Justus and Esther Janet Preston. He a32-year career with The Taylor Group working in the local plant in Louisville, Miss. He was promoted to foreman and then to superintendent before transferring as a Customer Service Representative for SSI in Mobile. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans who work with other historical groups to preserve Confederate history and create historical re-enactments. He was the 3rd Camp Commander of the William Carney Camp 2088, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Canoe, Ala. He was also a member of the Mechanized Calvary of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was a Private, then a Corporal, and lastly First Sergeant of the 15th Confederate Calvary, Company C Re-enactors based out of Stockton and was recently promoted to First Lieutenant in command of Gage’s Battery, Confederate Artillery. He was also a member of the Gulf Coast Battalion of Re-enactors based out of Mobile, Ala. and was an active member of the Canoe Civic Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Preston is survived by two children, Holly Preston (Justin) Wilkes of Louisville, Miss. and Benjamin Cody (Nikki) Preston of Stockton; twin sisters, Sherry Preston and Terry Preston Nace; nieces, nephews, and friends; One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his five grandchildren, Elijah Preston (Brooklyn) Wilkes, Jodie Michelle Wilkes, Zane Rawlings Wilkes, Gracie Perkins, and James Carter Hunt and to his great-granddaughter, Oakleigh Marie Wilkes.
Graveside services and interment were held Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. at Stockton Memorial Cemetery in Stockton with Rev. Ron Griffin officiating.

The family received friends Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 3 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore.
Pallbearers were David Amos, Butch Black, Terry Bryan, Johnny Charles, Kevin McKinley, Jeff Roberts, John Tomlin, Darin Thompson, and Kurt Thompson.

Memorial contributions in honor of Ryan may be given to the William Carney Camp SCV, P. O. Box 579, Atmore, AL 36504.

Petty-Eastside Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Angie Tolin

Tolin

Ms. Angie Tolin, age 44, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021 in Atmore. She was born in Atmore to Herman and Merle Harris Tolin. She was a member of Gospel Light Church and a 1996 graduate of Escambia County High School.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herman Tolin and one sister, Sheila Tolin.

Ms. Tolin is survived by her mother, Merle Harris Tolin; brothers, Herman Roy Tolin, James (Tammy) Tolin and her nephew, James-Benjamin “Bean” Tolin, all of Atmore; many aunts, uncles, family and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clarence Rolin officiating. Interment followed in Mineola Church Cemetery in Mineola, Ala.

The family received friends Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Tolin family to assist with funeral expenses.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Eva Mae Lambeth

Lambeth

Ms. Eva Mae Lambeth, age 73, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 in Mobile, Ala. She was born in Frisco City, Ala. to the late Dalton and Lucy Mae Felts Webb. She worked in the bakery at Winn Dixie in Atmore for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cynthia Ann Hayles; step-son, Scott Brown; brothers and sisters, Thomas Webb, Mildred Bates, Clara Cross and Louise Dyar.

Ms. Lambeth is survived by two daughters, Sandy Clemmons and Lisa Hudson (Charles Stanton); three step-sons Larry (Stephanie) Brown, Jr, Derrick Brown and Keith (Cheryl) Brown; two brothers, Lawrence (Sherry) Webb and Buddy (Janice) Webb; three sisters, Margaret Bell, Frances Gulley and Mary Ann Pendleton; three grandchildren, J. J. (Maeghan) Brown, Ashley Chandler and Trey (Cearra) Hudson; five great-grandchildren and many family and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in Uriah Cemetery.

The family received friends Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Gregory Elbert Gibson

Mr. Gregory Elbert Gibson, age 41, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 in Atmore, Ala. He was born in Louisiana. He lived in Atmore, but has spent most time in the Walnut Hill, Fla. area. He was a member of the Holy Ground Holiness Church. He was president and cheer coordinator of Northwest Escambia Youth Football League “NWE”. He loved, NWE Football and Northview High School. He spent long hours and put a lot of blood sweat and tears into the new field at Bradberry Park. He enjoyed swimming, camping, fishing, and weight lifting. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald W. Gibson and Atricebea Presley Gibson; grandmother, Faye Wilson; grandfather, Elbert Gibson; grandparents, Rena and Hosea Presley. 

Mr. Gibson is survived by his loving wife of eighteen years, Sylvia “Jodi” Gibson of Atmore; one son, Justin Elliott Gibson, of Atmore; three daughters, Oliva Gibson, Caitlyn Gibson and Presley Gibson, all of Atmore; one brother, Donnie W. Gibson, of Waynesboro, Ga.; one sister, Joy Gibson, of Mobile, Ala.; two sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Shawn) Shoemake, of Atmore and Katie Goodman, of Flomaton,  Ala.; three nephews, Kamari (Jr), Baldwin and Alex Gibson; two nieces, Bennie Kate Mallory and Liliana Gibson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Bradberry Park Football Field with Bro. Justin Morse, Sis. Kathy Stophel and Rev. Ted Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at Poarch Baptist Cemetery.

The family received friends Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Spizzirro, Scooter Edwards, Josh Godwin, Rick Pierce, Donnie Gibson, and Josh Greenwell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark McLaughlin, Tim Crenshaw, and John Madison.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Gladys P. Sullivan            

Sullivan

Mrs. Gladys P. Sullivan, age 85, of Cantonment, Fla. passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 in Alexander City, Ala. She was born in Talladega, Ala. to the late Robert C. and Vergie Garner Phillips. She worked in the restaurant business most of her life and was a member of Farm Hill United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Carel Max Smith, Sr.; second husband, Byron M. Sullivan; her son, James Dale Smith; five brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Sullivan is survived by her three sons, Max (Carolyn) Smith of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Robert (Ellen) Smith and John Smith, all of Rockford, Ala. and one daughter, Mary (Bobby) Land of Jay, Fla.; one brother, Edward (Lorine) London of Sylacauga, Ala.; one sister, Mary (Lewis) Reynolds of Rockford; eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 16, 2021 at Noon at Farm Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Fuller and Rev. Mark Dees officiating. Interment followed in Farm Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Jason Land, Joshua Smith, Chad Smith, Max Smith, Robert Smith, Johnny Smith, Hogan Chappell and Emmitt Chappell.

The family received friends Monday, August 16, 2021 from 11 a.m. until service time at Noon at Farm Hill United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Youth Department at Farm Hill United Methodist Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Rebecca Sue Parnell

Mrs. Rebecca Sue Parnell, age 59, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Fairhope, Ala. She spent most of her life in the Perdido, Ala. area. She loved her family dearly and always valued the time she spent with them, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, four-wheeler riding and going to yard sales.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R. E. Garrett and Alice Smitherman Garrett; two sisters, Shirley Smitherman, Martha Latham; two brothers, Donnie Garrett and J.W. Garrett.
Mrs. Parnell is survived by her husband of twenty-five years, Stevie Parnell of Summerdale, Ala.; two sons, Anthony Robinson (Connie) of Clanton, Ala. and Casey Simerly (Shelby) of N. C.: one daughter, Corie Smith (Chris) of Summerdale; two sisters, Debbie Coodey and Judy Knox, all of Clanton; two grandchildren, Remy Robinson, Waylon Simerly; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Jerkins officiating. Burial followed at Dean Cemetery.
The family received friends Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Christopher Smith, Joseph Parnell, Danny Brooks, Mike Rider, George Santamaria, and Dean Bechdoldt.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Betty Carol Smith 

Smith

Mrs. Betty Carol Smith, age 65, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Bay Minette, Ala. She was born to the late Charles and Leatrice Conway Stacey in Uriah, Ala. She attended Dyas Assembly of God Church and was known for her home day care.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Nelda Pastorcich and Linda Jane Stacey. Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, Michael Smith of Atmore, Ala.; son, Jamie (Jamie) Boatwright of Perdido, Ala. and a daughter, Julia (Daniel) Biggs of Bay Minette; one brother, Charles “Buddy” (Lisa) Stacey of McCullough, Ala. and one sister, Marie (Ross) Brown of Phillipsville, Ala.; five grandchildren, Cole (Victoria) Boatwright, Korey (Tyler) Biggs, Keegan (Sara) Biggs, Wyatt Boatwright, Dru Boatwright and three great-grandchildren, Zoei, Lakelyn and Kaston.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Sanks officiating. Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Cole Boatwright, Korey Biggs, Keegan Biggs, Wyatt Boatwright, Dru Boatwright, Logan Williams, Brad Hicks and Patrick Hicks.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 18, 2012 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Charles William Biggs 

Mr. Charles William Biggs, age 86, of Pensacola, Fla., passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla. He was born in Lottie, AL. to the late John Henry and Mary Evelyn Smith Biggs. He served in the United States Army during the Korea Era and retired from Civil Service. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Madeline Ann Wester Biggs; brothers, John Leon Biggs and Henry Derwood Biggs.

Mr. Biggs is survived by his son, Richard William Biggs of Lottie; granddaughter, Brianna Biggs (Austin) Martratt of Madison, Ala and great-grandson Owen Martratt. His brother Benny Dale (Ann) Biggs of Lottie, AL. and a sister Evelyn Ann Biggs (Michael) Williams, of Brewton, Ala..

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Lottie Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ella Louise Edwards

Mrs.Ella Louise Edwards, age 104, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, August 8, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marzell Jefferson; her sisters, Irene Gulley, Willie Rivers, Lexanna Lock and Emma Edwards.

Mrs. Edwards is survived by six children, Celestine McCaskill, Emma Mae, Marilyn Edwards, Gloriadine Robinson, Geraldine Jefferson, Donald (Joann) Jefferson; fifteen grandchildren; a host of great-grands and great-great-grands; four nieces, Isolene Portis, Fannie Rivers, Gracie Gant, Eloise Parker and a host of friends.

Graveside services were held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Stallworth Cemetery with Pastor F. D. Banks eulogist.

Pallbearers were her grandsons.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

A.P. Riley

Mr. A.P. Riley, age 85, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Lewis and L.D. Riley of Atmore; daughter, Amy Lee of Pascagoula, Miss.; four brothers, Ed Riley, Clavourn (Puddin) Riley, Charles Riley, Clausell Riley, all of Atmore; sisters, Mary Born and Evon Riley, both of Mobile, Ala.

Mr. Riley is survived by three grandsons, Montrell North and Kevin North, both of Pascagoula and Christopher (Shunterrica) of North of Ocean Springs, Miss.; three sisters, Dorothy Lee House, Minnie (Leroy) Williams and Claudia Leslie, all of Atmore; one brother, O.Z. (Ernestine) Riley of Atmore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Graveside services were held Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Dashwood Riley and Rev. Alfonza Williams, officiating.

Pallbearers were his nephews and friends.

Flower bearers were his sisters, nieces and friends.

Pallbearers were her grandsons.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Porsche Knight

Porsche Knight, of Atmore, Ala. passed away August 7, 2021 in Charlotte. N.C.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Atmore.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Patrice Johnson

Patrice Johnson, age 53, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Baptist Health Care in Montgomery, Ala.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Christian Memorial Funeral Home.

Henry Freeman

Henry Freeman, age 47, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Atmore Community Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Christian Memorial Funeral Home.

Napoleon Jerome Tunstall

Napoleon Jerome Tunstall, age 41, of Mobile, Ala., passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Lake Charles, La.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Christian Memorial Funeral Home.

Jeremy Shawn McKissack
Mr. Jeremy Shawn McKissack, age 41, of Bay Minette, Ala., passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021 at North Baldwin Infirmary. He was a lifelong resident of Bay Minette. He was a captain at Bay Minette Fire Department Station 70 where he served the community for twenty years.  He also served the community of Daphne, Ala. at Daphne Fire Department for thirteen years. He volunteered his services with Perdido and Rabun volunteer fire departments. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family enjoying Auburn University sporting events. He and his family were also known to go on very spontaneous road trips across the country to watch the Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!
Mr. McKissack is survived by his wife, Amber Bush McKissack; daughters, Andi Brooke McKissack and Abby Kate McKissack; his mother Regina Sprinkle (Thomas); father, Larry Sprinkle (Allie); grandmother Annette McKissack; Aunt Rhonda Akins, all of Bay Minette; mother and father-in-law, Janet and Web Bush of Perdido, Ala.; he was loved by his aunts, uncles, sister and brother-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, amazing friends, as well as, the many first responders of Baldwin County, AL.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bay Minette with the Rev. Phil Bryars and Rev. Malcolm Harrelson officiating. Interment will follow at Bay Minette Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeremy’s life. Family request “Masks” be worn throughout the service.

The family will receive friend Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9 until 11 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Chief Mike Minchew, Wayne Bryars, Kenny Hanak, Bobby Dolan, Brian Dees, Chad Jones, Jeff Smith and Cameron Boyington.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Gregory W. Pierce

Mr. Gregory W. Pierce, age 63, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021 at his residence.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Turner Funeral Chapel.

Teresa Rene’ Mooney Etheridge

Mrs. Teresa Rene’ Mooney Etheridge, age 65, of Walnut Hill, Fla., passed away Monday, August 16, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla. She was born in Atmore, Ala. to the late Freddie Leon and Joan Milstead Mooney. She was a member of Atmore First Assembly of God and was a former EMT for Atmore Ambulance Service.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Michael Lennard Etheridge, Sr. 

Mrs. Etheridge is survived by her children, Michael Lennard (Larissa) Etheridge, Jr. of Century, Fla., Candace Rene’ (Dennis) Pittman, Jr. Haley and Anne Etheridge, all of Walnut Hill, Ashley Beatrice Daw (Shaun Qualls) of Atmore; one brother, Eddie (Eunice) Mooney of Oak Grove, Fla. and two sisters, Tina (Frankie) Marsh and Teelya Whitehead, all of Oak Grove; six grandchildren, Dennis, III; Landon, Weston,  Madalynn, Braxton; Camden; two special friends, Cindy Freeman, Vicki Hardy and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Harrison Whitehead, Brannon Whitehead, Bradley Whitehead, Dennis Pittman, Jr, Shaun Qualls and James Etheridge.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 2 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Roy Lee “Bobby” McDowell

McDowell

Note: Change in cemetery

Mr. Roy Lee “Bobby” McDowell, age 69, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 at his residence.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Elder Kenneth Johnson officiating.

Turner funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.