Mary Jo Margetis, 79, of Peoria, Illinois passed away Saturday January 29, 2022.

Joe Ray Martin, 61, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Joel John Stitt passed peacefully on Friday January 28, 2022 in Fort Walton Beach, FL surrounded by his family.  Joel was born February 2, 1940 in Watertown, New York to Jeffrey and Naomi Joan (nee Butler) and later step-son to Nick Chrisler.  He lived in New York until relocating to the Panhandle of Florida in the 1980's.  There, in Fort Walton Beach he met his wife Sharon (nee Faulk).

Shortly after marriage they moved to Georgia where Joel worked for Kason Industries as a Quality Control Inspector.  While in Georgia he attended and was the organist for Powell Chapel United Methodist Church in Villa Rica Georgia.  He retired in 2005 after open heart surgery.  Later in 2007 Joel & Sharon returned to Florida to be closer to family.  Retiring to DeFuniak Springs, Florida Joel was very active at the Center Ridge United Methodist Church as an organist/pianist, choir member and assisting in numerous community projects.

Mr. Stitt is preceded in death by his parents; His step-father; his step-son, Clayton Wright and one grandson Carl Vos.  Joel is survived by his sisters, Jacqueline of NY and Jennifer of MD; brother Jeffrey of MD; his son Joel Stitt and wife Tammy; daughter, Judy; son, Jameson all of New York; step children, Angela and Steve Vos of Georgia, George and Rhonda Wright of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Timothy Wright and sister Tammie of Georgia.  Joel leaves in his legacy 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joel was an "interesting" and "unique" individual with a special sense of humor that affected everyone fortunate enough to meet him.  He was also the epitome of Santa to the little ones.  A beloved member of this family and community, he will be sorely missed.

A special thank you goes out the the doctors, nurses and staff of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for the help, kindness and care they extended to this wonderful man we knew as husband, father and PawPaw.  He is in God's hand now.

A memorial service celebrating Joel's life will be held at a future date.  Arrangements entrusted to Family-Funeral & Cremation Mary Esther, FL.  Memorialization will be by Cremation.

Shirley Thorn Wagner 6/29/1943 - 1-28-2022
   Shirley Thorn Wagner passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28th 2022.  She was born on June 29th, 1943 in Kinston, Alabama to Woodrow and Ada Thorn.  She grew up in Samson, Alabama where she attended school and worked in the cotton fields to help support her family of three brothers and one sister.  They were a very close family and the siblings remained close friends throughout their lives.

     She is preceded in death by her husband of over three decades, Paul Wagner; her parents; and her three brothers.

    She is survived by her loving sister Reba Askins; her six sons; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

    Shirley was loved by a  large circle of friends and family that live all over the United States.  She was a powerful businesswoman, an incredible artist of crochet, an accomplished seamstress, and a master chef of traditional southern fare.  She could dance your legs off.

    Shirley loved to travel, especially in her beloved motorhome, of which she had several because she was always upgrading.  She could find scallops when nobody else could.

    Shirley was generous with her love and praise, and would forgive even the most serious offenses.  Her heart was never hard.  She has inspired countless  people with her kindness, pragmatism, creative problem solving, and powerful work ethic.

She will be missed desperately.  We will recover from this devastating loss, because, "Where there is a will, there is a way."

Arrangements entrusted to Family-Funeral & Cremation of Mary Esther, FL (850)226-4240.

Our beautiful mother slipped away on Thursday, January 27, 2022, in her home with her children and her beloved dog "Addie" by her side. "Dottie" Gilmore was born August 19, 1933, in Pensacola to "Bud" & "Bama" Merchant.  She graduated from Pensacola High.  During that time she met the  love of her life, Jerry Michael "Mickey" Gilmore.  They were married June 3rd, 1953.  Their love was undeniable and they went on to build a beautiful life together.  They started their moving business (Gilmore Moving & Storage) in 1958 and she continued to support and work side by side with him in many other business ventures.  She loved preparing delicious meals for her family and friends, even making cookbooks for each of her children to pass their recipes to future generations making personal notes on each one.  Her skills in the kitchen were truly remarkable.  She enjoyed fishing, especially on the Saint Johns River, and miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, even though she disliked water and could not swim.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Mickey Gilmore; parents, Mr. & Mrs. James Merchant; son in law, James Ronald Dorsch III.  She is survived by her loving children, Sharon Dorsch (Ron), Pam Plate (David), Rynn Gilmore, Michael Gilmore (Wende); brother, Donnie Merchant; grandchildren, Jamie (Brad) Williams, Kristen (Jesse) Hampton, Darren Plate, Sara Plate, Kari (Masson) Malone, James Mills, Wesly and Nathan Gilmore; Great grandchildren, Sevion, Giselle, McKenzie, Julianne, Nicholas, Lucas, Sydney, Paige, Raegan, Charlie, and Lillie.

We would like to express a special thank you to those instrumental in moms care; Aileen, Marge, Paula, Jeanie, Carmen, Jessica, Donna, Shauna, Kim, Ashley, Allison, Vita's Hospice and Dr. Gilbert Vigo.  She cared for you all.  We thank you for your kindness and compassion.

We are saddened that we are forced to delay honoring mom but it is unavoidable.  Graveside Services will be held Saturday, February 19th 2:00 pm at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Pkwy NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL.  With a Celebration of Life to follow from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island, 1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

Mom, we will always love you and think of you at each beautiful sunset, which you loved so much.  We will miss your kindness and your wonderful sense of humor which you carried gracefully throughout your journey.

Arrangements entrusted to Family-Funeral & Cremation of Mary Esther, FL (850)226-4240.

Andrew Allen Maier, 58, of Niceville, Florida passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022.

James Michael Reeves, 72, of Panama City, Florida passed away Sunday January 23, 2022.

Brenda Rae Michael, 61, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022.

George R. Jones, 54, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida passed away Wednesday January 19, 2022.

Chase Mackenzie Michael, 33, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away Wednesday, January 19,2022.