Kenneth W. Lassiter, 64 years old, of Southern Junction, AL passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 24th, 2025.
Kenneth was married to the love of his life, Rhonda, for 47 wonderful years. Together, they built a legacy rooted in family, faith, and hard work.
Kenneth was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He had great love for his family and showed kindness for all that he met.
He was a 1979 graduate of Rehobeth High School. He was a lifelong farmer, cattleman, and business owner. In addition, he owned Dothan Hydraulics. He will be remembered for his strong leadership and honesty, hard work, integrity and always doing what was right. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, W.H. “Dick” and Earline Lassiter; his grandparents, Samp and Ozell Smith; W.D. “Will” and Stella Lassiter; Brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Lassiter.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda. Daughter, Marlene and Son-in-Law, Johnny Hardy. Three Grandchildren, Marlee, Jaslyn, and Dalton “DJ”. Brother, Tim Lassiter; Sisters, Phyllis (Randy) Sewell, and Brenda (Michael) Barrentine, Sister In Law Sherri Lassiter, Aunt, Pat Roland, Mother-in-Law, Martha Hill. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 3 PM until 6 PM Saturday, December 27th, 2025, at James & Lipford Funeral Home, 5390 Cotton Street Graceville Florida 32440.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM Sunday, December 28th, 2025, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 23444 E. County Road 4 Slocomb AL 36375. Burial will follow in church cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers are Dalton Andrews, Johnny Hardy, Keith Sewell, Timmy Lassiter, Ryan Lassiter, and Garret Barrentine.
Flowers will be accepted, however, those wishing to make memorial donations, may do so to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 23444 E. County Road 4 Slocomb AL 36375.
DOTHAN: 12:53 PM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Police to Lowe’s South, Ross Clark Circle and Hartford Highway.
The offense took place in the parking lot where subjects met to sell/purchase an item. A description was given on two possible suspect vehicles.
An ALEA – Trooper was set up on Highway 231 South observing for the suspect vehicle.
NOTE: If you are purchasing/selling something meet in front of Dothan Police Department, 210 N. St. Andrews. They dilbertly set up a zone under camera surveillance for such purposes. Then if a scam the vehicles and persons are on video camera for law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute.
DOTHAN-HOUSTON COUNTY: 8:35 PM Dothan and Houston County 911 dispatched an assault in progress ( at the same time of the firearm assault ) on South Shay Lane. The 911 Centers were getting rapid updates from the person(s) reporting.
The reports were, on S. Shady Lane which runs off Trawick Road and off Highway 52, a hispanic male was attempting to put a hispanic female in a vehicle. The reports were a female was attempting to get away but the male assaulted the female and placed her in a vehicle. The vehicle was reported east bound, then west bound on Highway 52. Then there was a vehicle, unknown if suspect or complaintant in parking lot of Friendship Assembly of God. Multiple Dothan Police and Houston County Sheriff Deputies were unable to locate the vehicle.
Law Enforcement were investigating the call attempting to know exactly what has taken place.
Reverend Roger Lewis Dunnam, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 63, at his home near Dothan, Alabama.
Roger was born on August 26, 1962, in Bay Minette, Alabama, to Lewis and Roberta Dunnam. After the family moved to Cowarts, Alabama, he attended Ashford High School and graduated with the Class of 1980. The following year, Roger welcomed his son, Chris, into the world. Over the years, father and son shared many moments together; weightlifting, riding motorcycles, and, most importantly, talking about the Lord.
Roger faithfully worked at and retired from Wal-Mart, where he was known by many as “Mr. Wal-Mart.” For Roger, this was never just a job, it was a calling. His workplace became a mission field, and it was not uncommon for people to come into Wal-Mart simply to ask Roger to pray with them. He loved people where they were and pointed them to Christ with sincerity and compassion.
On March 11, 2016, Roger married his loving wife, Tammy Dunnam. Together they built a beautiful life; working hard side by side, taking trips, enjoying countless date nights, and faithfully supporting one another. Tammy stood proudly and faithfully by Roger’s side, and their marriage was marked by love, partnership, and joy.
Roger’s life was defined by his gentle spirit, loving nature, and selfless dedication to others. He was a man of deep and authentic faith. Over the years, he served the Dothan area through street ministry, evangelistic ministry, outreach ministry at The Ark, and as pastor of four churches. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Associate and Interim Pastor at Ashford First Assembly of God. Roger genuinely loved everyone he met and desired above all else that they hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Roberta Dunnam. Along with many others who have gone before him, they no doubt welcomed him home with open arms. Most importantly, Roger has been welcomed by his Savior, whom he loved, served, and preached all his life.
Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Tammy Dunnam; his children Christopher Dunnam (Elizabeth), Chris Fennell (Heather), Mandy Guisti (Mike), Mya Goolesby (Andy), and Kimberly Lambert; and his beloved grandchildren Micah and Makayla Dunnam, Anna Jankowski, Jaydin, Dawson, and Mason Fennell, Lexi, Antonia, Emma and Shianna Guisti. He is also survived by his brothers Darryl Dunnam (Sheila) and Richard Dunnam (Brittny), along with many nieces and nephews.
The legacy Roger leaves behind is one of love and service. That love extended far beyond his family, whom he cherished deeply. It spilled out of his home and into his community. Roger mentored many, served as a father figure to countless others, and lived a life marked by generosity, humility, and making people feel a part. He kept no record of wrongs, willingly went without so others could have, and always made people feel seen, valued, and welcomed no matter who they were or where they came from.
Though his absence will be deeply felt, Roger’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the Christ he faithfully proclaimed.
Celebration of Life Services will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at Cowarts Baptist Church. Visitation will start at 12:00 p.m., with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m.
LOVETOWN: 03:18 AM. Houston County 911 dispatched Lovetown Volunteer Fire, Cottonwood Rescue, Houston County Sheriff Deputies and ALEA-Troopers to a critical injury wreck.
On Cottonwood Road, single vehicle accident, vehicle overturned.
A Houston County Sheriff Deputy was on the scene on about one minute.
The deputy reported a female, conscious, complaining of hip pain. On pain scale, reports a 5.
Lovetown Volunteer Fireman, Rev. Kevin Dixon reported heavy fog. Accident in curve near Dollar General on Cottonwood Road.
ALEA – Troopers in charge of accident investigation.
UPDATE: 9:51A.M.-While emergency responders were on scene in the 7800 block of cottonwood road, another motor vehicle accident was paged out in the 8600 block of cottonwood road, just a couple miles down the road. Vehicle vs. Deer, Fortunately the occupant was checked by Cottonwood Rescue and released.
Jesus’ birth, known as the Nativity, is celebrated at Christmas (December 25) but the exact date is unknown, with scholars estimating it between 6–4 BC, based on Biblical accounts in Matthew and Luke describing his birth in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, marked by humble conditions (a manger) and visits from shepherds and wise men, signifying his divine-human nature and lasting spiritual importance.
Key Details:
Location: Bethlehem, in Roman-controlled Judea, a town associated with King David.
Parents: Mary (his mother) and Joseph (her betrothed, of David’s lineage).
Biblical Accounts: Narratives in Luke (shepherds, manger) and Matthew (wise men).
Significance: Marks his humanity and divinity, a humble beginning for a spiritual leader.
Date & Christmas:
Unknown: The Bible doesn’t state the date.
Estimated Date: Around 6–4 BC, before King Herod the Great’s death.
December 25: Chosen by early church leaders, possibly aligning with winter solstice festivals.
Symbolism:
Humility: Born in a stable, laid in a manger.
Universal Savior: Shepherds (poor) and Magi (outsiders) visited, showing Jesus’ message for all.
Historical Context:
The stories emphasize divine intervention and Jesus’ unique role, though scholars debate historical exactness.
The event profoundly influenced Western culture, calendar, and Christianity.
For Christians, the meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation—the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a time to commemorate his birth as the fulfillment of biblical prophecies and the arrival of the long-awaited Savior who would offer humanity redemption from sin.
Core Theological Significance
The Gift of Salvation: Christians see Jesus as God’s “indescribable gift” to the world, sent out of love to bridge the gap between God and humanity.
Emmanuel (“God With Us”): This title for Jesus expresses the belief that God did not remain a distant deity but entered human history to share in the human experience.
The Light of the World: Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth as a “light shining in the darkness,” bringing hope to a broken world.
The Cradle and the Cross: The birth of Jesus is viewed in the context of his entire mission; he was born in a manger specifically to eventually die for the sins of humanity.
Meaning of the Name “Christmas”
The word derives from the Old English Cristes mæsse, which literally means “Christ’s Mass“. This refers to the special Eucharistic service held to honor his birth. The term “Xmas” is also deeply rooted in Christian history, as the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of Χριστός (Christ).
Christian Symbolism in Traditions
Many modern Christmas customs have specific spiritual interpretations for believers:
Giving Gifts: Reminiscent of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing his kingship and sacrifice.
The Christmas Tree: Evergreens symbolize eternal life through Christ, and the lights represent him as the “Light of the World”.
Candy Canes: Shaped like a shepherd’s crook to represent Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.” The red stripes symbolize his blood shed for sins.
Holly and Wreaths: The sharp leaves of holly are often compared to the crown of thorns, while the circular shape of a wreath represents the eternal, never-ending nature of God’s love.
