OZARK…Dr. Brian-Christopher “BC” Farnham, 56, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by love. A native of Ozark, Alabama, BC divided his life and heart between his hometown and Atlanta, Georgia.
Celebration of Life Services will be held from 10:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Holman House in Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor BC’s life and work:
Affinity Hospice Foundation – Dr. Farnham Legacy Projects:com/donate
The Dr. BC Farnham Scholarship Fund: Supporting the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University (Wellstar College Online Giving)
Those wishing to honor BC are also invited to do so simply through an intentional act of kindness or service in his memory.
BC lived his life with an uncommon combination of brilliance, energy, humor, compassion, authenticity, and purpose. He was an educator, healthcare executive, social worker, scholar, author, speaker, advocate, mentor, colleague, devoted husband, father, and loyal friend. Across more than two decades in healthcare, higher education, research, and service, BC moved seamlessly between the bedside, the boardroom, and the classroom—always keeping the human beings at the center of his work.
A Life of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service
BC held multiple advanced and terminal degrees spanning clinical medical social work, business administration, higher education, and organizational leadership. His academic journey included study at The University of Alabama and Oriel College at Oxford University. A former ESU International Oxford Scholar and National Maternal Child Health Research Fellow, he received numerous honors for academic excellence and leadership, including the Allen Award and recognition as an Outstanding American Scholar.
His deep commitment to service was evident early in his career. Following the September 11 attacks, BC served as a Clinical Response Team Leader during relief efforts in New York, a formative experience of service that helped shape a career dedicated to human dignity. His work ultimately reached from coast to coast and appeared in professional publications as well as national media, including CBS Television.
Education was not simply BC’s profession; it was foundational to who he was. Having served in higher education for many years—including at Troy University—he was a tenured Full Professor in the Department of Social Work and Human Services within Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. In early 2026, he was appointed Executive Director of Kennesaw State’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth—a role uniquely aligned with his lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, ethical practice, and helping others reach their fullest potential.
Beginning in 2018, BC also became an integral force within Affinity Hospice, serving on the Executive Leadership Team as Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. He held a deep conviction that hospice care is a sacred calling centered on compassion, service, and the privilege of guiding families through life’s most profound seasons.
Legacy, Family, and Tribe
For those who knew him well, however, the résumé tells only a small part of the story. BC was a natural teacher in every room he entered, using humor, storytelling, and unmistakable energy to help others grow. Whether gathered around a dinner table, celebrating life’s milestones, traveling the world, or sharing a quiet conversation, BC had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, heard, and valued.
BC’s greatest legacy lives not in his titles or accomplishments, but in the people he loved, taught, and inspired. He lived authentically and unapologetically, fiercely cherishing the inner circle who made up his world.
He leaves behind his loving husband and life partner, Wesley C. “Chuck” Doyle, III; his sons, Mark Daniel Holton-Farnham and Caden P. Brady-Doyle, who completed their blended family unit; and his beloved four-legged children.
BC’s memory is carried forward by his “tribe”—his small and mighty circle of chosen family—as well as countless close friends, students, and trusted colleagues who showed up, stood by him, and walked through life by his side.
He was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents, Dr. S.R. Davis and Margaret Davis of Ozark, Alabama.
BC is survived by his mother, Linda D. Miller (David) of Ariton, Alabama, with whom he shared a deep bond of love. He is also survived by his brothers, Jason Miller (Jennifer) and their children Jordan (Brianna), Eli, Jacob, and Jenna of Ozark, Alabama; Ashley Miller (Anna) and their children Ella, Emma, Joseph, and Abigail of Opelika, Alabama; and his sister, Amber Goolsby (Scott) and their children Gracey and Lyla of Auburn, Alabama.
LIVE LIVE LIVE
BC lived by a simple, powerful philosophy: LIVE LIVE LIVE.
He understood that when everything else falls away, the people who show up are what matter most, and that everything else “is just noise.” He leaves behind a simple charge for all who loved him:
Show up. Be a Do’er. Protect your tribe. Serve others. Teach what you know. Laugh often. Travel when you can. Love people well. And live authentically.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Bonnie Gail Locklear, a resident of Wicksburg, Alabama died Sunday, August 30, 2026 at her residence. She was 76.
Memorial services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the family residence.
Gail was born February 10, 1950 in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late Alto Kelly and Eva Roberts Harlow. She married her husband and travelled the World while he served his country in the military. Gail loved her family and was most happy cooking and enjoying family time. She retired as a Cake Decorator and loved to be in her yard and gardening.
Gail is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Elaine and a brother Al Harlow.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Locklear; daughters, Angela Shultz (Norven), Dana Boyd (David); grandchildren, Amanda, Elisa, Dustin, Shanna and Dixie; great grandchildren, Midian and Marley; siblings, Linda Hodges, Jim Harlow (Sherry and Thomas Harlow.
Anna Patricia “Pat” Williams, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with two of her sons by her side. She was 83.
Pat was born October 16, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Major Hasten D. Parr and Constance Kinsey Parr. She graduated from Clayton High School and attended Auburn University. She retired from McPhillips Shinbaum in Montgomery.
She grew up in the First Baptist Church of Clayton and later became a member of First Baptist Church of Montgomery, where she was an integral part of the church’s deaf ministry. A published author and editor, she was among the first families of the Children’s Center of Alabama, where she and her son Chip took part in a pilot program for deaf children. She also spent countless hours researching the Parr name, long before the digital age of genealogy.
Known to most as Pat or Patricia — and as Mom and Nana to her family — she loved working in her yard and, above all, spending time with her family. In later years she was happiest tooling around the streets of Camden and Montgomery, Alabama, or the nearest show of older homes with her beloved granddaughter, Lauren Ashley. They shared a love of old architecture, vintage clothing and jewelry, and dressing in the styles of the early 1900s.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Major Hasten D. Parr and Constance Kinsey Parr.
She is survived by her sons, Garner Hill “Chip” Williams of Montgomery, Alabama; David Gordon Williams and his wife, Terri, of Wilsonville, Alabama; and Kevin Lee Williams and his wife, Shannon, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; nine grandchildren, Lauren Ashley Shoupe and her husband, David; Andrew Gordon Williams and his wife, Grace; Robert “Hasten” Williams and his wife, Mary Alison; Matthew Williams and his wife, Kendall; Rebecca Loftin; Madison Williams; Brianna Williams; Preston Williams; and Danielle Downing; and eleven great-grandchildren, Decatur Shoupe, John David Shoupe, identical twins Elijah and Wyatt Williams, Hasten “Gray” Williams, Austyn Ann Williams, Jackson Williams, Noland Williams, Landon Williams, Griff Williams, and Bentley Perry.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Clayton Baptist Church with Rev. Blake Thew officiating. The burial will follow in the Clayton Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home & Crematory directing. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Clayton Cemetery Association- PO BOX 5 Clayton, AL 36016.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are David Shoupe, Andrew Williams, Hasten Williams, Preston Williams, Jim Haisten, and Matt Williams.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Becky Bedsole Johnson of Bonifay, FL, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026. She was 62 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until service time.
Becky was born in Geneva, AL, on March 30, 1964, to Theron Norris Bedsole and Judy Kaye Bedsole. Becky had a remarkable talent for gardening, often referred to as having a green thumb, as she could nurture anything to grow. She loved to be in her garden and greenhouse, tending to all the beautiful flowers and plants. She had a knack for restoring old furniture, and turning thrifty finds into masterpieces. She was affectionately known as “Nanny” , a title she cherished above all others. She was her grandchildren’s biggest supporter; always showing up for each of them. They were her absolute pride and joy. She also had an unconditional love for all her “fur babies” as they were a big part of her life.
Becky was preceded in death by her father, Theron Bedsole and one brother, Bryan Bedsole.
Becky is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Wayne Johnson; Her three children, Casey Day (Buckie) of Geneva , AL, Garrett Glisson (Randi) of Samson, AL, and Tanesha Johnson of Enterprise, AL; Her six grandchildren, Kaylee Pate (Braiden), Lynkin Raines (Haven), Gunner Glisson (Cecily), Molly Glisson, Braylen Johnson and Aaniyah Johnson; one great grandson, Truett Raines; Her mother, Judy Bedsole; her brother, Blayne Bedsole (Teresa) and one sister, Bonnie Luster (Bucky), all of Samson, AL.
OPELIKA…Shirley Griggs Dismukes, 89, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born on February 9, 1937, to James C. Griggs and Lily Kilgore Griggs in Dothan, Alabama. Shirley was the youngest of 5 children. Her siblings included Evelyn Wicker, William Griggs, Hugo Griggs, and Sara Elliott.
Shirley met and married the love of her life, Robert Lee Dismukes, at age 17. Robert was the Pastor of Hurtsboro Baptist Church until they moved to the Beauregard area in 1968, when he became the Pastor at Providence Baptist Church, where he served until his death in 1983.
They lovingly raised two children, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David Kidron Dismukes and Susan Ashley Dismukes Schlenker.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Dismukes; sister, Evelyn Wicker; brothers, William and Hugo Griggs; and grandson, David Lee Schlenker.
Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David K. Dismukes (Barbara), Susan Schlenker, and Fawzy Shorrosh, who was like a son to her; her sister, Sara Elliott; and her grandchildren, Blake Kidron Dismukes (Genie) Columbia, SC., MSG (USA, retired) Gilberto A. Roman, San Antonio, TX, Miriam J. Roman, Opelika, AL, Scott Schlenker (April) Muncie, IN, Aaron Schlenker (Rose), La Habra Heights, CA, Kevin Schlenker, Houston, TX, Christopher Schlenker (Lindsay Holley), Madison, IN, and Grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Matthew, Kinsley and Claire Dismukes, Petty Officer Third Class Katherine Rogers (USN), and Kailey, Matthew, Albi, and Wolf Atzi Schlenker. Shirley has many much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other family members who are left behind to cherish her memory.
Shirley was a member of the Providence Baptist Church Encouragers Sunday School Class, where she had many lifelong friends. Shirley was a kindergarten teacher at Providence Baptist Church for many years and served as the Daycare Director from 1983 to 1986. She then served as the Hostess at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home until her retirement after more than 30 years until her retirement.
Shirley never met a stranger and always introduced herself to new friends. She loved learning about new people and their lives, and she never forgot anything, which wasn’t always a good thing! Shirley had a wicked sense of humor but was a very private person about most things.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus in Opelika. Burial will follow at the Dothan City Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama, at approximately 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church on behalf of the family.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Anna Patricia “Pat” Williams, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with two of her sons by her side. She was 83.
