Obituaries Published in The Randolph Leader for September 1997, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/199709L.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 transcribed by: Marilyn M. Girardi <MMGir@aol.com> ============================================= November 2003 The Randolph Leader September 3, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Jessie Lee Holloway (WOODLAND) Jessie Lee Holloway, 46, of Woodland died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1997, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Funeral services were Monday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. Sarah Cameron and the Rev. Robert L. Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include his mother, Mattie Lee Wilson of Woodland; his former wife, Charlene Holloway of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a daughter, Jessica Hattes of Chicago, Ill.; four brothers, Thomas Holloway of Memphis, Tenn., Henry Holloway of Chicago, Jackie Holloway of Romeville, Ill., and Albert Lee Holloway of Wedowee; a sister, Annie Coleman of West Point, Ga.; two step-brothers, Jack Junior McKissic and Marvin McKissic of Wedowee; a step-sister, Shirley Ann Knight of Wedowee; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Holloway; a son, Joseph Holloway; a sister, Mattie Bell Goodwin; and a step-brother, Jimmy McKissic. Clark Memorial Funeral Services of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Nellie G. Mathews (SMYRNA, Ga.) Funeral services for Nellie G. Mathews, 79, of Smyrna, Ga., were Saturday, Aug. 30, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Clayton Scott officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Mathews died Thursday, Aug. 28, at Southwest Christian Hospice after a short illness. A former resident of Rock Mills and Roanoke, she was born Dec. 10, 1917, in Randolph County, daughter of Luther and Francis Gray. She was a homemaker and a member of Fortified Hills Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wildord Mathews, and a sister, Lois Hicks. Survivors include two sons, T. Burton Mathews of Smyrna and Jeffery Lyle Mathews of Atlanta; six sisters, Ethel Carson, Frankie Taylor and Winifred Tullis of Wadley, Adel Moon and Joyce Maddox of Shawmut and Ruth Taylor of Fairfax; two brothers, Leon Gray of Langdale and Herbert Gray of Fairfax; and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made to Southwest Christian Hospice, 7225 Lester Rd., Union City, GA 30291. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Irma Adamson Key (WEDOWEE) Irma Adamson Key, 70, of Wedowee died Sunday, Aug. 31, 1997, in East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, after an extended illness. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, with the Rev. S. T. Janney and Rickey Emory officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Key is survived by her husband, Clarence Key of Wedowee; three sisters, Edna Ruth Moore and Evelyn Bradley of Wedowee and Laverne Dodson of Anniston; six brothers, Willard Adamson of Concord, N.C., Buford Adamson, John A. Adamson, Bobby Adamson and Dwayne Adamson of Wedowee and Comer Adamson of Niceville, Fla. Pallbearers were Rickey Williams, Junior Moore, Randal Holloway, Jim Key, Lawrence Key, Mike Cumbee and Robert Cumbee. Nephews were honorary pallbearers. Mrs. Key was born in Randolph County Feb. 12, 1927, daughter of J. W. and Delia Bean Adamson. She was retired from the textile industry. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Roanoke. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Donald Bozeman (WETUMPKA) Donald Bozeman, 50, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1997, at his home. A Randolph County native, he was the former owner and operator of Don Bar Appliance Service and was a member of Blue Ridge Baptist Church. Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Carney officiating. Burial was in the Alabama Heritage Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Kay Welch Bozeman of Wetumpka; five children, Lisa Harrelson of Auburn, Danny McCarley of Opelika, Amy Brown of Montgomery and Christopher Bozeman and Donny Bozeman of Wetumpka; his mother, Mohee White Bozeman of Roanoke; one sister, Becky Bozeman of Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Jerry Bozeman of Katy, Texas, and Barry Bozeman of Roanoke; and two grandchildren. Alabama Heritage Funeral Home of Montgomery was in charge of arrangements. __________ Ruby Fincher King (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Ruby Fincher King, 71, of LaGrange, Ga., died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1997, in Florence Hand Home after a brief illnes [illness]. Born Sept. 25, 1925, in Roanoke, Mrs. King was the daughter of the late James Thomas and Maggie Florence Whatley Fincher. She lived in LaGrange most of her life and was the former owner and operator of S.M. King Furniture Company. She was a Baptist. Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Ruth F. Bassett of Roanoke, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William F. King. Funeral services were held in the Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Bobby Robinson officiated with burial in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements. __________ William Joseph Swann (STERLING CITY, Texas) William Joseph Swann, M.D., 96, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 1997, in the Sterling County Nursing Home. Services were at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at First United Methodist Church in Sterling City. Burial was at Montvale Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ross Funeral Home. Dr. Swann was born Oct. 27, 1900 in Wedowee, Ala. He graduated from Randolph County High School in 1916, attended the University of Alabama and received his M.D. degree from Emory University Medical School in 1924. He was a member of Phi Chi medical fraternity. He interned at Grady Hospital in Atlanta and Shreveport Charity Hospital in Shreveport, La. In 1925 he began practice in Roscoe, Texas, later moving to Mississippi and Alabama. He married Opal Chumley of Bronte, Texas, June 14, 1926. He had resided in Sterling City since 1930. He had served on the Shannon Medical Staff (obstetrics) and has worked with several surgeons there. He was active in the Methodist Church. He was a charter member and past president of the Tom Green 8-County Medical Society and a life member of the Concho Valley Medical Society and the Texas Medical Society, and a member of The American Medical Association and the American Association of Family Physicians. He was an honorary editor for the journal FAMILY PHYSICIAN. He was also associated with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Dr. Swann has been a member of the Sterling County Hospital and Nursing Home Board, a district medical advisor to the Boy Scouts of America, a volunteer medical examiner for the Selective Service during World War II, a member, past master and 50-year Mason of the Sterling Lodge, a member of the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge, and the Lions Club. He served as county health officer and practiced medicine in Sterling County until he retired in 1987. By Texas State Senate Proclamation, he was declared a treasured citizen of his town and state on the occasion of his 91st birthday. In 1980, he was honored in Sterling City for 50 years of service to his community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal. Survivors include a son, William J. Swann, Jr. of Irving, Texas; a sister, Nancy Griffin of Roanoke; five nieces, including Glenda Hale of Roanoke; and five nephews, including John Swann of Wedowee. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 10, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Clayton V. Burke (DALTON, Ga.) Clayton V. Burke, 71, of Dalton, Ga., died Monday, Sept. 8, 1997, at Wood Dale Health Care Center, Dalton, after several weeks of declining health. Mr. Burke was a native of Roanoke, born Oct. 28, 1925, son of Thomas Troy and Rilla Carr Burke. He was retired from World Carpet and had lived in Dalton for the past 37 years, previously having lived in Roanoke and LaGrange, Ga. He was a member of McFarland Hill Baptist Church in Dalton, where he served as church treasurer for more than 16 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Funeral services will be at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel, LaGrange, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Wendell Brown officiating. Burial will be in Shadowlawn Cemetery, LaGrange. Surviving are his wife, Addie Lee Burke of Dalton; one daughter, Charlene Seymour of Wadley; one step-daughter, Blanch Guy of Newnan, Ga.; three step-sons, David B. Nichols Jr. and Kenny Nichols of Dalton and Roswell Nichols of Macon, Ga.; two sisters, Marie Vaughn and Ina Ruth Burke of Roanoke; one brother, Fred M. Burke of Roanoke; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, T. J. Burke. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange is in charge of arrangements. __________ Paul Alex Lane (GLENN, Ga.) Paul Alex Lane, 59, of 809 McCosh Mill Road, Glenn, Ga., died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 5, 1997, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange, Ga. A native of Randolph County, Mr. Lane was born July 1, 1938, son of the late Thomas Alex and Charlie Will Freeman Lane. He was a plumbing contractor and a licensed master plumber for 34 years. He lived in the Troup County area most of his life. He was a member of Glenn Baptist Church, a former member of the Newnan Shriners Club and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Funeral services were at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel, LaGrange, on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m., with the Revs. Mike Hornsby and the [sic] Bill Smith officiating. Burial was in Bacon Level Cemetery, Chambers County. Surviving are his wife, Shanna Lane of Glenn; three daughters, Carol Lane Sprayberry, Newnan, Ga., Crystal Lane Grant of Senoia, Ga., and Melanie Lou Lane of Glenn; two sons, Charles Alex Lane of Newnan and Paul Alex Lane II of Glenn; four sisters, Bonnie Lane Pritchett of Milford, Del., Martha Lane Bennett of Athens, Ga., Tommie Lou Lane Roper of Dover, Del., and Lucile Lane Pope of Glenn; 11 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements. __________ Leon H. White (WEDOWEE) Leon H. White, 62, of Wedowee died Friday, Sept. 5, 1997, in Clay County Hospital, Ashland, after an extended illness. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, with the Rev. Donald Spradlin officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. White is survived by his wife, Evelyn White of Wedowee; a daughter, Brenda Payne of Wedowee; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Berma Kirby of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Calvin Bailey, Aubrey Prestridge, Donnie Prestridge, Wayne Prestridge, Jerry Rice and Charles Griffin. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Bradley, Fred Hill, Jimmy Hall, Tony Messer, John G. Swann, Tim Milan and Darson Waters. Mr. White was born in Randolph County on Feb. 4, 1935, son of Homer and Rettie Pool White. He was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He was a self-employed mechanic for many years. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Clayton Eugene Brown (WARRIOR) Funeral services for Clayton Eugene "Gene" Brown, 45, of Warrior were Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Welcome Home Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ridley Herren officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Brown died Thursday, Sept. 4, 1997, at his home. A Randolph County native, he was born Oct. 4, 1951, son of William Clayton and Julia Davidson Brown. He was employed with Southern Asphalt Paving and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Mobile. He was a former resident of Garden City and had lived in Mobile most of his life. Survivors include his wife, Eva Saulsbury Brown of Warrior; one daughter, Tamatha Brown Stanley of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Jeff Brown of Russellville, Ky.; four grandchildren; his parents, William Clayton Brown of Mobile and Julia Browning of Theodore; two sisters, Patricia Lambert and Pamela Merritt, both of Mobile; and two brothers, Jim Brown of Roanoke and Wayne Brown of Mobile. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Elton A. Simpson (NEWELL) Elton A. Simpson, 73, of Newell died Saturday, Aug. 30, 1997, in Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga. Funeral services were at Pine Hill Church of Christ, with Bro. Gerald Romine and Harold Peacock officiating, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Simpson is survived by one brother, R. D. Simpson of Carrollton, Ga.; two sisters, Nora Simpson Stedham of Anniston and Neva Simpson Sharp of Lincoln; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were James Simpson, Paul Simpson, Gene Sharp, Craig Simpson, Chuck Simpson, Darrell Simpson, Hal Simpson and Mike Simpson. Mr. Simpson was a native of Randolph County, born Dec. 17, 1923, son of George Albert and Harpie McCollough Simpson. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of Pine Hill Church of Christ, and retired from Anniston Army Depot. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of the arrangements. __________ Harvey Vester Whitmore, Jr. (TALLADEGA) Harvey Vester Whitmore Jr., 61, of Talladega died suddenly Monday, Sept. 1, 1997, in Anniston. Funeral services were Friday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel in Wedowee, with the Rev. Ridley Parmer officiating. Burial was at Bethel East Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Whitmore was a Randolph County native, born June 25, 1936, son of Harvey V. and Lena Mae Cox Whitmore. He was retired from the Marine Corps and worked with Wiser Security at Talladega Hospital. Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Whitmore Souza, and one son, Harvey Allen Whitmore, both of Rhode Island; five grandchildren; five sisters, Mag Buchanan of North Carolina, Irene Nichols of Columbus, Ga., Elizabeth Hicks of LaGrange, Ga., Rachel Bethea of Opelika and Lois Parker of Whiteburg, Ga.; and two brothers, Sherman Whitmore of Woodland and Alfred Whitmore of LaGrange. Pallbearers were Chad Whitmore, Junior Whitmore, Oscar Bethea, Glenn Cooper, Pierce Nichols and Tim Riggs. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Edward Waddell Hamby Jr. (ROANOKE) Graveside services for Edward Waddell Hamby Jr., 72, of Roanoke, formerly of Mississippi, were Monday, Sept. 8, 1997, at 4 p.m. at Cedarwood Cemetery, with the Revs. S. T. Janney and Barry Cosper officiating. Mr. Hamby died Saturday, Sept. 6, at his home after a short illness. A Montgomery native, he was born June 29, 1925, son of Edward Waddell and Elon Odell Hammond Hamby. He was a World War II Air Force veteran, a member of Trinity Baptist Church and retired from Georgia Pacific. Survivors include his wife, Frances Richardson Hamby of Roanoke; four daughters, Elon Gilchrist of Brewton, Debra Maynard of Mableton, Ga., and Rebecca Harris and Kathy Hamby of Smyrna, Ga.; one son Charles Hamby of Tampa, Fla.; one sister, Jackie Hamby, of Roanoke; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chattahoochee Hospice, 106 Stewart Street, Roanoke 36274. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Bruce Parmer (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Bruce Parmer, 80 of Roanoke were held Wednesday, Sept. 3, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, with the Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Parmer died Monday, Sept. 1, at the Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born Aug. 15, 1917, son of Jeff and Maude Parmer. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of Faith Baptist Church, and self-employed. Survivors include his wife, Lucille Parmer of Roanoke; one daughter, Rhonda Parmer Jackson of Columbia, S.C.; one son, Michael Bruce Parmer of Opelika; one sister, Lula Mae McCullough of Roanoke; and three granddaughters, Nonet Parmer of Opelika, and Lauren Jackson and Jordan Jackson of Columbia, S.C. Pallbearers were W. N. Parmer, Gordon Harrington, Ledford Parmer, Delmar Parmer and Ronnie Harper. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 17, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Cora Holley, 101 (ROANOKE) Cora Holley, 101, of Roanoke died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke. Ms. Holley was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Bacon Level. Survivors include three sons, Edward Holley of Chicago, Ill., Eugene Holley of Newark, Del., and Bobby Holley of Roanoke; two sisters Jeanette Billingslea of LaGrange, Ga., and Mary Brewer of Ypsilanti, Mich.; one sister-in-law, Helen Shears of Atlanta; 33 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Services for Ms. Holley were Saturday, Sept. 13, 1997, at 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, Bacon Level, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons. Silmon Mortuary of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Clarence Columbus Williamson (Wedowee) Clarence Columbus Williamson, 84, of 1804 County Rd. 7, Wedowee, died Friday, Sept. 12, 1997, at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham after an extended illness. Funeral services were Sunday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel in Wedowee, with the Rev. Billy East officiating. Burial was in Valley Grove Cemetery. Mr. Williamson was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. He was a member and deacon of Iduma Congregational Methodist Church, a member and officer of Randolph County Democratic Association and a member of Randolph County Cattlemen's Association. Survivors include his wife, Hannie Williamson of Wedowee; two daughters, Modene French of Roanoke and Ellowayne Prather of Dadeville; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Steve Stewart, Will French, Adam Mathis, Travis Nelson, Jr., Stanley French and Stan French, Jr. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Iduma Congregational Methodist Church building fund. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 24, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Hattie Braden Morrison (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Hattie Braden Morrison, 84, of Wedowee will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1997, at 11 a.m. at Corinth Baptist Church in Randolph County, with the Rev. Steve Dempsey and the Rev. Oscar Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Morrison died Sunday, Sept. 21, at Lineville Nursing Facility. She was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County, having owned and operated with her husband, Grady Morrison, Morrison's Grocery for more than 28 years. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in north Randolph County. She was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Eugene Morrison. She is survived by two daughters, Georgia Hendon of Lineville and Elizabeth Cole of Fortson, Ga.; two sons, Grady P. Morrison of Bynum and the Rev. Braden Morrison of Anniston; one sister, Caroline Meeker of Randolph County; one brother, Gilbert L. Braden of Jemison; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Stanley Henson, Bart Buchanan, Garey Morrison, Steve Morrison, Tony Morrison, Winston Morris, Dr. David Hocker, Dr. Stuart Hendon, Scott Hendon, Russell Wood, Dr. Sam Houston and David Schleper. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Braden, John Earl Braden, Glenn Traylor, James Robert Traylor, Rudolph Braden, Harold Braden and Royce Braden. Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville is in charge of arrangements. __________ Sidney Green (ABANDA) Sidney Green, 54, of Abanda died Thursday, Sept. 18, 1997, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services for Mr. Green were Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette, with the Rev. Jack Hollis officiating. Burial was at LaFayette City Cemetery. Mr. Green was born in Chambers County on June 12, 1943. He was a member of Abanda Baptist Church and a hunting guide at Rock Fence Hunting Lodge. Survivors include two children, Walter Scott Green of Abanda and Faith Leigh Green of Auburn. Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Lera Poole Wilson Baxter (AUBURN) The funeral service for Lera Poole Wilson Baxter, 80, of Auburn was Friday, Sept. 19, 1997, at 10 a.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church with Dr. George Mathison officiating. Burial and graveside services were at Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church, Woodland, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Messer presiding. Ms. Baxter, who died Tuesday, Sept. 16, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, after a short illness, was born Feb. 26, 1917, in Randolph County. She moved to Auburn in 1950, where she resided until her death. Ms. Baxter was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church and the Francis McGhee Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Wilson Sr., who was killed in action during World War II, and by her husband, Arlington E. Baxter. Ms. Baxter is survived by one daughter, Jackie Wilson Risinger of Shreveport, La.; three sons, Maynard Wilson of Columbus, Ga., K. Ted Wilson of Auburn and Larry J. Wilson of Panama City, Fla.; a sister, Ethel Donaldson of LaGrange, Ga.; a brother, Staley Fincher of Auburn; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Flowers or donations to Auburn United Methodist Church are accepted. Jeffcoat Funeral Home, Opelika, directed. __________ John Henry Heard (JACKSON) John H. Heard, 74, of Jackson, formerly of Roanoke, died suddenly on Sept. 5, 1997, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson. Mr. Heard was the son of the late Amon and Addie Moses Heard. He was an active member of Peniel Baptist Church and a member of the Jackson Masons. Survivors include his wife, Juanita McDaniel Heard; one daughter, Susan Walker of Jackson; two grandchildren; three sisters, Carolyn Bennett of Roanoke, Glema Vowell of Macon, Ga., and Sara Abernathy of Roswell, Ga.; one brother, Raymond Heard of Roanoke; and one sister-in-law, Daphine Norton of Roanoke. A memorial service was held Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at Peniel Baptist Church, Jackson. The service was conducted by the Rev. Billy Kendricks, and special music was by the church choir under the direction of L. C. James, minister of music. ______________________________________________________