Margaret Mae Byrd
Mrs. Margaret Mae Byrd, age 89, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Monday, February 17, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born, May 21, 1935 in Cheraw, S.C. She later moved to Atmore, where she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Atmore. Going to church was important to her, and she was a faithful member of her community. She was president of Atmore Garden Club and served as Worthy Grand Matron for Ala. and General Grand Committee Member of the Eastern Star. She was co-owner of Byrd’s Well and Pump Service.
In her leisure time she enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. She enjoyed watching Fox News and good old Westerns. Baby-sitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. A skilled cook and a true green thumb, she loved spending time in her yard, planting flowers and taking care of her garden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert (Annie Mae Driggers) Pigge, Jr.; husband, Troy Byrd; two brothers, Theodore Pigge, Leo Pigge; two sisters, Mildred Plyler, Sylvia Garris; one grandchild, Candice Michelle Byrd and one great-grandchild, Landon White.
Mrs. Byrd is survived by her two sons, Ronald (Betty) Byrd, of Atmore and Robert (Lisa) Byrd of Oak Grove, Fla.; two daughters, Patricia (David) Gibbs of Atmore; Janet (Ricky) Burkett of Mobile, Ala.; one brother, Jimmy (Libby) Pigge of Cheraw; one sister, Sybil (Artis) Steele of Pensacola, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Margie (Terry) Gartside of Orlando, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Ashley, Lindsay, Stacey, Matt, Taylor, Audrey, Kristen, Zach, Kayleigh; thirteen great-grandchildren, Hayden, Bryson, Huxley, Brayden, Kinzy, Wade, KylieAnn, Hadley, Khloe, Maverick, Anniston, Skarlet, Baby McDaniel other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Alton Lister officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Gove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Chade White, Michael Wood, Kevin White, Matt Burkette, Zach Burkette and Braxton Chastang.
Honorary pallbearer will be Luke McDaniel.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Helen Marie Davis
Ms. Helen Marie Davis, age 85, of Davisville, Fla. passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2025 in Century, Fla. She was born in Oak Grove, Fla. to Walter William and Irvie Mazelle Davis. She was of the Baptist faith and Valedictorian of her graduating class at Ernest Ward High School. After many years of service, she retired from Waller, Crook and Jones, PC.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Willie Davis and Alvin Davis and her sisters, Arlene Godwin, Elsie Steele and Eleanor Heard.
Ms. Davis was survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery in Davisville, Fla. with Bro. Robert Gandy officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Michael Edgar, Cary Jordan, Chris Edwards, David Lambert and James Edgar.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Ronald Bryant Rigby
Mr. Ronald Bryant Rigby, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in McDavid, Fla. Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Originally from Atmore, Ala., raised in Oak Grove, Fla., he spent most of his life in Bratt and Byrneville, Fla. He was a dedicated member of Bratt Assembly of God Church, where he found joy and community.
He worked for the Escambia County Road Department for twenty-five years and spent twelve years farming. Beyond work and church, his interests were wide spread for hands-on projects in his shop and was often found tinkering with various projects; watching westerns and Grit TV; gardening, and canning vegetables; hunting and fishing. He and his wife took a memorable trip across the country, traveling 6,000 miles to explore different places together. He truly enjoyed spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse David “JD” (Erma Smith) Rigby.
Mr. Rigby is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Suzanne M Rigby of Backwoods of Byrneville; two sons, Stephen Bryant (Sam) Rigby of Backwoods of Byrneville and Adam (April) Rigby of Keego, Ala.; brother, Jesse Rigby of Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Jackie (Billy) Darby of Oak Grove, Fla. four grandchildren, Grady (Talita) Rigby, Cooper Rigby, Layla Kate Rigby and Clark Rigby; one great-grandchild, Elaina Rigby and a special cousin, Judy.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Mel Coon and Reverend Marcus Wallace officiating. A private burial will follow at a later date.
The family will receive friends Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Hardy, David Kerns, Joey Killam, Brad Shaw, Reggie Odom and Danny Webb
Honorary pallbearer will be Leslie Barnes, Jackie Godwin, Lonnie Wilson, Matt Robbins and Jimmie Stanton.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Rex Morgan Sheldt
Mr. Rex Morgan Sheldt, age 69, passed awayat his home Friday, February 21, 2025. He was originally from Willoughby, Ohio, and had previously lived in Painesville, Ohio, before moving to Davisville, Fla. where he resided for the last nine years.
He loved spending his free time enjoying the great outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing. Gardening was another passion of his, especially when it came to growing juicy tomatoes that he often shared with family and friends. In his down time he enjoyed watching shows like “Swamp People,” “Pawn Stars,” and “Ax Men.” He also had a soft spot for tales of Big Foot. Traveling to Ohio was a regular part of his life, allowing him to stay connected with family while cheering on his favorite football team, the Cleveland Browns. Being surrounded by loved ones during those visits made every moment special.
Mr. Sheldt is survived by his loving wife of nine years, Terresa Michelle Sheldt of Davisville; two step-sons, Joey (Maryanne) Palachek and Mike (Amber) Palachek, all of Painesville, Ohio; step-daughter, Bethany Prado of Atmore, Ala.; his dog Max; brother, Steve (Angela) Sheldt of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; four sisters, Janet (Dave) King of Madison, Ohio, Cynthia Hendricks of Pensacola, Fla., Paula Dyson of Key West Florida and Marla Sheldt of Key West, Fla.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Ala. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Ann Mixon
Mrs. Ann Mixon, age 79, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at her home in Perdido, Ala. She grew up in Dyas, Ala. and spent most of her life in Bay Minette, Ala. and Perdido. She was a cherished member of the House of Prayer.
She loved to spend her time fishing by the waters; happily solving crossword puzzles and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry “Ted” (Dorothy Weekley Wilson) Andrews; husband, Charles Mixon, Sr.; son, DeWayne Whatley; sister, Bonnie Andrews Whatley; great-grandchild, Elizabeth Joylynn.
Mrs. Mixon is survived by her daughter, Tammy (William) Harrelson of Perdido; son, Steven Whatley of Daphne, Ala.; two brothers, Billy Andrews and Benjamin Andrews, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Brenda Cox of Jacksonville; seven grandchildren, April Hicks, Christopher Hicks, Jessie Turner, Dalton Whatley Teddy Whatley, Megan Middleton, Garrett Harrelson and Kendra Harrelson; ten great-grandchildren, Arianna Daniels, Jasamine Daniels, Zackary Hicks, Kaleb Hicks, Makayla Hicks, Tabitha Brown, Peyton Brown, Devanee Middleton, Kolson Hubbard, Levi Brown, Anna Louise Hicks and Marina Hicks; two great-great-grandchildren, Kamdyn Brown and Kingstyn McCall.
Graveside services were held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2 p.m., at White Cemetery in Dyas with Reverend Dustin Hammond officiating.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Ala. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Nellie Ree Burkett
Mrs. Nellie Ree Burkett, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, February 23, 2025 surrounded by her family. A lifelong resident of Atmore, Ala., she was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a seamstress twenty years at Vanity Fair. She was a warm-hearted woman who cherished her time with family, especially her grandkids. She loved being at home, where she could cook delicious meals. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing, but as she got older, her hobbies shifted to crafting and watching QVC. She also had a passion for playing cards, especially Rummy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James (Iva Estelle Rutherford) Smith; husband, Tommy Burkett; brothers, A.G. Smith, Ed Smith and Bruce Smith; sisters, Dellie Roberts and Susie Stewart.
Mrs. Burkett is survived by her only son, Danny (Tracey) Burkett of Atmore; grandchildren, Victoria Burkett, Nick Mills, Asleigh Norris, Raven Weaver and Colby Burkett; great-grandchildren, Jax Brown, Emily Brown, Lizzie Stewart, Knox Norris, Collins Norris, River Norris, Greyson Maughon, Nova-Lee Maughon, Presley McCardy and Parker Burkett.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Colby Burkett, Nick Mills, Tim Albritton, Olan Albritton, Mike Burkett & Roger Scott
Honorary pallbearer will be William Stewart
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Ala. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Helen Elizabeth Armstrong
Ms. Helen Elizabeth Armstrong, age 96, passed away peacefully in Century, Fla. surrounded by her loving family. A native of Bluff Springs, Fla., she spent most of her life in Byrneville. She was a devoted member of Beulah Chapel Assembly of God, where she found community and connection throughout the years.
She loved spending time with her family. Cooking was one of her favorite ways to show her love, especially when she made her special cat head biscuits and delicious lemon pie. Every Sunday, she would attend church and join in the joyful gospel singings, filling the air with music and laughter. She enjoyed playing games like dominos with her cousin Hazel and relaxing with word searches and crosswords. Listening to the radio was another cherished pastime, often filling their home with wonderful tunes and stories. All these moments created warm memories that she held dear.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis W. (Bettie Gay) Armstrong; four brothers, John Hugh Armstrong, Winston “Bill” Armstrong, George Armstrong, Clayton Armstrong and one niece, Linda Smith.
Ms. Armstrong is survived by her two brothers, Herman Armstrong of Byrneville, Fla. and Virgil E. (Anita) Armstrong of Flomaton, Ala.; nieces, Betty Ann Tharp, Debbie Waters, Rita Adams, Joy Jordan, Jan Clark; nephews, Lawrence “Dick” Armstrong, Richard Armstrong, Paul Armstrong; numerous great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Byrneville Community Church with Brother Paul Armstrong and Reverend Fred Stallworth officiating. Burial will follow at Byrneville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Byrneville Community Church.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence Armstrong, Richard Armstrong, Louis Tharp and Jerry Bondurant.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Maurice Lewis
Mr. Maurice Lewis, age 50, of Brewton, Ala. passed away Friday, February 22, 2025 at this home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced by
Christian Memorial Funeral Home.
Malcolm McCord, Jr.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Malcolm McCord, Jr. are incomplete at this time but will be announced by Johnson Quimby Funeral Home. Atmore, Ala.
Mildred Poindexter
Funeral service for Ms. Mildred Poindexter of Atlanta, Ga. formerly of Atmore, Ala. was held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at11 a.m. (EST) In Elizabeth’s Chapel of Alphonso Dawson Mortuary in Atlanta. Interment followed in Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Decatur, Ga.
Alphonso Dawson Mortuary directing and Turner Funeral Chapel announcing locally.
Able Bishop
Funeral service for Mr. Able Bishop of Atmore, Ala. will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Destiny Worship Center – Atmore with Bishop Bernard Bishop, Pastor, officiating. Inhumation will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 28, 2025 from 2 – 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.
Ray (“Roy”) Edward Chasez
Mr. Roy Chasez, age 73, of DeBary, Fla. passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025. He lived a long and full life before losing his fifth cancer battle. Professionally he was an IT manager in the computer field as a direct employee and, at times, as a contractor to the government with offices at the White House and USPS headquarters in Washington DC.
He was athletic his whole life and as an adult loved playing softball and golf. His children grew up at softball fields, where he and the family had a wide range of friends. Golfing events with family were regularly held for many years.
At the end of his career days, he became involved in charitable activities as a donor and volunteer. Notably, with his wife he spent time at and supported a medical clinic in Honduras that is operated by a local health committee partnered with Shoulder to Shoulder Pittsburgh-San Jose. He valued all of the friendships he made in this endeavor.
Mr. Chasez is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Karen Good Chasez; his children, Joshua, Heather and Tyler (Sarah) Chasez; his granddaughters, Eliana and Delilah Chasez; brothers, Richard (Stephanie), William (Pearl), Mark (Rhonda) and Rene Chasez; a myriad of other relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8 at 2 pm at Community Church, 41 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, Fla.
Altman-Long Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of all arrangements.
DeBary, Fla.