Anita Israelson
Jun 5, 2026
On June 5, 2026, Anita Paulette “Polly” Sample Israelson was called to heaven where she is now resting in perfect peace. Polly was born on February 23, 1952 in Haleyville, Alabama to James Joseph Sample, Jr. and Beatrice Bradford Sample. Polly lived a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She possessed a rare, joyful spirit that made her the...
Philip Houston Smith
Jun 4, 2026
Philip Houston Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Panama City, Florida, with family at his side, on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was 90 years old.
Born on January 7, 1936, in Glendale, Florida, Phil was the son of Philip Wesley Smith and Ella Aurelia Jones Smith. He spent his childhood working alongside his parents on the family farm...
Linda Diane Allen
Jun 4, 2026
Linda Diane Allen, 78, of Lynn Haven, Florida, passed from this life to her heavenly father on June 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband.
Linda was born in Troy Alabama on December 21, 1947. She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Brabham; mother Amelia Fenn Brabham, and infant brother, Ricky Brabham.
She was a lifelong resident of Bay County,...
Walter David "Chip" Rogers
May 29, 2026
Walter David “Chip” Rogers, 67, of Panama City, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 in his home. He was born December 7, 1958 in Panama City. He was a 1976 graduate of Bay High School and was a part of the school’s State Champion Football team. Chip was an avid lifetime Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. He was a...
Maria Del Carmen Martinez-Porto
May 29, 2026
Maria del Carmen Martinez Porto
13 de Agosto 1937 - 29 de Mayo 2026
Maria tenía 88 años cuando pasó con nuestro señor. Lo hizo en casa rodeada de sus familiares, echando de menos a otros que están en España.
Maria nació el 13 de agosto de 1937, y se casó con su esposo, Manuel Jimenez del Pino, el 27 de enero de...
Mary Drucilla "Dru" Hooper
May 29, 2026
Mary Drucilla “Dru” Hooper, 80, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 29, 2026 leaving to mourn family and friends. Dru was born and raised in Bay County. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ernest M. Hooper Jr; son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and Sherri Hooper of Bonifay and their children, Shauni Cooley (Caleb),...
Janis Higgins Gordon
May 28, 2026
Janis Higgins Gordon
June 20, 1945 – May 28. 2026
Janis Higgins Gordon, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully surrounded by love.
Born on June 20, 1945, in Hereford, Texas, Janis was the cherished daughter of A.B. and Alberta Davis Higgins. Her early years in Texas instilled in her a lifelong pride in her roots, leading...
Lela Estelle Griffin Hilton
May 25, 2026
Pioneering businesswoman, Lela Estelle Griffin Hilton, was a pillar of graceful leadership and strength. Her southern style and charm as a visionary leader made her a prominent force in the Florida Panhandle in the 1960s and throughout the next five decades. Born September 16, 1932, in Wewahitchka, Florida, Lela passed away at her home on May 25, 2026. She is...
Julie Ann Sikes Albert
2026
JULIE ANN SIKES ALBERT
(1969 – 2026)
After an extended battle against a chronic illness, Julie passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026 with her family by her side. Loved by so many with her winning personality and bright smile, Julie made friends wherever life took her ~ even at the many hospitals she went to for help.
Born and raised in Panama...
James "Jim" Ford Zediker
May 24, 2026
James “Jim” Ford Zediker III, 83 years old, went to be with his Lord on Sunday May 24 2026 at home surrounded by his family.
He attended Bay High School Class of 1960 and University of Florida. He worked for International Paper Company for 36 years. During this time, he worked and traveled for them throughout the United States and abroad.
He...
Timothy Wallace Smith
May 21, 2026
Timothy Wallace Smith, 69, passed from this life to his eternal home on May 21, 2026 surrounded by his wife and children and enveloped in the presence of God. Tim was born on January 22, 1957 in Panama City, Florida to Reverend Elmer “Gene” and Betty Jean Clayton Smith.
Tim attended Hiland Park Elementary School, Mowat Junior High School and was...
Wrenley Mae Guthrie
May 20, 2026
Wrenley Mae Guthrie, precious daughter of Garrett and Kylie Guthrie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. She is lovingly survived by her parents; grandparents, Mark and Trina Burch and Brian and Jackie Guthrie; great-grandparents, Tommy and Libby Martin, Cheryl Guthrie, and Jean Perry; and her uncles and aunts, Josh and Cierra Burch and Trey and Kristen Tillman. Though...
Juergen Richard Goldhagen
May 18, 2026
Juergen Richard Goldhagen, 95, of Panama City Beach, passed away at home on May 18, 2026. He was born on January 15, 1931, in Hanover, Germany.
Mr. Goldhagen left Germany in 1937 and moved to the Philippines, which was later taken by the Japanese. He recounted his life in the Philippines by authoring a book titled Manila Memories. Mr. Goldhagen moved...
Sunny D. Childs
May 18, 2026
Sunny D. Childs passed away from this life into the arms of Jesus Christ on May 18th, 2026. She was born March 6th, 1955 and was a loving mother, friend to everyone she met, a plant lover (green fingers) and was my heart and soul.
Sunny was preceded in death by her mother, Suzie Myrtle McNiel, father, Joe McNiel and a...
Deborah Murphy
May 17, 2026
Deborah Murphy, 82, of Panama City, FL passed away on May 17, 2026.
She was born January 18, 1944 to Virginia Barry in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in a loving home by her mother, Mary Forsberg (Grandmother/Nana) and Caroline & Richard Mathey. She pursued her passion for children through her long career as an early childhood special education teacher. She was...
Gracie Juanita Nichols
May 15, 2026
Gracie “Juanita” Nichols, 92 years old, passed peacefully to her eternal home on Friday, May 15, 2026 surrounded by her family.
Juanita was born in Chipley, Florida on September 22, 1933 to T.J. and Eary Johns. She was the oldest of seven children; Eara Mae Johns, David Johns, Ann Hagans, Geraldine Hamilton, and Angus Johns. Her childhood was filled with many...
Roy Johnson
May 14, 2026
Roy Johnson, 72, passed away on May 14, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1953. He was a former Marine and a business owner in Bay County, Florida for over 40 years.
He leaves behind his sister, Becky; his sister, Carol, his stepson Lee; and many nieces and nephews.
Roy is reunited in passing with his beloved wife, Carolyn — his...
Nicholas Michael Sims
May 13, 2026
Born on October 20, 1979, Nicholas was known for his kind heart, love of gaming, and the many friendships he formed throughout his life. He especially enjoyed the gaming community, where he connected with friends from many walks of life and shared countless memories over the years.Nicholas is survived by his loving aunt and uncle, Leesa and Tim Chick, whose...
Jack Simonson
May 12, 2026
Former Bay District Schools Superintendent Jack Simonson, passed away early morning on May 12, 2026 surrounded by family members. Jack was born on November 15, 1943 in Macon, Georgia to parents John C. and Mary G. Simonson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Simonson. He is survived by three brothers, Robert...
David Buchanan
May 11, 2026
David Buchanan, 74, of Panama City Beach, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026. He was born on June 11, 1951 and raised in Panama City. He graduated from Rutherford High School, worked various jobs, but soon felt God’s leading to full-time ministry which led him to Berkshire Christian College in Massachusetts. After graduation he served as Youth Minister,...