Obituaries 2-15
James Watling
Mr. Watling of Seagrove Beach and Castle Park, Mich., passed away at sunset on Feb. 13, 2012. He was born Oct. 14, 1942, in Greenville, SC to John W. and Wilhelmina Watling.
Mr. Watling was Episcopalian by faith. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel & Restaurant Management. He worked as a business broker and in the real estate industry for many years. He owned Watling Real Estate in Cleveland, NY and Acquisition Associates in Holland, Mich. Mr. Watling enjoyed watching sunsets, gardening and being near the water, having lived near water most of his life. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends — and especially his faithful companion, Arthur, his dachshund.
Mr. Watling is preceded in death by his parents, grandmother, Wilhelmina Leach, stepfather, G. Thomas Judd, and his brother, Hugh Breckenridge.
Mr. Watling is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lynne Watling of Seagrove Beach and Castle Park; daughters, Kimberly M. Watling of Holland, Kelly W. Stroburg and husband Jake of Ada, Mich., and his “daughter”/niece, Shawna R. Standish and her husband Rob of Grand Rapids, Mich.; brothers, John W. Watling, II and wife Beverly, Thomas Watling and wife Laura, Andrew Watling and wife Karen, Wright Watling and Charlie Watling; sisters, Christine W. Paddock, Ann B. Dorsey, Wilhelmina Rippetoe and husband Patrick; cousin, Sallie Coughlin and husband Curt; and grandchildren, James Stroburg, Gibson Stroburg, Nora Standish and David Standish.
Throughout his life Mr. Watling had many accomplishments, most of which he humbly kept to himself. He was the president of the Michigan Association of Business Brokers for several years in the 1990s. He was one of the founders of the Presidents’ Council of Sandestin, and served on its board from 2006 until his passing. He was an officer, serving as its treasurer from 2007 until his passing. The Council’s charter is to promote responsible development with the objective of preserving the lifestyle of the community and its ambience. He worked tirelessly with the Presidents’ Council to assure the charter’s objectives were promoted among the 57 members of the council. Mr. Watling also worked tirelessly as the president of the Beachside II Condominium Association Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2008 and president emeritus until his passing, remaining closely involved in the well being of the association.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held in Santa Rosa Beach and Castle Park at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, loving gifts may be made to one of the following organizations that were close to Jim: The Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, Emerald Coast Hospice at 4374 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446, Hospice of Holland, MI at 44 104th Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, and St. Jude Children’s Research at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
He was a protecting and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He exemplified humility, grace, intelligence, right word and action, compassion, strength, fortitude and humor. He was the light of our lives and his physical touch in our lives is missed and will be forever. We love you — may you rest in Divine arms of love and peace continuing the works of the good, right and just. Thank you for being all of these things and so much more for us. Lighting a candle for you for eternity. Love you until the end of space and time. Xoxoxo
Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Irene W. Garrett
Mrs. Irene W. Garrett died peacefully Feb. 15, 2012, at The Destin Health and Rehab Center. Born Feb. 19, 1924, she was a life long resident of Freeport, Fla.
She is preceded in death by her parents and by one great-grandson, Kolby Sconiers.
She is survived by her four children, Jim Shaw and wife Mae of Pascagoula, Miss., Brenda McLean of Freeport, Sue Holman and husband Kenneth of Destin, and Dinky Redmon and husband Carl of Opp, Ala.; sisters, Joann Brigman of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and Faye Taunton and husband Harold of Letohatchee, Ala.; brother, Mark Johnson of Freeport; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, whom she adored. She was loved by many and had a host of friends who will greatly miss her. She lived an exemplary life and loved her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
A time of visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Feb. 18 at, at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel, 230 Park Ave. in DeFuniak Springs.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Glyn Lowery officiating.
Burial will be at Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport.
Flowers are being accepted.
Clary-Glenn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
