Obituaries

Obituaries, week of August 14, 2024

Johnny White

Mr. Johnny White, age 69, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 in Stockton, Ala. He was born in Jefferson County, Ala. and has resided most of his life in Stockton. He spent countless hours watching and feeding his cats. His favorite past-times included visiting his sister in Fort Payne, Ala., anytime spent outdoors either hunting fishing or having a meal at Street’s Restaurant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur (Allie Mae Ganey) White; two sisters, Pat Hall and Glenda Hall; one niece, April White and one nephew, Joshua White.  

Mr. White is survived by his two sons, Larry (Ashley) White and Jason (Courtney) White, all of Stockton; one daughter, Kimberly White of Bay Minette, Ala.; one brother, David (Lenny) White of Stockton; five grandchildren, Beau Bryan, Hannah White, Garrett White, Mason White, Orionna Cox; two grandchildren, Lennox Bryan, Jonah Bryan and two more on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Sister Lena Dubose and Sister Helen Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Bryars McGill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Michael Stewart, Jeffroe Stewart, James Redman, Ray Parker, Wesley Jackson and Hunter Jackson.

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

Elbert E. Godwin, Jr.

Mr. Elbert E. “Buddy” Godwin, Jr., age 68, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 in Century, Fla. He was born in Chrysler, Ala. to Elbert E. and Mamie Sue Johnson Godwin, Sr.  He retired Scott Paper Companh as heavy equipment operator and later worked with Huxford Pole and Timber Company. He loved to hunt and fish.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Godwin is survived by his wife, Maggie Lambert Godwin; his children, Roger Godwin of Colo., Kenneth R. Stabler (Michelle Edwards) and Mandy (Rusty) Emmons of Atmore; his siblings, Clyde (Ellen) Godwin of Brewton, Ala., Elizabeth Godwin of Excel, Ala. and Patricia (Calvin) Felts of Ollie, Ala.; his grandchildren, Grayson Emmons (Brannon) Freeman, Garrett Emmons and Mayci Stabler; his great-grandchild, Knox Freeman along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with High Priest Beth Linam officiating. Interment will follow in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery in Goodway, Ala.

The family received friends Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Emily Christine (Black) Truesdell

Mrs. Emily Christine (Black) Truesdell, age 95, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home in Bogia, Fla. She was a devoted, life-long member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church serving as Sunday school teacher, nursery worker, choir member and clerk. In later years she was associated with two other churches, Flag Chapel Baptist Church and Pensacola Baptist Temple.

She was an active member of the McDavid Sew & Sew Club. She and her late husband, Raymond Truesdell, were members of Gideons International. They travelled the States with the church in their RV, conducting backyard Bible clubs. They also enjoyed travelling with the Good Sam RV Club. Through the years, she enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting lessons, growing plants and fishing.

After raising her family she pursued a career in nursing. She received her Practical Nursing License working many years as a bed-side nurse at Brewton Memorial Hospital, Tuberville Memorial Hospital in Century and finally retiring at University Hospital in Pensacola. After retirement, she served her community as a volunteer nurse at the Health & Hope Clinic in Century.

Perhaps her most enduring legacy of love will be the care she and Raymond gave to numerous foster children through the years. Their home was always open to anyone, family or stranger, no matter the need. She will be remembered for the caring, hardworking, and capable lady she was and for the hospitality she administered to so many.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of sixty-five years, Raymond Truesdell; her parents, Rupert and Idell Black; her brother, Rubert Black Jr. (Buddy); her sister, Joan Brooks; her daughter, Jane Baker Robbins and her son-in-law, Andy Capps. 

Mrs. Truesdell is survived by her daughter, June Capps and her son, Rev. Dexter Truesdell (Laura), both of Bogia; son-in-law, Bobbie Robbins and brother-in-law, Fred Petty, both of central Fla.; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Ralph, Reverend Dexter Truesdell and Reverend Wesley Enfinger officiating.

Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family received friends Friday, August 9, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Scott Capps, Travis Truesdell, Nathan Truesdell, Trew Ralph, Johnny Brooks and Lance Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers were Teddy Toop, David Huggins, Grey Welch, Dalton Steadham, Bill Welch, Basil Petty and Jimmy Malone.

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

Gary L. Murph

Murph

Mr. Gary L. Murph, age 78, of Flomaton, Ala. passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 peacefully at home. He was born in Atmore, Ala. to Marvin and Vonteen Ellison Murph. He was a member of Community of Christ Church in Huxford, Ala. He was a proud military Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.  While serving he reached the rank of E-9 Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He had a huge love for his fur babies, especially his cat, Candie! He had a very “special fur baby” that he loved and they had an unbreakable bond-Gunner Linam. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister; his sister, Rhonda Reynolds; his brother, Ual Murph; his grandson, Mason Floyd Rowland and his brother-in-law, Preston Barnett.

Mr. Murph is survived by his wife and soulmate of twenty-nine years, Bunkie Rowland Murph of Flomaton; his son, Christopher Rowland (Jess Gantt) of Flomaton; his grandson, Jay Braxton Rowland; his siblings, Gordon (Winnie) Murph of Bay Minette, Ala., Kay (Pat) Mullins of Evergreen, Ala. and Josalyn Barnett of Atmore; his brother-in-law, Lee Reynolds of Atmore and his sister-in-law, Ann Murph of McCullough, Ala.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery in Jay, FL with High Priest Beth Linam officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.  

Ronald Wayne Sims

Mr. Ronald Wayne Sims “Ronnie”, age 76, passed away at his home Wednesday, August 7, 2024 after an extended illness. He was born in Century, Fla. to Alton Thomas Sims “Buck” and Annie Lou McClammy Sims “Boo-Boo”. He was best known for kindness, generosity and a very strong work ethic. No doubt we often will find ourselves repeating some of his famous one liner. One of the families’ favorites is “Somebody’s got to work!”
He was a well-loved and lifelong member of the broader Century community having been raised on Cox Road in McDavid, Fla. and attending school in McDavid and Century. He truly never met a stranger, always greeting you with a warm smile, as if he had known you for years, chances are that he had. He worked with Brown & Root as a Master heavy equipment operator and supervisor for many years. He worked with Charco until he and his son Randy started S&S Construction for many years. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Campbells Sand and Gravel.
 He was preceded him in death by his parents; his beloved wife of forty-three years, Ann; brother, Billy Sims.
Mr. Sims is survived by one son, Randy Wayne Sims (Chasity Reid); one brother, Gene Sims (Carol); three step-daughters and sons in law; Donna and Micheal Ishee, Paula and Greg Fabbro, Ronda and Hutch Hutchison; seven grandchildren, Colton Sims (Sarah), Dylan Sims, Hayden Sims, Emily Ishee, Caleb Ishee, Madeleine Hutchison and Hannah Fabbro Smith (Ben); five great-grandchildren, Audrey Ann Sims, Lincoln Wayne Sims and William Sims, Gregory and Hattie Smith; bonus grandchildren, Tori Reid Brown (Joe), Blake Reid (Morgan); bonus great-grandchildren, Asher and Willow Brown, Eden Reid, Kensley and Elyzah Whitley, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.  Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-laws.

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

Kathleen Barnes Reaves 

Reaves

Mrs. Kathleen Barnes Reaves, age 96, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024. She was born to Richard and Alyne Barnes. She graduated from W.S. Neal High School in 1946. She worked at Vanity Fair in Atmore and then at the Bank of Atmore, later known as United Bank. She retired after twenty-seven years. One of her greatest enjoyments was spending time with family. She especially enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known by several names-Mama, Mawmaw, Mawmaw-Great, and Aunt Kat.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of thirty-six years, John D. Reaves and her eight siblings, Richard L. Barnes, Ila Merle Franklin, Peggy Grice, Harold Barnes, Joan Nix, Marilyn Barnes, Robert (Bobby) Barnes, and Wendell Barnes.

Mrs. Reaves is survived by her daughters, Donna (Kenny) Hoomes and Joanie Holsonback; her four grandchildren, Jonathan (Anna) Hoomes, Joshua (Laura) Hoomes, Jacob Holsonback and Carrie (Brett) Glover; five great-grandchildren, Noah Hoomes, Cade Hoomes, Cole Hoomes, Chloe Hoomes, and Ben Glover; her sister-in-law, Barbara Barnes and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kenny Hoomes officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jeff Barnes, Jim Barnes, Brett Glover, Jacob Holsonback, Jonathan Hoomes and Joshua Hoomes.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Peggy Ann Sunday

Sunday

Mrs. Peggy Ann Sunday, age 77, of Walnut Hill, Fla. passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024 in Pensacola, Fla. She was born in Mobile, Ala. to William Franklin and Mary Christine Holman Bass. She was a member of Fretwell Tabernacle Church. She was a devoted caregiver to so many loved ones.  

She preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Walter B. Sunday.

Mrs. Sunday is survived by her sons, Jerry Sunday and Jerald Tucker, both of Pensacola, Walter Sunday of Nokomis, Fla. and William Sunday of Stapleton, Ala.; her daughters, Lisa Tucker and Pamela Sunday, both of Pensacola and Teresa Sunday of Nokomis; her brothers, Larry Bass of Spanish Fort, Ala. and Davy (Angie) Bass of Daphne, Ala.; her sisters, May Wallace of Loxley, Ala., Janice (John) Owens and Ellen Bass, both of Atmore, Ala. and Wanda Everette of S.C.; her grandchildren, Colten Sunday, Melissa Sunday, Peggy Sunday, Travis Sunday; numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Sister Helen Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family with funeral expenses.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Norah Knott

Funeral services for Norah Knott will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Faith Center.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Felicia Riley

Felicia Riley, age 51, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Atmore Community Hospital.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 16, 2024 from 2 until 5 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Eunice Mae Eicher Smith

Mrs. Eunice Mae Eicher Smith, age 99, of Brooksville, Miss., passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024. She was born to Leland and Hannah Johnson Eicher in Gratiot County, Mich. She moved with her family to Summerdale, Alabama when she was 10 years old. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on February 7, 1939. She and her husband moved to Walnut Hill, Fla. establishing a productive farm, retiring in 1980 and spent approximately ten years in Christian Mission efforts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Smith; son-in law, Kale; grandson, Jacob; two infant great-grandsons; two brothers and three sisters.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, Larry and Karen Smith, Surprise, Ariz.; daughters, Donna Schneider, Burns, Ks., Patricia and Mark Johnson, and Marilyn and Royce Schneider, all of Walnut Hill, Fla.; seventeen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; brothers, William (Lois) Eicher, Brooksville, Wallace (Judy) Eicher and Wendell (Mary) Eicher, all of Walnut Hill; sister, Imo (Wilbert) Peters and sister-in-law, Dolly Eicher, Brooksville.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 6-8 p.m.

at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August l5, 2024 at l0 a.m. at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Minister Mike Koehn officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.