by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Sep 30, 2025 | Obituaries
Randal Michael Gates passed away peacefully at his home in Dothan Alabama on September 22, 2025 at the age of 60.
Randy was born July 1, 1965 at St Anthony’s hospital in St Petersburg Florida to parents George Michael Mesologitis (Gates) of New York City and Jacqueline Ann Gates (nee Larnerd) of Pennsylvania. Growing up in Florida, Randy enjoyed visiting sites of interest around the state with his mom and stepdad Gino, as well as recreational activities and travel with his dad. He also enjoyed visiting family near Binghamton New York during summer breaks. He graduated from Gibbs High School in St Petersburg in 1984, where he was involved in JROTC, Spanish club, and varsity wrestling. His nickname in high school, “Gator,” foreshadowed a lifelong dedication to the Florida Gators. After high school, Randy enlisted in the United States Air Force, following the examples of his father who served in the Greek Hellenic Army, and his then-recently deceased stepfather Gino, a former Staff Sergeant in the USAF. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB, was trained in munitions systems at Lowry AFB and Tyndall AFB, and served in the 325th Tactical Training Wing’s Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Tyndall, maintaining weapons systems for F-15 aircraft.
Randy was introduced to the love of his life Jeanné through her best friend, Mayra. He infamously arrived at their first date after helping a friend repair their car, with a wrench in his back pocket and covered in grease. Nevertheless, a strong connection was made and they continued dating throughout his time in the Air Force, spending time together when he was on leave and generating substantial long distance phone charges while he was away. They were married on October 1, 1988 and resided in Pinellas county Florida where their two sons, Michael and Brennan, were born in 1990 and 1997 respectively. The family relocated to Alabama in 1998 but he remained fond of Florida and his time there throughout the rest of his life. He was proud of his paternal Greek heritage, being the son of a first-generation American father who fought beside Allied forces in World War II as a member of the Greek Hellenic Army’s Sacred Squadron, 3rd Raiding Forces. The family’s roots in Greece go back to the island of Chios, descended from one of the few survivors of the third siege on Messolonghi during the Greek War of Independence. The family’s original surname, Mesologitis, was reportedly adopted by survivors of the massacre after being displaced from their homes and families.
Randy was a dedicated member of Harvest Church for over 20 years and served on multiple service teams. He also served diligently with the tape ministry for numerous years, providing recorded copies of services for those who were unable to attend. He was a passionate blood donor, donating at every opportunity, and received recognition as a “three galloneer” by the Lifesouth blood bank. He was a proud member of the NRA, and passed his enjoyment of firearms and recreational shooting to his sons and grandson. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor recreation, as well as puzzles, boardgames, and locksmithing. He was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and rarely missed an airing. Ever the dependable, dedicated worker, Randy recently celebrated 25 years of employment with McLane distribution, where he received numerous recognitions for his outstanding performance throughout his time there.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanné (nee Rosano), dear mother Jackie Wolkins, father George Gates, stepfather Gino Vannicola, and sister in-law Lenie Taylor.
He is survived by his stepfather Jeff Wolkins of New Port Richey FL, brother Tom Taylor of Durham NC, sister Kathy Allis of Vestal NY, sons Michael Alan Gates and Brennan Randal Gates (Isha), grandson Elliott Michael Gates, brother in-law Thomas Rosano Jr (Kim) of Macon GA, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Randy was exceedingly loyal, loving, and dedicated as a husband, father, and son. We are devastated that our time with him was cut short so unexpectedly, but we take comfort in knowing his soul is at peace and he is reunited with his beloved wife and the loved ones who departed before him. His lifelong demonstrations of unwavering strength, loyalty, dedication, and love ensure his legacy lives on through the memory of this man of utmost integrity, and the lasting effects of his devotion to those he loved.
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at Harvest Church in Dothan Alabama on Friday October 10th, 2025 at 2 pm. The family will receive visitors at 1 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Randy’s memory.
by Searcy Funeral Home | Sep 30, 2025 | Obituaries
CW3 (Ret) Ronald Leon Arsenault Jr., Ret. U. S. Army, died Sunday, September 28, 2025. He was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Fronduti officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friends of Army Aviation.
Ronald served his country honorably for 24 years—18 years in the U.S. Army and 6 years in the U.S. Air Force. A seasoned pilot, he logged over 18,000 flight hours during his military career and was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. His passion for aviation carried into civilian life, where he founded Arsenault Aviation, a respected FAA testing center for commercial pilots. Through his company, he certified roughly 33,000 students, shaping the future of aviation with integrity and excellence.
Outside of his professional achievements, Ronald’s heart was always with his family. He was a devoted husband and gave everything for his wife. He was an exceptional father who even coached his son in soccer, football, and baseball, often structuring his work around Jason’s games so he never missed a moment. He owned his own airplane and loved to travel, but no adventure was greater to him than watching his son grow.
He was preceded in death by his son SGT. Jason Arsenault, and father Ronald Arsenault Sr.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Debby Arsenault, Newton, AL; two grandsons, Nathan Arsenault, Newton, AL, Auston Arsenault, Prattville, AL; parents, Rick and Quida Bodiford, Prattville, AL; sister, Wanda Jones, Prattville, AL; two brothers, Don Arsenault, Prattville, AL, Richard Arsenault (Lynn), Lineville, AL; two special angels, sister and brother-in-law Ricky and Anita Carter; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 29, 2025 | Obituaries
NEWTON…Mr. Ben Samuel “Pete” Watson, a resident of Newton, died early Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, at his home. He was 88.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tommy Giddens and Pastor Bill Mansfield officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Watson was born and raised in Newton, the son of Lonnie Frank Watson and Bennie Mae Golden Watson. Though life took him to central Florida for about thirty years, Newton was always home in his heart, and he eventually returned to the place where it all began.
He and his wife ran a shop called Creative Touch in Wiregrass Commons Mall, where they poured their time, energy, and love into the business. It wasn’t just a job—it was something they built together.
Mr. Watson had a deep love for the land. He found peace in gardening and took pride in caring for his cattle. These quiet moments outdoors were where he felt most connected to the world around him.
Faith was a big part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Newton First Assembly of God Church, where he found community and strength.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Nicole Watson; four sisters, Nancy Keen, Eileen Price, Mary Lou Holton, and Mary Judah, three brothers, Bobby Gene Watson, James Howard Watson, and Samuel Junior Watson. Though they’re no longer here, their memories live on in the stories and love that Mr. Watson carried with him.
Surviving relatives include his wife of sixty-nine years, Elizabeth Rachel Watson; two sons, Daniel Watson (Brenda) and Timothy Watson (Stephanie), all of Newton; brother, Billy Gene Watson (Mary), Newton; grandchildren, Kyle, Brandi, Terry, Tanya, Melanie, Mandy, Melinda, and Bubba; great-grandchildren, Maci, Arial, Marty, Madyson, Kadden, Aaliyah, D.J., Lauren, Rea, Bradon, Braden, Aubrie, Devin, Kaitlynn, Anthony, Trevor, Damon, and Alaih; fifteen great-great children; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be D.J. Watson, Brandon Watson, Kyle Watson, Kadden Roberts, Jordan Watson, and Terry Watson.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
by Holman Mortuaries | Sep 29, 2025 | Obituaries
DOTHAN. . .Betty Elizabeth Pullins Hull, a resident of Dothan, passed away Monday morning, September 29, 2025, at her home. She was 91.
There are no funeral or memorial services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hull was born and raised in Troy, Ohio, daughter of the late Floyd Thomas Pullins and Irma Wilson Pullins. She formerly lived in Dayton, Ohio before moving to Dothan in 1981. Mrs. Hull was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Leroy Hull, a daughter, Katherine Hull Lowe, a great-granddaughter, Haley Suggs Foxworth, a grandson, David Winstead, two sisters and three brothers.
Surviving relatives include her sons, Warren Hull (Avie), Rocky Mount, NC; and Matthew Hull (Raelyn), Huber Heights, Ohio; a son-in-law, William George Lowe, Jr., Dothan; grandchildren, Melissa Foxworth (Todd), Michele Kirkland, Elizabeth Hull (Helana), and Brian Winstead (Elizabeth); great-grandchildren, Victoria Foxworth, Brook Lingo (Dustin), Olivia Rice, Bella Kirkland, Caleb Winstead, Kaley Winstead and Addison Winstead; great-great-grandchildren, Wyatt Angelino and Hunter Angelino.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
by Holman Mortuaries | Sep 29, 2025 | Obituaries
ASHFORD. . .Susan Ann Johnson, also known as “Su-Su” and “Gator”, a resident of Ashford, passed away Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, at her home. She was 68.
Memorial services will be held at 5:00 P.M. (EDT), Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the Evans-Skipper Funeral Home, Donalsonville, Georgia, with a eulogy to be given by a lifelong friend, Lynn Phillips. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. (EDT) Wednesday at Evans Skipper Funeral Home where flowers will be accepted. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Susan Johnson was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, daughter of the late Emmett Carlton “Cotton” Johnson and Allie Elizabeth Alday Johnson. She was a 1975 graduate of Seminole County High School in Donalsonville. Susan lived all her life in Donalsonville, Georgia before moving to Ashford in 2012. She was formerly employed as a Dispatcher and Administrative Clerk both from with Bainbridge Public
Safety. Susan was an active member of the Lake Seminole Lions Club.
Surviving relatives include her spouse, Gary Elliott; a daughter, Brooklyn Mullis (Robbie), all of Ashford; grandsons, Chip Earnest, Birmingham; and Kendall Mullis, Bainbridge, GA; a chosen granddaughter, Laura Payne, Midland City; a lifelong best friend, Lynn Phillips, Colquitt, GA; and her canine friend, “Jax”.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
by Peel Funeral Home | Sep 29, 2025 | Obituaries
Mr. Johnny Wayne Smith, age 72, of Headland, Alabama passed away September 28, 2025, at Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center in Bonifay, Florida. He was born July 6, 1953, in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Johnny Delbert Smith and Thelma Marie Gibson Smith. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by three siblings, Kenneth Smith, Angie Grider, and Ricky Smith.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Smith of Headland, AL; one son, Michael Campbell and Jessica of Bonifay, FL; five siblings, Janice Smith, Gayle Simmons, Susan Kincaid and Jeffery, Jerome Smith and Sherri, and Steve Smith; four grandchildren, Jazman, Austin, Jaylee, and Jordan, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorialization will be by cremation with Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory in charge of arrangements.
