Patti Palmer Spruell, 73, of Dothan, Alabama went home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2026, four months to the day after losing her husband of 32 years, Kenneth W. Spruell. She died of pneumonia after a valiant three-year battle with Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (G.A.V.E).
Patti was born September 7, 1952, to Betty Reeves Palmer and Jesse J. Palmer of Dothan. She was a graduate of Slocomb High School. She studied at Wallace Community College in Dothan and Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, and later studied interior design at Southern Institute School of Interior Design in Birmingham. Patti had three beautiful children by her first marriage to Wallace Alvin Sanders (dec.), Wallace Glenn Sanders, Wallace Sean Sanders, and Patti Peyton Pennington (dec.).
Patti was known for her vivacious personality, energy, undaunted spirit, beauty, wit, exceptional creativity, and dedication to her family and friends. She loved all nature, plants and animals. She was an avid gardener, and she had the greenest of green thumbs. Over the years, Patti acquired all sorts of animals and birds. She had many cats, many dogs, rabbits, horses, alpacas, a llama, chickens, peacocks, guinea fowl, quail, pigeons, and so forth. Patti was a friend of everyone especially to stray animals, stray people, and tiny little creatures that other people wouldn’t notice. If she found a little mouse or a little bird out in the yard that had been injured by cat or had fallen out of a nest, she would put that little creature in a shoebox with something soft to lie on and she would try to save it if she could. She said even if it was mortally wounded, she could at least keep the ants from getting to it so that it could die in peace.
Patti had an artist’s soul. Everything she touched turned into something beautiful. She created a world of little beings she called “Lil’ Peeks” which she incorporated into a children’s book illustrated and written by her. Visiting Patti’s home was like taking a walk down memory lane or going into a museum. She cherished things that were cast off by other people such as vintage wedding cake toppers, old dolls, vintage purses, gloves and shoes, old photographs, old children’s books, and such. Her hobbies were too numerous to list.
Patti firmly believed in living and letting live, but she was a person of firm convictions. She was extremely patriotic and an unapologetic conservative, but she never took anyone’s politics into account in how she treated them and loved them. She was a firm Christian believer, but she never held it against anybody if they were not. Patti never gave up hope for a better tomorrow and a better hereafter.
Patti was a funny, smart, sassy spitfire. She was almost always packing a pistol, including one dark night when she fought off a bobcat that was stealing her chickens, and chased it into the woods, armed only with the pistol and a stick. She was also a survivor. She endured hardship and loss on many occasions, some that would have broken most people, most significantly when she lost her precious daughter, Peyton. Patti willingly assumed the role of chief caretaker and nurse for her parents and for an aunt and uncle as well as for her daughter. Whatever the situation, Patti soldiered on and fought the good fight with charm and humor. On Patti’s final day, she fiercely resisted the indignities that the intensive care unit tried to impose on her, making a remarkable last stand. Quite simply there was no one quite like Patti Palmer Spruell. She was one of a kind.
Patti leaves behind her sons, Wallace Glenn Sanders and Wallace Sean Sanders, her son-in-law, Michael R. Pennington, her stepson, Jason Spruell (Joy), her grandchildren, Ralls Pennington (Caroline), Rabon Pennington Wilson, Jenni Pennington, Nathan, London, Lance, and Laurence Spruell, great-grandchildren, Scarlett Peyton Wilson, Sawyer Brennan Wilson, Anne Ralls Pennington, Trotter Reeves Pennington, her sister, Betsy Palmer Collins, her nieces, Jessica Collins Porterfield (Bobby), Casey Collins Linton (Mike) and Sarah Collins Lawler (Henry), her great-nephews, Palmer Alan Porterfield, Oliver George Linton, and Reeves Houston Linton, her great-nieces, Louise Grey Linton and Collins LaMarr Lawler, and many cherished cousins and friends. Patti was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth W. Spruell, her parents, Betty Reeves Palmer and Jesse J. Palmer, her daughter, Peyton Pennington, her stepson, Michael Derek Spruell (Ruth), her brother Jesse Glenn Palmer, and her dear sister-in-law, Bonnie Sartain Palmer.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Peters, Paul David West, Ralls Pennington, Bill Lovrich, Robert Syfrett, Mike Linton, Bobby Porterfield and Darrell Raulerson. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Pennington, Henry Lawler, and Al Casey.
Services will be at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. and services commencing at 1:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Peyton’s Chapel, adjacent to Patti’s home which is located at 11780 Fortner Street, west of Dothan. A reception for friends and family will be held at the Southerly House, 1609 County Road 74, Dothan, AL 36301, following the graveside services. Flowers are welcome, but so are donations in Patti’s memory to either the Houston County High School Band, 200 West Church St, Columbia AL 36319; Sardis Missionary Baptist Church c/o Lanell Rivers, 3256 Kinsey Road, Dothan, AL 36303; or Kitty Kottage, 131 East Selma St, Dothan AL 36301.
OZARK…Mrs. Peggy Ann Keough Reich, a resident of Ozark, died late Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, in the Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was 94.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Sam Childree Jr., a resident of Ozark, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Flowers Hospital. He was 79 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Mr. Childree. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Roger Edward Baker, age 76, of Dothan, left us on January 26, 2026 after a long illness.
Born in Eldorado, Georgia on July 20, 1949 to the late Edward Baker and Dorothy Montgomery Baker, Roger was employed by General Cigar/Swedish Match in Dothan for 20 years. He loved fishing and all things Georgia, especially the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. Roger was a good man, and loved his family dearly and was dearly loved in return.
Roger is survived by his wife, Jerether; his children, Karla, Kim, and Clint; his grandchildren, Dustin, Ashton, and Katelynn; his great-grandchildren, Tristan and Eve; and his sister, Frances; numerous other family and friends.
Sloan Redmon Wise, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on January 29th, 2026, at the age of 58.
Sloan was born in Geneva, AL on November 10, 1967. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Royce Rayburn and Edna Sue Redmon Wise, and his brother Darryl Wise. He is survived by his loving daughter, Kelsi Wise Wilson; his precious grandchildren, Audri, Piper, and Noah Wilson, who filled his life with immense joy; his dedicated brother, Rayburn L. “Monty” Wise; nephews, Spencer Wise (Lauren), and Joshua Wise; nieces, Hannah Wise Ward (Hunter), and Rayanna Wise; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Everyone who knew Sloan could attest to his remarkable talent as a musician. His passion for music was evident in the beauty and soul he poured into every note he played. An avid fan of Alabama Football and NASCAR, Sloan enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams and drivers. However, it was his quiet faith that truly defined him. Sloan found solace and strength in studying the life of King David and the book of Psalms, drawing parallels to his own journey through life. His unwavering belief and trust in his Lord carried him gracefully through life’s triumphs and challenges.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The family would like to thank Diane Coskrey and Sherry Young for their devoted friendship throughout the years.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Carole Bishop Lee, a resident of Dothan, AL, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, surrounded by her children and three dogs.
Carole was born in Atlanta, GA, on April 3, 1940, to the late Eustace E. Bishop, Sr. and Mary Alice Newton Bishop. A 1958 graduate of Dothan High School, she married William M. Lee on September 28, 1962. Bill and Carole raised their family in Dothan and were married for 58 years until his death in December 2020.
Carole was a devoted mother, gifted artist, passionate community servant, and beloved friend, whose life was defined by creativity, generosity, and connection. A lifelong dog lover and tireless advocate for others, Carole was also the proud mother of five children and the heart of her family. She poured her energy not only into her home but also into the broader Dothan, AL community, where her leadership and service left a lasting impact. Through the years, she was deeply involved with many community organizations including Landmark Park, Wiregrass Pets Rescue & Adoption, SEACT, The National Peanut Festival, Houston Love Memorial Library, the Dothan Opera House Board, Time Youth, and the Girl Scouts, always offering her time, vision, opinion, and encouragement wherever it was needed.
Carole was a loyal member of The United Methodist Church, where her faith and creativity intertwined. As a local church member, Carole served on a variety of committees, sang in the church choir, organized Faithful Fingers sewing and knitting group, and was a consistent supporter of Blue Lake Camp. As a liturgical worship artist, she designed and crafted banners for all seasons of the church year and was a leader in The Fellowship, especially Lake Junaluska Music Week. Her faith was lived actively—through service, art, and fellowship.
A true creative genius, Carole found joy in quilting, sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening, and cooking. An avid reader, she was a faithful member of a book group for many years. She was especially known for her love of hosting gatherings with beautiful tablescapes and welcoming friends and family with warmth and laughter. One of her most treasured traditions was baking pound cakes using her grandmother’s recipe, which she delighted in giving away as a gesture of love. Carole had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. A natural connector, she built friendships across generations and diverse communities and made everyone feel seen and valued. A world traveler, she embraced new places and experiences with curiosity and enthusiasm.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William M. Lee, and her son, Stan R. “Chip” Beason.
Carole is survived by her four children; Juli-Ann Lee Morgan (Brian), Jeni Lee (Joe Boshears), Tom Lee (Katherine), Jon Lee (Jennie), ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brother and sister, Eustace E. “Top” Bishop, Jr., (Sandra) and Julie Bishop, and her three beloved dogs.
Carole’s family thanks Dr. Juanita Heersink & staff, Home Helpers, First Light Home Care, and DaySpring Hospice for their care and compassion with special thanks to Charity Lent, her angel next door.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wiregrass Pet Rescue & Adoption, www.wiregrasspetrescue.org or Time Youth, www.timeyouthdothan.org – two organizations that reflect her lifelong commitment to compassion, community, and care for others.
The family looks forward to receiving friends in the FUMC Parlor from 10:00am -11:15am on February 21, 2026, with a Celebration of Life in the sanctuary at 11:30am.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
