REV. JOHN WELDON KING
The Rev. John Weldon King of Blountstown, FL passed away after a short illness on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born in Minot, North Dakota in 1949 to Lawrence and Sadie Yoder King and moved to Florida as a child due to his siblings’ illness requiring a warmer climate. John grew up working at his father’s construction business and was renown for his impressive painting skills. He met the love of his life and future wife, Brenda Capps King, in elementary school and they later married on August 19, 1971. A son followed two years later, who made it all the way to professional baseball and also served 17 years in the United States Army, and of whom John was very proud as he could tell countless stories about him as the day is long.
John devoted his life to the Lord at 16, while attending Williams Memorial in Blountstown, Fl. After graduating from Blountstown High, he attended Chipola College and further devoted himself by pursuing a career in the Methodist ministry. His first appointment was at Altha United Methodist in 1972, followed by Bethel United Methodist in Murphreesboro, TN in 1975. It was during this time he received his Masters of Christian Education from Scarritt College in Nashville. In 1977 he became the associate pastor at Shalimar UMC in Shalimar, FL but transferred his educational expertise to Louisville, KY, where he took a staff position as a Director of Christian Education. It was in 1980 he decided he wanted to serve in a more central role than he had previously held so he attained his Master’s in Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Soon after, he was ordained and admitted to the Louisville Conference, he then transferred to Cedar Grove UMC in Sheperdsville, KY in 1980. In 1983, he was admitted as an ordained elder to the Alabama-West Florida Conference and served at multiple locations across Alabama and Florida until his retirement in 2011, after 37 devoted years. In 2023 he was called back to service at Blountstown United Methodist Church and remained there all the way up until the end. He was known for answering any call, no matter how late. Midnight trips to the ER, long distance drives to the home of an ailing congregation member, anyone in need. It was all the same to John and he will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his cherished son, Bill (Lynda); his five beloved grandchildren: Lexie (James), Torie, JD, Cody, and Sahra; one adorable great granddaughter, Mille Mae. He is also survived by a brother, Roger (Alice), who traveled many hours to sit by his hospital bedside. He is preceded in death by his wife, Brenda, whom he remained devoted to throughout her battle with Lewy Body Demetia. She succumbed to her illness in 2021. His parents, Lawrence and Sadie. Two brothers, LaVern and Verle, and two sisters, Vivian and Rebecca. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will forever resonate in the hearts of all he touched throughout his ministry.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship endowment at Chipola College for students choosing to pursue a career in Christian ministry. Donations for the Reverend John and Brenda King Christian Ministry Scholarship can be made via https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-john-and-brenda-king-with-a-ministry-scholarship-fund, mailed to the Chipola College Foundation, 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, FL, or through the Chipola College Foundation website, https://www.chipola.edu/foundation/donation-information/ .
Funeral services for John will begin with the visitation on Friday September 25, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday September 26, 2026, at Williams Memorial Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 AM CT. Interment will be at the Williams Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home.
LINDA DYKES YON PITTS
Linda Dykes Yon Pitts, 85, well-known for her warmth, wit, humor and generosity, was born on the family farm outside of Altha, on April 25, 1941. She passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will be forever cherished by all who knew her.
Linda was the beloved, eldest daughter of James Willie Dykes and Zannie Bell (Ayers) Dykes. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Travis Dykes, son, Robert Craig Yon, grand- daughter, Lisa Marie “Sissy/Fannie” Yon Stevens, and former husband, Bobby Wayne Yon.
She is survived by her devoted husband, David E. Pitts, with whom she shared many happy years. Children: Arnold W. Yon, Amy Y. Carnley and her husband, Bobby, and her chosen daughter/child-of- the-heart, Melanie Wood. Grandchildren: Robert C. Robbirds and his wife, Shana, Dr. Cody Travis Carnley and his wife, Esra, Cory Justin Carnley, Ethan Taylor and Gracie-Belle Wood, along with her sisters, numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Linda loved, embraced and thoroughly enjoyed being a mother and grandmother. She cherished every moment with her family and never tired of hearing and retelling stories about them. Her grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her at the farm, and they treasured all the fun and adventures they shared there.
Linda’s sisters, Sybil McIntosh and Verlie Culver and her husband, Glenn, are carrying forward the family bonds that were so important to her.
She is also survived by David’s children, Matt Pitts and his wife, Angela, Rhonda Marshall, and her husband, Dale. Grandchildren: Brayden Pitts and his wife, Elena, Adyson, Maria and Hannah Pitts and Gracie Marshall. Great-grand-daughter: Diana Pitts
At Altha High School, Linda played saxophone in the band and was elected Homecoming Queen. After her 1959 graduation and marriage, she worked outside the home and soon became a stay-at-home mother. In 1968, she began a 50+ year service of driving a school bus for Calhoun County Schools, primarily at Altha Public School. She certainly had a gift for managing large groups of children and was loved and respected by them. Linda was ever ready with hugs, comforting words, or anything else a child might need. Every Christmas, she hand-crafted an ornament for each student who rode her bus. Mama loved music and, at her request, Daddy installed a radio and speakers in the bus— possibly to, “Soothe the Savage Beasts”. In addition to being a skilled bus driver, she was a lot of fun—- muddy dirt roads and nake crossings were always good for entertainment. Also, she was a go-to driver for club and school field trips, including Senior trips and Summer 4-H.
After her first retirement, she continued to serve as a substitute and long-term driver for various county schools and later worked at the Bus Shop where, among other talents, her cooking skills were greatly appreciated by the “Bus Shop Boys”.
Linda was a faithful and active member of Macedonia First Baptist Church, where she shared her creativity as the Bible School craft organizer/leader for many years. Despite her failing health and vision, she insisted on continuing to cook for church celebrations and events.
For several years, she served on the District Library Board.
Her hobbies were as diverse as they were heartfelt. Linda was an exceptional cook, known for her ability to serve meals that fed the body and soul and celebrated the occasion. Her love for sewing result- ed in countless handmade garments and crafts that were treasured by family and friends. She was also a skilled wood craftswoman, with an ability to entertain, create beauty and inspire celebration with a band saw.
Linda’s vibrant personality was marked by her quick wit, sense of humor and welcoming hospitality. Her pastor and his wife maintained a running log of her memorable witticisms. Her home was always open, and she had a very strong, “need to feed”. She never passed up an opportunity to offer snacks or meals to anyone who arrived, from family and friends to delivery drivers and strangers.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the church family at Macedonia First Baptist Church for their continued prayers, support, and friendship, as well as the kind and caring staff at Big Bend Hospice.
For anyone who would like to honor Linda’s mem- ory other than with flowers, donations may be made to Macedonia First Baptist Church, located outside Blountstown, Florida.
Linda’s life was a testa- ment to love, laughter, and kindness, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of know- ing her.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida.
A private family funeral will be held at Dykes Cemetery.
MARY LOU WOOD
Mary Lou Wood, 90, of Crawfordville, Florida, passed away on September 22, 2026, in Carrabelle. She was born on September 7, 1936, in Altha, Florida. Mary Lou will be remembered for the life she built around her family, her work, her faith, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. She worked as a hairdresser in Lanark Village, a role that allowed her to serve others with care and personal connec- tion. Outside of work, she enjoyed crochet, line danc- ing, and traveling. She also attended the Assembly of God in Carrabelle, which was an important part of her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Teresa Beidler (Chris) and Debra Jean Wood (Robert); her son, Charlie O’Donald Wood (Marie); her brother, Bobby O’Bryan; as well as 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. May their memories of Mary Lou bring comfort in the days ahead and remain a lasting source of strength and love.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Noble; her father, Charlie O’Bryan; her mother, Edna Estelle Nesmith; her brothers, Damon O’Bryan and Don O’Bryan; and her sister, Jeanette Diamond.
Visitation will be held on October 2, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. central time at Adams Funeral Home, 18034 Main Street North, Blountstown, Florida 32424.
Leola Wingate Bracewell
September 26, 1928 –September 23, 2026
Leola Wingate Bracewell, age 97, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, in Blountstown, Florida, just three days before her 98th birthday.
Leola was born on September 26, 1928, to Perry Lee Wingate and Lovie Leola Bennett.
Leola worked for many years as a fire watcher for the Forestry Service. She spent countless hours high above the surrounding countryside at the top of the fire tower at Blue Creek, until her retirement.
She is survived by her children, Susan Clemmons (Joe), Dale Bracewell (Mary), and Perry Bracewell (Peggy); her grandchildren, Wendy Peddie (Richard), Joe Bracewell (Heather), Karen Bracewell Pittman (Tim), and Jeremy Clemmons; and her great- grandchildren, Cari Sloat, Carlyn Sloat Hayward (Conor), Caeli Sloat, Casey Sewell, Andrew Bracewell, Alexis Bracewell, and Caleb Pittman. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Tombs.
Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Lee Wingate and Lovie Leola Bennett; her husband, Jay L. Bracewell; her brothers, Auston, Preston and Joe Wingate; her sisters, Louise Chase, Lovie Kusick, and Julia Kate Guthormsen; her great-granddaughter, Cierra Sloat; and her great- grandson, Cody Pittman.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 3, 2026 at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm est with Pastor Coy Collins officiating.
Be First to Comment