ROY ROBERT CHAMPION
Funeral services for Mr. Roy Robert Champion, 55, of Panama City, will be held today at 2 p.m. in the Southerland Family Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jim Kirkland officiating. Interment will follow Monday at 2 p.m. in Prentiss Memorial Gardens Cemetery
in Frankstown, Miss.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
JOHN A. COFFEY
Mr. John A. Coffey, age 72, of Panama City, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, at his residence. He was born in White Oak Junction, Ky., and had lived in Panama City since 1973. Mr. Coffey served his country in the military for 30 years. He was a member of the of the U.S. Marine Corps League Det. 065, V.F.W. Post No. 8205, AmVets, and the Moose Lodge. Mr. Coffey was a devoted father and grandfather: He is survived by a daughter, Ruby Pierce and her husband, Randy, of Poplarville, Miss.; two grandchildren, Christopher Powell and Jessica Pierce, both of Poplarville, Miss.; a brother, Robert Coffey, of Goosecreek, S.C.; two sisters, Edith Duncan and her husband, Frank, of Goosecreek, S.C., and Evelyn Kent of Summerville, S.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Coffey. Mr. Coffey will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery
in Biloxi, Miss., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, P.O. Box 1530, Lynn Haven, Fla. 32444.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
ROBERT 'SLIM' HOEFLING
Robert "Slim" Hoefling, age 82, of Jackson Township, N.J., died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. He had been employed by R.J. Goerke & Steinbach, Manalapan and Elizabeth N.J., as a warehouse manager for 42 years, retiring in 1979. He was born in Elizabeth, N.J., living in Howell Township prior to moving to Jackson Township seven years ago. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jacqueline Gloria Hoefling, on Dec. 27, 2001. He is survived hy his three sons, Robert "Bob" G. Hoef1ing, Panama City, Fla., Randell B. Hoefling, Panama City, Fla., and Ward Ladeau, Howell Township, N.J.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 4 p.m., with Father Brendan Williams officiating at the George S. Hassler Funeral Home in Jackson Township. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robert may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., One Hanover Park, 16633 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Addison, TX, 75001. E-mail info@nationalbreastcancer.org. or call (972) 248-9200, and would be greatly appreciated.
George S. Hassler Funeral Home
Jackson Township, NJ, 08527
GILFORD LAND
Funeral services for Mr.Gilford Land, 75, of Lynn Haven, will be held today at 2 p.m. at the Lynn Haven Church of God with the Rev. Gene Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Lynn Haven Cemetery.
Southerland Family Funeral Home
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
RALPH PEARSON NANCE
The earthly journey of Ralph Pearson Nance began in Tecumseh, Okla., on Aug. 13, 1912, and ended in Panama City, Fla., on Jan. 25, 2002. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Bell Buckle, Tenn., living on a farm with his parents, James Emmitt Nance and Emma Todd Nance; two brothers, Herbert and Emmitt; and a sister, Sarah; all preceding him in death. He graduated from Central High School, Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1930. After receiving an engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1936, he moved to Panama City and worked at International Paper Company. In 1942 he married Ruth Shelton, who died in November 1999 after 57 years of marriage. He and his young wife moved to Port St. Joe soon after St. Joe Paper Company opened and he was employed with this company until August 1977. Mr. Nance served his country in World War II on the U.S. Wilson in the Pacific Theater. He was a Bible expositor and had been a faithful member of the Church of Christ since 1924. At the time of his death, he was a member of Wewahitchka Church of Christ. Mr. Nance, who enjoyed clearing land purchases with his Ford tractor, was a wood craftsman, a member of the ISA and a former member of St. Joe Beach Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his son, David Todd Nance and his wife, Rita, of Fortson, Ga.; a daughter, Carol Nance Smith of Lynn Haven; three grandsons, Chad Nance and his wife, Debbie, of Wilmore, Ky., Chris Smith and Wes Smith, both of Lynn Haven; a stepgranddaughter, Melissa Thomas and her husband, Tim; and two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Caitlyn Thomas of Columbus, Ga. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Eternal Good News Radio Broadcasts, an effort to spread the gospel to Russian people. Donations should be made to the Wilshire Church of Christ with a designation to Eternal Good News, 41051/2 Jordan Ave., Edmond, OK, 73013. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 27, 2002. Ralph's family and friends will gather at Holly Hill Cemetery
on Monday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. EST to carry out his wishes for a simple graveside service.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
JAMES M. RICHARDSON
Mr. James M. Richardson, age 74, of Panama City, Fla., passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, at a local hospital. He had been a resident of the area for 55 years, moving here from Andalusia, Ala. Mr. Richardson founded Richardson and Son Distributors in 1973 and formerly owned and operated Panama Woodcraft since 1947. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He attended Hiland Park Baptist Church. Mr. Richardson is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Ruth Richardson, of Panama City; four sons, Jimmy Richardson and his wife, Donna, of Panama City, Donnie Richardson and his wife, Sharon, of Tallahassee, Tommy Richardson, and Charlie Richardson and his wife, Connie, all of Panama City; a daughter, Judy Finch, and her husband, Dennis, of Panama City; a brother, Comer Richardson, of Panama City; two sisters, Naomi Castleberry, of Andalusia, Ala. and Faye Hoppe, of Panama City; eleven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 27, 2002, at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Pickerill officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are: Bruce Traylor, Larry Halley, Levi "Bubba" Phillips, Bruce Wright, Benny Forehand, and Sam Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will include: Mike Hobbs, Tommy Loftin, Robert Webb, Gary Burkemo, Bill Hall, Willie J. Commander, Bill Hutto, Charlie Skelton, Dr. S.A. Daffin, and Dr. Thomas Seay.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
EDWINA PARKER SWEENEY
Edwina Parker Sweeney, 91, of Parker, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, in her home. She was born on July 19, 1910, in Parker, and was a lifelong resident of Bay County. She was a 1929 graduate of Bay County High School. She received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education from Florida State University. She was a retired school teacher and principal in the Bay County School System for 33 years, teaching at Millville, Cove, and Parker Elementary schools. She was a life member of the Florida Retired Educators Association and a life member of the Bay County Retired Educators Association. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Parker Chapter No. 96 for over 50 years. She was a member of the Parker United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school classes and was the church pianist for many, many years. She was still devoted to her church and stayed active in many ways. She also served in her community in many ways, such as in the Garden Club and helping her husband in the Parker Men's Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Daniel Sweeney. She is survived by three sisters, Florence Gilbert, of Parker, Peggy McDonough of Mobile, Ala., Carolyn Roberts, of Panama City; a brother, Charles Parker, of Panama City; three nieces, Sharon Caister, Nancy Holmes, and Julie Gilbert; and two nephews, Ken Thomas and Ron Sarvis. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Parker United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Malson officiating. Interment will follow in the Parker Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Those desiring may make a contribution to the Parker United Methodist Church or Covenant Hospice in memory of Edwina Parker Sweeney. The family will be at the home of Florence Gilbert, 1210 Dover Rd., Parker.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
ARTHUR ROTH
Mr. Arthur Roth, 54, of Panama City Beach, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2002, in a local hospital. Mr. Roth moved here in 1980 from Waukegan, Ill. Mr. Roth was an assistant scout master with Boy Scout troop No. 323, and an auxilliary deputy with the Bay County Sheriff's Department. Before moving to Panama City, he served with the Zion Police Department Auxilliary in Zion, Ill. Art has touched many lives over the years with his personality and humor. He would light up a room and smiles using his art of speech. He was one of a kind. As a father, he was a role model and an inspiration to his sons. His strength and strong will helped him beat cancer. In return, he donated his time to the community. Art will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Art is survived by his mother, Esther Roth, of Panama City, Fla.; his wife, Kathleen H. Roth, of Panama City Beach; two sons, Robert Roth and wife, Elaine, of Pinellas Park, Fla., and Gregory Roth of Wiesbaden, Germany; two brothers, Harry Roth and wife, Elaine, of Pinellas Park, Fla., and Gary Roth, of Tampa, Fla.; and one sister, Janet Ceskowski and husband, Steve, of Beach Park, Ill. There will be no formal services, but family will be receiving friends at the Southerland Family Funeral Home on Monday evening, Jan. 28, 2002, from 5 to 7 p.m. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in honor of Mr. Roth.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
BETTY JO TEMPLES ANDERSON
Betty Jo Temples Anderson, known to friends and family as B.J., died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002. She attended the first three grades of school in Fort Gaines, Ga., the fourth grade in Headland, Ala., and moved with her family to Panama City, Fla., where she attended the fifth grade at Springfield Elementary School. She graduated from the Millville Elementary School eighth grade as salutatorian and graduated with honors from Bay County High School, Class of 1949. She was employed throughout her lifetime, beginning with Jimmy Hentz, Hentz Super Market; L.D. Lewis, Jitney Jungle/Sunshine Food Stores; Russell Kersey, Fisher-Stinson Hardware; Joe B. Alderman, J.B. Homes, Inc.; John Bert Jinks, J.B. Jinks Construction Co, Inc.; Conley Meredith, attorney for offices of Whitey Urquhart; Charles Merchant, minister for Gulf Coast Seminary; HCA Gulf Coast Hospital, under three administrators - Gibb, Schwartz, and Don Butts, her last position as director of human resources. After work she enjoyed being Past Royal Matron, Order of Amaranth; two consecutive years as president of the Panama City Pilot Club; master graphoanalyst, teaching eight basics of handwriting; speaking to organizations in and around Panama City about handwriting analysis; and square dancing. She loved writing poetry and had several poems published in the International Library of Poetry. Mrs. Anderson was also a member of Teen Timers and enjoyed organizing her Millville class reunions. Her greatest pride and joy of accomplishments are her four children, Guy Anderson, Joey Anderson, Jeri Clemmons and her husband, Roger, and Sherry Harmon and her husband, Skip, all of Panama City; grandchildren, McKenzie Anderson, Melanie Anderson, Rodney Clemmons, Kody Clemmons, Trevor Clemmons, Lindsay Harmon, Jessica Harmon, Brandy Anderson, and Brandon Anderson; great-grandchildren, Serina, Breanna, and Hunter; and her special friend, Jack Cox, of Panama City. She was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, Harry Reginald (Reggie) Anderson; daddy, William Leslie Temples; mother, Ruby Elizabeth Hammett Temples; all of Panama City, Fla.; her paternal grandparents, Henry Christopher and Willie Iola Peacock Temples of Dothan, Ala.; her maternal grandparents, John Daniel (Jack) and Briney Elizabeth Williams Hammett of Piney Hill, Ga. Memorial services will be at held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Everage officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lynn Haven Public Library.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
THERESA VIRGINIA ANDREWS
Mrs. Theresa Virginia Andrews, 80, of Panama City, passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, in a local hospital. Born in Montgomery, Ala., she moved to Panama City in 1971 from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Mrs. Andrews was a homemaker and a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. She enjoyed volunteer work in the area of Benevolence for many years at the church. Mrs. Andrews is preceded in death by three sons, James Andrews Jr., Wayne Andrews and Richard Andrews. She is survived by her husband, James Warren Andrews of Panama City; one son, Charles W. Andrews and wife, Sharon, of Orlando, Fla.; one brother, Walter K. Snell of Montgomery, Ala.; five sisters, Rose St. John of Baltimore, Md., Alexine Becker of Montgomery, Ala., Ann Schwegel of Dayton, Ohio, Connie Sigmier of Canton, Ga., and Peggy Chesser of Montgomery, Ala.; and four grandchildren, David and Steven Andrews, and Christopher and Jason Andrews. Funeral services for Mrs. Andrews will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. in St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
