Claude W. Goolsby, Jr.
Claude W. Goolsby, Jr., age 79, of 1708 Cedar Road, Andalusia, Ala., died Saturday, March 25, 2000 after a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. today, March 27, 2000 at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery on the Florala Highway, with the Reverend Walker Epps officiating.
Mr. Goolsby was born September 16, 1920 in Florala, Ala., the son of the late Claude W. and Linnie Bell Goolsby. He was a member of the Hopewell Methodist Church, a graduate of Auburn University and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He served 20 years in the Alabama National Guard. Goolsby also retired from Civil Service, having worked for 10 years in both Alabama and Florida.
Survivors are wife, Janie of more than 58 years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Whit and Kay Goolsby of Luverne, Ala., and Bill and Julie Goolsby of Montgomery, Ala.; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brother, Jack Goolsby and sister, Robbie Lee Smith, both of Florala, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to the Auburn Agriculture Alumni Association, 107 Comer Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36349-5401.
Gladys B. (Garrett) Griffith
Gladys B. (Garrett) Griffith, 93, of Crestview, Fla. died Saturday, March 25, 2000 in an Okaloosa County nursing home.
Mrs. Griffith was born June 30, 1906 in Bagdad to Charles O. Berry and Ellen Carr (Berry) Jones.
In 1923, she married H. Claude Garrett of Milligan, Fla. and a year later graduated from Normal Teachers College in Baker, Fla.
From 1935-1944 the couple owned a grocery store in Crestview.
Mrs. Griffth served as an American Red Cross volunteer during World War II and was executive director of the Okaloosa chapter from 1945 through 1952.
From 1943-1949, she was director for a six-county Northwest Florida region of the Florida Parent-Teachers Association. In 1956, Gov. Leroy Collins appointed her to the Okaloosa County Committee on Children.
Also in 1956, she was named assistant administrator and later administrator of the Okaloosa Memorial Hospital in Crestview. From 1965-1966 she was assistant administrator of the Fort Walton Beach Hospital.
Later in the 1960's she worked as an administrative assistant to former state Representative, H.D. Elmore before being named the first administrator of the Crestview Nursing and Convalescent Home in 1968.
Mrs. Griffith was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Crestview and a member of the Baker Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the Crestview Woman's Club and the Pilot Club of Crestview.
Mrs. Griffith was preceded in death by husbands, Claude Garrett, Andrew Powell, H.H. Harris, and Rudolph Griffith.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Lamar (Alma) Garrett of Fort Walton Beach; a daughter, Claudia (Robinson) Patten of Crestview; five grandchildren, Krista (Fred) Clark of Jacksonville, Fla., Patsy (Mike) Hill of Ridgefield, Conn., Kevin Robinson and Roger (Linda) Robinson, both of Crestview, Wayne Robinson of DeFuniak Springs; five great grandchildren; sisters Adalia Schwab of Pensacola, Fla. and Durley White of Crestview; sisters-in-law Mickey Berry of Pensacola and Christine Garrett of Milligan.
Visitation will be today, March 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Home in Crestview.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, in the Whitehurst Funeral Home Chapel. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Crestview Building Fund 30.
Tip W. Canady
Tip Canady was born on June 27, 1927, in Fairfax, Ala., and passed away March 25, 2000.
During his almost 73 years he lived a very fulfilled and active life.
Tip grew up in small town America and excelled in all sports he tried. He played football and baseball and at age 16 he joined the Navy and fought in World War II. After the war while attending junior college in Mississippi he met and married Deloras Vance.
Tip fought and won the Golden Gloves in both Mississippi and Alabama in the late '40s. He had many newspaper articles written about him. At over 6 feet he fought in the heavyweight open class. Tip signed a major league baseball contract on Oct. 9, 1953, to play for the Winston-Salem Cardinals Club of the Carolina League. But in those days you could make more money by joining the service, so he passed on the baseball contract and joined the U.S. Air Force. He fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired after 25 years of service. He worked civil service until he left with 100 percent disability.
Tip and his wife Deloras were blessed with three beautiful boys who also excelled at sports themselves. Tip never pushed any of them to play but coached many of their teams.
After retiring he loved the game of golf. He left this life while standing in the pro shop of a local golf course. He had played all of the golf courses in our area and many across the country. He and Deloras traveled to many places but they always had to be close to a golf course.
Tip was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lena Canady. Tip is survived by his loving wife Deloras, with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage next month. His three sons, Gary, Robin and wife Karen, and Dale and wife Tammie also survive him, along with Tip's two sisters, Jean Ervin and Kay and husband Sid Taylor. Tip's three beautiful grandchildren, James, Amanda and Ashley will always remember their Pawpaw. Tip also had many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.
According to his wishes, Tip will be cremated and there will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, officiated by Tip's brother-in-law, Sid Taylor, at Lewis Funeral Home, Highway 98, Navarre, Fla.
Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre, is in charge of arrangements.
William Aldon Mitchell
William Aldon Mitchell, age 65, of Crestview, Fla., died Sunday, March 26, 2000, at his residence.
Mr. Mitchell was born on Oct. 5, 1934, to William and Betty Smith Mitchell and was a longtime resident of the Northwest Florida area. He was a postal clerk with civil service and had 32 years of service to his country. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Mr. Mitchell was a loving father, grandfather and brother and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Crestview; and of Senior Friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gena Mitchell, in 1997. Survivors include two sons, William R. Mitchell and fianc�e Debra Garza, and the mother of William R. Mitchell, a former wife, Carolyn Goss, all of Crestview, Ernie and his wife, Reba Martin of Crestview; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mallory Mitchell of Baker, Fla.; brother, Ollie Mitchell of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Michaela Rae Mitchell, Victor Ryan Mitchell, and Christian Logan Mitchell, and their mother, Vickie L. Mitchell; Eric Wilson Mitchell and wife Angie Dawn Mitchell, Monica Lynn Mitchell, Taylor Sydney Martin, Reid Edward Martin; and great-grandchild, Ethan Alexander Mitchell.
A time of visitation will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Crestview at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, with Elders Kay O'Neal and Jake Goodson officiating. Mr. Mitchell will be placed in the church at 2 p.m.
Interment will follow in Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery in Crestview.
Floral tributes will be accepted, or for those who so desire, the family suggests contributions to Camp SKAMP through the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Arrangements and services under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview.
Dorothy Annis Brown
Dorothy Annis Brown, age 73, of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., died Sunday, March 26, 2000, in a local nursing home.
Born on Jan. 25, 1927, in DeFuniak Springs, she was the daughter of the late Dr. B.J. Brown Sr. and Leita Wesley Brown. Miss Brown was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs and graduated from Walton High School in 1945. She attended Huntington College in Montgomery, Ala., and was a member of First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs.
She is survived by two brothers, Dr. B.J. Brown Jr. and wife Jo of DeFuniak Springs, and Dr. Robert A. Brown and wife Sherry of Pompano Beach, Fla.; nieces, Susan B. Adkinson of DeFuniak Springs, Marsha B. Anderson of Birmingham, Ala., Cathy Brown of Pompano Beach, and Dr. Cindy Brown Barocco of Pompano Beach.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the funeral home with the Rev. Bobby Ellisor officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Carol Anne Liedel
Carol Anne Liedel (Judy) passed away March 27, 2000, at Crestview Nursing Home. She was 63 years old.
Judy was born in Lincoln Park, Mich., on Oct. 23, 1936, and is survived by her husband, George; six children, Christy of Crestview, Fla., Michael and wife Anne of Fenton, Mich., Teena and husband Wayne of Westchester, Ohio, Terry and wife Kathleen of Flint, Mich., Nancy of Flint, and Patrick of New Orleans; and her nine grandchildren.
A rosary service, with visitation to follow, will be held in the Education Building of Our Lady of Victory tonight at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be held on April 1 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Crestview.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association or to the Christian Childrens Fund.
Our many thanks go to all those in the health care profession who have been so intimately involved with her care over the last few years.
Frances V. Vardaman
Frances V. Plunkett Vardaman, "Granny," age 87, passed away March 13, 2000.
Frances was born on Oct. 26, 1912, in Brighton, Ala., the third daughter of the late Lula Mae Walker Plunkett and Charles Newton Plunkett. She graduated from Hillman Nursing School in Birmingham, Ala., and practiced as a registered nurse for 44 years. Frances was a beloved mother and grandmother and an accomplished artist who graciously shared her gift with those who surrounded her.
She married Carter Clyce Vardaman in June 1942 and was preceded in death by him in 1990. Survivors include two daughters and their spouses, Linda Sue Heller and husband Rainer of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Rosemary Luquire and husband Arthur W. of Houston. Her grandchildren include Tracy Elizabeth Heller, Mark Christopher Luquire, Christopher Allen Heller, Heidi Virginia Heller, and Matthew Brian Luquire. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Westwood Retirement Home Chapel.
Betty J. Vonderheide
Betty J. Vonderheide, age 72, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away in a local healthcare facility Monday, March 27, 2000.
She was born on Aug. 26, 1927, in Boston and was a resident of this area for the past 30 years when she moved here from Alaska. She was Methodist by faith and an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
The most important thing to Betty was peace in the home and family. She enjoyed all church activities when health permitted her to attend and taught Sunday school and was involved in a grief group. She enjoyed singing church hymns. She was a dedicated grandmother to her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband and son. Survivors include her son, James Vonderheide of Fort Walton Beach; daughters, Linda Sielepkowski and husband Greg of Illinois, Darlene Greene of Niceville, Fla., Elaine Brantley and husband Bennie of Prospect, Tenn., Lisa Pendergrass and husband Dewayne of Sweetwater, Tenn.; brothers, Eddie and Allen Jenkins of Massachusetts; sisters, Dot McDewell, Joan Lee and Joyce Swanson, all of Massachusetts, and Marie Carlson of Virginia; and grandchildren, Nicholas and Benjamin Greene, Amy Brantley and Geryd Pendergrass.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Ashley Pogue will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Roy J. Richards Sr.
Roy J. Richards Sr. died peacefully at home on March 27, 2000, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born in Cumming, Ga., on Dec. 12, 1923, to Louis J. and Minnie Louise Richards.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; daughters, Jane and husband Mike Tracy of Niceville, Fla., Paula and husband Fred Kuerzdoerfer of West Seneca, N.Y., Robin and husband Dean Boman of Bow, N.H.; sons, Roy Jr. and wife Sendi Richards of Carbondale, Pa., Walter and wife Core Richards of Fort Jackson, S.C.; brothers, Howard Richards of Powder Springs, Ga., Ira Richards of Lithe Springs, Ga., and Gene Richards of Orlando, Fla.; sister, Coy Poss of Mableton, Ga.; grandchildren, Eric, Wade and Christina of Niceville, and Michelle of Kenosha, Wisc., Marica and Brandon of West Seneca, Shawna and Heather of Orlando, and Scott of Concord, N.H., Billy and Seth of Carbondale, and Megan of Fort Jackson; and great-grandchildren, Patrick, Ashlee and Zachary of West Seneca.
Roy proudly served with the U.S. Army 2nd Armored Division during World War II. He later entered the U.S. Air Force and retired after 20 years of service in 1967.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville.
Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home chapel at 10 a.m. Friday with Chaplain Murray, U.S. Army, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Live Oak Cemetery in Crestview.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonic Children's Home of Georgia, P.O. Box 4183, Macon, GA 31208; or to Hospice of Okaloosa-Walton, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Dorothy A. Weldon
Dorothy A. Weldon, age 93, died March 25, 2000, at Walton County Regional Hospital.
She was born in New Hampshire on June 20, 1906, the daughter of John and Alice Johnson Rose, who were from England.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Weldon; son, John J. Weldon; and daughter, Doris Deveraux.
Dorothy is survived by her sons, Kenneth L. Weldon and wife Opal of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and William R. Weldon and wife Connie of Brattleboro, Vermont. She is also survived by several grandchildren.
By her request there will be no local services. She will be buried beside her husband in New Hampshire.
Donations may be made to your favorite charity in Mrs. Weldon's memory.
Carl Edwin Young
Carl Edwin Young went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 29, 2000.
The fourth child and first son of Guy Brooks Young and Grace Campbell Young, Carl was born on Jan. 2, 1931, at the family home at Fristoe in Benton County, Mo. He moved from Orlando, Fla., to his farm in Ponce de Leon, Fla., in January 1964. In 1967, Carl was called to preach and served as a bi-vocational pastor of churches in Holmes, Walton and Washington counties. Due to health problems he retired in 1998. However, he continued to share his faith in the Lord and to encourage friends and family.
At the time of his death he was a member of Bridge Creek Baptist Church in Ponce de Leon.
Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Young; sister, Hester Davis; and brother, Dean Young. He is survived by Florence Young, his wife of 48 years; father, Guy Young of Homassassa, Fla.; children, Brenda and Johnny Mize of Port St. Joe, Fla., Stephen and Linda Young of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Faye and Jerry Cosson of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Kevin and Dianne Young of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Violet and Ken Kenton of Ponce de Leon; sisters, Verna and husband Paul Hiatt of Orlando, Fla., Bonnie and husband Edwin Flick, and Joy and husband Sam Palmer of Homasassa, Fla.; brother-in-law, Charles Davis; sister-in-law, Roline Young of Orlando; grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Sarah, Paul, Cole, Caleb, Zachary, Lacey, Amy and Abbie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at East Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs with the Revs. Jerry Moore and Gary Scott officiating.
Pallbearers are Elton Blankenship, Jimmy Hicks, John Lawson, Paul Slay Jr. and Robert Kroll. Honorary pallbearers are pastors and deacons in Holmes and Walton County Baptist Associations. Burial will follow at Ponce de Leon City Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Southern Baptist Annie Armstrong Home Mission Offering or to Gideons International.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Gertrude M. Luccarini
Gertrude M. Luccarini, age 80, of Destin, Fla., passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2000, in a local nursing home.
She was born in Marinette, Wisc., on March 28, 1920, to Otto and Margaret Jenshack and had been living in this area for the past 20 years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Luccarini was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend to many people. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Alfred Luccarini of Destin; son, Robert C. Luccarini of Odessa, Fla.; daughter, Candida Meyer of Beaver Creek, Ohio; sister, Jean Staats of Milwaukee; and grandchildren, Todd, Nicole, Chris, Janet and Alan.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at Grace Lutheran Church of Destin.
McLaughlin Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
Robert J. Williams
Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Williams, U.S. Air Force retired, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at his residence in Freeport, Fla.
He was born in Hamden, Conn., on Aug. 26, 1931, and was 68 years old. He was a veteran of Korea and Vietnam, with over 20 years of service. Mr. Williams had lived in Freeport since 1967.
Survivors include his sons, Robin Williams of Arizona, and Kent Williams of California; sisters, Shirley Houghton of Atwater, Calif., and Winifred Mastrofine of Cranston, R.I.; friends, Dana P. Hamrick and Evelyn Hamrick, both of Freeport; and many other friends in the Freeport area; and many nieces, nephews and one grandchild.
Mr. Williams' request was that at his death he be cremated.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, Fla., is entrusted with arrangements.
