Richard Bernard, affectionately known as Dick to his friends and family, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 84. Born on August 16, 1941, in the great state of Minnesota, Dick’s early years were shaped by the close-knit community that he would always hold dear to his heart.
Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Betty Bernard, who was his partner in life’s journey and his steadfast companion through all of its seasons. He was a loving father to his children, Kenneth Bernard (and his fiancée Faye Norris), Eric (Kelsey) Bernard, and Nadene (Scott) Abramo. Dick’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Ken Bernard, Jr., Summer Bernard, Alex Abramo, Danielle Mann, Kaitlyn Bernard, Cole Abramo, Sierra Bernard, Evan Bernard, and Bryce Bernard. He is also remembered by his brother George (Ann) Bernard, sister Cheryl (Bill) Sanford, and sister-in-law Bonnie Oliver. His grandson Nicholas Bernard, as well as his brothers John Bernard and Ronald Bernard, preceded him in death.
Dick’s life was a testament to the value of hard work and dedication. His career spanned many years in the lumber mill before he transitioned into construction, where he applied his strong work ethic and skill. Despite his quiet demeanor, Dick’s dry sense of humor was a source of joy for those who knew him well.
A man of many interests, Dick was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where he found a community of faith that mirrored his own values of kindness and service. His desire to help others was evident in the way he was always there for anyone in need, whether lending a hand or simply offering a listening ear. Dick was also incredibly handy and enjoyed tinkering in his garage, where he could often be found fixing or building something.
Outside of work and church, Dick relished the simple pleasures in life. He was an avid card player, enjoyed fishing, found relaxation in the game of golf and loved restoring classic cars. His love for these pastimes was only surpassed by the joy he found in the company of his family and friends.
Those who knew Dick will remember him as a loving, handy, and friendly man. His presence brought a sense of calm and stability to any room, and his actions always spoke louder than his words. Dick’s life was a beautiful example of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and the kind of practical wisdom that is gained through a life of genuine experience and service.
As we bid farewell to Richard Bernard, we celebrate a life that was rich in love and filled with purpose. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and his spirit will remain a comforting presence in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. Dick’s journey on earth may have concluded, but the impact of his life will be felt for generations to come.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to The Trinity Lutheran Church in Dick’s honor.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Mary A. Martin passed away peacefully after an extended illness surrounded by family on February 19, 2026, in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on October 30, 1945, to John Christopher and Gracie Nell Henderson, Mary’s life was a testament to the power of unwavering affection and gentle grace.
She carried these values throughout her life, creating a home that was always open and a heart that was always giving. Her marriage to Charles Martin was a cherished chapter in her life, and together they nurtured a family that would be her pride and joy.
Though she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles, her parents, her brother John Henderson, her sister Betty Hammond, and her daughter Jeanie Martin, Mary’s legacy of love continues through her surviving family. Her daughter, Anita Brooks ( Tripp), her son, Timothy Martin (Janis), and her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever hold her memory dear.
She was the heart of her family, offering guidance and support that shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Her influence will continue to be felt, and her memory will be cherished in the stories shared by her family and the countless lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Rich officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. There will be a private family graveside following the service.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 A.M. Tuesdy, one hour prior to the service.
ABBEVILLE, ALABAMA. . .Dr. William Edgar “Bill” Loftin, Sr., a resident of Abbeville, formerly of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 88.
Celebration of Life Services will be held in the Anniston First United Methodist Church at a later date. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of local arrangements.
Dr. Loftin was born and raised in Bastrop, Louisiana, son of the late William deGraffenried Loftin and Robertine Ferguson Loftin. He was awarded a baseball scholarship to Louisiana State University where he excelled as a baseball player and received an undergraduate degree in Management. Dr. Loftin later attended Mississippi State University and received a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Business Administration. He retired from Jacksonville State University as a Management Professor. Dr. Loftin formerly served as Dean of the Business School at Jacksonville State University. In earlier years, he played baseball with the Dodger farm system. Dr. Loftin was an avid golfer and was a member of Anniston First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Magill Loftin, and his twin brother, Robert Loftin.
Surviving relatives include two sons, William E. “Bo” Loftin, Jr. (Christine), South Haven, MS; and Rodger M. Loftin (Kathy), Abbeville; grandchildren, Bradley Loftin, Bryan Loftin, Natalie Loftin, Mallory Hastings (Dylan), Magill Loftin, Molly Loftin (Hugh), Michel Loftin, Maxwell Loftin and Marshall Loftin; a great-grandson, Michael Hastings.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Kenneth Gordon Roberts, a resident of Foley, AL and formerly Dothan, AL, passed away at his residence on February 18, 2026.
Funeral services for Mr. Roberts will be held at 2 PM Monday, February 23, 2026 in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Rob Oates officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Presbyterian Home for Children, P.O. Box 577 Talladega, AL 35161.
Mr. Roberts was born in Anniston, AL on January 14, 1935 to the late James Gordon Roberts and Mary (Jones) Roberts. He grew up in nearby Iron City, AL and graduated from Oxford High School in 1953 and from Jacksonville State University in 1957. He was a member of the Army ROTC while at Jacksonville State, achieving the rank of Captain. He was released from active duty in 1958 and later that year went to work for GMAC. Early on he worked in offices in Montgomery, AL and Panama City, FL before settling in Dothan, AL in 1966. He worked for GMAC for 34 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Dothan where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years: Sara Ellen Roberts.
He is survived by his children: Bill (Brenda) Roberts, and Amy (Joe) Woods; grandchildren: Olivia (Jesse) Foreman, and Jonathan Roberts; great-grandchildren: Emma, Jude, Bennett and Jessa Foreman, as well as many friends.
The family would like to express their heart-felt appreciation to the staff and residents of Country Place Senior Living who showed such compassion and friendship during dad’s time there.
DOTHAN. . .Kenneth Lane “Ken” Floyd, a resident of Dothan, passed away early Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 67.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, February 22, 2026, in the Balkum Cemetery with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the mortuary in Headland.
Ken Floyd was born and raised in the Tumbleton Community of Henry County, son of the late Cecil Wesley Floyd and Ellen Lane Floyd. He was a graduate of Headland High School. Ken received a degree as a Pharmacist from Auburn University. He was self-employed as the co-owner and operator of Jack’s Pharmacy on Honeysuckle Road in Dothan. Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Floyd and the mother of his children, Terri Floyd.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Erin Bledsoe (Will), Knoxville, TN; a son, Kenneth Lane Floyd, II (Mara), McDonough, GA; a sister-in-law, Linda Blount Floyd, Dothan; grandchildren, Liam Bledsoe, Parker Floyd, Harrison Floyd and Ripley Floyd; mother-in-law, Sherryl Baggett, Dothan; nephews, Wess Floyd (Melissa) and Blount Floyd (Annie).
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.
