OZARK…Milton Maurice Johnson, a resident of Ozark, passed away late Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, in Jackson Hospital, Montgomery. He was 36.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Johnson was born on June 28, 1989, in Ozark, Alabama, and Ozark is where he spent his entire life surrounded by the people who loved him most. He was a proud 2013 graduate of Vivian B. Adams School, a place where he made many friends and brought smiles to everyone who knew him.
He had a joyful, playful spirit that could brighten any room. He loved riding his bike around the neighborhood, feeling the wind on his face, and he could spend hours jumping on the trampoline, laughing the whole time. Music was one of his greatest comforts—especially Old School Blues—and he enjoyed sitting back, listening, and letting the rhythm carry him. Playing cards was another favorite pastime, especially when he could convince someone to sit down and play a few rounds with him.
When it came to food, he knew exactly what he liked. Hamburgers and hot dogs were always at the top of his list, and you better believe he wanted French fries with them—no exceptions. Some of his happiest days were spent fishing with his grandma, sharing quiet moments by the water, and he never missed a chance to tease and aggravate his sisters in that loving, mischievous way only he could.
One of the things he treasured most in this world was his stuffed animal, “Teddy Bear.” Teddy Bear went everywhere with him and brought him comfort, joy, and a sense of security that only a beloved childhood friend can give. Another love of his was wearing white t-shirts and wearing his shoes, even when he slept.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Johnson Curry, and his stepfather, Daniel Bryant, Jr., who no doubt welcomed him with open arms. Though his time here was far too short, he filled his years with love, laughter, and simple joys that touched everyone around him. His gentle heart, his sweet spirit, and the light he carried will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Surviving relatives include his loving grandmother, who he lived with, Juline Johnson, Ozark; father, Milton Maurice Dowling; two sisters, Jacqueline Johnson, Leeds, Alabama and Jalessa Johnson, Midland City; his aunts and uncles, Janis Dawkins (Rickey), Ozark, Christopher Spencer Johnson (Jessica Napper), Dennis Ray Johnson, Julius Johnson, Jimmy Jerome Johnson, all of Ozark; great-aunt, Katherline Burl, Chicago, Illinois; nieces, Layloni Johnson and Londyn Rivers; nephew, Laithan Rivers; a host of cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
LEVEL PLAINS…Mrs. Blanche Lise Caddell, a resident of Level Plains, died early Monday morning, January 5, 2026, in Noland Hospital, Dothan. She was 70.
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
Sharon Kay Simpkins, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Dothan.
Born on November 24, 1945, in Hutchison, Kansas, Sharon was the beloved daughter of the late Edward McConnell, Jr. and Elva Lois Duff. Her journey through life was shared with her late husband, Wilson Paul Simpkins, Jr., with whom she built a legacy of love and family that will be treasured for generations. Together, they raised two devoted sons, James Watson (Sandra) and Eddie Watson (Hope), who will forever hold their mother’s memory in their hearts.
A grandmother of exceptional warmth, Sharon’s spirit will live on through her grandchildren, Cameron Williams (Tiffany), Amanda Games (Coby), Brandi Bush (Bryar), Kassadi Watson, Colton Watson, and Jase Watson. Her great-grandchildren Tucker, Nolan, and Copelyn, will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandmother’s kindness, strength, and the love she had for each of them.
Sharon’s passion for genealogy was more than a hobby; it was a journey through time that allowed her to connect with her ancestors and share their stories with her family. Her love for arts and crafts was evident in the beautiful creations she left behind, each piece a testament to her artistic spirit and attention to detail. Sharon’s love for the beach was well-known, as she found solace in the rhythm of the waves and the endless horizon, often reflecting on the beauty of nature and the peace it brought to her soul.
In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Paul Simpkins, Jr. and her great-grandson, Barrett Ray Bush, and the father of her children, Jimmie R. Watson.
Graveside services will be held at 1 PM, January 16, 2026 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Linda Jo Ivey Cruit, age 68, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, January 5, 2026. Funeral services for Mrs. Cruit will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026, from Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Saturday in the Church from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Linda was born on January 1, 1958, to Cecil and Mildred Ivey. She lived a life devoted to her family, her work, and caring for others. She was known for her steady presence, strong work ethic, and deep love for her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid Alabama fan, always showing her team spirit with pride. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glen Robert Cruit, and her father, Cecil Ivey.
She is survived by her mother, Mildred Ivey; her sister, Phyllis Sexton (Joe); her sons, Jason Cruit, Jeremy Cruit (Danielle), and Joshua Cruit (Kristen); and her grandchildren, Aaron Hart (Clare), Noah Cruit (Emma), Emily Byrd (Logan), Finley Cruit, Conner Cruit, Camdyn Cruit, Isaiah Cruit, Bryson Cruit, and Cross Cruit. She is also survived by one soon-to-be great-grandchild and two special nieces, Brandi Clark (Michael) and Brooke Sexton.
Linda dedicated many years of service to Dale Medical Center Home Health, where she worked as Office Manager until her retirement in 2022. Her commitment, professionalism, and compassion left a lasting impact on those she worked with and served.
Above all, Linda will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. Her faith was certain and unshakable, providing assurance and peace to her and to those who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Curtis Gene Machen, a devoted family man and a pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 90. Born on July 5, 1935, in Sondheimer, Louisiana.
Curtis is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Imogene Machen, and their four daughters, Jeannie Tarvin, Cynthia Henson, Lisa Rambaran, and Cathy Machen. He was a cherished grandfather to Michael (Melinda) Tarvin, Benjamin (Jena) Tarvin, Katherine (Eric) Buneta, Terrance (Danielle) Henson, Cody Henson, Tamara (Robert) Trujillo, and Sierra Rambaran. His legacy continues through his brothers, Richard Machen and William James “Buddy” Machen, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Curtis proudly served his country as a member of the US Army for more than 20 years, a period during which he exemplified courage and dedication. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service with the Louisiana State Public Service Commission as an Enforcement Officer, a role he filled with passion and integrity for another two decades. After retiring, Curtis settled in Dothan, where he remained an active and respected figure in the community.
A man of faith, Curtis was a long-standing member of the Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ. Curtis’s love for the outdoors was profound, and he found great joy in deer hunting, an activity that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simplicity of quiet moments. Curtis also was an auctioneer, he enjoyed buying, selling and bartering.
Curtis will be remembered as a hardworking and dedicated man. His courage in the face of adversity, his unwavering commitment to his family and country, and his hard work made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Curtis’ life will be held at 2 pm Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Stuart Tullis officiating. Curtis will be laid to rest with military honors at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ.
OZARK…Mr. Carl B. Aley, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, January 5, 2026, at his home. He was 95.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, PO Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Mr. Aley, the son of the late Edward Aley and Daisy Popple Aley, was born and raised in Central, New York, where he built the foundation of a life filled with hard work, kindness, and quiet determination. In 2004, he made Ozark his home, bringing with him the same steady spirit and gentle nature that everyone who knew him cherished.
He spent many years working for Fisher Guide General Motors in Syracuse, New York, before retiring. Earlier in life, he worked as a chauffeur for the Prosperity Company, driving through the streets of Syracuse with the same reliability and care he showed in all parts of his life. He also poured his energy into running Aley’s Mini Mart, a small business that he and his wife owned and operated with pride.
Service to others was a thread that ran through his life. During his time in Arizona, he worked the “Gleaning Program,” a food pantry in Safford that helped make sure families in need had something to put on their tables. It was work that reflected his generous heart and his belief in lending a hand wherever he could.
Mr. Aley had a way of finding joy in simple things. He collected milk bottles—a hobby rooted in his younger days when he delivered milk for McMahons Dairy in Central Square, New York, and came to appreciate the stories those old bottles carried. He loved camping, being outdoors, and spending time woodworking, creating things with his hands that were built to last, much like the relationships he formed throughout his life.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, carrying that sense of duty and honor with him long after his service ended.
Mr. Aley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Clark Aley, with whom he shared many years of companionship, laughter, and love. He was also preceded in death by his faithful dog, Tipper. Those who knew him will remember him as a steady, humble, and good-hearted man—someone who worked hard, cared deeply, and left the world a little better than he found it.
Surviving family members include, Lois Aley Baisch (Kevin), Ozark, Carl M. Aley (Karen), Bridgeport, New York, Lynn AleyHowe (Steve), Ozark, and Donna Baumee (William), Liverpool, New York; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
