rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Gary E. Hornsby of Headland

Gary E. Hornsby of Headland

GARY E. HORNSBY

HEADLAND — Gary E. Hornsby, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 30, 2026. He was 73.

Celebration of Life services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday February 21, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends from one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Gary’s honor to the American Bible Society, online at www.americanbible.org or by mail to American Bible Society, P.O. Box 8914, Topeka, KS 66608-9983.

Gary was born in Vine Grove, Kentucky, to the late George Edsel Hornsby and Agnes Lucille Padgett . He attended North Hardin High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Army. After many years of faithful work, he retired from a career in maintenance in the engineering field.

Gary was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and a generous heart. He found joy in God’s creation through hunting and fishing, and he expressed his soul through music—often playing his guitar and writing songs that reflected his thoughts, experiences, and beliefs. His love for Scripture and faith in the Lord were evident throughout his life and guided the way he loved and cared for others.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Vicki Lynn Wood.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Vickie Hornsby; one son, Brian Hornsby (Cindy); one daughter, Cari Harris; four grandchildren, Garrett (Jessica), KaytLynn (Taylor), Logan (Mallory) and MaKenna; one future great-grandson; and several extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know him.

Gary’s life was a testament to faith, love, and devotion to family, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.

Mr. Boyd Whigham

Mr. Boyd Whigham

 

Mr. Boyd Whigham, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama and formerly of Louisville, Alabama, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 16, 2026, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was 88 years old.

Boyd was born on March 22, 1937, in Louisville, Alabama, to the late Robert S. and Martha Byrd Whigham. He grew up working in the family-owned BF Whigham Hardware store.

It was in Louisville that Boyd met the love of his life, Blanche Baxter Whigham. Their story began in the third grade and grew into a marriage that spanned 67 years. His greatest joy was Blanche and their daughters, Lisa and Allison. His three girls were everything to him.

Boyd attended Auburn University, where he played basketball. He was a Dye Hard Auburn fan and remained a loyal supporter throughout his life.

Before beginning his legal career, Boyd worked in a food manufacturing plant while attending night law school. He later established his private law practice on Court Square in Clayton, Alabama, where he served the community for more than 30 years. He went on to serve as District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit for over 10 years, earning the respect of colleagues, the community, and even those he prosecuted.

His grandchildren will always remember “Big Daddy,” who often rose before everyone else to make pancakes shaped like their initials, then waited for the household to wake.

Boyd loved golfing with friends and spending time on the farm in Barbour County, where family gatherings meant laughter, golf cart rides, and bonfires under the stars. With ponds, fishing, animals, and endless toys, the farm became a setting for countless memories. It was also where his grandchildren learned to drive, with Big Daddy calmly riding alongside.

His beach house was another place he loved to gather with family. He never missed a sunset and was often found at the grill, making hamburgers for everyone. A trip to the beach was never complete without a game of goofy golf and doughnuts in the morning. Boyd waved at everyone who walked by, quickly turning neighbors into friends.

Perhaps in no moment was the alchemy of Boyd’s soul more evident than when he prayed. Whether it was over a family meal or an afternoon at Shepherd’s Place, as a young man building up his community or a great-grandfather comforting those around him, his gentle strength and steadfast love carried through his words for all to feel.

He is survived by his wife, Blanche Baxter Whigham; daughters, Lisa Whigham Taylor and her husband Jerry, and Allison Whigham Kendall and her husband Edward, both of Fairhope, Alabama; six grandchildren, Boyd Taylor (Elizabeth), Critter Taylor (Callie), Casey Panza (Ryan), Ted Kendall, Rob Taylor, and Ben Kendall; one great-granddaughter, Genevieve Taylor.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST at the Louisville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Boyd’s honor to:

The Learning Tree- 5451 Able Court Mobile, Alabama 36593 or to Shepherd’s Place- 155 South Section Street Fairhope, Alabama 36532.

The love he gave and the memories he created will remain with his family always.

Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Shirley Kirkland

M

Shirley Ann Wallace Kirkland, age 81, of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Shirley was born on March 28, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to William Harold Wallace and Ruby Lee Sale Wallace. She spent many years working as a cashier at Food World, where she was known for her friendly smile and warm conversation with customers.

In her spare time, Shirley enjoyed shopping, arts and crafts, and flower gardening. She was a devoted NASCAR fan, with Jeff Gordon being her favorite driver, and she proudly cheered for Alabama football. One of her greatest joys was spending time at the river. Shirley was also very talented in her creative pursuits and won numerous awards at the Peanut Festival for her entries.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, Ronald Kirkland; and her sister, Betty Starr.

She is survived by her daughters, Tina Sale Davis of Enterprise and Tonia Sale Amaya of Hartford; grandchildren, Andrew Harrison of Tennessee, Caitlyn Harrison of Enterprise, Aaron Amaya II of Athens, Georgia, and Gabriel Amaya of Daleville; and her great-grandchildren, Dawson Smith, Tayson Meyer, and Tayleigh Meyer.

Shirley will be remembered for her creativity, her love of family, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.

Robert Erik Williams, Jr. of Dothan

Robert Erik Williams, Jr. of Dothan

ROBERT ERIK WILLIAMS, JR.

DOTHAN… Robert Erik Williams, Jr., a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home. He was 43.

A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Wright Funeral Home & Crematory.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.

Lomax Preachers

Lomax Preachers

Lomax Preachers of Coffee Springs, AL passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. He was 76 years old.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Kenneth Ward officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.

Mr. Preachers was born in Coffee County, AL on July 30, 1949, to the late R.L. and Wilma Lee Hayes Preachers. Lomax was an avid outdoorsman who had a deep love for fishing. He found great joy in spending time with his family and friends, creating lasting memories with those he loved most. Lomax worked as a painter for many years before retiring, a profession he took pride in and dedicated himself to faithfully.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Emmett Lee Preachers, Ruth Hudson, Betty Joyce Farris, and Rhonda Jean Ward.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debra Lynn Morrow Preachers of Coffee Springs, AL; three children, Stevie Preachers of Samson, AL, T.J. Preachers (Kerri) of Coffee Springs, AL, and Kayla Preachers (Zo) of Ozark, AL; eight grandchildren, Chase, Jayla, Devyn, Tyson, McKenzie, Kahdynce, Lukas, and Ryder; four brothers and sisters, Jimmie Sue Simpler of Crestview, FL, Robert Preachers of Enterprise, AL, Deborah Ann Smith of Samson, AL, and Randall Preachers of Goodman Community; and several nieces and nephews.

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  

 

 

Obituary for Mr. Tony Cumuze of Dothan

DOTHAN…Mr. Tony Cumuze, a resident of Dothan, died Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 64.

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