Newspaper Extracts:
Gathered & Compiled by Lois Danley & Sharon Watson
Defuniak Springs Breeze
And/or DeFuniak Springs Herald
Published every Thursday Dates are Issue date & article is
Condensed
The Court House at Ft Walton will make a copy of obit for $1.00 per page, be sure to include
the date it appears in newspaper. Sorry, I can no longer save my copies longer than one month.
1969 Jan 2 Mrs Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Spence 76, died Wednesday Dec 25 1968 in a local hospital. Mrs
Spence was a native and lifelong resident of Walton Co. Survivors include husband, H W
Spence, daus, Mrs C T Chesser, Mrs T Nevel Langley, Mrs D H Langley, sons Harold & Eugene
Spence, sister Miss Anna Anderson, 4 grands & one gr grand. Services held Thursday,
Dec 26 1968, with burial in Alaqua Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Alzia R ‘Doll’ Allen, 87 died Friday in a local hospital. She was a native and lifelong
resident of Walton Co. Interment in Magnolia Cemetery. Survivors include sons, E H, John
Monroe, John D & Clearoe Allen, dau, Mrs. Iva White, sister, Mrs Vernie Cobb; 7 grands,
15 gr grands, and 1 gr gr grand.
Mrs Lela Adkison 74, died Tuesday in a nearby hospital and was a native and lifelong resident
of Walton Co. Services held Friday with interment in Magnolia cemetery. Survivors are daus,
Mrs Essie Lee Gillis, Mrs Willie Lee Simmons, sisteer; Mrs Callie Agnes Dobbs; bros, David
H & Oscar A Adkison; 4 grands, 7 gr grands.
Christopher Weimorts, 4 day son of Mr & Mrs Harry Y Weimorts, died Sunday in a Pensacola
hospital. Services held Tuesday with interment in the New Ponce de Leon cemetery. Besides
parents he is survived by 4 bros; Randal, Victor, Vance & Ronnie Weimorts, sister Sandra
Weimorts; paternal grfather Mr Paul Y Weimorts, maternal grparents Mr & Mrs Wiley Goddin.
1969 Jan 23 Miss Mary McLeod, 63 of Indian Creek community died Sunday Jan 19 1969 in a local
hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Walton Co. Services were held Tuesday, Jan 21
with interment in Euchee Valley Presbyterian church cemetery. Survivors include bros, John
Angus and Raymond McLeond, sisteeers, Mrs Abbie Twe & Miss Anna McLeod, a host of
nieces & nephews, among which is Mrs Edith Croft who was raised by Miss McLeod.
James W Griffin 84, died Friday in a Perry hospital. A native of Troy, Al he was a former
resident of DeF. His wife Mrs Peaarl Prescott Griffin was a native and lifelong resident of
DeF. Services held Sunday with interment in Magnolia cemetery. Besides his wife, he is
survived by daughters, Mrs Dorothy Griffin Jones, Mrs Ludell Brannon, sons, James P &
W M Griffin.
1969 Feb 6 Shelia Kemp Clark, 8 yr old daughter of Mr & Mrs Samuel B Clark died Sunday in a
Geneva Ala hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Walton co. Services held
Tuesday with burial in Limestone. Besides her parents she is survived by a brother,
Alvis Clark, sisters, Sandra Jean, Elsie Merle and Marily Jane Clark; maternal gr parents,
Mr & Mrs Chapman Pryor; and paternal gr mother, Mrs Bessie Clark.
Mrs Marie K Hammerschmidt, 78, died Thursday in local hospital. She was a native
of Katzhutte, Germany and resided here since 1960 moving here from Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Services held Saturday with interment in Magnolia cemetery. A son,
Walter Hammerschmidt, daughter, Mrs Elizabeth Rahardt, 3 grands, 6 gr grands
survive her.
Mr Manual Lee Lindsey, 73 native and lifelong resident of Walton Co died Tuesday
in a local hospital, the result of an apparent heart attack. Services held Friday with
interment in Magnolia cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Martha Lindsey,
son, Manuel Luther Lindsey, daughter Mrs Doris Burhnam; brothers, Clarence,
Oscar & Walter Lindsey; sisters, Mrs Esther Garrett, Mrs Annie Hamilton,
Mrs Dollie Cosson and 3 grands.
Infant Odom, son of Mr & Mrs J H Odom, died Monday in local hospital. Graveside
services held Tuesday in the Leonia cemetery. Besides his parents, he is survived by
2 half brothers, Wayne Odom, & Donald Ray Watson; paternal grparents, Mr & Mrs
N L Odom, maternal grparents Mr & Mrs C D Carroll.
Donna Theresa Kemp, 9 native of DeF died Tuesday Jan 28 in a Tallahassee
hospital. Survivors include Mother, Mrs Peggy Milner of Ohio, father Mr Jimmy Kemp
of Paxton, sister Debra Sue Kemp of Ohio, half-brotheer Glen Kemp of Paxton, half-
sisters, Vicky and Penny Milner of Ohio, maternal grmother Mrs Odra Davis, maternal
grfather Mr John Gavins, paternal grparents Mr & Mrs Charlie Kemp. Service held
on Saturday, Feb 2, 1969 with interment in Magnolia.
Earl Howard 30, died Sunday, Feb 2, 1969 in Galveston, TX. He was a native of Tampa,
Fla and a resident of Crystal Beach, TX for the past 5 mos. Survivors include his widow,
Mrs Kathryn Howard, TX, mother, Mrs Beatrice Howard, daughters Karen Sue &
Antonette Earlene, son, Earl Howard all of TX.
David Burford Murphree, 55, a resident of Gainesville for past 15 yrs died suddenly in
an Ocala hospital. He was a native of DeF Springs. Services held Monday in DeF Spgs,
with interment in Magnolia cemetery. Survivors are wife, Mrs Hazel I Murphree, daughter
Mrs Carol Widdon, brother Hugh L Murphree, sisters, Mrs Lucille Willits, and Miss
Margaret Murphree and one grandchild.
Jeff Brannon, 77 a resident of Glendale, died Tuesday in local hospital. He was a native of
Crenshaw Co, Al and resided in Walton sinc 1932. Services were held Thursday from the
Glendale Baptist Church
1969 Feb 13 John Dary Stroud, 75 died Thursday; he was a native of Alabama and resided in the
Piney Grove community of Walton for the last 20 years. Survivors include wife, Mrs
Alice H Stroud, daughters, Mrs Bonnie Bess Wyrosdick, Mrs Faye Barton, Mrs Avris
Terry, sons, Junior, L D, & David Stroud; stepdaughters, Mrs Evelyn Lambert, Mrs Catherine
Braxton, & Mrs Elizabeth Smith, stepsons, Leon & Edsel McCord, brothers, George &
Ray Stroud, 20 grands, and 19 step-grands. Services held Sunday at Harmony Church
near Andalusia, Ala with burial in the church cemetery with Military rites at the gravesite.
Mrs. Polly Merchant Crosby, 80, a resident of Ponce de Leon, died Sunday in a
Panama City hospital. She was a natie and lifelong resident of Holmes Co. Services
held Tuesday with interment in Westville Cemetery. She is survived by a daughter
Mrs. Elmer Little, sister, Mrs. Doll Murphey, 2 brotheers, William Lee and B. M.
Merchant.
Willis W. Gainey 59, resident of Pensacola for the past 22 years, died Tuesday, Feb. 11th
in a Pensacola hospital. Mr. Gainey was a native of Walton County. Survivors include
his widow, Mrs. Mollie gainey, 2 daughteers, Mrs. Minnie Nell Uebelsteadt, and Mrs.
Betty Hadley; 2 sons, Raymond & Eddie gainey; 4 brotheers, Amos, M T, Arnold and
Wilson Gainey; 3 sisters, Mrs. Bama Hamilton, Mrs. Annie Bell Hamilton and Mrs.
Bessie Mae Wright, 9 grands and other relatives. Services held Thursday Feb 13 th, with
burial in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
1969 Mar 6 Morris J Still 67, resident of Freeport for the past 32 years passed away unexpectedly,
Wednesday in a local hospital, Feb 26th, 1969. He was a native of Meridian, MS. Survivors
include wife, Mrs Ethel Still, daughters Mrs Mary Hilligoss and Barbara Still; brother, Ed
Still, sister Mrs Spencer Hughes and on grandson. Services held Thursday Feb 27 th, with
burial in Hatcher Cemetery.
Mrs Lydia Gertrude Lassiter, 82 died Thursday February 27th in her home in Bruce. Mrs.
Lassiter was a native of Baldwin Co, AL and had been a resident of Bruce for the past
77 yrs. Survivors include husband Mr Luther Lassiter, brothers, J D & Jeff J Sharon all
of Bruce. Services on Friday with interment in Miller Cemetery in Bruce.
Rev Orvis R Miller, of Tallahassee, former pastor of Davis Lane Baptist Church, passed
away Thursday Feb 27th after a long illness. After services at the church on Friday, his
body was flown to Pennsylvania. Mrs Miller followed by plane Saturday and will remain
there for two weeks.
1969 Mar 13 W O Campbell, Sr 81, prominent Walton Co. hardware merchant and banker died
Tuesday in a Gadsden Co Hospital. Mr Campbell, the son of the late Judge Daniel
Campbell was born in Euchee Valley community and later moved to DeF Springs.
He graduated from the University of Florida in 1906, Mayor here for four terms, was
Chairman of the board and vice president of the First national bank for 25 yrs.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs Gussie A Campbell, daus Mrs G M Jennings, and
Mrs Oscar M Davis, sons, William Olin Jr, Kenneth M, Ralph E and Richard Jette
Campbell. Services held Thursday with burial in Magnolia.
Judge J Bowers Campbell, 84 of Euchee Valley passed away Tuesday in a Panama
City nursing home. Judge Campbell was a native of Walton and retired lawyer.
Survivors include daughters Mrs Mary C Williams and Mrs Ruth Clark, a sister,
Mrs Jeanette Steedley, 6 gr ch, and 7 gr grands. Services held Thursday with burial
in Euchee Valley Cemetery with Masonic rites at graveside.
1969 Mar20 Mr Jessie J White 73, of Bruce, Fl, passed away Friday March 14 1969 in a local
hospital. Mr White was a native of Geneva Co, AL and had been a resident of Bruce
for the past year after moving from Pt Washington. He was a WWI veteran. Survivors
include widow Mrs Dorothy White, sons William Avee & Otway J White, sister, Mrs
Florida Davis, 8 gr children, & 4 gr grands. Services held Sunday Mar 16, 1969 from
Pt. Washington Assembly of God Church with burial following in Church cemetery.
Mr Dennis Hershel Owen, 80, resident of Ponce de Leon, died Saturday, Mar 1, in
a local hospital. A native of New Hope, Fla. he resident in Ponce de Leon for the past
80 years. Funeral services held Monday with interment in the New Ponce de Leon
cemetery. He is survived by 4 sons, Dallas H, Richard K, Eugene D and Wayne E
Owen; 4 daughters, Mrs Zelona Mae Smith, Mrs Verna Mae Grundin, Mrs Dorothy
Helen Adams, and Mrs Betty June Adkison, a brother Dave Owen and sister Mrs Lucy
Byrd, 31 grands & 19 gr grands.
Robert David Fannin, 24 of Freeport, died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was a native
and lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Wednesday with interment in Black Creek Cemetery.
Survivors include parents, Mr & Mrs Wray Caswell, brothers, Eearl & Edward
“Toby” Fannin, maternal grparents Mr & Mrs John Hare.
William Dexter Padgett 80, passed away Wednesday, Mar 12 in local hospital. He was a
native of Holmes county, but resided in Darlington for the past several years. Survivors in-
clude 2 nephews, Glenn Harrison and Lloyd Padgett, 2 nieces, Mrs A K Anderson and
Mrs Ester Sunday. Services held Friday with burial in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
1969 Mar 27 Allan J Hunter, 70 passed away Monday Mar 24 in a local hospital. Mr Hunter was
a native of Illinois. Survivors include widow, Mrs Marguerite E Hunter, 2 daughters, Mrs
Nadynne Minor and Mrs Geraldine Dingee; 3 sons, Ronald, James and Richard Hunter;
and 13 grands. Mr Hunter’s body was sent on Tuesday to Miami Florida for burial.
Robert Lee McLendon, 87, died early Tuesday at his home. He was a native and lifelong
resident of Walton. Services held Thursday with interment in Magnolia Cemetery. He is
survived by 3 sons, Harold, R L and Joe McLendon; 3 daughters, Mrs Louise Drake,
Mrs Mary Lou Drake and Mrs Kate Adams; sister, Mrs Ella Grice, 16 grands and 29 gr
grands.
Lawrence Mann, 73 of Santa Rosa Beach died Thursday Mar 20 th in a local hospital.
Survivors include 4 sons, Ronal, Charles, Louis and Lawrence Mann, all of New Albany,
Ind.; stepson Sherril Poe, of MO; 3 daughters, Mrs Ruth Miller, Mrs Dorothy Gibson. (3rd not
listed); 5 sisters, Mrs Faye Ried, Mrs Myrtle Scott, Beatrice Bryant, Mrs Mable Walker, and
Miss Isabell Mann. Funeral services held Saturday Mar 22 nd with burial in the Santa Rosa
Beach Community Cemetery.
Coley W. Bragg, 86, died Thursday in Eustis, Fla. He was a native of Clay County, Ala.
Services held Saturday with interment in Cluster Springs cemetery. Survivors include his
wife, Mrs. Elsie Bragg of Liberty, 2 sons, William J and Cecil T Bragg; 3 daughters, Mrs.
Jessie Jacobs, Mrs. Willie Mae Jacobs, and Mrs. Lottie Lane, 5 grands and 4 gr grands.
Mrs. Vina D Davis, 56, died Thursday Mar 20 th, in a local hospital. Mrs Davis was a native
and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include her widower, Rev. William T. Davis;
2 sons, John W. Davis and George R. Garrett of Ft. Walton Beach; 3 sisters, Mrs. Lilly
Mickler, Mrs. Ida Early, Mrs. Icy Cook and 3 grands. Funeral services held Sunday with
burial in Magnolia Cemetery.
Mrs. Bess Tappan, 75, a native of Freeport, passed away Thursday, Mar 20th in a Panama
City nursing home. Survivors include her widower, Walter L Tappan, 3 sons, Gordon Otto,
William Burgess and Walter John Tappan; 6 grands and 2 gr grands. Funeral services held
Saturday, Mar 22nd with burial in Magnolia cemetery with Eastern Star rites.
1969 Apr 3 Angus Graham Campbell, Jr, 57 died Tuesday, Apr 1 st in a local hospital. Mr. Campbell was
a native and lifelong resident of DeF. He graduated from Davidson College in 1933 and from the
University of Florida Law School in 1936. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Frances L Camp-
bell; 3 daughters, Mrs Cathy Haulman, Dawn Campbell and Beth Campbell; a sister, Miss
Carrimae Campbell. Services on Wednesday with interment in Magnolia cemetery.
Warren Franklin Murphy, 72 a native of Holmes Co. died Wednesday in a nearby hospital.
Funeral services conducted Thursday with interment in the Gum Creek cemetery. He is
survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Ola Sims and Mrs Idell Dixon.
In Memory of my most Beloved One. Mrs. Vina Davis. (Rev. W. T. Davis)
Daniel Chester Mitchem, 71, died Friday in a Montgomery hospital. Mr. Mitchem was a
native and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include 1 daughter, Mrs. George W.
Harris; 2 brothers, Josh & Jessie Mitchem; one sister, Mrs. Henry Scott. Services held
Monday with burial in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
Daniel A. McCollough, 71, of Gaskin died Friday in a local hospital. He was a native
and lifelong resident of Walto and a veteran of WWII. Funeral services held Saturday,
with interment in the Magnolia cemetery. He is survived by 3 brothers, W M, W L and
Ralph McCollough; 4 sisters, Mrs Ida Martin, Mrs. Mittie Sorrells, Mrs Katie Collings-
worth, and Mrs. Sally Lindsey.
Oscar T. Appleby, 73, of Ocala, Fla. died Sunday evening in a local hospital. A native
of Commerce, Georgia, he lived in the Gainesville are for the past 20 yrs. Services
held Wednesday with interment in Alachua, Florida. He is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs.
E H Taylor and Mrs Fred Evans, and several nieces and nephews.
Joe David Floyd, 66 of Knox Hill died Saturday at his residence. A native of Coffee Co.
Ala, he had resided here for the majority of his life. Services held Tuesday, with
interment in Euchee Valley cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Iona Floyd;
5 sons, Yarborough, Russell, Lonnie, Archie, and Harold Floyd; 6 daughters, Mrs
Estelle Crye, Mrs. Oleta Booker, Miss Betty Floyd, Mrs. Barbara Hindman, Mrs. Willibell
Murphy, and Mrs. Brenda Bowers; his father, George W. Floyd; 4 brothers, Lester,
Bud, Grover, and Bill Floyd; 2 sisters, Mrs. Anna Harrison and Mrs. Osie Mae Grant;
and 12 grands.
Mrs. Alice McLain Young, 64, died Tuesday, Mar 25 th in Huggins Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Young was a native and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include 3 sons,
R B Young II, Packward W. and William Buford Young; 2 daughters, Miss Mary V
Young, and Mrs. Geraldine Neal; 2 brothers, Haywood & Charlie McLain; 3 sisters,
Mrs. Mamie Welch, Mrs. Jane Rogers, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson;; 11 grands and
1 gr. grand. Services held Saturday with burial in Magnolia cemetery.
Daniel R. Cook, 83, died Sunday in a Geneva, Ala. hospital. He was a native and
lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Tuesday with burial in Limestone Cemetery.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Bell Cook; 5 daughters, Mrs. Coy Burgess, Mrs. Essie
Bell Burgess, Mrs. J E Bane, Mrs. George Bane, Mrs. Earl Day; 4 sons, Buster,
Chester, Edward and Melvin Cook; sister, Mrs. Fannie Griggs; 3 half brothers, Homer,
Acy and Rufus Cook, 27 grands and 16 gr. grands
1969 Apr 10 Marion Edward Crawford, Sr., a native of DeFuniak and resident of Eight Mile, Ala.
died at a local hospital, Wednesday, Mar 19th. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Annette
Crawford, 3 sons, Edward, Bill and Ted Crawford; sister, Mrs. D. J. Sullivan; brother,
Walter Crawford; 10 grands, 1 gr grand. Services held from Eight Mile Methodist Church,
Mar 21 interment followed in the Wilson Annex Cemetery. Arrangements made by North-
side Funeral home in Prichard, Ala.
Mrs. Elanor F. Drake 52, died Tuesday Apr 1 st in a local hospital. Mrs. Drake was a native
of Spring Hill, Ala. and had been a resident of DeF for the past 14 years. Survivors include
her widower, John H. Drake, daughter, Susan Lynn Drake; son David Curry Drake; mother,
Mrs. Genie Fryer; brothers, Louie G and Charles M Fryer; 2 sisters, Mrs. P M Ryals, and
Miss Bernice Fryer. Services held Thursday with burial in Magnolia Cemetery.
Cecil Clyde Hughes, 39 died Mar 31st while visiting in Des Plaines, Illinois. He was a
native of DeFuniak Springs and had resident in Chicago, Ill. for the past year. Survivors
include his mother, Mrs. Ola Agnes Hughes; 3 brothers, Alcus D, Lowell R, and Bobby W. Hughes;; 3
sisters, Mrs. Edna Cauley, Mrs Lorene Mann and Mrs. Sylvia Durden. Services
held Thursday with burial in Magnolia cemetery.
1969 Apr 17 James Francis Kelley, 40 passed away in Freeport, Wednesday Apr 9 th. Mr. Kelley was
a native of Walton. Survivors include his father, Homer H Kelley; maternal grandmother,
Mrs. Annie Bell Cosson; 4 brothers, Aubry, Otis, Homer and Arthur Kelley; 5 sisters, Mrs.
Jewell Cuchens, Mrs. Margie Caroll, Mrs. Emmie Pitts, Mrs. Betty Sue Mickles, and Miss
Joyce Kelley. Graveside services held Saturday at Hatcher Cemetery.
Jesse Hugh Davis, 86, of Ponce De Leon died early Monday at his home. A native of
Thomas Co, GA, he resided in Holmes Co since 1886. Services held Wednesday with
graveside Masonic rites in Sandy Creek Baptist Church cemetery. Survivors include his
wife, Mrs. Lee Hart Davis, 2 sons, Willard and Leslie Davis; brother, James L. Davis;
sister, Mrs. Bertha Asbury; 5 grands and 9 gr grands.
Hendrix Mathison 43, former resident of DeF, died Apr 12 th in Sypress, Calif. He is
survived by his wife, Louise Mathison; 2 sons, Billy & Lindsey; father, C E Mathison;
sisters, Miss Enid Mathison and Mrs. Leora Lasky; brother Glen Mathison. Services
will be Wednesday, Apr 16th in Sypress, Calif.
James Columbus gillis, 78 died Sunday in a local hospital. A native of Holmes Co, he
resided in Walton sinc 1933. Services held Tuesday with interment in Sandy Creek
cemetery. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Nancy L. Gillis; 5 sons, Kenneth, Columbus L,
Karo, Earl G and Woodrow Gillis; daughter, Mrs. Bessie Mae King; sister, Mrs. Mary
Singletary;; 2 brothers, George and Make Gillis; 2 half brothers, Charlie and Crockett
Gillis; 2 half sisters, Mrs Katie Sellars and Mrs. Christine Smith; 28 grands and 13 gr
grands.
William Charlie Harrison 67, resident of Darlington, died Wednesday at his home. A
native of Lowery, Ala. he resided in Walton since 1917. Services held Friday with in-
terment in Oak Grove Baptist Church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Maude
Harrison, 2 sons, Cecil & Virgil Harrison; 2 daughters, Mrs. Willie C. Wood and Mrs.
Mavis Barley; 9 brothers, Horace, Ellis, Oscar, Irvin, Ulyssess, Alton, Dalton, Archie
and Grady Harrison; 2 sisteers, Mrs. Essie Mae Malloy, and Miss Annie Bell Harrison.
1969 Apr 24 Dan J. Burke, 86, a resident of Bruce, died Saturday in a local hospital. He was a
native of Baldwin Co. Ala and made his home in Walton for the majority of his life.
Services held Monday with interment in Black Creek Cemetery. Survivors include his
wife, Mrs. Iva Burke, 5 sons, James P., Teague F., Hazen, Brady, and Bradley Burke;
3 daughters, Mrs. Hettie Smith, Mrs. Dadie Anderson and Mrs. Dannie J. Caudill; a
brother, Mallory burke; 2 sisteers, Mrs. Grace Smith and Mrs. Ella Sequria; 17 grands
and 10 gr grands.
Josiah Crenshaw, 87, resident of Ponce de Leon died Saturday at his home. A native
of Coffee Co. Ala, he resided in Holmes county the majority of his life. Services held
Monday with interment in Euchee Valley Presbyterian Church cemetery. He is survived
by a daughteer, Mrs. Esther Lee King, and 2 grandchildren.
Joseph Littrell, 85, fomer resident of DeF died Wednesday in a Washington County
hospital. Services held Friday with interment in Magnolia Cemetery. He is survived
by a daughter, Mrs. T. C. Childers, a sisteer, Mrs. Ophellia Clayton, 3 grands and 7 gr
grands.
1969 May 15 Leon Alvin Garrett, 56 of Freeport, died Wednesday May 7 th, in a Gadsden Co.
hospital. Mr Garrett was a native and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include,
brother, Roy Alton Garrett; 3 sisters, Mrs. Bert Mitchell, Mrs. Johnnie Timmons, and
Mrs. Evelyn Etheridge. Services held Friday with burial in Hatcher cemetery.
1969 May 22 Oscar Ford Cain, 56, died in local hospital Tuesday. A native of Dale Co., Ala.
He has resided here since 11941. Services held Thursday with burial in Magnolia cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Virginia C. Cain, 3 daughters, Mrs. Georgene Spencer,
Mrs. Mary Chandler, and Miss Catherine Cain; 5 sisters, Mrs. Joe Long, Mrs. Luther
Logan, Mrs. Effie Walker, Mrs. Eugie Aman and Mrs Merle Sharpe; and 5 grands.
Mrs. Ida Parish Jones, 92, died Tuesday at a local hospital. Mrs Jones was a native of
Walton. survivors include 2 daughteers, Mrs. John E. McCaskill, Mrs. Floyd Richmond;
a sister, Mrs. C M Chandlee. Services held Wednesday. (no burial mentioned)
1969 Jul 10 Millard M. Gainey, 72, of Darlington, died Sunday in a nearby hospital. He was a
native and lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Wednesday with interment in Limestone
cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Liddie Gainey; 2 sons, Pleck & J D Gainey; 2
daughters, Mrs. Eula Tooles, and Mrs. Alice Wiggins; 4 sisters, Mrs. Charity Lynn, Mrs.
Lena McLeod, Mrs. Bell Cook, Mrs. Pearlie Spears; 12 grands and 9 gr grands.
Louie F. Butts, 65, of Ponce de Leon died Monday at his home. He was a native and
lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Wednesday with interment in Sandy Creek Baptist
Church cemetery. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mattie Helms Butts, 4 sons, Flournoy, Glenn,
Foy and Foster Butts; 4 daughters, Mrs. Louise Hollingsworth, Mrs. Lattye Sue Loy, Mrs.
Mary Clara Waard, Mrs. Judy Coleman; his mother, Mrs. Mary Butts; 3 sisters, Mrs. Mae
Anderson, Mrs. Stella Garrett, and Mrs. Vesta Ray and 19 grands.
1969 14 Aug Paul C. McBee, 70 of Hamlin, W Va, a native of New Matamoras, Ohio, died Thursday
at home. Survivors include his wife, Ella, daughter Rose, at home; step daughter, Mrs. Anna
Stowers; stepsons, Paul E. and E. J. Duty; sisters; Mrs Iola Nolke, Mrs. Nora Husted, Mrs.
Goldie Wilson, Mrs. Majory Cuchins, and Mrs. Jennie Wesley. Services held Saturday at
Koontz Funeral Home in Hamlin.
Jiles E. Hamilton, 79, of Panama City, died at his home Thursday, Aug 7th. He was a native
of Houston Co., Ala. and for many years made his home in the Freeport-Pt. Washington
area. Survivors include sister, Mrs. Jeanette Pickle, 2 brothers, Littleton and Harley
Hamilton; stepdaughter, Mrs. Pat Shelley; stepsons, Preston & Jasper E. Jones and a
number of nieces and nephews. Services on Friday with interment in Miller Cemetery,
near Bruce, Fla.
1969 Sep 4 – Jesse Reuben Evans 53, native and lifelong resident of Walton died Monday in a
local hospital. Services held Wednesday with interment in Alaqua Methodist Church
cemetery. Survivors are wife, Mrs. Alice B. Evans; son, Rev. Jesse Evans, Jr; mother,
Mrs. Rebecca Brown Evans; 4 brothers, Alvin R, Wesley B, James Frederick, and
David Evans; 4 sisters, Mrs. Gladys Permenter, Mrs. Clara Campbell, Mrs. Eddie Lou
Hackett, and Mrs. Elizabeth Spence.
Mrs. Charity Padgett, 73 of Pleasant Grove, died Wednesday in a nearby hospital. She
was a native and lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Friday with interment in
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church cemetery. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Grover
C. Skinner, one brother, Walker Padgett, 5 grands, and one gr grand.
James H. Hobbs 78, of Portland, Florida died Friday Aug. 29 th in a Pensacola hospital.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Vera
Hobbs, 5 daughters, Mrs. Willard Beauchamp, Mrs. Henry McCart, Mrs Sherman Bedsole,
Mrs. Obie Yates, Mrs. Lydia Rosemondao; 3 sons, Floyd, Lawrence and Robert Hobbs;
2 brothers, Albert and Claude Hobbs; 3 sisters, Mrs. Annie Neal, Mrs. Lizzie Pitts,
Mrs. Julia Fountain; 1 stepson, James Owen Jordan; 2 stepdaughters, Miss Bonnie Sue
Hobbs, Mrs. J. C. Adkison; 25 grands and 9 gr grands. Services held Sunday with
interment in Hatcher Cemetery.
Mrs. Sarah Jane Knight 72, of Freeport, died Tuesday in a local hospital. She was a native
and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors are daughter, Mrs. Mary Ella Farrington; 2 sons,
George & James Knight; brother Hardy Brown; 11 grands and 10 gr grands. Services held
Thursday with burial in Hatcher Cemetery.
Mrs. Margaret Senterfitt died Aug 26th in a Jacksonville hospital. She is survived by her
husband, James H. Senterfitt of Jacksonville, formerly of DeFuniak Springs. She is also
survived by 3 daughters, Marily & Gwen Senterfitt, Mrs Carol Roberts. (no burial mentioned)
Ralph S. Winslett, 57, died Sunday. A Native of Silver Creek, GA, he had lived here a number
of years. Services held Wednesday with interment in Magnolia Cemetery. He is survived by
his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Winslett, his mother, Mrs. Gladys Gravitt, and a brother, J. C. Winslett.
Maurice M. Propps, 69 resident of DeF for past 3 yrs, died Tuesday in a local hospital. A native
of Middle Run, Ohio, he resided in Canterbury, Conn. before moving here. Services held on
Thursday with interment following in Middle Run, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Eunice Propps and a son John Clinton Propps.
1969 Sep 16 Daniel Rayford Spann 40, a resident of Leonia, died Wednesday at his home. Services
held Thursday with interment at Leonia Baptist Church cemetery. He is survived by his wife,
Mrs. Margaret V. Spann, 2 daughters, Mrs. Linda Sue Jacobs, and Miss Paula Ann Spann;
2 brothers, Wendell & Arnold Spann; 4 sisters, Mrs. Margaret Ard, Mrs. Barbara Pinkard,
Mrs. Jeanette Gillman, and Mrs Patricia Wise.
Mrs. Cassie Virginia Odom, 81, of New Harmony died Sunday in a Florala hospital. She
was a native of Covington Co., Ala. Services held Tuesday with burial in Bethel Cemetery.
She is survived by daughter, Mrs. Mae Adams, foster son, W. H. Brogden and sister, Mrs.
Done Barnes, 7 grands and 9 gr grands.
Clarence Sawyer, 62, died Thursday in a local hospital. A native of Holmes Co, he resided
here for more than 10 years. Services held Saturday with interment in Leonia Cemetery.
1969 Sep 23 – Tommy C. Collinsworth 80, a native and life long resident of Ponce de Leon died
Monday in a Washington Co hospital. Services held Tuesday with burial in the New
Ponce de Leon cemetery. He is survived by 2 sons, William Ted and Tom Collinsworth,,,
4 daughters, Mrs. Gladys Raymer, Mrs. Mildred Jackson, Mrs. Maudrine Reeves, and
Mrs. Marie Crowder; 2 sisters, Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, and Mrs. Nancy Godwin, 11 grands
and 3 gr grands.
W. A. ‘Will’ Royals, 74, a native and lifelong resident of Holmes Co. died Tuesday in a
Pensacola hospital. Funeeral services held Wednesday with inteerment in the New Ponce
de Leon Cemetery. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Florence Royals, 2 sons, Earl & Byron G.
Royals; 3 daughters, Mrs. Maxine Padgett, Mrs. Willine Crews and Mrs. Kate McDonal;
8 grandchildren; 4 sisters, Mrs. Ola Stanley, Mrs. Katherine Castello, Mrs. Hettie Yarborough,
and Mrs. Ruth Hart.
1969 Oct 18 – Martin Michales, 75, was killed Thursday, Oct 9 th in El Paso, TX as a result of being
struck by a train. Mr. Michales was a native of Poland and had made his home in Defuniak
for the past 8 years, with the Wendolkowski family. There are no known survivors. Services
held Monday, Oct 13th with interment in Magnolia Cemetery.
Ray William Wilson, 65, died Saturday, Oct. 11th, in a local hospital. Mr. Wilson was a
native of Windsor, Ohio and had resided in DeF for the past 15 years. Survivors are his
widow, Mrs. Ethel Wilson, 2 sons, Perry and Ralph Wilson; stepdaughter, Mrs. Margaret
Yeager and 4 grands. The remains were returned to Detroit, MI for burial.
Mr. Stelzie T. Reddick, 57, of Jacksonville, Florida died Saturday, Oct 11 th in Jacksonville.
He was a native of Walton and former resident of Freeport. Survivors include his mother,
Mrs. Edna Reddick and one brother Causton Reddick. Services held at graveside in
Hatcher Cemetery on Tuesday, Oct 14th.
Mrs. Addie Hall, 83, died Monday in a local hospital. Mrs. Hall was a native and lifelong
resident of Walton. Survivors include husband, A. F. Hall, 4 daughters, Vida Purvis,
Velma Bivens, Ann Williamson, and Alma Guzie; 2 sons Kermit & T. J. Hall; sister
Minnie Bell, 13 grands, 6 gr grands and 1 gr gr grand. Services held with burial in
Cluster Springs Cemetery.
Douglas M. Andrews, 35, was killed Sep 30th in an airplane crash near Brooksville. He
was a native and lifelong resident of DeFuniak. He was a law partner in firm of Campbell
and Andrews. Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Ruby M. Andrews; 4 daughters, Libby Love
Andrews, Kim, Tammy & Missy Andrews; his father, E. Leo Andrews; 2 brothers, E. Leo
Jr and Angus G Andrews. Services held Tuesday with burial in Magnolia Cemetery.
Funeral services for John Dorsey, 57 was held Wednesday with interment in Magnolia Cemetery.
Mr. Dorsey was piloting plane that was lost Sep 30 th and was discovered Sunday near
Brooksville, Fla. He was the owner & operator of City Finance Co. and the Dorsey Bonding
Co. Mr. Dorsey was a native of Coffee Co., Ala, but had resided here a number of years.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Thelma Dorsey; 2 daughters, Mrs. Mamie Ann Bozeman, &
Mrs. Lynda Parker; 3 brothers, M A. Dorsey, Jr, Cecil and Paul Dorsey; 4 sisters, Mrs. Ruby
Bass, Mrs. W. O. Windham, Mrs. Doris Hildreth, Mrs. Marguerite Geoghagen, and 3 grand-
children.
Mrs. Mollie Ward, 87, a native and lifelong resident of Walton, died Saturday in a local
hospital. She was a resident of Bruce. Services held Tuesday with interment in Miller
Cemetery. Survivors are son, Dudley Ward, 5 daughters, Mrs. Gussie Elizabeth
Blackington, Mrs. Bonnie Normandin, Mrs. Emma Lee Nicholes, Mrs. Annie Laura
Mann, and Mrs. Lorene Vail; 17 grands and 29 gr grands.
Henry Anthony ‘Tony’ Windham, 31, owner and operator of Windham Ready Mix, Inc.,
died Sep 30th in an airpalne accident near Brooksville, Fla. He was a native of Mobile, Ala.,
and had moved here from Pensacola. Services were held Wednesday with interment in
Magnolia Cemetery. Survivors include, wife, Mrs. Jackie Windham, 2 daughters, Wanda
& Hope Windham, son Anthony Windham, parents, Mr. & Mrs. Henry H. Windham, 5
brothers, Travis, Drayton, Oliver, Forrest & Michael Windham; sisters, Mrs. Therefa
Hartigan and Mrs. Twila Mills.
Bert Spence, 75, died Friday at home of his daughter. He was a native and lifelong resident
of Walton. Services held Sunday with interment in Southwide Baptist Church cemetery.
Survivors are wife, Mrs. Edna Spence, 2 sons, Elwin & Delbert Spence; 3 daughters,
Mrs. Thelma Anderson, Mrs. Mildren Boland, Mrs. Irmalee Braswell; 2 brothers, Gordon
and Floyd Spence; 2 sisters, Mrs. Beatrice Bass & Mrs. Gladys Griffith; 16 grands and
2 gr grands.
Funeral services were held for Mr. & Mrs. L. A. (Andy) Godwin who died in an automobile
accident Friday in South Florida, were held in Lakeland United Methodist Church. Leamon
Andy Godwin, son of J. M. & Sarah Braswell Godwin and Cora Lee Conner, daughter of
James Wilson & Pearl Sutton Conner, wee married in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. in 1926. They moved
to Lakeland from DeF in 1937 with 3 children. They are survived by 4 children; Jimmy A.
Godwin, Betty Lavender, Nelle Smith and Sally Giddens, and 8 grands. Mr. Godwin is also
survived by 3 sisters, Mrs. D. F. Wilkerson, Mrs. J. L. Davis, Mrs. Laster Tranum; his
stepmother, Mrs. J. M Godwin; 2 halfbrothers, Robert R & Harry Godwin; halfsister , Mrs.
Jim Rohrabaugh. Mrs. Godwin is survived by 5 sisters, Mrs. Dana Murray, Mrs. John W.
Stalvey; Mrs. C. M. Howell, Mrs. John Gaskins, Mrs. Haywood Biggles; 3 brothers, O V,
Oliver A, and Wallace D Conner.
1969 Oct 30 – James Edward Drake 89, died Thursday, Oct 23 in a local Hospital. Mr. Drake was a
native and lifelong resident of Walton. Survivors include 2 sons, J E & Eddie Lee Drake;
a brother, Charlie Drake; 3 sisters, Mrs. Daisy Johnson, Mrs. Anna Martin, Mrs N. E. Burkett,
4 grands and 7 gr grands. Services held Friday, Oct 24 th, with burial in Piney Grove Baptist
Church cemetery.
Mrs. Catherine Delitha Creamer, 90, a resident of Winter Haven, died Wednesday in a Bartow
hospital. She was a native of Coffee Co., Ala. and former resident of Walton. Services held
Saturday with interment in Leonia Cemetery. She is survived by a son, Clarence Creamer, 2
daughters, Mrs. Ethel Coleman, Mrs. Bertha Burgess, 7 grands, 14 gr grands, and 2 gr gr
grands.
Mrs. Icy Dellar Thomas 54, resident of Portland, died Friday. She was a native of Coffee Co.,
Ala and resided in Walton since 1960. Services on Tuesday with interment in Hatcher cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Wiley O. Thomas; daughter, Mrs. Lola Fay Thomas, 3 sons;
William L C, Oscar Jr, and William Henry Thomas; brother, Henry Whitehead, 2 sisters,
Mrs. L E . Collins, Mrs. Polly I. Peacock and 3 grands.
Walter Lee McCollough 64, died in Frostproff, Florida, Wednesday, Oct 22 nd . Mr. McCollough
was a native of Walton, and a resident 35 yrs. Survivors include 1 daughter, Mrs. Mary Lee
McDougald, 1 son, Thadd Alfred McCollough; 4 sisters, Mrs. Sally Lindsey, Mrs. Minnie Sorrell,
Mrs. Ida Martin, Mrs. Katie Collinsworth; 2 brothers, Ralph & William Murdock McCollough;
and 6 grands.. Services held Friday Oct 24th with burial in Gum Creek Cemetery.
1969 Nov 27 – Thomas E. Chamberlain 84, died Friday in a Pensacola hospital. He was a native and
lifelong resident of Walton. Services held Monday with interment in Red Bay cemetery. He is
survived by 2 sons; Hurtis & Curtis Chamberlain; 2 brothers, Gillis & Hillary Chamberlain;
3 sisters, Mrs. Maggie Jackson, Mrs Pearl Lee, Mrs. Mary Ellen Clark and one grandson.
William N. Watson, 81, died Saturday at his home. A native of Andalusia, Ala., he had re-
sided here since 1931. Services held Sunday, with interment in Magnolia Cemetery. He is
survived by a prother, Hughey W. Watson; sister Mrs. Bessie Bates, and 2 grandchildren.
Miles Buren Ammons, 67, a native and lifelong resident of Holmes Co.. died Thursday
in a local hospital. (article not finished in paper)
Mrs. Louisa N Wood, 88 of Westville, died Sunday at her home. Mrs. Wood was a
native of Covington Co, Ala and had been a resident of Limestone, Walton Co., for the
past 66 yrs. Survivors include 3 daughters, Mrs. Louisa Bartlett, Mrs. Esther Collins-
worth, Mrs. Ethel Holmes; 2 sons, William Wood, Pershing Wood; 1 brother, Brooks
Novels (NOBLES); 3 sisters, Mrs. Annie Peoples, Mrs. Lizzie Wood, Mrs. Nellie Wise;
29 grands, 60 gr grands, 1 gr gr grand. The body was carried back to the family home
to remain until funeral time. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Mrs. Bura Ida Wooten 86, a native and lifelong resident of Walton passed away on
Sunday in a Bonifay nursing home. Survivors include 1 daughter, Mrs. Stella
Hewett, 1 son, Arlie Wooten; 2 brothers J. & C S Laird; 2 sisters, Mrs. Molly
Peterson and Mrs. Ibra Calhoun. Services held Monday with interment in the
Sandy Creek Baptist church cemetery.
William O. ‘Buddy’ Bishop, 20, a lifelong resident of Freeport, passed away
Wednesday, Nov 19th in a local hospital. Survivors include his parents, Mr.
& Mrs. James W. Bishop, 3 brothers, Alvin, James W Jr, & Roy Bishop;
3 sisters, Mrs. Betty Lou Williams, (no more listed); maternal grandmother,
Mrs. Lula Brown; paternal grandmother, Mrs. ? . Funeral services held
Friday Nov 21st with burial in Black Creek Cemetery.
1969 Dec 25 – Marion Reddin Watson, 82 died Monday Dec 15th in a local hospital.
Mr. Watson was a native of Walton and lived in De F for the past 33 years.
He was a former resident of Holmes Co. Survivors include his widow, Mrs.
Nola Watson; 1 daughter, Mrs. Ilena Collinsworth; 2 sons, James Edwin,
and Burruss Watson; 1 brother Henry Watson, 13 grandchildren and other
relatives. Services held Wednesday, Dec 17th with burial in Gum Creek
cemetery.