Obituaries

Obituaries in Panama City, Florida and Surrounding Areas

Carol Bieler

Carol Bieler

Oct 23, 2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Carol E. (Wild) Bieler, age 85. Carol was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away peacefully in Panama City Beach, FL on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Carol was born on December 29,1940 in Philadelphia, PA. and graduated from Germantown High School in 1957. She treasured her family and the friendships she cultivated...

Larry Brent Jones Sr.

Larry Brent Jones Sr.

Sep 27, 2026

Larry Brent Jones Sr. passed away on September 27, 2026, in Tallahassee. He was born on July 20, 1946, in Hollywood, Florida. He will be remembered with love as a devoted family man, a memorable storyteller, a lover of music, and a true Florida cowboy whose personality left a lasting impression on those around him.

Larry moved to Okeechobee, Florida, with...

Jonathan Lee Hinkle

Jonathan Lee Hinkle

Sep 25, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Jonathan L Hinkle on September 25 th , 2026. Jonathan’s life was one of meaningful connections, sincere friendships and many accomplishments whether it was through playing poker or helping others. His role as a Son, Brother, Husband and friend he left a legacy defined by dignity...

Harry Luther Hess

Harry Luther Hess

Sep 12, 2026

Harry Luther Hess, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12th at 1:47 a.m. while under compassionate Hospice care after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to Luther Frank Hess and Margaret Lucy Gordon, Harry grew up with a quick wit and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Harry was the proud father of...

George W. Gray Jr.

George W. Gray Jr.

Sep 10, 2026

George W. Gray Jr. was born on February 5, 1958, in Decatur, Alabama. He passed away on September 10, 2026.The son of the late George W. Gray Sr. and Maxie Gray, George moved with his family to Sneads, Florida, in 1969 Sneads became home, and it was where he grew up and spent much of his life.George served with the...

Mark Costa

Mark Costa

Sep 7, 2026

Mark Costa, age 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026. Born on May 14, 1958, in Ludlow, Massachusetts, Mark spent most of his adult life in Panama City, Florida. He worked in the construction industry and took great pride in helping develop many of the office buildings and homes that became part of communities along the Gulf Coast.

In...

Judtih Viola Rowell Pye

Judtih Viola Rowell Pye

Aug 30, 2026

Judith Viola Rowell Pye, known to everyone as "Judy," 78, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A lover of people and quick-witted to the very end, Judy left an impression on everyone she met.

 Judy was born January 5, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the late Harry and Betty G. Rowell....

Terry Wakley Modlin Jr.

Terry Wakley Modlin Jr.

Jul 28, 2026

Terry Wakley Modlin, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026. He was born September 27, 1975, in Clearwater, Florida. He was a true Florida boy who loved to fish, work outdoors doing various landscaping jobs, listen to Christian rap music, and watch NFL football, especially his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jackie and...

Theodore Calvin Houchins

Theodore Calvin Houchins

Jun 30, 2026

Theodore Calvin Houchins, known to many as Calvin, passed away on June 30, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on March 12, 1969, in Louisville, Kentucky, Calvin later made his home in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and the...

Charles Sparks

Charles Sparks

Jun 10, 2026

Charles Sparks, 78, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on June 10, 2026, peacefully with his family by his side. 

Born on May 24, 1947, in Front Royal, Virginia, he was the beloved son of Robert and Phoebe Sparks. 

Charles is survived by his son, JR Sparks, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Sparks; his sisters, Sue Clatterbuck and Liz Williams; and numerous nieces and...

Hazel Marie Sexton-Hope

Hazel Marie Sexton-Hope

May 14, 2026

Hazel Marie Sexton-Hope, 59, passed away on May 14, 2026. Hazel was an extraordinary woman whose remarkable spirit touched everyone around her. She possessed a unique talent for turning her ideas into reality, whether through her beautiful art or her delicious cooking. Above all, her greatest joy came from her children and grandchild.

Hazel is survived by her beloved sons, Travis...

Franklin Billy Gowen

Franklin Billy Gowen

Apr 4, 2026

Franklin Billy Gowan, of Fountain, Florida, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on March 16, 1939, in Glenwood, Georgia, to Irvin Gowan and Kate (Morrison) Gowan, who preceded him in death. Franklin was also preceded in death by all of his siblings, his brothers, Peewee, Edward, and Bobby Gowan, and his sisters,...

Robert "Bob" Forrest

Robert "Bob" Forrest

Mar 9, 2026

Robert "Bob" Forrest age 87 passed away March 9, 2026 surrounded by loving family members. He was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania the son of William, an immigrant from Scotland, and Carolyn Forrest, a Pennsylvania native. Bob graduated from Sarasota High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country proudly for four years and then enrolled...

Gilbert Doyle Rader

Gilbert Doyle Rader

Feb 20, 2026

Gilbert Doyle Rader, of Panama City Beach, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on June 9, 1946, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Doyle was a vibrant presence whose life was characterized by his deep love for family, his passion for sports, and his unwavering faith.

Doyle was devoted to his beloved wife, Ronda Rader, sharing many...

Karen Jean Russ Hammons Curtis

Karen Jean Russ Hammons Curtis

Feb 9, 2026

Karen Jean Russ Hammons Curtis, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 62. She was born on July 2, 1963, in Panama City, Florida, and graduated from Mosley High School in 1981. Karen dedicated a significant part of her life to helping others as a social worker, a commitment that reflected her...

Charles James Simon Jr.

Charles James Simon Jr.

Feb 3, 2026

Charles James Simon, Jr., aged 79, of Laguna Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born in Sandusky, OH, and raised in Sylacauga, AL, Charles began his almost 40-year career working in the textile industry for Avondale Mills in 1966 while still a student at Samford University in Birmingham. He loved football, specifically the Auburn Tigers, ZZ...

Mary L Phillips

Mary L Phillips

Feb 2, 2026

Mary L. Phillips, born on May 26, 1946, in Manhattan, New York, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Bonifay, Florida. She will be remembered as a devoted family member who cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Family was very important to Mary, and she took immense joy in their lives. Her children, James Thomas of...

Omar Thomas Deen

Omar Thomas Deen

Jan 30, 2026

Omar Thomas Deen, 90, of Panama City, Florida, went home to be with his Lord on January 30, 2026, surrounded by family, after a life marked by faith, service, and deep love for God and others.

Born on August 9, 1935, in Dante, Virginia, Omar was the son of Lebanese immigrant parents, Thomas A. Deen and Adele R. Deen. His father...

Donna Marie Vennero

Donna Marie Vennero

Jan 23, 2026

Donna Marie Vennero, 62 of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away January 23, 2026. Donna was born May 20, 1963, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to the late Donald and Patricia Bender.

She is survived by her beloved Husband, Sam Vennero: her son, Michael Stein of Lebanon, Tennessee; her brother, Donald "Buzzie" Bender and his wife Julie of Panama City Beach, Florida; her...

Tony Ray Bonner Sr.

Tony Ray Bonner Sr.

Jan 21, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Tony Ray Bonner Sr., a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. He passed away January 21, 2026 at the age of 59. Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love for his family and simple, cherished pastimes.

Born to Willie Clyde...