Anna Merle Calfee
Anna Merle Shelton Calfee, age 66, of 151 E. Minnehaha Ave., Clermont, Fla., died Tuesday, March 5, 2002.
Born in Union County, Ky., she moved to Clermont in 1992, coming from Pensacola, Fla. She was a retired dental assistant for the Escambia County Health Depart-ment. She was also a member of First Baptist Church of Clermont.
Survivors include her son, David E. of Clermont; daughter, Cheryl A. Hendricks of Mohrsville, Pa.; and four grandchildren.
Arrangements by Becker Family Funeral Home in Clermont.
Dick Averitte
LEXINGTON, S.C. - Memorial services for Dick Averitte, 78, will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Junior Golf Foundation of the Carolinas PGA, 3852 Hwy. 9 East, N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29591.
Mr. Averitte died Saturday, March 9, 2002. Born in Slocum, Texas, he was the husband of Evelyn Averitte and the son of the late Floyd Wilkins and Willie Ora Albritton Averitte. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War and was active in the military for 21 years. During his service in the military, he served as golf professional at Fort Campbell, Ky., and in Garmisch, Germany. He retired from the military in 1962 as the golf course manager
# uperintendent at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., where he supervised the construction of the Par 3 course. After his retirement from the military, he continued his golf career with positions throughout the Columbia area as a golf pro and/or superintendent at the following clubs: Rockbridge, Columbia Country Club, Hidden Valley, LinRick, Coldstream and Weed Hill Driving Range. He was instrumental in the construction of many of the above courses. He was well known to golf professionals and amateurs throughout the Columbia area for his love and knowledge of the game of golf.
Surviving are his wife of Columbia; daughter Ann Harker of Lexington; daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Frank Sweatman of Lexington; daughter Jan McKelvy of Baker, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law Dale and Carol Averitte of Charlotte, N.C.; son Bill McKelvy of Baker; sisters Una Mae Prater and Rebecca Hardy of Texas; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a special family friend, Jimmy Koosa and family.
Roy E. Cuchens
Roy E. Cuchens, 74, of Valparaiso, Fla., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
He was born March 12, 1927 in Freeport, Fla. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and worked at the Climatic Hanger on Eglin Air Force Base through Civil Service and private contractors for almost 50 years. In addition, he loved working on his farm and sharing an abundance of vegetables with his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jewel Marie (Kelly) Cuchens of Valparaiso; three sons, Kenton E. Cuchens of Valparaiso. Randolph W. Cuchens and wife Susan of Newton, Miss., and Roy Allen Cuchens and fianc�e Christine R. Bush of Freeport; six wonderful grandchildren, Kristin Cuzzourt and husband Jeremy of Lexington, Ky., Carrie Wilson and husband Kurt of Evans, Ga., Mary Katherine Cales and husband Chris of Jacksonville, N.C., Jennifer Cuchens of Newton, Jessica Cuchens of Newton and Brandon Sadler of Niceville, Fla.; three great-grandchildren; two brothers Hubert E. Cuchens of Freeport and Howard K. Cuchens and wife Violet of Freeport; four sisters Olive Watson of Freeport, Wanda Stevens and husband Pete of Pensacola, Fla., Marie Hansley and husband Mitchell of Leland, N.C., and Wynell Welch and husband Greg of Cantonment, Fla.; sister-in-law Wilma Cuchens of Freeport; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; one aunt Lorene Howell of Freeport; one uncle Eugene Cuchens and wife MaryBelle of Freeport; many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Alonzo and Nealie Griner, and a host of other friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Augusta and Marjory Marie (McBee) Cuchens, and by his brother, William Augusta Cuchens Jr.
He was an active member and instrumental in the organization and charter of First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, where he also served as deacon. He also served as Clerk-Treasurer for Choctaw Baptist Association from 1965 to 1999. He was a charter member and officer of the Gulf Chapter of Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
Services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, with the Rev. J.C. McLendon and the Rev. Ernest D. Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2002 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Clary-Godwin Chapel in Freeport.
Pallbearers will be Mike Griner, Rick Griner, Dave Ireland, Brandon Ray, Brandon Sadler, Rick Strickland, Steve Walker and Richard Schmeltzer. Honorary pallbearers will be all active and former deacons of First Baptist Church and his Sunday school class.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home in DeFuniak Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Roy Cuchens will lie in state Tuesday, March 12, 2002 from 9 until 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Valparaiso.
Mary Frank Hancock
Dr. Mary Frank Hancock, 81, of Santa Rosa Beach, died March 7, 2002 in a Panama City hospital. She was born Mary Frank Merritt in Houston County, Ala., and graduated from Slocomb High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1953 from Troy State University, a master of science degree with emphasis on elementary education and supervision from Florida State University in 1965, and in 1977 was awarded the degree of doctor of philosophy from Florida State University, majoring in educational management with early childhood education as a support area.
Her professional career was wide in scope. She served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant director of federal programs, elementary supervisor, and supervisor of Florida State University student teachers in Florida and Alabama schools. Dr. Hancock also served on the Florida Courses of Study Committee, the Florida Accountability Review Committee, and the FASCD Board of Directors. Also, she directed the Follow Through Program, authored training modules for early childhood education, and served as educational consultant for a textbook publisher. She was presented the 1992 Distinguished Educational Achievement Award by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Hancock, and three brothers, Malan, Byron, and Cecil. She is survived by a son, John Hancock and wife Linda of Panama City; two daughters, Gail Smith and husband Darold of Santa Rosa Beach, and Hope Thompson and husband Al of Tallahassee; three grandsons, Bryan Hancock of Chicago, Ill., Jay Hancock and wife Laura of Panama City, and Jason Woodham and wife Kefrin of Destin, Fla; and one great granddaughter, Merritt Rain Woodham of Destin.
Throughout her life, Mary Frank found peace and joy in loving others. She was the very heart of our family and the power of her faith never faltered. We will miss her today, tomorrow, and until we are together once again. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1st Avenue and Wisteria Lane, Panama City Beach, on Monday, March 11 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to a charity of your choice. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2403 Harrison Ave., 763-4696.
Jessie S. Harlson
Jessie S. Harlson, age 91, of Baker, Fla., passed away Saturday, March 9, 2002. She was born May 8, 1910 in Holly, Fla., and had lived in Okaloosa County for the past 65 years. She was a homemaker and a member of the Crestview Church of God.
Survivors include her four children William and Delane Harlson of Milligan, Fla., Ivey Mae and Joe Morrisey of Crestview, Fla., Maxie and Bobby Nichols of Crestview and Douglas and Rosa M. Harlson Sr. of Baker. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2002 from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with the Rev. T. V. Kolmetz officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Holt Cemetery.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of the arrangements.
Katherine C. McGee
Katherine McGee, age 85, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Saturday, March 9, 2002 at her residence. She was born in Hartford, Ala., on November 9, 1916, and she had lived in Fort Walton Beach since 1946. She attended the First Baptist Church on Fort Walton Beach.
She was a graduate of the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Ala., and received a master's degree from Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn. She taught school in Lanett, Ala., and Hartford, and worked in the War Department in Washington, D.C., during World War II. She had served on the Board of Directors of First City Bank since 1993. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard McGee in 1992, and her parents, Oscar and Ludie Chancy, of Hartford.
Survivors include her son, John C. McGee, and his wife, Pamela N. McGee, grandchildren Christopher McGee, Michelle McGee and Matthew McGee of Fort Walton Beach.
Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date. The family request that flowers be omitted. McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, has been entrusted with the funeral services.
Ruth E. Werner
Ruth E. Werner, age 46, of Niceville, Fla., passed away at her residence on Friday, March 8, 2002. She was born on Jan. 8, 1956 in Hartford, Ala. Ruth had been a resident of the local area for the last 26 years, moving here from Geneva, Ala. She was Baptist by faith and a member of the Faith Independent Baptist Church of Niceville. Ruth Elizabeth Jernigan Werner graduated from Geneva High School, Geneva, Ala., in 1974. Ruth was very active in community affairs, church activities and school, where she served as a cheerleader and in the pep club and G club. After graduating from high school, she joined the United States Air Force. She was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, where she served as the first military female aircraft crew chief for four years. Ruth transitioned from active military service to Air Force civil service and served for 16 years as the first civil service jet engine technician, where she progressed into a management position. Ruth's accomplishments opened many doors for women in the military and civil service in a male-dominated career field.
Ruth was preceded in death by her father and mother, Raymond and Betty Jernigan. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas F. Werner; daughter Tiffany Frances Werner; one sister and brother, Mary Francis Shank and Jesse H. Jernigan, now residing in Maryland. In closing, Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. Her strong will and determination attributed to her faith and willingness to help others. She leaves behind numerous cousins and special friends: Dot Jackson, Sonja West, Melita Smith and Bonzie Shiver. She loved her many friends very much. Her family and friends will cherish that love forever.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2002 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Faith Independent Baptist Church in Niceville, Fla., with Pastor Lev Humphries officiating. Following services, burial will be in Heritage Gardens Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to either the Faith Independent Baptist Church or the Wave Fute U 15 Girls Soccer Team in memory of Ruth E. Werner. Contributions may be sent to c/o Thomas Werner, 1027 W. Choctaw-hatchee Dr., Niceville, Fla., 32578. Family floral arrangements are being handled by Flowers by Michael, Niceville.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, entrusted with the arrangements.
Daisy Mattie Reddick
Daisy Mattie Lee Reddick, age 74, of Portland, Fla., passed away March 12, 2002.
She moved to the Portland area after retiring from employment at the Fort Rucker Army Base. Ms. Reddick was Methodist by faith and a member of Portland United Methodist Church.
Ms. Reddick was preceded in death by her parents, Hughie Brown and Violet C. Brown; and sister, Mavis Tripp.
She is survived by two sons, James H. Reddick and wife Kim of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and David A. Reddick; daughter, Bonnie Jean Bell and husband Bobby of Port St. Joe, Fla.; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua, Katie, Jillian and Jamie; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at graveside on Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. in Hatcher Cemetery with the Rev. Darin S. Hyer officiating. Burial will follow.
A time of visitation will take place on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel, 150 E. Highway 20, Freeport, Fla.
Arrangements entrusted to Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel.
Gordon N. Davison
Gordon N. Davison of Sandestin, Fla., died March 13, 2002, in Destin, Fla.
A memorial service to celebrate Gordon's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, at Santa Rosa Beach Community Church.
Gordon was born in Atlanta on June 15, 1924. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1946 and then in the Air Force Active Reserves until 1959. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1949 where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Scabbard and Blade, and Tau Beta Pi. In 1955 he received his master's degree in thermodynamics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Gordon and his sweetheart, Jacqueline, were married in 1955 and have raised and survived by two wonderful sons, Gregory Scott of San Rafel, Calif., and Ronald Neal of Alexandria, Va. He is also survived by Gregory's wife Lynn and their two sons, Nathan and Oliver. Gordon is also survived by an aunt, Gene Ware of Kingsport, Tenn.
Gordon Davison retired from the Boeing Company after 43 years of loyal service. Among the many projects he was involved as engineer, unit chief or program manager were the B-17, B-42, X20 Glider, Saturn, Apollo, Mars Voyager, Lunar Orbiter, 747, the Wind Turbine Project, and the Space Station. He also served as vice president for New Business in Tokyo.
Professionally, Gordon was an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautic Society. In 1994, when he retired from Boeing, he moved to Destin where he became active with the Sandestin Owners Association. He served three years as president of the association, as well as serving on the Sandestin Architectural Review Board, and the Destin Beautification Committee.
Gordon was an avid outdoorsman. Among his most remembered accomplishments, he climbed Mount Rainer in Washington State. He loved scuba diving, tennis and golf.
Gordon and Jacquie recently reaffirmed their faith and joined the Santa Rosa Community Church. He guided his life by his favorite Bible verse, Luke 6:31 - "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye to them likewise." He was loved and will be missed by his family and many, many friends around the world.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Santa Rosa Beach Community Church, P.O. Box 1723, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32439; or to Covenant Hospice, Okaloosa-Walton office, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Grace Bundy Howell
Grace Bundy Howell, age 87, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, March 10, 2002, while visiting her sister in South Carolina.
She was born in South Carolina, the daughter of Warren Lamar Bundy and Beulah Usher Bundy.
Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Charles M. Howell; and a son, Charles Gary Howell of Gulfport, Miss.
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Grace Horton and husband Percy Elwin of Gulfport; son, John Warren Howell and wife Sheryl of Fort Walton Beach; son, Paul McDougall Howell of Long Beach, Miss.; sister, Janie Bundy Usher of Bennettsville, S.C.; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of Cinco Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach. Throughout her life, Grace found peace and joy in loving others. She was the very heart of our family and the power of her faith never altered. Therefore we all lovingly referred to her as Granny Grace. We will miss her today, tomorrow and until we are together once again.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riemann Funeral Home, Highway 49, Gulfport, Miss.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Florall Hills Memorial Cemetery.
James Alfred McMullen
Mr. James Alfred "Jim" McMullen, age 81 of Crestview, formerly of DeFuniak Springs, passed away at his home March 13, 2002. He was born Feb. 25, 1921 the son of Grover Alfa and Sarah Meriweather McMullen. Mr. McMullen was a retired Lt. Colonel having served his country with the United States Air Force as a pilot for over 33 years. He was a veteran of World War II and served two tours of duty in Viet Nam. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs.
Survivors include his wife, Hilda Sellers McMullen of Crestview. Two sons, Jimmy McMullen and wife Carolyn of Niceville; Buddy Rogers of DeFuniak Springs. Three daughters, Janie Wyllie and husband Billy of Destin; Patti Powell and husband Farris of Shalimar; Gwen Galucki and husband Philip of Jefferson, Maine. One sister, Mary Ella Rabern of Atlanta. Two brothers, Bob McMullen and wife Charlotte of Covington, Ga.; Thomas "Bill" McMullen of St. Augustine. Twelve grandchildren, Donnie, Terry, Susannah, William, Angie, Todd, Jonathan, Matthew, Patrick, Lauren, Dan and Allison. Three great grandchildren also survive.
Since interment will be in St. Augustine Memorial Park, flowers will be omitted bu memorials may be made in Mr. McMullen's memory to First United Methodist Church or to the Methodist Children's Home. A time of visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 2002 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Sat., March 16, 2002 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Jerry Evans Funeral Home with Reverend Bobby Ellisor, Reverend Bob Penton and Chaplin Karl Willoughby officiating. Commital will be in St. Augustine Memorial Park, St. Augustine, Fla. with Jerry Evans Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements.
Melissa Monique Mavracic
The Lord came to Melissa and received her into his care to be in no more pain and in no more suffering. Melissa is in heaven in the arms of Jesus. Jesus came to Melissa a week before she passed away and held her hand and comforted her. Melissa is running around in heaven on the streets of gold, living in her mansion. She is in a far better place. Melissa passed away March 13, 2002 in the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. She was born Nov. 17, 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was twenty-four years old. She was very lovable and loved everyone. She attended RHD school and loved her teachers and many friends and care givers. She loved to paint and listen to Elvis Presley, The Three Tenors, Rod Parsley and Bennie Hinn. She loved to praise the Lord.
She is survived by her grandmother Barbara Wertz of Freeport, Fla.; mother Michelle Garrison and sister Alexandra Garrison of Sherman, Texas; Uncle Mark Mavracic and wife Sandy Mavracic of South Ben, Ind., Uncle Thomas Mavracic and wife Jean of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Aunt Christine Mavracic of Va.; Great-Uncle Bill Barker and wife Shirley of Surprise, Ariz; Great-Aunt Donna and Bill Janosick of Deleware, Ohio; Great-Aunt Debbie and husband Paul Drazenovic of Gilbert, Ariz; and numerous cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her great-grandmother Mary Provins, grandfather Thomas Mavracic and Uncle Bill Mavracic.
The funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Freeport on Monday, March 18, 2002 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jim Allison and Reverend Charles Satterwhite officiating.
Pallbearers will be members of the First United Methodist Church of Freeport. Honorary Pallbearers will be the students at the RHD School.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 17, 2002 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel, 150 East Highway 20, Freeport, Fla.
Flowers will be accepted. Memorialization by cremation. Arrangements entrusted to Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel.
James L. Hutto
James L. Hutto, age 74, of Milton, died suddenly Wednesday afternoon. He was born in Dodge County, Ga. and had resided here since 1967. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force, Civil Service at Whiting Field, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the Order of Amarante.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cora (Rogers) Hutto. One brother, Bill (Shirley) Hutto of Mobile, Ala.; one nephew, Joey Hutto of Waynesville, N.C.; three sisters-in-law, Jessie Thompson of Fort Walton Beach, Melba Ates, Bernice Ates, both of Milton; two brother-in-laws, Claude (Carol) Rogers, Phillip Rogers, both of Milton. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Hutto.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, from the chapel of the Donnie Sowell Funeral Home in Milton. Rev. Joey Rogers will officiate with burial in the Crain Cemetery with Masonic Honors.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Donnie Sowell.
Active Pallbearers will be Clayton Thompson, Joe Ates, Vernon Rogers, Mike Rogers, Steve Rogers, and Mike Ates. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Rick Thompson, Matt Thompson, Donnie Rogers, Sill Rogers, and Dudley Rogers.
Donnie Sowell Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.
Jack M. Straughan
Jack M. Straughan, of Niceville, went home to his heavenly Father on March 14, 2002 at the age of 60. He was born in Plain Dealing, La. on Jan. 16, 1942.
Survivors include his wife Diane, sons Jack M. Straughan, Jr. and wife Pet of Canton, Ga. and Cris Straughan of Niceville, Fla.; brother, Dr. and Mrs. W.T. Straughan of Ruston, La. and grandsons Michael, Justin and Nico.
Jack also left behind his other love "Lady" his Border Collie and his cat "Destin". He loved fishing, playing, coaching and officiating softball. Most of all making all who knew him and even those who didn't laugh.
A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held at Niceville First Assembly of God at 10 a.m. on Sat., March 16, 2002. Burial will be in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the family, in care of Diane G. Straughan, 711 St. Croix Cove, Niceville, Fla. 32578.
