Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during February 1998, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/199802L.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 February 4, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Ralph Cook Gunn (ROANOKE) Ralph Cook Gunn, 74, of Taylor's Crossroads, Roanoke, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at Hospice LaGrange. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Roanoke, with Dr. Douglas Turner and the Rev. Larry Armstrong officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. A retired rural letter carrier, Mr. Gunn served Randolph County as sheriff from 1954 to 1962. He served in the United States Naval Reserve and was a member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke and Roanoke Kiwanis Club. Mr. Gunn was the son of the late William Quaron and Sallie Cook Gunn. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patty Hendon Gunn; four brothers, Hubert, Pervis, Earl and Raymond Paul Gunn; and one sister, Mattie Will Gunn. Survivors include his wife, Cleola Cline Gunn of Roanoke; three daughters, Cecelia Tinney and Debbie Revis of Roanoke and Ruth Holley of Clayton; one son, John Gunn of Roanoke; two sisters, Louise Tidwell and Maxine Brumbeloe, both of Roanoke; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were David Holley, Clay Tinney, Jeremy Revis, Jason Revis, Darrell Jones, Chris Albright, Robert Joiner and Kevin Yates. Members of the First Baptist Church Men's Bible Class and the Roanoke Kiwanis Club served as honorary pallbearers. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ John Rufus Woodgett (WADLEY) John Rufus Woodgett, 75, of Wadley died Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at his residence on County Road 864. The funeral service will be Monday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, Wadley, with the Rev. Calvin Trammell and Elder Thomas Knight officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Lula Bell Woodgett of Wadley; three sons, James Woodgett and Beotis Arthur Woodgett of Detroit, Mich., and Melvin Woodgett of Wadley; three daughters, Betty Jean Lowe and Rosie B. O'Neal of Wadley and Margaret Loretta O'Neal of Spokane, Wash.; a brother, Clinton Woodgett of Wadley; two sisters, Olivia Pinkard and Lula Mae Henry of Chicago, Ill.; 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Andrew and Cora Bell Woodgett. Visitation will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke, after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. The body will be placed in the church one hour before service. Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke is in charge of arrangements. __________ Mazzie McDaniel Mulkey (ROANOKE) Mazzie McDaniel Mulkey, 79, of Roanoke died suddenly Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at Randolph County Hospital. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at Potash Church of God, with the Revs. Carl Giles and Carolyn Hanner officiating. Burial was at Potash Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Alvin C. Mulkey of Roanoke; two sons, Marvin Baldwin of Woodland and Arron Baldwin of Roanoke; two sisters, Etter Striblin of Roanoke and Beadie Kelly of Valley; one brother, Other (Bo) McDaniel of LaGrange, Ga.; ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Kenneth Baldwin, Keith Baldwin, Michael Baldwin, David Baldwin, Wayne Baldwin and Jason Baldwin. Mrs. Mulkey was a Randolph County native and lifelong resident. She was a homemaker and a member of Woodland Church of God. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Beulah Baldwin; a son, Marian Baldwin; and husband, Dorsey (Duck) Baldwin. Also preceding her in death were three brothers, John McDaniel, Rob McDaniel and Shellie McDaniel; and five sisters, Liz Dobbins, Annie McDaniel, Ivy Kelly, Dessie Kelly and Eris McDaniel. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Dr. Gordon Clopton Ussery Jr. (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Dr. Gordon Clopton Ussery Jr., 59, of Roanoke were Friday, Jan. 30, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke First Baptist Church, with Dr. Douglas Turner and the Rev. Larry Armstrong officiating. Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery. Dr. Ussery died Wednesday, Jan. 28, at University Hospital in Birmingham. A Randolph County native and lifelong resident, he was born Feb. 18, 1938, son of Gordon Clopton Ussery Sr. and Annie Wright Ussery. He was a University of Alabama Medical School graduate and served his residency at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham. He practiced in Randolph County all of his career and was Chief of Staff and Surgery at Randolph County Hospital for many years. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. He served as a deacon for First Baptist Church in Roanoke and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Green Ussery of Roanoke; two daughters, Elizabeth Ussery McElroy of Birmingham and Lydia Ussery Cowart of Hattiesburg, Miss.; one son Gordon C. Ussery III of Birmingham; one sister Suzanne Schuessler of Roanoke; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Frank Phillips, Jerry Trent, Grover Broach, Bobby McElroy, Bud Ussery and Ernie Cowart. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Lillian H. Ferguson (GADSDEN) Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1998, at Collier-Butler Chapel, Gadsden, for Lillian H. Ferguson, 59, of Gadsden, who died Sunday, Feb. 1. Dr. Richard Trader will officiated. Music was by Ronnie Cornutt. Burial was at Crestwood Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral Home, Gadsden, was in charge. Mrs. Ferguson was preceded in death by her two infant daughters, Margaret Frances Ferguson and Christy Lynn Ferguson; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Howell; and her brother, Homer Howell Jr. Mrs. Ferguson is survived by her husband, Rod Ferguson of Gadsden; a son, Rick Ferguson of Evanston, Ill.; a sister, Dr. Margaret Howell of Clearwater, Fla.; and a special friend, Beth Grogan of Gadsden. Mrs. Ferguson was a native of Roanoke and a member of Twelfth Street Baptist Church. She was an honor graduate of Jacksonville State University and a member of the Music Teachers National Association and Alabama Music Teachers Association. She taught private piano for many years. Pallbearers were Clyde Morris, Buddy Simpkins, W. C. Gore, Don Chandler, Wayne Washam and Jack Amberson. __________ Mae B. Price (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Mae B. Price, 91, of Wedowee were Sunday, Feb. 1, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Forrester's Chapel, with the Rev. Gordon Taylor officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mrs. Price died Friday, Jan. 30, at Florida Living Nursing Center in Apopka, Fla. A Randolph County native, she was born Nov. 18, 1906, daughter of Daniel Hugh and Lou C. Knight Burrow. She was a homemaker and a member of Corinth Congregational Christian Church. Survivors include three daughters, Mavis P. Johnson of Wedowee, Agnes Green of Lithia Springs, Ga. and Jane Yeackle of Longwood, Fla.; two sons, Billy Price of Mobile and Jimmy Price of Gautier, Miss.; two sisters, Ozell Collins and Annie Burrow of Smithville, Miss.; one brother, Bill Burrow of Smithville; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ William Thomas 'Bill' Royston (ROANOKE) William Thomas "Bill" Royston, 73, of Roanoke died Monday, Feb. 2, 1998, a Randolph County Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tex Ergle officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memory Gardens. A lifelong resident of the Roanoke area, he was born May 12, 1924, at Chambers County, son of O. L. and Ella Whatley Royston. He was a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church and served as a steward for many years. He was a member of Roanoke Lions Club and the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Royston was owner and operator of the Otasco (Coast to Coast) store in Roanoke. Survivors include his wife, Betty Teichmiller Royston of Roanoke; one daughter, Christine Royston Baker of Selma; one son, William Thomas "Billy" Royston Jr. of Roanoke; one sister, Blanch Steeley of Anniston; and four granddaughters. Mr. Royston will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Wayne Adcock, Paul Belcher, Butch Steeley, Tommy Steeley, Sam Shelnutt and Mike Daniel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 40, Roanoke, AL 36274 or Church Street United Methodist, 214 Church Street., Selma, AL 36701. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Maudine Cummings (OPELIKA) Funeral services for Maudine Cummings, 76, of Opelika were Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at 10 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church, with burial in Garden Hills Cemetery. The Rev. Buford Senn and Dr. Rusty Sowell officiated. Mrs. Cummings died Thursday, Jan. 29, at East Alabama Regional Medical Center. She was born March 28, 1921, in Alabama. She was a minister's wife, resident of Ease House, and a member of Central Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Thomas Winston Cummings. Surviving are two daughters, Ann Walls of Beauregard and Joyce Tittle of Huguley; four sons, Kayron Cummings, Harold Cummings and Jimmy Cummings of Beauregard and Max Cummings of Dadeville; one sister, Lonita Whaley of Wedowee; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Ease House. Frederick's Funeral Home of Opelika is [was] in charge of arrangements. __________ Arnold Ray Veal (NORCROSS, Ga.) Funeral services for Arnold Ray Veal, 57, of Norcross, Ga., formerly of Houston, Texas, were Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1998, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Harold Bonner and Frank Foster officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Veal died Monday, Jan. 19, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. A Randolph County native, he was born Dec. 16, 1940, son of Henton and Christine Scott Veal. He was a member of Western Heights Baptist Church in LaGrange and worked as an assistant foreman with Blue Circle Williams Concrete. Survivors include his wife, Lynda Tatum Veal of Norcross; one daughter, Lara Lynn Pool of Houston; two sons, Gregory Scott Veal of San Diego, Calif., and Andrew Sanders Veal of Norcross; his parents, Henton and Christine Veal of Roanoke; two brothers, Ricky Veal and Lamar Veal of Roanoke; and seven grandchildren. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke, Alabama, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Cassie Mae Pauley (NEWELL) Funeral services for Cassie Mae Pauley, 87, of Newell will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, with the Rev. Freddie Whitley and the Rev. Roger Nolan officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Pauley died Monday, Feb. 2, at Randolph County Hospital after an extended illness. Survivors include one daughter, Florence Mitchell of Roanoke; two sons, Howard Pauley and Gwen Pauley of Newell; one sister, Tessie Akery of California; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Pauley was born Sept. 6, 1910; she was the daughter of Lucious Jones and Lizzie Belle Hallmark, in Randolph County. She was a homemaker and a member of Union Baptist Church. Family members will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, until one hour prior to services on Wednesday. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee is in charge of arrangements. __________ Steven Allen Shafer (HEFLIN) Funeral services for Steven Allen Shafer, 19, of Heflin will be Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Holcombe officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Shafer died Monday, Feb. 2, from injuries sustained in an accident in Bowdon, Ga. Survivors include his parents, Stephen and Phyllis Shafer of Heflin; two sisters, Tiffany Carol Shafer of Roanoke and Rebecca Marie Shafer of Heflin; grandparents Tom and Constance Shafer of Wedowee, James and Noreen Allen of Heflin, and Robert and Marie Ahart of Columbia, Tenn.; great-grandmother Ethel L. Shafer of Vestal, N.Y.; and a nephew, Thomas Aaron Bassett of Roanoke. Mr. Shafer was born Sept. 15, 1978, in Randolph County. He was a truck driver with Bremen-Bowdon Investments. Pallbearers will be Stanley Allen, Lee Daniel, Jeff Hill, Harold Hill, Tim Clifton and Anthony Clifton. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, beginning at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee is in charge of arrangements. __________ Alvin H. Loomis (HEFLIN) Graveside services will be held for Alvin H. Loomis, 89, of Heflin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1998, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Anniston, with the Rev. John D. Collins officiating. Mr. Loomis died Monday, Feb. 2, at Talladega Home Health Center. Survivors include four sisters, Janet Way and Grace Cargile of Florida, Loretta Glaze of Nebraska, and Marjorie Joss of Wisconsin; and four brothers, Edwin Loomis of Nevada, George Loomis of Wisconsin, Lawrence Loomis of Illinois and Roger Loomis of Randolph County. Mr. Loomis was born the son of Augusta and Mary Heinsohn Loomis on Oct. 28, 1908, in Illinois. He was a retired machinist, a Protestant by faith, and a veteran of World War II. Pallbearers will be Johnny Porteous, Michael O'Kelly, James Sanders, Tim Porteous, Artie Ligon and Joe Porteous. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee is in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 11, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Hoyt Bailey (WOODLAND) Hoyt Bailey, 82, of Woodland died Friday, Feb. 5, 1998, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke after a short illness. Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ, with Bro. W. C. Cofield and Bro. Wilbur Bass officiating. Burial was at Napoleon East Church of Christ Cemetery. A Randolph County native, he was born Sept. 23, 1915, son of Jones Henry and Vida Wilson Bailey. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Church of Christ and had worked as a farmer and in the textile industry. Survivors include his wife, Vaudie Bailey of Woodland; three daughters, Alva Jean Arrington and Katrenia Arrington of Woodland and Brenda Hodge of Crossville, Tenn.; one son, Edwin Bailey of Woodland; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Lula Mae Brown of Lanett, Betty Sue Messer of Piedmont and Ava Pearle Butler of Lineville. Pallbearers were Rusty Arrington, Kenny Arrington, Scotty Arrington, Timmy Arrington, Duane Bailey and Rod Arrington. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Graham McCarley (FIVE POINTS) G. W. "Graham" McCarley, 69, of Five Points died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1998, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Highway Methodist Church, with the Rev. Vernon Willis officiating. Burial was at Highway Ridge Memorial Park. A former Pine Mountain, Ga., resident, Mr. McCarley was a Clay County native, born April 14, 1928, son of Clyde and Ethel Baker McCarley. He had been employed with Callaway Mills. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Spears McCarley of Five Points; two daughters, Janice Yerigin of Southgate, Mich., and Gwen Nelson of Henderson, Tenn.; three sons, Wayne McCarley of Fredonia, Chris McCarley of Five Points and Tracy McCarley of Rock Mills; six sisters, Jackie Tumlin of Tallahassee, Fla., Gertrude Joiner of Midway, Fla., Margie Lundy of Crestview, Fla., Lola Douglas of Greenwood, S.C., Faye Hill of Woodland and Elizabeth Thornton of Notasulga; two brothers, Clyde James McCarley Jr. and James W. McCarley of Opelika; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mildred Sudduth (LAFAYETTE) Mildred Sudduth, 88, of LaFayette died Sunday, Feb. 2, 1998, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley. Graveside services were Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. at Lebanon Christian Church cemetery in Randolph County. The Rev. Hugh Vines officiated. Miss Sudduth was born in Randolph County on July 12, 1909. She was retired from the Playtex sewing plant in LaFayette and was a member of Lebanon Christian Church. She is survived by nieces, nephews and many friends. Sanders Funeral Home of LaFayette was in charge of arrangements. __________ Melinda Kerr Wilson (MONTGOMERY) Melinda Kerr Wilson, 55, of Montgomery died Monday, Jan. 26, 1998, after an extended illness. Memorial services were at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, with Dr. Karl K. Stegall and Bishop Paul A. Duffey officiating. Mrs. Wilson was born in Wedowee in 1942 and developed a love for the piano at an early age. She had lived in Montgomery since 1971. She was a past president of the Montgomery/Autauga Medical Auxiliary, a member of the Junior League of Montgomery and served as president of the Montgomery chapter of the Birmingham-Southern Alumni Association. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Barry L. Wilson of Montgomery; one daughter, Anna Cameron Wilson of Atlanta; three sons, Barry L. Wilson Jr. and Clinton Lewis Wilson of Montgomery and Patrick Clinton Wilson of Auburn; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Kerr of Wedowee; and two sisters, Frances Hanson of Troy and Jane Williamson of Montgomery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melinda K. Wilson Birmingham- Southern Scholarship Fund through First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Brooks-Cargile Funeral Home of Montgomery was in charge of arrangements. __________ James Alvin Prescott Sr. (ROANOKE) James Alvin Prescott Sr., 76, of Roanoke died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange after a sudden illness. Graveside funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 7, at Cedarwood Cemetery, with the Rev. D. E. Williamson and Tim Craft officiating. A resident of Randolph County for 65 years, he was born Feb. 25, 1921, in Heard County, Ga., son of Jimmy Jackson and Lucy Sears Prescott. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of Liberty East Baptist Church. He had worked as a mechanic. Survivors include his wife, Becky Mitchell Prescott of Roanoke; one daughter, Patricia Spivey of Opelika; one son, Alvin Prescott of Roanoke; two sisters, Gertrude Smith of Woodland and Ann Bassett of Tucker, Ga.; two brothers, Garrett Prescott of Oregon and Gabe Prescott of Kingsport, Tenn.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Barry Cole, Jonathan Brown, John Prescott, Bert Prescott, Cecil Mitchell and Junior Brown. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Nellie Faye Brooks (VALLEY) Nellie Faye Brooks, 69, of Valley, formerly of Wedowee, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at George H. Lanier Hospital in Valley after an extended illness. Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Heflin, with the Rev. Birsey Brooks Jr. officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. A Cleburne County native, she was born Nov. 28, 1928, daughter of Nick and Cora McCulley. She was a homemaker and a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Birsey D. Brooks Sr. Survivors include four daughters, Rena Whaley, Janet Padgett and Melba Hall of Valley and Linda Baxter of Newnan, Ga.; six sons, Birsey Brooks Jr. of Greenville, Gregory Brooks of Wedowee, Tony Brooks of Roanoke and Ralph Brooks, John Brooks and Doyle Brooks of Valley; two sisters, Arena Campbell of Coldwater and Nettie Smith of Anniston; two brothers, Ralph McCulley of Oxford and Earl McCulley of Anniston; 26 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ James Arthur Coleman (VALLEY) James Arthur Coleman, 78, of Valley died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, at his residence. Survivors include his wife Louise Coleman of Valley; two daughters, Sandra C. Hamby of Lanett and Martha C. Elder of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m., with burial in Fairfax Cemetery. The Rev. Mike Blair and the Rev. Gene Webb officiated. Mr. Coleman was born in Randolph County on Jan. 14, 1920, son of the late Minnie Knight Coleman and Nathaniel Coleman. He was an army veteran of World War II and had owned and operated Coleman Grocery in the Fairfax area for 37 years. He was a member of Fairfax First Baptist Church and the American Legion. He was a 50-year member of Valley Masonic Lodge. Memorial donations may be made to Chattahoochee Hospice. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home. __________ James Howard Perry (WADLEY) James Howard Perry 76, of Wadley died Monday, Feb. 9, 1998, after a period of declining health. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at Wadley First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Huffman officiating. Burial will follow at Wadley Cemetery. Survivors include a good friend, Maurice Moore of Wadley, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Tom Staples, Steve Perry, Mike Perry, Joel Perry, Tommy Traylor and Jerry Hall. A lifelong resident of Wadley, he was born Dec. 15, 1921, son of Jessie Vernon Perry Sr. and Ruth Beatrice Pike Perry. He was a member of Wadley First United Methodist Church and had served on the Wadley City Council. He had owned and operated J. V. Perry & Company retail store. Memorial contributions can be made to the Big Oak Boy's Ranch, 250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, AL 35905. Quattlebaum Funeral Homes of Roanoke is in charge of arrangements. __________ Charlie Smith (ROANOKE) Charlie Smith, 91, a resident of Roanoke Healthcare Center, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, at Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke. Graveside services were Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2:30 p.m. at New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery, LaFayette, with the Rev. William H. Trammell Sr. officiating. Survivors include a daughter, Marsha McFarland of Jonesboro, Ga.; five grandsons; and two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Martin; his mother, Zora Martin-Smith; and his wife, Ora "Ode" Smith. Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Ennis Banks Pitts (ALEXANDER CITY) Funeral services for Ennis Banks Pitts, 89, of Alexander City, formerly of Rock Mills, were at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1998, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Russell Calhoun officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Pitts died Saturday, Feb. 7, at Russell Hospital in Alexander City. A Heard County, Ga., native, she was born Oct. 1, 1908, daughter of William Brantley and Amanda Johnston Banks. She was a member of Rock Mills Baptist Church and was retired from Wehadkee Mills. Her husband, Howard Pitts, preceded her in death. Survivors include two sisters, Nola Bartlett and Lotis Baron, both of Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Rock Mills Baptist Church building fund. Pallbearers were Bobby Sudduth, Terry Sudduth, Johnny Sudduth, Bill Brown, Danny Smith and Howard Manley. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 18, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Gaytha Francis Smith (WADLEY) Gaytha Francis Smith, 74, of Wadley, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 1998, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Graveside services were Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at Wadley City Cemetery, with the Revs. Jack Womack and Jimmy Holmes officiating. Survivors include one son, Jimmy Smith of Wadley; a grandson, Marty Smith; and one brother, Gene Tidwell of Daytona Beach, Fla. Pallbearers were Joey Knight, Steve Whatley, Johnny Hall, Greg Dendinger, Troy Hodges, Kevin Baldwin and Danny Tooker. A Tallapoosa County native, Mrs. Smith was born April 23, 1923, daughter of Harlis and Lucille Brown Tidwell. She was a member of Wadley First Baptist Church and had been a teacher for the Preschool Sunday School Class. She had been employed with Palm Beach Company. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Myrtle Allen Freeman (WOODLAND) Funeral services for Myrtle Allen Freeman, 83, of Woodland were Saturday, Feb. 14, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Highway Congregational Methodist Church, with the Revs. Wayne Jeton and Leonard Knight officiating. Burial was at Potash Cemetery. Mrs. Freeman died Thursday, Feb. 12, at Roanoke Healthcare Center following a long period of declining health. She was born May 2, 1914, in Cleburne County, daughter of Otis and Vassie Smith Allen. She had worked as an inspector in cotton mills. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Delma Kilgore, Vera Richardson and Eula Kaylor, and one brother, Clifton Allen. Survivors include four sisters, Velma Blanks of Carrollton, Ga., Avel Spears of Roanoke, Bobbie Baughn of Bowden, Ga., and Syvle Ledbetter of Ranburne; one brother, Simeon Allen of Heflin; and eight step-children. Pallbearers were Gary Spears, Wayne Ledbetter, Jack Ledbetter, Barry Baughn, Clarence Baughn and Charles Ray Baughn. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Shirley Marie Bailey (WOODLAND) Funeral services for Shirley Marie Bailey, 83, of Woodland, formerly of Pensacola, Fla., were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 1998, at Oak Grove Church of Christ, with Brother Ricky Murphy and Brother John F. Windham officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Miss Bailey died Friday, Feb. 13, at Wedowee Hospital following a long illness. She was born Sept. 3, 1914, in Randolph County, daughter of Arthur and Ida Bailey. She was retired from the U.S. Navy, where she served 22 years as a surgical R.N. She was a member of Oak Grove Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Eulous Bailey, Ray V. Bailey and Carl Bailey. Survivors include one sister, Mary Lou Strain of Woodland, and one brother, Joe Bailey of Athens. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Dorothy Mae Johnson (ROANOKE) Dorothy Mae Johnson, 73, of Roanoke died Monday, Feb. 16, 1998, at her home after an extended illness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke Church of Christ, with Bro. Gerald Romaine and Bro. Calvin Prince officiating. Burial will follow at Lebanon Cemetery. Survivors include five daughters, Janet Hodges, Shirley Bennett, Shelia Vowell, Charlotte Overton and Sharon Davis; one son, Mark Johnson of Roanoke; two sisters, Virginia Adamson and Nellie Sheppard of Roanoke; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A native and lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Johnson was born Aug. 28, 1924, daughter of Thomas Hoyt and Velma Beuane Nolen Robinson. She was a member of Roanoke Church of Christ and had been employed with Handley Mills. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Amos Robinson and Brewer Robinson. Mrs. Johnson will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Joey Overton, Jon Overton, Jeremy Overton, Chad Bennett, Eric Bennett and Chris Vowell. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke is in charge of arrangements. __________ Harvey 'Tom' Mize (BOWIE, Texas) Harvey "Tom" Mize, 89, of Bowie, Texas, died Friday, Feb. 13, 1998, in Bowie Memorial Hospital. Mr. Mize was a resident of Anniston, Ala., for 65 years before moving to Bowie, eight months ago. He was born May 26, 1908, in Wedowee, and was retired as a fireman and as an Alabama State Trooper. He was a member of Union Hill United Methodist Church in Randolph County. Mr. Mize was widely recognized throughout Alabama and Georgia for his love of music; playing his saxophone, banjo and fiddle at many gospel singing and concerts. He entertained at nursing homes and senior citizens centers and will be remembered for his acts of kindness and generosity by many in the area. His other interests were wild turkey and deer hunting and wood carving. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. at Gray Brown- Service Funeral Home Chapel in Anniston, with the Rev. Ed Heptinstall officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Gardens, Anniston. Surviving relatives are his wife, Mrs. Tulane Mize of Bowie; one son, Richard Odell Mize Sr. of Oxford; one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Moon Anderson of Tyler, Texas; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Millard Mize of Wedowee; one sister, Artie Sellers of Wedowee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gray Brown-Service Funeral Home of Anniston was in charge of arrangements. __________ William Horace Saxon (BOWDON, Ga.) William Horace Saxon, 81, of Bowdon, Ga., died Sunday, Feb. 15, 1998, at his residence. He was born in Randolph County on April 25, 1916, son of the late R. G. "Dutch" and Bertha Lowe Saxon. Mr. Saxon was a lifelong resident of this area, a member of Gold Ridge Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Bremen-Bowden Investment Co. Mr. Saxon was preceded in death by two sons, Cleveland Saxon and McCoy Saxon. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Flossie Hand Saxon of Bowdon; a son, Johnny Saxon of Lewisport, Ky.; two daughters, Barbara Thompson of Bowdon and Cathy Bell of Douglasville, Ga.; two brothers, Ed Saxon of Bowdon and Kenneth Saxon of Bremen, Ga.; two sisters, Lottie Cooley of Ranburne and Mary Gibbs of Oxford; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. EST at Gold Ridge Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dewey Robinson, the Rev. Gary Stewart and the Rev. Billy Saxon officiating. Music will be furnished by George Cosper. Pallbearers will be Chuck Smith, Joey Holloway, Wallace Whiten, Hoyt Crumbley, Randall Buchanan, Landon Noles, Kevin Murphy and Hobert Kennedy. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Thompson, Tracy Saxon, Brandon Teate, Harry Saxon, Richard Gillespie, Dustin Huddleston, Keith Whiten and Kyle Whiten. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon is in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 25, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Larry Randall Galloway (BOWDON, Ga.) Funeral services for Larry Randall "Randy" Galloway, 48, of Bowdon, Ga., were Thursday, Feb. 19, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, Roanoke, with the Rev. Barry Cosper officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Galloway died Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Ga., following a long period of declining health. A former resident of Roanoke, he was born March 20, 1949, in Columbia, S.C., son of Joseph John and Margaret Banks Galloway. He was employed as a laboratory technician with Southwire Company and also was a professional photographer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Matthew Galloway. Survivors include his wife, Gayle Galloway of Bowdon; two daughters, Stacy Galloway of Roanoke and Stephanie Githens of Centralia, Ill.; one son, Chad Galloway of Roanoke; one brother, Joe Galloway of Smyrna, Ga.; and one granddaughter, Ashley Githens. Pallbearers were friends. Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ William Banks Meacham, Jr. (FRANKLIN, Ga.) William Banks "Bill" Meacham, Jr., 38, of Franklin, Ga., died during the early hours of Thursday, Feb. 12, at his home on Georgia Highway 34 West. Mr. Meacham, the son of Ruth Langley Meacham and the late William Banks Meacham, was born Jan. 10, 1960, in LaFayette. Despite periods of residence in LaGrange and Newnan, he had lived most of his life in Heard County, Ga. He attended Heard County High School in Franklin, where he graduated with honors. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was employed for many years with the U.S. Postal Service in Atlanta. Bill is survived by his mother, Ruth Langley Meacham of Franklin; and his sister Marie Meacham of Los Angeles, Calif. Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 15, in the Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Johnson officiating. Pat Lipham sang "Amazing Grace," accompanied by daughter Leslie on organ. Pallbearers included three cousins of the deceased: Tray Bonner, Joel Perry and Jeff Langley; and three fellow graduates of Heard High's Class of 1978: Mack Lipford, Tim Massa, and Robert Nelms. Burial was in the Bethel Christian Church cemetery in Heard County. Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home of Franklin was in charge. __________ Dennis Barber (STANDING ROCK) Dennis Barber, 85, of Standing Rock, formerly of Grantville, S.C., died Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at Randolph County Hospital after a sudden illness. Graveside services were Monday, Feb. 23, at Chapel Hill Methodist Cemetery, with the Rev. Lavelle Reynolds officiating. A Chambers County native, Mr. Barber was born March 11, 1912. He was a World War II army veteran and had retired from West Point Pepperell. Survivors include his wife, Louise E. Barber of Standing Rock; one son, Jerry Barber of Birmingham; and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Maureen Barber (HAYDEN) Maureen Barber, 50, of Hayden, formerly of Morris, died suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 22, 1998, at Blount Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Tommy Burke and Cloyse Johnson officiating. Burial was in Midway United Methodist Church cemetery. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Barber was born Sept. 2, 1947, daughter of Andrew J. and Fannie Lou Nichols Mitchell. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Barber of Hayden; two sons, Raymond Barber Jr. of Forestdale and Tony Eugene Barber of Hayden; one sister, Dovie (Red) Cummings of Roanoke; three brothers, Wayne Mitchell of Montgomery and Robert Mitchell and John Andrew Mitchell of Roanoke; and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ David Shirah (LANETT) David Shirah, 65, of Lanett died Friday, Feb. 20, 1998, at his home. Memorial services were Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville, with the Rev. Edward Davis officiating. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Linda Davis Shirah of Lanett; one son, William David Shirah, Jr., of Five Points; three daughters, Ann Sykes of Tampa, Fla., Dana Blankenship of Troy, and Krystal Brown of Lanett; two step- sons, Tracey Earley of Macon, Ga., and Michael Earley of Calhoun, Ga.; one step-daughter, Brenda Weeks of Spokane, Wa.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Shirah was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Dadeville is in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________