Earlee Knight

Mr. Earlee Knight, 80, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin, entered his heavenly home on Sun., March 13, 2016, at Atmore Community Hospital.

A native of Pineapple, he was reared in Uriah and Atmore, and attended school in Uriah and Atmore. He was an avid TV watcher and his favorite shows were “Matlock,” “Bonanza,” “The Big Valley,” “Gunsmoke” and “In The Heat of the Night,” to name a few.

Retired from Standard Furniture Manufacturing Co. in Bay Minette, Mr. Knight was a member of Jones Street True Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was a member of the Male Chorus and Sunday school.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clem and Clara Knight, and a few of his siblings.

Those left to cherish his life and legacy are his wife, Ollie Knight of Atmore; three daughters, Linda Knight (Michael) Cooper of Atmore, LaKeisha Knight of Jackson, Tenn. and Tiny Ruth Knight of Montgomery; one sister, Irma Jean (Apostle Jimmy) Wilson of Atmore; one brother, Elder Leroy (Lula) Knight, Sr.; and five grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Sat., March 19, 2016, at 1 p.m. from Jones Street True Pentecostal Holiness Church, 90 Jones Street, Atmore, with Bishop Willie L. Williams, pastor, officiating. Retirement of his remains will be in Fairview Cemetery. The public may view Mr. Knight on Fri., March 18, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Turner Funeral Chapel LLC directing.

George Thomas Van Pelt

George Thomas Van Pelt, 83, passed away on Mon., March 7, 2016, in Pensacola, Fla.

He was born in Henderson, Texas, on Oct. 30, 1932.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Lester and Geraldine Van Pelt; and wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Barnett Van Pelt.

He is survived by his two sons and their spouses, George T. Jr. and Michelle Van Pelt of Orange Beach, and Stephen L. and Christie Van Pelt of Walnut Hill, Fla.; grandchildren, Caroline Van Pelt Gardner and husband Levi Gardner, Michael Van Pelt, Bradley Van Pelt, Bailey Van Pelt and Bentley Van Pelt. He is also survived by his brother and sisters in law, James and Doris Van Pelt of Walnut Hill, and Dianne Barnett Rose of Atmore.

The family moved to Pensacola in the 1930s. George graduated from Pensacola High School, attended Texas A&M University and finished college at Auburn University before serving as a United States Marine Corp officer. After his time in the service, he moved to the dairy farm in Walnut Hill that he operated with his brother.

George was active in the Atmore First United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities. He also served on the Farm Credit of North West Florida’s Board of Directors, as a 4-H Camp Trustee and Board member of the Pensacola Interstate Fair.

A memorial service was held at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore on Fri., March 11, 2016.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Crimpton Singleton

Crimpton Singleton’s journey on this earth began in Atmore on Fri., the 13th of September, 1922, as the 11th of 12 children born to Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Singleton (Pearl James and Lula) who preceded him in crossing over.

He confessed Christ at an early age and began serving as church pianist in Atmore. He shared in providing this service at First Baptist Church in Eutaw, Ala.

Crimpton’s pre-college education was completed in Atmore public schools. He enlisted to serve his country during World War II immediately after graduation from high school. After completing his term of duty, he enrolled in Alabama State College, where he received bachelor’s degree in math and science.

Upon graduation from college, he accepted employment as a teacher in Greene County, where he served at Oak Hill Junior High, Carver High School and Eutaw High School. His duties included: classroom instruction in math and science, assistant to the principal, assistant coach, student organization sponsor and senior class advisor. He served the students of Greene County for 42 years.

Crimpton was a member and treasurer of the Greene County Education Association.

In June 1957, Crimpton eloped with Inez Virginia Powe. This union was blessed with three exceptional children: Tanya Yvette, Toni Suzette and Crimpton Troy.

A devoted family man and educator, unique as his name, Crimpton was known for a warm, welcoming, easy smile and his quiet strength. Crimpton crossed over to another phase of the Journey on March 2, 2016.

He leaves to share treasured memories: a devoted wife, Inez; three children, Tanya (Michael), Toni and Troy (Jeanne); four grandchildren, David Summerhill, Edward Christiaan Summerhill (Addis), Brittany Danielle Engle (Ryan) and Sawyer Rebecca Singleton; two great-grandchildren, Elijah Ryan Engle and Silas David Engle; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Thank God for this journey he shared.

The family sincerely thanks all who have rendered support during the extended period of illness, the transition and the adjustment as we move forward enriched by having shared this journey with him.

Announcement of further celebration of life is forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers and other forms of remembrance, please send contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in the name of Crimpton Singleton.

Joseph Robinson

Joseph Robinson was born on Oct. 23, 1943, to the late Joseph Robinson Sr. and Gertrude Robinson.

He was a member of the Greater St. John Baptist Church until his health failed. He served in the U.S. Army and served as an E-5 during the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Paulette Robinson; sister, Jessinia Hutchinson; and parents, Joseph and Gertrude Robinson Sr.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted children, Ryan (Andrea) Robinson of Spanish Fort, Marian (Edward) Raine of Whatley, Evangelist Kimberly (Samuel) Curry of Bay Minette, Ebony Young, Takiyah Williams and Javaris Williams; a host of devoted grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine Smith and Mary Bonds; one brother, Richard Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held March 12, 2016, from Greater St. John Baptist Church in Stockton. The Rev. Calvin Martin, pastor and Evangelist Kimberly Curry, was eulogist.

Pallbearers were Edward Raine, Johnnie Jackson, Anthony Robinson, Ryan Robinson, Jr., Robert Ephraim, Jr., Javaris Williams and Javaee Robinson.

Flower bearers are his nieces.

Margie Springfield McCraney

Mrs. Margie Springfield McCraney, 69, passed away on Sun., March 13, 2016, in Mobile.

Mrs. McCraney was a native and former resident of Mobile and a resident of Atmore for the past 25 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Waderick Jackson McCraney; parents, Gilbert and Marjorie Springfield; and two brothers, Richard Dale Springfield and Gilbert Wayne Springfield.

She is survived by her two sons, Waderick James (Dana) McCraney of Creola and Jerry Wayne McCraney of Atmore; two daughters, Deborah Faye McCraney of Atmore and Marjorie Dianne (Bobby) Byrd of Atmore; one brother, Robert W. (Nancy) Springfield of Mobile; seven grandchildren, Larry, LaShay, Dana, Skyler, Brett, Summer and Noah; three great-grandchildren, Jade, Michael and Jackson; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside services will be today, Wed., March 16, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Earl Harrison officiating.

Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be today from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Derek Chasting, Tito Dixon, Tony Springfield, Trey Dixon, William Reed and Jerry Capers.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC is in charge of all arrangements.

Merrell Smith

Mrs. Merrell Smith, 83, passed away on Mon., March 14, 2016, in Atmore.

Mrs. Smith was a native of Perdido and a resident of Atmore for the past 30 years. She was of the Holiness Faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Wesley Smith; and a son, Billy Dewayne Smith.

Survivors include her two daughters, Betty Jean Singleton of Atmore and Judy Blackburn of Atmore; three brothers, Curtis Chavers, Leon Chavers and Ray Chavers, all of Davisville, Ala.; two sisters, Foncie Chavers of Nokomis and Lois Castleberry of Andalusia; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be today, Wed., March 16, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Breceda officiating.

Visitation will be today from 2 p.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at the Canoe Freewill Baptist Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kyle McGhee, Don Helton, DeWitt Roley, Johnny Hadley, Robert McCullough, Tony Stewart and Kyle McGhee.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC is in charge of all arrangements

Sandy Denese Williams-Goodridge

Ms. Sandy Denese Williams – Goodridge, 43, of Atmore, was born April 29, 1972, to Samuel and Alice Williams in Little River. She entered into paradise on Mon., March 7, 2016, at D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton.

She was a 1990 graduate of Escambia County High School, where she was a member of the color guard in the band. She had passion for doing hair and after high school she attended Reid State Jr. College, where she received her degree in cosmetology. In quest to excel, she received values training at Fancy Fingers Hair Salon under Ms. Ida Frye and then she ventured into owning her own salon, Designer Cuts, in which she operated for many years until her health failed.

Along life’s journey, Sandy enjoyed traveling, reading, fishing and getting massages.

Those who welcome her into Paradise are her father, Samuel K. Williams and her grandparents.

Those left to cherish her life are her devoted son, Corderro Williams of Atmore; her mother, Alice Williams of Atmore; three sisters, Eyvonne Williams of Orlando, Fla., Mona Lisa Bennett of Panama City, Fla. and Naomi Williams of Mobile; two brothers, Anthony Williams and Arthur Williams, both of Atmore; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were March 14, 2016, at the Longmire-Jones Chapel of Turner Funeral Chapel, with Bro. Mack Salter, presiding and Turner Funeral Chapel LLC directing.

Theresa “Tee” Gamble Harris

Mrs. Theresa Gamble Harris (Tee) was born Aug. 1, 1927, and was a native of Plateau. She went to her heavenly home surrounded by family members at Mobile Infirmary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Collins and Marie Boswell Gamble; three brothers; six sisters; one son, Willie Harris III; and a daughter, Jacquelyn Southall.

She was employed and then retired from International Paper Co. She also worked at Doctors Hospital, and Mobile County School System as an avid baker, where she was known affectionately as the apple turnover lady.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two devoted daughters, Winifred (Leroy) Ellis and Sharon Harris; a devoted son, Alexander Harris; devoted grandchildren, Cherlyn (Rayford) Barnes, Kemichelle (Cedric) Taylro, Tonya (Dante) Bumpers, all of Mobile, Tronci Southall Mason of Birmingham, Inga (Tyrone) Davis of Atlanta, Ga.; 13 great-grandchildren; three devoted, Raylan, Reddic and Avja; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Barbara Gamble, Genevia Dinkins; one brother, Will (Cocille) Gamble; devoted family and friends, Arlean Hoston (Nina), John Seth Tunstall, Roger Gills, Vanassa Hayes, Geraldine Edwards, Darryl Lynch, Carlo Hinton, Mylisa Jones and Kermit McAlpine.

Homegoing services will be held Sat., March 19, 2016, at 11 a.m. from Union Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Derek Tucker officiating.