Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during March 2003, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200303L.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of Randolph Publishing, Roanoke, Alabama. Randolph Publishing retains copyright but has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Marilyn M. Girardi <MMGir@aol.com> ============================================= May 2003 The Randolph Leader March 5, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: James Thomas Melton (WEDOWEE) Services for James Thomas Melton, 65, of Wedowee, will be Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Midway United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Johnny Foster officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Melton died Monday, March 3, at Hospice LaGrange. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Melton was born Feb. 25, 1938, son of William Riley and Mable McLeroy Melton. He was a member of Midway United Methodist church and had been employed with Franklin Tool & Die. Survivors include on[e] son and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Cheryl Melton of LaGrange, Ga.; two grandchildren and a special friend, Dorothy Smith of Wedowee. Mr. Melton will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services. Pallbearers will be Chip Cofield, David Cofield, Rusty Sandera and Jack Gross. Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to Hospice LaGrange or Midway Church Building Fund. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ John D. Weathers (WOODLAND) Services for John D. Weathers, 69, of Woodland were Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at 1 p.m. CST at Liberty Baptist Church, Bowdon, Ga., with the Rev. Ken Bowman, the Rev. Charles Wright and the Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial was at White's Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery, Roanoke. Mr. Weathers died suddenly on Sunday, March 2, in Carroll County, Ga. A Randolph County native, Mr. Weathers was born May 18, 1933, son of Willie B. and Flora Bell Adcock Weathers. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of Liberty Baptist Church and had been employed with Kroger. Survivors include his wife, Florine Weathers of Woodland; a daughter, Winette Rochester of Woodland; one son, Keith Weathers of Sebastian, Fla.; one sister Linda Ann Brown of Hogansville, Ga.; two brothers, Oliver Weathers of Dallas, Ga., and Bonney Weathers of Rex, Ga.; and four grandchildren. Pallbearers were John Rochester, Joedy Rochester, Dustin Chasse, Josh Herren, Nathan Britt, Adam Manghrum, Matt Weathers, Steve Prince and Ricky Ussery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Charlotte B. G. Goodwin-McCullough (WOODLAND) Charlotte B. G. Goodwin-McCollough, 42, died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Ga. She was born on Dec. 6, 1960, in Heard County, Ga., daughter of the late James D. Goodwin and Bernice Barrett-Goodwin. She joined Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church at an early age, where she remained a faithful member until death. She was preceded in death by her son, Anthony Cortez Goodwin. Surviving are her husband, Donald Eugene McCollough; a daughter, Natasha Lashun McCollough; a stepson, Brawny J. McCollough; two granddaughters; four sisters, Rita Bell of Roanoke, Martha R. Goodwin of Woodland, and Linda G. Goodwin and Shelia Thomas of Bowdon, Ga.; one brother, Keith E. Goodwin of Woodland; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other close relatives and friends. Arrangements were by Walker's Funeral Home, Carrollton. Note: McCullough/McCollough has been spelled as written in obituary. __________ John Henry Rowe (DAVISTON) John Henry Rowe, 69, of Daviston, died Friday Feb. 28, 2003, at his residence. Services will be Thursday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Wadley, with the Rev. Hollis Boykin and the Rev. James Wright officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Moline Rowe of Daviston; a daughter, Ms. Wanda M. Rowe of Austell, Ga.; a son, Mark E. Rowe of Wedowee; one grandson; a sister, Mrs. Eddie Lee Morgan of Atlanta; three aunts; a special niece, Ms. Millie Thomas of Daviston; and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be on Wednesday after 10 a.m. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to services. Mr. Rowe was born Sept. 28, 1933, in Wadley, son of the late Jessie Rowe Sr. and Corena Higgins Rowe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Jessie Rowe Jr., Robert Rowe, Jessie Mae Reese and Hazel Rowe. He was a lifelong member of Mount Olive United Methodist Church in the Dickert community. Mr. Rowe retired in 1996 after working as a pallet operator for Bailey Lumber Company. Arrangements are by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Lucille Rampy Loftin (BOWDON, Ga.) Lucille Rampy Loftin, 76, of Bowdon, Ga., died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, at Wesley Woods Hospital, Atlanta. Mrs. Loftin was born Dec. 3, 1926, in Carroll County, Ga., daughter of the late Bartell and Alice Wright Rampy. She was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. Loftin had been married to the late Travis Loftin, who died in July 1994. She is survived by a son, Bart Loftin of Bowdon; a brother, Willis H. Rampy of Carrollton, Ga.; a sister, Mary Lolley of Carrollton; and one grandson. Services were at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Danny Puckett officiating. Burial was in Bowdon City Cemetery. Music was by Mary Ella and Larry Beam, and Gita Spratlin was the pianist. Pallbearers were Clifton Edwards, Dwayne Word, Tommy Cantrell, Hanley Parmer, Bobby Word, Scotty Brown, Andy Stephens and Dave Spratlin. Arrangements were by Rainwater and West Funeral Home, Bowdon. __________ Arlin Avery (FIVE POINTS) Arlin Avery, 86, of Five Points died Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Stroud. The Rev. Yancey Sanders and the Rev. Jim Dykes will officiate. Mr. Avery was a native of Chambers County, born May 11, 1916. He was retired from cattle and timber farming and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Welch. Surviving are his wife, Maggie Rae Avery of Five Points; and a grandson, David A. Avery of Huntsville. Visitation will be at Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Arrangements are by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ James C. Heptinstall (ANNISTON) Services for James C. Heptinstall, 88, of Anniston were Saturday, March 1, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Gray Brown-Service Chapel with the Rev. Randy Huddleston and Dr. Nelson Kuykendall officiating. Burial was in Forestlawn Gardens with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory in charge. Mr. Heptinstall died Thursday, Feb. 27, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Survivors include a son, James William Heptinstall of Crosswicks, N.J.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Clara Chambers of Anniston. Pallbearers were Rowland Gidley, Bill Johnston, Herbert Mundy, Terry Johnston, Marlin Cobb and Wendell Duffie. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Men's Sunday School Class of Ruhama Baptist Church. Mr. Heptinstall, a Randolph County native, was a longtime Anniston resident. He was a member of Ruhama Baptist Church in Anniston. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Brown Heptinstall. __________ James Gerald 'Smitty' Smith Sr. (OHATCHEE) James Gerald "Smitty" Smith Sr., 62, of Ohatchee died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at home. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette M. Smith of Ohatchee; two sons, James G. Smith Jr. of Anniston and Gregory Scott Smith of Ohatchee; a stepson, Gary McCartney of Weaver; two daughters, Lynn Smith of Oxford and Toni Lepered of Woodland; three stepdaughters, Gwendolyn Sams of Wellington, Ginger Adams of Anniston and Sandra Gowen of Piedmont; and 14 grandchildren. Mr. Smith, a Calhoun County native and lifelong resident, was employed with the production department of North American Bus Industry. He was in Special Forces with the Navy from 1958 to 1967. Arrangements were by Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory, Anniston. __________ Thelma Hester (HOGANSVILLE, Ga.) Thelma "Nanny" Hester, 83, of Hogansville, Ga., died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at Brian Center of Nursing Care in LaGrange. Services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville. The Rev. Lonnie Bennett, the Rev. James Moon, and Mr. Roy Wright officiated. Interment was in Randolph Memory Gardens in Rock Mills. Pallbearers were Kenneth Webb, David Shirrah, Chip Clay, Charlie Wheelus, Mike Sinns, Scott Bonner, Elmer Williams and Andy Dopp. Born March 4, 1919, in Randolph County, Mrs. Hester was the daughter of the late S. T. and Dusky Heard Philpot. She had lived in Hogansville since 1946, was a member of Hogansville Church of God, and was retired from Uniroyal Inc. Survivors include one daughter, Dottie Stevens of Hogansville, her stepmother, Grace Philpot, and a half-sister, Joan Finley, both of Delavan, Wis.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Philpot. Arrangements were by Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home, Hogansville. __________ J. C. Morgan (ROANOKE) J. C. Morgan Sr., 73, of Roanoke died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at Roanoke Health Care Center. Services were Saturday, March 1, at noon at Deliverance Temple Church of God, Roanoke, with Elder Mark Phillips officiating.. Survivors include his common law wife, Loutrice Morgan of Roanoke; five daughters, Napate Ware of Roanoke, Gloria Dean Grier and Susie Ann Burks of LaGrange, Ga., Pamela Morgan of Atlanta and Kathleen Morgan of Macon, Ga.; five sons, Ronnie Ware, J. C. Morgan Jr. and Eddie Walter Morgan of Roanoke, J. C. Tatum of LaFayette and David Morgan of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Julia Jones of Buffalo, N.Y.; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susie Mae Morgan, and his second wife, Reepatree Morgan. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Lola Lee Bell Ferrell Wooten (ATLANTA) Lola Lee Bell Ferrell Wooten, 65, of Atlanta died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, in Fayetteville, Ga. Born Oct. 26, 1937, in Roanoke, she was the daughter of the late Cephus Bell and Bertha Parker Bell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 13 siblings; her second husband, Johnnie Horace Wooten; and a common law husband, Clarence James Townes. Mrs. Wooten was retired from Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), where she drove a bus. Lola joined Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church as a young child. Survivors include seven daughters, Clara Jean Ferrell-Rawlings, Grace Louise Ferrell-Miller, Dawn Marie Ferrell Williams-Ingram, Alfreda Ferrell-Adkins, Lenora Lee Wooten-Campbell and Patricia LaWana Wooten; four sons, Robert Lewis Ferrell, Randy Ferrell, Stanley Mitchell Ferrell and Stafford Elijah Ferrell; three sisters, Mary Francis Bell-Whatley, Susie Mae Goode and Ruth Jean Bell Owensby; 28 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services were Tuesday, March 4, at 1 p.m. at Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Elijah Jackson Jr. officiating. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Arthur H. 'Buck' Brand (ELMORE) Services for Arthur H. "Buck" Brand, 59, of Elmore, formerly of Clay County, were Saturday, March 1, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland with the Rev. Kenneth Fuller officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Brand died Saturday, Feb. 22, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Survivors include two daughters, Tammy Rothstein of Red Wing, Minn. and Brandy Brand of Pensacola, Fla.; three sons, Jeff Brand of Minneapolis, Minn., Noah Brand of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Timothy Brand of Wabasso, Fla.; his mother, Lillie Belle Brand of Ashland; six sisters, Deloris Laverne Hill of Camp Hill, Wandy Ruth Voss of Wadley, Wynelle Carter of Lineville, Nadine Brand of Opelika, Nancy Gail Patterson of Ashland and Janine Brown of Cragford; three brothers, Verlon A. Brand of Jackson Gap, Ellis Wayne Brand of Waverly and Larry Joe Brand of Ashland; and three grandchildren. Mr. Brand, a Clay County native, worked as an insurance manager for United Insurance Company of America for more than 25 years. He was an independent businessman and entrepreneur, had been employed by Werner Enterprises as a truck driver for the past two years, and was an Army veteran. He was preceded in death by his father, Bennie Alvin Brand, and two brothers, David R. Brand and Billie Ralph Brand. __________ Elbert 'Earl' Arnold (SORRENTO, Australia) Elbert "Earl" Arnold, 78, of Sorrento, Australia, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at Alfred Hospital in Prahran, Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Arnold was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Roanoke, and was the son of Erasmus "Ras" E. Lee and Lucy Belle Green Arnold. He served in the U.S. Army and was in World War II. Survivors include his wife, Pamela Curwin Arnold of Sorrento, Australia; one son, John Timothy Arnold of Melbourne, Australia; one daughter, Gabrielle Mary Arnold of Sorrento; one sister, Essie Chesser of Roanoke; one brother, James Edwin Arnold of Columbus, Ga.; two nieces; four nephews; two-great nieces and two great-nephews. Services were Thursday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. at East St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. A private burial ceremony for the family was held Friday, Jan. 31, at the cemetery in Sorrento. Father John Hannah conducted the service from the parish church, St. Mary's Star of the Sea. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 12, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Syble Drunelle Cavender (HEFLIN) Services for Syble Drunelle Cavender, 87, of Heflin were Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Pilgrims Rest #2 Baptist Church in Randolph County with John D. Collins, Steve Dempsey and J. D. Bearden officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Dryden Funeral Home of Heflin in charge. Mrs. Cavender died Sunday, March 9, at her home. Survivors include two daughters, Bobbie Holloway of Heflin and Syble Smith of Delta; two sons, James Cavender and Joel Cavender of Heflin; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cavender, a Clay County native, was a longtime Cleburne County resident. She was a member of Pilgrims Rest #2 Baptist Church in Randolph County. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Simon Cavender. __________ Floyd White (FIVE POINTS) Floyd White, 91, of Five Points died Friday morning, March 7, 2003, at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home in Valley. Funeral services were held Sunday, March 9, at 4 p.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley with the Rev. Russell Williams officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery. Mr. White is survived by two daughters, Doris Pike of Five Points and Sara Bishop of Abanda; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Born Nov. 7, 1911, in Randolph County, Mr. White had worked at West Point Pepperell's Riverdale Mile for 30 years. He was a member of Five Points United Methodist Church. Mr. White was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Willie White, and his son Gary White. He was the son of the late Tinsey Pollard White and Wiley H. White. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Five Points United Methodist Church in his memory. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Hazel Abercrombie (VALLEY) Hazel Abercrombie, 82, of Valley died Saturday, March 8, 2003, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services were at Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, with interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Union Hill. The Rev. John Cole and the Rev. Brian Yates officiated. Mrs. Abercrombie was born in Chambers County on Jan. 22, 1921. She was a homemaker and a member of Faith Baptist Church of Valley. Surviving are four children, Raymond Abercrombie of Abanda, Ray Abercrombie of Dadeville, William Abercrombie of Huguley and Floria Abrams of Lanett; one sister, Lois Monroe of Valley; one brother, Jess Avery "Bud" Cole of Leoma, Tenn.; seven grandsons; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, McKinley Abercrombie, and a son, Billy Joe Abercrombie. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Mike Chase (VALLEY) Mike Chase, 46, of Valley died Thursday, March 6, 2003, at his residence. Funeral services were Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley. Burial followed in Hopewell Cemetery. Mr. Chase is survived by his daughter, Summer Leigh Chase of Valley; four sisters, Susan Traylor of Wedowee and Julia Norred, Deborah Taylor and Becky Windsor, all of Valley; two brothers, Jeffery R. Chase of Lee County and Samuel Windsor of Valley; and his mother, Dorothy Windsor of Valley. Born Feb. 8, 1957, in West Point, Ga., Mr. Chase was a self-employed auto mechanic. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Carroll. He was the son of the late Herbert R. Chase. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Jimmy Moses Prothro (HEFLIN) Jimmy Moses Prothro, 66, of County Rd. 401, Heflin, died Sunday, March 2, 2003, at Carraway Methodist Medical Center, Birmingham. Services were Saturday, March 8, at 2 p.m. at New Area Baptist Church, Micaville, with the Rev. Clarence Brown, the Rev. Verlon Houston and the Rev. Charles Boyd officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include four sisters, Margaret All of Newell, Winnie Postel of Decatur, Ga., Pinky Boyd of Heflin and Julia Marshall of Columbus, Ga.; a very special friend, Aserlee Trammell; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mose and Pearlee Prothro. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Buford Eugene 'Gene' Hearn (WEDOWEE) Services for Buford Eugene "Gene" Hearn, 70, of Wedowee were Thursday, March 6, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Roanoke Church of Christ, with Bro. Gerald Romine officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Hearn died Monday, March 3, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A Heard County, Ga., native, Mr. Hearn was born Aug. 11, 1932, son of Paul Thomas and Ruby Adams Hearn. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of Roanoke Church of Christ and had retired from Delta Airlines after 35 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Maxine Morrow Hearn of Wedowee; three daughters, Lisa Hearn of McDonough, Ga., Linda Winters of Pleasant View, Tenn., and Rebecca Martin of Bartlett, Tenn.; four sisters, Merle Higgins of Stockbridge, Ga., Eloise Wingo of LaGrange, Ga., Jewel Smith of Centerville, Ga., and Hazel Ray of McDonough; three brothers, Thomas Hearn of McDonough, Sanford Heard of Brooks, Ga., and Roe Hearn of Morrow, Ga.; six grandchildren; one step-grandson; one step-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were nephews and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Children's Home, Raintree Village Inc., 3757 Johnston Rd., Valdosta, GA 31601. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Curtis E. Traylor (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Curtis E. Traylor, 82, of Carrollton, Ga., died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at Tanner Medical Center. He was born July 4, 1920, in Randolph County to the late Mark Traylor and Emma Rampy Traylor. Mr. Traylor was a retired staff manager for Life of Georgia Insurance Company, had been a faithful member of the Carrollton Civitan Club, and was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Traylor Hullender. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Meadows Traylor; a son, Tommy Traylor of Carrollton; one sister, Louise Brown of Rome, Ga.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, with Dr. J. Howard Cobble and Dr. Jimmy Gentry officiating. Music was under the direction of Jack Gantt. Pallbearers were Andy Traylor, Alan Traylor, Frank Hullender, Mark Hullender, Tim Hullender and Maurice Hullender. In[t]erment was in the Car[r]ollton City Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the "Continuing the Vision Fund" at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 245 Cottage Hill Rd., Carrollton, GA 30117. Arrangements were by Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel, Carrollton. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 19, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Mary W. Hooton (ROANOKE) Services for Mary W. Hooton, 99, of Roanoke were Sunday, March 16, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Bill Phares officiating. Burial was in Cedarwood Cemetery. Miss Hooton died Friday, March 14, at Randolph Medical Center in Roanoke. A lifelong Randolph County resident, she was born Jan. 1, 1904, daughter of Robert Jackson and Nannie Hutchinson Hooton. She was a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church; an organizer and charter member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary educational organization; and a charter member of The Magazine Club. She retired from teaching at Handley High School in 1973. Survivors include three nieces, Nancy M. Brown of Los Angeles, Calif., Helen M. McCleland of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Betty H. Wallace of Madison, Ga.; three great-nieces and six great-nephews. Pallbearers were Donald Brown, Wayne Cato, Robert Edwards, Richard Hale, Tommy Holms, John Landers, Frank Phillips and Mike Strain. The family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 40, Roanoke, AL 36274. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ William Dale Shelnutt (ROANOKE) Services for William Dale Shelnutt, 32, of Roanoke will be Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Springfiled [ield]Baptist Church, with the Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Shelnutt died suddenly on Sunday, March 16, in Chambers County. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Shelnutt was born July 22, 1970, son of Harold and Doris Wright Shelnutt. Survivors include one sister, Donna Arrington; two brothers, Danny Shelnutt and Dennis Shelnutt; a grandmother, Amy Shelnutt; his fiance, Deborah Jewell; a niece and two nephews, all of Roanoke. Mr. Shelnutt will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services. Pallbearers will be Charlie Bledsoe, Roy Whaley, Harold Arrington, Mike Morman, Brian Carson and Shane Whitten. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Ruby Lois Houston (WEDOWEE) Ruby Lois Houston, 50, of Wedowee died Friday, March 14, 2003, at her residence. Survivors include one daughter, Ruby Ann Houston of Wedowee; her father, Herman Bailey of Wedowee; one sister, Mrs. Julie Mae Boyd of Wedowee; two granddaughters; two grandsons; his [her] grandmothers, Mrs. Rosie Satterwhite of Dayton, Ohio, and Mrs. Velma Wright of Wedowee; a very special and devoted friend, Edward Pierson of Wedowee; aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mrs. Jessie Mae Wright Bailey, and her husband, Harvey Houston. Services were Tuesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. William Crawford officiating. Interment was in Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery, County Road 815, Wedowee. Arrangements were by Silmon and Son Funeral Services, Roanoke. __________ Roy Lee Joiner (WOODLAND) Roy Lee Joiner, 65, of Woodland, died Sunday, March 9, 2003, at his residence. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Grace Joiner of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven children, Stanley Maffett of Atlanta, Victor Joiner, Jeffery Joiner, Ingrid (Denise) Joiner, Terri Joiner and Sandra Joiner of Los Angeles, and Andre Joiner of Knoxville, Tenn.,; three sisters, Cassie Stone of Woodland, Martiner Lott of Fairburn, Ga., and Wanda Nelson of Martiniez, Ga.; three brothers, Willie Joiner, James "Jack" Joiner and Larry Joiner of Woodland; 12 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Lee Joiner and Floyd Joiner, and a brother, Eugene Joiner. Services were Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, Woodland, with the Rev. William Crawford officiating. Interment was in the Floyd and Nancy Joiner Family Cemetery in Woodland. Arrangements were by Silmon and Son Funeral Services, Roanoke. __________ Recel Elbert Pike (ROANOKE) Services for Recel Elbert Pike, 79, of Roanoke were Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Richard Richie officiating. Burial was a Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Pike died Sunday, March 16, at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City. A native and lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Pike was born Nov. 1, 1923, son of Elbert and Irene Folsom Pike. He was a World War II Air Force veteran where he received a Bronze Star for five major battles in the European theatre. He was a member of Roanoke Masonic Lodge #132 and Trinity Baptist Church. He was retired from Candlewick Yarns Manufacturing Company. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Willie Clyde Herren Pike; a stepson, John Thomas Webb Jr.; and a brother, David Pike. Survivors include his wife, Mary Sue Webb Pike of Roanoke; a daughter, Betty Whaley of Griffin, Ga.; a son, Tommy Pike of Roanoke; a stepson, Richard Webb of Roanoke; a brother, Herbert Pike of Roanoke; four sisters, Dorothy Pate, Ruby Arrington, Clementine Knight and Farris Arrington, all of Roanoke; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Trent Tomlinson, Fred Hill, Jack McKay, Bobby Kirby, Vayden Pate and Dempsey Roberts. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a favorite charity. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Laverne Williams (WADLEY) Services for Laverne Williams, 83, of Wadley were Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with the Rev. Richie Farrow and the Rev. Jeff Freeman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mrs. Williams died Saturday, March 15, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Brand of Wadley and Pat Denney of Lineville; one son, Terry Williams of Georgia; five sisters, Genell Railey of Lineville, Avis Rice of Lanett, Madie Hattaway of Valley, Jean Rice of Opelika and Geraldine Weldon of Wadley; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Chris Williams, Brian Denney, Thomas Willis, Morrell Hartley, Chris Harrison and John Harris. Mrs. Williams was a native of Clay County but had lived in Randolph County most of her life. She had been employed by Playtex as a seamstress and was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Tommy Wayne Heard (WOODLAND) Services for Tommy Wayne Heard, 57, of Woodland were Saturday, March 15, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Big Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Mark Mitchell, the Rev. Earl Rollins and the Rev. Scott Hannah officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Heard died Thursday, March 13, at Wedowee Hospital following an extended illness. A Randolph County native, Mr. Heard was born March 8, 1946, son of Frank Hubert and Lois Prestridge Heard. He was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church and had been a truck driver in the logging industry. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Bailey. Survivors include his wife, Scarlett Hendrix Heard of Woodland; two sisters, Havtence Noles of Lake City, Ga., and Carolyn Smith of Roanoke; and two brothers, Bobby Jack Heard and Jathen Heard of Woodland. Pallbearers were Tim Noles, Keith Smith, Michael Heard, Gary Heard, Jeff Farmer and Chris Hendrix. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ John Edward Scott (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Services for John Edward Scott, 48, of Franklin, Ga., formerly of Stovall, Ga., will be Thursday, March 20, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, Roanoke, with the Rev. Terry Prestridge officiating. Burial will follow at Paran Cemetery. Mr. Scott died Monday, March 17, at Randolph Medical Center. Mr. Scott was born Oct. 24, 1954, in Harris County, Ga., son of Roy and Estelle Prestridge Scott. He had been employed with Mountville Mills in LaGrange, Ga. Survivors include two sisters, Jennie Foster of Franklin and Martha Hearp of Roanoke; his fiance, Margaret Lecours of Roanoke; two nieces and eight nephews. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Catherine Jones Royston (ROANOKE) Graveside services for Catherine Jones Royston, 80, of Roanoke were Saturday, March 15, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke, with the Rev. Bill Phares officiating. Mrs. Royston died Thursday, March 13, at her residence. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Royston was born June 21, 1922, daughter of M. L. and Roxie Belena Hodges Jones. She was a retired dietician at Randolph County Hospital and was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Frank Royston. Survivors include one son, Frank Royston of Roanoke; two step-daughters, Rosalyn Royston Moore of Eufaula and Marilyn Royston Pearson of Lexington, Va.; one grandson; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Arthur Cummings (NEWELL) Services for Arthur Cummings, 75, of Newell were Friday, March 14, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church, with the Rev. Charley Bolt, the Rev. Lee Loveless and the Rev. Brian Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Cummings died Wednesday, March 12, at Wedowee Hospital following an extended illness. A Randolph County native, Mr. Cummings was born Feb. 18, 1928, son of John Wesley and Roxie Ofelia Fuller Cummings. He was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church and had been employed with Sewell Manufacturing Company. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Roxie Flora Cummings Whitley Owens. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Myrtle Lee Nolen Cummings of Newell; four daughters, Dora Ann Bolt of Talladega, Linda Gail Smith, Frances Kay Vowell and Katherene Jane Harmon, all of Newell; two sons, Randy Alan Cummings of Ashland and Benjamin Arthur Cummings of Newell; 20 grandchildren; 26 great- grandchildren; three sisters, Meline Reed of Heneger, Pauline Johnson of Standing Rock and Imogene Smith of Roanoke; two brothers, Charles Cummings of LaGrange, Ga., and Frank Cummings of Roanoke; his stepmother, Eartel Brewer of Roanoke; and his mother-in-law, Verdie Flora "Granny" Nolen of Newell. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Edmund Franklin 'Ed' Kline (HARDY, Va.) Edmund Franklin "Ed" Kline, 44, of Hardy, Va., died Saturday, March 15, 2003 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va. Mr. Kline was born June 15, 1958 in Alexandria, Va., son of Leonard and Carlene Kline. He was an active member of Hale's Ford Baptist Church and the 805 Rag Chewers Ham Radio Club, where he enjoyed social gatherings and administering tests for future radio users. He enjoyed fishing, meeting people and talking with friends through the computer and phone. Surviving are his parents; three brothers, Leonard Kline Jr. of Salem, Va., Bill Kline of Hardy and Jeff Kline of Roanoke, Ala.; a sister, Debra Kellam of Roanoke, Va.; his maternal grandmother, Lula Mae Ruckert of Roanoke, Ala.; a niece, a nephew and numerous aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Kline. Services will be at Hale's Ford Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. He will then be taken to Roanoke, Ala., where the family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday. Additional services will be Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with burial at Standing Rock Methodist Church Cemetery. __________ Jason Timothy Newborn (RANBURNE) Services for Jason Timothy Newborn, 27, of Ranburne were Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at 2 p.m. EST at Rainwater & West Funeral Home Inc. Chapel in Bowdon, Ga., with the Revs. Cecil Cook and Tim Wautelet officiating. Burial was in Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Cleburne County with the funeral home in charge. Mr. Newborn died Sunday, March 16, at his home. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Linda and Kenneth Estes of Ranburne; a brother, Joseph T. Newborn of Wedowee; and three sisters, Martha Jane Alred of Ranburne, Beverly June Green of Wedowee, and Belinda Joyce Wingo of Anniston. Mr. Newborn, a Cleburne County native, was a cashier at William's Salvage Store. He was preceded in death by his father, John T. Newborn; a sister, Tina Joy Newborn; and a brother, Jonathan Newborn. __________ B. G. 'Bob' Davis (GREENVILLE, S.C.) Graveside services for B. G. "Bob" Davis, 63, of Greenville, S.C. formerly of Wadley, were Monday, March 17, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, Randolph County, with the Rev. S. T. Janney and the Rev. Abi Carlisle-Wilke officiating. Mr. Davis died suddenly on Wednesday, March 12, in Roanoke. A Randolph County native, Mr. Davis was born Aug. 27, 1939, son of George W. and Lou L. Siggers Davis. He was an Army veteran of the Dominican Republic conflict and was a member of Taylors First Baptist Church. Mr. Davis attended the University of Alabama and retired from the Sirrine family of companies and its successors after 27 years of service. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his father, G. W. Davis. Survivors include his wife, Mary Leland Davis of Greenville; a daughter, Bethany Anderson of Greenville; a son, John Davis of St. Louis, Mo.; three stepchildren, Christie Oros and Lisa Stoner of Anderson, S.C., and Judd Hendrix of Pauline, S.C.; his mother, Lou L. Davis of Trussville; two sisters, LaRue Meadows of Trussville and Martha Campel of Greenwich, Conn.; a brother, Jim Davis of Crestview, Fla.; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m. at Taylors First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the charity of one's choice. Local arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 26, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: L. Ray Jones (WADLEY) Services for L. Ray Jones Sr., 80, of Wadley, will be Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Wadley First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Abi Carlisle-Wilke and the Rev. Zenus Windsor officiating. Burial will follow at Wadley Cemetery. Mr. Jones died Sunday, March 23, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange. A Cleburne County native, Mr. Jones was born Feb. 11, 1923, son of Benjamin and Ruby Stamps Jones. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1941, served during World War II, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He graduated from Woodland High School, Washington College and Auburn University. He coached at Wadley High School (1949-1953), then at Lineville (1953-1957). He was principal at Ranburne High School (1957-1959). Mr. Jones was superintendent of Linden City Schools (1959-1970) and became president of Southern Union State Junior College in 1970, retiring in 1985. While at Southern Union, he oversaw a major building and expansion campaign which resulted in the establishment of the Opelika campus and the development of the college's nursing program. His primary goal in education was to help the students. Mr. Jones served on the Wadley Town Council 12 years and was a member of Wadley Kiwanis Club. He was a member of Wadley First United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Ann Lynch Jones of Wadley; two daughters, Marsha Moseley of Thomaston and Ginga Sweatt of Wadley; two sons, Len Jones of Shorter and Tim Jones of Auburn; two brothers, Hoyt Jones of Atlanta and Julian Jones of Bowdon, Ga.; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be members of 1949-1953 Wadley High School football teams. Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to Wadley First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Shirley Ann Smith (HEFLIN) Services for Shirley Ann Smith, 59, of Heflin were Monday, March 24, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Beason Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. David Reaves and John D. Collins officiating. Burial followed in Beason Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Smith died Saturday, March 22, at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital. Survivors include her husband, John R. Smith of Heflin; mother, Rilla Jeffers of Hampton, Ga.; six daughters, Lois Ann Huffman of Griffin, Ga., and Karen Fay Fleming, Loretta J. Messer, Angela L. Hughes, Debbie S. Walker, Benny Jo Fleming, all of Heflin; two sons, Kenneth Ray Smith and Allen Wayne Smith, both of Heflin; a sister, Margie Duffey of Hampton, Ga.; three brothers, Aaron J. Jeffers of Heflin, Jimmy Jeffers of Wedowee and Mark Jeffers of Foley; 35 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Michael Barnett, Bobby Fleming, Jamie Fleming, Stephen Fleming II, Phillip Hughes and Brien Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Jason Barnett, Bradley Messer and Dennis Proctor. Mrs. Smith was a native and lifelong resident of Heflin. She was a homemaker. She was a member and Sunday school teacher of Beason Grove Baptist Church. __________ John Alvin Spratlin (WOODLAND) Services for John Alvin Spratlin, 80, of Woodland were Sunday, March 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Daniel and the Rev. Tony Morris officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Spratlin died Friday, March 21, at Lineville Nursing Facility. Mr. Spratlin was a native of Randolph County, born June 3, 1922, son of William Thomas Spratlin and Mattie Calhoun Spratlin. He had been a carpenter and an avid hunter. He was a[n] Army veteran of World War II, having received the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, and Expert Riflemen badge while serving in the 84th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters. Mr. Spratlin is survived by his wife, Flora Daniel Spratlin of Woodland; four daughters, Sandra Dobbins of Augusta, Ga., Vickie Stapler of Wedowee, Kathy Sherrer of Birmingham, and Debra Roberts of Woodland; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Kevin Stapler, Mathew Sherrer, John Roberts, Nathan Sherrer, Gregg Reese, Sam Prescott and Flip Chalfant. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Eunice Rosalyn Quick (ROANOKE) Services for Eunice Rosalyn Quick of Roanoke were Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Lavelle Reynolds, the Rev. Stoney Halsey and the Rev. Harold Bonner officiating. Burial was at White's Chapel Methodist Church cemetery. Mrs. Quick died Sunday, March 23, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston following an extended illness. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Quick was the daughter of Winston C. and Ellie Berma Dollar Beverly. She was a member of White's Chapel Methodist Church and had retired from Palm Beach Company. Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Don Quick of Roanoke; a daughter, Beverly Ann Hill of Montgomery; two sons, Mike Fisher of Roanoke and Ronald Fisher of Florence; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jerrell Hodges, Waymon Hodges, Kevin Ogilvie, Bill Kirby, Gilbert Marshall and Billy Crabtree. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Herman Reese Strong (DECATUR, Ga.) Herman Reese Strong, 77, of Decatur, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, died Sunday, March 16, 2003, at his residence. Survivors include a sister, Doris Davis Wright of Roanoke; two brothers-in- law, James Wright of Roanoke and Robert Davison of Detroit, Mich.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Merle Davison Strong. Services were Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Silmon and Son Funeral Services Chapel, Roanoke, with the Rev. Otis Wilson officiating. Interment was in Skyview Memorial Gardens in Welch. Arrangements were by Silmon and Son Funeral Services, Roanoke. __________ Monroe T. Veal (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Monroe T. Veal, 78, of Roanoke, formerly of LaGrange, Ga., were Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Stoney Halsey, Rev. Hugh Vines and Bro. Jerry Pike officiating. Burial followed at Forest Home Christian Church cemetery. Mr. Veal died Thursday, March 20, at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alex City. A Randolph County native, Mr. Veal was born June 9, 1924, son of Luther S. and Minnie Pearl Brown Veal. He was a World War II Army veteran, a member of Forest Home Christian Church, and a self-employed carpenter and farmer. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Spradlin Veal of Roanoke; a daughter, Carolyn Muller of Roanoke; three sisters, Libby Lowry and Florence Chase, both of Roanoke, and Betty Miller of Brilliant; and three brothers, Henton Veal, Cary Veal and Junior Veal, all of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Virgil Veal, Mike Veal, Ricky Veal, Junior Spradlin, Vayden Pate, Clay Veal, Randall Miller and Chad Veal. Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to Forest Home Building Fund. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Eddie Walter Finley (CAMP HILL) Eddie Walter Finley, 81, of Camp Hill died Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Funeral services were at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, Camp Hill, on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. C. W. Fielder officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Mr. Finley was a member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Craig Finley. Surviving are one sister, Polly Shephard, and one brother, Milton Finley, both of Camp Hill; seven nieces, including Temekia Johnson of Roanoke; five nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Arrangements were by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Bessie Mae Key Bearden (BLUE MOUNTAIN) Services for Bessie Mae Key Bearden, 92, of Blue Mountain were Friday, March 21, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary & Crematory Chapel in Anniston with the Revs. David Vinson and Steve Dempsey officiating. Burial was in Forestlawn Gardens with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge. Mrs. Bearden died Wednesday, March 19, at her home. Survivors include two sons, J. D. Bearden of Heflin and K. C. Bearden of Blue Mountain; two daughters, Isabel Mize of Blue Mountain and Leola Lumpkin of Heflin; 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 35 great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, C. W. Key of Heflin and Wallace Key of Oxford. Pallbearers were grandsons. Mrs. Bearden, a Randolph County native, had been employed by Blue Mountain Industries and Tate Florist. She was a member of Pilgrim Rest #2 Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. I. Bearden; her parents, Columbus and Ardell Key; a great-grandchild, Whitney Bearden; a brother and three sisters. __________ James Atoe Harmon (ROANOKE) Funeral services for James Atoe Harmon, 73, of Roanoke were Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Earl Rollins and Rev. Sonny Kent officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Harmon died Thursday, March 20, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Harmon was born July 11, 1929, son of William Bud and Dollie Whaley Harmon. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and had been employed with Handley Mills. Survivors include two sons, Ricky Harmon and James Owen Harmon, both of Roanoke; a sister, Fannie Dell Traylor of Woodland; a brother, I. D. Harmon of Swagg; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Chris Harmon, Joey Whaley, Jimmy Price, Thomas Rollins, B. J. Pike and Scotty Famby. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________