Rodney Eston Johnson

Rodney Eston Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Kinard, Florida, surrounded by loved ones, on January 20, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1937, in Blountstown, Florida, to William Monroe Johnson and Gracie Floyd Tucker Johnson. Rodney lived most of his life in Kinard, a place he proudly called home.

On June 2, 1959, Rodney married the love of his life, Minnie Hall Johnson. Together they shared a devoted marriage and raised two sons, Rodney Stephen Johnson and Kelvin E. Johnson.

Rodney worked for 36½ years at St. Joe Paper Company, Woodland Division. He was widely known as a hardworking and capable man, respected for his ability to operate and work with nearly any machine. His strong work ethic and dependability left a lasting impression on all who knew and worked with him.

Outside of work, Rodney greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a deep love for deer hunting and fishing—pastimes he cherished and often shared with family and friends.

Above all else, Rodney was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was that his loved ones would know Christ and that everything in life would point to Him. Rodney was a faithful member of Abe Springs Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for 25 years, living out his faith through service, humility, and devotion.

Rodney was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Johnson Skipper (Gerald), and his brother-in-law, Jack Langham.

He is survived by his loving wife, Minnie Hall Johnson; his sons, Rodney Stephen Johnson and Kelvin E. Johnson (Sherry); his sisters, Janice Langham and Wanda Johnson Skipper (Johnny); his grandchildren, Lydia Johnson Panabaker (Blake), Andrew Johnson (Zoe), Ross Johnson, and Colton Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Tyler Panabaker, Jacob Panabaker, Troy Panabaker, Ben Garske, Ellie Garske, Amia Panabaker, and Knox Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Rodney will be remembered for his steadfast faith, strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and deep devotion to his family and church. His legacy of service and faith in Christ will continue to live on in the lives he touched.

Services will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown, Florida. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM CT and funeral service at 11:00 AM CT. Interment will follow at Cypress Creek Cemetery in Kinard, FL. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to either Abe Springs Baptist or Cypress Creek Missionary Baptist Cemetery Funds. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

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James (Jimmy) Traylor, Jr. aged 76, of Bristol, Florida passed away on January 18, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a man of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and an immense work ethic that defined his life’s journey. 

Born in Marianna, Florida, Jimmy learned the value of a hard day's work early in life. He spent over 40 years as a telephone technician at the phone company, where he was known by colleagues as a man who never cut corners and always lent a helping hand. A provider in every sense, he balanced his devotion to family with a 40-year career at the Tallahassee Police Department. He was a man who genuinely loved the job, and his long tenure as a reserve officer serves as a proud testament to his passion for public service. When he wasn’t at work, he could be found hunting or mowing the field. While he took great pride in his professional life, his greatest "work" was his family. His love wasn't always in words; it was in the silent sacrifices and the long hours worked to ensure his family never went without.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, James L. Traylor, Sr. and Deliah Traylor. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Blanche Traylor; his children, Shawna Small (Matt) of Maine, Candice Dean of Woodville, Jeremiah Waller (Mary) of Bristol, and Karrie Hosey (Reggie) of Orlando; his brothers, Ronald Traylor (Barbara) and Michael Traylor (Kim); and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

A graveside celebration of Jimmy’s life and legacy will be held on January 22, 2026, at Eureka Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM ET and the service at 12:00 PM ET. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST

Mark Anthony McGill, affectionately known as “Little Wood,” 54, of Clarksville, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Panama City, Florida. He was born on December 3, 1971, in Port St. Joe, Florida, to Larry and Barbara McGill.

After graduating high school at just 17, Mark went straight to work driving semi-trucks — a dream he had carried since childhood, following in the footsteps of his dad, lovingly known as “Hollywood.” Trucking wasn’t just his job; it was his passion and part of who he was.

Mark always wore a smile and had a gift for making others smile too. He truly missed his calling as a comedian, because he always had a joke ready and could lighten any room with his humor and quick wit. More than anything, Mark loved the Lord, his family, and his buddies, and he cherished the time spent with each of them. His laughter, kindness, and big heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mark was preceded in death by his son, Rhett McGill; his grandparents, CJ and Lucille McGill, and Sarah Paul.

He is survived by his parents, James Larry and Barbara Ann McGill; children, Grace Carman (Tyler); Aleena Tew (Jeromey), Tyler McCoy (Shae); brother and best friend, Mike McGill; nephew, Garrett McGill; grandchildren, Gunnar and Addie Carman, Bentley and Analynn Tew, Natalie, Olivia,  and Connor McCoy, Cypress McGill, numerous extended family and friends, including Karen.  

Memorial services for Mark will be held on Friday January 23, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM CT and service at 11:00 AM CT. Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown is in charge of all arrangements.   

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Mattie ‘Jane’ Lindsey Adkins was born in Altha, FL to Coy Shepard and Susie

Grantham Lindsey on September 13, 1929. From the very beginning of life, she was a strong person. Being born prematurely during the great depression, she overcame obstacles from the get-go. Once Jane finished school at Altha High, She moved to Jacksonville, FL where she worked at the phone company and eventually met her husband, Monroe ‘Mickey’ Adkins. From there, they lived in many different places including West Virginia where Mickey was from and where They bought a vacation home in their later years. Jane and her husband eventually found their way back to Altha where they finished raising their boys and made a permanent home. Over the years, their home definitely became known in the community because of the large gardens, pecans, and shelling peas. At one point, Jane opened their home up for a group home for the state. Between working in the garden and running the group home, Jane also helped look after her six grandchildren, sometimes all together. Many memories were made that included shelling peas on the front porch with Grandma, playing in the wash tubs, picking crops, and helping preserve food for future meals. Later on in life Jane’s title changed once again to Memaw for her 14 great-grandchildren. She found joy in rocking those great grands to sleep and watching them play when they came to visit. Even in her final years, Jane remained a very strong and independent woman. With everything she did in her life, her faith in God stayed at the forefront of it all. She was definitely the glue that held the family together and her legacy will live on in all the lives that she affected in her 96 years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Monroe Adkins, son Bernard Adkins, and brother Warren Lindsey. She is survived by her sons Lawrence Adkins and Ronnie (Kennese) Adkins, Grandchildren Coy (Austin) Adkins, Jesse (Stephanie) Adkins, Bryan (Hana) Adkins, April (Charles) Adkins, Cody (Theresa) Adkins, and Ashley (Ezra) Childs, Great Grand Children, Kenna, Anniston, Hayden, Cierra, Sora, Rayna, Shepard, Xavian, Kira, Kinley, Sophia, Adam, Hendrik, and Adeline. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM CT and the service at 2:00 PM CT. Interment will follow at Mt Olive Cemetery in Altha. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home of Blountstown, Florida.  

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST

Ruth Ayers Burch passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. She was born on February 18, 1928, to Ella Edenfield Ayers and Joseph Henry Ayers.

She was preceded in death by all five of her siblings: Aaron, Moses, Miriam, Josephine, and her beloved sister, Margie, who tragically drowned in a boating accident at Lake Mystic in 1951.

Ruth leaves behind: her five children, Karen Burch Jenkins and her husband Sam, Paula Burch Youngblood, David Burch, Phillip Burch, and Fred Burch; along with three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A woman of intelligence and determination, Ruth was a proud member of the Altha High School Class of 1945, where she graduated as valedictorian.

Graveside funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CT) at Edenfield Family Cemetery in Altha. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida.

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST

Marvin Grimsley Sr.
 

Sunrise 8/25/1944 Sunset 1/04/2026
 

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Marvin lived fully and loved deeply. He didn’t need much to be happy—just family, good food, and a good moment. He was a man who loved fishing not just for the catch, but for the quiet, the patience, and the stories that came with it.
 

He truly enjoyed being surrounded by his grandkids and great-grandkids, especially when there was BBQ on the grill, a cold beer in hand, and laughter in the air. Easygoing and steady, he was content with life’s simple pleasures—fishing poles, grill smoke, cold drinks, and spooky movies.
 

Known by many names—Dad, Gramps, Grandpa, Pops, and Gator Man—he leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and togetherness. He will be deeply missed, but his influence, values, and memories will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him.

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Peggy Ann Barfield was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 3, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1932, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Peggy graduated from Grand Ridge High School in 1952 and went on to live a life marked by service, faith, and deep devotion to family.

She worked for 12 years at Florida State Hospital as a charge aide before continuing her career at ACI, where she served for 22 years as a teacher’s assistant. Peggy retired on April 30, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and care for others.

Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Those who knew her best knew that her greatest joy came from creating treasured memories with her family and friends. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable comfort of good food. Peggy loved to cook and bake for everyone who walked through her front door—no one ever left her home with an empty stomach. She was known for arriving at every gathering with a food tray, a pot of peas, a cake, or her beloved homemade banana pudding.

When she wasn’t cooking or entertaining, Peggy enjoyed gardening, creating her own decorations and floral arrangements, and watching the occasional Florida Gators football game. Education was extremely important to her, both in school and in church. She always kept an open door—and an open heart—for prayer and the teaching of God’s Word, sharing the Bible with friends, family, and even strangers.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, William James Kyle and Lena Mae Kyle; her sisters, Virginia Owens and Betty Bradburn; her beloved husband of 50 years, Billy Barfield; and her grandson, William Jake Powell.

She is survived by her sons, William Michael Powell of Sneads, Florida, and John “Rooster” Barfield and his wife, Miryah, of Marianna, Florida; her stepdaughter, Judy Daniels of Chattahoochee, Florida; her grandchildren, Jessica Porter and her husband, Shawn, of Arkansas; Josh Powell and his wife, Sarah, of Grand Ridge, Florida; Jimmy Daniels and his wife, Jessica, of Grand Ridge, Florida; and Billy Joy Barfield of Marianna, Florida. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Kaylee Reese Powell, Olivia Porter, and John Michael Porter.

A visitation will be held on January 7, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown, Florida, from 5:00 PM CT until 7:00 PM CT. Funeral services will be held on January 8, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM CT at Praise Life Center Church in Grand Ridge, Florida. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Grand Ridge. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home of Blountstown, Florida.

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST

Alta Dawn Yoder McGhee was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 3, 2026. She was born on December 8, 1943, to the late Perry and Savilla Yoder.

Alta found great joy in her morning time with God—reading His Word while watching the sunrise. Her faith guided her life and shaped her deep love for others. She treasured her large family, delighted in watching the birds, and had a caring spirit that naturally drew her to look after those around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Lee McGhee; her grandson, Kody Dwayne Shaw; and six siblings.

Alta is survived by her children: Karla McGhee, Stephen McGhee, Emmanuel McGhee, Savilla McGhee, Perry McGhee, Christine Ayers, and Bobby Joe McGhee; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and five siblings. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to family will continue through all who loved her.

Funeral services will be held on January 11, 2026, at High Praise Worship Center in Panama City. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. CT, followed by the service at 5:00 p.m. CT. Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL is in charge of arrangements.

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST

Shirley Stone Bussey returned to her heavenly home on January 1, 2026.

On March 13, 1930, Lucius and Lena Mae Stone Johnson welcomed their firstborn, Shirley Faye.  They could not have imagined she would one day outlive all five of her younger siblings - Sally, Billy Joe, Blanche, Mary Joyce and Bobbie.

Growing up during the Depression, Shirley knew the reality of doing without.  With her father in poor health, she carried heavy responsibilities from an early age.  Those years - working in the fields, helping her mother, living in homes without electricity or plumbing, and carrying the weight of being the eldest - instilled in her the resilience and work ethic that defined her life.

In 1948, Shirley married Carl “Rooster” Stone and together they raised three daughters” Janice, Patsy, and Linda.  As a farmer’s wife, until Rooster’s passing in 1986, Shirley’s days began before dawn, building fires, preparing hot breakfasts, and caring tirelessly for her family.  She milked cows, canned vegetables, worked hog killings, chased cows on Saturday mornings, sewed hundreds of dresses, and kept an immaculate home.  She stayed up through the night when her girls were sick, embodying selfless devotion.

Shirley also worked outside the home - first for nine years as a floor supervisor at Warner’s in Marianna, and later as a secretary with the Calhoun County Extension Office, where she remained until retirement.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life.  Each night she studied her Sunday School lessons, and after retirement, she spent hours daily in scripture, filling notepads with her reflections.  Saturdays were for preparing Sunday dresses, shampooing hair, and readying meals for the traditional Sunday dinner.  Though small in stature, she carried a strong, beautiful soprano voice that filled choirs, weddings, and church halls.

In 1995, Shirley married Benjamin Bussey.  Together, they shared a deep love of church life, singing in the First Baptist Church of Blountstown choir until his passing in 2013.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family.  Though she outlived two husbands, her youngest daughter Linda, and granddaughter Sandra, her love endured through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild and nieces and nephews.  She was blessed with two grandsons, Cliff and John, and three granddaughters - Brooksanne, Sandra, and Carla who together gave her sixteen great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  To all of them, she was a steady source of love, support, and faith, always encouraging them to seek a personal relationship with God.

For a woman who carried so much from such a young age, Shirley lived her life with quiet strength, devotion, and grace.  Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the family she so dearly loved. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Blountstown.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM CT and the service at 11:00 AM CT. Interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery. Peavy Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements. 

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BLOUNTSTOWN'S OLDEST AND FINEST