Obituaries for Wed., June 8, 2016
Published 5:20 pm Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Bernice Jane Ashcraft
Bernice Jane Ashcraft, 85, of Atmore, passed away Thurs., June 2, 2016, at her residence.
She was a homemaker born in Atmore on Nov. 21, 1930, to the late Ennie Smith.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William H. Ashcraft; her mother, Ennie Mitchell; and siblings, Bill Lofton and Junior Mitchell.
Survivors are one son, Ricky Ashcraft; one daughter, Jill Ashcraft both of Atmore; two grandchildren, Amanda Ashcraft and John Ashcraft; and one great-grandchild, Tykenya Ashcraft.
Services were held Mon., June 6, 2016, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery.
Family received friends June 6 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
Eltra Mae “Sid” Vickrey Etheridge
Eltra Mae (Sid) Vickrey Etheridge entered into the gates of heaven on June 2, 2016. She was born in Local (Huxford) on Feb. 9, 1916, to Heman and Maggie Lomax Vickrey.
A consummate mother and caretaker, Sid was an excellent cook and she received great joy in taking care of others. She retired from Rachel Patterson Elementary School after 20 years of service. She was a resident of Atmore for over 70 years before relocating to Century Nursing and Rehabilitation in 2010. Even though she was a centurion in age, she never let it show in her appearance, physical stamina or spirit. She took immense pleasure in assisting the residents who were no longer of good physical stamina. Over the years, she attended various events through the local SAIL/RSVP centers and was lauded for her volunteer work. She loved shopping, cooking and showing her friends and family how much she loved them. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed bowling, and watching the Atlanta Braves.
Sid had an unwavering faith in God, and lived a spirit of compassion and unconditional love to all who were blessed to know her. She was a member of Community of Christ Church in Atmore.
She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Earl Etheridge Sr. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Delaurace (Tuck) MacDonald; her three brothers, Bernard “Bunk” Vickrey, Orval Vickrey and Buddy Vickrey; and her two sisters, Ellie Wiggins and Murvel Helton.
She is survived by her sons, Earl L. Etheridge Jr. and his wife, Becky of Savannah, Ga., Bill Etheridge and his wife, Wylonette of Mobile; and her daughter, Nancy Martin and her husband, Bobby of Walnut Hill, Fla.; and a special grandson, Russell Martin of Tuscaloosa. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren and numerous others who she cared for in life.
The family gives everyone who cared for her their deepest gratitude, especially her youngest daughter Nancy whom she referred to as “Her Baby,” who held her hand as she entered heaven, and her extended family at Century Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Visitation was held June 5, 2016 at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore. A funeral service celebrating her life was held immediately following from Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore. The service was performed by the Elder Wayne Ellis, Elder Glenn Waldrop, Priest Edna Earle Barnes and the eulogy was conducted by her grandson, Russell Martin. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore.
Gary Griffis
Mr. Gary Griffis, 57, passed away on Sat., June 4, 2016, in Pensacola, Fla.
He was a native of Bogia, Fla., and a resident of McDavid, Fla., for most of his life. He was a hardworker, hunter and fisherman. He was of the Holiness Faith.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Ruby Griffis; one brother, Wayne Griffis; one sister, Annette Lambeth; and two nephews, David Griffis and Chad Hanks.
He is survived by the mother of his children, Glenda Bagwell; one son, Bryan (Ava Brazil) Griffis of Pollard; one daughter, Jessica (Tim Satterwhite) Griffis of Flomaton; three brothers, Danny Griffis, Dennis Griffis and Tony Griffis, all of McDavid; two sisters, Patsy Griffis of McDavid and Brenda Hanks of Century, Fla.; and three grandchildren, Jaden Satterwhite, Michael Griffis and Hunter Griffis.
Funeral services will be today, Wed., June 8, 2016, at 2 p.m. from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Bryan officiating.
Burial will be at the Mt. Carmel Methodist Cemetery.
Visitation was held June 7, 2016 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Billy Griffis, John John Griffis, Jamie Waters, Ely Odom, Levi Satterwhite and Bradley Brown.
Honorary pallbearer will be Bernnie Kimmons.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements,
James “Pete” Powell
Mr. James “Pete” Powell, 68, passed away on Thurs., June 2, 2016, in Foley.
He was a native of Eclectic and a resident of Nokomis for the past 40 years. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Laura Powell of Nokomis; two daughters, Kambi (Larry) Gohagan of Nokomis and Kelsey (Kevin) Rolfe of Richlands, N.C.; two sisters, Faye (Carlos) Gohagan of Atmore and Gladys (Thomas) Qualls of Atmore; five grandchildren, Kyla Gilman, Carlee Bell, Cayla Gohagan, Christina Gohagan and Kenzie Gohagan; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie Bell and Cohen Bell.
Funeral services were held Mon., June 6, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Wilson officiating.
Burial followed at the James Cemetery.
Visitation was held June 5, 2016 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Andrew Bell, James Vines, Logan Williams, Casey Williams, John James and Jack Jaye.
Honorary pallbearers were Warren Adams, John Solomon, Winston Bryan, Audie Coleman, Franklin Bryan, A.G. James and Erskine Vines.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.
Jimmy Douglas Beck
Jimmy Douglas Beck, 74, of Atmore, died June 4, 2016, in Covenant Hospice in Pensacola, Fla.
He was born March 2, 1942 in Pensacola. He has been a resident and faithful citizen of Atmore for all of his adult civilian life, where he worked primarily as a meat cutter.
He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and is a “plank owner” (original crew member) of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk Air Craft Carrier. He is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Beck; mother, Alma Beck; brothers, Bill “Charlie” and Roy Beck; and sister, Bettie A. Beck
His church (Brooks Memorial Baptist), the VFW, American Legion and his garden were among his most active endeavors. His generous spirit and sense of humor will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Willene Beck; children, Kevin and Kelly Beck; stepchildren, Eddie Cole, Greg Cole and Susan (Bill) Speir ; grandchildren, Will and Lena Cole Speir; and brothers, Cecil and Curt Beck
Funeral services will be held today, Wed., June 8, 2016, in Atmore at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home. Family viewing will be from 12 to 1 p.m. and public visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with funeral services at 3 p.m. Pastor Robert Heard of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church will be officiating the service. All are welcome.
The local VFW and American Legion Posts are graciously providing pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, Patriot Guard motorcycle escort and Honor Guard veteran’s burial services.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Atmore VFW Post 7016 and American Legion Post 90
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Myrtis McGhee Kinman
Mrs. Myrtis McGhee Kinman, 70, born Dec. 28, 1945, passed away Mon., June 6, 2016, in Atmore.
She was a native and life long resident of Atmore. She was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Poarch SAIL and the Atmore Apostolic Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Treacy McGhee; two brothers, Leo McGhee and Fred Lee McGhee; and five sisters, Carlie Dalrymple, Martha Wilson, Imogene Sheets, Eva Nell Burkett and Donna White.
She is survived by her husband, David L. Kinman of Atmore; children, Melanie (Wes) Owens of Atmore and David Allen (Jessica) Kinman of Atmore; grandchildren, Logan Boatwright of Auburn, Madelyn Boatwright of Atmore, Hayden Kinman of Atmore and Kendall Kinman of Atmore; step-grandson, Jacob Owens of Virginia; sisters, Helen Hallman of Atmore, Deloris Kelley of Atmore, Velma Crocker of Atmore, Eldnar (Shirley Von) McGhee of Atmore and Judy McGhee of Atmore; 17 nieces; and 22 nephews.
Funeral services will be tomorrow, Thurs., June 9, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church with Bro. Tim James and Bro. Coleman Pylant officiating.
Burial will be at the New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be today, Wed., June 8, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church.
Pallbearers will be Arthur Mothershed, Rodney Exum, Derrick McGhee, Josh Burkett, Aubrey Roberson and Greg McGhee.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC of Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.
Wilbur T. “Dick” Brown
Mr. Wilbur T. “Dick” Brown, 87, passed away on Sun., June 5, 2016, in Atmore.
Mr. Brown was a native of Huxford and a lifelong resident of Atmore. He was in the VFW Post 7016, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Brown.
He is survived by special friend, Mike Hanks of Atmore and special caregiver, Angie Searcy of Atmore.
Funeral services will be tomorrow, Thurs., June 9, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Arnold Hendricks and Rev. C.L. Langford officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation will be June 9, 2016, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Body Bearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Kennedy, Bernard Peacock, Billy Ridgeway, Mike Hanks, Marvin Rischer, Delmer Tew and the retired Postal Workers.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC of Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.
Frances Alene Wasdin
Frances Alene Wasdin, 79, of McCullough, passed away on May 26, 2016, in Monroeville.
She was a homemaker born in Atmore on Sept. 25, 1936, to the late Levy and Bessie Walker Bryant.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Wasdin; one brother; and three sisters.
Survivors are one son, Ricky (Deborah) Wasdin of McCullough; one daughter, Kellean (James) Stacey of Booneville; seven grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
Services were held Sat., May 28, 2016, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home chapel, with Bro. Bobby Willis officiating. Interment followed in McCullough Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jake Wasdin, John Ashcraft, Jessie Sanks, Chris Lambert T.J. Lambert and Pete Stacey. Honorary pallbearers were Benny Lassitter, James Bryant, Phillip Weaver and Dempsey Hall.
Family received friends May 28, 2016 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of all arrangements.
Deborah Kay Hall Craven
Mrs. Deborah Kay Hall Craven, 56, passed away on Thurs., June 2, 2016, in McDonough, Ga.
She was native of Atmore and a resident of Pascagoula, Miss., for the past 31 years. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sibling. She was a good homemaker and was a member of the Nokomis Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Clydia Hall; and Leota and Eddie Avera.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Craven of Pascagoula, Miss.; one daughter, Katie Craven of Pascagoula, Miss.; father, Gwinn Hall of Nokomis; mother, Dorothy Avera of McDonough, Ga.; two sisters, Gena Hall of Decatur, Ga. and Gwenlynn Hall-Curry of McDonough, Ga.; one step daughter, Vicky-Lynn Hall of Pascagoula, Miss.; and three step grandchildren, Victoria Hall, Christian Hall and Chance Hall.
Funeral services were held June 5, 2016 from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Tony Craven and the Rev. Justin Hall officiating.
Burial followed at Nokomis Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation was held June 4, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Russell Craven, David Craven, Clint Craven, Marcus Kilcrease, Mike Curry and Michael Curry.
Honorary pallbearers were Jason Williams, Darrell Miller and Glenn Hall.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.
Willie Harvie Myrick Jr.
Willie Harvie Myrick Jr., 79, of Seminole, passed away on May 31, 2016.
On Sun., June 5, 2016, one visitation was held and another was held at Pensacola Mennonite Church. On the following Mon., June 6, the funeral service was held at the church, with a committal service to follow at the Pensacola Mennonite School (cemetery) and a fellowship meal to follow. Trahan Family Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
He was born the third child of six to parents, Willie Harvie Myrick Sr. and Cumi Lynch, in Atmore, on April 11, 1937. He worked for Escambia County Department of Transportation for 10 years. Then he worked for T.R. Miller Pole Mill in Brewton until retirement.
He enjoyed restoring a 1909 Model-T and mowing yards. He enjoyed meeting people and conversing with them. He was well-liked by everyone and will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae (Showalter); a brother, Aaron (Elizabeth) Myrick; a sister, Margaret (Edwin) Smith and Flora (Ernest) Black; four grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild; and brother-in-law, Jim Ray.
He is survived by a son, Willie Harvie (Esther) Myrick III and a daughter, Marianne Myrick; four grandchildren, Clayton Myrick, Ornan Myrick, Myron Myrick, and Leanna (Nelson) Weaver; four great grandchildren, Trenton, Briana, Colton, Austin; sister, Mary Jo Ray; a brother, Mack (Jean) Myrick; and numerous other family members.