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

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne (1976 - 2011)

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne

July 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

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.

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.

 

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Matthews - Stewart - Death Notices

APRIL 14

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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.

Local Korean War Veteran Honored

Local Korean War Veteran Honored

Big Dome Home | Monolithic

Images: Very Small Town; Big Dome Home | Monolithic

Here is a dome house in Jay. Whoda thunk it?

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

Rogene Howell Kilpatrick 1929-2011

Rogene Howell Kilpatrick went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse L. Kilpatrick and Prudence Howell Kilpatrick.
Rogene was born July 2, 1929 in Santa Rosa County at Chumuckla.
He has been a member of Campus Church Pensacola Christian College since 1979.

Rogene served in the Korean War with the 1st marine division in the Battles of Pusan Perimeter, Inchon and Chosin Reservoir. He retired from Monsanto after 33 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving and prospecting for rocks and fossils.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Virgina, (Married May 7, 1960), sister, Colleen Scott of California and a brother, Vernon Kilpatrick of New Jersey plus many nieces, nephews and cousins whose lives he enriched beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to Rejoice in The Lord TV Pensacola Christian College Box 18006 Pensacola, FL 32523 or Covenant Hospice 8333 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola 32514

A special thanks to all the dear people at Covenant Hospice, 3 North, West Florida Hospital.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel with Dr. Joel Mullenix and Dr. Don Smith officiating. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm prior to the service. Lewis Funeral Home, Internment with military honors will follow at Chumuckla Community Church (Elizabeth Chapel) Cemetery with a meal following at the church. Lewis Funeral Home , Pace is in charge of arrangements. Family and 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 19, 2011.(Internment Information Added)
EULOGY LINK  (click this)

Donald Rex Godwin (1935 - 2011)

Donald Godwin (1935 - 2011)


Donald Rex Godwin

March 29, 1935 -

February 4, 2011

Donald Rex Godwin, a lifelong resident of Jay, passed away on February 4, 2011 at age 75.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Irene Godwin and his brother, Travis Godwin.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Inez Godwin; their children, Sam Godwin, Andrew (Wendy) Godwin and Jennifer Godwin; their grandchildren, Bishop Godwin and Aurora Godwin; his sister, Annette (Ted) House; his brothers, Rufus (Cora Lee) Godwin and Ricky Godwin; and many other family and friends.

Rex was born on March 29, 1935. He graduated from Livingston Alabama State Teachers College in 1957 and after that he served his country for two years in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Inez Peterson, on October 14, 1960. He lived his life as a man dedicated to his family, his chosen profession of farming and his community. His lifelong interests included hunting, fishing and sports of all kinds.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Jay Funeral Home from 11am to 12pm for the family and from 12pm to 2pm for friends.

Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

Published in Pensacola News Journal on February 8, 2011

THOMAS LEE DIAMOND 1914 ? 2011

THOMAS LEE DIAMOND

1914 ? 2011



Thomas Lee Diamond, 96, of Chumuckla passed away on Wednesday, February 02, 2011.

Mr. Diamond was born on October 21, 1914 in Jay, Florida. He worked for the L&N Railroad from 1941 ? 1977. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and especially loved growing his famous tomatoes. Mr. Diamond was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and a present member of First United Methodist Church of Pace. He was married 73 years to the love of his life, Vesta Kimbrough Diamond, who preceded him in death exactly 18 months prior. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Ben and Alice Diamond; one brother, Wiley Diamond; and three sisters, Olivia Amos, Bea Beck and Vela Parrish.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Carolyn Diamond of Pensacola; four grandchildren: Jodi and Mike Suchan of Jacksonville, Fl; Cheryl and Tommy Raines of Pensacola; David and Helen Diamond of Atlanta, Ga; Kevin and Mandy Diamond of Birmingham, Al; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother and his wife, George and Betty Diamond of Pace; one sister, Vera Bogart of Pensacola; and one sister in law, Rosalia Diamond of Pensacola; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home of Pace with Rev. John Webb officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Diamond, Kevin Diamond, Ronnie Diamond, Jim Kimbrough, Jay Nelson and Tommy Raines.

A special thanks to Jim & Elaine Kimbrough and Danny & Bonnie Holt, along with their families, for all their love and help, and to the nursing staff of Life Care Center for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First United Methodist Church of Pace at 4540 Chumuckla Highway - Pace, Florida 32571. Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net

Elizabeth Campbell Matthews, 1-26-2011 (1925 - 2011)

Elizabeth Campbell Matthews, 85, of Milton, Florida peacefully departed from her home surrounded by family to her Heavenly mansion on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

Elizabeth was born on April 9, 1925 in Pace, Florida and moved to Chumuckla in 1932.  She was the youngest of three children born to James Edward (Jim) Campbell and Dessie Howell Campbell.  She enjoyed acting in many plays and playing basketball at Chumuckla High School (Class of 1942).  Elizabeth received a degree in Home Economics Education in 1946 from Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University).  She taught Home Economics at Fort Walton High School during the 1946-47 school year.  A neighbor in Chumuckla, Mrs. Lulu Kimbrough, invited Elizabeth and Olyn to dinner for the purpose of introducing them to each other. They married on September 12, 1947, at her parents' home in Chumuckla.  Elizabeth took delight in being a homemaker, raising her two children and assisting her husband by answering phone calls while he was making farm visits as the county veterinarian.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother with a sweet, gentle spirit.  She was cherished and will be deeply missed.

Elizabeth was a member of First Baptist Church of Milton since 1947.  She enjoyed working with four-year-olds in Sunday School for many years.  Along with her church activities, she was a leader in Cub Scouts and Junior Garden Club.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by two brothers, J. Lee Campbell and Lamar Campbell.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Olyn Matthews; son Roger (Vicky) Matthews of Milton; daughter Martha (Robert) Trigg of Navarre; two granddaughters Autumn and Ashley Matthews of Milton; four sisters-in-law, Myrtle Campbell of Pensacola, Frances Campbell of Chumuckla, Mattie Matthews of Bonifay, Margaret Matthews of Marianna; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and a special friend, Rosie.

Visitation will be from 10:30-12:00 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Milton.  Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon with Dr. David Spencer officiating.  A lunch for the family and friends will follow at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.  A private burial will be at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery on a later date.  Lewis Funeral Home, Milton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 6797 Caroline St., Milton, Florida 32570; Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504; or the charity of your choice.

Published in Pensacola News Journal from January 28 to January 29, 2011