FORT RUCKER…Mrs. Sara Jane Hobson Spies, a resident of Ft. Rucker, died early Monday evening, October 19, 2026, at her home. She was 57.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 26, 2026. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ozark with Pastor Chad Ingle officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Spies was born on May 21, 1969, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and spent her childhood years in Newport News, Virginia, where she formed many of the values and memories that would stay with her throughout her life. As the devoted wife of a United States Army serviceman, she embraced the unique journey of military life, making homes and building friendships wherever the Army’s path led their family. Over the years, she lived in many different places, including Korea, Fort Carson, Colorado, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Eustis, Virginia, Savannah, Georgia, Fort Riley, Kansas, and eventually Fort Rucker, Alabama, where she settled in 2016. No matter where she lived, Mrs. Spies had a special gift for creating a warm and welcoming home, bringing comfort and stability to those she loved.
Mrs. Spies found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved spending time in her garden, tending to flowers and plants with patience and care. Watching things grow brought her happiness and a sense of peace, and her gardens reflected the same beauty, dedication, and nurturing spirit that she shared with family and friends. Another favorite pastime was relaxing with her favorite crime shows, a hobby that often provided both entertainment and lively conversation with those around her.
Known for her kind heart, gentle nature, and unwavering devotion to her family, Mrs. Spies cherished the relationships she built throughout her life. She loved being a grandmother to Mirah, who knows her as “Oma”. The many places she lived allowed her to meet people from all walks of life, and she had a remarkable ability to make lasting connections wherever she went. Her warmth, laughter, and caring presence will be remembered by all who knew her. Mrs. Spies was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ozark.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Robert Hobson, Sr. (Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, Retired).
Surviving relatives include her husband, Thomas Spies (1st Sergeant, United States Army, Retired); her son, Jonathan Spies, both of Fort Rucker; daughter, Hannah Agpoon (Jensen), Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; mother, Barbara Ann Shackleford Hobson, Fleming Island, Florida; four sisters, Edith Ashworth, Sandstone, Virginia, Rebecca Heemstra (Damon), Fleming Island, Florida, Paula Camacho (Chris), Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and Theresa Hobson Osteen, Enterprise; brother, James Robert Hobson, Jr. (Kathy), Melbourne Beach, Florida; granddaughter, Mirah Elise Agpoon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dwayne Arthur Spies and Ellen Marie Spies, Greeley, Colorado and sister-in-law, Lee Ann Hudson, Frederick, Colorado.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
EUFAULA… Jim E. Gillum, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama passed away Saturday morning, October 17, 2026, at his home. He was 89.
No services are planned at this time.
Mr. Gillum was born in Huntington, West Virginia, to the late Frank Gillum and Martha Overton Gillum. He lived most of his adult life in Florida, where he worked as a carpenter. An avid fisherman, he moved to Alabama after retirement because of his love for Lake Eufaula. Jim also loved woodworking and could turn a pile of seemingly unusable wood into something extraordinary and beautiful. He was devoted to his family and especially adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Sue Ann Webb Gillum; his daughters, Dreama Gillis, husband, Mickey & Donna Reed, husband, Curtis; his grandchildren, Nick Stowell, Zachary Henninger, Caleb Reed, Cole Reed, and Dr. Randi Reed; his great-grandchildren, Collin, Alexa, Katherine, Chase, and Mavis; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We here at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory are honored to serve the Gillum family.
Mr. Gerald Dennis Register, Sr., of Hartford, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at his residence following a brave battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.
Gerald was born on July 14, 1955, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Lee Register and Grace Baxley Davis. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. Gerald was a carpenter by trade and later worked for Dowling Lumber Company for many years.
Gerald had a true love for music and singing. He could sing just about any genre and especially enjoyed sharing his gift of music with others. He often sang gospel music at the nursing home and retirement village, bringing joy and encouragement to those around him. Gerald loved his church and his church family dearly.
Gerald was a good man with a kind and forgiving heart. He was quick to forgive and even quicker to ask for forgiveness. His faith, his love for others, and his willingness to share his God-given gift of music will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his brothers, David Earl Register and Danny Lee Register, Sr.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Pondtown Church with Bro. Zachary Hayes officiating and Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home directing. A special time of fellowship with the family will follow the service.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Carolyn Register; his children, Carl (Michelle), Gerald, Jr., Daniel (Chasity), Tracy, Stacey (Angel), Renee (Cindi), and Jennifer (Brad); 18 grandchildren; and a special cousin, Kenny Savell (Robin).
The family would especially like to thank the nurses and case manager, Shelby Brackins, of Southern Care Hospice for the love, compassion, and care given to Gerald and his family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Pondtown Church in Memory of Gerald Register.
Harvey Derrel Hagler, a resident of Dothan, passed away peacefully October 19, 2026, at Westside Terrace surrounded by his loving family. He was 90.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Ross officiating. Interment will be immediately following the service in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Dothan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Baptist Church, 1951 Westgate Parkway, Dothan AL 36303, or Salem Baptist Church, 3336 County Road 23, Ariton, AL 36311.
Harvey was born to the late Walden & Vela Mae Hagler on November 7, 1935, in the Blue Springs area of Barbour County, and he considered his childhood hometown to be Skipperville.
He graduated from Ozark High School, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies and Physical Education from Troy State University, and received a Master’s in School Administration and AA Certificate at Auburn University.
He spent 18 years working in the Dale County School System, first as a teacher, then as principal, then as Superintendent. In 1976 he began working for Dothan City Schools as Finance Director before retiring from education after 30 years of service.
Not one to be idle, he took on various jobs after retirement, overseeing renovation projects at Wallace College, then in later years delivering cars for Hertz and Toyota, and working as a courtesy driver for Toyota.
He shared his kindness and faith to all he met and served both in the community and with his faith family. As a deacon, he ministered at multiple churches throughout his life and was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church in his later years. He spent many years active in the Kiwanis Club, served as song leader at Westside Terrace Worship Services, and became a fond visitor of many businesses and doctor’s offices sharing his popular homemade peanut brittle labeled with John 3:16.
The family is grateful for the love and care from the staff at Gentiva Hospice and Westside Terrace.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Wilmer Hagler (Ruth), and Don Hagler (Gail).
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ina Merle Hagler; a son, Karl Hagler (Elaine); a daughter, Sherry Snell (Brent); five grandchildren, Maegan Fuller, Ross Fuller (Molly), Travis Hagler, Rachel Dean (Jacob), Matthew Snell (Julia); seven great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Killingsworth, Hadley Childree, Hank Fuller, Briggs Fuller, Sadie Philpot, Addison Dean, and Brooks Snell; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Glenn Johnson, Greg Hagler, Ross Fuller, Travis Hagler, Jacob Dean, and Matthew Snell.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Richard M. Mearns Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 19, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 92.
Born on June 27, 1934, in Geneva, New York, Richard lived a life marked by devotion and service to his Lord, his family, St. Columba Catholic Church, his community, and his country. He was the son of the late Arthur Guy Mearns and Pauline Agnes Mearns. Throughout his long life, he was known as a courageous, creative, and kind man whose steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Richard shared 67 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara Flick Mearns. Their marriage was a lasting example of commitment, partnership, and love. Together, they built a family rooted in faith, respect, and loyalty. He treasured his role as a husband and father, and those closest to him will always remember his warmth, his dependability, and the many ways he showed his love through service and action.
A proud veteran, Richard served his country in the United States Army, including time stationed in Korea. He later served in the New York Army National Guard before completing his military career in the United States Army Reserve, where he retired in 1994 after many years of honorable service. His military career was a source of great pride, reflecting the discipline, dedication, and sense of duty that remained central to his character throughout his life.
One particularly meaningful part of Richard’s military service was the opportunity to serve alongside his son, Richard “Rick” Mearns Jr., in the 98th Division of the United States Army Reserve. The two frequently served together at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, sharing an experience that brought together their family bond and their commitment to serving their country. These years were a special part of Richard’s legacy as both a father and a soldier.
Richard’s commitment to service extended beyond the military. He volunteered as a fire policeman with the Romulus, New York, Fire Department and also served as a volunteer auxiliary police officer in Geneva, New York. Through these roles, he gave his time to help protect others and serve the communities in which he lived. He also served as an aide at the VA, where he offered support and compassion to fellow veterans. Whether in uniform, at work, or among his neighbors, Richard believed in contributing wherever he could make a difference.
Richard was also a gifted, award-winning photographer whose talent allowed him to capture some of life’s most meaningful moments. Alongside his wife, Barbara, he operated a photography studio in upstate New York known as Barbrich Studio, a name that reflected their partnership in both marriage and business. Specializing in portraits, weddings, and other special occasions, Richard preserved memories for countless families and individuals. His artistic eye and professional care earned him the trust and appreciation of those he served. Photography was more than a livelihood; it was an expression of his creativity and his ability to recognize and preserve the beauty of life’s important moments.
Richard was a man who enjoyed staying busy and always seemed to have a project in mind. His daughter-in-law, Karen, would often joke that whenever he came to visit, he was never quite happy unless there was something that needed doing. That quality was especially evident when Rick was deployed to Iraq, as Richard found ways to stay involved, lend a hand, and help wherever he was needed. His willingness to work, fix, build, and serve was one of the many ways he expressed his love for his family. He did not simply visit; he found a way to make himself useful, leaving things a little better than he found them.
Throughout his life, Richard and his family lived in different places, and wherever they settled, he found ways to become part of a church family. He served his churches in many different roles, offering his time, talents, and faithful example to others. His commitment to the church was not limited to attending services; he believed in being involved, helping where needed, and living out his faith through his actions. The example he set for his children through years of Christian service, generosity, and devotion will continue to shape his family and carry his legacy forward for generations to come.
Richard was a Christian and attended St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Alabama. His faith was an important part of his life, offering strength, comfort, and guidance through the years. He valued the fellowship of his church community and treasured the friendships he formed with fellow believers. His faith remained a guiding influence in the way he treated others, cared for his family, and approached the responsibilities of life.
Whether behind a camera, serving his country, helping a neighbor, working on a project, or serving his church, Richard carried himself with dignity and purpose. He was a man who could be counted on, whose hands were rarely idle, and whose life reflected a balance of faith, skill, service, and character. His legacy will live on not only in the photographs he created and the work he completed, but also in the family he loved, the people he helped, and the example he set for those who follow him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Flick Mearns; his adored children, Richard “Rick” Mearns Jr. (Karen), Lynda Mearns Dillender, Debra Mearns, and Janet Angelovich (Jeff); his grandchildren, Ryan Mearns, Thomas Lowry, Michele Pye, Matthew Lowry, Kenneth Lowry, Heidi Mearns, Jennifer Smith, and Kelly Jackson; 15 and counting great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a loving extended family, his brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Columba, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Guy Mearns and Pauline Agnes Mearns; his siblings, Arthur John Mearns Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Porterfield; and his son-in-law, Harry Dillender.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The service will include a Liturgy of the Word, with Scripture readings led by Father Jim of St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan. Following the service, military honors will be rendered by the military honor guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. Father Jim will also offer a graveside prayer service for immediate family. Following the military honors, guests are invited to gather in the reception center for light refreshments and fellowship as they remember and celebrate Richard’s life. A memorial mass is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9am at St Columba Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank the Lord for bringing so many extraordinarily caring and kind people into their lives, providing comfort, peace, and guidance throughout this difficult time. Special thanks are extended to Nita, Richard’s Enhabit Hospice registered nurse, who guided the family every step of the way, along with the entire Enhabit Hospice team. Their compassion and support have meant so much to Richard and his family.
The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to Bobbie from Cornerstone, who developed a wonderful, caring relationship with Richard and the entire family.
A special thank-you goes to his sisters and girlfriends in Christ, Melissa, Kathy, and Kristen, who were such a blessing to Dad. Their friendship, companionship, and time together brought him so much joy, including the many cups of coffee shared at Dakota after Friday morning Mass. Their kindness and faithful friendship will always be remembered with gratitude.
The family would like to recognize Sister Chris of the Trinitarian Sisters at the Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat Center for the special role she played in Dad’s life. As his spiritual advisor for many years, her faith, guidance, and compassion meant so much to him, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she had on his life.
DOTHAN. . .Eddie Maurice Plummer, a resident of Dothan, passed away Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026, at his home. He was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Bethel Baptist Church with Dr. Ricky Plummer and Deacon & Sunday School teacher, Gary Granger officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 P.M. Saturday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Mount of Olives Memorial Garden in Cottonwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church “Building Fund”, 3257 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mr. Plummer was born and raised in Marion, Alabama in Perry County, son of the late Clinton Maurice Plummer and Zelma Grace Smith Plummer. He served his country in the Army Reserve. Mr. Plummer was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was retired from FedEx as a truck driver. In later years, Mr. Plummer attended Troy University where he received an Auctioneer License. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling stories and buying storage units.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Betty Massey Plummer, two daughters, Deedra Plummer Edwards (Clay), Cottonwood; and Paige Plummer Whigham (Greg), Dothan; a son, Dr. Ricky Plummer (Leah), Dothan; two sisters, Gail Ivey (Joe), Selma, AL; and Sara Nell VanSickler (Bill), Ft. Worth, TX; grandchildren, Ross Blythe (Tina), Joseph Blythe (Kaylyn), Maddie Patton, Alli Curry (Ethan), Presley Waller (Aubrey), Brandon Plummer (Bethany), Jansen Plummer (Emmalee), Jessica Whigham, Caleb Whigham (Laura), Felicia Edwards and Amy Daniel (Shawn); nineteen great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Ross Blythe, Joseph Blythe, Brandon Plummer, Jansen Plummer, Clinton Blythe, Greg Whigham and Clay Edwards.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
