Randolph County AlArchives Obituaries.....September 2006, Randolph Co, AL Obits September 2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Marilyn M. Girardi Mmgir@aol.com February 19, 2008, 12:14 pm The Randolph Leader - September 2006 The Randolph Leader September 6, 2006 ___________________ OBITUARIES: George L. Silmon (ROANOKE) Arrangements for Overseer George L. Silmon were Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at noon at Friendship Baptist Church #2 of LaFayette with the Rev. Curtis Spidell officiating. Mr. Silmon is survived by his parents, Thelma Silmon, Annie Beard and Samuel Holloway; his wife, Mamie Boyd Silmon; one son, Timothy Silmon; two grandchildren; and other relatives including brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bell Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Novella Burson Cardwell (VALLEY) Novella Burson Cardwell, 94, of Valley died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home in Valley. Services were Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley with the Rev. Jerome King officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Lanett. Mrs. Cardwell is survived by her daughter, Martha Whaley of West Point, Ga.; her son Russell Sanders of Spartanburg, S.C.; and four grandchildren. Born Oct. 10, 1911, in Randolph County, Mrs. Cardwell was the daughter of the late Lavoro Park Burson and John William Burson. She was employed by West Point Pepperell at Shawmut Mill for more than 20 years. She was also employed at Community Service for more than 18 years. She was a member of Shawmut First Baptist Church. Mrs. Cardwell was preceded in death by her husband, William "Wash" Cardwell; her daughter, Duane Richardson; and her sister, Flossie White. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Wilburn Drennen Farmer (FIVE POINTS) Services for Wilburn Drennen Farmer, 69, of Five Points were Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Richard Richie, Carol Royster and Sonny Kent officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Farmer died Thursday, Aug. 31, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Della Sue Farmer of Five Points; three daughters, Glenda Duffey of Valley, Donna Craig of LaGrange and Susan Yarbrough of Roanoke; one son, Terry Farmer; one brother, R.L. Farmer of Roanoke; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Duane Brown, Keith Farmer, Mark Farmer, Billy Pike, Jimmy Fomby and Jamie Price. Honorary pallbearers will be [were] Larry Whaley, Dudley Smith, James Watson and Michael Barnes. Mr. Farmer was born Aug. 6, 1937, son of Lee and Lois Freeman Farmer. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and had worked for Amoco Fabrics and Fibers as a lift truck operator. Mr. Farmer was preceded in death by his parents. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ RueDean B. Mason (HAMPTON, Ga.) RueDean B. Mason, 73, of Hampton, Ga., died Monday, Aug. 28, 2006. She was born in Newell to the late Willie Carl and Gladys McKeen Nelson. Her main purpose was teaching people the word of God. She loved flowers and birds. Many remember her from the Casual Shop in Forest Park, Ga. Most important to her was her love for her family and her Lord. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Narvis C. Butler, in January of 1970. Mrs. Mason is survived by her husband, Herman Edgar Mason, Jr. of Hampton; her children, Steven Butler of Fayetteville, Ga., Joan Griffin of Peachtree City, Ga., Mike Butler and Herman E. Mason III of McDonough, Ga., Mark Butler of Jonesboro, Ga., and Brick Mason of Hampton; 21 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; brothers Willie Carl Nelson Jr. and Billy Floyd Nelson of Wedowee; and sisters Laverne F. White of Conley, Ga., and Sybil Henderson of Woodland. Services were at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, at Southside Christian Fellowship, with the Rev. Eddie Mason officiating. Interment was at Harmony Methodist Church Cemetery, Newell. Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.cannon- cleveland.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, McDonough. __________ Ricky Joe Kimbrell (RANBURNE) Memorial services for Ricky Joe Kimbrell, 51, of Ranburne were Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ridley Parmer officiating. Burial followed in Bethel East Cemetery. Mr. Kimbrell died Sunday, Aug. 27, at his home. Survivors include one daughter, Brandi Nicole Roland of Richland, Miss.; two sons, Nicholas Kimbrell of Heflin and Michael Kimbrell of Jackson, Miss.; one brother, Danny Henderson; and three grandchildren. Mr. Kimbrell was born Feb. 1, 1955, son of Joe and Frances Henderson. He had worked as a block and brick mason. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 13, 2006 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Charlie Herbert Whitlow (ROANOKE) Charlie Herbert Whitlow, 71, of 623 Coleman Street, Roanoke, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services were Saturday, Sept. 9, at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Roanoke, with the Revs. Jeffery Rosser (pastor), J.D. Darden (eulogist), Calvin Trammell, W.C. Houston and William Phillips officiating. Burial was in East Roanoke Cemetery. Survivors include three sons, Herbert Whitlow of Roanoke, Jarome Whitlow of Acworth, Ga., and Greg Whitlow of Odenton, Md.; a daughter, Tonia Denise Jones of Roanoke; four brothers, Curtis Whitlow, Harold Whitlow and Walter Whitlow of Roanoke and Gene Whitlow of Columbus, Ga.; a sister, Annie Lois Whitlow of Roanoke; a special friend, Willie Mae Jones of Roanoke; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Ruth Dunson- Whitlow. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Harry Worthey (WADLEY) Harry Worthey, 59, of Wadley died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services were at Hope Memorial Christian Church on Tuesday, Sept. 12, with interment at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Bobby Burroughs officiated. Mr. Worthey was born in Chambers County, March 31, 1947. He had been employed at Chambers County Hospital in LaFayette. He was a member of Hope Memorial Christian Church of Wadley. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Christy Worthey of Roanoke; and a nephew, Tyler Worthy of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Tyler Worthey, Billy Henry, Danny Kendrick, Phillip Kendrick, Nick Adams, Donald Lashley, Bobby Watkins and Phillip Wayne Hay. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Millie Longshore (ATLANTA, Ga.) Millie Longshore, 79, of Atlanta died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta. Services will be Saturday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at Rock Mills Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jerone Fannin and the Rev. R.L. Heflin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include a son, Aaron Longshore of Atlanta; a sister, Addie Sue Wilson of Roanoke; a special niece, Linda Curry of Forest Park, Ga.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Longshore; two sisters, Edith Rowland and Earline Tacker; and three brothers, Luke Thomas, Junior Thomas and Henry Thomas. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Richard K. Spradlin (WOODSTOCK, Ga.) Services for Richard K. Spradlin, 59, of Woodstock, Ga., formerly of Woodland, will be Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Grey Hill Church of God with the Rev. Bill Calhoun and the Rev. Billy Kennedy officiating. Mr. Spradlin will lie in state at the church one hour before the service. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Spradlin died Sunday, Sept. 10, at his home. Mr. Spradlin is survived by one daughter, Sheila O'Quinn of Freeport, Fla.; one son, Eric Daniel Spradlin of Freeport; his parents, William and Mable Spradlin; one sister, Jeannie Huey of Wedowee; two grandchildren; his ex-wife, Mary Jean Spradlin; special caregivers Bethany, Mike and Macayla Butler; and two nephews. Pallbearers will be Derrick Huey, Heath Huey, Johnny Spradlin, Bobby Crenshaw, Ken Spradlin, Mike Spradlin, Kenneth Goode and David Spradlin. Mr. Spradlin was born July 28, 1947, son of William J. and Mable Pritchett Spradlin. He was a member of the U.P.C. Pentecostal Church and served 21 years in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Germany. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Robert Berry (RIVERDALE, Ga.) Robert Berry, 63, of Riverdale, Ga., died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, at Southern Regional Medical Center, Riverdale. Services will be Thursday, Sept. 14, at noon at Rehope Baptist Church, LaFayette, with the Rev. Dr. H.L. Jones officiating. Burial will be in Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church Cemetery, Roanoke. Survivors include a daughter, Andrea Mincey of Ellenwood, Ga.; two brothers, Roy Berry Jr. of Roanoke and Andrew L. Berry of Five Points; a sister, Sarah Carlisle of Five Points; and one grand-child. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jereline Berry; a sister, Annie Berry; and a brother, Willie Henry Berry. The Berry family can be contacted at the residence of Sarah Carlisle, 1415 County Road 262, Five Points, (334)499-2350. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. Bud Hester (LANETT) Bud Hester, 85, of Lanett died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home in Valley. Services were Friday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley. Burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Mr. Hester is survived by his wife, Sara W. Hester; his daughter, Wanda Askew of Lanett; his son, Ennis Hester of Warner Robins, Ga.; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Emma Phillips of Lanett and Jimmie Knight of Wadley; and several nieces and nephews. Born May 22, 1921, in Wadley, Mr. Hester was the son of the late Roxie Parker Hester and Elie Whitney Hester. He was a retired employee of West Point Stevens Shawmut Mill with more than 40 years of service with the company. Mr. Hester, was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he loved to travel. Mr. Hester was preceded in death by his son, Lynn Hester. He was a member of Todd Congregational Christian Church. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Edna Williamson Bledsoe (LAFAYETTE) Edna Williamson Bledsoe, 78, of LaFayette died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at LaFayette Extended Care in LaFayette. Graveside services were held Monday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at LaFayette City Cemetery with the Revs. Iris Adams and Joe Schuck officiating. Mrs. Bledsoe is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Bledsoe of LaFayette; three children, Edward Earl Lowery of Greenville, Ga., Edith Marie Peitso of LaFayette and Paul Arnold Williamson Jr. of West Point, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Anya B. Looney of LaGrange, Ga.; one sister, Vivian Louise Johnson of Lanett; two grandsons and two great-grandsons. Mrs. Bledsoe was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Wedowee. She was a homemaker and attended Freedom Worship Center of Lanett. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Rev. Johnny Ray Foster (WADLEY) Services for the Rev. Johnny Ray Foster, 64, were Saturday, Sept. 9, at Midway United Methodist Church in Wedowee with the Revs. Mickie Vaughn, Zenus Windsor and Marlin Miller officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Foster died Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Lineville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was a native of Clay County, attended McMurray College and Southern Methodist University in Texas, and after leaving seminary he taught high school in Clay County. He was active in Boy Scouts, where he was known as "Pop" and served as scout master. He went back to Texas and worked for Texas Department of Mental Health and was director of the Mental Retardation Department in Abilene, Texas. He was founder of Big Sky Joint Venture, which opened 17 group homes for the care and assistance of the physically and mentally challenged all over Texas. He had worked in the oil industry for several years, and was a small aircraft pilot, logger and farmer. He had served several churches as student pastor in Texas, then returned to his ministerial service in 1994, most recently as pastor of Midway United Methodist Church in Wedowee, where he served from 2002 to 2006. He is survived by his wife, Judy Briscoe Foster of Wadley; three daughters, Cynthia Robbins of Mansfield, Texas, Jodie Foster of Birmingham and Jamie Richardson of Huntsville; one brother, Duane Foster of Leander, Texas; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers were Al Giannella, Jack Harris, Greg Mask, Kavin Hill, Flem Walker and Robbie Robbins. Honorary pallbearers will be [were]Midway U.M.C. Men's Fellowship. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to Midway Community Life Center. Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Floyd M. Clark Jr. (ANNISTON) Services for Floyd M. Clark Jr., 81, of Anniston were Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Woodfin Grove and Bobby Green officiating. Mr. Clark died Friday, Sept. 8, at NEC. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Lightfoot Clark of Anniston; one son, Mark E. Clark of Birmingham; one daughter, Ellen C. Erdman of Raleigh, N.C.; seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and one sister, Margery C. Whitlock of Wedowee. Mr. Clark was a lifelong resident of Anniston and retired from A.G. Edwards & Son Inc. as vice president and branch manager of the local office. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Air Force. He attended the University of Alabama, S.A.E. Fraternity, served on boards of Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts of Cottaquilla Council, Salvation Army, Camp Lee, First United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels and the United Way. Mr. Clark was a member of the First United Methodist for 70 years. The family requests memorial to Habitat for Humanity or your favorite charity. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary, Anniston. __________ James Alton Sanders (WETUMPKA) Graveside services for James Alton Sanders, 77, of Wetumpka, formerly of Roanoke were Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at Cedarwood Cemetery, with the Rev. Tony Slay officiating. Mr. Sanders died Friday, Sept. 8, at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery. Survivors include three daughters, Uveda Tidwell of Pinson, Christine Little of Wetumpka and Gail Ogle of Montgomery; one son, Sam Ogle of Montgomery; three sisters, Frances Benefield of Georgia, Ann Myers of Prattville and Sybil Slay of Anniston; one brother, Joseph Sanders of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Sanders was born April 2, 1929, son of Jesse and Maybell Ogletree Sanders. He was of the Baptist faith and had been a nursing assistant. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Annie Pearl Moore (ANNISTON) Services for Annie Pearl Moore, 89, of Anniston were Thursday, Sept. 7, [2006] at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wadley with the Rev. Cornelius Reese officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Moore died on Friday, Aug. 25, at Regional Medical Center. Survivors include two sons, Willie Rogers Bryant of Houston, Texas, and Rufus L. Bryant of Anniston; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Carrie Jackson of Anniston. Mrs. Moore was a lifelong resident of Anniston and was preceded in death by her two children, Benodis Bryant and Mary Alice Wilks; a sister, Alice Arthur; and a brother, L.C. Wheeler. Anniston Funeral Service, Anniston. __________ Ann Elliott Futral (ASHLAND) Services for Ann Elliott Futral, 86, of Ashland will be Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at 10 a.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, with Ricky Elliott and Bran Futral officiating. Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday. Mrs. Futral died Monday, Sept. 11, at Clay County Nursing Home, Ashland. Survivors include one son, Johnny Futral of Woodland; three sisters, Peggy DuBose, Vera Pollott and Sara Flippin, all of Pensacola, Fla.; two brothers, Tommy Elliott of Conroe, Texas, and Johnny Elliott of Pensacola; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Tommy Futral, Randy Burroughs, Kaleh Futral, Rocky McGee, Eugene Futral and Little Olin Futral. Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Burroughs and Christian Burroughs. Mrs. Futral was born April 24, 1920, daughter of Jack and Callie Jernigan Elliott. She was a member of Pensacola Baptist Church, a homemaker, a member of the Eastern Star and an avid flower gardener. Mrs. Futral is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Daniel Futral; one son, Daniel Wesley Futral; and one sister, Myrtle Reed. Pensacola Memorial Gardens, Pensacola, Fla. ___________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 20, 2006 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Calvin C. Weaver (WEDOWEE) Services for Calvin C. Weaver, 80, of Wedowee were Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, at Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church, with the Rev. Greg Norred and the Rev. Bobby Jones officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Weaver died Friday, Sept. 15, at his home. Mr. Weaver is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris Sessions Weaver; three sons, Ken Weaver of Roanoke, Mike Weaver of Montgomery and Randy Weaver of Pensacola, Fla.; one daughter, Walda Malone of Montgomery; five grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; one brother, Howard Weaver of LaFayette; three sisters, Thelma Poole of Five Points, Doris Pledger of Oxford and Joyce Fingerhut of Columbus, Ga.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Larry Weaver, Eddie Weaver, Danny Weaver, Charles Weaver, Terry Lambert and Bobby McCarley. Honorary pallbearers were the deacons of Liberty Grove. Mr. Weaver was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Chambers County, son of Robert Gibson and Carrie D. Belecher Weaver. He graduated from Chambers County High School in 1944 and from Auburn University in 1948 with a degree in agriculture. Mr. Weaver was a World War II Air Force veteran and school teacher and coach at New Hope School. He served the U.S. Department of Agriculture as state auditor, county executive director and former chairman of the Alabama State FFF committee. Mr. Weaver served as chairman and member of the Randolph County Water Authority. After retiring he remained active in farming and was known by the community as a steward of the land. He was an active, member of Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church, where he served as church leader, deacon and Sunday school teacher. Mr. Weaver was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Durell Weaver; and two sisters, Dell McCarley and Gladys Callahan. Contributions may be made to Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Carolyn Christine Smith (DAYTON, Ohio) Carolyn Christine Smith, 64, of Dayton, Ohio, died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006. She was a native of Roanoke and resided in Dayton for more than 40 years. She was a member of Collegiate Heights Church of Christ and a retiree of Mary Scott Nursing Home. She is survived by her mother, Ethel B. Goodnight; a son, Dan Smith Jr.; a daughter, Dereka Y. Smith; two granddaughters; three brothers, Robert Garrett, Royal Garrett and Wayne Garrett; four sisters, Marilyn Anderson, Sharron Abernathy, Gwendolyn Springer and Vivian Strogler, all of Dayton; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Christine was preceded in death by her father, Mack Garrett; her stepfather, William Goodnight; a son, LaWayne Smith; and a brother, Bobby Garrett. Services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at Collegiate Heights Church of Christ, Dayton, with Brother Willie McCord officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery. McLin Funeral Chapel - Northern Hills, Dayton. __________ Bonnie Whaley (LINEVILLE) Services for Mr. Bonnie Whaley, 73, of Lineville were Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Barfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Carroll, the Rev. Wayne Adams and Dr. Wayne A. Stephens officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Whaley died Thursday, Sept. 14, at his residence. He was a native of Randolph County but had lived most of his life in Clay County. He had been employed with Youngstown Steel Company in Whiting, Ind., and retired from Higgins Manufacturing Company after 35 years and had operated a plumbing business in Clay County for more than 40 years. He was a member of Barfield Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Latham Whaley of Lineville; one daughter, Deborah Ann Whaley Scott of Hueytown; one son, Rick Whaley of Lineville; three sisters, Lanie W. Daniel of LaGrange, Ga,, Geraldine Simpson of Pine Hill and Janie Bartlett, of Opelika; two brothers, Robert Whaley of Cragford and Jackie Whaley of Wedowee and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jack Maze, Billy Maze, Jeff Maze, Franklin D. Clark, Billy Knight and David Hewitt. Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Maye Cofield Strain (WEDOWEE) Services for Maye Cofield Strain, 97, of Wedowee were Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at Wedowee First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Don Paris officiating. Burial followed in Wedowee City Cemetery. Mrs. Strain died Friday, Sept. 15, at Wedowee Hospital. Mrs. Strain is survived by a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Pallbearers were Dale McKay, Jerry McKay, Don McKay, Bill East, Guy Cofield, Gay Mayfield, Joey Mayfield, Jack Mayfield and Jim Mayfield. Honorary pallbearers will were the Wedowee Garden Club, Paul Yates, Tommy Camp, Herman Landers, Vernon Lipham, Tim Coe, Max Dobson and Robert Cofield. Mrs. Strain was born May 11, 1909, daughter of James Thomas and Denia Bean Cofield. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Wedowee, had been a teacher for 42 years with Randolph County schools, and was a member of the Wedowee Garden Club. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Wedowee. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ William C. Bill'. Gordy (ROANOKE) William C. "Bill" Gordy, 73, of Roanoke died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Iris CoRene Gordy; two daughters, Brenda Sue Baker of San Antonio, Texas, and Memory Dawn Nichols of Roanoke; two sisters, Rosalee Roberts of Columbus, Ga., and Shirley Thomas of Phenix City; a brother, Lamar Gordy of Tifton, Ga.; two grand-sons; two granddaughters; and three great- grandchildren. Mr. Gordy served with the U.S. Army and was a disabled veteran. Alabama Cremation Center, Dadeville. __________ Ralph Lamar Smith Jr. (LAGRANGE,Ga.) Ralph Lamar Smith Jr., 59, of LaGrange died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born Oct. 1, 1946, in LaGrange, son of Ilene Carr Rushing and the late Ralph Lamar Smith Sr. He was employed at Aerotran LaGrange. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Shirley Pike Smith of LaGrange; a daughter, Angela Dawn Hendricks of LaGrange; a son, Kenneth Lamar Smith of Rockmart, Ga.; stepsons John T. Webb of Roanoke and Scott Webb of Broomfield, Colo.; five grandchildren; and a sister, Becky Harris of Kennesaw, Ga. Services for Mr. Smith were Monday at Hunter-Allen Myhand Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Reeves officiating. Interment was in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed and memories shared in the guestbook at www.hunterallenmyhand.com. Hunter-Allen Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Martha LeMerle Brand Birdsong (VALLEY) Martha LeMerle Brand Birdsong, 86, of Valley, formerly of Roanoke, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home. Surviving are children Bobbie Hester of Valley, Pat Hudson of Opelika, Howard Birdsong of Kingsland, Texas, and "adopted daughter" Brenda Perry of Valley; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Birdsong; her son, George Birdsong; a granddaughter, Alethea Stephens; her brother, Lloyd Brand; and her parents, Beanie Brown Brand and Vernon Brand. Services will be at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Randolph County on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. CDT with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Jim Abbott will officiate. Mrs. Birdsong was born in Chambers County Feb. 25, 1920. Mrs. Birdsong was an LPN for over 35 years until she retired at the age of 65 from Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. After she retired, Mrs. Birdsong went to American Samoa and participated in missionary work for the Southern Baptist Association. She then worked at George H. Lanier Memorial Nursing Home in Valley until the age of 75. During her years as a nurse, she trained CNAs, many of whom took care of her in the last years of her life. She was a member of Plant City Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 until 9 at Johnson Brown- Service Funeral Home in Valley. __________ J.D. 'Mickey' Ussery Jr. (BIRMINGHAM) Services for J.D. "Mickey" Ussery Jr., 82, of Birmingham, formerly of Roanoke, were Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Messer officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Ussery died Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Beverly Riverchase in Hoover. Survivors include one son, Daryl Ussery of Birmingham; one sister, Elizabeth Brown of Roanoke; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Derrick Ussery, John Almon, Glen Williams, David Smith, Terry Barnes and Brandon Ellison. Mr. Ussery was born July 28, 1924, son of James Dallas and Sara Lee Ussery. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and had been owner of the Western Auto Store in Roanoke. Mr. Ussery is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Marie Ussery. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Sara Frances Mitchell Loveless (WEDOWEE) Services for Sara Frances Mitchell Loveless, 60, of Wedowee were Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Mt. Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. I.C. Holloway, the Rev. Tim Whaley and Sara Carson officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Loveless died Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Wedowee Hospital. Mrs. Loveless is survived by her husband of 43 years, Foy D. Loveless; Beth, Gene and Gena Farmer, David, Dave, Lori, Barry, Angie and Barrett Loveless, Jessica, Kristen and Mollie Heard, Lee and Marvin Mitchell, Rosalie Brassel, and a host of nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Pallbearers were Darrell, Jamey, Tranzie, Chris, Garland and Terry Loveless, Mack Rollins and Eldon Ferguson. Mrs. Loveless was born Jan. 17, 1946, daughter of Durell and Lucy Embry Mitchell. She was a member of Mt. Grove Baptist Church and had been a homemaker. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to the American Cancer Society or hospice. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Roy Minnifield (WEDOWEE) Roy Minnifield Sr. of 10717 County Road 15, Wedowee, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at his home. Services will be Friday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Co. Rd. 15, Wedowee, with the Rev. William Dillard and the Rev. Henry Sterling officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Annie Minnifield of Wedowee; three sons, Roy Minnifield Jr. of Dayton, Ohio, Joe V. Minnifield of Roanoke and Mark Minnifield of Wedowee; five daughters, Lucille Minnifield Burns and Ezell Potter of Wedowee, Marilyn Whitlow of Roanoke and Carol James and Robbie Elliott of Las Vegas, Nevada; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lula Marable Minnifield and Arthur Minnifield; five brothers, Dr. Warren Minnifield, Harvey Minnifield, Charlie Minnifield, Jessie Minnifield and Otis "Doc" Minnifield; and four sisters, Willie Minnifield, Rosie Minnifield, Ollie Minnifield and Lena Minnifield. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before service. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 27, 2006 ___________________ OBITURIES: Tommie Ann Head (ROANOKE) Services for Tommie Ann Head, 91, of Roanoke will be Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Lime Christian Church, with the Rev. Stanley Yarbrough officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Head died Monday, Sept. 25, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Weathers of Roanoke; one son, Darby Head of Roanoke; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Aaron Weathers, Evan Weathers, Dwayne Head, Ben Buttrel, Greg Benefield and Clint Yarbrough. Mrs. Head was born Feb. 12, 1915, daughter of Phillip and Sally Chandler Darby. She was a member of Bethany Lime Church and was a retired elementary school teacher for Clay and Randolph County. Mrs. Head is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Arthor "Buck" Head. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Lime Christian Church or the charity of one's choice. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Archie E. Pike (ROCK MILLS) Funeral services for Archie E. Pike, 77, of Rock Mills were Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Keith Benefield and Rev. Mike Brewer officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Pike died Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Randolph Medical Center. Mr. Pike is survived by one daughter, Becky Brewer of Roanoke; two sons, Anthony Pike of Rock Mills and Russell Pike of Roanoke; one sister, Faye Wesson of Roanoke; one brother, Roy Pike of Valley; special loved one, Lovie Calhoun of Rock Mills; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Steve Pike, Jerry Pike, Eddie Pike, Danny Pike, Gene Burks and Kerry Burks. Honorary pallbearers were the Rock Mills Domino Club and Mike Wesson. Mr. Pike was born April 19, 1929, son of Edd W. and Millie Folsom Pike. He was a member of the Forest Home Congregational Christian Church and had been a winder/fixer for Wehadkee Yarn Mills. Mr. Pike is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geneva Pike; and one grandson, Chad Pike. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Lera Atkins Townley (ROANOKE) Services for Lera Atkins Townley, 75, of Roanoke were Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Richie officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Townley died Monday, Sept. 18, at her home. Survivors include one son, Roger Townley of Prattville; one daughter, Wanda Stephens of Birmingham; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Townley was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Townley; two sisters, Marie Carson and Lois Gibson; and one brother, J.B. Atkins. Pallbearers were Mike Potts, Harold Heard, Charles Mote, Herbert Richardson, Fred Hill and Chad Perry. Mrs. Townley was born Dec. 16, 1930, daughter of John and Mary Atkins. She had been a longtime member, Sunday school teacher and choir member at Trinity Baptist Church. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Robert Lee Magby (ROANOKE) Robert Lee Magby, 78, of 750 Seymour Drive #14, Roanoke, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2008, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Services will be Thursday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, Bacon Level, with the Revs. William Dillard, Terry Magby and Ruben Simpson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Trudy Truman of Roanoke; a stepson, Robert Lee Hill Jr. of Atlanta; a stepdaughter, LeLa Mae Rowland of Roanoke; three brothers, Charlie Magby and Emory Magby of Valley and O.C. Magby of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and four sisters, Lizzie B. Datcher of LaGrange, Ga., Mary Appleby of Atlanta, and Annie Wilkinson and Catherine Williams of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Magby; his parents, Arthur and Beulah Mae Cosby Magby; five brothers, Nemrod, Ukley, Clarence, Arthur and J.C. Magby; and three sisters, Pauline Winston, Ora D. Slay and Louise Cofield. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Hoyt Gay Benefield (FREDONIA) Retired Sgt. 1st Class Hoyt Gay Benefield, 60, of Fredonia died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at his home. Mr. Benefield, born Dec. 14, 1945, was born in Randolph County and retired after 20 years in the U.S. Army as a highly decorated sergeant first class, who was very proud to have served his country. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone. He enjoyed farming and was a member of Unity Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Glenda Robertson Benefield; a son, Marvin Benefield of Fredonia; daughters, Connie Nixon and LeAnn Willis of LaGrange; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Kassolyn Wilkerson of Camp Hill, Janice Kendrick of LaFayette, Joanne Hoope of Athens and Tibethia Smith of McComb Miss.; and a brother, Walter Benefield of Alvin, Texas. Funeral services were Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley with the Rev. Jimmy Smith officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Cemetery. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Virgil W. Yarbrough (HARRISVILLE, Utah) Virgil W. Yarbrough, 59, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, at his home of natural causes. Mr. Yarbrough was born Feb. 9, 1947, in Ashland, Ala., to Dorothy Clegg and Paul Yarbrough. He attended school at Wadley. In 1966 he joined the Air Force, serving in Vietnam in 1971 and having a distinguished career of 22 years of service. He achieved the rank of chief master sergeant and retired in 1988. He married Del Borders of Wadley and their marriage was later solemnized in The London Temple. Virgil was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Virgil was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. Virgil is survived by his wife Del; daughters Laura Johnston and Amanda Yarbrough of Utah; sons Matthew Yarbrough of New Mexico, Jason, Joshua and Daniel Yarbrough of Utah, and Mark Yarbrough of Iraq; and brothers Jerry Yarbrough and Jake Yarbrough of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Chris Yarbrough. Services were at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, Bluffdale, Utah. Condolences may be sent to: Laura Johnston, 1528 Oakridge Dr., Layton, UT 84040. Lindquist Mortuary, Ogden, Utah. __________ Novella Abner Bradley (WEDOWEE) Services for Novella Abner Bradley, 95, of Wedowee were Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at 10 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ricky Emery officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Bradley died Thursday, Sept. 21. Mrs. Bradley is survived by one daughter, Debbie Sellers of Roanoke; four sons, Whitman Bradley of Cragford, Ford Bradley of Rainsville, and Donald Bradley and Larry Bradley of Wedowee; three sisters, Lora Childers and Geneva Emery of Wedowee and Willie Joe Webb of Valley; two brothers, Buford Abner of Wedowee and Braxton Abner of Valley; numerous grandchildren; and several great- grandchildren. Pallbearers were her grandsons. Mrs. Bradley was born Nov. 7, 1910, daughter of William David and Ovelia Holloway Abner. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and had been a homemaker. Mrs. Bradley was preceded in death by her. husband, Tom Bradley; and two sons, Hulon and Victor Bradley. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Alice Pearl Eason Cosper (NEWELL) Services for Alice Pearl Eason Cosper, 71, of Newell were Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Joey Gay and Larry Cosper officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Cosper died Thursday, Sept. 21, at her daughter's residence. Survivors include one daughter, Judy Sears of Woodland; one son, Gary Cosper of Newell; three grandchildren; a step granddaughter; a great-granddaughter; two sisters, Bobby Shaw of Woodland and Myrtis Dunlap of Newell; and a brother, J.L. Eason of Heflin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer G. Cosper; and two brothers, Robert Eason and Charlie Eason. Pallbearers were Martin Champion, Jason Reaves, Randy Cosper, Jeremy Stewart, Todd Dunlap and Jason McCormick. David Sears served as an honorary pallbearer. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Cosper was born July 22, 1935, daughter of Marion W. and Cassie Traylor Eason. She was a homemaker and a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ James T. `Buddy' Reaves Jr. (PELL CITY) Services for James T. "Buddy" Reaves Jr., 80, were Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, at 3 p.m. at Kilgroe Chapel with the Rev. Chris Lamb and the Rev. Randy Kendrick officiating. Interment was in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mr. Reaves died Saturday, Sept. 16. He was a World War II Veteran (Pacific Conflict). He was the pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church from 1958-1960, Pleasant Grove Baptist from 1960-1963, and Mt. Calvary from 1975-1992. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Sue Reaves; two daughters, Charlotte Y. Green and Jane Suzette Youngblood; two sisters, Dora Lee Chambers 'and Mary Jim Bassett of Roanoke; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, James Thomas Reaves Sr.; his mother, Grace Lee Reaves; and his brother, Jack Reaves. Kilgroe Funeral Home, Pell City. __________ Patricia Potts Walker (MONTGOMERY) Patricia Potts Walker, 63, a resident of Montgomery and a native of Roanoke, died Saturday Sept. 23, 2006, after a battle with cancer. Services were Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. at Leak-Memory Chapel, with Pastor Ronnie Knight officiating. Burial followed at 5 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Roanoke. Mrs. Walker is survived by her husband, Dean Walker; her daughter, Kim Foster; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith & Grace Hospice, c/o Maggie Wells, 540 Clay St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Leak-Memory Chapel, Montgomery. __________ Betty Jo Stevens Strickland (SEMINOLE, Fla.) Memorial services for Betty Jo Stevens Strickland, 90, of Seminole, Fla., formerly of Randolph County, were held Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Ava United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Smith officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mrs. Strickland died Monday, Sept. 18, in Largo, Fla. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Kay Strickland of Owen Mills, Md.; two sons, Danny Strickland of Largo and Steven Strickland of Seminole; one sister, Annie Lois Stevens Price of Raleigh, N.C.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Wilma Stevens Kerr and Billie Ruth Stevens Watson. Mrs. Strickland was born Sept. 16, 1916, daughter of Jasper N. and Willie W. Bolt Stevens. She was of the Methodist faith and had worked as a registered nurse for 43 years. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Howard Gene Cooper (LYNN HAVEN, Fla.) Howard Gene Cooper, 75, of Lynn Haven, Fla., died Monday, Sept. 11, 2006. He had been a resident of the Lynn Haven area since 1970, coming from Okinawa, Japan. He was in the United States Air Force for 22 years and was a decorated veteran. He enjoyed volunteering for Covenant Hospice and Meals on Wheels. He was an usher at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church and a longtime member of the Sunshine Riders Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed yoga and Pilates classes. Outdoors, he loved canoeing, kayaking, fishing and walking through nature. In his later years, he became a very good dancer and, if all else failed, he would walk the beautiful beaches of Panama City, Fla. He was a mentor to his five grandchildren. Mr. Cooper is survived by his mother, Lillie Cooper of Rock Mills, Ala.; a very special friend, Connie Pettis of Panama City; two sons, Ed Cooper of Raleigh, N.C., and Gene Cooper of Chipley, Fla.; one daughter, Donna Nall of Pensacola, Fla.; two sisters, Jackie Burkes of Rock Mills and Jane Hott of Panama City; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie Cooper; and his son, Stanley Cooper. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doug Pennington of Lynn Haven United Methodist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Howard's name to Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th St., Panama City, FL 32045. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Panama City. __________ Donna Jean Partin (ESTILL SPRINGS, Tenn.) Donna Jean Partin, 47, of Estill Springs, Tenn., died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at Southern Tennessee Medical Center. Services were Sunday, Sept. 24 at Moore-Cortner Chapel, Winchester, Tenn., with Bro. Jinks Partin officiating. Burial was in Franklin Memorial Gardens, Winchester. Mrs. Partin was a native of Huntsville, Ala., and a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, Randy Partin of Estill Springs; a son, Nick Partin of Carrollton, Ga.; a daughter, Kristy Warren of Wedowee; her mother, Charlotte Davis of Atlanta; three brothers, Timothy Bright and Scott Bright of Georgia and Victor Bright of Tennessee; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, Winchester. __________ Evelyn Lester Bailey (INDIAN SPRINGS, Md.) Evelyn Lester Bailey, 82, of Indian Springs, Md., died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, at the home of her daughter, Patricia Bailey Trott. Mrs. Bailey is survived by one daughter, Patricia; one son, Bobby of Charlotte, N.C.; one grandson; one great-grandson; one brother, Jesse Coker Lester of Lakewood, Calif.; five sisters, Claire L. Leach of Florence, S.C., Colleen L. Davis of Jackson's Gap, Virginia L. Yates of New Site, Geneva L. Messer of Wedowee and Sandra L. Rodgers; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Carl and Reba Lester; and two sisters, Doris L. Hicks and Wylodene L. White. After graduating from Tallapoosa County High School in 1942, Mrs. Bailey joined the WAVES serving two years. She was executive of the Corps of Engineers in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., for many years, a member of U.D.C. and member of the Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Va. Her inurnment was Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. ______________________________________________________ This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 44.5 Kb