Ruth Linzy Harris

Headland

Ruth Linzy Harris, a resident of Headland, died early Tuesday morning, Nov. 8, 2016, in a Dothan hospital. She was 69.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Fri., Nov. 11, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Gary Taylor officiating.

Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. in the Bonifay City Cemetery, Bonifay, Fla. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday at the mortuary.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

She was born at home near Red Level, on Nov. 25, 1946, daughter of the late Benjamin Richard Linzy and Pearl Jackson Linzy. She was reared in south Alabama and central Florida.

She lived in various locations in the United States while her husband served in the U.S. Army. She lived in Midland City before moving to Headland in 2009. She was of the Holiness faith.

She was preceded in death by a son, Glynnis Brown; three sisters, Nelline Sims, Sybil Joyner and Myrtis Tindell; two brothers, Bennie Earl Linzy and James Linzy; and a son-in-law, Dougin Thompson.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Sgt. Mj., (Ret.) Joe Harris; three daughters, Celina Johnson (Rod Sleepe), Ft. Myers, Fla.; Karen Delgado (John) and Kim Thompson, all of Headland; a step son, David Harris (Tabatha), Merritt Island, Fla.; two sisters, Loyette Rico and Lerline Gilmore, both of Brewton; 12 grandchildren, Selena Taylor (Guy), Tara Shelley, PV2 Christopher Barron, Andrew Barron, Brianna Delgado, Breanna Santome (Vince), Kellie Thompson, Kross Thompson, Billy Bartlett (Audrey), Daniel Bartlett, Jodie Perez (Andy), and Aubrey Harris; 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Linda Harris and Autney (James) Norsworthy.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Eric Knight, Michael Welch, Tony Mallory, Eusabio Rodriguez, Craig Harper and Kent Anger.

Dante Nettles Sr.

Brewton

Dante Nettles Sr., 61, passed away early Friday morning, Oct. 14, 2016, after a six-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held, Sat., Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., at Baptist Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Eric T. Andrews officiating and Presley-Fluker Funeral Directors directing. Interment followed at Baptist Hill Cemetery.

He was born to Dan O. Nettles and Voncile Nettles on Nov. 24, 1954, in Brewton. He was the eldest of three children. He was baptized at an early age and was a member of Baptist Hill Missionary Baptist Church until his death. He loved the Lord and his faith was strong.

He attended Southern Normal School and graduated in 1972. That same year he joined the United States Army and worked for three years with the Army’s Drug Enforcement team. He received an honorable discharge in 1979.

In 1980 he became a Maryland State Trooper and achieved the rank of Corporal. He received numerous commendations for his outstanding performance and in 1984 was named Trooper of the Year by the Coalition of Black Maryland State Troopers. His 14-year law enforcement career also included positions in the State of Alabama with the Escambia County Sheriff Department, Demopolis Police Department and as police chief of the city of Castleberry.

He decided to change careers and entered the transportation field. He became an owner-operator and enjoyed many years of over-the-road-long-haul travel. His professionalism and driving safety record earned him Warren Transportation’s Truck Driver of the Month Award in January 2016. He retired in May of this year.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his mother, Voncile Nettles; sisters, Gwendolyn Byers and Angela Williams; six children, Dante Nettles Jr., Danielle Monique Nettles, Paula Nettles, Deonte Antonio Edwards, Angel Volante Nettles and Teria Anastasia Robinson; 14 grandchildren; one nephew; one niece; four aunts; three uncles; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Willie Almond Chavers

Somerville

Willie Chavers, 93, of Gravel Road in Somerville, passed away Wed., Nov. 2, 2016, at his residence after a brief illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for Fri., Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Beulah Holiness Church with the Rev. Eddie Hammac officiating. Interment followed in Beulah Cemetery in Brewton with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

He was a native and long time resident of Brewton, before moving to Somerville 14 years ago. He was a member of the Calvary Holiness Church in Lacy Springs.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Phillips Chavers of Somerville; daughter, Dorothy Jean (Mickey) Boutwell of Flomaton; four sons, Don (Carolyn) Chavers, Randy (Freida) Chavers, both of Somerville, Jack Chavers of Atlanta, Ga., and Rod (Mary) Harper of Atmore; 10 grandchildren, Speedy (Lori) Boutwell, Robin (Jeff) Anderson, Sparky (Anita) Boutwell, Swan (Robbie) Chavers, Greg (Denise) Chavers, Keith (Michelle) Chavers, Mason (Jessica) Chavers, Misty (Mark) Bennett, Rocky (Kim) Harper and Becky Harper; 20 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; two step sons, Rufus (Becky) Phillips and Terry Phillips; two step grandchildren; and four step great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters.

Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.

William Joseph Odom

Brewton

William Joseph Odom, 72, of Murder Creek Road in Brewton, passed away Thurs. Nov. 3, 2016, at his residence.

Graveside services were held for Tues., Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ridge Road Baptist Church Cemetery with Larry Watts officiating and Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

He was a native and life long resident of Escambia County. He was a carpenter, a member of First Baptist Church of East Brewton and a U.S. Army veteran. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline Steele Odom of Brewton; son, Ron Odom of Brewton; three grandchildren, Ashley Odom Bradley, Katie Odom and Trinady Odom; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Odom.

Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.

Staff Sgt. Charles Leslie Knight

Brewton

On Mon., Oct. 31, 2016, Staff Sergeant Charles Leslie Knight was called home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Funeral services were held Sat., Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at Second St. Siloam Missionary Baptist Church in Brewton with the Rev. Dr. Willie J. Blue officiating and Presley-Fluker Funeral Directors directing.

Interment was held Mon., Nov. 7, at 1:15 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla.

Knight was born on Aug. 20, 1925, to the late Edmond and Sallie Knight of Evergreen. He was privileged to spend his last days in the privacy of his home on Virginia Drive in Brewton.

He united in membership with the Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist Church on Sept. 30, 2008. He remained until he was called home.

He attended Conecuh County Training School and later enlisted in the United States Navy on Feb. 20, 1943 where he received an honorable discharge on July 17, 1954. After leaving the U.S. Navy, he was called from inactive duty to the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. In a recommendation letter, he was highly praised by his commanding officers indicating his abilities and qualifications in civil engineering. He contributed more than 20 years of dedicated military service to our country.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one brother, Dr. Ernest (Marion) Knight of New York City, N.Y.; four sisters, Clara Mills of Atlanta, Ga., Mary Young of Montgomery, Carrie Lewis of Brewton, and Rita (Keith) Smith of New York City; one brother-in-law, William Walton of Pensacola, Fla.; two sisters-in-law; Ethel Mallory and Odell Davis, both of Pensacola; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and care givers.

The family is extremely thankful to the many people and the care providing agencies who made his life relaxing as well as enjoyable. Special thanks from the family go to Carrie Knight Lewis, Avis Ann Milton, Tiffany (Donald) Smith, Preston (Minnie) Hassell, Pastor Blue and family, Comfort Care of Brewton and his primary care doctor, Dr. Daniel Raulerson.

Donnie Ray Hobbs

Damascus

Donnie Ray Hobbs, 65, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 3, 2016, with family and friends by his side.

Visitation will be held Sat., Nov.12, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton.

Memorial services are scheduled to follow at 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

He was a native of Damascus and a former resident of Texas before moving to Brewton. He was a member of the Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church, a 1969 graduate of W.S. Neal High School and a former pipe superintendent.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mable Pettis Hobbs of Brewton; three sons, Abel (Veronica) Larranaga, Simon Larranaga and Dustin McLellan; two daughters, Debbie (Freddy) Gonzalez and Diana Larranaga, two brothers, Lewis (Liz) Hobbs of Brewton, and Santford Hobbs of Chumuckla, Fla.; three sisters, Mae (David) Dixon of East Brewton, Shirley (Jack) Frazier of Dixie, and Thelma Baggett of Milton, Fla.; and grandchildren, Alex, Adrian, Fabian, Dominique, Veronique, Angelique, Andy, Michael, Bobby and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mattie Lou Baggett Hobbs; and brother, Joe Hobbs.

Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.

Hazel Elizabeth Pettis Morris

Brewton

Hazel Elizabeth Pettis Morris, 90, of Brewton, passed away on Sat., Nov. 5, 2016, at a Pensacola health care facility.

Funeral services will be held today, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Pettis officiating.

Interment will follow in Green Acres Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Dortch, Raymond Morris, Chris Barkhouse, Cory Grantham, Calvett Pettis and Jacob Welch.

She was born in Wallace, and had been a resident of Mobile, prior to moving to Brewton.  She was a member of the Wallace High School Class of 1945 and worked as a teacher in Wallace for a number of years. She later worked as a product demonstrator for a number of retail stores.  She was a member of Hanberry Holiness Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Marvin Raymond Morris; and two sons, Don Morris and Marvin Stanley Morris.

She is survived by four grandchildren, Gina Louise (Coy Carter) Morris, Nicole “Nikki” Grantham, Raymond Curtis (Rachel) Morris and Daniel Corey Morris; seven great-grandchildren, Colton Turner, Cory Grantham, Jacob Welch, Avery Morris, Allie Carter, Lacie Carter, and Tim Fisher; nephew and niece, Clyde and Lillie Mae Harris of Flomaton; nephew, Rondall Jackson; daughter-in-law, Brenda Tew of Bay Minette; brother-in-law, Emmet (Ethel) Morris of Flomaton; and special friends, Jane Middleton of Southern, Ill., and Cheryl Turner of Flomaton.

Share your memories and condolences with the family at craversfh.com.

John Mitchell Cole Sr.

Flomaton

John Mitchell Cole, Sr., 47, of College Street in Flomaton passed away Tues. Nov., 1, 2016.

Visitation will be held today, Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 10, at noon at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Rusty Burnham and the Rev. William Joyner officiating.

Interment will follow in Flomaton Cemetery in Flomaton with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

He was a native of Mobile, and a life long resident of Flomaton. He was of the Christian faith, a graduate of Flomaton High School and a truck driver for Boots Smith Trucking.

He is survived by his two sons, John Mitchell (Alicia) Cole, Jr. of Cantonment, Fla., and Justin Aaron (Ashley) Blackmon of Brewton; daughter, Melody Louellen Blackmon of Flomaton; three grandchildren, McKinley Rae Sheffield, Ellana Grace Blackmon and Cayden Shane Blackmon; sister, Linda (Donnie) Johnson of Flomaton; and brother, Earl (Cricket) Graves of Flomaton.

He is preceded in death by parents, John and Mary Lee Roberson Cole.

Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.

Cory Christine Blackmon Cole

Flomaton

Cory Christine Blackmon Cole, 43, of College Street in Flomaton passed away Tues. Nov. 1, 2016.

Visitation will be held today, Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 10, at noon at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Rusty Burnham and the Rev. William Joyner officiating.

Interment will follow in Flomaton Cemetery in Flomaton with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

She was a native of North Carolina and a long time resident of Flomaton. She was of the Christian faith, a graduate of W.S. Neal High School and a homemaker.

She is survived by her mother, Jannie Blackmon of Brewton; two sons, John Mitchell (Alicia) Cole of Cantonment, Fla., and Justin Aaron (Ashley) Blackmon of Brewton; daughter, Melody Louellen Blackmon of Flomaton; three grandchildren, McKinley Rae Sheffield, Ellana Grace Blackmon and Cayden Shane Blackmon; and uncles, Curtis Clark, Tommy Clark and James Clark.

She is preceded in death by her father, James Louie Blackmon, Jr.

Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.