Homeland Security Detains Reynolds

Tom Reynolds had just delivered his truckload of materials to the port of Savannah, Georgia when Homeland Security detected his nuclear payload. The port of Savannah is now safe from any harm Tom might bring to it.

As it turns out, the prior day he had a "nuclear stress test" done on his heart. Most of us know Tom has had some heart issues the past few years. The residual atomic radiation from the stress test set off an alarm as Reynolds was departing the port facility. He was detained for questioning.

Several Geiger counter readings later and a confirmation of the heart stress test with the hospital - and verification that the hospital and the Doctor are real people, was enough to allow Tom to be released without further incident.

Homeland Security personnel thanked Tom for his cooperation. The world is safer today, especially in Savannah.

IRENE JOSEPHINE HOPKINS O'BARR

IRENE JOSEPHINE HOPKINS O'BARR
1935-2008

Irene Josephine O'Barr, age 72, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. She was born in Chumuckla, FL on September 23, 1935 and had resided in Jay, FL for the past 35 years. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Dade Hopkins and by her husband of 19 years, Cullen O'Barr. She was a loving wife and a wonderful mother to her children.
Irene is survived by her 6 children: Teresa Harris of Clarksville, TN; Jimmy Everage (and Janice) of Ponce De Leon, FL; Elaine Shamloo of Pensacola, FL; Joe Everage of Jay, FL; Sandy Paronto (and Reid) of FT. Myers, FL; and Nell Hendricks (and Howard) of Jay, FL. Sisters: Shirley Taylor (and Carroll) of Abbeville, AL; Mable Smith of Jay, FL; Virginia Sessions (and Ray) of Jay, FL; Minnie Story (and Wayne) of Jay, FL; 12 grand children; 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008, 3:00 pm at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church, Jay, FL, with Brother Fred Funches officiating.
Pallbearers will be Howard Hendricks, Reid Paronto, Jim Emmett, Greg Dykes, Larry Bates and Charles East.
Special thanks to Covenant Hospice and especially Sue Wilkinson and Kathy Paxton for their loving care.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
"Mother"

Her children arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things, but you surpassed them all, Lord give her the rewards she earned and let her works bring her praise at the heavenly gates.
Proverbs 31


Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 6/20/2008.

Details emerge in collision that killed 3

Two cousins and a Santa Rosa County man were killed over the weekend in a two-vehicle accident.

Louvina Rutledge, 17, of Pace and her cousin, Michael Rutledge, 19, of Mobile were in a car that collided with a sport utility vehicle on Chumuckla Highway in Santa Rosa County.

The driver of the Ford SUV was Leonard Lail, 65.

The accident was reported at 5:10 p.m., just north of Mineral Springs Road.

Lail, a semi-retired brick mason, left his home in the New York community in Santa Rosa County to go the Piggly Wiggly in Flomaton, Ala., said Doyle Godwin, 45, Lail's stepson.

The SUV was headed north on Chumuckla Highway, and the Kia, driven by Louvina Rutledge, was heading south.

The Kia went off the road, and the driver overcorrected, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The Kia then began to spin and went into the northbound lane, FHP said.

The driver of the Ford swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, FHP said.

Godwin said he was fishing when he received a call from a friend about the accident.

He said he immediately went to get his mother, Peggy Lail, and they drove to the scene.

"It was pretty rough," Godwin said. "It was probably the worst accident I've ever seen."

Godwin said he and his mother left the crash scene after a state trooper asked him to take his mother home.

He said a trooper later came to his mother's home and confirmed his stepfather had died.

Leonard Lail, a deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church, leaves behind his wife, Peggy, two sons, two stepsons and a stepdaughter.

"They are all going to love and miss him," Godwin said.

The Rutledge family could not be reached for comment Sunday evening.

Ronnie Lail

LEONARD "RONNIE" LAIL
1943-2008

Leonard "Ronnie" Lail, age 65, of Jay went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 7, 2008. Ronnie was born on May 1, 1943 to the late Robert and Mary Lail in Dayton, Ohio. During early childhood, his family moved to the Chumuckla area. Early adulthood took Ronnie to the Lake Wales area where he worked in the citrus industry. Ronnie was affectionately known as "Pawpaw" and was the star that shined the brightest to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, Paw Paw, and brother. A day never passed without a smile on his face. A new friend was nevermore than a hug or handshake away. Ronnie proudly served his Lord with all his heart. Ronnie discovered the power of his Lord and Savior in 2001, and became a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Later on he was appointed deacon of the church as well. Knowing the relationship he had with his Lord made him the proudest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Lail.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Peggy Lail; sons, Ronald Lail, Chris Lail, Doug (Karen) Godwin, and Doyle (Donna) Godwin; daughter, Tammy Denise Enfinger (Joe Cook); grandchildren, Derek Enfinger, Alesia Enfinger, Seth Lail, Mason Lail, Bobby Wood, Jake Godwin, Blake Godwin, Justin Godwin, Rachel Scott, and Haily VvAao; brothers, Robert Lail, Kenneth Lail, Donnie Lail, and Richard Lail; sisters, Jane Salter, Bernice Gay, Joyce Courtney, and Shirley Barlow and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 from 6-9 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Reverend Joe Digmon and Reverend George Dunn will officiate services. Burial will follow at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Daniel Madden, Jonathon Scott, Matt Murphy, Zane Burkhead, Jerome Lail, and Lewis Lail.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Arnette, Preston Tucker, Clayton Stewart, Wayne Polk, Ricky Godwin, Daryl Paul, Wilbur Weeks, and Jamie Sanders.
JAY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 6/10/2008.

Kid in Chumuckla Gets Famous

A great story about a 7th Grader at Chumuckla. He gets featured on TV!
PNJ - YOUNG HUNTER GETS SHOT OF A LIFETIME

EDGAR L. PAUL 1926-2008

Edgar L. Paul
EDGAR L. PAUL
Edgar L. Paul, age 82, of Chumuckla died on Monday, May 19, 2008. Edgar was a longtime resident of Santa Rosa County, Florida. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired from Monsanto. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Edgar was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother.He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Lena Paul; sisters, Edna and Arvilla; brothers, Lonnie and Dolphus.He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Paul; sons, Randy (Carrie) Paul; Ricky (Janis) Paul; Teddy Kirkland; Johnny (Patsy) Kirkland; Darrell (Felicia) Paul; daughter, Shelia (Howard) Morris; sisters, Irene Silas and Malvaline Wilson ; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 6-9 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Digmon officiating service. Burial will follow at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.Active pallbearers will be Paul Griswold, Lavon Griswold, Marty Griswold, Ricky O'Kelley, Roy Allen and Doyle Godwin.Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 5/21/2008

Martha Walther Levins

In Memory of
Martha W. Levins
Milton Cemetery Berryhill and Stewart Street
Service Date and Time:Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Visitation Information: Lewis Funeral Home
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Milton Chapel 6405 Hwy 90W Milton, FL 32570 850-623-2243

Mrs. Martha Levins, age 58, the “Sweetest Lady” in Santa Rosa County, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Milton, FL. Mrs. Levins was a native of Chumuckla, FL and resided in Milton for the past 39 years. She was a long time employee of the Santa Rosa County School Board at T.R. Jackson and Rhodes schools. Martha attended Milton Community of Christ Church in Milton, FL, where she was an ordained teacher. Her greatest accomplishments were her family and her school family. Martha also served on the Board of Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department.
Martha is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Ed A. Levins and her only child, Tim E. Levins; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Walther, of Chumuckla, FL; her brother, Jack (Eddnie) Walther, of Allentown, FL; her sisters, Marie (Wayne) Goddard, of Pensacola, FL, Jane (David) Chavers, and Jean Kirkland, of Chumuckla, FL; and her mother and father-in-law, Ed and Anne Levins, of Milton, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews
Graveside services for Mrs. Levins will be at Milton Cemetery and has been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel beginning at 3:00PM, Saturday, May 10, 2008 with Evangelist Leslie Kelly and Elder Wayne Blocker officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00PM at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.
Pallbearers will be members of Milton Community of Christ Priesthood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Martha’s memory to Community of Christ, Bluff Springs Campgrounds, 1300 Liahona Trail, McDavid, FL 32568.
You may offer condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net
Martha’s family would like to send special thanks for the food, prayers and visits during this time, especially to her church family and her family at T.R. Jackson.

DOLLIE S. COOK 1910-2008

Dollie S. Cook
DOLLIE S. COOK1910-2008
Dollie S. Cook, age 97, of Pace, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Dollie was born in Alabama, but had resided in the Chumuckla and Pace Communities nearly all of her life.Mrs. Cook is preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Cook; a son, L.L. Cook; and a great-great-grandson, Landon Chaffin. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pace.Mrs. Cook is survived by her son, Robert Waymon (Faye) Cook, of Pace; daughter-in-law, Betty Cook, of Pace; six grandchildren, Kathy Chaffin, David L. (Sandy) Cook, Nancy (Robbie) Thurman, Debbie J. (Nelson) Faircloth, Dale (Roxie) Cook, and Donna (Joe) Palmer; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Emily Carruth, of Pace, and Foie Cooke, of Milton; several nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Jean Johnson, of Pace.Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cook have been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Home and will be 2:00PM, Friday, May 9, 2008 at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel with Rev. John Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00PM, Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel.Contributions may be made in Mrs. Cook's memory to the First United Methodist Church of Pace, Building Fund, 4540 Chumuckla Hwy, Pace, FL 32571.Friends may offer condolences and share memories of Mrs. Cook at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 5/8/2008.

VELVIE HATFIELD 1922-2008

1922-2008Velvie Hatfield, age 85, of Chumuckla, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born November 7, 1922 in Elba, Alabama. Velvie was the daughter of the late Lena and Oscar Jackson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hatfield; son, Charlie Hatfield; and daughter, Doris Crews.Mrs. Hatfield is survived by her two daughters, Christine (Carlos) Campbell, of Chumuckla, FL, and Faye Hatfield, of Dallas, TX; son, Robert (Christine) Hatfield, of Jay, FL; two sisters, Inez Hall, of Fairhope, AL, and Dorothy Cardwell, of Pensacola, FL; six grandsons, Paul (Laura) Campbell, Greg (Reyna) Campbell, Brian (Tracey) Hatfield, Vincent (Amy) Hatfield, Matt (Jennifer) Crews, Dan Crews; and eleven great-grandchildren.Mrs. Hatfield had another family, her church and community. She loved Jesus and friends. Velvie enjoyed listening to her pastor, the church choir, and loved fellowship with her church family. She was a loving and special grandmother who made quilts for all her children and grandchildren to treasure.Funeral services for Mrs. Hatfield have been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel and will be held at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Chumuckla Methodist Church with Pastor Clive Knight officiating. Burial will follow in Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home, directing. The family will receive friends two hours before services.Friends may express their condolences to the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.netPallbearers will be her six grandsons; honorary pall bears will be Willard Davis, Rufus Ard, Jack Caraway, and her Sunday School Class.The family would like to express Special Thanks to Frank Moore and the UAB doctors and nurses for their expert and loving care

Film crew captures school's success

Chumuckla Elementary School's support of positive behavior among its nearly 275 students will become a model for schools across the country.
The University of South Florida had a film crew at the school recently to highlight its use of Florida's Positive Behavior Support project, which is used as an alternative to traditional discipline methods, to increase academic performance and safety, and establish positive school cultures.

Of the more than 300 Florida schools using the program, Chumuckla Elementary is the only one chosen for the instructional video, which should be completed by fall.

"Chumuckla Elementary has one of the most comprehensive support systems in place for students we have seen," said Therese Sandomierski, technical assistance provider for the project.

The school uses activities like the Movin' On Up Club and Great Gains to help its kindergarten through sixth-grade students who may be struggling academically. Disciplinary referrals have dropped nearly 50 percent at the school, which consistently has earned an A based on scores from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

"It is an example of what other schools can do, and that will be shared with the rest of the state and the country through the video," Sandomierski said.

The school's TRIBE expectations — Trustworthy, Respectful, Responsible Indians Believe in Excellence — fully support positive behavior, said Karen Barber, principal.

"We know student achievement goes up with increased appropriate behavior," she said. "The program helps with the TRIBE expectations for ourselves and the students, and recognize when students are making positive choices for behavior or academics."

Fourth-grader Erica Waters has noticed a difference in classmates' behavior.

"It's very good we have such a good opportunity to get people to have good conduct," she said. "People really try to earn the respect of their teachers."

Last year, Chumuckla Elementary and Woodlawn Beach Middle School were among the 25 percent of Positive Behavior Support schools to achieve Model School status for demonstrating innovative, creative and functional ways of supporting the program.

Pensacola News Journal , April 28, 2008

Velvie Hatfield

This note just in:

The doctors have told her family that there is nothing else they can do for her. So life support will be removed in the near furture. The Lord still works mericles so continue to pray for Velvie , but especially her family at this time. I will keep you informed as I learn more. Tom
(see more about her house fire and church response below)

JOHN (J.T.) BARNES1922-2008

J.T. Barnes
JOHN (J.T.) BARNES1922-2008
John (J.T.) Barnes, age 86, of Pace, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2008. He was born February 22, 1922 in Cora, FL and lived there until his family moved to Chumuckla when John was 6 years old. John started the first and graduated from the 12th grade at Chumuckla High School being in the first class to graduate. John entered the U.S. Army shortly after completing high school. He was in the U.S. Army Calvary serving in WWII in the European Theatre where he was injured and received the Purple Heart along with other combat medals. After being discharged, he entered the University of Florida where he received his BA and MA degrees. After graduation he taught at Escambia Farms High School until he was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a soil conservationist until his retirement. He later worked as a Veterans Services Officer for Santa Rosa County and retired a second time after several years of service. John belonged to many organizations including the Kawanis, American Legion, V.F.W, and the Navy League. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben & Mattie Barnes; sisters, Clara Lloyd (Roma), Onie Wall (Ervin), and Eva Harter (Joe); brothers, Vernie (Son) Barnes (Evelyn), Watson Barnes and Billy Barnes. Survivors include his sister, Wara Voss (Bill); sisters-in-law, Lessie Barnes and Barbara Barnes; many nieces, nephews and a very special friend Al Dofita and family. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, April 18, 2008 at 6 PM from the Chapel of National Cremation and Burial Society in Milton with Rev. John F. Webb officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, April 18 from 5 until 6 PM. In accordance with John's wishes his body will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.National Cremation and Burial Society of Milton has charge of the arrangements.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 4/18/2008.
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