JAMES REUBIN MELTON

Frances Sykes Murray, age 42, of Wewahitchka, FL passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at home. Frances was born on April 1, 1977 in Quincy, FL to Floyd Kermit Sykes and Margaret Ann (Sewell) Sykes and had lived in Liberty County for most of her life. She was a healthcare giver and a member of Mt. Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church in Hosford, Fl. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Kermit Sykes and Margaret Ann (Sewell) Sykes also her Aunt Lucie Clark. Survivors include, husband, Wilmer James Murray of Wewahitchka, FL; two stepsons, Brasean Murray and Jeremiah Peterson both of Wewahitchka, FL; two stepdaughters, Yaisha Murray of Blountstown, FL and Shyia Murray of Tallahassee, FL; three Aunts, Marie Covington of Bristol, FL; Marie Davis with Wayne O'Brien of Port St. Joe, FL and Reatha Nelson and husband, Willis of Southport, FL; one Brother, John Wayne Nelson and wife, Beverly of Southport, FL; one Sister, Ruth Ann Irene Sykes with Steven Collinsworth of Wewahitchka, FL; one Brother-in-law, Michael Lamar of Tallahassee, FL; three Sister-in-law's, Rosa Murray with Gary Robinson of Monticello, FL; Betty Jean Harris and husband, Nathaniel of Cross City, FL and Alma Lee Hightower of Boston, GA; a very special nephew and niece, Michael Collinsworth of Wewahitchka, FL and Monica Collinsworth of Newport News, VA; one Step-granddaughter, Jazmine Nicole Murray; three very special friends/sisters, Tracey LaVoie, Amy Earnest, and Decca Howard and a host of extended family members, relatives and friends; one very special cousin, Leslie VanDyke-Davis of Port St. Joe, FL.Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15, 2019 at 2:00 pm (EST) at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church in Hosford, FL with Reverend Aaron Elkins officiating. Interment will follow in Sanders Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, April 15, 2019 from 1:00 pm (EDT) until service time at 2:00 pm (EDT) at Pentecostal Holiness Church. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

  Billy Joe ( B.J.) Stubbs, 88, went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, April 13th, 2019. He was born February 14, 1931 in Fayetteville, Georgia. He drove a Semi Truck for Georgia Highway/ Transus in and around Atlanta, Georgia for 45 Years. B.J came to Eastpoint, Florida 28 Years ago, were he met his Sweetheart Ursula Stratton, he was her Knight in Shining Armor) and moved here 26 Years ago. Because of Ursula he became a Member of the Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department .He was not a Fire Fighter, but a steady help at every Fundraiser. B.J was an active Member of the First Baptist Church in Apalachicola, Fl. He loved his Church Family, Fire Fighter Family and Ursula’s Family. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his Sweetheart Ursula Stratton, Daughter Cindy Jo Smith ( Husband Mark Smith),Sons Jerry Stubbs ( Wife Maureen) and Jeffery Lee Stubbs, Brother Larry Stubbs ( Wife Beverly) ,numerous Grand Children, Great Grand Children, Nieces and Nephews, all from Georgia. B, J. was preceded in passing and joining his Parents, Lucy and Roy Stubbs, Son Timothy Stubbs, Brothers, Kenneth Stubbs and Lamar Stubbs, Sisters Janice Stubbs and Carol Almand. The Family is thankful to Covenant Care out of Tallahassee, Fl. for the wonderful care they gave B.J. in his final days. There will be a Celebration of Life/ Memorial Service on Saturday, May 4th 2019 at 2 PM at the First Baptist Church, 46- 9th Street in Apalachicola, Florida. In Lieu of Flowers the Family would appreciate Contributions go to Covenant Care, 1921 Capital Circle North East, Tallahassee, Florida 32308,or First Baptist Church , 46—9th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32328. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL. 

Mrs. Glenda Joan Hughes, age 78, of Blountstown, FL passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Blountstown. Glenda was born on December 20, 1940 in Birmingham, AL to Frank Grogan and Katie Bell (Cate) Grogan and had lived in Blountstown and Wewahitchka for most of her life. She worked at several different jobs including working as a Florist. She truly loved gardening, cooking for her family and baking cakes. Glenda loved her family, children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Grogan and Katie Bell (Cate), son Lesley Hanvey, sister, Marylin Blackwell. She was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include, one son, Michael Hanvey of Blountstown, FL, one daughter, Susan Machelle Stanley of Blountstown, FL, three sisters, Jackie Shook of Wewahitchka, FL, Anita Davis of Wewahitchka, FL, Patsy Hietshew and husband, Eddie of Lynn Haven, FL, four grandchildren, Stephen Lee Stanley, Kayla Machelle Stanley, Ryan Michael Hanvey and Matthew Floyd Hanvey, several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 5:00 pm (CDT) until 6:00 pm (CDT) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

  Richard Wayne (Rickey) Coxwell, age 63, of Blountstown, FL went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Rickey was born on June 20, 1955 in Blountstown, FL to Alton Coxwell, Jr. and Bernice (Armstrong) Coxwell and had lived in Blountstown all of his life. He was retired from the Florida Department of Corrections with 10 years of service. Rickey truly enjoyed golfing, fishing, making golf clubs, reading his Bible and especially loved all his family and spending time with them. He was a 1973 graduate of Blountstown High School and was of the Baptist Faith. Rickey was preceded in death by his father, Alton Coxwell, Jr. Survivors include, wife of 37 years, Sue (Wilshire) Coxwell of Blountstown, FL, mother, Bernice Coxwell of Blountstown, FL, two daughters, Heather Raines of Marianna, FL, Leslie Keel and husband, James of Blountstown, FL, two brothers, Michael (Mickey) Coxwell of Blountstown, FL, Charles (Chuck) Coxwell of Blountstown, FL, two sisters, Peggy Thrasher and husband, Mark of Centreville, MS, Cathy McWaters and husband, Ralph (Bo) of Clarksville, FL, seven grandchildren, Logan Kincaid, Jeremiah Keel, Madelyn Raines, Abigail Keel, Jonathan Keel, Jonah Keel and Ava Keel, special aunt and uncle, Ruth and Frank Bracewell of Tallahassee, FL, special cousins, Margie and Tim Laramore of Altha, FL, Shawn Williams of Tallahassee, FL, Sharon Miller and husband, Jody of Tallahassee, FL. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 2:00 pm (CDT) at the First Baptist Church in Blountstown, FL with Reverend David Goodman and Reverend Tim Rhoads officiating. Interment will follow in Boggs Cemetery in Blountstown. The family will receive friends Friday, May 10, 2019 from 6:00 pm (CDT) until 8:00 pm (CDT) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL 

 James A. “Jim” Stefanko, 86, was called home to be with his wife and our Lord on May 4, 2019. He passed peacefully at home with his loving family around him, in Eastpoint, FL. Jim was born on March 7, 1933 in Youngstown, Ohio to Joseph and Mary Margaret Kopernak-Stefanko. He was brought up by his Uncle John and Aunt Mary Hawk, in Masontown, PA, after his mother passed away when he was 7 months old. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy. At only 19 years old, in April 1952, he was aboard the USS Hobson when it was struck by the USS Wasp. He was 1 of 61 survivors aboard the vessel. 176 of his fellow comrades perished in the North Atlantic. This was the largest U.S. naval disaster during peacetime. Jim served as a journeyman carpenter, and retired as a building inspector for the City of Apalachicola in 1997. Jim played a major role in the development of the volunteer fire department in Eastpoint, FL, and served as their first fire chief. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies consisted of farming, fishing, hunting, and reading. He was a wizard of making anything work, even if it was through unconventional means. He was preceded in Death by, his wife, Veronica Stefanko; his daughter, Connie Stefanko; his son, Jim Stefanko Jr.; his granddaughter, Jaime Stefanko; brother, Joseph Stefanko; sister, Patricia Raville. He lives on through daughters, Patricia Hale and Mary Margaret Stefanko, of Eastpoint, FL; brother, Bud Stefanko of Okeechobee; grandchildren, Casey Crosby, James Serrato, Amy Crosby, Kruiz Dickerson, Christopher Baines, Brook Pittman, and Sallie Rose Paul of Apalachicola and Eastpoint; great-grandchildren, Madison, Kendyl, Daniel, Kailyn, Ace, and Dallas. A memorial service will be held at the Eastpoint Fire Department, at the Vrooman Park, in Eastpoint, FL at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019. All friends and family are welcome to attend to help honor his legacy. All Arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.  

Mrs. Erma Lee Walden, age 98, of Altha, FL passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at her home. Erma was born on September 28, 1920 in the Carr Community in Calhoun County to George Lemuel Smith and Leila (Pitts) Smith and had lived in Calhoun County most of her life. She was a bookkeeper and had worked for CC Corbin Hardware in Blountstown for over 20 years. She was a member of Poplar Head Baptist Church in Clarksville. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Walden; step daughter, Barbara Artabassy; sisters, Verna Bradley, Sybil Tabor, Etta Mae Taylor and Bernie Taylor. Survivors include, one son, Robert Wiltse and wife, Dottie of Altha, FL and granddaughters, Megan Wiltse of Gainesville, FL, Kimberly Wiltse, Rebecca Windsor and husband, Lee of Marianna, FL, great-grandson, Dawson of Marianna, FL, four stepsons, Ted Walden and wife, Joan of Waycross, GA, Don Walden and wife Tina of Melbourne, FL, Glenn Walden and wife, Dorothy of Valdosta, GA, Edmund Walden and wife, Shelia of High Springs, FL, one step daughter, Ester Holland and husband, Willis of Tallahassee, FL, one brother, Willard Smith and wife, Linda of Blountstown, FL, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10:30 am (CST) from the graveside at Magnolia Cemetery in Altha, FL with Reverend Tommy Sumner officiating. Interment will follow. In Lieu of flowers the family request donation to be made to Florida Baptist Children’s Home, 1015 Sikes Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33815. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

 Mr. David Gene Ehrich, age 86, of Blountstown, FL passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 in Tallahassee, FL. David was born on February 3, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Herbert Ehrich, Sr. and Ethel (Arnold) Ehrich and had lived in Calhoun County since 2004 coming from Tallahassee. He was a retired Correction Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons with 20 years of service, a Tampa Police Officer, worked security for United States Courts under contract with the US Marshall’s Agency. David was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Shell Point, FL, a member of the Leon County Horseman’s Association, where he won numerous awards for his Quarter Horse performances. He was a sharpshooter proficient in numerous weapons. He enjoyed, golfing, fishing, trivia, boating and reading mystery novels. David was EEO and Union Representative for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He excelled in the defensive arts of boxing, Judo, Genwa Kai Karate, and Akido. David was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Ehrich, Sr. and Ethel (Arnold) Ehrich; daughter, Sheryl Ruppert; brothers, Herbert Ehrich, Jr. and Richard Ehrich and a dedicated and loyal friend, Ling Ling II.  He was of the Lutheran Faith. Survivors include, the love of his life, wife of 45 years, Jessie M. (Hand) Ehrich of Blountstown, FL; son, Keith Ehrich and wife, Joan of Warner Robbins, GA; daughter, Cynthia Ehrich of South Carolina; brother, Ronald Ehrich of Riverview, FL; one granddaughter, Francesca Solana; mother-in-law: Maxine Hand of Altha, FL; good Friends, Edward and Susan Rutkoski of Chester, VA; Betty Jo and Richard O’Steen of Perry, FL; Troy and Linda Brewer of Tallahassee, FL; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 10:00 am (CDT) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel with Sister Martha Hyles officiating. Memorialization will be by Cremation. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

  Reverend Richard Waterman was born July 25, 1935 in Athol, Massachusetts and expired March 11, 2019 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He attended and graduated from Athol High School in Athol, Massachusetts in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army as a Communications Chief from 1956-1961. Reverend Waterman graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1964 with a degree in Theology. He pastored Churches in Monroeville, AL from 1964-1966, in Blountstown, FL from 1966-1974 and 1979-1998, and he pastored in Gainesville, FL from 1974-1979. Richard served as president of the Ministerial Association and Lions Club, he wrote weekly articles for the County Record and had weekly devotions for the local radio station. He was involved in prison ministry, Church Food Pantry, worked with missions, involved with Senior Citizens along with many other community activities. Reverend Waterman had many interests. He was a Native American Enthusiast and collected many artifacts; a craftsman; loved doing yard work and many many more hobbies. Reverend Waterman was preceded in death by a sister Kay and his parents Raymond and Gwendolyn Waterman of Daytona Beach, FL. He leaves a wife of 58 years, Ruth (Six) Waterman; daughter: Kathy and husband Burke of Bristol, Florida; two sons: Ralph and wife, Ruth E. of Marianna, Florida; Roger and wife, Elizabeth of Indio, California; 6 Grandchildren: Danae Dasher, Cole Griffin, Caliegh, Riley, Ryan and Reid Waterman. He was loved and respected and will be greatly missed by one and all. Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm (CDT) Monday, March 18, 2019 at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown, FL with Reverend Anthony Keeton and Reverend Kenny Kirkland officiating. Interment will follow at Nettle Ridge Cemetery in Blountstown, FL. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm (CDT) to 7:00 pm (CDT) Sunday March 17, 2019 at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown, FL. The family will accept flowers but any one wishing may make contributions to Blountstown Church of the Nazarene. All arrangement are under the direction of Marlon Peavy of Peavy Funeral Home Blountstown, FL. 

 Mr. Buster Bryant, life began, November 21, 1938 in Ocheessee Landing, Florida to the late Mrs. Vernice Yon Carter and Mr. Joseph Bryant. On March 17, 2019 the Lord called him home to eternity. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elliout and Howard Bess, sister, Rena Yon. He is survived by a loving devoted wife and mother, Vera Bryant of Blountstown, FL; two daughters, Vernice Martin and husband, Mike of Sneads, FL; Brenn Davis and husband, Nathaniel of Blountstown, FL; one son, Gary Bryant of Mississippi; nine grandchildren; Alisha Cooley, Stephanie Martin, Nathalie Hall, Minister Nathaniel Davis, Jr., John H. Davis, Keijuan Davis, John Martin, Gary K. Bryant, one sister, Peggy Johnson of Grand ridge, FL, two brothers, Henry Bess and wife Cathy of Blountstown, FL; Charles Yon and wife, Mary; two brothers-in-law, Raymond Peterson of St. Petersburg, FL and Dock Peterson and wife, Dorothy of Bristol, FL; four sisters-in-law, Gena Bess, Mertis Bess of Marianna, FL, Castoria Peterson of Blountstown, FL, Missionary Martha Peterson of Blountstown, FL; 15 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and many sorrowing friends. His hobby was Semi-truck driving and working on vehicles. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 12:00 PM (CDT) at St. Rose African Methodist Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Graves Creek Cemetery in Blountstown, FL. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am (CDT) until service time at 12:00 pm (CDT) at St. Rose African Methodist Episcopal Church. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida.

  Ms. Omega Durden, 93, of Grand Ridge, FL passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019 at home surrounded by her family. Ms. Omega was born February 21, 1926 to Bossie and Sally Lanier McDaniel. She was a lifelong resident of Grand Ridge and a member of Faith Haven A/G Church. She enjoyed gospel music and family gatherings. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were the "apple of her eye". Grandma will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, two Sisters, three brothers, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. She is survived by three sons; Ronnie & wife Kay of Grand Ridge, FL, Bobby & wife Barbara of Chattahoochee, FL and Lynn of Virginia, eight grandchildren; Amy (John), Phillip (April), Michael (Susan), Craig, Eric (China), Matthew (Brittany) Brandi (Brian). Tanya (Gary), Twenty three great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 3:00 pm (CDT) at United Believers Worship Center 7331 Hwy 90 Grand Ridge, FL. Interment will follow at Dykes Cemetery in Grand Ridge, FL. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 1:00 pm (CDT) until service time at 3:00 pm CDT) Tuesday at United Believers Worship Center. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.