OLENE BARBER LEWIS
Olene Barber Lewis, 75, of 518 S. Star Ave., Panama City, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, in a local hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Bay County. She was a member of the St. Andrews Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Hertis Oliver Lewis. She is survived by a son, Billy Padgett; two daughters, Linda Schwartz, both of Panama City, Marcelle Chesser-Beyer of Callaway; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a sister, Onita Cook of Bonifay, Fla.; two brothers, Bruce Barber of Baytown, Texas, Earl Barber of Socorro, N.M.; two half brothers, James Barber of Sand Hills, Donald Barber of California; a half sister, Sarah Barber of Springfield, and sister-in-law, Voncile Buffaloe of Brannonville, Fla. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Evergreen Memorial Gardens with Pastor Elder J.C. Stanaland officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
RAYMOND "RAY" E. RHODES
Mr. Raymond "Ray" E. Rhodes, age 77, of 121 Downing St., Panama City, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. Ray retired from the U.S. Army as a major after serving his country for 23 years. After retirement, Ray pursued a fulfilling career in real estate and was owner of Sam B. Hearn Real Estate, Inc. Those who knew him will remember him as a kind, caring and giving individual. Mr. Rhodes is survived by his dear and loving friend and companion for over 20 years, Mary Flanigan of Panama City Beach; sons, Kenneth Rhodes of North Carolina, Robert E. Rhodes of Lake Butler, Fla.,Terry L. Rhodes of Wewahitchka, Daniel Flanigan of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Mark Cannon of Red Bay, Fla.; daughters: Sheila Rhodes of Kingston, Wash., Susan Rhodes Spears of Panama City Beach, Diane Witte of Smyrna, Tenn., and Sonja Cannon Osawa of Panama City Beach; his brother, Albert G. Rhodes of Panama City; sister, Amy L. DeYonker of West Palm Beach, Fla.; numerous grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Roland McDaniel officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today, Jan. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
GILBERT SAMUEL 'SAM' SPRATT
Funeral services for Mr. Gilbert Samuel "Sam" Spratt, age 57, of 12508 Scott Road, Fountain, Fla., who died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001 will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Curtis officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the Building Fund Dept. Retirement of Grace Baptist Church.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
LESTER T. BLOUNT
Mr. Lester T. Blount, age 94, of 1613 Gainer Ave., Panama City, Fla., died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at his home. He had been a resident of the area since 1933, coming here from Slocomb, Ala. Mr. Blount retired from International Paper Co. in 1968 and worked at Lahan's Carousel as a security guard for 13 years. He was a member and a Deacon of Springfield Baptist Church since 1946, a former member of the Sheriff's Auxiliary, and a member of the Quarter Century Club of International Paper Co. Mr. Blount is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mae Blount of Panama City; a daughter, Evon Raffield and her husband "Bill" of Panama City; a son, Billy Blount and his wife Thelma of Panama City; grandchildren: Debbie Neese and her husband Kim, Mike Raffield and his wife Terri, Kathy Caughlin and her husband Mike, Mark Raffield and his wife Teresa, Elaine Farmer and her husband Terry, Paula Chandler and her husband Mark, Sandra Clayton and her husband Donnie, Billy Blount Jr. and his wife Dreama, and Bobby Blount and his wife Susan; nineteen great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Ether Blount and Rachel Rene Blount; four brothers; and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Springfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Everage and the Rev. Mark Chandler officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are: Mike Raffield, Mark Raffield, Billy Blount Jr., Bobby Blount, Jay Neese, Shane Farmer, and Jeff Neese. Honorary pallbearers will include the Deacons of Springfield Baptist Church, Dr. Dent, Dr. Sweetser, Frederick Kolmetz, Tom Jasperson and Billy Sharp. The family will receive friends at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home today, Jan. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
ROBERT O. 'O.B.' BRYANT
Mr. Robert O. "O.B." Bryant, 85, of 720 Satsuma Ave. died Jan. 19, 2001, in a local Nursing Center. He was a native of Youngtown, Fla., and a lifelong resident of Panama City. He attended Bay County Public Schools. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving proudly in World War II. He touched many lives with his warm and caring personality and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Dorothy L. Wright of Panama City; grandchildren, Ellea-Nor "Grace" Battles (Christopher) of Charleston, W.Va., Deborah LaShon McLendon (Henry) of Sarasota, James LeeFonda Brown (Bridgette) and Ty Everette Brown(Stefanie) both of Greenville, S.C.; great- grandchildren: Algernon Mings, Ebony Evans, Tynisha Tyson, Michelle Tyson, Michael; Tyson, Cassedine Battles, Henry McLendon, James McLendon, Kristian Jackson, Monika McLendon, Burton McLendon, Xavier Jackson and Dorthia Brown; sister-in-law, Sybil Barnes of Tampa; two special cousins, Gwendolyn Meade and Nathaniel Roulhac; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Bryant will be held Saturday Jan. 27, 2001, at 2 p.m. in Zion Hope Baptist Church 1520 Louisiana Ave. with the Rev. Frank Jones, pastor officiating. Interment to follow in Hillside Cemetery. A wake service will be held at the church this evening from 6 to 7 p.m. and the remains will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time. The family will receive relatives and friends at 720 Satsuma Ave.
Peoples Funeral Home
Marianna, Fla. 32446
BEULAH WHIDDON COOPER
Mrs. Beulah Whiddon Cooper, 88, of Pensacola, died Jan. 24, 2001, in Pensacola following illness. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Marvin Chapel Cemetery
in Graceville with the Rev. Cecil Jackson officiating, and James & Lipford Funeral Home of Graceville directing. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday 1 to 2 p.m. The family request that memorial be made for Lou Gehrigs research (ALS), Tampa Bay Chapter, 3641 W. Kennedy Blvd.; Suite C, Tampa, FL 33609, to local Hospice chapters or to a preferred charity. Mrs. Cooper was born in Ponce de Leon, Fla., on Aug. 28, 1912. Mrs. Cooper was a resident of Dothan, Graceville and Panama City. She lived the last 12 years in Pensacola. Mrs. Cooper graduated from Cottondale High School and Moody Hospital School of Nursing in Dothan. She was a public health nurse in Jackson County until her retirement in 1968. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Graceville for many years anda current member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Pensacola. She was active in community and civic organizations and contributed her energies toward her family and her community throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jesse Mixon Cooper, sister, Verlon Jordan. She is survied by her daughters, Clara C. Register of Panama City, Camille C. Barr and Charlotte C. Key of Pensacola; six granddaughter; five great-great-granddaughters and extended family members.
James & Lipford Funeral Home
Graceville, Fla. 32440
FRANK MESSER
Mr, Frank Messer, 73 of Panama City, Fla., died Thursday morning, Jan. 25, 2001,in a local hospital. Born in Bonifay, Fla. He moved here in 1963 from Phenix Clty, Ala. He was a Commercial Food Representive for Benson Wholesale Grocery Inc. and he also served as caretaker of Emerald Spring Ranch for over 28 years. Mr. Messer was a member of the Hiland Park Baptist Church and a Veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Messer is survived by his wife Charlotte Messer of Panama City; three son: Ricky Joe Messer and wife Cindy of Lynn Haven, Timothy Charles Messer and wife Kitty of St. Augustine, Fla., Aaron Zebb Messer of Panama City; five daughters: Jody Winter and husband Eric, Debra Couch of Alphretta, Ga., Tambra Long and husband Thomas of Jacksonville, Kimberly Purvis and husband Don of Panama City, Cynthia DelMarco and husband Nick of Pensacola; two brothers, Raymond Messer of Bonifay, Joe Messer and wife Jan of Micanopy, Fla.; two sisters, Opal Patronis and husband Johnny of Panama City Beach and Nancy Meredith of Panama City; thirteen grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. in Hiland Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Pickrell officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
ELIZABETH CARUSO
Elizabeth Caruso was born January 23, 1911, and died Jan. 18, 2001. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, wonderful friend and one of the world's coolest women ever. She is survived by her son, John Caruso; two grandchildren, Micki and Skye; a niece, Ronnie Carpenter of Panama City Beach; adopted niece, Denise Ciccarelli; two brothers-in-law, Eugene Caruso and Sam Caruso; two sisters-in-law, Anna Wolters and Rosa Bellamy; nieces, Barbara, Cecily, Laurilyn, Linda, and Valerie; nephews; Andrew, Bobby, and Ronald, and several cousins, grand nieces and nephews and a coterie of loving friends. Services will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday at 2 p.m. The family will receive visitors after the services at her home.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
FRED CECIL HILL
Fred Cecil Hill, 68 of 3942 W. 21st Place, Panama City, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, in a local nursing home. He had been a resident of Bay County since 1978 moving here from Miami, Fla. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a warehouseman for Chevron Oil Company for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hill; two sons, Richard Hill and his wife, Kimberly, Chris Hill and his fiance, Jasmine all of Panama City; sister, Rose Presley of Bangor, Mich., and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery
with Brother Charles Key officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m. Active pallbearers are Richard Hill and Chris Hill. Honorary pallbearers will be the retirees of Chevron Oil Company. Those desiring to may make a contribution to Hospice of Northwest Florida, Inc. 2589 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 in memory of Fred Hill.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
OLENE BARBER LEWIS
Olene Barber Lewis, 75, of 518 S. Star Ave., Panama City, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, in a local hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Bay County. She was a member of St. Andrews Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Hertis Oliver Lewis and three grandchildren. She is survived by a son, Billy Padgett; two daughters, Linda Schwartz and Marcelle Chesser-Beyer all of Panama City; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a sister, Onita Cook of Bonifay, Fla.; two brothers, Bruce Barber of Baytown, Texas, Earl Barber of Socorro, N.M.; two half brothers, James Barber of Sand Hills, Fla., Donald Barber of California; a half sister, Sarah Barber of Springfield; and sister-in-law, Voncile Buffaloe of Brannonville, Fla., Graveside funeral services will be held today at 10:30 a.m. in Evergreen Memorial Gardens with Pastor Elder J.C. Stanaland officiating.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
BERTHA MAE ROBINSON PORTER
Mrs. Bertha Mae Robinson Porter, 59, of 1008 East 10th St. died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at her home. She was born July 14, 1941, to Mary Jane Robinson and the late Ed Robinson in Jackson County, Fla. She accepted Christ at an early age at Holy Neck Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where she walked and ushered faithful for many years until her demise. She retired after 30 years of service from Bay County District School Food Service Department. She leaves to cherish her loving memory a husband, Robert L. Porter of Panama City; two loving and devoted children, a son, Marcellous Dudley and one daughter, Reashella Dudley; two grandchildren, Ebony Dudley and Malik Whitley both of Panama City; children of her heart, Ava Solomon, Carletta Robinson, Marcellous (Joe) Dudley of Texas, Cleo Dudley of Panama City, Randy, Angie, Kevin, Tyrone and Chris Miller of Atlanta; four step-children: Shelisa Turner of Atlanta, Robin Bokins and Colinda Porter both of Troy and Robert Curry of Ohio; four sisters: Mattie L. Robinson (deceased), Flora Lee (Brady), Arletha Robinson (deceased) all of Marianna and Clara Barnes (George) of Fontana, Calif.; three brothers: Willie Robinson (deceased), Johnnie Robinson and Rayfield Robinson both of Marianna; one godson, Tommy Jackson ; sister and brother-in-laws: Arthor B. Slater (Dorothy), William Brundidge (deceased), Thelate Willie Brundidge (Yvonne), Louis Brundidge (Carolyn), Leon Brundidge (Diane), Shelia Brundidge, Cynthia Brundidge-Pitz (Dale), Jacqueline Brundidge-Coulter (Kenneth) and James Porter; a devoted cousin, Mrs. Eloise Butler, whom she loved as a sister; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and in-laws. Funeral services for Mrs. Porter will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. in Macedonia Baptist Church with the Rev. Louis Lamar Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Neck Cemetery
in Jackson County. Public visitation will be this afternoon at the funeral home from 1 to 8 p.m. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church. The family will receive friends at 1008 East 10th St.
Battle Memorial Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32401
BARRY O. STRASSNER
Chief M. SGT. Barry O. Strassner, Retired, U.S.A.F., age 57, of 6020 Ivy Rd., Callaway, Fla., died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at the U.A.B. Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. He had been a resident of the area since 1982, moving here from Anchorage, Alaska. Chief M.Sgt. Strassner enjoyed fishing, hunting and all kinds of outdoor activities. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing. Chief M.Sgt. Strassner is survived by his wife, Doris Strassner of Callaway; a son, Brian Strassner of Callaway; a daughter, Christy Colvert and her husband Ricky of Sandy Creek; four brothers: Dale Strassner of Hughesville, Pa., Larry Strassner of Watsontown, Pa., Terry Strassner of Turbotville, Pa., and Randy Strassner of Raymond, N.H.; two sisters: Charlotte Huff of Watsontown, Pa., and Florence Strassner of Dewart, Pa.; his mother: Anna Strassner of Turbotville, Pa.; three grandchildren: Corey and Cassy Tolbert of Sandy Creek, Fla., and Austi Strassner of Callaway; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Strassner and a sister, Bonnie Strassner. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplin Buddy Walker. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with Full military Honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, from noon until 2 p.m., two hours before service time. Flowers will be accepted or those desiring may make contributions to American Cancer Society, 2012 A Lisenby Ave., Panama City, FL 32405.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
