ROBERT L. GREGORY
1920-2008
Mr. Robert L. Gregory, age 87, of Pensacola, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2008. He was born October 29, 1920 in Pensacola and had been a lifelong resident of Pensacola.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Pensacola, and attended McIlwain Memorial Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gregory served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII and was CAP and a member of the Silver Eagles.
His parents, George L. and Irene Spaeth Gregory; two sisters; and three brothers preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Gregory; two daughters, Elaine Gregory (Vincent Tucei),and Gail Manning (Alvin); and one sister.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in the Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery with Hospice Chaplain Jack Giddens officiating.
Interment followed in the Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU FUNERAL HOME in charge of services.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thank you to Covenant Hospice Staff and caregivers, TLC Staff and caregivers and to Dr. James Stringfield and his staff for the care given to Mr. Gregory.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Covenant Hospice Attention Carol Standifer, 2001 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, Fl 32501
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 2/14/2008.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
All wheel Drive K car
Tommy R. told me about this. A lot of people have wasted a lot of money on HUMMERs when this baby is the real answer!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Esther Conway 1936 - 2008
ESTHER MABEL (BARLEY) CONWAY
1936-2008
Esther Barley Conway, 73, of Pace, FL, born on August 16, 1936 in Coffee County, AL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Esther grew up in the Weeks community, attended Goodman Elementary School, and graduated from Enterprise High School. She will be lovingly remembered as a member of the Barley Family Quartet.
Esther was a member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church for 42 years. She worked for A & P for 10 years, Dr. R. E. Dalrymple for 17 years, and retired from the Medical Center Clinic after 13 ½ years of service.
She never knew a stranger and she was very giving to neighbors, friends and family, as well as, giving to members of the community and shut-ins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Barley; father, Ralph Barley, Sr.; and her sister, Lois Sawyer.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert L. Conway; children, Vivian Melton of MS, Linda Newton of GA, Karen Perritt of FL, Robert Cox of GA, Bobby Cox of FL and Daniel Salter of FL; three sisters, Marian Hendrix, Ruth Hawthorne and Cora Abel and one brother, Ralph Barley, Jr. all of FL. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008.
Funeral services will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008. The Reverend H. Byrd Mapoles Sr. will be officiating.
Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the Reverend Ronald Carley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Keith Barley, Scott Barley, Carlos Hendrix, Jeff Hawthorne, Austin Hendrix and Steven Sawyer.
Honorary pallbearers will be the adult Sunday School Class members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, Colbert Campbell and Marion Tidwell.
TRAHAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
A special thanks to Dr. Matthew Kinzelman, Valerie Barnes, Betty Kirvin, and Wanda Withrow.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal from 2/7/2008 - 2/8/2008.
1936-2008
Esther Barley Conway, 73, of Pace, FL, born on August 16, 1936 in Coffee County, AL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Esther grew up in the Weeks community, attended Goodman Elementary School, and graduated from Enterprise High School. She will be lovingly remembered as a member of the Barley Family Quartet.
Esther was a member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church for 42 years. She worked for A & P for 10 years, Dr. R. E. Dalrymple for 17 years, and retired from the Medical Center Clinic after 13 ½ years of service.
She never knew a stranger and she was very giving to neighbors, friends and family, as well as, giving to members of the community and shut-ins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Barley; father, Ralph Barley, Sr.; and her sister, Lois Sawyer.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert L. Conway; children, Vivian Melton of MS, Linda Newton of GA, Karen Perritt of FL, Robert Cox of GA, Bobby Cox of FL and Daniel Salter of FL; three sisters, Marian Hendrix, Ruth Hawthorne and Cora Abel and one brother, Ralph Barley, Jr. all of FL. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008.
Funeral services will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008. The Reverend H. Byrd Mapoles Sr. will be officiating.
Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the Reverend Ronald Carley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Keith Barley, Scott Barley, Carlos Hendrix, Jeff Hawthorne, Austin Hendrix and Steven Sawyer.
Honorary pallbearers will be the adult Sunday School Class members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, Colbert Campbell and Marion Tidwell.
TRAHAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
A special thanks to Dr. Matthew Kinzelman, Valerie Barnes, Betty Kirvin, and Wanda Withrow.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal from 2/7/2008 - 2/8/2008.
Esther Conway 1936 - 2008
ESTHER MABEL (BARLEY) CONWAY
1936-2008
Esther Barley Conway, 73, of Pace, FL, born on August 16, 1936 in Coffee County, AL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Esther grew up in the Weeks community, attended Goodman Elementary School, and graduated from Enterprise High School. She will be lovingly remembered as a member of the Barley Family Quartet.
Esther was a member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church for 42 years. She worked for A & P for 10 years, Dr. R. E. Dalrymple for 17 years, and retired from the Medical Center Clinic after 13 ½ years of service.
She never knew a stranger and she was very giving to neighbors, friends and family, as well as, giving to members of the community and shut-ins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Barley; father, Ralph Barley, Sr.; and her sister, Lois Sawyer.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert L. Conway; children, Vivian Melton of MS, Linda Newton of GA, Karen Perritt of FL, Robert Cox of GA, Bobby Cox of FL and Daniel Salter of FL; three sisters, Marian Hendrix, Ruth Hawthorne and Cora Abel and one brother, Ralph Barley, Jr. all of FL. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008.
Funeral services will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008. The Reverend H. Byrd Mapoles Sr. will be officiating.
Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the Reverend Ronald Carley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Keith Barley, Scott Barley, Carlos Hendrix, Jeff Hawthorne, Austin Hendrix and Steven Sawyer.
Honorary pallbearers will be the adult Sunday School Class members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, Colbert Campbell and Marion Tidwell.
TRAHAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
A special thanks to Dr. Matthew Kinzelman, Valerie Barnes, Betty Kirvin, and Wanda Withrow.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal from 2/7/2008 - 2/8/2008.
1936-2008
Esther Barley Conway, 73, of Pace, FL, born on August 16, 1936 in Coffee County, AL went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Esther grew up in the Weeks community, attended Goodman Elementary School, and graduated from Enterprise High School. She will be lovingly remembered as a member of the Barley Family Quartet.
Esther was a member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church for 42 years. She worked for A & P for 10 years, Dr. R. E. Dalrymple for 17 years, and retired from the Medical Center Clinic after 13 ½ years of service.
She never knew a stranger and she was very giving to neighbors, friends and family, as well as, giving to members of the community and shut-ins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Barley; father, Ralph Barley, Sr.; and her sister, Lois Sawyer.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert L. Conway; children, Vivian Melton of MS, Linda Newton of GA, Karen Perritt of FL, Robert Cox of GA, Bobby Cox of FL and Daniel Salter of FL; three sisters, Marian Hendrix, Ruth Hawthorne and Cora Abel and one brother, Ralph Barley, Jr. all of FL. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008.
Funeral services will be at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008. The Reverend H. Byrd Mapoles Sr. will be officiating.
Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the Reverend Ronald Carley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Keith Barley, Scott Barley, Carlos Hendrix, Jeff Hawthorne, Austin Hendrix and Steven Sawyer.
Honorary pallbearers will be the adult Sunday School Class members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, Colbert Campbell and Marion Tidwell.
TRAHAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
A special thanks to Dr. Matthew Kinzelman, Valerie Barnes, Betty Kirvin, and Wanda Withrow.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal from 2/7/2008 - 2/8/2008.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Students' pay tribute to classmate
Students' camo honors friend killed in accidental shooting
To someone outside the tiny community of Allentown, the way Central High School's student body expressed its grief and love for a fellow classmate might have seemed unusual.
But not if you knew Cody Smith, the affable 16-year-old with a heart of gold who lost his life Thursday in a tragic shooting accident.
Central — a school of 300 students in north Santa Rosa County — was a sea of camouflage on Tuesday. Pants, hats, T-shirts ... you name it.
It was a tribute to Cody, whose love for hunting and fishing — and tendency to wear camouflage — were as well known as his good humor and concern.
"He was pretty much everything anyone could ask for in a friend," fishing buddy Eddie Falzon, 16, said a few hours before Cody's funeral Tuesday afternoon.
Cody was accidentally shot to death by a friend while they played at Cody's home with a .44-caliber pistol they believed was unloaded. An investigation continues, but no charges have been filed against the friend, whom law enforcement officials have not identified because of his age.
Principal Kenny Owens said students and teachers are collecting money to aid Cody's family with funeral costs.
"The kids loved Cody," he said.
Students have placed notes to Cody's family inside a black box on a tribute table in one of the school's hallways.
"He could make any class fun," said Travis Hatfield, 15. "You never had a boring day with Cody in your class."
Cody was a joy in Courtney Madora's Algebra I class.
"He was one of the most intelligent students I've had at Central High," she said. "He was a great help to struggling students."
On his last day in Farica King's elective reading class, Cody enjoyed the Super Bowl Blitz game the class was playing to prepare for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. He was a fan of the New York Giants, who pulled off an upset to win Sunday's Super Bowl.
"Cody really enjoyed school that day," she said. "Every time the kids have started to cry, we talk about that day. A lot of us will hang on to that memory for a long time."
To someone outside the tiny community of Allentown, the way Central High School's student body expressed its grief and love for a fellow classmate might have seemed unusual.
But not if you knew Cody Smith, the affable 16-year-old with a heart of gold who lost his life Thursday in a tragic shooting accident.
Central — a school of 300 students in north Santa Rosa County — was a sea of camouflage on Tuesday. Pants, hats, T-shirts ... you name it.
It was a tribute to Cody, whose love for hunting and fishing — and tendency to wear camouflage — were as well known as his good humor and concern.
"He was pretty much everything anyone could ask for in a friend," fishing buddy Eddie Falzon, 16, said a few hours before Cody's funeral Tuesday afternoon.
Cody was accidentally shot to death by a friend while they played at Cody's home with a .44-caliber pistol they believed was unloaded. An investigation continues, but no charges have been filed against the friend, whom law enforcement officials have not identified because of his age.
Principal Kenny Owens said students and teachers are collecting money to aid Cody's family with funeral costs.
"The kids loved Cody," he said.
Students have placed notes to Cody's family inside a black box on a tribute table in one of the school's hallways.
"He could make any class fun," said Travis Hatfield, 15. "You never had a boring day with Cody in your class."
Cody was a joy in Courtney Madora's Algebra I class.
"He was one of the most intelligent students I've had at Central High," she said. "He was a great help to struggling students."
On his last day in Farica King's elective reading class, Cody enjoyed the Super Bowl Blitz game the class was playing to prepare for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. He was a fan of the New York Giants, who pulled off an upset to win Sunday's Super Bowl.
"Cody really enjoyed school that day," she said. "Every time the kids have started to cry, we talk about that day. A lot of us will hang on to that memory for a long time."
Thomas Sidney Ard 1942 - 2008
Mr. Thomas Sidney Ard, 65, passed away Monday, February 4, 2008 at a local hospital.
Mr. Ard was a native of Chumuckla, a former resident of McDavid, a resident of Bratt, for the past five years, and attended the Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine C. Ard of Bratt; three brothers, Roland Ard of Ft. Rucker, AL, Jerry Ard of Bearineau Park, FL, and R.J. Ard of McDavid, FL; and a sister, Bessie G. Tedder of Milton.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. R.C. Wiggins officiating.
Burial will follow at Ard Field Cemetery.
Visitation will be held between 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joe Howard, Jessie Tedder, Donnie Tedder, Nicholas Tedder, Jimmy Kowalski, and Tharon Ard.
PETTY FUNERAL HOME, Eastside Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 2/6/2008.
Mr. Ard was a native of Chumuckla, a former resident of McDavid, a resident of Bratt, for the past five years, and attended the Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine C. Ard of Bratt; three brothers, Roland Ard of Ft. Rucker, AL, Jerry Ard of Bearineau Park, FL, and R.J. Ard of McDavid, FL; and a sister, Bessie G. Tedder of Milton.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. R.C. Wiggins officiating.
Burial will follow at Ard Field Cemetery.
Visitation will be held between 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joe Howard, Jessie Tedder, Donnie Tedder, Nicholas Tedder, Jimmy Kowalski, and Tharon Ard.
PETTY FUNERAL HOME, Eastside Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 2/6/2008.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
MARGARET LAURINE PARKS 1927-2008
Margaret Laurine Parks
MARGARET LAURINE PARKS1927 - 2008
Margaret Laurine Parks, age 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 29, 2008 at the home of her brother Bobby. Born in Allentown, FL, Laurine lived in several different places as a Military wife and had resided in Chumuckla, FL. since 1972. She was a member of Chumuckla United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group and Ladies Retreats. Laurine was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Albert; her parents T. L. and Naomi Lee; and her sisters Theo and Dorothy. Laurine and Albert loved children, especially their nieces and nephews, although they never had children of their own. They always had treats for the children who visited in their home. Left behind to cherish her memory are her sisters, Barbara (Millard) Holley, and Louise (Ben) Ballard; and her brothers, Dozier Lee, Bobby (Donna) Lee, James (Hazel) Lee, Donald Lee, and Bill Lee. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2008 in the Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel with the Rev. Clive Knights officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Church Cemetery, with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of services.Asked to serve as pallbearers are Matt Crews, John Johnson, Brooks Hiers, Jack Caraway, Jerry Kilpatrick, and Rufus Ard. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Gilbert, Willard Davis, Ben Hudson, Morris Ward, Lamar Ward, Copeland Griswold, Lavern Howell, Charles Lambeth, T. J. O'Kelley, Billy Smith and Alvin Enfinger.The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice (Milton Branch) for the wonderful way they cared for Laurine and her family. The last weeks were much easier because of their expert care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations in Laurine's memory, be made to Chumuckla United Methodist Church or Covenant Hospice (Milton Branch), 5907 Berryhill Road, Milton, Florida 32570.
MARGARET LAURINE PARKS1927 - 2008
Margaret Laurine Parks, age 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 29, 2008 at the home of her brother Bobby. Born in Allentown, FL, Laurine lived in several different places as a Military wife and had resided in Chumuckla, FL. since 1972. She was a member of Chumuckla United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group and Ladies Retreats. Laurine was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Albert; her parents T. L. and Naomi Lee; and her sisters Theo and Dorothy. Laurine and Albert loved children, especially their nieces and nephews, although they never had children of their own. They always had treats for the children who visited in their home. Left behind to cherish her memory are her sisters, Barbara (Millard) Holley, and Louise (Ben) Ballard; and her brothers, Dozier Lee, Bobby (Donna) Lee, James (Hazel) Lee, Donald Lee, and Bill Lee. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2008 in the Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel with the Rev. Clive Knights officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Church Cemetery, with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of services.Asked to serve as pallbearers are Matt Crews, John Johnson, Brooks Hiers, Jack Caraway, Jerry Kilpatrick, and Rufus Ard. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Gilbert, Willard Davis, Ben Hudson, Morris Ward, Lamar Ward, Copeland Griswold, Lavern Howell, Charles Lambeth, T. J. O'Kelley, Billy Smith and Alvin Enfinger.The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice (Milton Branch) for the wonderful way they cared for Laurine and her family. The last weeks were much easier because of their expert care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations in Laurine's memory, be made to Chumuckla United Methodist Church or Covenant Hospice (Milton Branch), 5907 Berryhill Road, Milton, Florida 32570.
Monday, January 14, 2008
JOHN E. TEMPLE JR. - 1927-2008
He was a member of Margaret Street Church of Christ, in Milton, where he served as a deacon, and later an elder, for over 24 years. We are grateful he was given an opportunity to serve God for so many years. John loved his Heavenly Father and we are grateful for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through Whom is his hope for eternal life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Delia (Radford) Locklin, and Faye (J.D.) Cooley; and two brothers, James and Oma.
After graduating from David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN he served four years in the Air Force; most of that time he was stationed in England. John and Roberta Bell were married March 12, 1955. After receiving his discharge from the Air Force, he returned to Nashville, where he received his Masters Degree from George Peabody College. His first job with Santa Rosa County School Board was as a teacher and coach at Allentown High School in 1956-1957. Later he served as teacher/principal at Harold School and then as principal of Chumuckla High School from 1959 to 1968. He was Director of Vocational/ Adult Education until his retirement in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughter, Martha (Glenn) Todd; sons Mike (Renee') and Ed (Suzie); grandchildren, Mandy Stephens, Kiera (David) Keen, Brittany Todd, Savannah, John Blake, and Hannah Temple; step-grandsons, Taylor and Austin Plowman; and great grandchildren, Austin and Madilyn Stephens.
Funeral services for Mr. Temple will be 2:00PM, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at the Margaret Street Church of Christ Building with Minister Preston Silcox officiating.
Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens with Lewis Funeral Home directing.
LEWIS FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Margaret Street Church of Christ Building in Milton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Temple's memory to the Margaret Street Church of Christ Missions Ministry.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 1/15/2008.
Photo at June 2007 Class of '67 Reunion
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bodenstein takes win Panhandle Classic Cal Bodenstein's son
Fresh off his first tournament win of 2008, Fisher Bodenstein made a tough choice for a 14-year-old who loves sports.He quit.After recording back-to-back 78s at The Moors Golf and Lodging in Milton to win the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour's Panhandle Junior Classic 12- to 15-year-old division, he decided enough was enough. Bodenstein has played golf since he was 6 and baseball and basketball for just about as long. He's pretty good, too — just decent if you ask him. But in order to be really good, he quit basketball and baseball and has set his sights on golf."I won and that gave me some confidence," he said. "I won and it wasn't the best I could do."Bodenstein carded an 8 on No. 9 and finished with back-to-back double bogeys, three putts on both of them.The stumble — win or no win — was enough to make up his mind. Goodbye hoops and cleats, more time with a driver and putter.Why focus so much at such a young age?"He wants to be Panther number four to come out of Milton High," said Cal Bodenstein, Fisher's father, referring to local golf pros Boo Weekley, Bubba Watson and Heath Slocum — all Milton graduates.
He's on his way.As a freshman he played in the No. 2 spot for most of Milton's matches last season and made the regional tournament as one of three low medalists in the district tournament.It doesn't hurt that he's getting a little help from someone who knows what he's talking about.Bodenstein is coached by Jack Slocum, Heath's father.With help like that and the ability to see your dream and go after it, Bodenstein will be a fixture on the course for years to come.
Pensacola News Journal January 11, 2008
He's on his way.As a freshman he played in the No. 2 spot for most of Milton's matches last season and made the regional tournament as one of three low medalists in the district tournament.It doesn't hurt that he's getting a little help from someone who knows what he's talking about.Bodenstein is coached by Jack Slocum, Heath's father.With help like that and the ability to see your dream and go after it, Bodenstein will be a fixture on the course for years to come.
Pensacola News Journal January 11, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Coach James V. Rosser 1921- 2008 Former Chumuckla Coach
Heaven welcomed home former long time Milton resident James V. Rosser. Coach Rosser entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, December 31st when he passed away at Emmanuel Care Center in Kennewick, Washington. Coach Rosser loved his wife dearly and blessed his sons and grandchildren by showing them that truth and character are when your word and your deed become one. One of Coach Rosser's former students and basketball players said it best. "As a coach he taught us basketball fundamentals as well as fundamentals of life such as work ethic, perseverance, sacrifice, and teamwork. He did not look for stars but for players willing to give 100%."He was born October 11, 1921 in Quality, Kentucky to the late James E. and Ora Harper Rosser. He graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1940 and enrolled in Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green where he played basketball under legendary Coach E.A. Diddle, one of the first proponents of the fast break style. In June of 1942 after the onset of WW II, Mr. Rosser enlisted and served in the 8th Air Force with the 305th bomber group stationed in Chelveston, England. As one of ten crew members on a B17 Flying Fortress he manned the radio, was a waist gunner, and was among the first to be trained in the use of radar later becoming a radar instructor. In 1945 Mr. Rosser returned to Western Kentucky and received a B.S. in Physical Education in 1947. He later received a Masters degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.Coach Rosser's first coaching job was at Sopchoppy High School near Tallahassee, Florida. It was there he met his wife, Bennie Maude Kennedy, a fellow teacher and they were married on November 28, 1947. He next coached at Chumuckla High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida and then in 1954 he moved to Milton, Florida to become the basketball coach at Milton High School. During his years as basketball coach he won numerous championships and was named Northwest Florida Conference Basketball Coach of the Year four times. His teams went to the State Tournament four years in a row and he received an award for 400 wins in his 18 year coaching history. But he always saw himself as a teacher first and coach second. He taught biology among other subjects and also served as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal before retiring on December 20, 1986 after 32 years of service at Milton High School. Coach Rosser was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Milton where he taught Sunday School. Coach Rosser is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Ellen Rosser of Kennewick, Washington; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Carolyn Rosser of Peachtree City, Georgia; six grandchildren, Storm (James) Hughes of North Bonneville, Washington, Katherine (Chad) Pettijohn of Pasco, Washington, Jo Beth and Seth Rosser of Kennewick, Washington, Jamie (Scott) Laslo of Birmingham, Alabama and Virginia Rosser of Peachtree City, Georgia; five great grandsons, Caleb and Micah Hughes of North Bonneville, Washington and Bryant, Samuel and Ian Pettijohn of Pasco, Washington; and sister Fanny Washer of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bennie.A memorial service will be held for Coach Rosser 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5th at LEWIS FUNERAL HOME in Milton. A graveside service will follow at Banks Cemetery in Banks, Alabama. The Family requests that memorials be made to Pearl Ministries Inc. a non-profit ministry founded by Coach Rosser's granddaughter Jamie Laslo which aids orphans in Uganda, Africa. Tax deductible gifts can be sent to Pearl Ministries Inc., 100 Woodsdale Drive, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 1/4/2008.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 1/4/2008.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Plug Takes a Trip
It was a hospital trip to Sacred Heart for Plug when he had heart attack symptoms on Jan 2 - that cold day he was having tarps put over his satsumas. A little nitroglyclerin and a 911 call and there were EMT's all over the place. Great response. Looks like some open heart hospital time to unclog and Plug will be back selling trees. See more at Chumuckla.com. More pictures too.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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