Pastor's Blog

Roy Durante Johns, a man of unwavering faith and deep devotion to family, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born on June 7, 1948, in Salem, Alabama, Roy was raised with strong work ethics that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Baker High School and Troy State University before beginning a distinguished and proud career as an officer in the United States Air Force. Roy served his country with honor and dedication, embodying the principles of duty, discipline, and patriotism in every step of his military journey.

After retiring from the Air Force, Roy and his wife made their home in Brundidge, Alabama, where he spent many meaningful years with his family and community.

Roy’s life was deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He served faithfully as a Gideon, sharing the Word of God with conviction and compassion. His belief in the power of prayer and Scripture was a guiding light for his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Anita LeGear Johns; his children, Roy Johns II (Nicole) and Angela Johns; and his grandchildren, Kacie Blankenship (Taylor), Roy Johns III (Mary Elizabeth), Lillian Boyer, and Eleanor Boyer. Roy was also a proud great-grandfather to Brayden, Blakelyn, Brent, and Roy Johns IV. He is also survived by five siblings, who will remember him with deep love and respect.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Johns; his mother, Cora Lee Handley; and three siblings.

Roy will be remembered for his strong will, gentle wisdom, and the steadfast love he gave his family. He lived a life of purpose and principle, always putting his faith and loved ones first.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00 until 5:00pm, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope, followed by funeral services at 5:00pm.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00am at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.

William L. ‘Bill’ Goff, 96 was born December 10, 1928, in Carrabelle, Florida. He passed away May 14, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was the son of Thomas Daniel and Ollie Pickron Goff, both of whom predeceased him. Tom passed away when Bill was five years old and Ollie raised him as a single mother. She is to be commended for the wonderful man he became. Bill played in the swamps of Florida as a young boy; and the stories he could tell would fill many books. His grandchildren especially liked the ones about panthers! He could definitely embellish and his memory for detail was phenomenal.
Bill ‘s beloved wife and driving instructor, Sybil ‘Jackie’ Thompson Goff passed away in 2017, after 64 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, Dan and Earnest Goff, son-in-law Billy L. Anderson and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Bill and Jackie were parents to two daughters, Phyllis ‘P J’ Wilkinson (Ron) and Cindy Dubroc (Andre). They loved four grandchildren, Lael Anderson Bosarge, Ethan ‘Chip’ Anderson, Morgan Rowell Williamson (Brian) and Sybil Raye Anderson Poiroux (Jonathan); adored five great-grandchildren Alyssa Williamson, Maci Bosarge, Karleigh Williamson, Brian Thomas Williamson and Kollins Poiroux.

Bill accepted Christ as his Savior as a young man and was honored to become a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay. Bill was an Army veteran, serving 1946 and 1947. He was a long-standing member of a local Masonic lodge. His passion in life was operating heavy equipment and he was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324 for fifty-eight years. After retiring in Michigan, he returned home to Florida, where he enjoyed shrimping, floundering and catching enough oysters to eat raw or make a stew. Following their move to Alabama to be near their children, Bill returned to work. He operated heavy equipment until he was in his mid-eighties. He then worked on his Honey-Do list and kept everything in working order for his daughters.

His family hoped and thought he would live forever. They will love and miss him for the rest of their lives.

Services will be held Monday May 19, 2025, at Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, Alabama 36582. Visitation for family is 12 PM, friends at 1:00 and funeral service with military honors at 2:00PM.

Good morning.  There is much to unpack this morning so stay with me.

First, Betty Hamil was taken by ambulance to the hospital early yesterday morning.  The doctor felt like surgery was an option but not the best option due to Betty’s age.  However, he went back to the hospital late yesterday afternoon, reviewed Betty’s case and then met with Andy telling him that immediate surgery was needed.  Surgery was successful.  The doctor then shared with Andy that, in his opinion, Betty would not have lived through the night if the surgery had not been performed.  Folks, I do not know the surgeon’s name or anything about him but I was very impressed.  Ditto for the hospital staff last night.  Special thanks to Clara Broadus & Crystal Switzer for faithfully standing with/beside Andy & Betty during this time.  Betty is in ICU for the time being.

Robert Baria remains in ICU.  He has covid but that is only a part of his problems.  Roseanne also has been diagnosed with covid.  So, this precious couple needs our prayer support and a touch from God.  Pray!

Tina Sprinkle has been in the hospital for a couple of days.  She has been in much pain.  Tina, as always, is more concerned about others than she is about herself.  What a sweet spirit.  Pray for Tina & Kevin.  Pray for healing in Tina’s body.

Scott’s & Nanette’s newest grandson is in the hospital.  Nanette will go today to help Hunter & Korie take care of the baby and do other things as well.  Pray for the King family!

The visitation with the Bill Goff family takes place today from 1:00PM until the 2:00PM service time at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.  Those who are helping with the meal for the Goff family need to have the food in the Preschool Building by 2:00PM today.  Thank you to each person helping in any way.  Pray for PJ, Cindy and the entire Goff family.

The visitation with the Roy Johns family is from 4:00PM until the 5:00PM service today at the Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope, Alabama.  Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00am at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.  Pray for the John’s family.  We in the Friendship family are obviously praying for Roy’s sister, Clara Broadus, in a special way.

The visitation/service for Mrs. Doris Dowdy, Sue Wyse’s mother, will take place this Saturday, May 24.  Details forthcoming.  Pray for the Dowdy family.

Aaron Baisden’s paternal grandfather passed away and a memorial service took place yesterday in Louisiana.  Pray Aaron and family.

Yes, we were down attendance wise yesterday morning.  The covid virus hit the Friendship family hard – real hard.  However, last night’s soccer ceremony saw the auditorium filled to capacity plus including folks standing in the foyer.  Wow, amazing!  Bro. Abel led those folks to give toward our June GRACE Ministries trip and they gave $1,100 to build two houses – how about that!  Thank you folks for giving to the Lord!

Praying for you to have a great day with Jesus.