SHORTERVILLE. . .Ricky Allen Lane, a resident of Shorterville, passed away early Saturday morning, September 26, 2026, at his home. He was 68.
A memorial visitation will be held at a later date at Holman-Abbeville Mortuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations will be in charge of arrangements.
Ricky Lane was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised in Strawberry Plains, TN and Shorterville, AL. He lived in Henry County, near Shorterville, most of his lifetime. Ricky was employed by Jerry Blount Trucking Company as a mechanic in agriculture and trucking until his health failed. Ricky was a very good mechanic and considered a “Jack of All Trades”. He enjoyed playing pool, riding motorcycles, and was an avid University of Tennessee football fan. He was a member of the Alabama Highwaymen Motor Cycle Club. Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Joe Marshall Lane, his mother, Margaret Elizabeth Spires Lane, his step-mother who raised him, Lerenda Blair Lane, a sister, Clara Tarwater, and brothers, Joe Marshall Lane II, Oscar Lee Lane and Lynn David Lane.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mae Williams Lane; daughters, Dixie Lane-Marsh (Charles), Abbeville and Crystal Lane (Leroy Steffensmeier), Pensacola, FL; a sister, Janie Harper, Crawfordville, FL; grandchildren, Lillie Marsh, Gabriel Marsh, Joe Steffensmeier and Allyssa Steffensmeier; numerous nieces and nephews.
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.
SKIPPERVILLE…Mrs. Martha Raye Monk Gassett, a resident of Skipperville, died Friday evening, September 25, 2026, in Oak View Manor Health Care Center in Ozark. She was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Morgan Baptist Church with Reverend Tim Sewell and Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Beersheba Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Morgan Baptist Church, c/o Betty Watson, 186 White Oak Bend, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Gassett, daughter of the late Melvin Cassie Monk and Mollie Evelyn Snell Monk, was a native and lifelong resident of Skipperville, a community she dearly loved and was proud to call home. Throughout her life, she was known as a kind and caring lady who had a true servant’s heart. She was happiest when she was doing something for someone else, never looking for recognition or expecting anything in return. Helping others simply came naturally to her.
For more than twenty years, Mrs. Gassett was employed with the Dale County School System at G.W. Long, where she faithfully served as a member of the support personnel before her retirement. Her work was much more than just a job to her. She cared about the students, teachers, staff, and families she encountered throughout the years and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever one was needed. She believed that even the smallest acts of kindness could make someone’s day a little better, and that was the way she tried to live her life.
Mrs. Gassett’s servant’s heart was especially evident through her many years of service at Morgan Baptist Church, where she was a faithful and devoted member. Her church family held a very special place in her heart, and she willingly gave of her time and talents whenever there was a need. For more than thirty years, she served as Director of Vacation Bible School, a ministry that meant so much to her. She poured countless hours into making Vacation Bible School a special time for the children, making sure everything was ready and that every child who walked through the doors felt welcomed, loved, and important. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Pete Gassett; a daughter, Martha Carol Gassett, brother, Wayne Monk, sister, Mary Bludsworth and her husband, Buddy, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Blocker, and Charles Mitchell.
Surviving relatives include her children, Dianne Tharpe (John) and Michael Gassett (Julia), all of Skipperville; brother, Mel Monk (Sherry), Brundidge; two sisters-in-law, Sara Blocker, Fairhope and Ann Mitchell, Graceville; grandson, Jonathan Tharpe (Danika), Skipperville; great-granddaughter, JeorgieAnne Carol Tharpe; special caregiver, Tammy Prestwood; several special nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Allen Dorrill, Justin Jernegan, James Lee, Jackson Marsh, T.J. Sewell, Paul Morrison, Tony Hancock, and James Blackburn.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ricky Lamar Bennett, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, who departed this life on September 23, 2026. Born on March 12, 1955, in Dale County, Alabama, Ricky was a beacon of love and resilience for all who knew him. Ricky was the beloved son of the late Johnny Bennett Sr. and Annie Lee Davis Bennett. He grew up in the nurturing embrace of his large family, and though he has now joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest, he leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. Preceding him in death were his siblings: Johnny Bennett Jr., L.A. Bennett Sr., C.W. Bennett, Cleveland Bennett Sr., Charles E. Bennett, Billy R. Bennett, Ruthie L. Hammonds, Florence Neal, Annie J. Brown, Pollie Ruth Carroll, and Carolyn Bennett. Ricky’s life was one of dedicated service and profound love. He proudly served his country for four years as a member of the 82nd Airborne in the United States Army. Upon completing his military service, Ricky devoted his career to Twin City Security, where he worked faithfully, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. A man of deep faith, Ricky was a devoted member of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. His spiritual journey later led him to the All About Jesus Ministry, where he found a community that enriched his soul. Ricky’s heart was fullest when surrounded by family. He shared a beautiful marriage with his loving wife, Corinthia Ann Bennett, and together they built a family grounded in love and faith. He is survived by his children, Angela Williams and Elijah (Mike) Sanders. His son, Von Victor Williams, preceded him in death but remains forever in their hearts. Ricky was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, including Alyssa, who shared a special bond with him as they lived together; Goddaughter Briana Dickens.
His surviving brother, Sonny Mack Bennett, and numerous in-laws and extended family, including Elijah Sanders, Dan Sanders, Samuel Sanders, David Earl Larry White, Jerry White, Benjamin White, Teddy White, Rose Anderson, Virginia Hicks, Sonja White, Rosie L. Bennett, and Alice Bennett, continue to hold his spirit close, along with the cherished memories of his late in-laws, Carolyn Allen and Mary Teresa Sanders. Ricky’s education in the Dale County School systems laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and growth. He was an inspiration to his nieces and nephews, with whom he cherished spending time, sharing laughter and wisdom. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ricky’s life on September 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the All About Jesus Ministry, located at 702 Blackshear St., Dothan, AL. The family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have offered thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ricky’s memory to a charity of your choice, celebrating his spirit of giving and love. Ricky Lamar Bennett will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
James Henry Parr, known affectionately as Jim, passed away on September 25, 2026, in Kinsey, Alabama, at the age of 64.
Jim was born on October 4, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was raised in Dothan, Alabama. He lived a life marked by devotion, service, and love for his family and community. He was a Christian man whose faith was reflected in the way he treated others, and he was known by those who loved him as a loving, selfless, and courageous man.
Jim served his country honorably in the Marines for 13 years and later in the Army National Guard for 27 years. His commitment to service was a defining part of his life, and he carried the values of discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice with him in all that he did. After his military service, he worked as a cook at Ft. Rucker for 18 years, where he was appreciated for his steady presence and dependable work. He also worked at Lowe’s for two years. Throughout his working years, he earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike, and he leaves behind a host of coworkers and extended family who will remember him with affection.
Jim found great joy in simple pleasures, and he especially enjoyed watching sports, cartoons, and squirrels. These small moments brought him happiness, and they reflected the gentle and appreciative spirit that so many admired in him. More than anything, he loved his family. His life was centered on the people he cared for, and he was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for his family was constant, strong, and unmistakable.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Parr; his son, Jamey Parr; his daughter, Emma Parr; his father, Edward Parr (Harriet); his sisters, Sarah Locklier (Bobby), and Kathleen Goss (Norman); his step-brothers, Marc Davis (Laura), Ross Davis, and Phillip Davis (Tami); and his aunts, Judy Price (Tillman) and Eileen Parr; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Woodruff, as well as two aunts and two uncles. Jim’s family also includes many loved ones whose lives were touched by his kindness and steady presence.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church and also attended Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan. His church life was an important part of who he was, and his faith gave him strength throughout his life. He will be remembered not only for his years of service and hard work, but also for the warmth of his spirit, his quiet strength, and the care he showed to those around him.
The family extends special thanks to Southern Care Hospice and to his nurse, Shannon, for their compassion and support. Jim’s life was a blessing to those who knew him, and his memory will remain a source of comfort and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jay Joye officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Military honors will be held following the service.
Patricia “Patty” Monette Ward Concannon of Geneva, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was 72.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama. Burial will follow at Samson First Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Patty was born in Tampa, Florida, on August 16, 1954, to the late James Sidney Ward and Monette B. Flowers Ward Snyder. She was of the Catholic faith. She enjoyed spending her time quilting, crocheting and thrifting with her sisters. She truly enjoyed people and spending quality time with them, especially her loving and devoted family.
In addition to her parents, Patty was preceded in death by two nieces, Jessica Williams and Felicia Moss.
She is survived by the love of her life of 46 years, Paul Robert Concannon; six children, Jeffery Douglas (Jessica), Leann Wadsworth (Denny), Lisa Cote (Richard), Kelly Simmons (Jesse), Paul James Concannon and Christopher Woods; 17 grandchildren, 27 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; one brother; Ricky Ward; five sisters, Pamela Adkison, Lisa Carter, Tammie Rhoades, Missy Saal, Renee Nichols and a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew and Steven Adkison, Chad Lunsford, Andrew and Gabriel Hataway, and Chris Salter; honorary pallbearer, Brooks Lunsford.
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.com
