Jennie Ann Batten
Jennie Ann Batten, age 76, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday evening, May 9, 2000, in a local nursing home.
Mrs. Batten was born on June 12, 1923, in Rome, N.Y., to the late John and Julia Roscoe. She was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1953. Mrs. Batten owned and operated Harbor Lights Florists Shop in Destin, Fla., for many years and attended both St. Mary's Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Mrs. Batten is survived by her daughter, Debbie Baxter; son, Curtis Baxter, both of Fort Walton Beach; son, Donald Baxter and wife Lisa of Dallas; son, Kenneth Batton of Fort Walton Beach; brother, Joe Roscoe and wife Norma of Syracuse, N.Y.; sister, Helen Kyanka and husband George of Syracuse; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special member of the family, Ellen Day of Tampa, Fla.; and other extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel with Father Kevin Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Roger J. Clary
Roger J. Clary, age 82, of Destin, Fla., died Tuesday morning, May 9, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mr. Clary was born on June 10, 1917, in Garden City, Fla., to Henry and Mabel Clary, who preceded him in death. As a child being raised on a farm across from Myrtle Creek, he developed a very strong work ethic and respect for life and people. He worked at a sawmill and turpentine plant owned by his grandfather, Davis Clary. He knew what hard times really were.
In 1935, he moved to south Okaloosa County, where he worked several jobs in those early years, including operating a shooting gallery and bowling alley. On March 24, 1940, he married Ella Fair White from Evergreen, Ala. They recently celebrated 60 years together and she was still his sweetheart.
From 1943 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Infantry, Engineering Division. He was on his way to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped and the war ended. He received several merit awards and service ribbons and was honorably discharged. Once back at home he became actively involved in the development of south Okaloosa County and remained so until the time of his death. He had a vision for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Destin that has been one of the motivating forces in the area's rapid growth, making it a wonderful place to work, live and relax.
He served in 1957 and 1962 as president of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of directors of Humana Hospital, was president of the Air Force Armament Museum, and for 20 years on the Road and Bridge Committee of Destin Chamber of Commerce, to list a few.
In 1946, he and his wife Ella opened the first "ladies ready to wear" dress shop in Fort Walton Beach. In 1949 he built and operated Silver Beach Cottage and Motel in Destin. From 1950 to 1960 he and his brother-in-law owned and operated the Bay Lumber Co. and Sawmill in Niceville, Fla. In 1960 he built and operated the Howard Johnson Motel and the Rib Room in Fort Walton Beach.
In 1970 he and his family moved to Destin and opened the First National Bank of Destin, the city's first bank. In 1978 he built and owned the Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club and the Indian Bayou restricted subdivision, the most exclusive in Destin at that time. In 1983 he built the Shores Shopping Center in Destin. He loved fishing and was an avid golfer. Roger Clary was greatly admired and respected as a gentleman. He was sought after for his management skills and integrity in leadership. He was a fair man.
Each of his personal and business endeavors has filled a void in the community, enriching and improving the lifestyles of countless families and individuals. Mr. Clary was filled with innovative ideas and always had a forward-looking vision to make the world a better place to live. He will be greatly missed. Friends will always remember him as a man who had time to talk with everyone.
He is also survived by his two wonderful and devoted children: Barbara Clary Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, and Michael Clary of Destin, who are greatly involved in his businesses. He loved them and was greatly loved and admired by them. His two grandsons, Michael and Christopher Kelly of Fort Walton Beach were treated like sons and he loved them like a father.
Survivors also include his sister, Clara Cox Pinkstaff and brother-in-law Hayden Cox, both of Tampa, Fla.; cousin, Chuck Clary and wife Carolyn of Shalimar, Fla., and Chuck's children, Charlie Clary and wife Beth and their children Joanna and Laura, all of Destin, Carol Ann Clary of Destin, Libby Gabriel and her children Brian and Elliot, all of Destin; and cousin, Paul Clary of Shreveport, La.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Glyn Lowery Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Clary will lie in state two hours prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers include Michael Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Gene Bass, Jim Stanley, Jim Liafau, Nelson Davis Jr. and Capt. Kelly Windes. Honorary pallbearers include Chris Johnson, Dwight Harrigan, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Guidry, Dr. Andrew Giesen, Cliff Long, John McGee, Wilson Minger, Bob McGill, Spencer Mitchum, Sterl Rainer Sr., Dr. Gerald Hollingsworth, Bob White, Bubba Harris, J.W. Ward, Ernest Shahid, Col. Thornton Peck, Lowell Taylor, Walter Givhan, Dr. Yvette Novak, Judge Robert Barron, Judge Gillis Powell Sr., Larry Anchors, Cecil Anchors and Glenn Kilpatrick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 5514 N. Davis Hwy., Suite C-111, Pensacola, FL 32503; or to the Childrens Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, FL 32588-1237.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Teddy Winfred Watson
Teddy Winfred Watson, age 66, of Destin, Fla., and formerly of Marks, Miss., died Tuesday, May 9, 2000.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Kimbro Funeral Home with Brother Charles Langford officiating. Burial will be in Marks Cemetery.
Mr. Watson was born on Jan. 23, 1934, in Marks to the late Silas W. and Ethel Bagwell Watson. He attended Marks High School and was the retired owner of Dictation Machine Spe#####ts. He was a member of Georgian Hills Baptist Church in Memphis.
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy E. Watson of Memphis; son, Bill Watson of Bufford, Ga.; sisters, Catherine Webster of Clarksdale, Miss., Patricia Smith of Destin, and Marie Pierce of Jackson, Tenn.; and brothers, Dr. Billy Joe Watson of Greenville, and Cecil Watson of Senatobia, Miss.
Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy McPherson Watson.
Kimbro Funeral Home, Marks, is in charge of arrangements.
Lois Thomas Phillips
Lois Thomas Phillips, age 81, of Niceville, Fla., died Wednesday evening, May 10, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center of a prolonged illness.
Mrs. Phillips was born on April 20, 1919, in Youngtown, Fla., to Dallas and Dora Brewer, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Eugene Thomas and Jimmy Thomas; brothers, Jack, Frank and J.L. Brewer; sister, Mildred Fore; and grandsons, Gene Thomas Sadler and Samuel Anthony Clementino.
Mrs. Phillips came to this area to work with her sister Mildred in a boarding house at the age of 13. She was later employed at Eglin Air Force Base Child Care Center. She retired and enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were a rosebud in her last years. She loved the Lord and served as a wonderful example to all who knew her. She was our best friend.
Mrs. Phillips is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Joanne Thomas Clementino and husband Frank of Niceville, Linda Thomas Nicometo and husband Butch of Niceville; sisters, Mary Reeves and husband Ted of Niceville, and Martha Parker and husband Pete of Holt, Fla.; grandchildren, Jimmy Ray Thomas, Tammy Johnson, Shelley Chapman, Chris Clementino; great-grandchildren, Dustin Brown, Jimmy Ray (Quail) Thomas, William and Wyatt Chapman, Ashlee and Taylor Johnson. She always loved her special daughters-in-law, Cheri Barefield, Joan Thomas Arntz and Sally Thomas. She helped raise and loved her niece, Johnnie Ann Wheeler; and deceased nephew, Cliston Tomberlin. She leaves behind a large family and a group of special friends who will miss her dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Rosemont Baptist Church in Niceville with the Rev. Sharber Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Early Cemetery, adjacent to the church.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to church services.
Pallbearers will be Butch Nicometo, Chris Clementino, Ted Reeves, Pete Parker, Ronnie Cawthon and Jimmy Ray Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be her retired Eglin Air Force Base friends from the Child Care Center and deacons of her church.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, is in charge of arrangements.
Elmer Q. Jordan
Elmer Q. Jordan, age 91, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in a local hospital.
Mr. Jordan was born on Dec. 21, 1908, in Dothan, Ala. He was the son of the late Frank and Ada Hilson Jordan and a 27-year resident of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., after moving from Columbus, Ga. He was a member of the Church of God of DeFuniak Springs.
Mr. Jordan was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine Holt. Survivors include his son-in-law, Richard Holt of Phoenix City, Ala.; brother, Max Jordan and wife Mildred of Panama City, Fla.; grandchildren, Debbie Lanham of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Richard Holt of Cleveland, Tenn.; and great-grandchildren, Jeffery Sanders, Victoria Holt and Richard Holt III.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the funeral home with the Rev. Troy Hare officiating. Burial will follow in the New Ponce de Leon Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Henry Florence
Henry Florence, the oldest child to the late Jessie Florence Sr. and Rosa A. Florence, was born in Bullock County, Ala. He died on May 8, 2000.
He attended Hawkins Chapel AME Church in Inverness, Ala., until he moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where he attended Gregg Chapel AME Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 34 Carson Drive, Fort Walton Beach, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, with the Rev. Lawrence E. Gantt Sr., pastor, officiating. The church will be open one hour before services.
Mr. Florence was educated in the Bullock County school systems. During later years he moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where he resided until his death. Henry loved to travel and fulfilled that love through his employment as a trucker for Johnny L. Florence and Associates Inc.
He was married to Connie Florence, who preceded him in death. No children were born to that union; however, he does have a son through that union.
He leaves to mourn a mother, Mrs. Rosa A. Florence; one son, James Brown (Gwen); brothers, Johnny (Edna) and Clifford (Delores); sisters, Mary Ann (Leonard) and Fannie (Robert); aunt, Gussie; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves a dear and devoted friend, Catherine Price.
Arrangements by Gainer Funeral Home, 605 Oak St. N.W., Fort Walton Beach.
Sarah E. Rogers
Sarah E. Rogers, age 87, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, May 21, 2000, in a local nursing home.
She was born in Plant City, Fla., on Feb. 2, 1913, and was living in this area for the past six years, coming from Mullins, S.C.
Mrs. Rogers was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Rogers; son, Wally Ammons; and sister, Doris Graves.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Pat Ammons of Fort Walton Beach; niece, Jo Ann and husband Jerry Gore of Marion, S.C.; good friends, Mae and Ray Wilson of Mullins; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Jesse Rogers Cemetery in Mary Esther, Fla.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with arrangements.
John Edward Currid Sr.
John Edward Currid Sr., age 78, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2000, at The Manor in Bluewater Bay, Fla.
He was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., since 1960.
He is survived by a sister, Barbara Astin of Tauton, Mass.; his children, Thomas Wolfe Currid and wife Tanya, Debra Currid, Phillip James Currid and wife Janet, William "Bill" Chapman Currid and wife Paula, Fred B. Currid and wife Heather, John E. Currid Jr. and wife Cindy; and 21 grandchildren who loved him dearly.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1921, in Tauton. At age 13 he entered the racing greyhound business. He raised, trained and raced greyhounds successfully, remaining active until age 70.
He was a veteran of World War II and fought with Gen. Mark Clark in the 5th Army in Italy. Upon returning from the war he married Catherine L. Fleming Currid of Pensacola, Fla. They were happily married for 43 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, where he was baptized at age 70. He knew and loved the Lord and is with Him now.
Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home in DeFuniak Springs.
Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday evening. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 24.
Vessie Odell Chambless
Mrs. Vessie Odell Chambless, age 82, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away early Sunday morning, May 21, 2000 in a local hospital. Mrs. Chambless was born Aug. 25, 1917 in Portland, Fla. to the late James and Inisha Redick. Mrs. Chambless retired from the Okaloosa County School System after 32 years and was previous owner and founder of the Imperial Seafood Restaurant.
Mrs. Chambless was the beloved wife of the late Edward Lee Chambless. She is survived by her loving children, Donald Chambless of Fort Walton Beach and Diane Tunnage and her husband Curtis of Crestview, Fla.; grandchildren Debbie M. Gilbert and husband Thomas of Kingsport, Tenn.; Lisa M. Ward and husband Scott of Niceville, Fla.; Curtis E. Tunnage and wife Marita of Baker, Fla.; Daphane R. Chambless of Lan Castler, Texas; E. Marisa Warr and her husband John Rowdy of Suwanee, Ga.; Christy O. Tunnage of Crestview; great-grandchildren Gaston C. Ward, William S. Ward Jr. and Catherine M. Gilbert; sisters Derlie Spencer of Niceville, Marleigh Pierce of Pascagoula, Miss., and brother-in-law Capt. Rex and wife Agnus Chambless; sister-in-law Mary Brunson and late husband Zack; sister-in-law Winnie Brunson; sister-in-law Bea Chambless and late husband Bud; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to niece Betty Ruth Colin and husband Carl.
A memorial service for Mrs. Chambless will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart Street, Niceville, FL 32578 in memory of Mrs. Chambless.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of the arrangements.
Margaret Mary Hockenbrock
Margaret Mary Hockenbrock, 54 Robinwood Drive, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died at Westwood-Sunpoint Nursing Home on May 22, 2000. She was 79 years old.
Mrs. Hockenbrock was born in Sunbury, Pa., on Jan. 27, 1921, the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Ruth E. Grady Keefer. She graduated from Sunbury High School and was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. She was also a member of Eastern Star in Florida.
Survivors include her husband, Franklin Verdean Hockenbrocht (married Oct. 1, 1944); daughter, Rita Elizabeth and William Cruse Meyer of Navarre, Fla.; grandchildren, Margaret, Paul and Charles Hockenbrock; brother, Robert Keefer of Edison, N.J.; nieces and nephews. A son, Cameron George Hockenbrock preceded her in death in February 1997; and a sister, Nyla Fullerton, and brother, Joseph Keefer.
There will be a cremation in Florida.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Sunbury on Friday, May 26, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Louise Williams of St. Luke's officiating. There will be no viewing, but friends may call at the church from 1 p.m. until time of service. A private burial will be held later at Pomfret Manor Cemetery in Sunbury.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Arrangements were made by David T. Zweier Funeral Home Inc., Sunbury.
