Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. John Billy Outlaw, age 90, a resident of Newton, Alabama, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by his daughters he loved so deeply.
A celebration of life service for Mr. Outlaw will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 4, 2026 at Newton United Methodist Church with Reverend Sam Williams officiating. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family will receive friends in the church Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mr. Outlaw was born July 14, 1935 in Skipperville, Alabama to the late Richard Pearson Outlaw and Lillie Ruth Stephens Outlaw. A devoted United States Army Veteran, husband, father, and grandfather. Billy was the steady compass in our lives—always guiding us with wisdom, patience and quiet strength through life’s challenges. His laughter could fill a room. He taught us that kindness is never wasted, that hard work builds more than a career, and that laughter is the best way to end any day. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the love he gave so much to everyone he touched.
He is survived by daughters, Shannon Outlaw Simmons (Skipper) and Tracy Outlaw (Katherine Montes Outlaw); two sisters, Gail and Erwin Boger, and Kay and Mike Pascoe; grandchildren: Mark A Coker, Karrah Coker, Shyan Lovern, Aiden Outlaw, Makenna Outlaw, Jordan Montes, Kaylan Merriwether, Brandie Simmons-Long, Sherie Simmons, and Savannah Simmons; great grandchildren: Bindi, Vivien, Gable, Morgan, Harper, John Clayton, Layla, Temperance, Brayden, Bentley, Brylan, and James; will forever cherish his love, guidance, and the countless memories they shared. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie J. Outlaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in his memory to Newton United Methodist Church, 209 King Street, Newton, Alabama 36352.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing his legacy of love, compassion, and resilience will live on in all who knew him and he is reunited in Heaven with our Mother.
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. Franklin D. Thompson, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, died early Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026, at the home of his niece. He was 92.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Interment will be in Sylvan Grove Methodist Cemetery, Midland City. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thompson, the son of the late Frank Alexander Thompson and Lillian Pearl Stephens Thompson, was born and raised in the Sylvan Grove Community of Dale County, a place that shaped his character and remained close to his heart throughout his life. He spent most of his years living in Henry County near Columbia, where he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and simple joys, before moving to Ozark. He served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.
He was a man who believed in putting in an honest day’s work, and he did just that for many years as a heavy equipment operator. He took pride in the machines he ran and the projects he helped bring to life. Later, he worked as an HVAC technician, a job that allowed him to help neighbors and friends stay comfortable through the changing seasons. No matter what the task, he approached his work with steady hands and a dependable spirit.
But the true heartbeat of Mr. Thompson’s life was music. He had a gift for picking up an instrument and making it sing. Whether it was the mandolin, guitar, banjo, or harmonica, he could fill a room—or a front porch—with melodies that brought people together. Some of his happiest moments were spent playing music with his family and friends, sharing laughter, stories, and songs late into the evening. Those who knew him will remember the way his face lit up when he played, and how his music had a way of making everyone feel at home.
Mr. Thompson was no stranger to loss, and he carried the memories of his loved ones with him always. He was preceded in death by three sisters—Betty Jo Thompson West, Carolyn Thompson Bowden, and Jennie Thompson Linderman—and seven brothers: Garland, Allen, Gayle, Rhodes, Stanton, James, and George Thompson. Though he outlived many of his siblings, he spoke of them often and cherished the bond they shared.
Surviving relatives include numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins including a special niece, Teresa Herring-Young, Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Craig Alderman, age 78, of Midland City, Alabama, passed away on April 27, 2026, in Midland City.
Craig was born on August 7, 1947, and lived a life defined by service, hard work, and devotion to his family. He was a kind and selfless man who was always willing to help others and was deeply loved by those who knew him.
He is survived by his son, Kyle Alderman; stepdaughter, LuAnn Whitten (Steve), his grandchildren, West Whitten (Madie), RayLee Whitten, Daniel Whitten, and great grandchild, Bentley Alderman; and his sister, Susan Alderman. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nell Alderman; parents, Raymond and Shirley Alderman, as well as his grandson, Christopher Alderman, and his brother, Mark Alderman.
Craig proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his military career, he was stationed in Germany and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His years of service reflected the discipline, loyalty, and dedication that remained evident throughout his life.
Following his retirement from the Army, Craig worked for Dr. Griffin as his personal eye glass maker for 20 years, where he earned the respect of those around him through his dependable nature and strong work ethic.
Craig made Midland City his home in 1983 and enjoyed a quiet life centered around family and the things he loved most. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and took pride in creating things with his hands.
Those who knew Craig will remember him for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and dependable character. He lived with humility and treated others with kindness and respect. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Craig’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. Military honors will follow.
CLIO…Mrs. Barbara Nance, a resident of Clio (formerly of Ozark), died late Monday morning, April 27, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Clio with Pastor Randy Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.
Mrs. Nance, the beloved daughter of the late Eddie Goodman Landrum and Hazel Walker Landrum, was born in Moultrie, Georgia, and spent her earliest years in Crawford, Alabama.
In 1970, she made her home in the Wiregrass area, where she built a life filled with hard work, friendship, and deep devotion to her family. She remained there for more than five decades before moving to Clio in 2023. Throughout her working years, she was employed with Van Heusen in Ozark, where she retired after many years of dedicated service.
Faith was at the center of Mrs. Nance’s life. She was an active and cherished member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Clio, where she poured her heart into serving others. She helped with the Calvary Hope Center, offering support and compassion to those in need. She was also a proud member of the First Encounter Team and the Outreach Team, always eager to welcome new faces and share encouragement. One of her greatest joys was baking cakes and delivering them to nursing home residents, small acts of love that brought comfort and smiles to many. In addition to the baking, she travelled with the church group to Auburn University to work in concession stands at home football games. She was an avid Auburn University Football fan.
Mrs. Nance faced her share of loss with grace and strength. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Otis Grimes; her son, David Brent Williams; and her grandson, Michael Knight. Though their absence weighed heavily on her heart, she continued to honor their memory through the way she lived—loving deeply, giving freely, and keeping her faith at the forefront of her life.
She will be remembered not only for the roles she held, but for the warmth she shared, the kindness she showed, and the countless lives she touched along the way.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Jimmy Williams (Becky), Abbeville and Keith Grimes (Dawn), Clio; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.
Grandsons will serve as active pallbearers.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ASBURY COMMUNITY…Mr. Robert W. Haddan (Sergeant First Class, United States Army, Retired), a resident of the Asbury Community, near Ozark, died late Monday afternoon, April 27, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 78.
Graveside services, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 1, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Park, Midland City, with Reverend Matthew Davidson officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home in Ozark.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Mr. Haddan, the son of the late Robert Haddan, Jr. and Gladys Bernice Barefoot Haddan, was born in Ponce de Leon, Florida, and grew up with the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1966, and not long after, he answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Army and went on to complete two tours in Vietnam—service that shaped him, strengthened him, and remained a point of deep pride. After twenty‑one years of dedication, he retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class, having earned the respect of those who served beside him.
When his military career came to a close, he continued to work with the same steady commitment he had always shown. He spent time with Southern Aero in Ozark before later joining Army Fleet Support, where he worked until his retirement in 2012. His coworkers remember him as dependable, good‑natured, and someone who could be counted on to get the job done without complaint.
Outside of work, Mr. Haddan found joy in the simple things—riding four‑wheelers, spending time at the lake, and heading out into the woods during hunting season. He loved being outdoors, and he especially loved caring for the thirty‑two gopher turtles that lived in his back pasture. He tended to them faithfully, making sure they were safe and well‑fed, and he took real pride in watching over them. It was just one of the many ways he showed his gentle heart.
He experienced great love in his life, as well as deep loss. He was preceded in death by his wives, Peggy Hooks Haddan and Becky Brewer Haddan, both of whom held special places in his heart. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Turner. Through every season—good and difficult—he carried himself with quiet resilience and a steady spirit.
Those who knew him will remember a man who served his country with honor, worked hard without seeking praise, and found happiness in the outdoors and the creatures he cared for. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and the kindness he showed to those around him.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Sherri Garrett, Ozark; two sons, Bobby Haddan, Ozark and Billy Haddan (Marsha), Ariton; step-son, Chris Atkinson, Ozark; seven grandchildren, Haddan Ward (Morgan), Sammy Spivey, Lexi Haddan, Cami Spivey, Anna Cate Haddan, Aiden Haddan, and AnnaGrace Haddan; sister, Cindy Rocha (Joel), Enterprise; two brothers, Roger Haddan (Nancy), Ozark and Jeff Haddan (Theresa), Mississippi; nieces, nephews and a host of friends, including two life-long special friends, Jimmy “Boney” Thompson and Pat Pestotnik; his fur baby, Max.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Kay Dell Smith of Harford, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Medical Center Enterprise surrounded by her loving family. She was 86.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. and continuing until service time. Interment will follow at Esto Community Cemetery in Esto, Florida.
Mrs. Kay Smith was born July 5, 1939 in Esto, Florida to the late Odell and K C Smith. Kay was a very ambitious lady with high set goals for her life. She obtained a Master’s degree from Troy University and worked at Ft. Rucker, Whiting Field, NAS in Pensacola, Florida, and Uijeongbu-si, South Korea. During these careers she impacted the lives of many including soldiers and other personnel. Not only was she a pilot of one-seat aircrafts but also sailed boats, and drove fast cars. She enjoyed spending time with her family on the water sailing. Many fond memories were made as she spent time with family and friends, but the closeness and memories made with her sister, Modell will carry on in their hearts forever.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents.
She leaves behind a legacy of organization, planning, leadership, and love that will continue in the hearts of her survivors including a daughter, Tammy Hendrix (David); son, Gregory Jordon; grandchild, Noah Hendrix (Paige); sister, Modell Smith; nephew, Danny Bryan; nieces: Panissa Martinez, Rylla Shieldsd (Jay), Julie Marques and numerous great nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
