James Presley | Visit Guest Book
James William Presley
1949-2011
In loving memory of James W. Presley, born in Atmore, AL on Jan. 27, 1949 who went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2011.
Jim worked and retired from Westinghouse after 30 years of dedicated service and operated and managed an Assisted Living Facility in Pensacola and Milton for several years.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, W.O. "Buddy" Presley and his mother, Catherine Presley.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Tonyia E. Presley; sons: Ronald F. Lombardi, Erik (Terri) D. Leto, and James "Nick" Presley; daughter: Nancy A. (Dave) McDaniels; brother: John A. (Lisa) Presley; sisters: Barbara (Harold) Morris and Josephine (J.B.) Hudson; mother-in-law: Helen L. Thigpen and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel with Bro. Johnnie Williams and Rev. Lavon Caraway officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel.
Pallbearers: David Sigler, Steven Hudson, Johnny Nance, Jimmy Smith, Joshua Cotton, Michael Cotton, Tony Lombardi, John Stanford and Bud Beghtel.
Special thanks to West Florida Hospital 2nd. Floor staff for their heartfelt care.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
A Community Digest of current information, news and stories from the hamlet of Chumuckla, Florida.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Horace Wayne Watson September 22, 1937 -June 05, 2011
Horace Watson | Visit Guest Book
Horace Wayne Watson
September 22, 1937 -
June 05, 2011
Horace Wayne Watson, age 73 of Milton, passed on Sunday, June 05, 2011.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1937 in Chumuckla, Florida to the late Herman and Vida Watson.
Horace was a U.S. Navy Veteran, Gunners Mate 3rd. Class. He will be remembered with a cup of coffee always in his hands.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Gerald Watson and Curtis Watson.
Horace is survived by his sons, Benjamin Wayne (Amy) Watson and Virgil Lynn (Paty) Watson, Sr.; grandchildren, Jacob, Jason, Jared, Alexandra, and Fransis, Virgil, Jr., great grandchildren, Isaac, Kahlynin, and Aaron; sisters, Louise (Camie) Tima-an, Kathy Udell, Jean Williams, Gwen (Richard) Willis, and Jewel (Wayne) Riddlebaugh; brother, Hillary (Norma) Watson.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Friday, June 10, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel with Rev. Duke Barrow and Rev. Donald Leavins, officiating. Burial will follow in Juniper Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel.
Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
Horace Wayne Watson
September 22, 1937 -
June 05, 2011
Horace Wayne Watson, age 73 of Milton, passed on Sunday, June 05, 2011.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1937 in Chumuckla, Florida to the late Herman and Vida Watson.
Horace was a U.S. Navy Veteran, Gunners Mate 3rd. Class. He will be remembered with a cup of coffee always in his hands.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Gerald Watson and Curtis Watson.
Horace is survived by his sons, Benjamin Wayne (Amy) Watson and Virgil Lynn (Paty) Watson, Sr.; grandchildren, Jacob, Jason, Jared, Alexandra, and Fransis, Virgil, Jr., great grandchildren, Isaac, Kahlynin, and Aaron; sisters, Louise (Camie) Tima-an, Kathy Udell, Jean Williams, Gwen (Richard) Willis, and Jewel (Wayne) Riddlebaugh; brother, Hillary (Norma) Watson.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Friday, June 10, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel with Rev. Duke Barrow and Rev. Donald Leavins, officiating. Burial will follow in Juniper Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel.
Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Grandmothers Flower's
Grandmothers Flower's
Rita Castleberry Burkett is a poet and keeps some of them on the web to share.
Many people from Chumuckla School will remember her Uncle - Bertie who was the custodian there for many many years.
Rita Castleberry Burkett is a poet and keeps some of them on the web to share.
Many people from Chumuckla School will remember her Uncle - Bertie who was the custodian there for many many years.
Creek Indian Day
Santa Rosa County Creek Indian DayCelebration-11-20-10 - Photo - A Place Called Chumuckla
Be on the lookout for this event in November 2011. Several events are also held at the tribal grounds on Willard Norris Road as well. There are a high percentage of Chumuckla residents who are descended from Creek Indians.
Be on the lookout for this event in November 2011. Several events are also held at the tribal grounds on Willard Norris Road as well. There are a high percentage of Chumuckla residents who are descended from Creek Indians.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Chumuckla School Reunion 2011
May 28 - 10am - 2pm pictures HERE
A reunion lunch and school tour was held at Chumuckla School, May 28. Those attending included past students from as early as 1941. Nearly 200 came to share memories. The then new school was completed by Mr. Phil Harris, the patriarch of a family of builders and brick masons whose legacy continues in the area to this day. John Barnes (now deceased), who was the respected VA representative for our county was always proud of being the “very first” to graduate - receiving his diploma first in line since his name was early in the alphabet. John went on to join the Army and was in the first waves on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. One of his classmates from 1941, Kathleen Renfroe Rush and her sister in law - Mrs. W.R. Renfroe were present to enjoy the school tour and the pot luck lunch with many friends from the ‘40’s through the ‘70’s. Some boys who received diplomas in 1943 and 1944 were not present to accept their diplomas. They had already gone into military service. Alvin Enfinger and John Horton both said they were represented at graduation ceremonies by an empty chair. A wide range of students from the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70s were present with memorabilia and stories to share. The MC for the program was Rick Hunsucker (‘67) who has served as principal of the elementary school. Mrs. Sherry Smith, the current principal, was a gracious host for a reflective tour of the old school and the new facilities. Several men were heard to point out particular rooms and to remember ancient teachers where they met the force of discipline.
After the reunion event, some of the former students took a tour of Coon Hill cemetery and the museum maintained by Lavern Howell. The great heritage of Chumuckla is faithfully passed along through these treasures.
An informal group of students is developing a plan for future school-wide reunions. They hope to find a convenient date that will remain the same every year. Individual classes and smaller groups will continue to hold gatherings throughout the year. Former students, teachers, staff and friends are always welcome. More pictures HERE
A reunion lunch and school tour was held at Chumuckla School, May 28. Those attending included past students from as early as 1941. Nearly 200 came to share memories. The then new school was completed by Mr. Phil Harris, the patriarch of a family of builders and brick masons whose legacy continues in the area to this day. John Barnes (now deceased), who was the respected VA representative for our county was always proud of being the “very first” to graduate - receiving his diploma first in line since his name was early in the alphabet. John went on to join the Army and was in the first waves on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. One of his classmates from 1941, Kathleen Renfroe Rush and her sister in law - Mrs. W.R. Renfroe were present to enjoy the school tour and the pot luck lunch with many friends from the ‘40’s through the ‘70’s. Some boys who received diplomas in 1943 and 1944 were not present to accept their diplomas. They had already gone into military service. Alvin Enfinger and John Horton both said they were represented at graduation ceremonies by an empty chair. A wide range of students from the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70s were present with memorabilia and stories to share. The MC for the program was Rick Hunsucker (‘67) who has served as principal of the elementary school. Mrs. Sherry Smith, the current principal, was a gracious host for a reflective tour of the old school and the new facilities. Several men were heard to point out particular rooms and to remember ancient teachers where they met the force of discipline.
After the reunion event, some of the former students took a tour of Coon Hill cemetery and the museum maintained by Lavern Howell. The great heritage of Chumuckla is faithfully passed along through these treasures.
An informal group of students is developing a plan for future school-wide reunions. They hope to find a convenient date that will remain the same every year. Individual classes and smaller groups will continue to hold gatherings throughout the year. Former students, teachers, staff and friends are always welcome. More pictures HERE
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne (1976 - 2011)
Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. HawthorneJuly 29, 1976
April 22, 2011
Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne, age 34, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away April 22, 2011 from injuries received in an automobile accident.
He was a native of the Chumuckla Community, a 1995 graduate of Central High School in Allentown. He has served 16 years active duty with the U. S. Army as a Military Policeman. His duty stations include: Fort McLellan, Alabama; Fort Benning, Georgia; Grafenott, Germany; Albania; Kosovo; Brussels, Belgium; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Korea; Norfolk, Virginia and Fort Carson, Colorado.
He had a great love and respect for his God, his Country and his Career. Devotion to his career is evidenced by the vast number of Commendations and Medals he earned.
Jeffrey was preceded in death by his brother, Chester Hawthorne.
He is survived by: his parents, Joseph Edward and Ruth Barley Hawthorne of Chumuckla; sisters, Cynthia Bloyd of Pensacola, Diane (John) Marceau of Fredrick, MD; nephews, Kevin and Sean Carroll of Fredrick, MD, Joseph Bloyd, Joshua Hawthorne and Tony Pierce all of Pensacola; aunts, Marian Hendrix, Loretta McCrory, Ann Blanton, Cora Abel, and Irene Joyner; uncles, Ralph Barley, Jr. and James Hawthorne; many extended family members as well as his military family.
The Hawthorne family wishes to thank the men and women of Fort Carson military base, the Military Police family, for the support given during Jeffrey's Hospitalization and afterwards, especially Sergeants 1st Class Stafford and Graves and Captain Pique. They would also like to thank Cora Abel and Kathy Faust.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, April 29th at Chumuckla Community Church (formerly, Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist). Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at the church with U.S. Army Chaplain and Pastor Clive Knight officiating. Burial and full military honors will be in Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery.
Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
Published in Pensacola News Journal from April 28 to April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Lockett and Hawthorne
Gary and Wanda Lockett have lost their son, Scott.He died on Friday, April 22. The ME's office said he died of a gastro-intestional rupture. His funeral will be Friday, April 29, at Wallace Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will be at the church from 1:00-2:00.o sorry. Prayers are with them.
Jeffery Hawethorne's wake will be at Chumuckla Community Church 6-9pm Friday. Prayers are with the family. Jeff died in an automobile accident in Colorado.
Complete Obituaries will follow soon.
Friday, April 15, 2011
DR. OLYN KELLY MATTHEWS, 1921-2011
Dr. Olyn Kelly “Doc” Matthews, 89, of Milton, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.
Dr. Matthews was born on June 26, 1921, on a 380 acre farm near Ponce de Leon, Florida. He enjoyed participating in high school sports, especially track. He graduated from Ponce de Leon High School in 1939. Doc received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Auburn University in 1943. Three of his brothers were also veterinarians. After graduation, he worked for the State of Illinois doing food inspection until July, 1944, when he moved to Milton. He then received an honorable discharge from the Army Veterinary Corp. Doc’s first job in Milton was an assistant state veterinarian and practitioner of veterinary medicine in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Escambia counties. He handled 26 dairies, many farms, the Jay Livestock Market, and vaccinated 30,000 hogs each year for many years. He married Elizabeth Campbell from Chumuckla in 1947 and they had two children. Doc and Elizabeth were involved in their children’s activities, church activities, and sports. He played baseball for the Milton Red Sox for seven years and was on First Baptist Church’s softball team for many years. He enjoyed playing in tennis tournaments and won many trophies. Doc was also active in his community. He was a past president of the Milton Kiwanis Club, Milton Quarterback Club and the Northwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association. He was elected to the Santa Rosa County School Board (1966-70).
Dr. Matthews was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was selected as Man of the Year in 1990. He was campaign chairman of the United Way of Santa Rosa County for two years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church since joining in 1945. Doc retired in 1988 after 45 years in veterinary practice.
Dr. Matthews was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Campbell Matthews; parents, Oscar Eugene Matthews and Louise Sutton Matthews; six brothers, Roland, Lavern, Howard, Wilson, E. O., Eglon; and three sisters, Melba Tanton, Maida Parshall, and Olene Matthews.
He is survived by his son, Roger (Vicky) Matthews of Milton and daughter, Martha (Robert) Trigg of Navarre; two adored granddaughters, Autumn and Ashley Matthews of Milton; four sisters-in-law, Mattie Matthews of Bonifay, Margaret Matthews of Marianna, Myrtle Campbell of Pensacola, Frances Campbell of Chumuckla; many nieces, nephews; and a special family friend, Rosie.
Visitation will be from 9:00 -11:00 am on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Milton. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am with Dr. David Spencer officiating. A lunch for family and friends will follow at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. A private burial will be at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery in Chumuckla, Florida at a later time. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton is in charge of the arrangements.
Active pallbearers are Rick Hunsucker, Claude DeVane, Guy Thompson, Greg Gillis, Dr. Doug Worley, and Lamar Faulkner. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Long, Drexel Brock, Clayton White, Arlie Hughes, Jim McDaniel, Milton Kiwanis Club members and the Morning Coffee Group.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church (Bamberg Chapel or other First Baptist funds), 6797 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570 or the charity of your choice.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Matthews - Stewart - Death Notices
APRIL 14
Pearley Louise Barlow Stewart, 82, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Visitation: Noon Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church until services begin at 3 p.m. Trahan Family Funeral Home is directing.
Olyn Kelly "Doc" Matthews, 89, of Milton died Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Milton until services begin at 11 a.m. Lewis Funeral Home is directing.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Big Dome Home | Monolithic
Images: Very Small Town; Big Dome Home | Monolithic
Here is a dome house in Jay. Whoda thunk it?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Letha H. Myers, 1921-2011

Letha Harris Myers
Letha H. Myers, 1921-2011
Letha Harris Myers, 89, of Chumuckla passed away on February 21, 2011 in her home with family at her side. Mrs. Myers was born on April 8, 1921 to the late Phil and Vernie Harris. She was a charter member of New Hope Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, traveling, church, and her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 49 years, Curt Myers; and twelve brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Myers is survived by her four children, Linda (Ray) Stinson, Nadine (James) Carnley, Deborah (Jim) Miller, and Drew (Kim) Myers; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brother, Hoover (Lillian) Harris; special niece that she loved dearly, Linda Harris; and many other nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 6-8pm Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel with Rev. Dan Hellums and Rev. Dykes Strickling officiating. Burial to follow in Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice; 1555 North Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32501. Special thanks to Maureen, Bonnie, Sandra, Alesha, Phyllis, Evenlyn, Iris, Dr. Sullivan, and Chaplain Joe from Emerald Coast Hospice for the wonderful care, love and compassion they gave to our mother. We will be forever thankful for caregivers, Betty Clepper and Cathe Siewert, who were a Godsend to our mother and to us.
Pallbearers will be Mrs. Myers grandsons.
She was the backbone of our family and we will miss and love her forever. Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
Published in Pensacola News Journal on February 23, 2011
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