Ruth Brown Spann
Ruth Brown Spann, age 90, of Dorcas, Fla., passed away Feb. 20, 2002, in a local hospital.
She was born on March 5, 1911, in Opp, Ala., the fourth of six children of James and Mittie Brown. The family moved to Dorcas in 1919, while following the turpentine industry, where Ruth lived most of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Foy Spann; sons, Charles Wilkins and Norman Spann; brothers, Carl and Dorace Brown; and sisters, Elsie Lee and Mimia Barrett.
She is survived by two daughters, Betty Spann, and Ann Spann and husband Fred Thompson, all of Dorcas; daughters-in-law, Annis Wilkins of Dorcas, and Janet Presley of Gainesville, Fla.; sister, Flossie Blackwell of Crestview; grandsons, John and Ronnie Wilkins of Dorcas, Donny Wilkins of Wetumpka, Ala., and Zachary Thompson of Dorcas; granddaughter, Anissa Thompson of Dorcas; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was a retired cook and worked in area restaurants and lunchrooms before retiring from the Okaloosa County Jail. She was a member of Dorcas Baptist Church and Eastern Star Chapter 203 of Crestview.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Dorcas Baptist Church with the Rev. David Van-Zandt officiating. Burial will follow in Dorcas Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Sarah Rushing, Dr. Julie Barnes, the nursing staff at North Okaloosa Medical Center, and the staff at Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and care of our mother.
Brackney Funeral Service is entrusted with arrangements.
Rev. Robert Hathcock
The Rev. Robert H. Hathcock, "Bro Bob," age 71, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at his residence.
He was a loving father, daddy, papaw, great papaw, pastor and friend. He gave and never took. A man who touched many hearts and lives.
Survivors include his wife, Jerrie Hathcock of Crestview; son, Robert W. Hathcock of Crestview; daughters, Donna McBride of Virginia Beach, Va., Linda Wilson of Crestview, Evelyn Jackson of Choctaw Beach, Fla., and Lois Adkison of Crestview; brothers, Thelmon H. Hathcock of Billingsley, Ala., Carl Hathcock of Siloam Springs, Ark., and George Hathcock of Baton Rouge, La.; sisters, Mary Ventura of Valdosta, Ga., and Flora Gilbert of Milbrook, Ala.
Friends called at the funeral home from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Services will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Eugene Strickland and the Rev. Billy Joy officiating. Memorialization by cremation.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home, 492 E. Pine Ave., Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
William Ogie Stanley
William Ogie Stanley, age 79, of Baker, Fla., born Sept. 22, 1922, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 22, 2002, in Crestview, Fla.
He was a World War II veteran and participated in the Africa and Italy campaigns. He was a deacon of Pilgrim Baptist Church, and a lifelong resident of Baker. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and dearly loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lois Gene Thompson Stanley; brothers, James, Charles and Floyd Stanley; sisters, Alma Sasser, Opal Wilkinson and Elizabeth Johnson; three children - son, David Stanley and wife Anne, son, John Stanley and wife Lois; and daughter, Margaret Remotti and husband Claudio; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cleo, Roy and Ruby.
A time of visitation will be conducted at Whitehurst Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker at 2 p.m. with the Revs. Bob Johnson and Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Baker.
Whitehurst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James A. Schultz
James Arthur "Jim" Schultz passed away Feb. 17, 2002, at his home in Albany, Ga., after a bout with cancer at 59 years of age.
Jim was born in Niles, Mich., and resided in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for a time in his life where people admired him greatly for his expertise in designing and building boats. Even though Jim had lost his leg in his younger years, he never let that get him down or stand in his way about anything. He always gave his all.
He moved to Albany, where he made his home. There he was the president and CEO of Motor Sports Creations and was the founding member of the Albany Corvette Club.
He leaves behind his son, Jody and wife Kim, with three grandchildren; his mother, Ruth Omart; and sisters, Arlene and Vickie, all of Albany. Along with his son, who he was so proud of, he also helped raise his stepchildren from a previous marriage, which he has always been there for no matter what. All who had the chance to know Jim will miss him dearly.
A memorial service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m.
Betty Louise Coon
Betty Louise Dutcher Coon, age 82, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a lengthy battle with lung disease.
Mrs. Coon was born in Delaware, Ohio, on July 3, 1919, to John B. and Ella Dutcher. She worked in the Marion, Ohio, office of the Columbia Gas Co. and retired from there in 1975. She lived many years at 901 Congress St., in Marion, where she was a member of Wesley Methodist Church; the Golden Link Council, Daughters of America; and at one time served as Worthy Grand Matron of Lydia Chapter 83, Order of Eastern Star.
She was a resident of Florida since 1977 when she moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., to be closer to her daughter and family. Her only child, daughter, Sondra D. Shingler, and only brother, Claude M. "Bud" Dutcher, preceded her in death in 1994 and 1949, respectively.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Larry Shingler and wife Ann of Shalimar, Fla., and grandchildren, Todd and Claire Shingler of Paris, France, and Timothy and Tracy Shingler and great-grandson, Ryan, of San Antonio, Texas. Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother and especially enjoyed her great-grandson and all birthdays and holidays.
Graveside funeral services and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in Beal Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Michael J. Winsor officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578, or to a favorite charity.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with arrangements.
John "J.D." Harrison
John "J.D." Harrison, age 85, husband of Evelyn Taylor Harrison, patriarch of a great family and beloved friend to all, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 23, 2002, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. J.D. came to know and love his Lord in 1966 and served him faithfully for 36 years.
J.D. was born in Covington County, Ala., on Aug. 15, 1916 and was an outdoorsman from the old school - all-night coon chases and wild hog hunting were his specialty. He was never without dogs, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, and horses in his miniature zoo. He loved trainign and raising horses and dogs. He lived in the Niceville-Valparaiso area for the past 48 eyars.
J.D. is survived by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn Taylor Harrison. J.D. and Evelyn had five sons and one daughter: Tony and Carla Harrison of Ocean Springs, Miss.; Jackie and Jeannie Harrison of Banks, Ala.; Jeanette and Herman Clanahan of Red Level, Ala.; Bobby Joe (deceased) and Linda Harrison of Niceville, Fla.; John and Dian Harrison of Ponce de Leon, Fla.; and Danny and Melissa Harrison of Lake Charles, La. He is also survived by two sisters, Dora Burnett of Fort Deposit, Ala., and Elizabeth Oliver of Tampa, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Olean Harrison of Tallahassee, Fla.; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a wealth of friends.
Funeral services will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home at 6 p.m., Monday evening, Feb. 25, 2002.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hospice of Northwest Florida.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamonds' glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the fragrance of morning rain.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die."
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
B.C. Cole Jr.
B.C. Cole Jr., age 75, of Baker, Fla., passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2002. Mr. Cole was born on Oct. 31, 1926 in Hillsborough, N.C., and had lived in Burlington most of his life before moving to Baker three years ago. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of the Piedmont Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cole was a member of the Burlington Writer's Club. He was a published Christian writer, children's short stories and poetry. He was a graduate of Presbyterian College and Columbia Bible College. Mr. Cole was an accomplished pianist.
Survivors include his wife, Vida B. Cole of Baker; one son, Cavin Cole of Carrollton, Ga.; one daughter, Janice Cole of Spartanburg, S.C.; and one stepdaughter, Joann Shafer of Baker.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday Feb. 25, 2002 from Our Savior Lutheran Church with Delvin Bender officiating.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of the arrangements.
Michael L. Brendel
Michael L. Brendel, age 61, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at his residence in Holt, Fla.
Mr. Brendel was born in Highland Park, Mich., and was a U.S. Navy veteran, notably serving in Antarctica as part of "Operation Deepfreeze." He was an avid sailor and fisherman, along with being an aviation and sports car enthusiast. He is best known and remembered for his willingness to help others and his sense of humor.
Mr. Brendel is survived by his wife of many years, Sandra Brendel; sister, Carole Perry; three daughters, Leeann Brendel, Laura Haynes and Jeanne Votaw; and three grandchildren, Michael Dale, Justin and Victoria.
A private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution in Mr. Brendel's name to Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Trahan Mortuary Services, Pensacola, is in charge of arrangements.
Adele G. Thar
Adele G. Thar, age 96, of Destin, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Destin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund.
Trahan Mortuary Services, Pensacola, Fla., (850-438-6235) is in charge of arrangements.
Alvin Herman Lurie
Edith Grace Lurie
Alvin Herman Lurie, born Dec. 16, 1918, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2002, and Edith Grace Lurie, born Dec. 28, 1916, joined her husband 14 hours later on Feb. 25.
They are survived by their children, Ella and Michael D'Autilia of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., Marsha Lurie Sachs of Sugar Land, Texas, and Stephen and Eleanor Lurie of Gainesville, Ga.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services for both will be held on Sunday, March 3, at 4 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery in Florala, Ala., off Highway 85 north.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Florala Library Building Fund, Florala, AL 36442.
Icy D. Chessher
Icy D. Chessher, age 92, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002.
Mrs. Chessher was born on April 2, 1909, in Falco, Ala., and lived in Crestview all her life.
She was a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Mrs. Chessher was preceded in death by her son, William A. "Chester" Chestnut.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Mary Chestnut of Crestview; grandchildren, Artie and wife Mary Chestnut of Melrose, Fla., and Nicole and Mike Stewart of Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas; great-grandchildren, William and James Chestnut; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, from the chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with the Revs. Ben Martin and Billy Joy officiating. Burial will follow in Live Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Addie O. Hudson
Addie O. Hudson, age 53, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Feb. 26, 2002.
Mrs. Hudson was born on Dec. 7, 1948, in Crestview, and lived here all her life. She was considerate of the homebound and was a caregiver for many years. Mrs. Hudson was Assembly of God by faith.
Survivors include her husband, Martin Hudson of Crestview; sons, Wayne Moore of Milton, Fla., and Daryl Moore of Holt, Fla.; daughters, Audry Dorris of Milton, Connie Reilly of Crestview, and Stephanie Gilmore of Dorcas, Fla.; sisters, Dorothy Boles of Crestview; brothers, Clarence Little Jr. of Crestview, Gene Little, and Max Little, both of Mossy Head, Fla.; aunts, Liz Williams, Rina Cherry, Pauline Scott and Edna Earl Turner; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, March 1, from the chapel of Brackney Funeral Service. Burial will follow in Dorcas Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Alma Pearl Thomas
Alma Pearl Thomas, age 93, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2002.
She was born on Aug. 22, 1908, in Stillwater, Okla.
Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne H. Thomas; and son, Allen Neal Thomas.
Mrs. Thomas grew up in Stillwater and resided most of her life in Oklahoma, prior to moving to Niceville, Fla., with her husband, Wayne H. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas lived with her husband in Yukon, Okla., for 30 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Janet Thomason and husband Bob of Niceville; grandchildren, Mark Thomas of Fort Collins, Colo., Melinda Thomas Cook of Denver, Dane Thomas of Denver, Darla Thomason Huffman of Pensacola, Fla., Robin Thomason of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and Tray Thomason of Atlanta; and great-grandchildren, Matthew Thomas of Fort Collins, Kelsey and Courtney Huffman of Pensacola, and Noelle Thomason of Jacksonville Beach.
Visitation for family and friends will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville with Pastor Daniels and John Macon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Pkwy., Niceville.
Dorothy Ennis
Our beloved mother, Dorothy "Dottie" Ennis, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Feb. 25, 2002, after a long battle with heart disease.
She was born on Jan. 4, 1927, in the Bronx, N.Y.
Dottie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles W. Ennis; parents, John and Martha Fletcher of New York; brother, Edward Fletcher; and daughter, Darleen Ennis.
Dottie was a seamstress with 50 years of experience in many sewing fields. She also was an active member in TOPS. She said, "It was a wonderful group!" She also held a seat on the Niceville Housing Authority.
Dottie was a loving mother of five sons and two daughters - sons, Charles Ennis and wife Diane, Donald Ennis and wife Gloria, Ron Ennis and wife Carol, Wayne Ennis and wife Rossana, Gary Ennis and wife Michelle, daughter, Doreen and husband Len Willingham; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow with the Rev. George Skipper officiating. Interment is set for a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Pkwy., Niceville.
Valma C. Holt
Valma C. Holt, age 93, of Crestview, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, in a local nursing facility.
She was born in Crestview and was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, Fla. She was a member of Milligan Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Holt was preceded in death by her sons, Carlos Holt and Lloyd Holt; sisters, Irene Olive, Carrie Barrow and Johnnie Mae Holt Wooten; and brothers, Donald Ray Holt, Floyd Holt and Everett Holt.
Survivors include her daughter, Katie Bell Holt Adams of Milligan, Fla.; sister, Mary Stucky of Pensacola, Fla.; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at McLaughlin Chapel in Crestview from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be conducted from McLaughlin Chapel on Friday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m. with the Revs. Ted Jernigan and Ray Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Milligan Cemetery.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
