Obituaries

Obituaries, week of September 25, 2024

Angela Faye Johnson      

Mrs. Angela Faye Johnson, age 46, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024. She was born in Atmore, Ala. to Ernice Delmore and Willie Harris. She was an Escambia County high School graduate and attended cosmetology school. Later was employed for Alabama State Department of Corrections. She was a member of McCullough Baptist Church. She had a remarkable love for animals extending her compassion and warmth to all creatures. She loved expressing herself through arts and crafts. She was the kindest soul making others feel loved and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her step-father, Claude Delmore and her maternal grandparents, Ernest and Lillie Belle Hetherington

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband, Johnny Johnson; three children, Kaitlyn (Harley) of Pensacola, Fla., Logan and Ava of Castleberry, Ala.; one grand-daughter, Scarlett Johnson; her parents; paternal grandparents, Willie and Luverne Lawson of McCullough, Ala; two sisters, Tamekthea Harris of Atmore and Emil (Chris) Moore of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Quinton (Shanda) Harris and Willie (Athrettial) Harris, Jr. of Atmore; mother-in-law, Rita Johnson; one brother-in-law, Micheal and two sisters-in-law, Rachael and Elizabeth, all of Commerce City, Co.; devoted cousin, Michael Thomas of Newnan, Ga. as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Buck Kelly

Mr. Buck Kelly, age 88, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Petty Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel.

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

Sheila R. Ephraim

Ms. Sheila R. Ephraim, age 57, of Buffalo, N.Y. passed away Wednesday, August 28 2024 In Buffalo, N.Y. She was born in Atmore, Ala. to David Ephraim, Sr. and Esther Ephraim-James. She was a member of Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center. She was a proud 1986 graduate of Escambia County High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ms. Ephraim is survived by her bonus parents, Robert (Belinda) Ephraim of Pensacola, Fla.; two daughters, Shamekia (Kevin) Gandy of Waynesboro, Miss, Des’tinee America of Atlanta, Ga.; five brothers, Nicholas McCreary of Waynesboro, David Ephraim, Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., Darren (Shirley) Ephraim of Spartanburg, S.C., Deon (Tiffany) Watts of Montgomery, Ala, Rashawn Williams of Lawrenceville, Ga.; three sisters, Keisha Ephriam of Waynesboro, LaTwinda (Edwin) Jackson of Waukegan, Ill., Timeko Ephraim of Atmore; two aunts, Isabell Brazzell and Beatrice Ephraim of Atmore; one uncle, Bobby Ephraim of Atmore; devoted friends, Jackie Crenshaw of Atmore, Tameca Land of Miss. and Carrington Cartwright of Miami, Fla. and a special friend, Chris Lewis of Youngstown, Ohio; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center with Bishop Catadro North/Eulogy and Pastor Patricia Salter/Presider. Internment followed in Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers and flower bearers were her family and friends.

Linda Joyce Harrelson

Mrs. Linda Joyce Harrelson, age 79, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in Pensacola, Fla. She was born in Davisville, Fla. and has resided most of her life in Atmore, Ala. She attended Pineview Pentecostal Holiness Church where she enjoyed attending church services. She enjoyed watching westerns and Andy Griffith; spending time with her family, and being able to cook for them. She loved being able to work in her garden, both flower and vegetable. Sewing was also her favorite past-time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luman (Luella Brown) Luker; husband, J.V. “Pete” Harrelson; two sisters, Louvania Roberson and Willa Mae Scott; two brothers, Howard Luker and Hollis Luker; one grandson, Wendel Lavon Harrelson, Jr.
Mrs. Harrelson is survived by her three sons, Danny Harrelson, Wendel Harrelson and Ricky Harrelson, all of Atmore; one daughter, Kathy (Timothy) Hutcherson of St. Stephens, Ala.; one sister, Clara Allison of Birmingham, Ala.; eleven grandchildren, Alisa Still-Rolin, Randy Jonathan Rolin, Joey Rolin, Jaclynn Harrelson, Wesley Daigre, Michelle Brown, Shellie Harrelson, Miranda Neel, Ella Harrelson, David McCrory, Danny McCrory; seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery in McKenzie, Ala.
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Rolin, Kyle Hinson, Wesley Daigre, Jamel Grace, Mikey Harrelson, and Fred Brown.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

James Douglas Pullen

Mr. James Douglas Pullen, age 80, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024. He was born in Atmore to Louis Marvin and Exa Mae Kendrick Pullen. He was of the Assemblies of God faith. He owned and operated Pullen TV Repair in Atmore for many years.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas A. Pullen and his sister, Dorothy Ann Albritton.

Mr. Pullen is survived by his sisters, Louise Marvette Godwin of Oak Grove, Fla. and Ruth Reed of Atmore along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A private inurnment will take place at a later date in Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Atmore with Bro. Randy Albritton officiating.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. 

Rutelia “Teety” Rudolph America

Mrs. Rutelia “Teety” Rudolph America, age 88, of Montgomery, Ala., formerly of Atmore, Ala. passed away quietly in her son’s residence.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Atmore. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery

The family will receive friends Friday, September 27, 2024 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.

Gordon Clarence Fay, Jr. “Dixie Boy”

Fay

Mr. Gordon Clarence Fay, Jr. passed away September 22, 2024.

He was born on June 28, 1941, to Sibley and Gordon, Sr. He entered this world in his home, on the dining table, no less. He grew up in Mobile, Ala., before entering the Marine Corps in 1959 and served until 1961.
In preparing to go into the insurance business following the path of Gordon, Sr., he moved to Atmore. He spent time as a volunteer EMT and firefighter. He was invaluable in bringing and instilling native culture to the Poarch Creek Indian tribe before their Federal Recognition, and even traveled with the kids on the “Pow Wow Trail” to reinforce connecting to native culture. This was the initial organization of the now Pow Wow Club. Although Pow Wows are part of western native culture, it was at a Pow Wow he met his wife, Angel of over three decades by pretending to have a flat tire, and the rest is history.

Mr. Fay played semi-professional baseball, tennis, stickball and was an avid University of Alabama football fan, and despised any team who ever beat Alabama, especially Auburn.
While waiting to start his career as an insurance salesman, he started working for Dixie Supply Company. He knocked on his first door and announced that the “Dixie Man” was there and was quickly corrected that he looked more like a “Dixie Boy” and that name stuck.

He also ran Lightfoot’s Prints and Frames with his wife, Angel, for many years.
As a Mekko, Lightfoot led the Kvnfvske Ceremonial Grounds in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon, Sr.; mother, Sibley and son, Travis.
Lightfoot is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Angel Fay; his five children, Sandra Fay Thomas (John), Gordon “Tater” Fay (Jennifer), Cory Fay, Kristen Big Eagle, Treasure Fay Edwards (Kennard); his nine grandchildren, Samantha, Lauren, Eli, Christopher (Cepane), Thunder (Tvnetke), Kaiden (Nokvsece), Calista, Kiona, Jasmine; his three great-grandchildren, Brody, Tazden and Taven. Dixie Boy is known by many others in the community as a father figure or family member, so he is also survived by his many, many bonus family members who love him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Turner Funeral Chapel located at 83 Westbrook Lane Atmore. A private traditional native burial will follow. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Fay’s life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers please consider potted plants or donating to the family $AngelFay.

Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.

William H. “D-Boy” Steele

Funeral service for Mr. William H. “D-Boy” Steele, age 90, of Atmore, Ala. was held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center, Bishop Darryl North – overseer and Elder Patricia Salter Jamieson- Presider and Eulogist.

Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.

Ella Kitty Stuart 

Stuart

Mrs. Ella Kitty Stuart, age 77, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, in Atmore, Ala. surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Greenville, Ala. and has resided most of her life in Poarch, Ala. She attended Poarch Community Church. She loved going to the beach, it was her favorite place to be. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid Alabama football fan and in her younger years loved to play softball. She also loved to go dancing at the VFW’s and the Legion Halls. She has been on numerous cruises. The greatest thing she enjoyed the most was flowers, whether she was growing them, or someone sent them to her, she just loved flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland Dennis (Bena Mae Branum) Newton; one son, David McGhee; four sisters, Carol Lavon Gafford, Dorothy Mae Chavers, Mary Wynner Skipper, Lilly Dianne Morgan and one brother, Ralph Cleveland Newton.
Mrs. Stuart is survived by her three sons, Michael (Jennifer) McGhee of Nokomis, Ala., Andrew (Amanda) McGhee of McCullough, Ala. and Brandon (Hailey) McGhee of Mineola, Ala.; two brothers, Ray (Anita) Newton of Andalusia, Ala. and Ronnie (Helen) Newton of Greenville; two sisters, Ann Foster and  Marthaola Skipper, both of Greenville, Ala,; eight grandchildren, Ashley, Trenton, Hunter, Cameron, Eli, Evan, Emeree and Eli; six great-grandchildren, Cade, Lauren-Rae, Trayden, Tinley, Jaxon and Jameson; special friends, Kay Everette, Glenda Carlton, Linda Jackson and Gerldine Godwin; caregiver, Karen Metts; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Brian Eskelinen and Leon Tullis officiating. Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be David Foster, Timmy Rolin, Troy McGhee, Chase McGhee, Larry Faircloth and Cameron McGhee.
Honorary pallbearers will be Trent McGhee, Hunter McKay, Eli McGhee, Evan McGhee and Eli Newsome.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Carl Raymond Barnhill
Mr. Carl Raymond Barnhill, age 88, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024 in Atmore, Ala. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore where he attended Gospel Light Temple Church. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, serving on the Tribal Council for a couple of years. He also ran Doug’s Pool Hall for a number of years. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting along with being outdoors where he spent countless hours gardening. He enjoyed the casino and playing pool. His favorite thing to do was going riding, looking and rambling around, he also liked watching westerns and was an avid Alabama Football fan. Traveling to the mountains with his wife and spending time with her was something he loved. He spent countless hours listening to southern gospel music. His favorite trip was to Key West.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosasco (Ruby McGhee) Barnhill; wife, Kattie Mae Barnhill; one son, Allen Keith Barnhill; two brothers, James Edward Barnhill and Roy Lee Barnhill; two sisters, Wilma Barnhill and Verna Lee Gehman.
Mr. Barnhill is survived by his two sons, Donald Ray Barnhill of Poarch, Ala.; Steve D. (Dana) Barnhill of Molino, Fla; one daughter, Janet Kay (Gary) Gattis of Atmore; two brothers, Dillard Wayne Barnhill of Atmore and Kenneth Ray (Evelyn) Barnhill of Phillipsville, Ala.; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special children in his life, Kayla Macks, Tanya Reyes, Nancy Peters, Buddy Hawkins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Marty Gehman, David Gehman and Martha Gookin officiating. Burial will follow at Wild Fork Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Brad Barnhill, Craig Barnhill, Samson Bethea, Blake Barnhill and Adam Barnhill.
Honorary pallbearer will be Marvin Vogt.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.