James Ailey
James Ailey, age 59, of Freeport, Fla., died Monday, March 20, 2000, in Pensacola, Fla.
Mr. Ailey was born on Nov. 14, 1940, in Dandridge, Tenn., the son of Ishmel and Edith Barnes Ailey. Mr. Ailey was a resident of Freeport for the past 30 years, after moving from Niceville, Fla. He was Baptist by faith and a member of Choctaw Beach Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time outdoors. Mr. Ailey was employed by P.I. Construction at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Mr. Ailey was preceded in death by his son, Terry Wendell Ailey. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Ailey of Freeport; sons, Linsey Ailey and wife Susan of Niceville, and Jeffery Ailey of Freeport; brothers, Bill Ailey and Paul Ailey, both of Morristown, Tenn.; uncle, Everett Barnes of Mississippi; aunt, Norma Jean Sennard of Tennessee; three grandchildren, Kayla, Sarah and Hannah; and numerous nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at Clary-Godwin Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wyatt McKay officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Barbara Ailey, 230 Park Ave., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Carson Gilfred Willis
Carson Gilfred Willis, age 93, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, March 20, 2000, at his residence.
Mr. Willis was born on Feb. 26, 1907, in Monroe City, Mo., to the late Charles and Tillie Willis. He served in the U.S. Army for several years during World War II with the 11th Airborne Division. He then worked as an administrator for the Southern Pacific Railroad Co. for 40 years. He was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since October 1997, moving here from Folsom, Calif. He attended Emerald Coast Cathedral in Destin, Fla., was active in Eastern Star, SIRS, and was a 32nd degree Mason, all in Folsom.
Mr. Willis is survived by his wife, Addie L. Willis of Fort Walton Beach; daughter, Pat Zoller and husband Michael of Fort Walton Beach; daughter, Addie Lou Thomas and husband Kevin of Springfield, Ore.; daughter, Diana Leake and husband Stephen of Sandpoint, Idaho; son, Robert Willis and wife Diane of Round Rock, Texas; sister, Rachel Lee Emrich of Thurmont, Md.; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Emerald Coast Cathedral with the Rev. Ruth Turton officiating.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with arrangements.
Francis Charles Gravelle
Francis Charles Gravelle, age 81, of Navarre, Fla., died Tuesday, March 21, 2000.
A native of Manlius, N.Y., Mr. Gravelle had resided in Navarre for the past 13 years, coming here from Syracuse, N.Y. He was a successful career technical writer for 17 years with General Electric in Syracuse and Burlington, Vt.
Mr. Gravelle retired as a purchasing agent for Castle Rest nursing home. He was also a member of the American Legion in Milton, Fla., and Manlius, N.Y. He was loved and will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert J. Gravelle. Survivors include his wife, Esther A. Gravelle; son, James E. Gravelle; daughters, Esther Christian and Doris Deadwyler; and granddaughters, Margaret Gravelle, Lindsay Brown and Jeanne Brown.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:15 p.m. Friday, March 24, at All Faiths Chapel, located at NAS Pensacola, with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating. Friends may call at the chapel on Friday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Hospital of Pensacola, Fla.
Casket Galleria and Affordable Funerals, 3830 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Sandra C. Waniewski
Sandra C. Waniewski, age 63, of Niceville, Fla., passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2000, in a local hospital.
She was born in Berkley, Calif., on June 29, 1936, to Austin F. and Benna Lang. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend to many people. Mrs. Waniewski will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Leo Waniewski of Niceville; daughters, Cindy Nelson of Hot Springs, Ark., Charlene Kolafa of Hot Springs, Linda Gamache, Linda Waniewski, Sandra Prokawski, all of St. Louis, Sharon Zuch of Melbourne, Australia, and Donna Goldberger of St. Louis; and 13 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Faith Assembly Christian Church, 175 Geronimo St., Destin.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Sandra's name to Faith Assembly Christian Church.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is entrusted with arrangements.
Allen Elwin Kelley
Allen Elwin Kelley, age 78, of Milligan, Fla., passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at his home surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Laurel Hill, Fla., and was a native of Okaloosa County, Fla. He served with the U.S. Navy in World War II as a proud member of the Fighting G-6. After the service he attended Stetson University, where he received his degree in biology. He utilized his degree teaching at Baker School for 30 years. Allen was a deacon for First Baptist Church of Milligan, and was active in politics throughout his years. He was a founder and board member of Milligan Water System Inc., and a charter member of Baker Lions Club chapter.
Survivors include his children and their spouses: Allen and Beth Kelley, Rick and Janet Kelley, Kathy Kelley and Elwyn King, and John Kelley, all of Milligan; grandchildren, Alison and Jim Mercado, Tara Kelley, Zachary Kelley and Patrick Kelley; stepgrandchildren, Curt Brown and Laurie Lauer; three stepgreat-grandchildren; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Winfred and Marget Kelley, Edison and Bonnie Kelley, Dorothy and Douglas Fountain, and Eileen McCurley; brother-in-law and spouse, Major and Betty Ellison; numerous nieces and nephews; and special family members, Russ, Pam, Kaitlin and Joshua White and Linda Morelli.
The family would like to thank the staff of Walton Regional Home Health, North Okaloosa Medical Center TCU, and Hospice of Northwest Florida for all their care and support.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Brackney Funeral Service.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at First Baptist Church of Milligan, 5238 Old River Road, with the Rev. Ted Jernigan officiating. Interment will follow in the Kelley Family Cemetery.
Brackney Funeral Service of Crestview is entrusted with arrangements.
Patsy Brigante
Patsy Brigante, age 67, died Thursday, March 23, 2000, in a local hospital.
Mr. Brigante was born on April 2, 1932, in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of Frank and Anna Corella Brigante. He was a 30-year resident of Walton County, Fla., after retiring from the U.S. Army with 22 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II; the Korean conflict; and the Vietnam era. He was an employee of the U.S. Post Office in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., since 1975. Mr. Brigante was very helpful and always recognized as a gentleman in serving the community throughout his postal career. He was always watching out for his customers' service of 50 years.
He was a Catholic by faith and a member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church.
Mr. Brigante is survived by his wife of 41 years, Aurelija Brigante of Mossy Head; brothers, Dominick Brigante of Mossy Head, Nick Brigante of Steubenville, Ohio, and Francis Brigante of San Antonio, Texas; and sisters, Jann Minnini and Regetta Allen, both of Steubenville, Grace Auteri of Las Vegas, and Gloria Jean Julian of Wierton, W.Va.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Comander Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla. Mr. Brigante's fellow postal employees will serve as honorary pallbearers.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Comander Funeral Home.
Comander Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Dora Reynolds Walsh
Dora "Doty" Reynolds Walsh, age 89, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
She had moved from Jackson, Miss., in January 1998 to enjoy her retirement at Westwood Independent Retirement Community in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. She made many good friends while there.
Doty was born in Liberty, Miss., to Dr. Seaborn and Bess Lea Reynolds. She graduated from Gloster High School and attended Louisiana State University and Delta State University, after which she taught school in Liberty and Centreville, Miss. She also worked many years with Deposit Guaranty National Bank in Jackson and, after retirement, volunteered at Hinds General Hospital. She was a member of Alta Woods Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In Fort Walton Beach she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Her husband, Raiford A. Walsh of Liberty, predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Lea Ricks Liggett and husband Richard of Raymond, Miss.; granddaughters, Cynthia Lea Fisher and husband Brock of Shalimar, Fla., and Frances Elizabeth "Beth" Castle and husband Prent of Lafayette, La. She is also survived by son and daughter, James A. Walsh and wife Faye of Baton Rouge, La., and Barbara W. Sanders of Madison, Miss.; grandson and granddaughters, Jeffrey K. Walsh and wife Lori of Prarieville, La., Wendy Walsh Caston and husband Ken of Smithdale, Miss., Charlotte Rider of Pearl, Miss., and Angie Burt and husband Keith of Brandon, Miss. Doty is survived by brothers and sisters, Dr. George M. Reynolds of Jackson, Mr. Ralph A. Reynolds of Clinton, Miss., Mr. Robert A. Reynolds of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Mrs. Bess Davis of Ruleville, Miss.
She was predeceased by brothers and sisters, Mr. Seaborn Reynolds Jr. of Clinton, Mrs. C.D. McCurley of Woodville, Miss., Miss Mildred D. Reynolds of Clinton, and Ms. Rose Reynolds of Jackson.
Doty also leaves her love with her 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Services were held at 11 a.m. March 14 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Jackson, with interment following in Liberty Cemetery.
The family received friends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alta Woods Presbyterian Church, 110 Alta Woods Blvd., Jackson, MS 39204; or to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703. Please state with your contribution that it is in memory of Dora Walsh, P.O. Box 61, Shalimar, FL 32579.
Charles E. Jackson Sr.
CMSGT (Ret) Charles E. Jackson Sr. went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 24, 2000, in a local hospital.
He was born on Feb. 7, 1918, in Grantville, Ga. He honorably served 30 years in the United States Air Force. He participated in the Berlin Airlift and had numerous assignments throughout the world.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Mozelle; his sister Jane Pye of Symrna, Ga.; his son Charles E. Jackson Jr. of Lakeredge, Va.; two daughters, Patricia Chandler of Niceville, Fla., and Janice M. Stiltnor of Vacaville, Calif.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
Mr. Jackson was Baptist by faith.
Family will receive friends at McLaughlin Twin City Funeral Home in Niceville on Monday, March 27, 2000, from 2 to 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 3 p.m. Internment will follow at Sunset Cemetery with full military honors.
Flowers are appreciated; in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Association in memory of Charles E. Jackson.
McLaughlin Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Colonel William G. Reed Jr.
Colonel William G. Reed Jr. (U.S. Air Force Retired), age 78, a resident of Shalimar, Fla., since 1973, died Friday, March 24, 2000, due to complications related to emphysema.
Col. Reed is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Noyes Reed and by his sons, Jeffery Hilton Reed and William Taylor "Tye" Reed. He is survived by his brother, Colin R. Reed and wife Judith of Oswego, Ill., and by several nieces and nephews.
Col. Reed, a native of New Jersey, graduated from Abraham Clark High School, Roselle, N.J., and Newark College of Engineering, Newark, N.J. He continued his education at Cornell University and the University of Michigan, where he received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, with minors in Mathematics and Metallurgy. Col. Reed is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. During his 31 year Air Force career, he was the recipient of numerous commendations, citations and awards for superior performances in both combat and non-combat assignments.
As Chief, Engineering Division and Deputy Program Director for the Gemini Target Vehicle (Agena), as well as Deputy for Launch Vehicles, Space Systems Division, Col. Reed was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) for as the citation reads, "Outstanding leadership, and careful planning which were key elements in the nationally significant success of the manned space program flights of Gemini XI and XII and of the performance of the Agena Target Vehicle in particular."
Colonel Reed was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on two separate occasions. The first was for his contributions as Chief Project Engineer on a Space Systems Division program that explored lifting body re-entry technology. The second recognized his professional skills as Commander of the 3246th Test Wing, Armament Development Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
By executive order of the President, Colonel Reed was also awarded the Legion of Merit for his contributions to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Deputy and Acting Chief of the Requirements and Development Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, where he was responsible for determining policy relating to major defense systems, formulation of policy for nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, and for the Joint Long-Range Research and Development Objectives Document.
Other highlights of his long and distinguished career were the roles he played in the Vietnam air offenses. His initial assignment was as an F-105 combat pilot, leading air strikes to the Red River/ Hanoi target areas, where his superior airmanship and conspicuous bravery earned his the Silver Star, 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 4 Air Medals. In addition, he received the Purple Heart for wounds received as the result of the enemy fire over Hanoi, causing the loss of his aircraft and ejection into the mountainous jungles of Laos.
Subsequently, Colonel Reed was assigned to Directorate of Combat Operations for 7th Air Force Headquarters, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, where his responsibilities included development of campaign plans for air offensive operations by Thailand-based aircraft, in their air strikes against North Vietnam.
Following his retirement, the Governor of the State of Florida appointed Colonel Reed a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District. Colonel Reed also served as an officer in the Retired Officers Association. Colonel Reed's strong will and strength of character will be sorely missed and long remembered by his family, friends, and comrades-in-arms. God rest his soul! Visitation will be held Sunday, March 26, 2000, between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Graveside services, with full military honors, will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2000, in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla., with a U.S. Air Force Chaplain officiating.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 32547 is in charge of the arrangements.
Juanita Brock
Juanita Gladys Brock, 91, our loving, precious mother, grandmother, sister, and our friend, went on to eternal life on March 24, 2000.
She was born in Clark County, Kan., to Alma and Charlie Hatcher. On Feb. 1, 1935, she married Theodore Brock. They lived in Holyrood, Kan., most of their life, but upon retirement in 1973, moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Juanita and Ted celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1995 shortly before Ted's passing. She was a wonderful, contented homemaker. She loved to read, crochet, travel, play her organ, and dine out. Juanita was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Friendship Sunday School class, Claudia Adams Circle, and the Young at Heart Club.
She is survived by one daughter, Marilyn White of Crestview, Fla.; granddaughter, Tiffany Folk of Surfside Beach, S.C.; and Brandi Folk of Fort Walton Beach; sister, Winifred Robertson of Canyon City, Colo. She is also survived by several nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Orville Hatcher.
As our mother and grandma, we treasure her dear, sweet spirit and cherish her for her consistent unconditional love; we'll miss her so much. But, we take joy in knowing she has gone on to Eternal Life.
Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Little Chapel Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 10:30 conducted by the Rev. Paul Wolfe, and Ashley Pogue. Interment will be in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, 403 NW Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., entrusted with the arrangements.
