Leon High School
Tallahassee, Florida
Class of 1959
Lost Classmates
List of those no longer with us.
If underlined, click for dedication page.
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Tommy Atkinson
Geneva Averett Cunningham (2021)
Charles E. Barksdale
Sandra Bowen Shiver
John A. Bramlett
Martin C. Bullock
Anita Crutchfield
Robin Hood Davidson (see LEON60)
Catherine R. Davis Vinel
Mark Dehaney
R. Glenn Dixon
Danny W. Edwards
David P. Edwards
Daniel A. "Spud" Fitchner
James E. Gavins
Jimmy Grubbs
Florence W. Henning Pierson
Jean Hopkins Green
John D. Hopkins IV
Don Charles Hunter (2009)
Mary Ann Jennings (2012)
Margarette Joyner Quick
Merry Kilner Harper (2018)
Pierce Kimbrel
Henry Charles Lawson
Allan Lewitt
Larry Maxwell
Brian McMath
Wilburn O. Messer
Patricia A. Mullryne
Judy Helen Ott
Samuel Pasco IV
Walter C. Reeves, Jr.
Khomas C. Revels
Clarence Lee Romig (2020)
Judy Rowe Phelps
Patricia M. Seay Knudson
Stephen Sterk
John F. Townsend
Don Updegraff (2013)
Jolene Waters Murphy (2007)
Sara Elizabeth Watford Nealy
Frances Watkins Fogarty
Patricia Wilder Carroll
IN MEMORIAM
Death in the Family
Notices on deaths of classmates' family members
(and others we knew, like teachers). Classmate name in each is highlighted with bold text.
Barton Abstein Sr.
Barton Abstein Sr., 87, a salesman for Eli Witt and Livingston Provision Co., died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004. The service will be at 11 a.m. EDT today at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Road, with burial at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.
John S. "Jay" Baughman
Ret. Col. John Baughman FORT MYERS - Retired Col. John S. "Jay" Baughman, 63, formerly of Tallahassee, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at his home. A memorial service was Saturday at St. Hilary's Episcopal Church in Fort Myers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity in Col. Baughman's name. Col. Baughman was married for 43 years to Karen Moore Baughman, who survives him and also is formerly of Tallahassee.
Joseph Jerome Kairis
(Our Chemistry Teacher)
Joseph Jerome Kairis, 82, died Saturday, April 2, 2005. The service will be at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday at Beggs Funeral Home Apalachee Parkway Chapel (850-942-2929), with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. A native of Worcester, Mass., and former resident of Alaska, Mr. Kairis had lived in Tallahassee since 1954. He retired as a physics teacher for Leon High School and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Worcester. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Tallahassee; a 32nd-Degree Mason with Quinsigamond Lodge in Worcester, which was his home lodge; a member of Phi Delta Kappa; a member of the FMCA; and a member of American Legion Post No. 13. He also retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force. He was an avid motor- home enthusiast and a professional photographer. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Kairis; two sisters-in-law, Hope Johnson of Waltham, Mass., and Elizabeth Thulin of Monroeville, Pa.; two nephews, Donald and Charles Thulin; three nieces, Donna Johnson, Gail Browne and Carla Garrison; five great-nieces; six great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces.
Merritt Ryals "Buck" Clements Jr.
M. R. "Buck" Clements Jr. Merritt Ryals "Buck" Clements Jr., 65, a senior investment specialist for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, died Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Betsy James Clements. The service will be at 11 a.m. EDT today at Trinity United Methodist Church, with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends following the service Saturday at the Clements's home. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1086, Tallahassee, FL 32302, or the American Red Cross, 187 Office Plaza, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385-2193) is handling arrangements. Other survivors include his son, William Ryals "Bo" Clements of Tampa; two daughters, Virginia Louise "Ginger" Clements and Merrett Elizabeth Clements, both of Tallahassee; a brother, Dr. Arthur S. Clements (and wife Tricia) of Tallahassee; a sister, Sue Clements Smith (and husband Doug) of Atlanta; four nieces, Claire Clements and Meredith Clements, both of Tallahassee, Brook Smith Mallory (and husband Kerry) of Montgomery, Ala., and Ginny Smith Byrnes (and husband Paul) of Atlanta; a great-niece, Sydney Mallory of Montgomery; his mother-in-law, Betty James of Tallahassee; and Michael Clements Foerster of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 8/27/2005.
Clyde Edward Spencer
Clyde Edward Spencer, 89, a builder/land developer, died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EDT today at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church. Faith Funeral Home in Havana (850-539-4300) is handling arrangements. Mr. Spencer was born Jan. 19, 1916, in New Smyrna Beach. An entrepreneur whose lifelong love was the railroad he started work immediately after high-school graduation. He rose quickly through the ranks in both Seaboard and Atlantic Coast Lines to the highest mechanical position, round-house foreman. During World War II he was in charge of the mechanical maintenance and operation of all steam-powered locomotives, essential to the civilian defense and troop movements between Tallahassee and Fort Gordon Johnson in Lanark Village. In 1945 he left the railroad and ultimately founded the Royal Sandwich Co. He operated this for many years, pioneering in the vending machine and catering businesses. He operated the concession business at Doak Campbell Stadium from its beginning in 1950 until 1975. Many prominent civic and business leaders have said that "Clyde Spencer gave me my first job." Subsequently, he branched into building development constructing several apartment complexes in Tallahassee. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and Lions Club and founding member of Capital City Country Club and Seminole Boosters. He actively supported the Seminoles until this last year, when health issues restricted his activities. He is survived by his wife, Sara Lee "Sue" Boynton Spencer, with whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage Sept. 20. Other survivors include four children, Sandra Spencer Miller, Eddie Spencer and Phillip Spencer, all of Tallahassee, and Patricia Spencer of DeLand; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 9/21/2005.
Tommie Mary Callahan
Tommie Mary Callahan, 87, died Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005. She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Callahan. The service will be at 10:30 a.m. EST Wednesday at Aenon Baptist Church, with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. EST Tuesday at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191). She was born March 4, 1918. She was a native of Emanuel County in Georgia and moved to Tallahassee in 1946. She was retired from bookkeeping and dispatch services. She was a member of Aenon Baptist Church and had many very dear friends. Survivors include two daughters, Irma Jean Whittington Lett (and husband William) of Havana and Charlotte Whittington Mills (and husband Richard) of Tallahassee; two sons, Benny G. Whittington (and wife Shirley) of Tallahassee and Roy M. Whittington (and wife Sally) of Woodville; three step-daughters, Judy Callahan Vickers (and husband Everette) of Tallahassee, Anita Callahan Deddins (and husband Robert) of Great Falls, Mont., and Amalee Moore Olive of Tallahassee; two step-sons, E. Paul Moore (and wife Mary Pat) of Tallahassee and Gregory Moore (and wife Irene) of Orlando; 24 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Clifford B. Whittington and Ernest C. Moore.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 10/31/2005.
Richard Arthur "Dick" Traynor Sr.
Richard Arthur "Dick" Traynor Sr., 77, who retired as the executive director of the Florida Associated General Contractors Council, died Saturday, June 17, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Claire Essig Traynor. The service will be at 11 a.m. EDT Tuesday at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with a private burial at MeadowWood Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT today at Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385- 2193), with the Rosary said at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309, or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 624 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. He was a native of Watertown, N.Y., and a longtime resident of Tallahassee. He was a 1959 graduate of the University of Southern California and a former newspaper reporter for the Watertown Daily Times, St. Petersburg Times, Arcadia (California) Tribune and the Tallahassee Democrat, where he reported on the Florida Legislature, as well as the County and Federal Courthouse. He was also an Army veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Traynor was formerly the executive director of the Tallahassee Builders Association, a member and field representative for the National Association of Home Builders, an account executive for Executive Management Services, Inc., an information specialist for the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Division of Blind Services and was formerly the information director for the Florida Senate. In 1966 he was named Public Personnel Worker of the Year by the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. His memberships included the local, state and national chapters of the American Society of Association Executives; the Florida Public Relations Association, where he formerly served as president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of the Tallahassee Chapter; the USC Alumni Association; and Lambda Chi Alpha and Sigma Delta Chi fraternities. He was also formerly a member of the Leon County Blood Bank Board of Directors and the Tallahassee Elks Lodge, where he was a past secretary. He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and was a current member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Other survivors include a son, Randy Traynor (and Renee) of Tallahassee, and two grandchildren, Austin Traynor and Brittney Wydel, both of Tallahassee. He was preceded in death in 1998 by a son, Rick Traynor.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat from 6/18/2006 - 6/19/2006.
Marie Stephens Flowers
Marie Stephens Flowers, 87, died Thursday, March 23, 2006, in Sarasota. The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. EST Sunday at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. EST Sunday at Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385-2193). A native of Eufaula, Ala., she was a longtime resident of Tallahassee who had recently moved to Sarasota to be near her daughter. She retired as a bookkeeper at Williams Propane and was a member of Second United Methodist Church in Eufaula. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia F. Ball (and husband John) of Sarasota; a sister, Pauline Ellison of Calera, Ala.; two grandsons, Eric Ball of Jackson, Tenn., and Murray Ball of Jacksonville; and four great-grandchildren.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 3/25/2006.
Toni Michelle Cozzy
Toni Michelle Cozzy, 36, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, in Gainesville. She is survived by her husband, Mike Cozzy. The service will be at 11 a.m. EST Tuesday at Woodville United Methodist Church, with burial at Oakland Cemetery. The viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. EST today at the church. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191) is handling arrangements. She was born Nov. 22, 1969, at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. She attended James S. Richards High School and was a longtime resident of the Woodville area. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and wife and will be greatly missed by those who loved her. She was a member of Woodville United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher. She loved the Lord, and was a devoted servant. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring people of Shands Hospital. Survivors include three sons, Michael Cozzy, Matthew Cozzy and Mitchell Cozzy; her parents, Larry and Carol Blalock Walls; a brother- and sister-in- law, Billy and Bonnie Walls; two nieces, Rachel and Rebekah Walls; and an aunt, Anne Pelt.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 11/20/2006.
Ethel Grier Kimbrel
Ethel Grier Kimbrel, 95, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, in Vero Beach. The Christian service and celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday at Miccosukee United Methodist Church in the Miccosukee Community, with burial at MeadowWood Memorial Park in Tallahassee. The Rev. Ted Warmack, a family friend, will officiate. Family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385-2193) is handling arrangements. Living in Tallahassee since 1945, she moved in 1997 to be near her daughter in Miami and later to Vero Beach, where she was living at the time of her passing. She lived the last four years at Royal Palm Convalescent Center where she became known as "The Whistler," always whistling along with the music provided by groups that visited Royal Palm. She had a keen sense of humor and offered a smile and a wink to everyone. She won the bowling game every day and loved to go on group outings. She was as active walking around Royal Palm as she had been walking around her neighborhood in Tallahassee, always believing that her walking aided her longevity. For many years she took her exercise along Thomasville Road and was greeted by commuters with waves and beeps of their car horns. Mrs. Kimbrel was born Feb. 24, 1911, in Alto, Hall County, Ga., along with her twin brother, Walter Lawton Grier, to their parents Harvie Augustus and Ida Coleman Grier. She grew up in Buford, Ga., where she met her husband, Albert Pierce Kimbrel Sr., who was a baseball player. After World War II, they moved to Tallahassee and raised their family. She was a remarkable woman. Survivors include her daughter, Grier Kimbrel McFarland (and husband Walter C.) of Vero Beach; a granddaughter, Kelley Kimbrel of Michigan; two great-grandchildren, Jacinda Lynn Kimbrel and Joshua Alexander Kimbrel, both of Michigan; and five nieces, Marjorie Kimbrel Masterman of Tallahassee, Jan Kimbrel Lorentz of Savannah, Ga., Sunya Grier Peebles of Buford, Randa Pritchard Crafton of Las Vegas and Nona Pritchard Robinson of Dexter, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Pierce Kimbrel; and five siblings, Walter Lawton Grier, Kenneth Blanton Grier, Harold Guy Grier, Joe Grier and Margaret Grier Pritchard.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat from 10/22/2006 - 10/25/2006.
Mary Alberta Potter
Mary Alberta Potter, 93, died December 21, 2007. Survived by daughter Laura Lee Potter Herndon. Service will be announced at a later date by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home (850-877-8191).
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat from 12/24/2007 - 12/25/2007.
Shirley Roberts Acord
Shirley Roberts Acord Shirley Roberts Acord, 67, of Plant City, retired from the Hillsborough County School System, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007. Shirley was a loving and caring individual who was so very proud of her family and was deeply valued by many friends and colleagues for her warm friendship, supportive actions and sense of humor. She graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in education, she also earned two master's degrees in education. Shirley had a 40-year career in elementary education and was an accomplished teacher and technology expert in the Pensacola and Tampa area. She is survived by a son, Cliff Acord (and wife Arlene Reynolds Acord) of Tampa; a daughter, Lauren Lucciola (and husband George) of Katonah, N.Y.; four beloved grandchildren, Trey and Noemi Lucciola and Aubrey and Adam Acord; three sisters, Edna Roberts Lambert of Michigan, Deanie Roberts Norred and Laverne Roberts Slocumb, both of Tallahassee; a brother, Andy Roberts (and wife Martha) of Tallahassee; a brother-in-law, Frank Acord; and many nieces, nephews and friends throughout the area. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Clifton Acord; her parents, Ruth Blount and Tom Roberts; three siblings, Tommy Roberts, Gwendolyn Roberts Slocumb and Glenda Roberts Harvey; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 1/7/2007.
Norah T. Rogers
Norah T. Rogers Norah T. Rogers, 90, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007, at her home. Born Norah Ruth Thompson on Jan. 12, 1916, in Bristol, England, she was raised in Brazil and attended primary school in England. She was employed by the British Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, serving as secretary to the British ambassador to Brazil. Fluent in English, Portuguese and French, her duties included translating and decoding messages sent from England to the embassy prior to World War II and also assisting the viceroy of India. While in Rio de Janeiro, she met and married William E. Rogers, and in 1939 they returned to the U.S. and came to Tallahassee in June of 1940. She worked with the Girl Scouts and was employed at Florida State University as assistant to a professor of photosynthesis and as administrative assistant to the department chair of pre-medicine until her retirement in 1986. She was also active in TOPS for 20 years and was an avid reader. Bill and Norah enjoyed round and square dancing and activities at the Tallahassee Senior Center. They were charter members of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church. Survivors include five children, John Rogers (and wife Judy) of La Mesa, Calif., Mary Rogers Brown of Tallahassee, Philip Rogers (and wife Brenda) of Atlanta, Richard Rogers (and wife Susan) of Vashon Island, Wash., and David Rogers (and wife Robin) of O'Fallon, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death on May 8, 2006, by her husband of 70 years, William E. "Bill" Rogers.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 1/5/2007..
Katherine Leonard Messer
Katherine Messer CRAWFORDVILLE - Katherine Leonard Messer, 63, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, in Tallahassee. The service will be at 2 p.m. EST Saturday at Beggs Funeral Home Apalachee Chapel (850-942-2929), with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. EST today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 3704, Memphis, TN 38103. A native of Birmingham, Ala., she had resided in the Tallahassee area since 1959. She retired from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and was a Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Wilburn "Buddy" Messer; two daughters, Donna Lynn McMahan (and husband Paul) of Crawfordville and Lisa R. Messer (and R.J. Scarborugh) of Tallahassee; a brother, Robert N. Leonard (and wife Brenda amd children) of Elmhurst, Ill.; six grandchildren, Jessica, Amy and Ryan Messer and Michael, Eric and Dana McMahan; two great-grandchildren, Erica McMahan and Eric McMahan Jr.; and special nieces and nephews, Wesley Leonard (and wife Debbie and children Beau and Christine) of Birmingham, Wanda Leonard of Moody, Ala., Janice Paskey (and husband Robert) of Seabrook, Texas, and Betty Goad and Bubba and Dorothy Shoemaker, all of Pasadena, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred N. Leonard Sr., and Rosalind "Granny" Norwood Leonard.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 1/12/2007.
Lucille K. Willett
Lucille K. Willett, 102 , born in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 25, 1905, died Friday, December 21, 2007, in Tallahassee. Her wishes were to have a graveside service. Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at the graveside in Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel, is handling arrangements (850-877-8191). She and her late husband were co-owners of The State Bakery for many years. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Survivors include her daughters, Helen Lane of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Patricia Wolfe ( and Gil) of The Villages, Fla., and Shirley Brown (and Covelle) of Tallahassee; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Virgil Willett Sr., and a son, Dennis Virgil Willett Jr.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 12/24/2007.
Duma P. Fain
Duma P. Fain, 92, a lifelong Florida resident, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Jan. 5, 2008. Duma was born Feb. 20, 1915, in Medart, Fla. She lived in Tallahassee over 70 years. She is survived by her two daughters, Abigail F. Sirmans, Springfield, Mo., and Emma Jean Dishinger, Georgetown, Texas. She had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Opal Durrance and Lola Willis, both of Tallahassee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe B. Fain. Duma helped her husband run Fain Auto Parts for many years. She loved gardening, both vegetable and flower. She was known to be a great southern cook and loved working in her kitchen. She was a charter member of Morningside Baptist Church in Tallahassee. The family expresses its sincere thanks for the love and support of Mary Williams and others who cared for Duma during her illness. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. EST Saturday, Jan. 12, at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park on Timberlane Road. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the graveside service at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel (850-893-4177). Memorial contributions may be made to the Morningside Baptist Church Building Fund, Tallahassee, FL, or a charity of your choice.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 1/10/2008.
Ruby Louise Moon Andrews
Ruby Louise Moon Andrews, born Dec. 2, 1916, to Elsie Evelyn Evans Moon and William Claude Moon Sr. of Tallahassee, Fla., died at the age of 91 on Thursday, April 24, 2008. She was a homemaker until the age of 53, when she went to work and retired on Dec. 31, 1986, after 17 years with the State of Florida Department of Insurance. A lifelong resident of Tallahassee, she was a resident of Heritage Healthcare Center at the time of her death. The service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, at Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home chapel, 4037 N. Monroe St. (850-562-1518), with burial at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or to Heritage Healthcare Center, 3101 Ginger Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308, in memory of Ruby L. Andrews for the upkeep of the courtyard fountain and garden where she loved to sit. Survivors include one daughter, Joan Andrews Turner (and Bob); four sons, Marvin Andrews (and Gingir), Fred Andrews (and Bonnie), Frank Andrews Jr. (and Sherry) and David Andrews (and Susan); one sister, Barbara Latham (and Jim); 16 grandchildren, Calynne Andrews Hill (and Lou), Shanna Andrews Williford, Krista Andrews Stephens (and Jeff), Wayne Andrews (and Susan), April Andrews (Moylan), Leonard Ross, Robert Andrews (and Samantha), Leslie Andrews Meadows (and Joe), Frank Andrews III, Katrina Lynn Turner Bailey (and Bill), Terra Turner Palmer (and Dean), Dallas Turner, Bryan Andrews, Laurie Andrews Malling (and Scott), Kristen Andrews Strauss (and Eric), Chad Spikes (and Debbie); and 16 great-grandchildren, Brittany Hill Dean (Wilson), Pearson Hill, Corey, Cody and Colt Williford, Josh, Connor and Saralyn Stephens, Andy and Amber Andrews, Sonny Hicks, Nicholas, Madison and Alexas Odom, Bryce and Casey Palmer, A1exus Spikes and Robert Henry Strauss. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Lamar Andrews; daughter Betty Gail Andrews Spikes Burch; granddaughter Carla Spikes-Burch; three brothers, William Claude Moon, Jr., William Lytle Moon and James H. Moon; and one sister, Mildred Virginia Moon Rowe. All were from Tallahassee. Our family would like to express our gratitude and praise to all of those who were a part of her life at the Heritage Healthcare Center and to Covenant Hospice personnel for the wonderful and comforting care given to our mom especially in the remaining days of her life.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 4/27/2008.
Edward Luke Blackburn
Edward Luke Blackburn, 81, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at his home. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 4, at Luke Blackburn Farm, 619 Johnson Rd., Havana, Fla., with a private family interment at Salem Cemetery in Havana. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Cemetery Fund, 6972 FL/GA Highway, Havana, FL 32333, or to a favorite charity. Faith Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com ). Mr. Luke was born in Gadsden County on Feb. 27, 1927. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 16. He served on the USS Burroughs and was a part of the second invasion of the Philippines. Mr. Luke was a true Southern gentleman. He was a master craftsman/builder and was well-known for building tobacco barns and family homes in Havana. He was a true outdoors man and nature lover and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His garden was a large part of his life, often he would plant vegetables just to share with his neighbors and friends. Mr. Luke's barn parties were big events in Havana and were often the talk of the town. Just a few years ago Elvis attended and performed at one of his parties. Mr. Luke was also known for his stories and knowledge of the history of Havana and Gadsden County. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eddie R. Blackburn of Havana; two sons, Edward Luke Blackburn Jr, of Troy, Ala., and Charles Powell (and wife Lina) of Tallahassee; four daughters, Cheree B. Jeter of Thomasville, Ga., Rebecca L. Blackburn of Tallahassee, Nancy P. Whiddon (and husband Pat) of Perry, Ga., and Jenny Robertson (and husband Jeff) of Havana; and his best buddy, Alvin; nine grandchildren, Thomas Jeter (and wife Grace Marie), Lee Ann Holloway (and husband Jeff), Heather Allen (and husband Lamar), Ashley Crosby (and husband Clay), Baily Powell, Heath Whiddon, Kyle Powell, John Luke Robertson and Garren Robertson; six great-grandchildren, Alexis Jeter, Emma Jeter, Erin Jeter, Vincent Holloway and Cannon Allen; and his brother-in-law, Tommy Rowell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lafayette and TheoHarden Blackburn; his brother, Hugh Blackburn; and his sister, Martha Lee Phillips and her husband, Ralph.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 5/3/2008.
Helen Louise Gray Hall
Helen Louise Gray Hall, died Thursday, June 12, 2008, in Port St. Lucie. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Roselawn Cemetery in Tallahassee. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385-2193). A native of Tallahassee, Mrs. Hall was born December 17, 1919, to Jackson Gray and Claudia Mary Hartsfield. She was a longtime employee of the telephone company. Mrs. Hall and her late husband, W.T. (Sam) Hall, resided in Tallahassee until 1997, when they retired to Okeechobee. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Etta Moore of Okeechobee and Martha Ann Dalton of Cairo; a son-in-law, James W. Dalton of Cairo; seven grandchildren, Lisa Jackson, Allen Moore, Anna Heath, Cassie Barber, James Dalton Jr., Connie Varnedore and Jeffery Dalton; and 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Terry Allen Moore; a granddaughter, Cheryle Dalton; her brother, Charles Gray; and three sisters, Mary Prater, Ruth Young and Eunice Ginn.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 6/15/2008.
Alex Mathis Lewis
(Alex was in our Freshman and Sophomore class, but didn't graduate with us in 1959)
Alex Mathis Lewis, 66, of Tallahassee passed away Thursday, August 7, 2008. He was a native of Tallahassee and graduated from Leon High School. Mr. Lewis was a graduate of Marion Military Institute and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was retired from Technical Service Systems. Survivors include his long time companion, Dorothy Rogers; son, Daniel M. Lewis IV (and his wife Jacque); three brothers, Dan M. Lewis III, David R. Lewis, and Michael Andrews; grand children, Brandon P. Lewis, Michael Davis and Cori Davis. Alex M. Lewis was preceded in death by his father, Daniel M. Lewis Jr., and mother, Dorothy Andrews Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191) is handling arrangements.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 8/15/2008.
Wilda Larson Clowers Lundrigan
(Our English teacher)
Wilda Larson Clowers Lundrigan, 79, who retired after 41 years as an English teacher at Leon High School, died Thursday, September 25, 2008 in Tallahassee. Service arrangements will be announced later by Bevis Funeral Home.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 9/26/2008.
Betty Dunn Culpepper
Betty Dunn Culpepper, 96, a long time resident of Tallahassee, passed away January 31, 2009, at Westminster Oaks where she had resided for the past twenty-seven years. A memorial celebration of her life will be held there in the Gallery of the Parry Building at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday; February 7, 2009, followed by a reception. Bevis Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements (850-385-2193). She leaves behind her devoted family. These include her two sons, Blair Culpepper (Diane) of Winter Park and Bruce Culpepper (Pep) Tallahassee; and her adored grandchildren, Betsy Culpepper, Bruce Culpepper (Ellen), Brad Culpepper (Monica) and Blair Culpepper Kurland (Brett). Her precious great-grandchildren are Knox and Brady Culpepper, Rex, Judge and Honor Culpepper and Cade, Rivers and Reese Kurland. Other survivors include her brother, James R Dunn (Peg) of Daytona Beach, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, Broward; her brother, Philip Knox (Buck) Dunn of Daytona Beach and Burnis Coleman, her friend and husband in their golden years. For those who wish, her family requests that memorial contributions be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee FL 32308-5428.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 2/2/2009.
Gene Calvin Cox
(Famous Leon High Football Coach)
Gene Calvin Cox, 74, passed away, Monday, March 30, 2009, in Tallahassee. Services will be held Saturday, April 4, at Bradfordville First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. EDT, with burial at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday at East Hill Baptist Church. A native of Lake City and former resident of Live Oak, he has resided in Tallahassee since 1963. Gene was a football coach, a veteran of the Army National Guard and a member of East Hill Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Cox; three sons, David Cox of Pensacola, Alan Cox (and wife Laurie) of Tallahassee and Gary Cox (and wife Janet) of Chattanooga Tenn.; one daughter, Cynthia Lyons of St. Augustine Fla.; two sisters, Mary Alice Stanley and Edna Elian both of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Austin and Allison Cox of Pensacola, Lee Cox of Tallahassee and Kyle and Ashleigh Cox of Chattanooga Tenn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Memory of Gene Cox to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2221 Old Bainbridge Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303 or East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee FL 32308. Memorial contributions may also be made to Leon Football Hall of Fame, % Gene Cox Scholarship Fund, Regions Bank, 2000 Capital Circle NE, Talalhassee, FL 32308.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 4/1/2009.
Lilyan Cason Essig
Lilyan Cason Essig, age 88, of Tallahassee, passed away Saturday, March 28 , 2009, in Navarre, Florida. She was a resident of Tallahassee since 1923, a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for 72 years, where she was involved in the Women's Guild and Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary, Tallahassee Elkettes and a Life Member of the Woman's Club of Tallahassee. A resident of Cherry Laurel Retirement Home for the past seven years, she enjoyed the many friends she made there. She recently moved from Cherry Laurel to live temporarily with daughters in Tallahassee and Navarre. Mrs. Essig retired from Florida State University Mathematics Department after 25 years of service as Administrative Assistant to the Chairman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Carl F. Essig, Jr.; her father, Warren Lee Cason; her mother, Myrtie Cason Legge Loggins; a grandson, Rick Traynor; and son-in-law, Dick Traynor. Survivors include one son, Carl F. Essig, III (and wife Charlotte); three daughters, Phyllis Barco (and husband Gene), Alma Claire Essig Traynor, all of Tallahassee, and Liz Simmons (and husband Donnie) of Navarre, Florida. She is also survived by a sister, Merle Cason Peavy Hooks of Tallahassee; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 2 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, followed by a reception/visitation in the Church Parish Hall, with burial at Culley's MeadowWood on Timberlane Road (850-893-4177). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 624 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL; or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 3/31/2009.
Betsy L. Messer
Betsy L. Messer, 92, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Culley's MeadowWood Riggins Road Funeral Home (850- 877-8191). In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church Roof Fund, 222 W. 7th Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32303 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308. Mrs. Messer was born at Concord, FL and was a lifelong Tallahassee resident. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard especially her flowers. Survivors include a son, Edward L. Messer (Annette); daughter, Laura M. Jones (Billy); 11 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles G. Messer Sr. and her son Charles G. Messer Jr.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 4/7/2009.
Katherine Porter Fite Ashton
Katherine Porter Fite Ashton Katherine Porter Fite Ashton, age 89, died on Friday, June 17, 2009, at Heritage Health Care Center. A memorial service will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Chapel, 700 Timberlane Rd., 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 23, 2009, followed by a reception for family and friends. Born in Quitman, Ga., in 1920, Katherine grew up in Perry, Fla., and graduated with highest honors in her high school class. She moved to Tallahassee in 1938, and while employed at Moon's Jewelry Co. she met and married Roy Fite in l939. Her husband, Roy Fite died in 1973, and in 1976, she married her high-school classmate, Elmer Ashton, with whom she shared a busy and happy life until his death in 2001. Katherine is survived by her four children, Van Roy Fite, and Jon Embry Fite of Tallahassee, David Porter Fite (wife, Sarah) of Alexandria, Va., and Katherine Virginia Fite, of Hadley, Mass.; her sister, Virginia Rounds, of Tallahassee; and three grandchildren, Earl Roy Fite, Eliza Kate Fite, and David George Fite; and niece, Anita Durham of Tallahassee. Katherine Ashton was a founding and devoted member of the Holly Circle of the Garden Club and was particularly interested in supporting environmental education. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Katherine Ashton SEEK Scholarship Fund via the Tallahassee Garden Club, 508 N. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301, (850)224-3371.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 6/21/2009.
Wesley Carl Brown
Wesley Carl Brown Carl left his family and friends to go live with his eternal Father in Heaven on October 11,2009 after loosing his battle to brain cancer. Carl was born in Coleman, Georgia on January 20, 1924. Carl was one of nine children. He served with the 74th Seebee battalion during World War II. He followed construction after the war and had his own heavy duty construction company for many years. Carl was always quick to give God credit for the wonderful life that he has lived; he was truly a faithful servant and blessed the lives of so many with his kindness, generosity and compassion. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Mary Crumpton Brown and his children, Susan Brown Wright, Richard Brown, Eric Reigel and Susan Reigel. Carl leaves behind four grandchildren children and three great grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters to cherish his memory, Rebecca Hamerick, Dewie Bethea and Elizabeth Taylor. A Memorial Service, celebrating Carl's life, will be held at Canopy Roads Baptist Church on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 2 p.m. EDT. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Carl's memory to Canopy Roads Baptist Church, Building Fund, 925 Bannerman Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312, or Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Lawrence O. Walls
Larry Walls was born the youngest son of a farmer on May 13, 1937, in Robinson, Illinois. He lived a selfless life always putting the needs of others before his own. Larry embodied the spirit of a servant leader. He was a devoted husband, father and a friend to everyone that knew him. The service will be held at 10 a.m. EST Wednesday at the Woodville United Methodist Church. The burial will follow immediately after at the White Church Cemetery. The viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. EST Tuesday, at Culley's Meadow Wood Riggins Road Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for 21 years. During his time in the military, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for ground actions during the Viet Nam War. He was also the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other citations and awards. He retired after achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from military service, he worked another 20 years for the State of Florida's Department of Transportation. Larry was an active member of the Woodville United Methodist Church for 32 years often serving as lay leader. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and a daughter, Toni. Larry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Blalock Walls; a son, Billy and his wife, Bonnie; sister-in-law, Anne Pelt; sister-in-law, Lois Walls; as well as his grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Rachel, Rebekah, Mitchell; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Rick Damron, Medical Group of North Florida, the good people of Capital Regional Medical Center and Big Bend Hospice for their loving care of Larry.
Marian W. Mayo
(Girls' Physical Education Teacher)
Marian W. Mayo, 86 of Tallahassee passed away, Monday, January 18, 2010 at Big Bend Hospice. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, William D. (Bill) Mayo. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, January 20th at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877- 8191). Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. EST Thursday, January 21 at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church with interment to follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park. Mrs. Mayo was born in Eau Gallie, Florida and grew up in St. Augustine where she was an accomplished dancer. She left St. Augustine to attend Florida State College for Women. Mrs. Mayo taught Physical Education at Leon High School until her retirement in 1962. She is a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Survivors include a son, David (Jane) Mayo of Chaires, Fl; a daughter, Lynda (Gary ) Gray of Tallahassee; one brother, James Welch of Honolulu, Hawaii; three grandchildren, Brooke, Tanner and Brennan Gray of Tallahassee. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Children's Home Society of Florida.
Jean Kavanaugh Parker
Jean Kavanaugh Parker, 64, died April 15, 2010, at her home in Shell Point. She is the daughter of Elwin Clinch Kavanaugh, Jr., deceased, and Mary Celeste Hardee Kavanaugh of Fernandina Beach. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, Robert C. Parker, Jr.; brothers E. Clinch Kavanaugh, III and William H. Kavanaugh of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Nan Kavanaugh Gibson of Fort Myers; six nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. Jean spent her childhood in Bradenton and was a graduate of Manatee High School. She graduated from Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia, and The Florida State University College of Law cum laude. During her professional career she lived in Tallahassee, where she was a law clerk for the late Justice Richard W. Ervin of the Florida Supreme Court, served as Associate Counsel for The Florida State University, was a member of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, and was in the private practice of law with her husband. She was the first President of the Tallahassee Junior League who was also engaged in full-time employment. She served on the boards of The Tallahassee Symphony and the Tallahassee Civic Ballet. Her interests included the performing and visual arts (especially opera and ballet), history (especially visiting historic sites), and sailing. She was a crossword puzzle enthusiast. After retirement she and her husband sailed their thirty-nine foot sailboat "Patient Lady" across the Atlantic Ocean, an adventure of which she was particularly proud. They then spent over ten years visiting countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea while living aboard their boat. Celebrations of her life will be held later. Contributions in her memory may be made to Big Bend Hospice or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Myrtle Stedman Richards
Myrtle Stedman Richards, 97, a retired home economics and science teacher, died Friday, July 23, 2010, in Tallahassee. She was born September 19, 1912, in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late Joseph Walter and Nora Phillips Richards. She was married to the late William Arthur Richards and was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. She volunteered in the office at St. Paul's, loved classical music and had traveled abroad to Europe to visit her son when he was an opera tenor. She was a member of the Retired Teacher's Association. She had resided at 803 Hi Lo Way for fifty years, lived for two and a half years at Broadview Assisted Living and spent the past year living with her son and daughter-in-law. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Walter William Richards and Rosemary Sutter Richards; and grandson, Daniel S. Sutter. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Alice Claire Richards; grandson, Thomas G. Sutter;and brothers, Robert B. Stedman and Joseph Stedman.
Eudalia C. Andrews
Eudalia C. Andrews, age 89, entered into rest August 13, 2010 in Tallahassee. Funeral services will be held graveside at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17th at Roselawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home-Riggins Road Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Fl. 32308. Eudalia was born in Meigs, Ga., and was a lifelong resident of Tallahassee. She retired after thirty seven years of service with the Leon County School System as Lunch Room Manager. Eudalia was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Patricia A. Waters and husband Tom, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother, Theiry Smith and wife Inez, and one sister, Vivian Hinton. Eudalia was preceded in death by her husband, William Andrews and her son, Charles William Andrews.
Darris Starling Hayes
Darris Starling Hayes passed away January 19, 2011. She was 91 years old and moved to Tallahassee from Donalsonville,GA in 1946 when her husband returned from W W II. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.H. and Nellie Blye Starling, six sisters, and her husband of 51 years, Chester Hayes. She is survived by her daughters, Judy Hayes Fields (David) and Cindy Hayes Bingham (Jeff) and
one grandson, Dan Hayes Rost, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Tracey Scott "Scotty" Kidd
Tracey Scott "Scotty" Kidd, 43, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 14th 2011 in Tallahassee, Florida. Scotty was not only a Kidd, but a kid at heart; forever playful and lighthearted. He had a special connection with children and always found a way to make them feel special. If Scotty wasn't coaching on the baseball field, he was looking for somewhere to go fishing. Scotty loved being outside in God's Creation enjoying life. Scotty graduated from Florida High in 1986 and was a friend to all he met. Scotty was a member of the 1986 Florida State High School Baseball Championship Team, and won the Spark Plug Award his Senior year. He attended Southeastern University and lettered in baseball. Scotty was also an avid Florida State Football fan.He is survived by the love of his life, Tonya Kidd, two step children, Amber and Zach Dillman, his parents Joby and Mary (Cummins) Kidd ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Helen Johnson Menendez (1913 - 2011)
Helen Johnson Menendez, 97, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Tallahassee.
Born November 5, 1913, at the family home in Bradfordville, Florida, she was the daughter of Daniel R. and Sue Helen Young Johnson. She was the last surviving student that attended the one room school house in Bradfordville. Later she graduated from Leon High School and attended Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee. She is survived by her children and spouses, Martha Sue Jones, Ernest M. Menendez, Jr, Richard E. Menendez (Judy Menendez) and Mary Margaret Gray(Phil Gray), 10 grand children, 14 great grand children and 1 great great grandchild, 5 nieces and 3 nephews ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Elsie Lane (1918 - 2011)
Elsie Hardin Lane, 92, passed peacefully into her heavenly home, July 24, 2011, at Hospice of the Golden Isles, Brunswick, Georgia.
Elsie was born to Robert Ellis Hardin, Sr. and Ella Louise (Eloise) Younger and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was an alumnus of Tuscaloosa High School, University of Alabama, and also a University of Alabama at Birmingham nursing scholarship student. She married Fields Hampton Lane of Ramseur, NC in 1940. They moved to Tallahassee with their five children in 1957. Survivors include her sons, Bobby Lane ( Dana) of Tampa and Randy Lane ( Shirley) of Tallahassee; daughter, Dorothy Carswell (John) of Jekyll Island, Ga.; grandsons, Cole and Clay Lane, Matthew and Benjamin Carswell, Dustan Lane ( Mary); Joseph G. Lane; granddaughters, Shannon Foote ( Richie) and Colleen Davis; ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Thomas Maxwell Guilford III
Thomas M. Guilford III, 46, died unexpectedly at his home on July 16, 2011 in Tallahassee, FL.
He was a native of Tallahassee and attended Lincoln High School and Mercer University where he was a member of the soccer team and the SAE fraternity. He was a graduate of Florida State University. He attended St. Peter's Anglican Church. He is survived by his father, Thomas M. Guilford, Jr. of Tallahassee, his step-father, Max Caskie (Gail) of Lexington, VA and a brother, Sean Caskie of Arlington, VA. Other survivors include his aunt, Sue Guilford Walker of Tallahassee, his aunt, Emy Davis Collins of Gainesville, FL, his uncle Arthur M. Guilford (Lynn) of Sarasota, FL, many special cousins and their children. He was predeceased by his mother, Polly Davis Guilford Caskie.
Nancy Ausley Hannon (1942 - 2011)
Nancy Ausley Hannon of Tallahassee, Florida, died peacefully on October 29, 2011, at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Joseph Ross Hannon; her children, Russ Hannon and wife Sara, Saxon Hannon and wife Sherry; her grandchildren Joseph, Brandon, and Parker Hannon; her sister Anne Lee Heaton and husband Carlos, her brother DuBose Ausley and wife Sallie; her sister-in-law Charlene Hannon Floyd and husband Ed; her brother-in-law Mike Hannon and wife Julie, and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Nancy, from a pioneering Tallahassee family, was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Loranne Ausley. ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Douglass Cunningham Smith (1941 - 2011)
DOUGLASS CUNNINGHAM SMITH, 70, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, November 14, 2011, after an extended battle with lymphoma. Doug, a leader in the industrial supply industry, was recognized as the nation's Outstanding Distributor of the Year in 1994. Doug is survived by his wife, Sue Clements Smith, daughters Brook Mallory and Ginny Byrnes, sons-in-law Kerry Mallory and Paul Byrnes and grandchildren Sydney, Noah, Paul and Lainey. ... continued in Atlanta Journal-Constitution obituary.
Mabel Teague Kilner (1910-2012)
Mabel Teague Kilner, age 102, of Tallahassee, died March 18, 2012. A native of Apalachicola she lived in Tallahassee since 1937. She graduated from F.S.C.W., was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Trinity Methodist Church, BA Chapter of P.E.O., the Camellia Garden Club and the Capital City Country Club.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband George S. Kilner. Survivors include her brother, Sam Teague ( Myra), Tallahassee, FL; daughters: Kitty (Corky) Angleman of Evans, GA; Merry Harper (Harry), Augusta, GA; Cindy Baker (Doug), Spartanburg, SC; six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Rosa Belle Ard Stevenson (1917-2012)
Rosa Belle Ard Stevenson, 94, died in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on October 18, 2012. She was born in Lillian, Alabama, one of seven children of Riley and Rose Wilson Ard. Rosa Belle is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Daughter Nell Sanders, a lifetime school teacher and administrator, currently resides in Virginia with her husband, Charles "Chip" Sanders who is a Presbyterian minister. Following Nell were three sons, Ernest, Henry and Jim. ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Marvin Price Alford (1949-2012)
Marvin Price Alford, 63, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away after a valiant fight with multiple myeloma on December 29, 2012. He was born in Tallahassee, Florida, graduated from Leon High School, and then received his business degree from the Florida State University. Upon graduation from college, he was employed by the State of Florida's Revenue Department and served there for over 35 years. He is survived by his children Courtney Kieu and Drew Alford, as well as siblings Dorothy Ashmore, Julian Alford and Betty Lee. He will also be missed by his friends and by a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews. ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Ruth Ann Paxton Bupp (1907 - 2013)
Ruth Ann Paxton Bupp, 105, died peacefully Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at Westminster Oaks.
She was born in College Corner, Ohio on October 20, 1907, the daughter of the late John McDill and Sarah Shera Paxton, the fifth of seven children. She is survived by her two daughters, Sue Ann Williamson (Jerry) of Tallahassee and Bonnie Bupp of Orlando, two grandchildren, Leslie Williamson of Atlanta and David Williamson (Tracy) of Charlotte, North Carolina and two great grandchildren, Paxton and Riley Williamson of Charlotte. ... continued in Tallahassee Democrat obituary.
Claude "Coach" Stoutamire (1924-2013)
Claude "Coach" Stoutamire, born in 1924 and member of a 4th generation Leon County pioneer family, died October 7, 2013. He graduated from Leon High School in 1943 where he was a standout in basketball and track, holding the state records for many years in the high jump. Following high school came three years of military service in the Army during WWII. His service to his country was one of his proudest accomplishments.
After college, he coached one year in Louisiana and then returned home to Tallahassee to teach and coach at Leon High School. He is best known as the beloved head basketball coach from 1951-1973 where in the first five years he produced two conference championships. He was also a fearless drivers education teacher and loveably tormented P.E. teacher. more ...
Harold Everett Chapman Jr. (1914-2003)
(Our Choral Director)
Harold Everett Chapman Jr., 88, who retired as choral director for Leon High School, died Thursday, April 17, 2003. Born July 31, 1914, in Indianapolis, he spent his early years in Evanston, Ill. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University's School of Music in Evanston. His post-graduate studies in music education were taken at Northwestern and Florida State University. He taught for four years in Crystal Lake, Ill., where he supervised all music in the elementary school and taught all instrumental and vocal music in the junior high school. World War II brought him and his wife, Ruth Brindley Chapman, to Florida. After the war they came to Tallahassee, where he was choral director at Leon High from 1946 to 1967. more ...
Ellen Irene Mays Parham (1914-2013)
Ellen Irene Mays Parham (99) made her transition to heaven on Saturday December 21, in her home with family present. She is survived by her children, Sara "Sally" Ann Johnson (Victor) of Panama City, FL, Carolyn Ellen Blackburn (Herbert) of Cordele, GA and Leslie James "Jim" Parham, Jr. (Ramsay) of Ochlockonee Bay, FL. "Granny" had 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren ... more ...
Sarah Ball Palmer Proctor (1915-2013)
Sarah Ball Palmer Proctor was born in Tallahassee, Florida, on November 21, 1915, the daughter of Dr. Henry Edwards Palmer and Lucile Saxon Palmer. She died in Tallahassee, Florida, December 26, 2013. She enjoyed her life to the fullest and was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. She was devoted to and thoroughly enjoyed her family and friends. She is survived by her large loving family: Palmer and Mary Call Proctor, Julian and Betty Proctor, Tom and Nancy Proctor, Martin and Susan Proctor, Hester and John Gehrm, and Sammie Crowder; fifteen grandchildren: Mary Call Ford, Palmer Proctor, Jr., Collins Proctor, Sarah Ball Miller, Sarah Elizabeth Reichelt, Rev. Richard Proctor, Tom Proctor, Jr., Dabney Jerrett, John Proctor, Rebecca Enfinger, Selby Proctor, Julian Crowder, Martin Proctor, Jr., Sarah Rosetta Proctor, and Elizabeth Emerson Proctor; nineteen great grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Lucile Collins. - See more at: ... more ...
Clifton Van Brunt Lewis (1919-2014)
Clifton Van Brunt Lewis, 94, died in her sleep on February 26, 2014, in Tallahassee. She was the widow of George Lewis II, who predeceased her in 1996, and the daughter of William Edwin Van Brunt, a Tallahassee dentist, and his wife Lina Clifton Byrd. Clifton attended first grade at Caroline Brevard School the first year it opened, and graduated from Leon High School, where she was the 1936 May Queen.
She was a Kappa Delta at and graduated from Florida State College for Women in 1940, and was married at Trinity Methodist Church later that summer. Since her marriage, she has been a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Clifton and George had four children, George Edward Lewis II, William Van Brunt Lewis, who predeceased his mother on June 6, 2011, Clifton Byrd Lewis Mashburn, and Benjamin Bridges Lewis ... more ...
Kathryn "Kat" Thigpen Oven (1919-2014)
Kathryn (Kat) Oven was a long time resident of Betton Hills, Tallahassee, Florida, known for teaching kindergarten at Holy Comforter Episcopal School, her love of St. Teresa Beach, and epitomizing classic southern charm and grace. Kat died Monday, May 19, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 95.
Kat is a beloved member of an extensive family and survived by her three sons, Hamilton "Buck" S. Oven, Jr. (Betsy), William Randolph Oven (Kathy Kiernan) and John Michael Oven (Frances); six grandchildren: Sabrina Oven, Audra Oven, Kathryn Oven Sutton (Tom), John Oven, Hollis Oven and Scott Hubener; and five great grandchildren, Savannah Cole, Bradley Cole, Trevor Cole, Tyler Cole and Emi Hubener. She was preceded in death by her sister Jane Ray. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Elinor Oven and Ida Oven Pugh and many beloved nieces and nephews.... more ...
Coach Tommy Lewis (1931-2014)
October 7, 1931 - October 12, 2014 Born October 7, 1931 in Greenville, AL, Thomas Edison Lewis was a graduate of Greenville High School and the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Class of 1954. He went on to coach high school football at Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL and at Gadsden High School in Gadsden, AL. He moved to Huntsville in 1960. He has resided in Huntsville for 54 years where he operated an insurance agency for 40 years, retiring in 1999.... more ...
John Iverson Cobb III (1938-2015)
February 9, 1938 - February 17, 2015 John grew up in Tallahassee, attended the old Sealey Elementary School and graduated with honors from Leon High School in 1956. John then attended Florida State University, graduating Cum Laude in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin in 1966 with a thesis in Multi-Dimensional Topology. He taught at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey before moving to the University of Idaho at Moscow, Idaho in 1969. After retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2006, he divided his time between his homes in Moscow and Tallahassee.
He is survived by his siblings: Lee Lee Arnold, Zach Cobb (wife Sandy), and Kathy Cobb; his nephew, Kent Arnold (wife Lisa, son Dylan, and stepchildren Travis, Priscilla, Miranda, Trey and Lindsay); his niece Patti Lee Arnold Phillips (husband Matt, son Kyle and daughter Lauren Lee). .. more ...
Richard Brown (1964-2015)
Richard Burton Brown, age 50, of Tallahassee, Florida passed away suddenly on May 30, 2015 from injuries sustained in an accident while working on a friend's farm.
Rich is survived by his wife Karin; son, Sgt. Joshua Brown; daughters, Emily Brown and Hayley Brown, all of Tallahassee; parents, David and Joanne Brown, of Tallahassee; sister Cathy Brown Boortz of Jacksonville, and a large and loving extended family.more
William Edward "Eddie" Spencer Sr. (1944-2016)
William Edward "Eddie" Spencer, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 22, 2016, in the presence of family members, at Select Specialty Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Phillips Spencer, his mother-in-law, Myra Phillips (Mom), two sons; William Edward "Will" Spencer, Jr. (Sherry), and Corey Edward Spencer (Jennifer), two daughters; Diana Spencer Lewandowski (Lou) and Samantha Izquierdo (Jeremy), two stepsons; Ed Wood (Bryce) and Cameron Cooper (Tanya), his grandchildren; Aaron Thompson (Beth), T.J. Spencer, Kaci Post (Chris), Courtney Mishler (Doug), Hailey Spencer, Taylor Izquierdo, Jaydyn Izquierdo, Landon Spencer, Lylah Spencer, Syvannah Wood, Gracye Wood, Cooper Wood, Campbell Wood and five great-grandchildren, two sisters; Sandra Spencer Miller, and Patricia Spencer and one brother, Phillip Spencer. ... more ...
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Christine Gail Romig (1943-2018)
Christine Gail Romig, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away on September 20, 2018. She was 75. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Clarence "Lee" Romig, her three children, Desmond "Desi" Tatilian (Vicki), Rixena "Ricki" Sexton (Will) and Vanessa Tatilian, all of Tallahassee. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Victoria "Brooke" Tatilian, Desmond "Corbin/Des" Tatilian, Kelsey Norman (Justin), David "Tyler" Copeland, Ashley Copeland, Jasmine Jones, Aidan Tatilian, and Conner Dailey, all of Tallahassee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Amie Allen, and her brothers, Desmond "Des" Allen and Bryce All ... more ...
Letitia Van Landingham Dragoo (1942-2018)
Letitia Dragoo, 76, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2018, after a brave battle with cancer. Her husband, Lee Dragoo, of 55 years was by her side. She was born on August 6, 1942 in Auburn, Alabama, to William and Lettie VanLandingham. Tish graduated from Florida State University and was an elementary school teacher for 20 years.
Anxiously awaiting the great day of reunion are her husband, Lee Dragoo, her daughters, Michelle Dragoo and Stacey Lewis, sisters Ann Prevatt and Marge Stancill, 7 grandchildren, Kasey, Lydia, David, Letitia, Jimmy, Jordyn and Jadyn and many more family members and treasured friends. ... more
Ernest H. Stevenson (1944-2019)
It is with great sadness that the family of Ernest Stevenson, beloved husband, dad, teacher, mentor, and friend, announce his passing following a heart attack on May 3, 2019, at the age of 75 years..Ernie graduated from Leon High School (class of '62) before attending Auburn through an NROTC scholarship. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne (née Stephens), daughter Lisa Blackwell (John), sister Nell Sanders Stevenson (Chip), brother Henry (Jeannie), brother Jim, six nieces and nephews, and two grandcats. ... more
Charles Sanders (1944-2019)
Charles was born on June 27, 1944 and passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019. He is survived by his wife Nell Sanders Stevenson.
Charles was a resident of Palmyra, Virginia at the time of passing. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1962, where he was Senior Class President. He served in the Vietnam War and then in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after 20 years of service.. ... more
David Wayne Chatham (1968-2019)
Mr. David Wayne Chatham, 50, of Crawfordville, Florida, passed away Wednesday June 12, 2019, surrounded by loving family at Shand's Hospital in Gainesville, Fl. He was born in Tallahassee, Florida on July 3, 1968.David leaves behind his wife: Valori Chatham; mother and step-father: Clara and David Skipper; daughters: Summer Chatham, Kristen Chatham, and Jennifer Fountain; step-daughter: Jordan Birkert; step-son: Austen Long; grandson: Korey Chatham; brothers: Bryan and Steve Chatham; step-sister: Amanda Englert; and grandmother: Lois Whittington. He was preceded in death by his father: Bobby Chatham; wife: Amy Chatham; and grandson: Hayden Chatham... ... more
Denise Elizabeth Brown Stiegler (1968-2021)
Denise Elizabeth Brown Stiegler, age 52, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2021, in Tallahassee, Florida, after a year-long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 19, 1968 in Tallahassee to her loving parents, Marilyn Barineau Brown and Gene D. Brown.... ... more
Charles Patrick “Pat” Perkins, Sr (1935-2021)
Mr. Perkins was born on December 31, 1935, in Cairo, GA, to the late Roy Perkins and Ferol Blanton Perkins. He served his country in the National Guard. On March 16, 1963, he married Susan Yancey Perkins, who survives. Pat retired as the plant manager from the Campbell Soup Company. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cairo. He served as president of the Grady County Historical Society. He was a strong supporter of the equine community in Georgia. He served as president of the Deep Dixie Saddle Club for many years and has judged and announced the Calvary Lion’s Club Mule Day Parade for decades. He was a tremendous supporter of his children and grandchildren in their competitive endeavors in the NRHA and other equine sports.
Survivors include: his wife, Susan Perkins of Cairo, GA; children, Mary Frances Perkins and her sweetheart, Mike Black, of Dawsonville, GA, Charles Patrick Perkins, Jr. of Thomasville, GA, Dave Perkins and his beautiful wife, Allison, of Cartersville, GA. He doted on his three grandchildren: Daniele Bussey and her husband, Aaron, both nurse practitioners who he was extremely proud of, Ava Katherine Perkins of Cartersville, GA, whose softball skills he bragged on constantly, Charles P. “Charlie” Perkins of Cartersville, GA, his namesake whose calls to Mama Sue gave Pat tremendous joy, great-granddaughter, Hannah Claire Bussey of Cairo, GA who entertained him during her frequent visits and a host of extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Perkins Crawford.
Marvin Hal Moore (1942-2021)
Marvin Hal Moore, 79, of Crawfordville, died Friday, April 23, 2021 at home surrounded by his family and wife of 62 years. Marvin was an Electrician and had worked for Morgan Electric and Scarborough Electric in Tallahassee. He loved to hunt & fish, was of the Christian faith and dearly loved his family. Marvin was a United States Navy Veteran and there will be Military Honors at the graveside.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years Shirley Gilmer Moore, 3 children Donald Moore and his wife Hope, Michelle Free, Christine Stringer and her husband Hank, 6 grandchildren James Moore and his wife Melissa, Amanda Taylor, David Free and his wife Ginger, Jesse Free, Jon Johnson and Brannon Stringer and his wife Kenzie, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd & Opal Moore, a daughter Terri Spinette and his granddaughter Morgan Faith Stringer.
Leon Harold Cassels 1942 - 2021
Leon Harold Cassels passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, surrounded by his family. Leon was born in Plant City, Florida on March 18, 1942. He was a longtime resident of Tallahassee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jewell Cassels, and his brother, Dean Cassels. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, three grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty Cassels, niece Selina C. Armstrong (Rob), and nephew Dale Cassels (Renee).
William "Carroll" Lamb, Sr, (1931-2021)
Carroll was born September 27, 1931 to Sam and Ethel Lamb in Madison, Florida where he graduated from Madison High School and became a Christian at First Baptist Church in Madison in his early teens. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the Counter Intelligence Corps, he returned home to graduate from Florida State University with a degree in marketing.
Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Ethel Lamb. He is survived by his beloved wife Rubye Carol Davis Lamb of 57 years, his daughter Jennifer Carol Lamb Oppenheimer (Bill) of Atlanta, his son William Lamb, Jr. (Margaret) of Tallahassee, four grandchildren; Davis and Sam Oppenheimer, of Atlanta and Will and Molly Lamb of Tallahassee. His Brother, Sam (Evelyn) of Madison, FL, and sister Janice Lamb of Jacksonville, and six nephews.... more ...
Wayne Ellis Rayboun, (1940-2021)
CWayne Ellis Rayboun passed away on July 28, 2021, due to COVID-related complications. Wayne was born in Tallahassee on September 4, 1940, and graduated Florida High School in 1959, followed by active service with the U.S. Coast Guard, and 8-years of reserve service.
Wayne is survived by Jan, his children Amy and Mark, his grandchildren, Faith, Sara and Dillon, his brother Billy, his brothers-in-law, Frank and Tom Walker, and his sister-in-law Becky Rayboun, along with many loving nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Mary Rayboun, and his brother Joe. .. more ...
Joanne Wadsworth Brown (1942 - 2021)
Joanne Wadsworth Brown, 79, passed away on August 17, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. Joanne was born in Tallahassee, Florida on April 10, 1942. She grew up in Tallahassee and graduated from Leon High School in 1960. Joanne attended Florida State University and received a degree with honors in Foreign Language Education. On August 17, 1963, Joanne married David Brown..
Joanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, David Brown; daughter Cathy Brown Boortz; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and her siblings; Marie Turain, James Wadsworth, Charlie Wadsworth, Jane Reynolds and Bill Wadsworth. Joanne's son, Richard Burton Brown, preceded her in death.. more
Elmer Baughman (?? - 2021)
Our classmate Karen Moore Baughman's husband, Elmer, died this past Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. He was in the hospital there in Ft. Myers and had been dealing with several health issues. Karen and Elmer had been married for 11 years. Please keep Karen and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Bembry (1944-2021)
Elaine Bembry, age 77, of Climax, GA, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at her home. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, John Bembry, Sr.; children, John F. Bembry, Jr. (Michelle) of Havana, FL and Mary Catherine Bembry of Havana, FL; brothers, Ralph J. Collins of Salado, TX and Ronnie Collins (Peggy Parker) of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Tyler Bembry and Lindsay Walkup (Jonny); special cousin, Bonnie Ruth George; and numerous other family members. Elaine was preceded in death by both her parents and her sister-in-law, Ronette Collins ... more
Lewis Edward Chambliss (1945-2021)
Lewis Edward Chambliss, 76, of Havana, Florida, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Born in Malone, Florida on February 2, 1945, he was a son of Joel Zack Chambliss and Sylvia Ellen Sims Chambliss, of blessed memory. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Vickie Chambliss Allen; and siblings, Joe Will Chambliss, Willie Tom Martin, Madie Green Chambliss Counts and Dorothy Chambliss Neeley. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Ida Sue Phillips Johnson Chambliss; children, Richard Lewis Chambliss, Philip Benton (wife, Kristen) and Jeffery Benton (wife, Ashley); grandchildren, Michael Chambliss, Tiffany Chambliss, Lacey Chambliss, Sylvia Allen, Sharee Allen, Andrew Benton (wife, Christine), Connor Benton, Hunter Benton, Holden Benton and Chloe Benton; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Frankie Lee Chambliss (wife, Margie), David Chambliss and Hayward Chambliss. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. ... more
