SSG Gregory Dwight Robinson, US Army passed away on August 18, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family.
The life journey of Gregory Dwight Robinson began on January 28, 1954 in Panama City, Florida where he was born into the union of the late Coley and Neanzie Robinson. In his youth, he spent time in the Springfield, Campbellton, and Marianna, FL communities and Lakeview community in Dothan. Gregory matriculated through the Dothan City School System where he graduated from Dothan High School in 1974. He accepted Christ at an early age where he joined Stringer Street A.M.E. Church and later moved his membership to First Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized again.
Upon graduating from Dothan High School, Gregory enlisted in the U.S. Army where he traveled to various countries including Germany and Korea during an active period of 5 years. Staff Sergeant Gregory Robinson was also stationed at the former Ft. Rucker, Alabama and Ft. Campbell base in Kentucky. He spent the remainder of his years serving our country in the U.S. Army Reserves (191st Maintenance Company) for a total of 29 ½ years until he retired from his duties in 1999. While serving his country, Gregory completed several training programs and received achievements such as The Army Achievement Medal in 1992.
Gregory also attended Wallace Community College in Dothan, Al where he enrolled in the trade program and obtained an associate’s degree. While at Wallace, he studied programs such as Radio and Television Repair, Small Engine, and Printing. Gregory was employed with Sony Magnetic Products in Dothan, Al from 1980-2010. At this time, Gregory’s life took a pivotal turn when he experienced a heart attack and stroke in January 2010. Although this was a challenging time, God and the love and care of family brought him out on the other side. Gregory looked at this health scare as a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to spend time relaxing, going fishing, watching WWE wrestling, and enjoying time with family and friends. He officially retired from Sony in January 2011 with 33 years of service.
At his home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as he was surrounded by his wife Loretta, daughters Candice and Lakeshia, and loving friends and family, Gregory was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. The sun shined bright and heaven rejoiced as he was reunited with those family members preceding in death before him; including his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and other family members. They all welcomed him home.
Gregory leaves to cherish and celebrate his memories: the love of his life, his wife, Loretta Smiley-Robinson; loving daughters, Candice N. Robinson of Pelham, AL and Lakeshia M. Robinson of Kinsey, ALand Grandsons Hunter and Haisten Robinson who affectionally called him Paw Paw. Loving siblings: Deborah (Samuel) Crawford of Dothan, AL, Catherine (Joseph) Johnson of Tallahassee, FL, Virgil (Jackie) Ward of Marianna, FL, Phyllis Dillard of Dothan, AL, Efrin Dixon of Louisiana, Jennifer (Sheldon) Bynum of Valdosta, GA, Tony (Tajuana) Williams of Alpharetta, GA, Scotty Bryant of Baltimore, MD, Tasha Everette of Tallahassee, FL, and Morris Thomas of Dothan, AL; all of whom he leaves with fond memories and love.Also loving brothers and sisters in love (in-laws): Janice Diane Harrison, James and Patricia Holloway, George and Lisa Smiley, Jack and Teresa Smiley, Elizabeth Smiley, Brenda and Wayne Castle, and Dr. Cathy Smiley-Naughton and Dr. Michael Naughton.
Gregory is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, classmates, childhood and church friends, Army buddies, a special neighbor, Debbie Moody and special friends: James (JB) Brooks, Greg Edwards, Willie Shannon, Steve Sanders, Dan Rutledge, and Robert Earl Tyson.
A celebration of Gregory’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at First Missionary Baptist Church. Military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home.
Dennis Lehnerz, age 71, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away on August 17, 2026. He was born on July 17, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, and lived a life marked by faith, service, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of each day.
Dennis graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Ft. Carson, Colorado, and later answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged after four years of service as a tank mechanic. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, a recognition of his commitment and dedication to the nation he loved so dearly. His patriotism remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life, and he carried that sense of duty and pride with him in all that he did.
Following his military service, Dennis built a long and steady career as a Flight Mechanic at Ft. Rucker. He retired in 2021 after 20 years of faithful work with M-1. His coworkers and friends knew him as dependable, hardworking, and committed to doing the job well. He approached his work with the same determination and integrity that guided the rest of his life, and he earned the respect of those who had the privilege of knowing him professionally.
Dennis was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Ozark. His faith was an important part of his life and provided strength, comfort, and direction through every season. He was known as a man who believed deeply, loved sincerely, and lived with a spirit of gratitude. Those who knew him best will remember his adventurous nature, his loving heart, and the quiet but steady way he met life’s challenges. He loved hard and fought hard, and he never lost sight of what mattered most to him.
An outdoorsy person by nature, Dennis especially loved camping, particularly in Colorado. He found joy in the beauty of the outdoors and in the peaceful moments that came with sitting around a campfire. He appreciated the simple things in life and took pleasure in time spent with family, good conversation, and shared laughter. He also enjoyed playing dice with his family, a pastime that brought fun and togetherness to many gatherings. His life was enriched by these moments, and he treasured the memories made in their company.
Family was at the center of Dennis’s life, and he loved his family very much. He is survived by his daughter, Mandy Lehnerz; his grandchild, Shelby Lehnerz; his brother, Jim Lehnerz and Nancy; his sisters, Barbara Bradley and Therese Silvers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Elizabeth Lehnerz; his brother, Tom Lehnerz; his sister, Sharon Lightfoot; and his nieces, Lisa Bradley, Shelia Silvers, and Laura Herd. The bonds he shared with his family were strong and enduring, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:30am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ozark, AL. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5pm until 6pm with a Rosary and military honors to follow. He will be laid to rest in Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, CO.
Myrtle Blackmon, born on September 16, 1934, and passing away on August 18, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, lived a long and meaningful life marked by love, faith, and devotion to her family and community.
She was a loving and hardworking woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. Myrtle was known as a God-fearing woman whose life reflected kindness, strength, and steady devotion. She was someone everyone loved, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Myrtle devoted many years of her life to hard work and faithful service. She worked at Warner Brothers Sewing Factory for 15 years and later worked at Michelin for 13 years. In every place she worked, she was respected for her strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet determination. Her years of labor were a reflection of the pride she took in providing for her family and living with purpose.
Family was at the center of Myrtle’s life. She loved her family deeply and cherished the time she spent with them. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Grohe, and her sons, Ronnie Blackmon and Tommy Blackmon. She was also preceded in death by her grandchildren Jackie Sheppard and Billy Jo Merino, her brother Grady Johnson, and her sister Louise Kelly. Though these loved ones went before her, their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Wood and Barbara Sheppard, who will forever carry the love and lessons she shared. She also leaves behind a loving family of grandchildren, including Tonya Tucker, Sonya Bowman, Brandy Hall, Amanda Ivan, Tabatha Sheppard, Sherry Enfinger, Ronnie Blackmon, Jr., and Jessica Hurt. Myrtle was also blessed with several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is also survived by her sisters, Sarah Brazier and Betty Martin, who shared in her life’s journey and cherished her dearly.
Myrtle found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved spending time with her family, playing dominos, and tending to gardening and flowers. She also sang in the choir at Napier Field United Methodist Church, where her voice and faith were part of her witness to others. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived, and her church family was a meaningful part of her life.
Those who knew Myrtle will remember her as a loving woman with a warm heart and a steady presence. She had a way of making others feel welcome and cared for, and her life was a beautiful example of faith, perseverance, and devotion. She faced life with grace and strength, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.
Myrtle Blackmon will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her life will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and enduring affection.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
James Robert Greathouse, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle. He was 81.
James was born March 21, 1945 in Brisbane, Australia and moved back to the States at an early age. He was raised in Andalusia, Alabama and worked as an Electrician with Civil Service at Cecil Field in Jacksonville. Florida before retirement.
James is preceded in death by his parents, James Curtis and Elsie Jean Smith Greathouse and a daughter, Bernadette Greathouse.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Greathouse; children, Christina Greathouse and James Robert Greathouse, Jr. (Angel); grandchildren, Breanna and Krystal Greathouse along with several great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Southern Care Hospice and Chaplain Ernie for their love and support shown during this time.
Luther Spence, known to most as Bud, passed away on August 17, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 76.
Bud was born on February 8, 1950, and he lived a life marked by hard work, and a warm spirit that touched the lives of many. He was a longtime resident of the area and a member of Wiregrass Church. He carried himself with the kind of steady, quiet presence that made him a blessing to those who knew him. Bud was a man who valued simple pleasures, honest labor, and had a quick smile or joke for those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Myrl Spence, and by his brother, James Spence. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life. Bud is survived by his wife, Patsy Spence; his son, Michael Spence and his wife, Kandace; and his daughter, Kim McCart and her husband, Clay. He also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren, Karissa, Chelsea, Gavin, Dakota, Corbin, Heath, Konner and his wife Makayla, Cole, and Luke, along with great-grandchildren Jayden, Noah, Maci, Tripp, Stacie, Jackson, Bellamy, Gentry, Wyatt, Kota, and Winslow. Bud is also survived by his brother, Don Smith; his sisters, Francis Condrey and Evelyn Brackin; his mother-in-law, Bobbie Snell; and his brother-in-law, Billy Snell.
Bud attended Ashford High School and carried the values of that time with him throughout his life. He was known for his strong work ethic and spent many years in the grocery business, beginning with Newton Grocery and continuing his career with IGA until his retirement. His work was more than a job to him, and he took pride in serving his community with integrity and commitment. He also owned and operated a produce and nursery business alongside his wife and father-in-law, where his knowledge, dedication, and practical wisdom served him well. Later in life, he loved to supervise others and instruct them on how to do things “the right way”.
Outside of work, Bud enjoyed a life filled with the things that made him happiest. He loved to aggravate his wife, Patsy, in a way that only a stubborn husband can. Their bond was one built on love, laughter, and years of shared memories. He enjoyed mowing grass, fishing, and gardening. He was also a devoted Alabama football fan, and the game brought him many moments of excitement and pride. Bud also had a special dog named Biscuit that he spoiled daily.
Bud will be remembered as a hardworking man with a good sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a loving heart. He was a man of few words but had a big heart. His family and friends will remember his steady presence, his playful nature, and the many ways he made their lives richer.
Though he is no longer with his loved ones in body, the legacy of Bud Spence will continue through his family, and the memories he created over the years. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Until we meet again.
Tommy Ray Minshew of Geneva, Alabama passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born in Geneva on December 14, 1935, to Thomas Minshew and Rosevelt Minshew.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Kevin Krist officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Ray grew up in Geneva helping his mother operate a small grocery store. In 1955, he graduated from Geneva High School. He then attended and graduated from the Massey Draughon Business College in Montgomery.
He returned to Geneva to marry his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Hatcher. Freshly married, he began his working journey, which included The American Bank, Geneva County Budget Clerk, Fleming Foods, and Reliable Metal Products.
Ray was a kind, compassionate, and devoted man. He had many joys in life, most notably, Alabama football, Alabama softball, and going after big fish. He greeted everybody he met with a smile and a firm handshake. He was driven to serve his country, state, and county through the Army National Guard of the United States and as former Geneva County Commissioner. He retired from the Army National Guard of the United States as Sergeant First Class. He never lacked in his dedication to his church and was grounded by his faith.
For Ray, family always came first. He was a loving husband, incredible father, and wonderful grandfather. Being an only child, he found immense happiness in having big family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca Minshew of 70 years; his three children Mike (Lisa) Minshew, Shea (Wade) Johnson, and Tim (Heather) Minshew; and his six grandchildren Madison Minshew, Tom Minshew, Claudia Johnson, Sofie Johnson, Kiley Minshew, and Hatcher Minshew.
The love Ray has instilled in our lives over the many years will remain in our hearts forever.
The family wants to extend a gracious thank you to SouthernCare Hospice for their expertise and care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to SouthernCare Hospice.
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.net
