History
James Brown Sr., 68
Died February 2, 2021.
McAlester High School, McAlester, OK
History
James M. Brown, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in Sherman, Texas.
James was born on July 30, 1952 in Holdenville to Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie Mae (Knox) Brown. To this union, he was the only child.
During his grade school years, he attended school in San Francisco, California, the Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA), and the Holdenville Public School system. He graduated from Holdenville High School in 1971. He later went on to further his education at East Central University (ECU) in Ada where his major was Psychology and minor in Political Science. He graduated from ECU in 1974.
In that same year of 1974, he married Clarice Williams and they made McAlester their home. To this union, two children were born: James, Jr. and Tiffany.
James soon after went to work for the McAlester Public School system where he taught Psychology for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He returned to work for the McAlester Public School system in 2019 where he taught world history.
During his first tenure with the McAlester Public School System, he served in other official capacities such as City Councilman for the City of McAlester, first from 1982 to 1992, again from 1994 to 2003, then currently from 2018 to present. He proudly served Ward 4 and as Vice Mayor. He also served on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, appointed by Governor Brad Henry, and served for eight years. Six of those years as a board member and two of those years as chairman.
James, affectionately known as “JB” by his family, friends and students, was loved by many. He took the time to get to know those in his life; and paid a great deal of attention to concerns, issues, suggestions, and ideas, whether it be from a family member, friend, student, one of his Ward 4 constituents, or any citizen of McAlester. He encouraged his students to get involved in city, state, and US government, and was known to invite students to attend City Council meetings so that they could become familiar with the process and to know what all was going on within the city. JB was also known to bring prominent figures to speak to students in the classroom; something they all seemed to have enjoyed. One of his most proud and talked about guests was also a very special friend to him, the late Rev. Wade Watts. JB believed in empowering his students with as much knowledge, information, and wisdom as possible.
The Afro Student Union (ASU) was very dear to James. It was designed not for some, but for all students who wanted to join. ASU exemplified what JB’s main goal was in life; and that was to bring all people together regardless of who they were, what they had, or their walk of life; to include them and made sure that they knew the purpose for their life mattered.
During his already busy life, James found the time to become a great asset to other state entities such as the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) and Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center by rendering his time, service, consultation, and dedication to their daily operation. James was dedicated in many other aspects, both known and unknown through his life. He lived a life of service and was highly respected by all that knew him.
James leaves to carry on his legacy his daughters: Jamie Kennedy (Kevin) of Houston, Texas, Tiffany Brown-Chance (Alan) of Fort Worth, Texas; son: James M. Brown, Jr. of McAlester; grandsons: Darrion, Kamren, Jackson; granddaughters: Paige, Makayla, and Kaitlyn; 4 great-granddaughters; his great aunt: Jean Roberts of McAlester; and a host of cousins and friends who all meant a lot to him.
James was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie (Knox) Brown; his paternal grandparents: Clarence Brown, Sr. and Izoller Pope; his maternal grandparents: George and Rebecca Knox; former mother-in-law: Bertha Williams; and special friends: Rev. Wade Watts and Senator Gene Stipe.
John Huffman, 53
Died February 14, 2021.
Cross Creek High School, Augusta, GA
History
Mr. John Croft Huffman, aged 53, passed away from his Earthly home on February 14, 2021. Born in Augusta on December 29, 1967, John was a graduate of Aquinas High School, received a BA from Augusta College and an MA from the University of Idaho and was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity.
John was a beloved history teacher at Cross Creek High School and served as a mentor to many. He commissioned each of his students to “do great deeds both big and small for your fellow man”. In addition to his teaching career, John had a love of firearms and worked as both a gun salesman and appraiser. His favorite hobby was collecting and refurbishing guns. John was a man of great faith and attended the Baptist Church and The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. John was a devoted family man and especially loved and cared for his two children and two stepsons. He was loved by his entire family and will be deeply missed. John was predeceased by his parents, Rosalinde Mae Horne Huffman and Richard William Huffman of Augusta.
He is survived by his two children, William John Huffman and Lily Elizabeth Huffman, two step-sons, Charles Milton Banks III and Richard West Banks, and a brother, Richard (Rick) William Huffman Jr all of Augusta. He is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth West Huffman, Martha McDaniel West, John Richard West, Jr all of Augusta, and Ann Margaret West Dancy (Frank) of Atlanta, and an aunt and uncle, Rebecca Card Domenech and Phillip Domenech of Athens as well as his best friend Nick Sexton of Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John de la Howe Agricultural School in McCormick, South Carolina. In standing with social distancing, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Michael Floyd, 50
Died January 28, 2021.
The Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, AL
History, Track & Field Coach
Mchael Preston Floyd, 50, of Montgomery, Alabama, died Thursday, January 28th, from complications of Covid-19.
He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Shirley Wade Floyd and the late Robert Donald Floyd, Jr. He is survived by his brother Donald Floyd (Lisa), nieces Hailey Floyd, Lindsey Floyd and nephew Samuel Floyd, beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and his faithful furry companion, Jackson.
Michael graduated from E. C. Glass High School and Frostburg State University. After obtaining his degree in History and Education, he went on to teach his favorite subject AP World History, and coach young athletes in track and field, cross country, and pole vault (a special favorite). For the last ten years Michael made his home in Alabama, while serving as teacher and a head coach at The Montgomery Academy. He was devoted to his students and athletes and he worked tirelessly to help them succeed in academics, athletics and life.
Michael found opportunities to serve the broader Montgomery community by organizing and hosting the Race for Hunger Track Meet, which gave students and athletes an opportunity to raise funds to support the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
Michael’s family, friends, students, and colleagues will greatly miss him. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The Floyd family recommends the following charities for anyone who wishes to make a contribution in Michael’s memory:
The Montgomery Academy Track and Field Program
Montgomery Area Food Bank 521 Trade Center Street Montgomery, AL 36108
Glen Richardson, 66
Mann Middle School, Abilene, TX
History
Abilene ISD said the loss of a longtime teacher who died from COVID “will be felt deeply.”
Glen Richardson, 66, died Friday.
Hired by the AISD in 1989, Richardson worked at Locus Elementary School before moving to Mann Middle School in 1995.
He was currently teaching 8th grade U.S. History.
“For the thousands of students who were in Glen’s classrooms over the years – as well as the hundreds of staff members he served with – Glen was Mann Middle School,” said Superintendent Dr. David Young. “His loss will be felt deeply on that campus and throughout our entire school district.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
Richardson’s wife, Charlene, is still hospitalized with COVID. Skates said she is improving.
Below is the email Dr. Young sent to the rest of the district about Richardson’s death.
AISD Family,
As many of you now know, Mann Middle School teacher Glen Richardson passed away last Friday afternoon. I know you join me in offering the Richardson family our deepest condolences. The Abilene ISD will do everything it can to support and provide assistance to Mann students and staff members in the coming weeks as they grieve Glen’s loss. The district has counselors available to both students and staff as they work through the grieving process.
Glen Richardson was hired by the AISD in August 1989 and worked at Locus Elementary School before going to Mann Middle School in 1995. For the thousands of students who were in Glen’s classrooms over the years – as well as the hundreds of staff members he served with – Glen was Mann Middle School. His loss will be felt deeply on that campus and throughout our entire school district. We will all miss him very much.
Glen’s daughter, Reagan Skates, wrote to us earlier Wednesday, saying “He touched more people than anyone can ever imagine and if you talk to people about him, they will tell you that he gave his whole heart and career to making sure he did his best for his kids and co-workers. He was genuine.”
I believe each of us who are parents would want our children to remember us the way Reagan remembers her dad. His impact will be long-remembered, and his absence will be felt by those who knew and loved him.
Funeral arrangements for Glen have not yet been finalized. We will keep you updated on the family’s wishes and any support you might offer. Please continue to keep the Richardson family and the Mann Middle School community in your prayers, especially as we near the Christmas holiday.
Thomas Slade, 53
Died September 6, 2020.
Vancleave High School, Vancleave, MS
History
Thomas E. Slade II of Vancleave, MS passed away on September 6, 2020.
He was born on December 30, 1966. Tom was a Christian man and wanted to share God with everyone. He served the Lord in every way he could. Tom was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Vancleave, where he served as a deacon and secretary of the deacons. He loved singing in the choir and was honored to be a Sunday School teacher. He was a Past Master of the Ezel Lodge 426 and served as the secretary. Tom always looked to find the good in people. He had a love of teaching. Tom said that God lead him in the direction of teaching when he was a little boy. He did not just teach History, He cared for all his students and wanted to help them in any way he could.
God truly blessed me with Tom. He was a Christian, a gentleman, and a loving, trusting, and devoted husband and father. He loved his family and always put them first.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Inabinette Slade; brother, Thomas Lamar Slade; and maternal grandparents, Mack and Martha Inabinette and Rev. William and Ava Slade.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Maples Slade; daughter, Olivia Susanna Slade; son, Malachi Maples Slade; father, Thomas (Gene) Slade, Sr.; sister, LaGina (Rob) Landstreet; honorary sister, Amy (Keith) Garrison; extended family member, Juanita Burt; nieces and nephews; and many more friends and relatives.