Brackney Funeral Service

Brackney Funeral Service Brackney Funeral Service is a family owned and operated, full service funeral home located in beautiful Crestview, Florida.

We have been proudly serving our community since 1998 and since the beginning, our mission has been to help ease the burden and improve the experience that one has when going through the trying time of arranging a loved one’s funeral. This goal is accomplished through our staff of well-trained professionals who, with heart, sensitivity, and creativity, help guide each of our clients to the finest personalized solution.

Donald Michael Childs, age 27, passed away on February 15, 2026, in Okaloosa County, Florida.Born on October 5, 1998, in...
02/20/2026

Donald Michael Childs, age 27, passed away on February 15, 2026, in Okaloosa County, Florida.

Born on October 5, 1998, in Crestview, Florida, Donald was raised in Laurel Hill and spent most of his life in Crestview. As a child, he attended Lifepoint Church with his family, where many of his early values of faith, family, and service were nurtured. He was a 2017 graduate of Crestview High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

In 2019, Donald proudly enlisted in the United States Army, answering the call to serve his country. He completed Basic Training with C Company 2-54 Infantry, 198th Brigade at Fort Benning. From 2019 to 2022, he was stationed with D Company, 2-30 Infantry Regiment at Fort Polk and deployed to Kuwait in 2021 for approximately three months. During his three years and two months of service, Donald demonstrated courage, loyalty, and dedication to his fellow soldiers and his nation.

Following his honorable military service, Donald continued serving his community as a Corrections Officer with the Department of Corrections. Prior to his career in corrections, he was employed by Dana Safety Supply, Williams Communication Inc, and Duce & Co. In each role, he was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to doing his best.

Donald loved the outdoors, especially deep-sea fishing, which brought him great joy and peace. Time spent on the water was among his happiest moments.

He is survived by his loving mother, Tammy Whitley; his brother, Tyler Golden; his sister, Destiny Nunez; his brother-in-love, Tony Nunez; his uncle, Michael Whitley Jr.; his aunt, Rebecca Whitley; his grandmother, Mary Whitley; his grandfather, Michael Whitley Sr.; and many other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by no immediate family members.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Donald’s life was marked by service, strength, and deep love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Lifepoint Church Gymnasium with Pastor Mike McVay and Pastor Mike Lugones officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Life Point Church Gymnasium.
Donald will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:00 am. Family and friends are asked to meet at Olive Baptist Church – Warrington Campus, 103 Winthrop Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot. From there, all will proceed together in a procession, led by the funeral director, to the cemetery.
You can share memories and offer condolences at http://www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.

Funeral Directors like Owner Terry Brackney are coordinators and consultants, but that's not all. They're also caring co...
02/20/2026

Funeral Directors like Owner Terry Brackney are coordinators and consultants, but that's not all. They're also caring comforters who assist families in crisis, offering compassion and courage. Brackney Funeral Service, serving the Florida Panhandle area since 1998. (850) 683-9898

Dean Francis Viertel, 87, of Crestview, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, Fe...
02/19/2026

Dean Francis Viertel, 87, of Crestview, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Dean was born on March 19, 1938, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to George Francis Viertel and Mildred Emma Viertel. He later moved from Peoria to Crestview, Florida, where he made his home and built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Dean proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 27 years, retiring with honor as a dedicated aircraft mechanic. His strong work ethic, mechanical skill, and commitment to excellence were evident throughout his military career. He carried that same dedication into every aspect of his life.

A faithful and devoted member of Milligan Assembly of God, Dean’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was actively involved in his church community and cherished the fellowship and friendships he built there. His love for the Lord and his church family was evident to all who knew him.

Dean was preceded in death by his six children: Randy, Cindy, Candy, Patrick Viertel, Richard Meier, and Roxanne Hall; his brothers Mark and Kemp Gaffer; and other beloved family members who welcomed him into eternal rest.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Patricia Ann Viertel; his son Rusty Wright; and his daughter Pam Brooks. He is also survived by his brothers Tadd Gaffer and Deon Gaffer; his brother-in-law Joseph (Billie Joyce) Sprinkle; his sister Joan (Stephen) Mueller; his sisters-in-law Betty Dietle and Sharon Alexander; along with 23 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Dean will be remembered for his steadfast faith, deep love for his family, patriotic service to his country, and the steady, dependable presence he brought to every life he touched. His legacy of strength, devotion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Mike White officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

For a room to receive friends, a chapel for life celebrations, or simply a quiet corner to reflect, you'll find it at Br...
02/18/2026

For a room to receive friends, a chapel for life celebrations, or simply a quiet corner to reflect, you'll find it at Brackney Funeral Service. Staff members are here to guide you. For more on our facilities, call (850) 683-9898.

Nadine Jackson Stiller, age 77, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2025, at her residence in Short...
02/17/2026

Nadine Jackson Stiller, age 77, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2025, at her residence in Shorterville, Alabama. She was born on May 17, 1948, in Baker, Florida, to the late Lenwood Jackson and Bonice Jordan Jackson.

Nadine shared a beautiful 50‑year marriage with her late husband James, and together they built a life filled with love, resilience, and countless adventures. She was also preceded in passing by their son Jerry, her sister Sarah Jackson Henderson, brother Andrew Jackson, and brother‑in‑law Donnie Adkison.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Denice Stiller (William) of Las Vegas, Nevada; granddaughters Morgan Opp Molina (Mario) and Paige Opp‑Hines (Joey); and two great‑grandchildren who meant the world to her, Layla and Vincent Molina. Nadine also leaves behind her beloved niece Tonia Davis (Shannon), whom she lovingly considered another daughter.
She is survived by her siblings Glenda Jackson Adkison, Len Jackson (MaryBeth), Patsy Jackson Wilkerson (Dennis), and brother‑in‑law Jim Henderson, as well as numerous Stiller and Jackson family members who held a special place in her heart.
Nadine’s life was one of movement, purpose, and connection. She and her family traveled throughout the southeastern United States, and in every place they lived, Nadine found ways to touch lives. She was known as a sister, a friend, and a mother figure to many.
A true do‑it‑all woman, Nadine poured love and energy into every part of her life. She cared deeply for her five fur babies and was a lover of all creatures. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, canning, and taking on new DIY projects. Whatever she did, she did it with joy and generosity.
Her warmth, strength, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 beginning at 11:00 am at Pyron Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor Bill McGraw officiating. Burial to follow at Pyron Chapel Cemetery.

Starting a family conversation about end-of-life preparations gives everyone a voice. It also shows how much you value t...
02/16/2026

Starting a family conversation about end-of-life preparations gives everyone a voice. It also shows how much you value those you love most. Call Brackney Funeral Service (850) 683-9898 and preplan with Apprentice Funeral Director Amber Brackney.

When immediate family members feel faint from all that must be done, it's almost impossible to handle anything else. It'...
02/13/2026

When immediate family members feel faint from all that must be done, it's almost impossible to handle anything else. It's why Funeral Assistants like Alexa Buning take care of the extras so the family can support each other. Brackney Funeral Service, since 1998. (850) 683-9898

02/12/2026

Join us, Thursday, February 12th for a self care social!

Sponsored by: Vitas Healthcare



WRH Realty Services, LLC

On Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 9:07 p.m., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-gr...
02/12/2026

On Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 9:07 p.m., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and faithful friend, Philip W. Kent, peacefully closed his eyes on this earthly life and opened them to his heavenly chapter.

Born in Chipley on January 12th, 1940, and raised in Bonifay, Philip carried his small-town roots and values with him wherever life led him. Those early years shaped a man of steady character, sharp intellect, loving spirit, and deep faith in the Lord. He served his country honorably in the United States Army, a chapter that reflected his lifelong devotion to duty and discipline.

Philip possessed a mind that seemed to delight in complexity. As a mathematician for NASA during the Apollo 1 through 11 missions, he helped calculate pathways that carried humanity beyond the pull of Earth. While astronauts touched the moon, Philip's quiet calculations helped chart the course. His work was precise, brilliant, and a part of history itself.

Yet his achievements did not stop at science or mathematics; Philip authored a book, Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah), giving a written voice to his spiritual encounters and experiences – though he would tell you he was the coauthor, with God laying the groundwork. His talents extended well beyond numbers, science, music, and writing. Whatever he set his mind to, he pursued with determination and excellence. Mediocrity was simply not in his vocabulary.

More than any professional accomplishments he achieved in this life, was his unwavering faith. Philip was a firm believer in our Lord Jesus Christ, and he lived that belief openly and actively. Through nursing home and jail ministries, through music and words, he brought hope into rooms that often felt forgotten. He did not merely speak of his faith; he carried it to those who needed it most.

To his family, he was a foundation, a steady hand, a source of wisdom, humor, and strength. Through 65 years of marriage to his beautiful wife, Patricia “Patsy” Kent, he set the example of what true love and devotion should look like. His legacy stretches across generations, woven into the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry forward his values, stories, and abundant love.

Philip W. Kent lived fully, served faithfully, believed deeply, and loved generously. Though his earthly chapter has come to a close, the impact of his life continues to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be performed by Brackney Funeral Service – 480 E. James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539.

Friday, February 13th, 2026
Visitation: 10 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m.
Graveside Service at Bonifay Cemetery: 2 p.m.

(Lovingly Written By Krystal “Krissy” (Kent) Sterbaggi - Granddaughter)

Alvin Robert (Bobby) Henderson came into the world on August 20, 1941, the first of six children born to Matelon and Rut...
02/11/2026

Alvin Robert (Bobby) Henderson came into the world on August 20, 1941, the first of six children born to Matelon and Ruth (Currie) Henderson. He graduated from Crestview High School in 1959 and attended Pensacola Junior College. Bobby had an aptitude for things of an electrical nature and went to work for Casey Electric. His tenure with Casey was interrupted by a season of honorable service in the US Army during the Vietnam era. He returned to Casey after Vietnam and then finished his working years in Civil Service on and around Eglin Air Force Base.

While Bobby was away in Vietnam, his younger brother Barney thought he'd met just the girl for his big brother. And Barney was right. Linda Sue McCallum was just the girl for Bobby. They met at church on Bobby's first Sunday home from Vietnam. Bobby and Linda were married on November 25, 1967 and enjoyed all fifty-eight years of their marriage. Over the course of the first fourteen years of their marriage, God made Bobby into the very best girl dad. First, when Nancy Elizabeth (the engine) was born and then Rebecca Ann (Becky, the caboose). He set the example they should look for in their own husbands, and when they did get married he loved Gary Lundy and Jimmy Breda like they were his own sons.

While Bobby was an amazing girl dad, he really wanted to be a granddad. God granted the desire of his heart and sent along Emily Grace (Deven), Dalton Hugh, and Sarah Catherine to joyfully pick all the strawberries and blueberries and tomatoes and peppers and apples and peaches he could grow for them. He loved nothing more than to enjoy seeing the world through their eyes.

Even more than any of his family, Bobby loved Jesus, and he loved Him best. He served Jesus by serving his community and his church. For the vast majority of the nearly 57 years that he lived in the Holt community, Bobby had a quiet but steadfast commitment to minister to stranded travelers on what he considered "his" stretch of I-10 between the Holt and Crestview exits. He fixed flat tires, reattached important
wires, gave a lift, and, on more than one occasion, provided a place to stay for the night. Bobby could have allowed the circumstances of his childhood or the genetic influence of his ancestors to determine the kind of life he would give his family, but he didn't. He chose a far more excellent way. By loving and serving his savior, he showed everyone that Jesus actually IS the answer. By loving and serving his wife, he showed his daughters how and with whom they could build their own amazing families. By loving and serving his neighbors, he showed his community how to live like Heaven has already come to Earth.

Bobby moved to Heaven at the age of 84 on February 10, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Barney and Paul, his sister Vivian, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Beulah McCallum, and four angel grandbabies. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, daughters and their husbands, Nancy (Gary) Lundy and Becky (Jimmy) Breda, grandchildren Emily (Deven) Ingley, Dalton Lundy, and Cate Breda, sisters Faye (Lee) Jones, Annette (Darby) Rhoads, brothers-in-law Doug Wall and Roger (Cathy) McCallum, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is grateful for the care and concern showed to us on this journey by everyone who has made up our village, but we'd especially like to thank Dr. Josh Kolmetz and the entire staff of Main Street Medical Clinic, Jodi L'Heureux, ARNP, Twin Cities Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice.

A memorial service celebrating Bobby’s life will be held on February 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker, Florida. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the "Entrusted" Fund at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (5595 FL Hwy 4, Baker, FL 32531), Backpack Buddies of Baker (www.backpackbuddiesofbaker.org or PO Box 81, Baker, FL 32531), or your favorite missions organization. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brackney Funeral Service. www.brackneyfuneralservice.com

The traditional funeral remains a cherished way to honor life. With visitation, ceremony, and burial, families have time...
02/11/2026

The traditional funeral remains a cherished way to honor life. With visitation, ceremony, and burial, families have time to share memories and begin healing. Brackney Funeral Service will help you create a farewell filled with love, comfort, and grace. To preplan or make arrangements, call (850) 683-9898.

Address

480 E. James Lee Boulevard
Crestview, FL
32539

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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