Jimmy R. Zorn, age 78, of Samson, AL, passed away peacefully in his home on January 3, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side.
Born on April 22, 1947, in Samson, AL, Jimmy and Martha built a life rooted in steadfast dedication to the pillars he cherished most: his faith, his work, and above all, his family. A man of simple pleasures and profound integrity, he found joy in the reliable rhythms of life—a morning of fishing, a day spent working hard, and taking his grandchildren to the mountains.
Jimmy was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Martha J. Zorn. In his final years, she cared for him with unwavering love and strength, a true testament to their enduring marriage. Together they built a home filled with warmth and hospitality, a central gathering place for the family he loved so dearly. He was a proud and supportive father to his children, Brett Zorn (Hannah) and Amy White (Michael), and a doting grandfather to his six grandchildren, Taylor Powers (Andrew), Emily Adams (Mason), Macey Singletary (Taylor), Garrett Zorn (Taylor), Millie Hall (Ian Walker), and Austin White (Alyssa). He took immense pride in their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to share a life lesson, often while baiting a hook or tending to chores.
For many years, Jimmy was a dedicated manager at Geneva County Co-Op, Southern States, and Gold Kist in Geneva, AL, known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help others. He also served in the Army Reserves for over 23 years.
When he wasn’t working, he could invariably be found pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing. Whether on the serene waters of the Pea River, Lake Eufaula or Black Creek, he was at peace with a rod and reel in hand. He also loved sharing this passion with his grandchildren, as well as taking them to swim in the river.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Samson, AL, where he served as deacon many years, Jimmy’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, providing strength and guiding his interactions with kindness and generosity.
Jimmy will be remembered by his friends and family for his warm smile and generous spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, A. L. Zorn and Myrtle M. Zorn, as well as a sister, Carolyn Mathews, and two brothers, Donald Zorn and Gene Zorn. He is survived by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, his sister, Wanda Cannon and his brothers, Harold Zorn and Havard Zorn and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Eight-Mile Cemetery in the Reese/Flat Creek Community, with Danny Branch officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jimmy’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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
Mrs. Peggy Spears Dillard, aged 89, a cherished lifelong resident of Hartford, gracefully departed from this world to join her Savior on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Westside Terrace.
A heartfelt celebration of Peggy’s remarkable life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the beloved Pondtown Church with Rev. Zachary Hayes and Rev. Jimmy Dean officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather at the church one hour prior to the service to share their love and memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those wishing to honor Peggy’s memory consider making a contribution to Pondtown Church, 663 Pondtown Road, Hartford, AL 36344, a testament to her devotion.
Born on January 27, 1936, in Hartford AL, Peggy was the daughter of the late Cleatus and Cora Lee Spears. In 1954, she wed Millard F. Dillard, and together they nurtured a beautiful family, raising four beloved children. Peggy dedicated her professional life to serving others as an administrator, with notable contributions at Reagan Pharmacy, Geneva County High School, and the Geneva County Department of Human Resources until her well-deserved retirement. A woman of deep faith, Peggy cherished her relationship with the Lord and her church community. For over sixty years, she graced her congregation as the pianist and organist, and she devoted many years to teaching the Adult Sunday School class.
In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Millard F. Dillard; her sister, Carolyn Dean; and her great-grandson, Andrew Scott Dillard.
Peggy leaves behind a loving legacy, including her children: Janet Hunter (Phillip), Marie Brunson (Dennis), Nancy McLaney, and Richard Dillard (Jan). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Scott Dillard, Brandon Dillard (Nicole), Travis Dillard (Marie Holland), Emily Cain, Russell Hunter (Madison Nowell), Ben Brunson (Lauren), Adam Brunson (Lauren), Chelsey Harvison (Cody), and Tyler McLaney; along with fifteen great-grandchildren, her brother Mike Spears (Lisa), and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
As a final tribute, Peggy’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers, honoring the love and respect they hold for their grandmother. Her spirit will forever resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.
Mrs. Cheryl Sue Brunson Cox, a cherished resident of Slocomb, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Southeast Health. She was 79 years old.
A celebration of Cheryl Sue’s remarkable life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, with Rev. Juston Carpenter officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at the Hartford City Cemetery. Prior to the service, friends and family will gather at the funeral home for one hour to share their memories and offer condolences.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you honor Cheryl Sue’s memory through contributions to Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church, a place dear to her heart.
Born on November 19, 1946, in Geneva County, Cheryl Sue was the beloved daughter of the late Allen Burl and Eloise Smith Brunson. A proud graduate of Geneva County High School, she dedicated her career to the Geneva County School System, serving both in the cafeteria and as a bus driver until her well-earned retirement. A woman of unwavering faith, she was a member of Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church, where she delighted in sharing her passion for singing and praising the Lord. The family finds solace in knowing that Cheryl Sue has joined the heavenly choir.
Preceding her in death was her devoted husband of 51 years, Henry Fondren Cox.
Cheryl Sue leaves behind a loving family, including her two sons, Brian Cox (Bobbie) and Slade Cox (Joy); four adoring grandchildren, Bradley Cox (Allyson), Shelby Nelson (Pate), Blake Cox, and Dalton Cox; as well as three great-grandchildren, Layla Cox, Lawson Cox, and Colton Nelson. She is also survived by her siblings: Carol Cobb (Bill), Rex Brunson (Peggy), Michael Brunson (Debbie), and Dennis Brunson (Marie), along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Amy Fondren Hendrix for the exceptional love and care she provided to Cheryl Sue during her life.
Billy Gene Givens, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Wicksburg, Alabama, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a faithful servant to both his country and his Lord.
Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Brenda Quick Givens; his daughters, Terri Parnell (Ed) of Newville, Alabama, Laura Hamilton (Fulton) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Sonja Cope (Eric) of Lynn Haven, Florida; his grandchildren, Josh Parnell (Samantha), John Luke Parnell (Haylee), and Justin Parnell; and his great-grandchildren, Valen Parnell, Alex Parnell, Lucy Parnell, and Paisley White. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, along with numerous cherished friends and extended family members.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Lucille “Mama Cile” Givens, and his sister, Annette Givens Picker.
Billy proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, where he trained as an Air Traffic Control Operator. He was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Naval Air Station Sangley Point in the Philippines, and Udorn, Thailand, supporting critical military operations during the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Airman Second Class and was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for his faithful and dedicated service. While stationed in the Philippines, Billy also flew as a pilot and survived a plane crash in the jungle, navigating his way back to base through an area occupied by headhunters. Following his military service, Billy continued to serve his country for forty years as a civilian with the United States Department of the Army. His distinguished career included fifteen years as a Journeyman Air Traffic Control Specialist and twenty-five years as a Journeyman Data Systems Specialist. He also served as an Aviation Advisor, assisting thousands of military and civilian aviators across the United States and abroad. His work supported critical operations throughout the Southeast and during the Vietnam War. In recognition of his professionalism, vast knowledge, and unwavering dedication to duty, Billy was awarded the Department of the Army’s Superior Civilian Service Award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon civilian employees. A man of strong faith, Billy was a devoted member of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church for 26 years, where he faithfully served as Church Treasurer for 16 years. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and he was known for his integrity, kindness, and steady presence. Billy was honored to travel to Manaus, Brazil, on a mission trip where he shared the Gospel. He lived out his beliefs daily through service to others and deep love for his family.
Earlier in life, Billy enjoyed many adventures, including his first job as a bus driver at age 17 for the Rehobeth School System, canoeing rivers in Canada, and touring Mexico with friends. He was an accomplished PADI Open Water Scuba Diver and a certified wreck diver. In retirement, Billy found joy in caring for his property with his backhoe, maintaining the pool, coordinating annual reunions for the Rehobeth High School Class of 1961, attending luncheons with former coworkers, and spending treasured time with his beloved wife and family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved pulling pranks on his wife and daughters. An intellectual at heart, he was known for completing the daily crossword in pen, all while enjoying his favorite cup of coffee.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church in Wicksburg, Alabama, with Brother Buddy Hood and Brother Allen Singley officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., preceding the service. Billy will be laid to rest with full military honors, reflecting a life well lived in faithful service to God, family, and country.
Pallbearers will be Josh Parnell, John Luke Parnell, Justin Parnell, Ed Parnell, Fulton Hamilton, and Eric Cope. Honorary Pallbearers will be Valen Parnell and the Rehobeth High School Class of 1961.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice staff for their compassionate care during Billy’s final days.
The family will be accepting flowers or donations in honor of Billy Givens to the Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Cornerstone Fund.
Billy Dean Armstrong, 58, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on December 31, 2025. He was born June 9, 1967, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Billy graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1985 and moved to Dothan in 1990, where he built a respected career in the auto auction industry, working throughout the Southeast, including Dothan, Montgomery, Birmingham, Tallahassee, Atlanta, and Pensacola. He was a World Champion Ringman in 1994 and 1998.
Billy was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Gene and Marlene Armstrong; and his son, Jessie Armstrong.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan Armstrong; sons TJ (Jamie) Armstrong and Steven (Mandi) Armstrong; grandchildren Addie, Steele, Stevie, and Cooper; brother Tony Armstrong; uncle, Kevin McGlothlen (Debbie); several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Josie Wales.
In honor of Billy’s wishes, a memorial celebration will be held at 4:30 PM, January 17, 2026 at Old Town, 1677 W County Road 70, Dothan, AL 36305 for those that would like to attend.
Gwendolyn Iona Smith Eaton, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Eclectic, Alabama. She was 75 years old.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula with Chaplain Stacy Austin officiating. The burial will be held at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, at 1:00 p.m. CST. A visitation will be held from 9:00-9:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Gwen was born on March 6, 1950, to the late Rev. Robert Lee and Nancy Elizabeth Dixon Smith. She spent all her life serving the Lord and enjoyed going to church and reading her Bible. Gwen loved her family and friends and as her health declined, she enjoyed being able to talk on the phone with them. Gwen was of the Pentecostal faith.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Tim Eaton; sister, Nancy Hartin; two brothers, Robert “Buddy” Smith and Kenneth Smith; loving partner, Larry Sawyer.
Left to cherish her memories are her three daughters, Kimberly Kaye Wilson (Pete), Sherry Elizabeth Hooks (Tony), and April Gwendolyn Adkison (Nick); sister, Marcia Robinson; eight grandchildren, Kelly Carter, Timothy Phillips, Dylan Tyler, Ashlee Tyler, Jayleigh Adkison, Carley Adkison, Faith Adkison, and CJ Adkison; nine great-grandchildren; several beloved nieces and nephews.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Tim Kilpatrick, Tony Hooks, Dylan Tyler, Hunter Carter, Joshua Hartin, and Demetrius Hooks.
Honorary pallbearer will be Timothy Phillips.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to Ivy Creek Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Gwen during her time of need.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Billy Gene Givens, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Wicksburg, Alabama, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a faithful servant to both his country and his Lord.
Gwendolyn Iona Smith Eaton, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Eclectic, Alabama. She was 75 years old.