Gerald Wayne Hendley, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 77. Born on February 12, 1948 to the late Elmo Hendley and Eva Heard Hendley, in Bainbridge, GA, Jerry was a man whose robust laughter and steady presence filled the lives of those around him with warmth and comfort.
Jerry’s early years were spent in the quaint town of Bainbridge where he graduated from Bainbridge High School. His patriotic spirit led him to a distinguished career in the United States Army, where he honorably served his country for over two decades, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1988. A Vietnam Veteran with two tours, Jerry’s bravery and dedication to his nation were hallmarks of his character. He was the platoon leader for the 335th Armed Assault Helicopter Platoon.
After his military career, Jerry transitioned to civilian life with the same dedication and fervor. He was employed with Wells Fargo Armored Car division, followed by a position at an Auto Finance Company. His work ethic and leadership skills were evident to all who worked alongside him.
Jerry was a man of many interests, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid reader with a particular passion for Civil War and history books, which reflected his deep love for his country. He also enjoyed a round of golf, savoring the outdoors and the camaraderie of friends on the greens. Jerry’s love for Navarre Beach, FL was profound, and he lived there prior to moving back to Dothan 11 years ago, where he continued to embrace the coastal lifestyle.
He was known for being a caring and strong man, especially loving towards his daughters, Karen (Kevin) Drumwright, Laura (Mitchell) Starkey, and Julianna (Cody) Morelock, whom he raised with a balance of discipline and tenderness. His hard-headed nature was tempered by his loving heart, and he was deeply respected by his grandchildren, Grant (Katie) Silverman, Libby Silverman, Anna Starkey, Katherine Starkey, and Connor Morelock, who saw him as a pillar of strength and wisdom. His great-granddaughter Hendley Howell brought him immense joy in his later years.
Jerry is also survived by his sister Diane (Isaac) Tyler, with whom he shared a bond of mutual respect and affection. His life was enriched by the presence of several nieces, nephews, and cousins, each of whom will carry forward his legacy of love and wisdom.
Those who knew Jerry understood his love for a good cold beer, red wine or Irish whiskey, which he enjoyed in the company of friends and family. His presence was a comforting constant, and his daughters often thought of him as invincible, testament to his unwavering strength and the safety they felt in his care.
Jerry’s passing leaves behind a legacy that is best described by the words loving and wise. His guidance and love shaped the lives of his family, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We bid farewell to a man whose life was a testament to the values of dedication, love, and patriotism. Gerald Wayne Hendley will be remembered not just for the roles he played, but for the immense heart with which he played them. His spirit will continue to inspire those he leaves behind, as they strive to honor his memory by living lives full of the love and strength he exemplified. Jerry’s journey through life was marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones, and he will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Belle Meade Chapel at Sunset with Father Patrick Gallagher officiating. Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
HEADLAND… Michael J. Deese, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Friday morning, January 9, 2026, at his home. He was 77.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 13, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Joey Pettis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mike Deese, a devoted family man and lifelong resident of Alabama, was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Oscar and Jewel Parramore Deese. He attended Dale County High School and continued his education at Wallace College, where he earned a degree in auto and diesel mechanics.
Mike dedicated 45 years of faithful service to Coleman American, where he worked as shop foreman and was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dependability. In addition to his civilian career, he honorably served nine years in the Alabama National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to both his community and his country.
Mike was a devoted member of New Zion Free Will Baptist Church, where he actively served by helping with Wednesday night children’s activities and Vacation Bible School.
A man deeply rooted in the outdoors, Mike found his greatest peace in hunting, fishing, and the quiet beauty of open land. With a natural gift for working with his hands, he took pride in building, repairing, and shaping things into something lasting. He delighted in the simple rhythms of country life—tending fires, working the land, and embracing the honest labor of each day. Most dear to him was the 40 acres he and Dale lovingly called “The Farm,” a place where they raised livestock, built barns, set fences, and poured their hearts into creating a life grounded in hard work, love, and the land.
Mike was never one to mince words. If he had an opinion, you didn’t have to guess—it was already on the table. His straightforward nature and quick remarks were part of what made him unforgettable and often the source of a good laugh among family and friends.
Mike may have been tough on the outside, but everyone who knew him understood that beneath that rugged exterior was a man who loved his family fiercely and without question.
In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by a special niece, Vickie Deese Holland.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty seven years, Dale Lisenby Deese; son, Scott Deese (Brenda); daughter, Tenille Deese Carr (Brian); brothers, Tony Deese (Delilah) and Dan Deese (Cyndi); grandchildren, Megan Register (Jamie), Dylan Deese, Lexi Hendershott (Shane); great grandchildren, Stetson Register and Blakely Hendershott; especially close family members, Nicky Deese, David Deese (Elicia), Joyia Kelley and John Hamm (Amanda); several other loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice for all of the kind and compassionate care during this time.
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.
Lydia Alise Burford, of Dothan, Alabama, gained her precious angel wings on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Southeast Health before she was born at 35 weeks.
Though her time on earth was brief, Lydia was deeply loved and will forever remain in the hearts of her family. She knew only warmth, love, and comfort, wrapped in the hopes and dreams of those who eagerly awaited her arrival.
Lydia is survived by her loving parents, Charley Michael Burford and Abigail Louise England; her maternal grandmother, Anna England; paternal grandparents, Rosa Fairchild and John Burford; and her aunts and uncles, Ariel Knight, Aileen Stotler, Andrea Craig, Aimee England, Daniel Burford, Lily Burford, Devin Fairchild, Cooper Burford, Piper Burford and Matthew Mills
Though we never heard her cry or laugh; Lydia’s life was perfect, meaningful, and cherished beyond words. She will forever be remembered as a beautiful soul who was taken too soon, now resting peacefully in the arms of angels.
Christine Jackson Boykin, a resident of Headland, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at a relative’s home in Enterprise. She was 87.
A memorial will be held at New Home Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Cliff Quincey officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Burdeshaw-Solomon Senior Center, 107 Boynton Street, Headland, AL 36345.
Christine loved working with her hands, whether she was gardening or creating something meaningful from simple things. She found joy in listening to country music, often paired with her favorite cowboy boots, which reflected her free spirit and style. Christine also enjoyed shopping and thrifting—never in a hurry, always happy just to look and appreciate what she found along the way. Aquasizing was one of her favorite activities and a source of joy throughout her life.
Survivors include her two sons, Pete Boykin, New Brockton, AL; Pat Boykin (Teresa), Enterprise, AL; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com .
NEWVILLE… Lizzie Ann Harrington, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026, at her home. She was 88.
Memorial services will be held 3:00 P.M. Friday January 09, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Chaplain Buford Smith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Ms. Harrington was born in Gordon, Alabama, to the late J. B. McArdle and Glennie Creel McArdle. She previously attended Sardis Baptist Church in Abbeville. A master gardener and devoted horticulturist, she was known for her remarkable skill and unwavering dedication. She found great joy in cultivating life and beauty, both in the gardens she tended and in the lives she touched.
Her greatest passion, however, was her family, whom she loved deeply and wholeheartedly. She also enjoyed serving others through her work as a volunteer Foster Grandparent with SARCOA at Headland Elementary School, where she shared kindness, patience, and encouragement with countless children.
Her legacy of love, hard work, and gentle strength will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Randall Leon Harrington; son, Harry Kenneth Hampton; sisters, Ruth Whitehead, Lusetta McArdle Edwards; and a brother, Gary McArdle.
Surviving relatives include her son, David Hampton; grandchildren, Joshua Hampton and Krystal Hampton;; sister, Barbara Anderson; great grandchildren, Randall Watson, Addilyn Scalia, Dominic Scalia; several other loving cousins and family members.
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.
Christine Jackson Boykin, a resident of Headland, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at a relative’s home in Enterprise. She was 87.
