OZARK…Mr. Donnie Joyner, a resident of Ozark, died late Wednesday evening, December 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center in Ozark. He was 57.
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
Donald Gene Ezell, known affectionately to friends and family as Don, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 89. Born on November 23, 1936, in Dale County, Alabama, Don’s life was marked by his steadfast dedication to his family, his church, and his community.
A proud graduate of Carroll High School’s class of 1956, Don’s early life in Ozark was filled with the promise of a bright future. He furthered his education by attending Auburn University before eventually settling in Dothan in 1982. It was there that he established the reputable Dothan Clutch and Brake Service, which he operated with integrity and excellence until his retirement in 2007.
Don’s commitment to his faith was evident to all who knew him. A devout member of Bethel Baptist Church, he also dedicated much of his time and energy to the Bethel Baptist Deaf Church. His service extended to operating the sound equipment at Bethel Baptist Church and participating in the Beacon Sunday School Class. His selfless nature was a beacon of light in the church community, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Family was the cornerstone of Don’s life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his son, Greg Ezell, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, as well as his brother-in-law, Billy Agerton. Don’s life was enriched by the love of his late parents, Dannie and Clara Ezell, and his cherished wife of 66 years, Maxine Agerton Ezell, who preceded him in death.
Don’s interests were diverse and fulfilling. He was an avid enthusiast of flying airplanes, boating, and skiing, often sharing these passions with family and friends. His zest for life and adventure brought joy to those around him and created countless cherished memories.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Bo Weed and Brother Jerry Pearson officiating. Don will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm.
The family extends special thanks to Southern Care Hospice and to Nurse Donna Mitchell for their compassionate care during Don’s final days. Additionally, heartfelt gratitude is expressed to Sharon Jones, his special caregiver, and to Debbie Williams, Geneva Reynolds, Erica Danials, Saranda Brown, Alene Jones, and Cherylonda Jackson for their loving care and support.
Don will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and selfless man. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him. He taught his family and friends the way of life with the same patience and dedication he showed to every aspect of his life. One of Don’s greatest sources of pride was teaching his son, Greg, the life skills and values that would guide him, strengthen him, and serve him well throughout every season of his life.
As we bid farewell to Don, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His influence will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. Don’s journey on earth has concluded, but his spirit will live on through the values he instilled in us all. Rest in peace, dear Don; your memory will be treasured always.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Thomas Edward Flowers, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer since 2016. He was 59.
Funeral services for Mr. Flowers will be held in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home at 2 PM Monday, December 22, 2025 officiated by Dr. David Saliba, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Dothan. Visitation will begin at 1 PM until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Memory Hill cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations in his name to; The Shepherd School at FUMC.
Thomas was born April 8, 1966 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Carlice and Bonnie Beasley Flowers. He was a 1984 graduate of Northview High School and worked for many years in the airline industry, followed by 11 years at AAA Cooper as an Equipment Qualification Specialist.
Survivors include his wife, Patti Woodham Flowers; son, John Carlice Flowers (Taylor Wood); stepdaughters, Hillery Hinson Brooks (Andrew), Brittney Hinson Brown (Micah); grandchildren, Hadley, Warren, Hinson, Millie and Emmi; bonus grandchildren, Korbin and Rylee; sister, Faye Flowers Phillips (Larry); nephew, Daniel Phillips.
The family extends a special thank you to Day Springs Hospice for their love and tender care and to his work family at AAA Cooper for their loving support during this extended illness.
Kathryn Marie Stephens passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 75, in Dothan, Alabama. She was born on July 8, 1950, in Lexington, Kentucky, and lived a life rooted in devotion to her family and quiet strength.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Dewayne Stephens, with whom she shared many years of marriage and family life. Together, they raised two sons, Curtis W. Stephens (Colleen) and Ishmael R. Stephens (Melody).
Kathryn was a proud grandmother to Haley Justice (Seth), Owen Stephens, Bradley Stephens (Karlie), Lauren Reber (Nathan), Abigail Stephens, Ella Stephens, and Sadie Stephens, and a loving great-grandmother to Reece Justice.
Kathryn was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Theodoria Click. She was one of nine siblings and was preceded in death by her brother, William Click. She is survived by her siblings, John Click, Henry Click, Elizabeth Click, Susie Lisle, Rosemary Click, Mary Ellen Click, and Roscoe Click, Jr.
A devoted homemaker, Kathryn took great pride in caring for her home and family. Her family was truly her pride and joy, and she remained steadfastly devoted to her children and grandchildren throughout her life. She had a deep affection for farm animals, especially her silkie chickens, and found contentment in caring for them. Known for her independence and determination, Kathryn met life’s challenges with steady resolve.
Kathryn will be remembered for her steadfast love, practical wisdom, and the lasting impact she had on her family.
A gathering to celebrate Kathryn’s life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Kathryn will be laid to rest next to her husband at Elliott County Memory Gardens in Sandy Hook, KY.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mrs. Allie Faye Sands Fritzke of Samson, Alabama went home to be with the Lord on December 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 94.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Friday, December 19, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Jimmy Eddins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 3:00 p.m. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or to the American Kidney Foundation.
Faye was born January 06, 1931 in Tampa, FL to the late James Luther and Florence Ethel Baldree Sands. She retired from the American Can Company after many years of service. After her retirement, she and her husband worked tirelessly on their farm tending cattle, cutting and baling hay, enjoying all that the country life had to offer. She was a phenomenal southern cook and a devoted Christian lady who loved and cared for her family immensely. Faith, love and family was the glue that held her life together.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sue Lynn Davidson; two brothers and one sister.
Faye is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Albert H. Fritzke of Samson, AL; five children, Tom Player (Lori) of Plant City, FL, Rhonda Leverett (Ken) of Valrico, FL, Catherine Speer of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Joy Fritzke of Plant City, Fl and Carol Sapp (Marvin) of Plant City, FL; one son-in-law, Raymond Davidson of Byron, GA; 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Esteban Kristofer Lopez, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 21 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born on October 11, 2004, in Dothan, Alabama, Esteban was a beacon of generosity and kindness to all who knew him.
Esteban was predeceased by his father, Jonatan Lopez, and his sister, Monica Lopez. He is survived by his devoted mother, Irene Lopez-Castillo and her husband, Gary Castillo; his loving siblings, Alex, Landon, and Chelsea Lopez; and his cherished grandparents, Cathy Bell and her husband Rusty, Roland Castillo and his wife Norma, Bertha Sandoval, and Esteban Lopez. His numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins will also hold his memory dear.
From a young age, Esteban was known for his generous nature, always putting others before himself. He carried this trait into his adult life, where he proudly served as a member of the 690th Chemical Brigade of the Alabama National Guard for over two years. His commitment to service was a testament to his character and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Esteban’s zest for life was evident in his love for spending time with his friends, especially Owen, Jacob, and JT, as well as his siblings. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as immersing himself in video games, where he often could be found fighting his way to victory with his strategic thinking and collaborative spirit. His ambition was to be a chemical engineer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025 with Chaplain Dalton Keel officiating. Burial will follow in Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland City with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends from 5 PM until 7 PM, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.