Notice:  Complete Obituaries may not be listed on this page.  When possible we condense the information and provide a link to the actual obituary. We have included here those classmates whose deaths were found about the time of, and after, our 57th Reunion.   Mouse over the link and then click on the highlighted area.  If a link is not provided, or if no obituary is found, then it may be due to instances when an obituary is not available online. If you want to submit an update, or want information about classmates listed on the In Memory Of page whose obituaries are not available, please send an email to:   info@leonclassof58.com 

***

 RONALD JAMES CHILDERS

JUNE 13, 1940  -  AUGUST 10, 2023 

James "Ron" Ronald Childers, 83, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. A fifth generation Floridian, he was born on June 13, 1940, in Tallahassee to the late Frank and Lucile Childers.

Known affectionately by his preferred name, Ron, he was a man of extraordinary talents and a true teacher at heart. His wide breadth of knowledge and experiences made him a remarkable individual, who positively impacted countless lives throughout his 83 years.

Ron graduated with the Leon High School, class of 1958.  He became an accomplished mechanic, a scuba diver (Instructor), avid spear fisher, artifact hunter, airplane pilot (Instructor), carpenter, paralegal, investigator, explosives and demolitions expert, ballistics expert, farmer, welder, and blacksmith, among many other skills, the list goes on. 

Ron is survived by his loving other half Karen Walker, his three children, Jane Childers Pitts, Catherine Ann Forester, and James Ronald Childers Jr, as well as his three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at 11AM on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at Waukeenah Methodist Church, 81 Methodist Church Rd, Monticello, FL 32344, off of US27 South (casual attire please.)  His complete Obituary can be found in the Tallahassee Democrat Obituary section.

***

Carroll Elizabeth (Walker) Haynie

July 3, 1940 - August 5, 2023

Carroll was born on July 3, 1940, in Augusta, Georgia. Her parents were William Henning Haynie and Caroline Carroll Haynie. Her family moved to Tallahassee during her teenage years. She graduated from Leon High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year, graduating in 1958.

Carroll attended Florida State University and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In 1960 she married her husband of 54 years, Jack Walker. Carroll and Jack raised four children. She was very involved in all their activities and friendships.

She also spent many hours as a community and church volunteer, including The Junior League of Tallahassee and Grace Mission. Carroll was a founding member of St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, where she started and ran the church book store for several years.

 
Funeral services were held at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Grace Mission. A complete obituary can be found at www.bevisish.com or The Tallahassee Democrate.

***

 Bruce Wood

July 17, 2022

Bruce Wood of Tallahassee, Florida passed away peacefully on July 17,  2022. He was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL and graduated from Leon  High School. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Wood, and  daughter, Lisa Wood, and many other beloved family members and friends.  Bruce was a custom residential contractor in the Tallahassee area for  over 50 years. Throughout his years of being in the building industry he  received multiple awards and recognition.  The one award he  cherished the most was the Parade of Homes “Best in Show”. Some of his  most memorable times were attending FSU football games, fishing,  hunting, traveling, playing golf, spending time with family and his  grand dogs, as well as fish fry’s, cooking chicken pilau and happy  hours. Funeral arrangements will be on July 21, 2022 at Culley’s  MeadowWood Funeral Home on Timberland Road with visitation at 11:00am,  service at 12:00pm and graveside at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial  contributions may be made to the Leon County Humane Society and  Shriner’s Children.

Funeral arrangements will be on July 21, 2022 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home on Timberland Road with Visitation at 11:00am, Service at 12:00pm and Graveside at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leon County Humane Society and Shriner's children.

***

Marvin "Bud"  Willimon Carlson

November 15, 1940 - April 11,  2022

"Bud" passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Wilma Brinkley Lauder, his children, Julie Carlson Carswell and husband Scott, Beverly Caroline Carlson and her husband Ross Leonard, Polly Brock Carlson, and his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Margaret "Peggy"  Brock Carlson, who he loved and cherished, his parents, Sidney T. H. V. Carlson and Martha Willimon Carlson, and his sister Patty Carlson Roesch.

He was a lifelong resident of  Tallahassee.  In his youth he was a Boy Scout, and played catcher on the Layette Woodpeckers little league team.  Bud attended Leon High School and graduated from Suwannee Military Academy.  He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  Bud attended Florida State University and became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 1976.  He was a Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a past President of the Tallahassee Regional Estate Planning Council.  Bud was also a member of the Tallahassee Northside Rotary Club, Exchange Club, Colonels Club, past President of the Cotillion Club, and past member of Springtime Tallahassee.  He was one of the founding members and a board member of the Community Foundation of North Florida.  Bud was a founding member and a vestry member of the Advent Episcopal Church, and a member at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral, where he served on the vestry.   In 2003 he merged his agency with the Earl Bacon Agency.

Bud was a true and loyal friend, a southern gentleman, and a Daddy with with no equal.  He was most proud of the family he and Peggy created.

Bud and Wilma enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends.  His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, genealogy, hunting and fishing. 

A complete obituary can be found: www.bevisfh.com/obituaries/?orderBy=LastName&filter=Carlson

*** 

Joseph Dabney Terry Jr
January 19, 1940 - December 22, 2021

 
Joseph Dabney Terry, Jr., 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
Joe was born on January 19, 1940 in Thomasville, Georgia to Joseph and Mary Cabell (Harris) Terry. 

Joe grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where he earned his Eagle Scout, and graduated from Leon High School in 1958. He served in the United States Coast Guard, and attended The University of Florida, where he was President of the Sigma Chi fraternity, graduating in 1963. Joe married the love of his life, Carole Laing on December 19, 1964 in Tallahassee, Florida. He began a distinguished career leading and mentoring others. Joe was a leader in Health Care sales, working for Johnson and Johnson. He served on the Board of Directors as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, retiring after 29 years in 1994. After retirement, he continued his passion in coaching others in their careers. He and his family have lived in Arlington since 1975 and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed family, golf, loved to travel especially to their beach home in Destin, Florida. Joe was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Florida Gators fan. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Dabney Terry, Sr. and Mary Cabell (Harris) Terry. 
Joe is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, Joe Terry III and wife, Chicki, and Brad Terry and wife, Amy; grandchildren, Madison, Connor, Bo and Dabney as well as a host of friends and other family members.

FUNERAL HOME     Wade Family Funeral Home – Arlington,  4140 West Pioneer Pkwy., 

 Arlington, TX
UPCOMING SERVICE  Memorial service, Dec, 30 2021, 2:00PM, Wade Family Funeral Home - Arlington

***

William “Bill” Hutto Col USAF (Ret)

William “Bill” Hutto passed away on Sunday, Nov. 14th, leaving behind many friends and family who loved him dearly. He leaves behind his wife, Doris, his daughters Karen Ferrington (Patrick) from Colorado and Lisa Baumbach (Rick) from San Antonio and sister, Liz Connell from Tallahassee. Grandchildren missing their grandpa include Mark Hess, Kenneth Hess (Dorothy), Kate Hess, Sam Ferrington, and Danica Ferrington. Bill also embraced two, new adult children, Jim Coyle (Tonya) and Connie Deshotel, as well as many cherished, new grand, great, and great-great grandchildren when he married Doris in 2016. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Susan Johnson Hutto, and his parents, William and Elsie Hutto.

Bill was born in Madison, Florida on July 8th, 1940 and moved to Tallahassee as a child. Bill played trombone in the Leon High Marching Red Coats band.  He graduated in 1958 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1962. He then began a long and fulfilling career in the United States Air Force (USAF) during which he had two assignments in Turkey. His love for scuba diving was discovered while living in Izmir with opportunities to explore the Mediterranean Sea.

While serving in the USAF, Bill obtained a master’s degree from Troy State University in Alabama. This led to a second career in counseling, employee assistance administration, and consulting after he retired in 1989 as a Colonel.

Bill was active in Omaha serving in the Optimist Club of Omaha and Project Extra Mile. He attended and served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church and Anderson Grove Church in Bellevue and was a mentor to many over the course of his life.

Bill loved life and found inspiration in woodworking, golf, and RV camping. He also developed some stellar guitar playing skills and often entertained audiences of family and friends including this excerpt:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Upkgu1jtwSl_iSxmM8QIj7VnWLkHrBw/viewfrom his 81st birthday in July.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, November 22nd, at 10:30 am, at First 

***

Linda (Moles) Patton

10/22/1940 - 10/17/2021

Linda Patton Moles, 80, of Clermont, FL, passed away peacefully at hLiome October 17, 2021, with her family by her side. Her memory will be cherished by her husband of 59 years, Courtney, daughter Melynda and son-in-law David Webb, son Kelly, son Clint and daughter-in-law Kim. She was very proud of her grandchildren: Ashton Moles, Tyler Webb and wife Britaini, Kaylee Webb, Tricia Moles and Amanda Moles. She beamed with joy over her great grandson, Luca Moles Amaral. Linda is also survived by her sister, Bettie Lee Patton Shaw, brother and sister-in-law William S. and Mary Patton, and many nephews, nieces and in-laws. Linda and Courtney graduated from Florida State University and their journey together began when they were married a week later. Before retiring, Linda was the Orlando office administrator and manager for Tom Barrow Company for 20 years. After moving to Clermont they became active members of First United Methodist Church. Over the years, Linda served the community holding many leadership positions in the church and UMW. She will be fondly remembered for supporting the youth programs, the food ministry and developing the Searchers Adult Sunday School class. Linda was a vibrant, positive, fierce friend who loved with a heart that seemed endless. 

A celebration of Linda's life will be Saturday, November 6th  at 11:00 am . Lieu of flowers please consider donations to: First United Methodist Church Clermont

950 7th St, Clermont, FL 34711In 

***

Henry Hill (Buddy) Searcy

10/10/1940  --  9/3/2021

On the morning of September 3, 2021, Henry Hill “Buddy” Searcy passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Lord surrounded by his family and friends.  Buddy was born on October 19, 1940, and was a lifelong resident of Tallahassee.  He was a graduate of Leon High School (1958) where he was active in student government and key club and also played football (captain) and baseball for which he was later inducted into the Leon High School football and baseball Hall of Fame.  Following high school Buddy was awarded a football scholarship to Murray State University where in addition to playing football, he was active in student government and the ATO fraternity.  

On August 12th 1961, Buddy married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Fain, who has been his faithful and devoted wife for the past 60 years.  Upon graduating from Murray State, they returned to Tallahassee where he taught PE at Kate Sullivan, and later as the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Godby High School.  He taught and coached for 10 years, and then began a career in the home building and Real Estate profession from which he retired after 35 years to spend all of his time with family and in mission work.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and loved his family with all of his heart.  He had been a long-serving and active Elder and member of the Presbyterian church, most recently Christ Presbyterian.  After an initial mission to Haiti in 1983, Buddy heeded his Lord’s call to mission work and in 1996 formed “In The Carpenters Footsteps, Inc.”, a non-denominational organization devoted to providing assistance to the neediest of the world through church planting and construction.  He brought to life a call from God, which was to start a ministry to share the word of God and to “Build Foundations of Hope” for people across the world.  For over 35 years, Buddy and his wife Patty have led missionaries into the nations and have left a legacy that will live on for generations through the lives of those “Carpenters” who will continue sharing the word of the Lord, planting churches, and building foundations of hope.  Pastor Pablo from Costa Rica said, “Much of what I am today as a pastor and missionary, I owe to him, to his wife and to all of the Carpenter’s Ministry.”  As one of his own grandsons said, “he served his family, his community, and the nations well.  We were fortunate to have a God-fearing grandfather/father.” 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 12th at 3:00 pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Rd., Tallahassee, FL.  A time of visitation with the family will be held at the church following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be

made to; In The Carpenters Footsteps, Inc. Christ Presbyterian Church, or The Leon High School Athletic Fund.  

***

Harriet (Retterer) Cole

9/1/1939  --  7/26/2021

Harriet was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida.  She was a kind, energetic and independent person.  Above all else, she loved and adored her children and grandchildren.  Harriet was a graduate of Leon High School’s class of 1958 where she served in the Quill & Scroll, President of Tri-Hi-Y, Parliamentarian, Forensic, High Life and Home Room President among other school activities.  She continued her volunteer services, among various local community charities.  Harriet was an avid gardener, achieving Master Gardener status, and often served as a flower show judge and garden instructor.  Harriet loved quilting, creating many beautiful keepsakes for family and friends.  Harriet served as an admissions counselor at North Carolina State university for several years.  She also worked for the Haywood County Literacy Council whose mission was dear to her heart.  Among the numerous duties as a volunteer, she became a member of the “Order of the Daughters of the King” and performed volunteer duties  at Grace Church in the mountains.

A memorial service and interment will be held Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood St., Waynesville, North Carolina, 28786

The complete obituary may be seen at this link below:  

https://www.themountaineer.com/obituaries/harriet-cole-retterer/article_18468388-f46d-11eb-8a04-133ea263e684.html

***

Robert Walter Ashmore IV

3/18/1940  --  1/25/2021

Rob Ashmore passed away at home surrounded by his family on Monday, January 25, 2021, from metastatic cancer. Rob was born in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 18, 1940, to Alberta Schaker Ashmore and Robert Walter Ashmore, Jr. He is a descendant of early settlers of Wakulla County, Florida. An avid reader and outstanding student from his early years, he developed habits of intellectual curiosity and engagement in his community that would continue throughout his life. In 1958, upon graduation from Leon High School, he left home to attend Harvard College, thanks to a scholarship initiative aimed at expanding the geographic and social representation of the student body there. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Government. The friends he made and the cultural and intellectual stimulation he received in these college years left a lasting imprint on his interests and his values. He married Dorothy Alford of Tallahassee in 1961; the marriage ended in 1982. He entered the University of Virginia School of Law in 1962 and then took a hiatus to enter U. S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, becoming a Lieutenant on the USS Boire (DD-704). His Naval career gave Rob a further opportunity to see the broader world and to reflect on his role in it and remained a lasting source of pride. After serving his country, Rob returned to Charlottesville to complete his legal education graduating in 1969. In the same year he moved with his young family to Atlanta to join Fisher & Phillips, the Atlanta-based labor and employment law firm, to begin what would become a 41-year career with that firm. Included among the many forms of recognition and awards he received for his legal work was admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Friends from his professional life remember him for his skill in and devotion to the craft of writing, also for his consistent integrity and straight dealing, and generous mentorship and support for junior colleagues.

Robert and Linda Gormley were featured in our 1958 classbook as “Best All Round.”  His write up included “…has proven his leadership and ability to get a job done.  He is a friend to all and is always there to lend a helping hand.”

The complete obituary can be seen here.  Robert Walter Ashmore, IV Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (asturner.com)  https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/Robert-Walter-Ashmore-IV?obId=19916388

***

William Harold Neal, Jr

11/03/1939  --  01/14/2021

Obituary for Mr. William Harold Neal Jr.

William Harold Neal, Jr., 81, of Tallahassee passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021

The son of William Harold Neal, Sr. and Louise Vines Neal, he was born in Robertsdale, Alabama on November 3, 1939. Mr. Neal lived in Tallahassee for over 60 years and was a 1958 graduate of Leon High School. He received both a Masters and Doctor of Divinity from Harvest Bible University in Los Angeles, California.

He was the owner of Capital Electric and Security, Inc. for 50 years. This business is still in the family, owned by his son, William Harold Neal, III. Mr. Neal also owned Sunshine Boats of Tallahassee and TM Service Center after his retirement.

Mr. Neal was a bass fisherman and an avid FSU football fan. While these things were important to him, they paled in comparison to his love for the Lord and his family. He was a Godly man and was loved by many people worldwide. He enjoyed witnessing to others and used a God given talent, playing the shofar, to bless and witness to others. In 1999, he co-founded Sonship Christian Fellowship, founded on the concept of Ephesians 4:11, the five-fold ministry. For the last two years of his life, he and his wife founded Sonship RV Ministries, traveling the U.S. and offering on-line classes worldwide.  Bill's wife Charlotte is also a 1958 classmate.

Obit: https://www.abbeyfh.com/obituaries/William-Neal-20/#!/Obituary

***

Mary Kathryn (Long) Brandt

2040 - 2020

Mary Kathryn entered her heavenly home September 14, 2020, while surrounded by her loving children.  She was a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, a 1958 graduate of Leon High School.  She was the head majorette for the Marching Redcoat band and an active member of the Class of '58 reunion committee.  Mary Kathryn was a proud member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, where she served in the church choir.  

A retired teacher, Mary Kathryn taught at Rickards High School, Lively Technical College and Tallahassee Community College.  Survivors include her husband Billy Scott Long of Tallahassee and Calhoun GA; two sons Billy Long and Buddy "Scott" Long; daughter Kathryn Belle Long; and her sister, Barbara Brandt.  Funeral services will be held at the Immanuel Baptist Church on Saturday morning, September 19.  Visitation will begin at 10:00AM, service at 11:00AM, and graveside service at Oakland Cemetery following the 11:00AM service.

Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements.  (www.bevisfh.com

850-385-2193

***

Lewis Charles Eason

1940 - 2020

Lewis  passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2020.  He grew up in Tallahassee, graduated Leon High School class of 1958.  He attended Florida State University and pledged Kappa Alpha.  He received a BS degree in Industrial Arts from the University of Tampa where he also did graduate work.

He served our country for twenty-one years, 4 years in the United States Air Force and 17 years in  the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Captain.  He spoke three languages and was posted in Vietnam.  Lew was devoted to his country and exemplified his role as an officer and a gentleman.  He also was a commercial pilot and held single and multi-engine ratings in his retirement.

Following his military service, he held several training, advisory and consulting positions in the aviation field for Boeing, Aerothrust, United Airlines and others.  Lewis was revered as a lecturer for Friends of Fernandina Aviation and Aerospace Center.  He was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdmen in Jacksonville and Tallahassee.  As a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, he was known by many as "Lighthouse Lew" while participating in maintenance, monitoring and upkeep of the Amelia Island lighthouse near Jacksonville.  Lewis also was a member and docent of the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum in Quincy, Florida.

Burial services were held with Full Military Honors at Tallahassee National Memorial Cemetary at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

Obituary - Click Here

*** 

Kay (McNab) Huddleston

1940 - 2020

Kay died peacefully in her home on July 1, 2020 in Tallahassee after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 79.

Kay was born on January 2, 1941 in Tallahassee to her parents, Prentiss and Jean Huddleston. She graduated from Leon High School and attended Florida State University. She lived in Tampa for several years before returning home to Tallahassee. She was a longtime employee of the Florida State government, retiring  in 2012 and is remembered fondly by her former colleagues there.

She will be remembered for her unfailing good nature, kindness to everyone, joyful laugh, and positive spirit, and for the love, generosity and support she gave her family and friends. Her grandchildren were a particular joy for her and they each adored "Kaki" very much. As a Tallahassee resident for most of her life, she touched many in the community through her work with the Junior League, St John's Episcopal Church, St Mary's Garden Circle, Chi Omega Sorority and Cotillion Club of Tallahassee.

Obituary - Click HERE

***

Leonard Lee Williams Jr.

1940  -  2020

Lee graduated from Leon High School with the 1958 class and attended UF and FSU and graduated with a BS degree in mathematics. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and served two years in the US Army later returning to FSU to attend graduate school and Law School. Lee met his bride Ann Darling Williams in graduate school, and they were married June, 1968 celebrating 52 years of marriage. Ann D. and Lee relished in time spent with family and friends. Trips to the Keys, playing tennis, tailgating at FSU football games and snow skiing adventures allowed them to cultivate lifelong friendships. Well known for his effectiveness in the courtroom, Lee spent his career as a trial attorney with the law firm Williams Gautier.

Lee is in the presence of the Lord, and we can rejoice in this even though we miss him so. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tallahassee Young Life at P.O. Box 3743, Tallahassee, FL 32315 (giving.younglife.org/tallahassee), Ding Darling Wildlife Foundation at P.O. Box 565, Sanibel, FL 33957 (dingdarlingsociety.org), and/or National MS Society, 8940 Western Way, Suite 16, Jacksonville, FL 32256

A celebration of life is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th at 12:00 noon at Trinity United Methodist, 120 Park Avenue, Tallahassee with a reception to follow.

To share condolences, go to www.culleysmeadowwoodfuneral.com

***

Sarah (Gewirz) Myers

October 29, 2019

Born in Tallahassee, Sarah moved to Washington DC soon after attending college.  She was a dedicated and insightful volunteer through her life, supporting many organizations such as Ballet Florida, United Way of Palm Beach, The Washington Opera, Washington Performing arts Society, National Symphony, Georgetown University, The Kennedy Center, and Lombardi Cancer Center of Georgetown University Hospital.  She was a board member of the Washington School of Ballet, Women's resource Center (Newport RI), Newport Art Museum.  Click the link to view the complete obituary.  (click here)

Lucreshia (Elder) Spratt

1940 - 2019

Lucreshia was born and grew up in the Tallahassee area and attended elementary school at Wacissa Elementary School.  She later graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, with the Class of 1958.  Lucreshia was a member of the Leon High School, Marching Redcoats as a Majorette and upright string bass.  

Lucreshia married the love of her life, Charles S. Elder and they spent their married life in Melbourne, Florida.  Upon his retirement, they traveled extensively together from coast to coast and even had a second home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia, where they enjoyed their summers.  She was very active in her church, Brevard Worship Center as their secretary and pianist.

Click the link to view the complete Obituary.

https://www.legacy.com › obituaries › tallahassee › obituary › n=lucreshia-…

***

Priscilla (Pace) Moore

1940 -- January 2, 2018

Lake City - Mrs. Priscilla Moore Pace, age 78 of Lake City, passed away on January 2, 2019 at Shands Medical Center in Gainesville after a short illness. She was born in Havana, Florida to the late Tom and Troy Swing Moore and was a graduate of Leon High School class of 1958. Mrs. Pace retired from the Columbia County School System after 30 years of service. Mrs. Pace was a loving wife, perfect mother, grandmother and sister who loved her family and friends dearly. She was a faithful member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and volunteer of the Pregnancy Crisis Center in Lake City. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. 386-752-1954. A complete obituary can be found  uttp://www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

Mary (Fitzgerald) Heiges

November 29, 1940  --  August 23, 2018

Mary Heiges Fitzgerald, a 1958 graduate of Leon High School, passed away  at the Haven Hospice Care Center in Lake City.  A native of Pennsylvania, she moved with her family to Tallahassee in 1954.  Upon graduation from Leon, she moved to Lake Placid, Florida., where her family had relocated.  There she met Robert (Bob) Fitzgerald, and they were married July 6th 1962.  She was employed virtually all of her working years in insurance.  She was a general lines certified agent, as well as life insurance specialist.  She and Bob had one son, Robert E. Fitzgerald,  She was so proud to make the recent reunion of the 58' class of Leon.  She did not miss a single class reunion and remained a loyal Lion throughout her life.  Memorial service will be Monday, 27 August 2018 at the 1st Baptist Church of High Springs, FL.  The Obituary can be viewed HERE

Sharron Yvonne (Williams) Brown

June 16, 1940  --  July 29, 2018

Sharron Graduated from Leon High School in 1958. She retired from Capital Insurance Agency after a distinguished thirty year career, where she created and managed the Premium Accounting Department. She was an amazing wife and mother, a strong, determined, and compassionate woman.  She will be missed by all who knew her. The memorial service will take place at the Tallahassee Heights Methodist Church at 11:00AM, Wednesday, August 1, 2018, with internment following at Culley’s Meadowood Memorial Park.  The complete obituary can be viewed (here). 

                                                              
Mary Jane (Miller) Roberts

Decmber 8, 1940  --  July 21, 2018

Tallahassee - Mary Jane Roberts Miller, 77, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2018. Born in Durham, NC December 8, 1940, she was adopted at 18 mos and raised in Tallahassee. She is the daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. B. K. Roberts. Mary Jane lived in Winter Park FL from 1965-80, returning to Tallahassee to help care for her aunt, Inez Yent, and care for her father until his passing in 1999. She was part of Leon's Class of '58, attending Hollins and Wesleyan Colleges prior to getting married in 1961.   Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.  Her complete obituary may be seen at Legacy.com.

Shellie Frances Slade

November 18, 1940  --  July 3, 2018

She was the daughter of the late Harvey and Marion Slade (Burr) of Tallahassee, Florida. Shellie was born November 18, 1940 in Moultrie, GA, but grew up in Tallahassee and graduated from Leon High School.  Shellie graduated from University of New Orleans (BA), having attended Stephens College, Florida State University (FSU), and University of Alabama. She subsequently graduated (RN) from the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing.   There will be no local memorial service. Interment will be held privately. Complete obituary can be seen at Legacy.com, search for Shellie Slade. 

B

November 19, 1940 -- September 3, 2017   

Ellen Adair Dillon Eikman, 76, passed away after a long illness September 3, 2017, at her home in Tampa, FL. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were near. Ellen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Edward Allan Eikman Sr., her daughters Ingrid Ellen Eikman Gipson, Ursula Helen Eikman Baum, a son, Adam Dillon Eikman, and by five grandchildren. Son Edward Allan Eikman Jr. predeceased. Ellen was born in Marianna, Florida of Edward Alderman Dillon, and Eloise McQuagge Dillon. She attended elementary school and Leon High school in Tallahassee, Florida, graduated from Florida State University, and later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from St. Louis University. She taught in the Ferguson-Florissant, Missouri school district while her husband attended medical school. She led her growing family during his post-graduate training in Baltimore MD and Nashville TN, during Navy service in Bethesda MD, and upon entering service on the charter faculty of the medical school at the University of South Florida in Tampa beginning 1973.    To view complete obituary click HERE

James Franklin Barco died on May 14, 2015. His wife stated that his service was private and an obituary was not provided.  James died from pancreatic cancer.  He is survived by two sons, one daughter and seven Grandchildren.   I also learned that James was a pastor in Coatesville, PA.

December 3, 1940  -  October 10, 2015  Patricia (Patsy) Dawkins passed away.  She was survived by a daughter and sister Sara Dawkins Kinsey.  Service was private with immediate family.  Obituary not available.

5/21/1939 – 6/23/2017

Palmer Jean Lee of Tallahassee, FL passed away peacefully on Friday June 23, 2017 at the age of 78. Born on May 21, 1939 in Cairo, Georgia, she moved to Tallahassee with family in 1941. Jean graduated from Leon High School in 1958 and retired from the State of Florida Legislative Data Center in 1997. She was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee serving as an elder and participating on numerous groups and committees. She enjoyed volunteering to help at Elder Care, serving on her church Worship Team, visiting the Gulf beaches, following Florida State football and spending time with family and friends. The complete obituary can be found on www.legacy.com.

Thomas Wade age 76, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at home on Thursday evening, August 24, 2017.  Tom was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, FL. After graduating from Leon High School, Tom served in the Marine Corps Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve, retiring from military service after 43 years with the rank of Captain. After graduating from FSU with a BS in Accounting and attaining his CPA, he worked for 43 years for the State of Florida protecting the interests of citizens through his work as an auditor, forensic accountant and financial investigator with multiple state agencies as well as his work for the Florida Legislature.

H. Maurice Hartsfield, 77, of Tallahassee died Tuesday (1/10/2017) at his home. He was a native of Tallahassee where he has lived all his life and attended Leon High School. Following his retirement from Florida State University, where he worked as the maintenance supervisor, he opened and operated Hartsfield Welding. One of his passions was farming and raising cattle. His greatest pleasure came from being with his family and many friends. He was always ready with a story and always willing to help those in need.  Click Here to view complete obituary. 

1939 - September 2016

Pastor William Glen Lawhon, 76, died Tuesday evening at his residence following an extended illness. He was the son of the late L.C. and Obie O. Collins Lawhon. He had made Lake City his home since 1982 after moving here from Jasper, FL. He was a member of the Parkview Baptist Church. Glen pastored several churches in North Florida and was the Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church from 1982-1994. He then served as chaplain at Columbia Correction Institution from 1994 until 2004. He held various positions in the Baptist Association and Middle Florida Baptist Assembly Campground, also with the Florida Baptist Convention. He was a member on the board of Trustees of Florida Baptist Children's Home. He also was on the Florida Baptist nominating committee, he was a member of Campers on Mission and the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief. He was on the founding board of the Christian Service Center. He enjoyed woodworking, being a mechanic, fishing, camping and helping others with electrical jobs. Click HERE to see the complete obituary.

January 16, 1940 - February 25, 2016
Faye Vause LeClaire of Englewood, FL passed away peacefully on February 25, 2016. Faye was born in 1940 in Cairo, Georgia to Eldred Karker and Cloyce Vause. She was a graduate of Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. She was married to James LeClaire in 1959. Faye and Jim raised their children in Jewett City, CT. During those years she was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Church, a Griswold High School Booster, and a Scout Leader. She worked as the Office Manager for Rogers Kitchens, in Norwich, CT.  Faye and Jim moved to Englewood, FL in 1994. There, Faye enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Raphael's Church. She was one of the founding members of the Knight's of Columbus Ladies' Auxiliary and served three terms as their president. Faye enjoyed reading, crosswords, cooking for her family, and cheering on the UConn Women's basketball team.  In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations to A Mother's House or Knights of Columbus Sugar Bowl Fund, both of Venice Florida,  See the complete obituary at:  Click here for obituary

 1940 - February 8, 2016

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Leon High School.  He was born in Cairo, Georgia, the only child to Walter Harold McRory and Roma Foy Johnson McRory and raised in Tallahassee Florida.  He was a lifelong fan of the Florida State Seminoles.  He move to Pensacola from Jacksonville in January of 1976 and was very involved in the Real Estate community and the Pensacola Association of Realtors with the first picture real estate magazine to be published in the Panhandle.  After 20 years in the real estate magazine business that included traveling all over the United States, he joined his wife in the appraisal business as McRory Appraisers for the next 20 years.  You can find Jim's complete obituary HERE. 

March 05, 1940 to May 21, 2015

Judy was a 1958 graduate of Leon High School.  She retired as an office administrator with State Farm Insurance.  She was born in Lansing, MI.  A memorial graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 28, 2015 in Tallahassee Memory Gardens.  Judy's complete obituary can be found HERE.

Feb 23, 1940 to Dec 23, 2014

At the age 74, Joellyn (Ward) Bush of Monroeville, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2014.  She was a native of Montgomery, AL but had lived the past 40 years in Monroeville.  She was a member of Monroeville First United Methodist Church.  Her husband Delmas Ward is also a Leon graduate.  Joellyn's complete obituary can be found HERE. 

Jack passed away on October 24, 2014, at the age of 74, following a battle with cancer. Jack was born in Arcadia, FL to Wallis and Frances Walker and moved to Tallahassee as a young child. He attended Sealy Elementary and it was there that he met the first of five very important men (also known as The Six Toms) who became lifelong friends. Jack graduated from Leon High School and attended Washington & Lee University where he pledged SAE Fraternity. He transferred to FSU and earned a degree in accounting. While at FSU, Jack married his high school sweetheart Carroll Haynie Walker.  The entire obituary can be seen here. 

May 17, 1940 - April 17, 2014

Judy, 73 of Fayetteville, passed away April 17, 2014. She spent her early years moving across the country with her military family. She loved hunting and fishing, horseback riding, water skiing and camping and spent many summers in Quitman and Doerun, Georgia with relatives. She will always be remembered as the  "best batter" on Army baseball teams and being the only "girl" to play. She loved basketball and was captain of the girls team at Forest Park High School her sophomore year.  She moved to Tallahassee where she graduated from Leon High School and attended FSU a short while before getting married to Norman Guy Echols.  Her Obituary can be found here.

July 24, 1940 to April 19, 2011.

 He is listed with both names in our graduating class, having changed his name to the name of his step-father about that time.  Our classmate Sara Sue (Brewer) Richardson was his first wife, and the children of their marriage are listed in Sue’s obituary.  His picture and obituary can be found on this here.

 February 25, 1940  to October 9, 2012. Her picture and obituary can be found here.

1940 to December 2012.  There was a private family service for Betty when she died.  An obituary is not currently available.  Betty wrote a story about her life from 1958 to 1998 that can be found in our 40th Class Reunion book.  (No link available)

April 21, 1940 to December 15, 2012. As well as receiving his high school diploma with our class, Philip, son of Daniel Stoutamire and Nell Hatcher, also earned a diploma in aircraft engines from Lively Technical School.  An obituary is not available, but his family relates that Philip had grown up in the area of Smith Creek near the Ochlockonee River, the region where his Stoutamire ancestors had settled in the 1800’s.  Philip was in the National Guard and went to the helicopter school at Fort Rucker, AL.  He lived at Smith Creek for some of the years after high school, also working in Tallahassee for Hudson Aircraft Engines, the telephone company, and a number of car dealerships.  In the later years of his life, Philip developed health problems and lived in Crawfordville.  (No link available) 

Comments by:   Diana Gendron Hood

Our Alma Mater begins: The red clay hills of Tallahassee harbor memories dear, Memories of our dear old high school .

At our 50th Reunion, classmates are sharing stories and memories.  We are remembering and reliving a part of ourselves with those who shared our experiences at Leon.  Let us really value this time we have together.

At our 40th Reunion, we thought we might see again the people who then shared good times with us.  But many of them are no longer living and able to be with us. Many others have died over the last 50 years. Today we are here with their family & friends to pay tribute to them.

Some of our classmates' lives ended suddenly, with no time for them or their families to prepare. Sometimes it was in accidents; or with a sudden illness; or from a loss of spirit. Others had illnesses that lasted for months or years. Some of them fought to the end against death, - with the poet feeling, "Do not go gentle into that good night" (1). For others, their illnesses brought unbearable pain, and death relieved their long suffering. In those instances, although experiencing a great loss, the feeling of loved ones might have been "You're free at last" (2).   [(1) Dylan Thomas, 1951; (2) Charlie Daniels, 1978]Our classmates died at different stages of their lives. A few of them died with only a short number of years to live after we saw them at Leon; For others, their deaths came at the height of their family life or career; Still others died as they were looking forward to retirement and being able to rest from long years of work. And others died as they were enjoying those retirement years.

You may have specific memories of some of those who have died. Some of them may have been friends with whom you shared times for many years after high school. For others, you may have last visited with them at the 40th reunion; Some of them you may have known from early elementary school years, and all through the years at Leon. Others will only be remembered from our high school years. Whichever the time frame, although former classmates have died, they can "live" in our minds as long as we remember them. Someone has written:

Family members will have, or be told, many remembrances of our classmates who have died.  For those of us who were with them at Leon, perhaps walking the halls today will be a catalyst for memories coming to mind.Perhaps the memory will be of watching George Brand, Doug Cooke, and Buster Warmack as they sang on the Auditorium stage in one of the male quartets;Or it might be when you were in the band with Sandra Lewis, Charles Register, and Ann Turner.Or singing in the chorus with Loy Jean Batchelor, Joe Mac Brown, and Rachel Poitevint.Perhaps the memory will be while working with Ray Smith on one of the plays,Or with Wayne Pike on the school newspaper, or Francine Kalfas on the yearbook;Perhaps the memory will be when you were in DCT with Frances Hutchinson, Buddy Singleton, Edward Watson, and Thelma Wester;The activities of the Lively Tech Club might have been described to you by  Julian Giddens or Carl Parker. You may have been in one of the service clubs with others: Dale Pichard and Jimmy Harris in the Key Club; Joann Gresham in the Anchor Club; Carolyn Fain in Tri-Hi-Y.Or with Joel McNeil in El Cid, Eddie Moras in Chez Nous, or Dick Hoffman in Los Amigos.You may have had similar interests to join Johnny Kever and Ray Powell in Future Farmers; or in the Rod and Gun Club with Howard White, George Sorrie, and Dick Mowell.Or it may have been with Reba Gerrell in Future Homemakers or Sharon LaHayne in the Business Club.Many of our classmates will be remembered on one of the sports teams:Football with Sterling Branche, Jimmy Frohock, Bobby Mathis, Buddy McCue, and Henry Vinson;Basketball with Bobby Chesser;Baseball with John Bramlett, Buddy Carroll, Jack Crutchfield, Tommy Simmons, and Eddie Whitehead;And the Swimming team with Dorothy Anderson and Paul Thompson.Seating near you in class, Lewis Shiplee may have told you about his early ideas for inventions.On a particularly hectic day, you may have been calmed by Chick Clifton’s quiet manner.You may remember Betty Lou Hussey from our early years at Leon. Or you may have met Anthony Whetstonewhen he entered Leon for our Senior year and was trying to make new friends.

For many of these classmates, you may only remember having heard their name long ago, or recognize their photograph as someone seen before when passing in the halls between classes.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning.

We will remember them."[from “For the Fallen”, 1914, by Laurence Binyon] 

Gee, but I'd give the world to see
that old gang of mine!
Like that old quartet
that sang "Sweet Adeline!"

Goodbye, Goodbye , old fellas an' gals goodbye, goodbye, old sweethearts an' pals

Gee, but I'd give the world to see that old gang of  mine!                                                   
We will remember them.

[Verse adapted from song “That Old Gang of Mine”, Perry Como]