Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during March 2000, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200003L.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> ============================================= March 2002 The Randolph Leader March 1, 2000 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Nannie Phillips Craft (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Nannie Phillips Craft, 87, of Wedowee will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church with the Revs. Earnest Lipham and Dorsey White officiating. Burial will follow at the adjoining church cemetery. Mrs. Craft died Sunday, Feb. 27, at Pleasant Grove Health Care in Pleasant Grove. A lifelong resident of Randolph county, she was born in Calhoun County on Dec. 5, 1912, daughter of John Ab Phillips and Laura Bell Gore Phillips. She was a homemaker, a member of New Home Homemakers' Club and Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Craft. Survivors include a son, Larry J. Craft of Pleasant Grove; three sisters, Carrie Pulvere of Alexandria, Lula Boyd of Gadsden and Millie White of Hokes Bluff; two brothers, Emmett Phillips of Ohatchee and Olin Phillips of Anniston; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be nephews. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Ruby Cofield (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Ruby Cofield, 69, of Roanoke were at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, 2000, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Richard Baldwin officiating. Burial was at Potash Church of God Cemetery. Mrs. Cofield died Thursday, Feb. 24, at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham following an extended illness. She was born in Cleburne County on Sept. 1, 1930, daughter of William Belton Harris and Mattie Lee Dodson Harris. She was employed as a seamstress with Fashion Star and was Church of God by faith. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Hill; a sister, Lanell Waites; and two brothers, Andrew Harris and Alvin Harris. Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Jones of Roanoke; two sisters, Mattielene Garner of Jonesboro, Ga., and Betty Robbins of Hogansville, Ga.; three brothers, Elijah Harris of Cullman, Willie Harris of Longview, Texas and Bill Harris of Tatum, Texas; and one granddaughter. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ William Curtis Nix (LANETT) William Curtis Nix, 83, of Lanett died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000, at his residence. Mr. Nix was born in Randolph County April 22, 1916, son of the late Reva Young Nix and James Milton Nix. He was the former owner of LaFayette Monument Company and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church, LaFayette. Mr. Nix is survived by his wife, Mary Zelna Nix; two sons, William Charles Nix of Athens, Ga., and Gregory David Nix of LaFayette; two daughters, Brenda Joyce Langley of Locust Grove, Ga., and Judy Ann Hollon of Valley; three sisters, Bernice Fetner of Roanoke, Willie Jo Newton of Huguley and Millierea Brown of Valley; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral service were at Antioch Baptist Church at 2 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 28, with burial in LaFayette City Cemetery. The Revs. Mike Crowe, Paul Howard and Wayne Bassett officiated. Memorial donations may be made to Chattahoochee Hospice or Antioch Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Harlan Lamar Yarbrough (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Harlan Lamar Yarbrough, 60, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, 2000, at First Baptist Church of Roanoke with Dr. Douglas Turner and Elder Ben Keeble officiating. Burial was at New Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett. Mr. Yarbrough died Friday, Feb. 25, at his residence. He was born in Ellaville, Ga., on Nov. 17, 1939, son of Felton Lamar Yarbrough and Cleo Price Yarbrough. He was a comptroller for Superior Gas, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, and a member of First Baptist Church in Roanoke. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Yarbrough of Roanoke; a daughter, Jennifer Mitchell of Roanoke; two sisters, Shirley Herren of Dothan and Paula Fagan of Lanett; and a granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Pallbearers were Ray Strain, Jamie Rainer, Jeff Hamilton, Tommy Taylor, Larry Nichols and Jeff Herren. Honorary pallbearers were deacons of First Baptist Church of Roanoke. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Bettie Neely Brown (ALEXANDER CITY) Bettie Neely Brown, 81, of Alexander City died Jan. 21, 2000, at Russell Medical Center. Mrs. Brown was born in Troup County, Ga., on Dec. 22, 1918. She was active in Hillabee Baptist Church as a Sunday school teacher, she served as Associational Director for Central Association WMU for a number of years and she and her late husband were cottage parents for a number of years at the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, Troy. She assisted her husband in his work as pastor of Garrett Baptist Church, Hohenwald, Tenn. Mrs. Brown is survived by two brothers, Lee Neely of Lincoln, Neb., and Charley Neely of Elida, N.M.; two sisters, Bobbie Neely Knight of Roanoke and Ellen Neely Joiner of Alexander City; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. John T. Brown; two brothers, Austin Neely and Chesley Burton Neely Sr., and her parents, Emmett M. Neely and Edna Martin Neely. Funeral services were at Radney's Funeral Home Chapel, Alexander City, on Monday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m., with the Rev. Bobby Anderson officiating. Interment was in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Goodwater. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillabee Baptist Church, 1781 Hialeah Circle, Alexander City 35011 or to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home. __________ Timothy Wayne Hester (ROCK MILLS) Timothy Wayne Hester, 35, of Rock Mills died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2000, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange. Mr. Hester, born Jan. 14, 1965, in Tampa, Fla., was the son of June Foster Yearta of Rock Mills and the late Arvin Edward Hester. He was manager of Artistic Signs in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and had lived there for the past year. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include two brothers, Kenny Hester of Standing Rock and James Edward Hester Sr. of Rock Mills; three sisters, Nancy Hester of Atlanta, Patricia Anglin of Rock Mills and Brenda Lanier of Dallas, Ga.; the loved ones with whom he lived, Donna and George Wiggins of Rock Mills; five nieces and five nephews. Funeral services were at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Hester officiating. Burial was in Shadowlawn Cemetery. __________ Gussie R. Hill Rotton (ROANOKE) Gussie R. Hill Rotton, 94, of Roanoke and Franklin, Ga., formerly of Lanett, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. A native of Tallapoosa County, Mrs. Rotton was born June 6, 1905, daughter of the late Serena Bell Melear Richardson and Wiley Jefferson Richardson. She was a retired employee of West Point Pepperell, having worked approximately 50 years with the company. She was a member of First Methodist Church, Franklin. Mrs. Rotton is survived by a son-in-law, Hoyt Noel Sr. of Roanoke; two grandsons; five great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 2 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 24, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Jack Hillard Gregory (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Jack Hillard Gregory, 85, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, 2000, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Leron Murphy and the Rev. Doug McCart officiating. Burial was at Flat Rock Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr. Gregory died Friday, Feb. 25, at Randolph County Hospital. He was born in Chambers County on Dec. 12, 1914, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiriam Thomas Gregory Sr. He had been employed as a grocery store manager and was a World War II veteran and a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Geneva Bailey Gregory of Roanoke; two sisters, Peggy Darden of LaGrange, Ga., and Faye Jones of Rex, Ga.; two brothers, Hiriam T. Gregory Jr. and Robert Joseph Gregory of LaGrange; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers were Bud Bailey, Ricky Bailey, Greg Bailey, Paul Jones, W. T. Lewis and Richard Gregory. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Joe Rooker Davis (LAFAYETTE) Funeral services for Joe Rooker Davis, 72, of LaFayette were Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at 3 p.m. at Community Baptist Church with the Revs. Clifford DeLee and Donald DeLee officiating. Burial was at Sims Cemetery. Mr. Davis died Sunday, Feb. 27, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A native of Chambers County, he was born July 2, 1927. A Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Davis was retired from West Point Pepperell and the Russell Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Laverne Teel Davis of LaFayette; two daughters, Patsy Royster of Aiken, S.C., and Brenda Welch of LaFayette; one son, Danny Joe Davis of LaFayette; two brothers, John D. Davis of Dalton, Ga., and Frank Davis Sr. of LaFayette; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Pallbearers were grandsons. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Robert Caul Fincher Sr. (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Robert Caul Fincher Sr., 74, of Roanoke will be Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clarence Holinshed officiating. Burial will be at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Fincher died suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 27, at Randolph County Hospital. A Randolph County native, Mr. Fincher was born July 15, 1926, son of Argost Eugene and Margaret C. Swann Fincher. He was a World War II Army veteran, a former resident of Anniston and had been employed as an inventory clerk at Bynum. He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Fincher. Survivors include his wife, Linda Jewell Bryce Fincher of Roanoke; four daughters, Judy Swian, Faye Gentle, Myra Abercrombie and Debra Kenchell, all of Huntsville; three sons, Billy Joe Fincher of Killen and Robert Caul Fincher Jr. and Tony Fincher of Gurley; two sisters, Margaret F. "Peggy" Sherman and Myra N. Robinson of Roanoke; three brothers, Howard M. Fincher of Glenco, Edward "Buck" Fincher of Lanett and James W. "Billy" Fincher of Anniston. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mary Ruth Kerr Williams (VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.) Private graveside memorial services will be Saturday, March 4, 2000, for Mary Ruth Kerr Williams, 75, of Virginia Beach, Va., at Wedowee City Cemetery, with the Rev. Earl Gordon officiating. Mrs. Williams died Saturday, Feb. 26, at her son's residence in Virginia Beach, following an extended illness. Mrs. Williams was a native of Randolph County, born the daughter of Joe and Alma Kerr of Wedowee. She was a resident of Huntsville for many years until retirement from NASA as an engineer. After retirement, she resided in Virginia Beach and was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was also a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert M. Kerr, all of Wedowee. Mrs. Williams is survived by a son, Edward L. Williams of Virginia Beach; two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter; three sisters, Lula Mae Murphy of Merritt Island, Fla., Viola Pearl Lowe of Auburn and Joyce Neighbors of Huntsville; and three brothers, Thomas Kerr of [sic] J. Howard Kerr of Huntsville and J. Floyd Kerr of North Ridge [sic - Northridge], Calif. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Zema Dyer Walker (WEDOWEE) Graveside funeral services for Zema Dyer Walker, 88, of Wedowee will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at Wedowee City Cemetery with the Rev. Ken Corson officiating. Mrs. Walker died Monday, Feb. 28, at her residence following an extended illness. She was born in Clay County on Aug. 19, 1911, daughter of Erwin B. Dyer and Martha Frances Knowles Dyer. She was co-owner of Walker's Clothing Store, a member of the Home Demonstration Club and a member of First United Methodist Church of Wedowee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anderson W. Walker. Survivors include a son, Jimmy J. Walker of Anniston; a brother, Buford Dyer of West Point, Miss.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be floral or donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 7320 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or the Alzheimer's Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Barbara Ann Bowman Covington (WEDOWEE) Barbara Ann Bowman Covington, 63, of Wedowee died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at her residence. She was born Oct. 10, 1936, in Sequatchie County, Tenn., and had lived in Wedowee for several years. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Elam Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include her daughter, Janice C. Jeffers of Wedowee; a sister, Janet Dawson of South Pittsburg, Tenn.; three brothers, Steve Bowman of South Pittsburg, John K. Bowman of Pasco, Wash., and Billy Bowman of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.; a granddaughter and a great-grandchild. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 8, 2000 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Ivis V. Angel (UNION CITY, Ga.) Funeral services for Mr. Ivis V. Angel, 85, of Union City, Ga., were Saturday, March 4, 2000, at 1 p.m. CST at Zion Rest Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. William Phillips officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Angel died Monday, Feb. 28, at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Ga. A native Randolph Countian, Mr. Angel was a member of Zion Rest Baptist Church, Wedowee. He had resided in Union City for about two years prior to his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robine and Mellisa Angel. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Angel; four daughters, Lucille Marable of Tuskegee, Shirley Angel of New York and Mildred Angel and Rebecca Angel of Atlanta; five sons Vernon, Scott Leon, Calvin and Camal Angel, all of Atlanta; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Pollard Funeral Home, Atlanta and Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Docia Bell Harmon (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Docia Bell Harmon, 89, of Roanoke were Saturday, March 4, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Radney's Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Don Quick and Lavelle Reynolds officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Miss Harmon died Friday, March 3, at her home. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Miss Harmon was born Jan. 30, 1911, daughter of Jasper Wilson and Elizabeth Hendon Harmon. She was a homemaker and a member of Radney's Chapel. Survivors include one sister, Edna Sullenburger of Greensboro, Pa., and one brother, Louis Harmon of Roanoke. Pallbearers were David Harmon, Daryl Harmon, Tom Brooks, Rodney Harmon, Gordon Griffin and Al Kapaona. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Frank Bramblett (ATHENS, Ga.) Willis Frank Bramblett, 77, of Athens, Ga., died Sunday, March 5, 2000. A native of Forsythe County, Ga., Mr. Bramblett was the son of the late George Washington and Velvie Tribble Bramblett. During World War II, Sgt. Bramblett fought with the 317th Infantry of the 3rd Army in Europe for two years and helped liberate the concentration camp at Buchenwald. In 1946 he married Mary Sybil Mashburn of Wedowee, where they lived ten years, raised their son, and owned and operated a furniture store. The Brambletts have lived for 26 years in Athens, where Frank worked as an athletic facilities forman [sic - foreman] in the Physical Education Department at the University of Georgia. He was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Green Acres Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mark Babin officiating. Interment was in Athens Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers were the Jolly Elders, the Jubilee Fellowship Choir, and the Men's Sunday School Class of Green Acres Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Sybil Mashburn Bramblett of Athens; a son Frank Bramblett Jr. of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; a sister, Mrs. Wendel C. Ottwell of Cumming, Ga.; two brothers, Edwin Bramblett of Eatonton, Ga., and Thad Bramblett of Cumming; and a grandson. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1060 Gaines School Rd., Suite B-2, Athens, GA 30605 or the Green Acres Baptist Church Building Fund, 2085 Barnett Shoals Rd., Athens, GA 30605. Arrangements were by Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Athens. __________ Nannie Smith Screws (WADLEY) Funeral services for Nannie Smith Screws, 87, of Wadley will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, at Corinth Christian Church, with the Rev. Mickey Vaughn and the Rev. Zenus Windsor officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Screws died Monday, March 6, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born Jan. 5, 1913, daughter of Doug Smith and Augusta Roberts Smith. She was a homemaker and a member of Corinth Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Screws. Survivors include a daughter, Faye Blake of Wadley; a son, Jimmy Screws of Wadley; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Mrs. Screws will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Robert Eugene 'Bob' Merrill (RANBURNE) Funeral services for Robert Eugene "Bob" Merrill, 80, of Ranburne were Thursday, March 2, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Pine Hill Christian Church with the Revs. Monroe Lipscomb and Horace Merrill officiating. Burial followed at the church cemetery. Mr. Merrill died Tuesday, Feb. 29, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. A native of Cleburne County, Mr. Merrill was born Feb. 12, 1920, son of the late Thomas and Lea Denham Merrill. He was a retired farmer and a World War II Army veteran. Mr. Merrill was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Merrill; a grandson, Dustin Lawler; and a sister, Ruth Brooks. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Lankford Merrill of Ranburne; six sons, Buddy Merrill, Charles Merrill, Greg Merrill and Toney Merrill of Ranburne, Donell Merrill of Graham and Tommy Merrill of Woodland; a daughter, Angie Lawler of Ranburne; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Music was furnished by Dianne Strain. Pianist was Emma Wiggins. Pallbearers were Mark Merrill, Erric Merrill, Jason Merrill, Andy Merrill, Scott Merrill, Brian Merrill, Lance Merrill and Brent Merrill. Arrangements were by Rainwater & West Funeral Home Inc., Bowdon, Ga. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 15, 2000 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Elmer Lee Whitmore (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Elmer Lee Whitmore, 86, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at Bethel East Baptist Church, with the Rev. R. C. Prescott officiating. Burial was in the adjoining church cemetery. Mr. Whitmore died Monday, March 6, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. He was born in Graham on June 3, 1913, son of Leon Columbus Whitmore and Annie Rosie Lee Maddox Whitmore. He was a World War II veteran, had been employed at Handley Mills and was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife Marie Whitmore of Roanoke, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were nephews. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Luther Newton Noles (BOWDON, Ga.) Luther Newton Noles, 86, of Bowdon, Ga., died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga. Mr. Noles was born Feb. 13, 1914, in Randolph County, Ala., son of the late Newton and Maggie Hendrix Noles. He was retired form Southwire Company and was a member of Bowdon Church of God. He was preceded in death by a son, Hollis Noles; brothers, William Noles, Word Noles and Beason Noles; and a sister, I. V. Jordan. Survivors include his wife, Lois Noles Nunis of Bowdon; two sons, Dwayne Noles of Bowdon and the Rev. Harlon Noles of Toccoa, Ga.; four grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Bowdon Church of God, with the Revs. Wesley Forrister, J. M. Jones, Billy Dawson and Harlon Noles officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Chris Noles, Jeff Noles, Keith Noles, Marty Nunis and Craig Nunis. Arrangements were by Rainwater and West Funeral Home, Bowdon. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 22, 2000 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Thelma Ada Gosdin, 102 (WOODLAND) Funeral services for Thelma Ada Gosdin, 102, of Woodland were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2000, at Herren's Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ridley Parmer officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Gosdin died Wednesday, March 15, at her residence. She was born at Villa Rica, Ga., on Sept. 8, 1897, daughter of William Henry Nolan and Susan Clarabelle Lane Nolan. She was a homemaker and a member of Herren's Grove Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mige William Gosdin, and two sons, Lamunyon R. Gosdin and Cecil E. Gosdin. Survivors include a daughter, Brooksie Nell Harrington of Woodland; a son, Buford Gosdin of Red Oak, Ga.; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Tim Gosdin, Chester Stanley Gosdin, Bryan Anderson, Corey Stroud, Steve Meadows and Eddie Harrington. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Leon Phillips (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Leon Phillips, 87, of Roanoke were Saturday, March 18, 2000, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Roanoke, with Dr. Douglas Turner and Dr. James D. Moebes officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Phillips died Thursday, March 16, at LaGrange Hospice. A Randolph County native and lifelong resident, Mr. Phillips was born June 28, 1912, son of Fred and Mamie Crowder Phillips. He was a 1933 honor graduate of the University of Alabama and a World War II veteran. With his brother, J. P. Phillips, he was co-owner of Phillips Brothers Hardware, Milling Company and Building Materials. He was a former president of the Bank of Wadley. Active in the community, Mr. Phillips was a deacon at First Baptist Church and a member of the Men's Bible Class. He was a member of the Lion's Club for 50 years; a member of the Water Board; a former member of the High Pine Watershed Board; and former chairman of the Board of Trustees for Southern Union College. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Allen of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Ellen Cunningham of Birmingham; four grandchildren; one sister, Mary Benefield of Memphis, Tenn.; and one brother, J. P. Phillips of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eunice Phillips. Pallbearers were Rich Phillips, Paul McMurray, Thomas McMurray, Jim McMurray, Drew Phillips, Terry Cobb, Hardy Hendon, Clay Tinney and John Tinney. Members of the Men's Bible Class were honorary pallbearers. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Georgie Whaley Davis (LANETT) Graveside funeral services for Georgie Whaley Davis, 81, of Lanett, formerly of Wedowee, were at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2000, at Union Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Billy East officiating. Mrs. Davis died Friday, March 17, at her residence. She was born in Randolph County on August 13, 1918, daughter of Noah and Minnie Edders McCormick. She was a homemaker and a member of Union Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Leo Whaley of Griffin, Ga., Earl Whaley of Lanett, and James Leroy Whaley of Grayson, Ga.; a sister, Mary Jo Edmondson of Phoenix, Ariz.; a brother, Josh McCormick of Wedowee; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ James Elijah Rachel Jr. (ROANOKE) James Elijah Rachel Jr., 76, of Roanoke died Sunday, March 12, 2000 at his residence. Mr. Rachel was a member of Saint Paul Baptist Church, Roanoke. He served in the U.S. Navy with a brief tour of duty at Norfolk Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va., in 1943. He was a well-known contractor in Roanoke. For the past 48 years, his contracting company was responsible for construction and renovation of hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Randolph County and the surrounding area. Survivors include nine daughters, Janice Walker and Betty Walker of Riverdale, Ga., Gwen Roberson of Wedowee and Bridgett Foster, Liz Foster Presley, Allison Sims, Deborah Houston, Chris Bledsoe and Vickie Brown of Roanoke; eight sons, James Edward Clark of Connecticut, Donald Pearson of Denver, Colo., Robert Staples, Larry Rachel, Hilton Rachel, James Foster and Timothy Foster of Roanoke and Paul Rachel of Marietta, Ga.; two sisters, Christine Williams of Atlanta and Annie Rowland of LaGrange, Ga.; three brothers, Edward Rachel of Miami, Fla., Richard Rachel of Atlanta and Henry Rachel of Washington, D.C.; 40 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one loving companion Dorothy Satterwhite of Roanoke, and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Services for Mr. Rachel were Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at City Auditorium, Roanoke, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Interment was in Skyview Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ Sarah Bell Walker (WEDOWEE) Graveside funeral services for Sarah Bell Walker, 90, of Wedowee were at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2000, at Wedowee City Cemetery, with the Rev. Tom Roberts officiating. Miss Walker died Thursday, March 16, at her residence following an extended illness. Miss Walker was born March 11, 1910, daughter of John C. Walker and Mattie Anderson Walker. She held a master's degree from Auburn University and was retired from a teaching career of 55 years in Randolph and Chambers County schools. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Wedowee. She was preceded in death by a sister, Elsie Walker, a brother, A. W. Walker, and a nephew, Joe Walker. Survivors include a nephew, Jimmy Walker of Anniston, and two great-nephews. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Boyd Johnson (CHERRY LOG, Ga.) Boyd Johnson, 88, of Cherry Log, Ga., died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, in Roanoke. Mr. Johnson was born April 28, 1911, in Gilmer County, Ga., the son of the late Holmes Johnson and Roxie Lance Johnson. He was married to the late Carrie Newton Johnson. He was a veteran of World War II, a retired truck driver and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include a daughter, Geneva Adams of Roanoke; a son, Nathan Johnson of Rockmart, Ga.; four grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Mashburn and Ida Ash of Blue Ridge, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ernest Land officiating. Music was by The Scott Family. Pallbearers were Gary Ash, Eugene Dover, Robert Miller, Kennon Mashburn, Larry Mashburn and Harold Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Marvin Randall and Paul Dover. Interment was in the Johnson family cemetery in Cashes Valley, Ga., under the direction of Bernhardt Funeral Home. __________ Harold Thomas Belyeu (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Harold Thomas Belyeu, 76, of Roanoke will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2000, at Trinity Baptist Church, with the Revs. Barry Cosper, Bobby Kirby and Jamie Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Belyeu died Monday, March 20, at Randolph County Hospital. He was born in Tallassee on March 15, 1924, son of Thomas Tracy and Annie Rhodes Belyeu. He lived in Alexander City before moving to Randolph County. He attended Avondale School and was employed as a weaver at Avondale Mills for several years. He was also employed in the meat industry in sales. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Clara Smith Belyeu of Roanoke; three sons, Danny Belyeu of Douglasville, Ga., Dean Belyeu of Opelika and Tracy Belyeu of Montgomery; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Belyeu will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The family requests memorial donations be made to Trinity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 705, Roanoke, AL 36274. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Braxton B. Cotney (WADLEY) Services for Braxton B. Cotney, 83, of Wadley were Friday, March 10, 2000, at Radney's Funeral Home Chapel in Alexander City. Officiating were the Revs. A. L. Courtney, Ralph Jernigan and David Tuten. Interment was in Bethlehem-New Salem Cemetery at New Site. Mr. Cotney died Tuesday, March 7, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Bernece Welsh Cotney of Wadley; four sisters, Marian Cotney, Maurine Crampton and Billie Clegg, all of Wadley, and Louise Yeargin of Andalusia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, A. D. Cotney Jr., Ray Cotney and Baron Cotney. Pallbearers were Charles Mattox, Marion Brooks Jr., Larry Drake, Tony Drake, Dallas Weldon and Lynn Joel Wilkins. Arrangements were by Radney's Funeral Home, Alexander City. __________ Curtis McDaniel (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Curtis McDaniel, 73, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2000, at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Arlin Ashley and the Rev. Vernon Willis officiating. Burial was in Potash Cemetery. Mr. McDaniel died Thursday, March 16, at his residence. He was born in Randolph County on Oct. 11, 1926, son of John W. McDaniel and Hattie Frances Hale McDaniel. He was employed at Handley Mills and was Church of God by faith. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Jewell McDaniel, R. C. McDaniel and Garfield McDaniel, and a sister, Mindy Spears. Survivors include his wife, Verna Perry McDaniel of Roanoke; a daughter, Rhonda Watson of Roanoke; a sister Arene McDaniel of Roanoke; a brother, Pernal McDaniel of Roanoke; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were C. W. Perry, Phillips McDaniel, Gary McDaniel, Wesley Spears, Calvin New and Richie Sims. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Robert W. (Ebo) Johnson (LAFAYETTE) Robert W. "Ebo" Johnson, 76, of LaFayette died Friday, March 17, 2000, at his residence. Services were at Antioch Baptist Church on Monday, March 20, at 1 p.m., with burial in LaFayette City Cemetery. The Rev. Mike Crowe officiated. Mr. Johnson was born in Chambers County on Aug. 9, 1923. An Army veteran of World War II, he was retired from Shawmut Mill and from Alabama Georgia Wood Preserving Company. Survivors include his wife, Edith Ophelia Vickers Johnson of LaFayette; a son, Bobby Johnson of LaFayette; a brother, James Johnson of Standing Rock; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 29, 2000 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Shawtisha Lachell Thompson (ROANOKE) Shawtisha Lachell Thompson, 14, of Roanoke died Thursday, March 23, 2000, in Roanoke. Miss Thompson was born July 13, 1985, in Roanoke. She was a student at Handley High School and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Five Points. Survivors include her mother, Angela Johnson of Roanoke; her father, Marvin Thompson of Montgomery; her step father, Kelvin Johnson of Roanoke; a brother, Marvin Thompson of Roanoke; two sisters, Shirley Thompson of Roanoke and Kimberly Thompson of Shawmut; two step sisters, Phyllis Johnson and Raven Johnson of Bogalusa, La.; a step brother, Phillip Johnson of Gogalusa; her maternal grandparents, Rev. Sanford and Lucille Johnson of Five Points and Nathaniel and Gwendolyn Garland of Philadelphia, Pa.; her paternal grandmother Johnnie Ruth Thompson of Shawmut; step-grandparents Shirley Johnson of Gogalusa and Charles Johnson of New Orleans; a great-grandmother, Flora H. Allen of Fredonia; and a step-great-grandmother, Ruth Griffin of Bogalusa. Funeral services will be at Roanoke City Auditorium on Thursday, March 30, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. C. Broome officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, Fredonia. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home, 612 MLK Drive, LaFayette, and from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday at Roanoke City Auditorium. Arrangements are by Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Charles O'Neal Smith (WADLEY) Funeral services for Charles O'Neal Smith, 74, of Wadley were at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2000, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Phillip Gore and Ruby Wilkins officiating. Burial was at Wadley City Cemetery. Mr. Smith died Friday, March 24, at his residence. He was born in Clay County on July 15, 1925, son of McDuff and Susie Grizzel Smith. He was an Air Force veteran, had worked at West Point Pepperell, and was a member of Beulah Congregational Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Lucille Nolen Smith of Wadley; two sons, Charles Michael Smith and Philip O'Neal Smith, both of Wadley; a sister, Stacy Hand of Valley; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ronald Smith, Donnie Cato, Mack Cato, Mickey Vaughn, Charlie Carlisle, Greg Snell, Hubert Williams, John Bowen and Ross Stribblin. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Lucille Boyd (ROANOKE) Lucille Boyd, 89, of Roanoke died Sunday, March 26, 2000, at Hospice LaGrange. Mrs. Boyd was born July 9, 1910, in Chambers County, daughter of the late Ocie and Mellie Smith. She was retired from the Elm City Plant of Callaway Mills and was a member of Hillside Christian Church. Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel, with the Rev. Olin McClain officiating. Burial was in Hillview East Cemetery. Surviving are three daughters, Frances Yancey of Panama City, Fla., Sara Critcher Satterfield of Roanoke and Nellie Ruth Carlisle of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Jesse Boyd of LaGrange, Ga.; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Spears of Roanoke and Maggie Mitchell of Trion, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband McKinley Boyd, and a son, James Boyd. Arrangements were by Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Easter W. Moore (ROANOKE) Graveside funeral services for Easter W. Moore, 88, of Roanoke, a resident of Traylor Nursing Home and formerly of Talladega, were at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2000, at Randolph Memory Gardens, with the Rev. Bob Howard officiating. Mrs. Moore died Thursday, March 23, at Randolph County Hospital following an extended illness. She was born in Clay County on April 16, 1911, daughter of Robert and Josie Williamson. She was a homemaker and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie C. Moore. Survivors include a son, Dale Moore of Roanoke; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jim Moore, Glen Moore, Mike Pike, Marion Staples, Mike Kingery and Danny Kingery. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Kitha Heard, 103 (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Kitha Heard, 103, of Wedowee, were Friday, March 24, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Heard died Tuesday, March 21, at Roanoke Health Care Center. She is survived by two stepsons, Lorenza Heard of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Boyser Heard of Miami, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Exia Lee Woodgett of Camp Hill and Emma Lee Heard of Chattanooga; two brothers, Carl Green of Wedowee and Orvile Green of Dayton, Ohio; two nephews and eight nieces. Mrs. Heard was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Louisa Green; her husband, John Will Heard; and two stepsons, Felton and Quincy Lee Heard. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Jim Worthey (MILLTOWN) Jim Worthey, 82, of Milltown died Saturday, March 25, 2000, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange. Funeral services were at Shiloh Baptist Church, LaFayette, on Monday March 27, at 11 a.m., with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. John Cole and the Rev. Clifford DeLee officiated. Surviving are two sons, Calvin Worthey of Roanoke and Harry Worthey of Wadley; three sisters, Travis Roberts of Valley, Liller Mae Lamb of LaFayette and Jewell Kendrick of Roanoke; one grandchild and two step-grandsons. Mr. Worthey was born Feb. 24, 1918 in Chambers County. He was retired from Avondale Mills in LaFayette. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene, who died Dec. 26, 1999. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Ellis Ray Strain Jr. (WOODLAND) Funeral services for Ellis Ray Strain Jr. 34 of Woodland were Sunday, March 26, 2000, at 4 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Daniel officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Strain died Friday, March 24, at his residence. Mr. Strain was born Sept. 12, 1965, in Randolph County, son of Ellis Ray Strain Sr. and Lottie Brady Strain. He was employed with Superior Gas Company as a service technician with 16 years of service. He was a member of Roanoke County Club and Zion Baptist Church. Mr. Strain is survived by his parents; a sister, Pat Hosey of Carrollton, Ga.; a niece and nephew; and a special friend, Ginger McCormick of Woodland. Pallbearers were Don Strain, Jimmy Strain, Jamie Strain, Dewayne Yates, Brad Bentley, Stan Bentley, Jay Aids and Chris Aids. Honorary pallbearers were employees of Superior Gas Company. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ______________________________________________________