Samuel D. Lane
Samuel D. Lane, 78 of Apalachicola, died Sunday, February 2, 2003, at Bay St. Joseph Care and Rehab in Port St. Joe, Florida. He was a lifelong resident of Apalachicola and a member of St. Paul AME Church. He is survived by one loving devoted brother, Chester N. Lane of Pensacola, Florida; special devoted loving loyal caretakers, niece, Pearlie Perry of Apalachicola, nephew, Lt. Waymond Hurd, JR. (Lois) of New Port News, VA; loving and devoted nieces and nephews, Delores Robinson (Wilford), Marilyn Jones (Sams Bep-Bep), Alma Pugh (James), Earnestine Pittman, James Bunyon, Evelyn Williams all of Apalachicola, Francis Bunyon (Mary) of North Carolina, Jerry Bunyon (Doris) of Washington, DC, Chester Rhodes, JR (Myrtle) of Panama City, Lt. Col. Cephus Rhodes (Rebecca) of El Paso, TX, Herbert Rhodes (Mary) of Panama City; honorary God Mother Maud Green of Tallahassee; a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2003, 11:00 AM, at St. Paul AME Church with interment in Magnolia Cemetery. All arrangements under direction of Kelley Funeral Home, Apalachicola, Florida.

Chloris Stapleton Davis
Chloris Stapleton Davis 91, of Carrabelle, FL. died Wednesday January 22, 2003 at Eden Spring Nursing Home Medart, FL. Services were held graveside January 24, 2003 11:00 AM Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Webster County, GA. Rev. Wallace Willis officiated. She was born May 18, 1911 in Webster County, GA. Her late Mother was Mattie Clark Stapleton and her late Father was Charlie Stapleton. She was a homemaker and a graduate of GSCW Milledgeville, GA. She was a retired elementary school teacher in the state of Florida. She also taught at Greenfield Academy, Weston GA. after retirement. She was a member of Folkston Garden club and a Baptist by faith. She was the widow of Gaston H. Davis. She is survived by her daughter Jane D. Wade of Carrabelle, FL. Sister; Nellie Stapleton Alston of Preston, GA. Two grandsons Scott (Mary) Lewis and Billy Lewis. One granddaughter Beth Perez. One great-granddaughter Gini Perez One great-grandson William Lewis all of Florida.

William L. “Bill” Blair
William L. “Bill” Blair, 62 of Carrabelle, a retired Army Master sergeant died Saturday, February 1, 2003 in Apalachicola He is survived by his wife, Linda Blair. The service will be held on Thursday February 6, 2003 at 1PM EST with Military Honors at McClellan Funeral Home Chapel in Quincy (627-1111), with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Havana. Family received friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Blair was born in Buffalo, NY and moved to Carrabelle upon his retirement after thirty years of service in the Army. He was a member of the Timber Island Yacht Club, American Legion and V.F.W. Other survivors include four sons : William Ross Blair and Bradley Blair, both of Leesville, LA. Robert Blair of Marysville, IN, and Joseph Hufstetler of Tampa two daughters: Becky Blair of Houston and Jennifer Asburg of Middletown, OH; a brother, Carl Blair of Centerville, GA. and several grandchildren.

James E. Rittenour, Sr.
James E. Rittenour, Sr. peacefully slipped into paradise to be with his Lord in the morning hours of November 30, 2003, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He lived in the Villages of Lady Lake, Florida. Jim was born on February 17, 1931 in Garrett, PA, the son of John and Mabel Rittenour. He married Helen Long Rittenour on June 12, 1952. Jim proudly served his country as a member of the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Ft. Benning, GA. He managed and owned a lumber yard in association with Carter Lumber Company of Columbus Grove, Ohio for over 35 years during which he trained, molded and mentored many young people toward successful lives. The family lived in Lima, Ohio until retiring to St. George Island, Florida in 1986. His beloved wife Helen and brother William Donald (Don) Rittenour preceded Jim in death. He is survived by his loving children Jim Rittenour, Jr. of Panama City, Florida; Linda Rittenour Closson of Salem, Alabama; daughter Lisa and son-in-law Tim DeWaele of Dexter, Michigan; along with ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his loving wife Donna Lott Raybuck Rittenour, whom he married on January 15, 2000, after which they relocated to the Villages of Florida. With this marriage, Jim acquired six children and ten step grandchildren. Services were held December 3, 2003 at First Baptist Church at The Villages. Interment will take place in Akron, Ohio. Arrangements were handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Lady Lake, Florida

May I. Howze
May I. Howze, 85, of Apalachicola, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2003. She was a lifelong resident of Apalachicola and a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She was a retired registered nurse and a former member of the Franklin County School Board. She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd W. Howze, Sr., her daughter, Gail L. Howze, her great grandson, Matthew N. Howze, and her brother, Mike Brocato. Survivors include her sons, Gary L. Howze and wife Nancy of Port St. Joe, FL and Boyd W. “Sandy” Howze Jr. and wife Edna of Apalachicola, FL; five grandchildren, Mark Howze of Orlando, FL, Michael Howze and wife Susan of Apalachicola, FL, Gary L. Howze II and wife Anita of Niceville, FL, Donna Thompson and husband George of Port St. Joe, FL, and Stephanie Howze of Apalachicola, FL; seven great grandchildren, Austin, Blaine, Allison, and Zach Howze, Haleigh Ming, and Kristian and Joshua Hogue; two sisters, Connie Crane of Greenville, NC, and Betty Garrett of Port Richey, FL; and one brother, Gene Brocato of Port Richey, FL. Visitation will be at Kelley Funeral Home in Apalachicola from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2003, with a rosary service at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Apalachicola at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 5, 2003, with the interment to follow at the Chestnut Cemetery on Highway 98. The following friend will serve as pallbearers: Brent Mabrey, John James, Louis Van Fleet, Mark Brown, Kendall Wade, and Wallace Hill. The family would like to thank Harbor Breeze Retirement Center, Weems Memorial Hospital, and Big Bend Hospice for their loving care.

Louise Carenza Carter Baker
Louise Carenza Carter Baker, 97, of Apalachicola, died peacefully at Weems Memorial Hospital Sunday, November 30, 2003. She was a lifelong resident of Apalachicola. She graduated Dumbar High School in Apalachicola, Hampton College in Virginia and received her Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, NAACP, National Education Association, and Household of Roof. Apalachicola has lost one of its Renaissance ladies. A retired school teacher, educator, scholar and citizen, who with the fruit of her labors, educated a large number of Apalachicola residents for forty-six years. She is survived by her son, James S. Baker of Decatur, Georgia; three grandchildren, Erica, Felicia and the late Sidney Jr., of Miami; and four great grandchildren; Christopher, Ja’nae, Somara and Keria of Miami and her close friend Sonja, of Atlanta, GA. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 6, 2003 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with burial in Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, December 5, 2003 at Kelley Funeral Home 5 to 7 PM.

Jimmie Richardson
Jimmie L. Richardson, of Bronx, New York, died on Monday, November 17, 2003 at the Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. He was born July 4, 1923, was a native of Apalachicola and a long time resident of New York. He was an electrician and a member of the Federal Railroad Workers Union for forty-two years, retiring in 1995. He was the father of thirteen children, four preceding him in death; Henry Porter, Melvin Porter, Louis Critton and Maxine Richardson. He leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife, JoAnn, of the Bronx and nine children: Sebring James, Jimmie (Marie) Richardson and Mary (Freddie) Brown, all of Apalachicola; Mattie (Ralph) Bulter of Miami; Eddie (Betty) Richardson of Panama City; Lonnie Richardson of Long Island, New York; Anthony Richardson and Sonja Richardson both of the Bronx; and a host of grand-children, great-grandchildren and many other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, November 21, 2003 in New York City.

Paul Cadwell
Paul Douglas "Bunk" Cadwell, 78, of Carrabelle, a retired mechanic, died Monday, March 22, 2004 in Tallahassee. He was born in Columbus, GA, and had lived in Florida for more than 30 years. He enjoyed life-visiting with friends and family, watching the growth of his flowers and fruit trees, and telling colorful stories. He will be greatly missed by all. A service for all friends and family will be held at the Carrabelle Love Center, Highway 98, Carrabelle, Florida, March 27, 2004. A private family graveside service will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama, March 25, 2004. He is survived by four daughters; Nancy Abdilla, Lynne Brazille, Christina Harvey, and Linda Cadwell; four grandchildren, Sasha Buzbee, Chrystal Stiner Simpson, Bob Stiner and Kayla Harvey all of Tallahassee. He also had an extended family of loving friends in Carrabelle, especially Dean, Betty, William and Dimple Gray, Jerry Roberts, Ruthie Martin, Bobby Puckett, and Cat Stiner. Memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32308. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet Cadwell, his sons, Paul D. "Butch" Cadwell, Jr. and Mark Cadwell, his parents, Jesse Cadwell and Daisy Graham, and his brother, Leon Cadwell.

Thomas Carroll
Thomas "Cowboy" Carroll, 95, of Carrabelle, a ship builder, died Saturday, March 27, 2004. He is survived by his wife Nellie Carroll. A memorial service was held Monday, March 29, 2004 at Kelley-Riley Funeral Home in Carrabelle.

Lonnie Carter
Lonnie O. Carter, 66, of Eastpoint, died Monday, March 22, 2004 at Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola. He was a native of Louisville, Alabama, moving to Eastpoint in 1985. He was a seafood worker and of the Protestant faith. He is survived by his sisters, Juanita Peacock and Sally Eubanks both of Eastpoint and Nellie Hurlston. Funeral services were held March 25, 2004 at Kelley Funeral Home in Apalachicola with interment in Eastpoint Cemetery.

Lovie Hodges
Lovie J. Hodges, 83, of Port St. Joe, died Friday, March 19, 2004 at Gulf Pines Hospital in Port St. Joe. She was a native of Florida, moving to Port St. Joe in January 2004 from Grand Ridge. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her sons, Mack James of Marianna, Jeff Baxter of Grand Ridge and David Carter of Sneads; daughters, Pennie Bryant of Port St. Joe, Jean Creamer of Eastpoint, Martha George of Phoenix, AR and Rita Love of Sneads, Sister, Minnie Johnson of Bainbridge, GA; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Services were held Monday, March 22, 2004 with interment in Eastpoint Cemetery.

Leonard Smith
Leonard V. Smith, 80, of St. Louis, MO died Friday, March 26, 2004. He was the beloved husband of Agnes C. Smith (nee Harris); dearest father of Carol (Tony) Rala, Patsy (Frank) Melton, Jackie (Marc) Edens, Steve (Michelle) Smith and Lisa (John) May; loving grandfather of Tina, Angela, Mark, Rod, Ethan, Gracie, Joey, Matthew, Miranda and the late Alex; great-grandfather of 9; dear brother of Anthony, Robert and Hampton (Sue) Smith and Wynell Weeks; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin and friend. Services were held Monday, March 29, 2004 at Kutis South County Chapel in St. Louis, MO with interment in Shephard Hills Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Kutis Funeral Home, Inc. St. Louis, MO, 314-894-4500.

Milliard Stephens
Millard S. Stephens, born September 15, 1926, went home to be with the Lord on February 24, 2004. He was a WWII Navy veteran. He is survived by his brother, Delma and Sister, Janet, his former wife, Pearl and their three children: Diane, Linda and Stevie; 4 grandchildren, Lori, Shawn, Stevie, and Ricki; 3 great-grandchildren, Kaydi, Melinda, and Kayla. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mattie Lou and his brothers, Earnest and Arnold. Services were held Friday, February 27, 2004 with burial in Magnolia Cemetery.

In Memory Kilbourn
On Thursday afternoon, March 4, 2004, our Mom, Rosenia Meriwether Kilbourn, lay down in her bed, went to sleep and awoke in Glory. On behalf of the Kilbourn Family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our extended family, friends, Gulf County and the surrounding area for your love and support during this time of mourning. The crowds that attended the wake, funeral and graveside services and the flowers, food offerings and love were overwhelming. She is survived by her husband, Max W. Kilbourn and her son, Thomas L. Kilbourn.

Kenneth M. Arbuckle
Kenneth M. Arbuckle, 62, of Carrabelle, died Saturday, June 12, [2004] at the VA Hospital in Gainesville. He was a native of Wichita, KS, moving to Carrabelle in 1992. He was a self-employed sandblaster, and a member of the American Legion Post 82, Lanark Village, where he was past commander for five years. He is survived by by his wife, Kay D. Arbuckle of Carrabelle, and two sons, Kenneth Arbuckle, and Shannon Guy Arbuckle, both of MO, and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kenneth Arbuckle to American Legion Post 82, 175 Oak Street, Lanark Village, FL 32323. Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19, at 10:00 AM at the American Legion Post 82, in Lanark Village.

Paul R. Gilday
Paul R. Gilday, 65, of Carrabelle, a screen printer, died Saturday, June 5 [2004] . He was a man with a kind and gentle heart. He was a past commodore of Timber Island Yacht Club and the owner of Gilmar, a custom screen-printing company. Survivors include his best buddy, Florence Coody of Carrabelle; a son, Sean Gilday of Clifton, NJ; a daughter, Susan Wheeler of St. Petersburg; a sister Patricia West; and two grandchildren. The service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Carrabelle. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, P.O. Box 417, Eastpoint, FL 32328.

Fred R. Gray
Fred R. Gray Sr., 64, of Carrabelle, a former welder and truck driver, died Sunday, June 6 [2004] . He graduated from Carrabelle High School in 1959 and served in the Army from 1959 - 1965. Survivors include two sons, Tech Sgt. Fred R. Gray Jr., Holloman Air Force Base, NM and Staff Sgt. Leon Gray, Eglin Air Force Base, serving in Iraq; a daughter, Virginia Brand of Fitzgerald, GA; his children’s mother, Evelyn Gray Boyd of Fitzgerald; seven stepchildren, Tony Daniels and John Lee Daniels, both of Tallahassee, Jesse Daniels of Buford, GA, Franklin Daniels, John Lee Daniels, David Daniels and Lois Ann Dean, all of Carrabelle; his stepchildren’s mother, Frankie Daniels Gray of Carrabelle; his mother, Marie Densch Gray of Carrabelle; two sisters, Maxie Carroll (and husband Willie Fred) of Eastpoint and Mayme Millender (and husband Jesse) of Carrabelle; a brother, Harry W. Gray (and wife Brenda) of Tampa; 12 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service was held Friday, June 11 at Evergreen Cemetery.

Lee T. McKnight
Lee T. McKnight, 63, of Apalachicola, formerly of Pennsylvania, died June 9 [2004] , in Tallahassee. He received his Master’s degree in Marine Biology and served in the United States Navy as a Master Chief for 22 years. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he was employed by the Department of Environ-mental Protection in Apa-lachicola. He was also employed part-time by The Coast Radio. He was well-known around Apalachicola and was active in many civic organizations, having served as Chairman of the Board of Adjustment of the City of Apalachicola. At one time, he ran for mayor of Apalachi-cola as well as city commissioner. He had a great love for the natural resources and fragility of this area. He devoted many hours as well as his own money to the improvement of Chapman Botanical Gardens. He was also an ardent supporter of the Franklin County Humane Society. He is survived by his dog, Lucky, and four cats, Little Girl, Hecuba, Patches and Einstein. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society. He will be buried at sea. He will be missed.

Imbray Von Morris
Imbray Von Morris 53, of Apalachicola, died Thursday, June 10 [2004] , in Apalachicola. He was a native of Marianna, living in Apalachicola for 28 years. He was a track master for the Apalachicola Northern Railroad and a member of the First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara Morris, of Apalachicola; daughters, Melanie Hutchins of Apalachicola, and Michelle Lockerman of Panama City; sister, Sharon Everett of Cottondale and four grandchildren. Services were held Monday, June 14, with memorization by cremation.

Ardythe Anne Philo
Ardythe Anne Philo, 81, of Carrabelle, died Saturday, June 12 [2004] , in Medart. A private service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Franklin County Humane Society, 244 High-way 65, Eastpoint, 32328. Fairchild Burial and Crema-tion Services is handling arrangements. She was born in Sigli, Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra, on October 11, 1922, to Freerd and Wistske Visser-deGroot. She was raised and educated in Europe and the far east, left Soerabja (Surabaya), Java, on May 10, 1940, for the United States just before the World War II Japanese invasion. She was employed as an accountant/secretary in Michigan until her retirement in 1978. She was a member of the Business & Professional Woman’s Club of Michigan and Wics and an associate member of Early Birds of Aviation. Survivors include her husband, A. J. Philo of Carrabelle; a sister, Betty Gilliland of Iona, MI; a niece, Karen Joynt (and husband Steve) of Iona; a nephew, Rod Gasche of Carrabelle; a niece, Connie Gasche of Carrabelle; and several grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. She was preceded in death on December 22, 1993, in Sydney, Australia, by her brother, Auke (Alan) H. deGroot.

James J. “Jeff” Hewett
James J. “Jeff” Hewett, 60, of Eastpoint, passed away Sunday, December 5, at his home after an extended illness. He was born in Bonifay, and had lived most of his life in Franklin County. Jeff was a self-employed commercial fisherman, and was a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He was well known in the community, and was helpful to anyone in need. Jeff was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Marie Hewett. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Lois V. Hewett of Eastpoint; his children, Penny Solomon and her husband, Jeff, Jeff Hewett and his wife, Kristi, Alex Hewett, and Michael Hewett, all of Eastpoint; four grandchildren, Brandon and Jared Hewett, Shawn Chisolm, and Samantha Solomon. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 7, at the Eastpoint Church of God with Pastor Herman Knapp officiating. Interment followed at Eastpoint Cemetery. All funeral services were under Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.

Klifford Brown
Klifford Brown, 40, a surveyor, of Carrabelle, died Thursday, April 21. Survivors include his wife, Margo Brown; his parents, Rita and Bobby Millender; a daughter, Tara Knight; three brothers, Tim Millender, Bob Millender (and wife Jenny) and Thomas Millender (and wife Diane); a sister, Renee Stone (and husband Anthony); and a special cousin, Josh Brown. Service was held at First Methodist Church in Carrabelle, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Kelley-Riley Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Bearthal B. Wellborn
Bearthal B. Wellborn, 75, of Carrabelle, a homemaker, died Tuesday, April 19. She is survived by her husband, Weyman P. Wellborn. She was born March 14, 1930, in Atlanta. Survivors include a niece, Kim Davis of Blairsville, GA, and a nephew, Seaborn Womack of Piedmont, SC. Services are being planned with Harvey-Young Funeral Home in Crawfordville (850-926-3333) handling arrangements.

In Memory
In loving memory of my dear sweet husband John H. Jackson - April 1, 1935 to March 9, 1997. Happy Birthday in heaven my love. We were also married 50 years ago on April 8, 2005 and we lived 42 years on earth, then you went to be with our Lord, in heaven, where I hope to go some sweet day. But until that day comes, know that I love and miss you everyday of my life. And you will always have a place in my heart and I will never have another husband. Your wife, Margaret V. Jackson.

Christine Branch Schoelles
Christine Branch Schoelles, 77, of St. Joe Beach, died July 1, 2005. She was born April 18, 1928 in Grand Ridge, and was a longtime resident of Bay and Gulf counties. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Orin Schoelles. She was the wonderful mother of four children; son, Chris, of Budapest, Hungary; daughter, Dianna Wallace and husband Jerry of Palm Harbour; daughter, Joni Knox and husband Tommy of St. Joe Beach; daughter, Marjorie Schoelles and Tony Grossman of Reno, Nev.; grandson, Joseph Humphrey and wife Jennifer of Westerville, Ohio; grandson, Shane Knox of St. Joe Beach; great-granddaughter, Adaline Humphrey of Westerville, Ohio; three sisters, Lillian, Steppie and Gerri and a great-aunt, Pearl Shaffer of Crescent City. Per Chris’s wishes, there will not be any services held.

Mary Marjorie Austin
Mary Marjorie Austin, 80, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday, July 9, 2005. She was born June 4, 1925, in Apalachicola, to Thomas Eugene and Loretta Sullivan Austin. She graduated from Chapman High School in 1943 and Florida State College for Women in 1947, with a major in English, and received a master’s degree. Her career as a teacher brought her to Port St. Joe, Winter Haven and St. Petersburg Junior College. She taught English literature and composition as an assistant professor of English at St. Petersburg Junior College for more than 20 years. She retired in 1985. She was a devout Catholic and an active member and lector at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport. She volunteered at Pinellas County Meals on Wheels and the St. Petersburg Museum. She was also an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is survived by a sister, Catherine Buzzett (and husband Harry) of St. George Island; six nephews; three nieces; and 13 grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Jean Atchison, who had lived in Port St. Joe. A requiem mass was held at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport. A prayer service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Kelley Funeral Home in Apalachicola (850-697-8866), with burial at Magnolia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 5800 S. 15th Ave. Gulfport, FL 33707 or to St. Patrick Catholic Church 27 Sixth St., Apalachicola, FL 32320.

Evelyn Cook Pope
Evelyn Cook Pope, 89, of Carrabelle, died Monday, July 4, 2005, in Blountstown. The funeral service was held July 7, at the First Baptist Church of Carrabelle and was conducted by the Rev. Mark Mercer. Burial followed at the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Carrabelle. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 4440 Lafayette St. Marianna, FL 32446 or to First Baptist Church of Carrabelle, 206 SE Ave. A, Carrabelle, FL 32322. A lifelong resident of Carrabelle, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Carrabelle and worked for the Franklin County Senior Citizens. She is survived by her sister, Electa Cook Frary of Port St. Joe; two step-grandchildren, Gwen and Eddie Richards of Quincy; three nieces; and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Pope; her parents, Charles and Leila Cook; her sister, Helen; and three brothers, Vincent, Derwent and Burt. Comforter Funeral Home in Port St.Joe handled arrangements.