ALVESTER BLAKENEY
Mr. Alvester Blakeney, 81, of 1603 Lincoln Ave., died Dec. 4, 2000, in a local nursing home. He was a lifelong resident of Panama City. He attended public schools of Bay County. He is survived by his wife, Ida Hunter Blakeney of Panama City; daughters, Sarah Alfreida Blakeney and Sharron Loritta Blakeney Fagans, both of Panama City; brother, Calbert Lee Blakeney of Chicago, Ill.; sisters, Lillie Jean Marshall (Roy) and Idella Cannon, both of Chicago, Ill.; five grandchildren, Stacy Carlos Blakeney (Ivy), Rondarious T. Jamell Harris, Mardeyl Harris, Milea Fagans and Navon Fagans, all of Panama City; three great-grandchildren, Shiera JaLiesshia Blakeney, NiAyundria Charron Blakeney and Stacy Carlos Blakeney Jr., all of Panama City; special cousin, Beatrice Hayden of Panama City; very special friends, Mr. And Mrs. Robert and Mary Cain; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Blakeney will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000, at 1 p.m. in the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerome Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time. The family will receive relatives and friends at 228 S. Charlene Drive, Callaway.
ROBERT E. ELLIOTT
Major Robert E. Elliott, U.S. Army ret., 72, of Panama City, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, in his home. He had been a resident of Panama City for 6 years, moving here from Eunice, La. He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces during World War II and the Korean War, where he received three Purple Hearts for his service. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association, Loyal Order of the Moose, Veterans of Foreign War, and was a Grand Mason in the Framingham Masonic Lodge, Framingham, Mass. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Muriel Frances Elliott. He is survived by his wife, Anita Elliott of Panama City; two daughters, Kandilyn Hanson and her husband, William of Narraghnsett, R.I., Dustinrenee Elliott of Panama City; three step-daughters, Cynthia Cepulinski, Carol Lavoie, Catherine Leonard; 12 grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Tyman officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery
with full military honors and Masonic rites conducted at the graveside. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Those desiring to may make a contribution to the American Cancer Association in memory of Major Robert E. Elliott.
Wilson Funeral Home
214 Airport Road
JAMES VERNON 'JIM' EPLING
Mr. James Vernon "Jim" Epling, 61, of Panama City, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2000, in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Biloxi, Miss. Born in Panama City, he was the son of Max Copeland Epling and Marjorie Epling. He returned to Panama City in 1986 from Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, Germany and other places abroad. He was in the U.S. Navy working in U.S. Naval Communications. He was a veteran of the Cold War and Vietnam Eras. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association No. 346, AMVET Post No. 549, the Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers Association, the Emerald Coast Coursing Hound Organization and a Master Mason with the North Esk Marinus Grand Lodge of Scotland No. 1676. Mr. Epling is survived by his wife, Sandra Epling of Panama City; one son, Patrick Levon Epling of Memphis, Tenn.; one daughter, Wende Berry and husband Wallace of Fort Lauderdale; three brothers, George and Wirt Epling, both of Panama City, and Clyde Epling of Hinesville, Ga. Visitation will be held today, Dec. 12, and Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Fleet Reserve service will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Epling's remains will be scattered at sea.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
KAZIMER GRZEJKA
Mr. Kazimer Grzejka, 42, of 110-2 S. 40th St., Mexico Beach, Fla., died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at a local hospital. He had been a resident of the area for four years, coming here from Pennsylvania. Mr. Grzejka was in partnership with Steve Matincheck at Budget Homes of Panama City. He is survived by a son, Kristoffer Grzejka of Greenville, Pa.; a daughter, Jamie Lynn Grzejka of Greenville; two sisters, Sharyn Banjak and Gail Muir, both of Panama City; an aunt, Betty Back of Sharon, Pa.; three nieces, Deanna Banjak of Panama City, Amanda Morris of Cheraw, S.C., and Jennifer Muir of Panama City; two great-nieces, Kylie Banjak and Ariana Perry, both of Panama City; and a great-nephew, Baily Furey of Panama City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Doss officiating. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories. Asked to serves as active pallbearers are Charles Roberts, Lamar Orrell, Steve Matincheck III, Andrew Matincheck, Eli Prescott and Robert Gay. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
LORENE GUNN
Mrs. Lorene Gunn, 81, of 1309 Grace Ave., Panama City, Fla., died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at her daughter's home in Atlantic Beach, Fla. She had been a resident of the area since 1972, coming here from Orlando, Fla. Mrs. Gunn was a member of Central Baptist Church and former member of the Eastern Star of Fort Benning, Ga. She was a registered "Yellow Dog Democrat." As this "Yellow Dog Democrat" said in casting her last absentee ballot when asked to consider voting for a Republican said, "No one could trust them." Mrs. Gunn also enjoyed following the Atlanta Braves, watching soap operas and reading the National Enquirer. She is survived by three daughters, Maudine Sterling Kaufman and her husband Jarold of Atlantic Beach, and Gloria Gunn Spain and Anita Joy Gunn, both of Panama City; two sons, Larry Joe Gunn of Callaway, Fla., and Jerry William Gunn of Panama City; eight grandchildren, William E. Gunn, Terry Gunn and Dana G. McMullen, all of Merritt Island, Fla., Robert E. Sterling of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Richard Lee Sterling of Atlantic Beach, Lisa Gunn Furst and Curtis Gunn Marcott, all of Orlando, and Kim Spain Mosley of Atlanta; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Raley officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are Ricky Sterling, Bobby Sterling, Billy Gunn, Clyde Smith, Terry Gunn and Jarold Kaufman. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
PEARL LEE HALLMON
Funeral services for Pearl Lee Hallmon, 85, of Panama City, who died Sunday, December 10, 2000, in a local hospital will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dewey Davidson officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers are Wayne Holley, O.R. Holley, Hal Hallmon, John Hallmon, Phillip Destin and Steven Victory. Honorary pallbearers are Owen Hallmon, Dr. David Hallmon, Buddy Keenam and the Dorcas Sunday School Class of St. Andrew Baptist Church. Those desiring to may make a contribution to the St. Andrew Baptist Church in memory of Pearl Hallmon.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, FL 32405
PAULINE YVONNE McPHERON
Pauline Yvonne McPheron, 65, of Huntington, Ind., died Dec. 8, 2000. She is survived by a son, Joseph S. McPheron of Panama City; and by two stepsons, five daughters, three stepdaughters and three sisters. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in LaFontaine, Ind. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory in Huntington County, Ind.
MARIE E. DENEHY MILILLO
All Things Considered, a Life Worth Living. Marie E. Denehy Milillo died on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, after a most courageous battle with cancer and other severe physical problems. She would have been 70 years of age on Dec. 23. She made all Christmases brighter by her presence. She leaves a devoted husband, Frank; and two loving daughters, Kristine (Salvatore) LiFari and Kathryn (Robert Stein) Milillo. Marie is the eldest daughter of Alice Denehy, living in East Weymouth, Mass., and the late Henry Joseph Denehy. She is also survived by two loving sisters, Carol (James) Fyfe and Margaret (Paul) O'Brien, both of whom were a great source of pride and joy for Marie; and a cherished and supportive brother-in-law, Pat Milillo. In addition, four grandchildren are left to cherish her memory, Benjamin and India Stein and Laura and Peter LiFari, and Peter's dear friend Lauren; and nieces and nephews, all of whom were well loved. Special friends who provided support during moments of sorrow, and in themselves provided great joy, are Carolyn Marshall, Barry and Joan Galman, and oldest friends of all, Charles and Alice Morgan. Marie possessed courage in great abundance. She was sweet and shy with, however, a strong personality. She was a truly fine needlepoint artist until her eyes began to fail. But, most of all, she had a great sense of humor and highly tuned sense of the ridiculous, which allowed her to keep things in perspective (and her husband under control). We grieve that she is no longer with us, but we are grateful for the time we had. A memorial tribute will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Southerland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glencove Nursing Pavilion, Patient Resources Fund in memory of Marie Milillo.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
HUBERT MIXON
Mr. Hubert Mixon, 74, of 1510 Texas Ave., Lynn Haven, Fla., died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at his home. He had been a lifelong resident of the area and attended Lynn Haven Assembly of God Church. Mr. Mixon served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a master carpenter with Southern Landmark. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Mixon of Lynn Haven; a daughter, Kimberly Hill and her husband Richard of Panama City; a son, Bruce M. Brown and his wife Dianne of Greenhead, Fla.; a brother, Wilson Mixon of Macclenny, Fla.; and grandchildren, Cody Brown, Courtney Brown and Connor Brown. He was preceded in death by a brother, Clinzy Mixon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Long Beach Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Leon Jenkins and the Rev. Charles Royals officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home today, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
WILLIAM G. 'BILL' MORRISON
Maj. William G. "Bill" Morrison, USAF (retired), 73, of 8347 James St., Panama City, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Brookfield, Mo., but called California his home. He had lived in Panama City since 1972, moving here from an overseas assignment in the Air Force. During his life, Maj. Morrison worked as a journeyman electrician, served his country as an Air Force pilot and owned and operated his own printing shop. He served his country for 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a major, and was a veteran of the Vietname War. In his retirement he enjoyed golf and woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dottie Morrison of Panama City; daughters, Debbie Martel and her husband John of Niceville, Fla., and Lisa Morrison of Springfield, Fla.; son Russell Morrison and his wife Teresa of Bear Creek, Fla.; grandchildren, Michelle Hongyee, Kristy Couture, Dominique Martel, Charles Martel, Jacqueline Martel, Brian Morrison, April Parrish and Mary Leigh Morrison; and great-grandchildren Brian Tyler Morrison and Jacob Ryan Hongyee. He is preceded in death by a son, William Guy Morrison Jr. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jack Hankin officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 7 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
ARTHUR FRANKLIN RAMBO (LIL BRO)
Mr. Arthur Franklin Rambo, 52, of 817 E. 9th Court, died Dec. 6, 2000, in his home. Funeral services for Mr. Rambo will be held today, Dec. 12, 2000, at 1 p.m. in the Grove Temple First Born Church, 157 Harlem Ave., with Bishop Roosevelt Alexander officiating. Internment to follow in the Hillside Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time. The family will receive relatives and friends at 817 E. 9th Court.
Peoples Funeral Home
Marianna, Fla. 32446
Arthur E. Cutler, L.F.D.
MAE BELL SKINNER
Mrs. Mae Bell Skinner, 92, of 408 Gray Ave., Panama City, Fla., died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at a local nursing facility. She had been a resident of the area for 64 years, coming here from Holmes County, Fla. Mrs. Skinner is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Railey and her husband S.E. "Buck" Railey of Panama City; two sisters, Nellie Arrant of Panama City and Ruby B. Gainey of Springfield, Fla.; two grandchildren, Alvey Stanley and his wife Pamela of Panama City and Christine Burke and her husband Daniel of Crestview, Fla.; four great-grandchildren, Alvey Jason Stanley and Joshua Adam Stanley, both of Panama City, and Melanie Suzanne Burke and Matthew Scott Burke, both of Crestview; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Chapel with Mr. Bill Gainey officiating. Interment will follow at Millville Cemetery. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are Matthew S. Burke, Doyle Benton, Lloyd Benton, John Gainey, Kenneth Arrant and Leonard Arrant. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
