George William Simerly
George William Simerly, age 86, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at a local hospital.
George was born on April 12, 1914, in Elizabethton, Tenn., to the late Charlie and Jeanette Simerly. He was the founder of a radio show that ran in the late 1930s and early 1940s called George Simerly and the "Barrel of Fun" in Elizabethton. George was also a veteran of World War II before he started his career as a traveling salesman. He and his wife traveled extensively living in 158 towns in seven states before retiring to the Fort Walton Beach area over 22 years ago.
Mr. Simerly was a member of the American Legion and Wright Baptist Church.
George was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Gary and Cullie Simerly; and eight other brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mrs. Reba Simerly of Fort Walton Beach; son, Mickey Simerly of Tucson, Ariz.; sister, Chloe Lee and husband Van of Detroit; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Wright Baptist Church with Dr. Ronald D. Wilcoxson officiating. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:15 p.m.
Friends may visit with the family Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Wright Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of George.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Gertrude W. Levesque
Gertrude Winifred Levesque, age 96, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, after an extended illness.
Mrs. Levesque was born on July 12, 1903, in Lynn, Mass., to the late George Edward and Ella Maude Martin Newhall. She was a longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, moving here in October 1969.
Mrs. Levesque was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur V. Johnson; and her second husband, Francois Levesque. She is survived by her son, Robert A. Johnson of Arlington, Va.; stepsons, Roland Levesque and wife Lorraine of Beverly, Mass., George Levesque and wife Jeanne, Leo Levesque and wife Alida, all of Peabody, Mass., and Donald Levesque and wife Theresa of Niceville, Fla.; stepdaughter, Marguerite Ellis and husband Jim of Danvers, Mass.; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; other family and friends.
Memorial services for Mrs. Levesque will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 490 Highway 85 North, Suite C, Niceville, FL 32578, in memory of Mrs. Gertrude W. Levesque.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Dr. David Wood
Dr. David Wood, age 54, of Baker, Fla., died Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, in a local hospital.
He was born in Glasgow, Ky., on Dec. 23, 1945, and moved to Niceville, Fla., in 1972. He was a doctor of veterinary medicine and operated The Baker Animal Clinic in Baker. He was a 1968 graduate of the University of Kentucky and a 1972 graduate of DVM at Auburn University. Dr. Wood was a member of the Rotary Clubs of Niceville and Crestview; member of Society of Phi Zeta Epsilon Chapter; and charter member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Survivors include his wife, Susie Wood of Niceville; son, Jim Wood of Baker; brother, Gale and wife Watha Wood of Glasgow, Ky.; sister, Joni Judkins of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Niceville First Baptist Church with the Rev. Billy Grimes officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Valparaiso, Fla.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Lewis E. Johnson Sr.
Lewis E. Johnson Sr., age 70, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at his residence in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
Mr. Johnson was born on May 20, 1929, in Covington County, Ala., to Fletcher Lee and Nancy Jane Edwards Johnson. He was a resident of Walton County, Fla., for the past eight years after moving from Lake Wales, Fla. He believed in living his life to the fullest and was a very talented carpenter.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Haward Irvin Johnson and Cleveland Johnson.
Mr. Johnson is survived by a son, Lewis E. Johnson Jr. of Jasper, Fla.; daughter, Elaine Johnson Barnes and husband Harvey Michael Barnes of Lake Wales; brothers, Dalton L. Johnson and wife Annie of DeFuniak Springs, and Charles M. Johnson and wife Melinda of Mossy Head, Fla.; sisters, Frances E. Oglesby of DeFuniak Springs, Roseliner Hatoway and husband David of Crestview, Fla., and Jean Swanson and husband Frank of Niceville, Fla.; grandchildren, Ryan Heath Johnson, Brittany Elaine Johnson and Harvey Edward Johnson Barnes; aunt, Corrine Jernigan and husband Clyde of Baker, Fla.; uncle, Buck Edwards and wife Mary of Paxton, Fla.; and special friend, Sandra L. Johnson of DeFuniak Springs.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Clary-Godwin Funeral Home. Burial will follow, with graveside services, at 1 p.m. in Early Cemetery in Niceville.
A time of visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Paul Swanson, Mark Swanson, Riley Oglesby, Gene Oglesby, Dan Strickland and Jimmy Smith.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Eileen M. Boye
Eileen M. Boye passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on Feb. 19, 2000, at the Health Care Rehabilitation Center in Destin, Fla.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She retired as a medical bookkeeper from Stonybrook Hospital, Long Island, N.Y., and moved to Clearwater, Fla., in 1993. In January 1998 she relocated to Lady Lake, Fla., where she was diagnosed with cancer. In June of 1999 she moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Andrew G. Boye Sr. She is survived by her four children; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren - Maren A. Breit of Maize, Kan., Andrew G. Boye Jr. of Emporia, Kan., David A. Boye of Mastic Beach, Long Island, and Cynthia L. Floyd of Fort Walton Beach. In-laws are: James W. Breit, Robert F. Floyd Sr. and Kathy Boye. Grandchildren are Catherine E. Fisher, William J. Breit, Vincent Breit, Robin D. Floyd, Robert F. Floyd Jr., Jesse A. Tworoger and Jennifer M. Floyd. Great-grandchildren are Cameron D. Fisher and Cameron T. Floyd.
Eileen will be laid to rest with her husband of 52 years on Feb. 25 at Bay Pines VA Cemetery in Bay Pines, Fla.
Glenda Lue Miller
Glenda Lue Miller, age 54, of Niceville, Fla., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, Feb. 23, 2000, from her home in Niceville.
She was born at Eglin Air Force Base Hospital on Aug. 22, 1945, and was a lifelong resident of this area. Glenda was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Niceville. She taught Sunday school for 37 years at various churches in this area. Glenda was a past member of ABWA; member of the Breast Cancer Support Group Pink Ribbon Pals; and a former Girl Scout leader for 10 years. She was a dedicated Christian and loved all she came in contact with throughout her life.
Glenda was the loving wife for 37 years to Jay Miller of Niceville; loving mother to Sonia Renee Sanborn and husband Scott of Kodiak, Alaska, Oneta M. Carter and husband Shane of Niceville; loving daughter of Millard and Vera Hopper of Niceville; loving sister of Sue Bailey of Alexandria, Va.; and loving grandmother of Cassy Carter, Christopher Carter, Ashley Renee Sanborn, Joshua Scott Sanborn, Candace Isom, and Hunter Jay Miller.
The family will receive friends at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Niceville on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Billy Grimes and Pastor Lev Humphreys officiating. Interment will follow in Early Cemetery, Niceville.
Floral contributions are accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute, P.O. Box 469144, Brookline, MA 02146-9144.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
John Brandon Siebenaler
John Brandon Siebenaler passed away Feb. 24, 2000.
Mr. Siebenaler was born in 1925. He proudly served in World War II in the U.S. Navy. "Brandy," as he was best known locally, was president of the Gulfarium since its opening in 1955. He was a former chamber of commerce president, and dedicated more than 40 years to the preservation and protection of our environment and marine mammals.
He is survived by a brother, Norbert Siebenaler of Daytona Beach, Fla.; son, Greg Siebenaler of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; granddaughters, Leslie Nicole Siebenaler and Jennifer Morace; and great-granddaughter, Stephanie Morace.
A visitation will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, with burial following in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station, at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Michael Pursley
Michael Pursley, age 39, of Dorcas, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000.
Michael was born on Dec. 2, 1960, in Deols, France, and had been a resident of Okaloosa County, Fla., for most of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela McCallum Pursley; daughters, Amy and Kacee Pursley; parents, Douglas and Mary Pursley, all of Dorcas; brothers, Staff Sgt. Sam Pursley, U.S. Air Force, of Robbins Air Force Base, Ga., Joseph Pursley of Dorcas, Larry Pursley of Crestview, and John William Hyett of Texas; sister, Mary K. Rice of Crestview; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, from the chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with the Rev. David Van Zandt officiating. Burial will follow in Dorcas Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Randall Strickland
Randall Strickland, age 71, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000, at his residence in Destin, Fla.
Mr. Strickland was born on March 7, 1928, in Smithfield, N.C., to Madison Strickland and Lela Creech. He was a resident of this area since 1967. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served for many years on the board of Jetty East Condominium Association Inc.; was a volunteer at Henderson Beach State Recreation Area; and a member of the Air Force Navigator Observer Association.
Mr. Strickland served as a judge of the Destin Fishing Rodeo for many years and belonged to Destin United Methodist Church.
Mr. Strickland is survived by his wife, Edith G. Strickland; and their four children - son, Michael R. Strickland and wife Linda of Anniston, Ala., daughter, Barbara L. Pennington and husband Timothy of Walnut Creek, Calif., daughter, Cheryl A. Hoey and husband Richard of Newnan, Ga., and daughter, Deborah K. Wei and husband Paul of Weston, Fla. His nine grandchildren are Madeline Wei, Stephanie Wei, Leah Strickland, Amy Strickland, Rebecca Strickland, Alexander Hoey, Jacqueline Hoey, Zachary Pennington and Abigail Pennington. Mr. Strickland is also survived by his brothers, Dewey Strickland and wife Margaret of Merritt Island, Fla., Shelton Strickland and wife Carolyn of Merritt Island, and Rupert Strickland and wife Jo of Wayne, Pa.
Funeral services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Pallbearers will be Rupert Strickland, Dewey Strickland, Shelton Strickland, Paul Wei, Richard Hoey and Timothy Pennington.
Charitable contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; or Friends of Henderson Beach State Park.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Reno F. Trahan
Reno F. Trahan passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000, at his residence in the arms of his wife Sue. The Lord saw fit for him not to suffer and took him home.
Reno was a born and bred full-blooded Cajun born in Houma, La., on July 8, 1928, to the late Rufus and Ouida Trahan. His fun-loving, friendly smiles never met a stranger and he would talk with everyone. He loved and enjoyed talking to all the children, usually carrying candy for all and making jokes with friends, family and all alike.
Moving to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., after living in Memphis, Tenn., six years ago, he lived at 122 Robinwood Drive N.W., Fort Walton Beach, and was a member of Oakland Assembly of God in Fort Walton Beach.
Outside of his wife, Reno leaves the light of his life, Kyle Hess, grandson of Memphis; son, Albert E. Trahan of Biloxi, Miss.; daughter, Trish Roland of Memphis; grandchildren, William Hugh Trahan and Andrea Babbell of California, Renee and Kenny Joe Lindsey of Memphis; four great-grandchildren; stepsons, Sandy and wife Fran Dobbins of Olive Branch, Miss., their four children, Carl R. Hess and his son Alex of Memphis and Dennis Glenn, father of Kyle and Ethan Hess of Piperton, Tenn.; his uncle, with whom he was raised as brothers, Gary Pitre and wife "auntie" Hazel of Puyallup, Wash., and their two children; sister, Betty Thompson of Metarie, La., and her two children, Gail and T.J.; and numerous nieces and nephews; cousins - all Cajuns and full of fun.
He had many "adopted kids," including Doug Akers and Dave Elrod of Fort Walton Beach. These two were always ready to help out at any time. The entire staff at the Fort Walton Beach Hospital, where he was a frequent patient, and White Wilson Clinic loved him.
Thanks go to Dr. Mark Schroeder, Nurse Chantel and the staff of Hospice for making his last few weeks comfortable and caring.
Reno had been in ill health for many years but was just diagnosed with brain cancer three weeks ago.
Reno was a retired Teamster truck driver; and a member of the American Legion. At the age of 13, Reno joined the Merchant Marines, also serving with the Coast Guard and the Navy during World War II and the Korean conflict.
Reno felt that flowers were for the "living" and in lieu of flowers the family will accept monies to help defray expenses; or a donation may be made to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis.
Funeral services will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 2, with burial in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola following at 2 p.m.
A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. The Rev. Jacak Webster of Oakland Assembly of God and Mickey Crutchfield of Myrtle, Miss., brother of Reno's wife Sue, will hold service.
