U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Wallace Hamilton
Wallace "Tom" Hamilton lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 13, 1999, at his home in Portland, Fla.
He was born in Portland on Jan. 26, 1923, to the late Rufus and Lula Boone Hamilton.
Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his brother, Earnest; and sisters, Almer, Christeen, Ethel and Lola. Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Ruth Cuyler Hamilton; his children whom he dearly loved, Colleen A. Davis (Craig), Betty Jane DeGroat (Brian), Thomas R. Hamilton and fianc�e Rita; and John D. Hamilton; and his grandchildren who were more precious to him than life itself, Megan Ruth Hamilton, Cory and Christina Davis, and Justin and Jeremy Hamilton; as well as brothers, Knolice, O.Q. and wife Wynnona, and Jay Hamilton; and sisters, Ruby Norris and Joyce and husband Wayne Macan; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hamilton enlisted into the U.S. Army on Feb. 19, 1943, and was a survivor of World War II. He later transferred into the U.S. Air Force, where he was one of seven rescue divers for the boat squadron at Eglin Air Force Base and a member of the AAF-USAF Crash Rescue Boat Association. He was also a veteran of the Korean conflict. He retired from the Air Force on Nov. 1, 1963, with 20 years of military service. Mr. Hamilton was also retired from the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department, where he was a licensed waste water operator.
Mr. Hamilton was at his best when he was doing what he loved the most - mullet fishing. He was known as the "best roe mullet fisherman around." He built his own boat and hung in his own nets - a true fisherman. He loved the water.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Freeport with the Rev. Lowrey Brown, Alvin Early and Father Joseph Caffrey officiating. Interment will follow in Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport, where he will receive full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Active pallbearers are Daniel Hamilton, Michael Hamilton, David J. Callen, Mike Burnett, Ray Edge and Buddy Brown.
Honorary pallbearers are J.D. Edge, Bill O'Neal, Norris Daughtery, Delmar Walker and W.T. Baxley.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Catherine Cole Taylor
Catherine Cole Taylor passed away Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999, at her home in Grayton Beach, Fla., after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was born in Opp, Ala., the only child of the late Allen B. and Sallie P. Cole. It's nobody's business what year she was born. "Cat" attended Auburn University, where she was a cheerleader. After moving from Atlanta she lived in Grayton Beach since 1985. She was a member of the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club, served on the board of the Cultural Arts Association, and was a member of Point Washington United Methodist Church. "Cat" had many friends and she treasured their love and held their friendship close. Her family is most appreciative for the many acts of kindness during this trying time.
She is survived by her husband, James H. "Jim" Taylor of Grayton Beach; son, Cole M. Taylor and wife Janet of Atlanta; daughter, Kitty Taylor Schissler and husband William of Grayton Beach; grandson, Taylor Frappier of Grayton Beach; granddaughters, Catherine Frappier of Grayton Beach, Jessie and Colby Taylor, both of Atlanta; and a host of beloved friends.
A time of visitation with the family will be from 1:15 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Point Washington United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Point Washington United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harry Houseman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Point Washington United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 58, Point Washington, FL 32454.
Evans Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Anne Frederick
Anne Frederick of Parma, Ohio, and a frequent visitor to Destin, Fla., since 1980, passed away in her home on Sept. 13, 1999, after a courageous battle with vascular diseases and macular degeneration.
She was born on Sept. 13, 1920, and died on her 79th birthday. She attended Dyke Business College in Cleveland and was co-owner of Meckes Floors Inc., a business that flourished for over 50 years.
She is survived by her husband, H.G. "Hank" Frederick; daughter, Nina Smith of Houston; son, Mark Evan Frederick of Destin. Also by her son-in-law, Tim Smith of Houston; daughter-in-law, Georgia Frederick of Destin; and her beloved grandchildren, Evan and Erik Frederick of Destin, of whom she was so very proud and who will miss her so very much.
A memorial service and funeral arrangements are being handled by Zabor Funeral Home on Pearl Road in Parma.
Please, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Destin United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society would be appreciated. The love and care shown by Anne to her family and friends will never be forgotten.0
Lela Estella Morrison
Lela Estella (Lowther) Morrison, age 98, of Navarre, Fla., died at Gulf Breeze Hospital, Gulf Breeze, Fla., on Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999.
Stella, as she was known to her friends, was a remarkable woman who, despite blindness and her advanced years, managed her own household to the end.
She was born in Copins Run, W.Va., on Feb. 19, 1901, daughter of Bailey and Mary Jane Lowther. She moved to Dunedin, Fla., from Massachusetts along with her husband in 1967, and to Navarre in 1987. Stella will be remembered as a person who loved county fairs, flea markets and people in general.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. "Bill" Morrison, and leaves a sister, Madeline (Morrison) McDaniel of Oregon; two sons, William R. "Dick" Morrison of Navarre, and Russell M. Morrison of Marana, Ariz. She also leaves five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Interment will be at Sylvan Gardens Memorial Park in Safety Harbor, Fla.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers or donations, please take a moment of your private time to wish her Godspeed on her journey.
Moore C. Perfect Jr.
Moore C. Perfect Jr., age 76, of Valparaiso, Fla., passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 1999.
A resident of Florida since the late 1920's, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force until his retirement.
He is survived by his son, Ron of Wilton Manors, Fla.; daughter, Rita (Richard) Harelson of Valparaiso, and Betsy Wright of New York; brother, Paul (Rose Marie) of Alabama; and sister, Mary Perfect of Plantation, Fla.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements by American Burial and Cremation Center at Jennings Funeral Home, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Margarita Petty
Margarita Petty, age 79, passed away Sept. 15, 1999, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Hot Springs, Ark., to Verda and George C. Allen, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E. Petty. Survivors include her sister, Judy Madden and husband Don A. Madden Sr. of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; nephews, Robert L. Dickson of Pacific Palisades, Calif., Allen Seay of Austin, Texas, Christopher Ledwidge of Lombard, Ill., Don A. Madden Jr., John A. Madden, Robert A. Madden and Rick A. Madden of Fort Walton Beach.
Mrs. Petty lived in Glendale, Calif., for 30 years. She was active in church and civic affairs in the community. After retiring from Lockheed Aircraft she and her husband moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1974. She fought a long battle with muscular sclerosis.
The family wish to thank the caregivers at Delta Health Care for all the support in making her as comfortable as possible.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Muscular Sclerosis Society.
McLaughlin Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Emma Rebecca Fischer
Emma Rebecca Fischer, age 85, of Marianna, Fla., died Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999.
Born in Reading, Pa., she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer C. Fischer; and sons, Russell Fischer and Robert Fischer, both of Valparaiso, Fla. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Sandra Fischer of Dothan, Ala.; and grandchildren, Robin Amaya of Daleville, Ala., and Carrie Shanklin of Dothan.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at Sunset Cemetery in Valparaiso with the Rev. Jack Howell officiating and James and James Funeral Home of Marianna directing.
H. Wayne Coleman
H. Wayne Coleman, age 58, of Pensacola Beach, Fla., died Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999.
Mr. Coleman was preceded in death by a daughter, Jan Blenda; and his mother, Nadene Coleman.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Coleman; daughter, Julie Coleman; stepdaughters, Cindy Kilgore and Melissa Cody; stepson, Brad Sharpe; father, Herbert Ray Coleman; brother, J. Alan Coleman; aunt and uncle, Johnnie and Denny Denniston; aunt, Opal Gross; nephew, Patrick Coleman; niece, Brooke Hendrix; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at Ferry Pass Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Tim Wetzel officiating. Mr. Coleman will lie in state one hour prior to service time.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at Lee Memorial Cemetery in Tupelo, Miss.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home, Pensacola, is in charge of arrangements.
Richard R. White
Richard "Rick" White, age 33, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1965, in Rochester, N.Y., and had lived in this area since 1987, when he moved here from New York. He was Lutheran by faith. Rick was a very caring and loving husband, father, son and brother. He loved fishing, hunting and camping with his family.
He was a very dedicated employee of Chromalloy Co. for the past 11 years. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; sons, Ricky Jr. and Patrick; daughter, Katie; father, Robert White and stepmother Shirley of Seagrove Beach, Fla.; mother, Patricia Schillinger of Fort Walton Beach; brother, Robert White Jr. and family of Springwater, N.Y.; stepfather, Pete Schillinger; sisters, Lisa Schillinger of Lima, N.Y., and Anita Schubmehl of Milton, Fla.; his good friend, Mike Ols; and other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Joel Underwood officiating.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Belcher Abernathy
Mary Belcher Abernathy, age 73, of Destin, Fla., died Sept. 15, 1999, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
Mary was born on May 12, 1926, in Centreville, Ala., daughter of the late William A. Belcher and Marybelle Wooley Belcher. Mary's mother died at childbirth and she was raised by Nell V. Belcher.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, James R. "Bob" Abernathy; son, James R. Abernathy and wife Nancy; daughter, Lynn A. Wesson; grandchildren, Scott Shewmake and wife Robin, Randy Shewmake and Clinton Wesson, Ashley Bagwell and husband Tim, Allyson Abernathy, Stacy Abernathy and James R. Abernathy IV; great-grandson, Nicholas Bagwell. Mary is also survived by a sister, Ann and husband Bob Wilson; and brother, Van Belcher and wife Lilli.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at Village Baptist Church in Destin.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The National Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements.
Billy S. Welch
Billy S. Welch, age 66, of Holt, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1999.
He was a native of Burlington, N.C., and a resident of this area since 1950. Billy was a U.S. Air Force veteran and was retired from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department with 28 years of service as a deputy.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Welch of Holt; mother, Opal Welch of Burlington, N.C.; son, William D. Welch of Crestview, Fla.; stepsons, Brian D. Holt of Holt and Dale Alan Hayes of Maryville, Tenn.; daughters, Tressa G. Bell of Niceville, Fla., Terri G. Gully of Mobile, Ala., Tena M. Pate of Tallahassee, Fla., and Tammy R. Kimble of New Castle, Pa.; stepdaughter, Kasha Price of Crestview; brother, Bobby Welch; sister, Ann Welch, both of Burlington; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Whitehurst Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ken Murie officiating. Burial will follow in Holt Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
