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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3 Tommy Atkinson
4 Charles E. Barksdale
6 Sandra Bowen Shiver
7 John A. Bramlett
8 Martin C. Bullock
11 Anita Crutchfield
12 Catherine R. Davis Vinel
14 R. Glenn Dixon
15 Danny W. Edwards
16 David P. Edwards
17 Daniel A. "Spud" Fitchner
18 James E. Gavins
21 Jimmy Grubbs
22 Florence W. Henning Pierson
23 Jean Hopkins Green
24 John D. Hopkins IV
25 Don Charles Hunter (2009)
27 Margarette Joyner Quick
29 Pierce Kimbrel
30 Henry Charles Lawson
31 Allan Lewitt
33 Larry Maxwell
34 Brian McMath
36 Patricia A. Mullryne
37 Judy Helen Ott
39 Samuel Pasco IV
40 Walter C. Reeves, Jr.
41 Thomas C. Revels
42 Judy Rowe Phelps
43 Patricia M. Seay Knudson
45 Stephen Sterk
47 John F. Townsend
48 Sara Elizabeth Watford Nealy
49 Frances Watkins Fogarty
52 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.
Published in Tallahassee Democrat on October 15, 2009.
