LENA STRICKLAND ELLIS
Lena Strickland Ellis, 88, of Panama City, died Friday June 1, 2001, in a local nursing home. She was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezril Lewis Ellis. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Brock of Panama City; half-sister, Eulene Collins of Vernon, Fla.; two stepgrandchildren, Brenda Jones and Dwayne Jones; special friends, Chris Cox, Clay Cox, Dana Swatts, and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. in Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Tyman officiating. Interment will follow in New Effort Cemetery
in Holmes County, Fla. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
DAVID STEWART MANNIS
Mr. David Stewart Mannis, 24, of Panama City, died Wednesday, May 30, 2001, at his residence. Born in Charlottesville, Va., he had been a resident of Bay County since 1978. Mr. Mannis was a bird caretaker employed by Gulf Coast Exotic Birds. He was also a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and a 1995 graduate of A. Crawford Mosley High School. Mr. Mannis is survived by his parents, Joe and Carolyn Mannis of Panama City; sister, Suzanne Mannis; maternal grandmother, Bonnie Hoskins of Strawberry Plain, Tenn.; paternal grandmother, Virgnia Mannis of Knoxville, Tenn; three uncles, David Hoskins and wife, Sheila, Chuck Hoskins, and Norman Hoskins; five aunts, Betty Ann McMillan and husband, Walter, Peggy Grooms and husband, Ed, Joyce Cooper and husband, Ray, Debbie Hoskins and fiance, Mark and Andria Jordon and husband, Brice. Funeral services for Mr. Mannis will be conducted today, June 2, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Andrews United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ed Britton officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the building fund at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in memory of David Mannis. David will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and his enjoyment for life and his family.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
ROBERT L. PIERSON, JR.
Mr. Robert L. Pierson Jr., 40, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, in the Baylor Medical Center in Irving, Texas. Robert L. Pierson Jr. was born on Oct. 22, 1960, to Doris Russell and the Rev. Robert L. Pierson Sr., at Bay Memorial Hospital in Panama City. Robert L. Pierson Jr. was known by many of his friends and loved ones as "R.J." (Robert Jr.). R.J. attended school in both Panama City and Salinas, Calif., throughout his adolescent, teen and early adulthood. He received his high school diploma from Salinas High School, and thereafter attended Hartnell College in Salinas, Calif. R.J. was united in holy matrimony to Gwendolyn Williams, in Salinas, Calif., and to this union three children were born. R.J. returned to Panama City in 1986, and resided here until 1997. He relocated his residence to lrving, Texas in 1997, and was employed as an AGM, assistant general manager for the Jiffy Lube Company until his death. R.J. battled with a debilitating disease since the age of 15. In spite of his prolonged illness, he focused on the fullness of life, endeavoring to pursue life as best he could. He was a likable character, full of wit and humor. R.J. leaves to mourn his death one son, Gabriel Pierson; two daughters, Arrielle Pierson and Cherelle Pierson; and his former wife, Gwendolyn O'Connor, all residing in New Orleans, La.; his father, the Rev. Robert L. (Georgia) Pierson Sr. of Panama City; his mother Doris Layfield of Columbus, Ga.; his grandmother, Dorothy "Momma Dot" Harris of Panama City; one brother, Ravon Armand of Oakland, Calif.; four sisters, Sandra (Sidney) Vernon of Ocala, Janine Pierson-Gray of Fallon, Nev., Pam Gentry and Sandra Estell of Columbus, Ga.; three step brothers, Tyrone Franklin of San Jose, Calif., Malik Franklin of Emeryville, Calif., and Sekou Franklin of Washington DC; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and well wishers. Homegoing services will be held today, June 2, at 11 a.m. in New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. James Bush officiating. The remains will lie in state for one hour prior to services at the church. The family will receive friends at the home of his father, the Rev. and Mrs. Robert Georgia Pierson, 1703 East 9th Street.
Battle Memorial Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32401
MICHAEL THOMAS SKORIAK
Captain Michael Thomas Skoriak, age 55, of 227 Eagle Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla., died Thursday, May 31, 2001, at a local hospital. He had been a resident of the area since 1978, moving here from Long Island, NY. Capt. Skoriak was the fire captain of Panama City Beach Fire Dept. He recently graduated from Gulf Coast Community College with honors. Captain Skoriak was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and Hempstead, New York Exempt Assoc. He is survived by his wife Diane Skoriak of Panama City Beach; his daughters, Michele Skoriak of Panama City and Alison Chisolm and her husband, John David of Panama City Beach; his mother, Claire Skoriak of Panama City Beach; a brother, John Skoriak and his wife, Mari of Sausalito, Calif.; granddaughters, Ann Marie and Lauren Holland, both of Panama City Beach and all of his in-laws, the entire Daly family, who he was very close to. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Ann Skoriak and a brother, Peter Skoriak. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 4, at St. John's Catholic Church with Father Marty Bratek officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are: Carl Stockton, Lt. Joe Cocco, Rick Lamarre, John Vann, Lt. Todd Heath, Lt. David Jordan, and Steve Miller. Honorary pallbearers will include: Officers and Members of the Panama City Beach Fire Dept. The family will receive friends at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday, June 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the afternoon and then again from 7 to 9 p.m., with a Rosary Service to be said at 8 p.m. Contributions may be made to Gulf Coast Community College Foundation, 5230 W. Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
DANIEL RUDOLPH SMITH
Daniel (Danny) Rudolph Smith went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 25, 2001. He was born in Panama City, Fla. Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be held today, June 2, at 2 p.m. in Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Rev. Frank Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church. The family will receive friends at the home of his mother, Mrs. Verdell McCoy of 909 East 11th Court.
Battle Memorial Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32401
RALPH EDWARD 'BUTCH' ALDERMAN
Mr. Ralph Edward "Butch" Alderman, age 45, of 12209 Happyville Road, Youngstown, Fla., died Thursday, May 31, 2001, at a local hospital. He was a resident of the area for most of his life and was Baptist by faith. Mr. Alderman is survived by his son, Travis Alderman of Olympia, Wash.; a daughter, Stacy Alderman of Olympia, Wash.; three sisters, Lyndia Williams and husband, Bill of Dothan, Ala., Connie Brown and her husband, Stephen and Betty Williams and her husband, Rick, all of Panama City, Fla; three brothers, George Howard Scruggs and wife, Addie of Florala, Ala., and James Alderman and Robert Alderman, both of Youngstown; one grandson; and two nieces, Debra Alderman and Nikkie Alderman. Mr. Alderman was preceded in death by his parents, James Walter Alderman and Hazel Alderman. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 4, at Oakland Cemetery
with Rev. Kenny Arnold officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home today, June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m .
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
EMMA KING CAPPS
Emma King Capps, 94, of Panama City, passed away Tuesday evening, May 22, 2001, in the St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Ill. She was born on Jan. 20, 1907, in Florala, Ala. She was the last living of seven children of William Henry and Susan Livings King of Bay County. She was a lifelong resident of Bay County, Fla. She was a charter and founding member of the Callaway Baptist Church and participated in all church business and activities until her later years. She was currently a member of the First Baptist Church of Panama City. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Tesco S. Capps and her two sons-in-law, Joe G. Duncan and John Tunnicliff. She is survived by five daughters, Evelyn Duncan of Panama City, Frances Woodhouse and husband, Bob of Pasadena, Calif., Bobbie Jean Tunnicliff of Great Falls, Mo., Margaret Anne Cavener and husband, Cyrus of Springfield, Ill., Sandra Capps of Joplin, Mo., eight grandchildren, Jo D. Knight and husband, Steve, Robert Duncan and wife, Ann, James Duncan and wife, Angela, Jack Tunnicliff, Patrick Tunnicliff, David Tunnicliff and wife, Leta, Ann Goff and husband, Ron, Frances Cates and 11 great-grandchildren, Robin Duncan, Jonathan Duncan, Christopher Duncan, Sarah Duncan, Colman Duncan, Sarah Tunnicliff, LaToya Tunnicliff, Travis Tunnicliff, Jason Cates, Amanda Cates, Renee Beausoleil and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Raley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service. Private interment will be in the Callaway Cemetery. A cremation meditation service was held Friday, May 25, 2001 at 4 p.m. in the Kirlin, Eagan and Butler Funeral Home in Springfield, Ill.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
WILLIAM H. CARR
William H. (Bill) Carr, age 80, of Port St. Joe, Florida died Thursday, May 31, 2001, at Gulf Coast Medical Center after an extended illness. Graveside services will be held today, June 3, at 4:00 p.m. ET in Holly Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. David Fernandez officiating. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mayor Frank H. and Minnie Lee Carr of Tuskegee, Alabama, and his wife, Marjorie Costin Carr. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Phinizy, Tallahassee; son and daughter-in-law, William Carr, Jr . (Billy) and Lynne of Port St. Joe; grandson, William Carr III (Trey) and wife, Dana of Washington, D.C.; granddaughters, Mandy Phinizy, of Tallahassee and Chellsey O'Neill of Port St. Joe; sister, Frances Carr Parker, Montgomery, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews. Those who wish to may make a donation to their favorite charity.
Comforter Funeral Home
Wewahitchka Branch Chapel
Wewahitchka, Fla. 32465
LENA STRICKLAND ELLIS
Lena Strickland Ellis, 88, of Panama City, died Friday June 1, 2001, in a local nursing home. She was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezril Lewis Ellis. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Brock of Panama City; half-sister, Eulene Collins of Vernon, Fla.; two stepgrandchildren, Brenda Jones and Dwayne Jones; special friends, Chris Cox, Clay Cox, Dana Swatts, and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Tyman officiating. Interment will follow in the New Effort Cemetery
in Holmes County. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 3 to 5 p.m. and after the visitation at the home of Pat Williams, 2616 E. 17th St., Panama City. Active pallbearers are: Chris Cox, Clay Cox, Len Williams, Steven Williams, Jerry Strickland, Donny Harris, Lavaughn Pettis, and Craig Segers. Honorary pallbearers are: Higdon Swatts, Ivey Cooper, Glen Williams, Kenneth Ellis, John Day, Richard Hoover, Sonny Sherrill.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
VON LIGHTHILL
Von Lighthill, 75, of Panama City, Fla., died at a local hospital on May 31, 2001, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Fort Wayne, Ind. He served his country in the Navy in World War II as a radioman. Von was an avid amateur radio operator for over 50 years. After an honorable discharge, he was a private pilot. In Mississippi, he built and operated his own radio station. He came to Bay County and was an engineer while Channel 13 was being constructed. He had many talents, one of which was woodworking. He is survived by Peggy, his wife of 21 years; two sons, George of Orlando, Fla., and Larry and wife, Lisa of Panama City; a daughter, Donna Riegel and husband, Bob of Lakeland, Fla.; six stepchildren, Gene Dillon of Albion, R.I., Linda Dillon of Jacksonville, Fla., Rosanna Carbo and husband, Bob of La Place, La., Kathy Pajak and husband, Bob of Panama City, Barbara Carwile and husband, Ted of Crofton, Md., and Rebecca Rosser and husband, Tim of Panama City; 10 step-grandchildren, Craig Pajak and wife, Hollie of Panama City Beach, Fla., Kristen Pajak of Panama City, Chad Dillon of Atlanta, Ga., Shanna and Daniel Carbo of La Place, Jessica and Melissa Carwile of Crofton, Crystal and Courtney Jones and Jennifer Rosser of Panama City. Memorialization will be by cremation and memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
