OZARK…Mr. Billy J. Bowman, a resident of Ozark, died early Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2026, at Dale Medical Center. He was 83.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 28, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Mr. Bowman, son of the late William Littlebear Bowman and Clara Bowman, was a native and lifelong resident of Ozark, a community he was proud to call home throughout his life. Over the years, he became a familiar face to many people around town, and whether through his work or simply a friendly conversation, he had a way of meeting people and making connections wherever he went.
Mr. Bowman spent many years working in Civil Service at the Fort Rucker Commissary before retiring. Retirement, however, did not mean that he was ready to slow down. He later worked for the Ozark City Schools as a bus driver, where he safely carried generations of children to and from school before retiring once again. He also worked at Walmart in Ozark as a greeter. That job seemed to fit his outgoing personality especially well because Mr. Bowman truly enjoyed talking to people. He never seemed to meet a stranger and was always willing to stop, say hello, share a story, or enjoy a good conversation.
One of the things many people will remember most about Mr. Bowman was his love for Christmas. Each year, he took great pride in decorating his yard for the Christmas season. It became something that not only his family enjoyed, but the entire community looked forward to seeing. People from Ozark and surrounding areas would drive by just to admire the decorations and enjoy the Christmas spirit he worked so hard to share. Knowing that his decorations brought smiles to children, families, friends, and even complete strangers made all the effort worthwhile. In his own special way, he helped make Christmas a little brighter for a lot of people.
Away from work and his Christmas decorating, Mr. Bowman enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time with his family, and those moments meant more to him than anything. He also enjoyed fishing, where he could slow down and enjoy a peaceful day, but he was just as happy visiting and talking with the people he met along the way. Mr. Bowman was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation just about anywhere. A quick hello could easily turn into a long visit, a shared story, or a good laugh.
Mr. Bowman was preceded in death by his siblings, Marie Tipler, James Bowman, Helen Brown, Voncile Senn, and Merle Blake.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Patricia Ann Taunton Bowman, Ozark; daughter, Tracy Bowman; son, Jamie Bowman, both of Grady, Alabama; sister, Betty Deitz, Ozark; two grandchildren, Hunter Bowman and Kylie Bowman; sister-in-law, Gwen Katzenbach, Ozark; nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Jerry Culbreth Knight, 82, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away on September 14, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Florida, following a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, and faithful servant of the Lord.
Jerry was born on July 15, 1944, in Dothan, Alabama. He grew up on his family’s homestead in Ashford, Alabama, and was the third of six children. His upbringing and deep Alabama roots remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. The values of faith, family, hard work, perseverance, and service that he learned growing up stayed with him and shaped the man he became.
Jerry graduated from Troy University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965 and the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 before beginning a long and successful career as an accountant. Over the years, he worked with companies including Shell Oil Company, Sonoco Paper Products, Prystup Packaging, and ITT Utility Company of Palm Coast. He then went into business for himself with Automated Business Management and then Grace Accounting Service from 2004 to present day. He also served as an accountant for several churches, using his professional gifts in service to ministries and people he cared deeply about.
In 1977, Jerry married the love of his life, Marsha Smith Knight, beginning a marriage that lasted nearly 50 years. Together, they built a family and a life centered around faith, love, and commitment. Jerry was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Above all else, Jerry was a good Christian man who loved the Lord and his family most of all. His faith was the foundation of his life. He was the spiritual leader of his family and took seriously the responsibility of guiding those he loved toward God. His relationship with the Lord was evident in the way he lived, served, encouraged, and cared for others.
Jerry believed strongly in investing in people. He had a genuine interest in others and loved helping people grow, overcome challenges, and become the best versions of themselves. He was generous with his time, knowledge, wisdom, and experience. He had a gift for making connections with people and was always willing to share what he had learned throughout his life.
Sharing wisdom and stories was one of Jerry’s favorite pastimes. He could tell a story that made you laugh, think, or see something from a different perspective. His stories often carried a lesson, and his advice came from a lifetime of experience. For those who had the privilege of knowing him, his voice, his stories, and his words of wisdom will be deeply missed.
Jerry was also deeply committed to serving his church and community. He served on the boards of Open Door Recovery Ministry and Grace Tabernacle, and in earlier years he served in prison ministry and held leadership positions within his church. His own life was a powerful testimony to the transforming power of faith and perseverance. Jerry was 33 years sober, and that accomplishment became part of the testimony through which he encouraged and helped others. He understood that people sometimes need someone to believe in them, and he was willing to be that person.
Jerry and Marsha had been residents of Palm Coast since 1983. Over more than four decades in Palm Coast, Jerry became part of the community he loved and served.
Outside of work and ministry, Jerry enjoyed the things that brought him simple happiness. He loved to read and enjoyed hunting and fishing, particularly in earlier years. He loved watching sports, but his passion for Alabama football was in a league of its own. He was a dedicated Alabama fan and took great pride in cheering for his team.
Yet, as much as Jerry enjoyed his hobbies, his greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Marsha Smith Knight, and his sons, Jeffrey Knight and Clayton Knight (w/ wife Elizabeth) and his daughter Kathryn Reiter. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and he treasured his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is also survived by his sister, Pamela Summerford, and his brothers, Rodney Knight and Joe Knight (w/ partner Katie) along with numerous extended family members, friends, and loved ones. Jerry was preceded in death by his Parents, Sarah Knight and James Knight, his son Erik Knight; his brother, Jimmy Knight; and his sister, Judith Gaston.
His legacy will live on in the family he loved so deeply, in the people he mentored, in the ministries he served, and in the many lives that were made better because he took the time to care.
For his family, there is comfort in knowing that the man who spent his life pointing others toward Christ is now in the presence of the Savior he loved.
His family will miss his stories.
They will miss his wisdom.
They will miss his laughter and his Alabama football commentary.
They will miss his guidance and his steady presence.
But most of all, they will miss simply having him here.
His earthly work is finished, but his legacy continues through every life he touched and every generation that carries his love forward.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
Jerry’s graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Wednesday September 30, 2026 in Ashford City Cemetery in Ashford, Alabama at 2:00 p.m., returning him to the community where his life began.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Open Door Recovery Ministry in Jerry’s memory.
The family of Mr. Knight entrusted his arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.
OZARK…Mr. Anthony C. Souza, Jr., 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 21, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-seven years, Marion Souza, who passed away in 2008; his mother Ethel, is father, Anthony, Sr., and his sister, Constance.
He is survived by his son, Mark, Sr. (Tammy), his daughter, Beth (Chris), and his three grandchildren, Deanna, Payden, and Mark, Jr. The family is especially grateful to Teresa and Robert Leggett, loving neighbors and dear friends who held a special place in Tony’s life.
Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Tony graduated in 1958 from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at Georgia Tech, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During high school, he also earned first place in Mathematics in Statewide Academic Competition.
Tony spent much of his engineering career working in paper mills throughout the South, including Stone Container. His work took him throughout the region and reflected the technical skill and practical problem solving that defined his career. Outside of work, Tony enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He took his family on camping trips that became lasting family memories. He was also a gifted storyteller, always ready with a story from years gone by and a way of bringing these memories back to life for the people around him. Tony was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ozark.
He will always be remembered for his devotion to family, his love for the outdoors, his stories, and the many memories he shared with those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or to Day Spring Hospice, in memory of him.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Emma Rose Brodhead, beloved daughter of Matthew and Kasady Brodhead, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026. Although her time with her family was far too short, Emma Rose was deeply loved from the moment she was known and eagerly awaited by her family.
Her parents were blessed with the opportunity to hold their precious daughter and spend time with her, creating memories they will carry with them forever. Emma Rose also leaves behind her big brother, Ezra Brodhead, who will always have a special place in his heart for his baby sister.
She is lovingly remembered by her grandparents, Susan and Rick Valentine and Mary and Bill Brodhead, along with extended family and loved ones who already knew and cherished her.
Emma Rose’s life was brief, but she made an everlasting impact on the hearts of those who loved her. She will forever be their precious daughter, baby sister, granddaughter, and a cherished part of their family.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
OZARK…Mrs. Judy Williams Sabatka, a resident of Ozark, died early Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026, at her home. She was 87.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Sabatka, daughter of the late Orville Williams and Flarrie Beatrice Baker Williams, was a native of Ozark, a place that was always home to her no matter where life took her. At the young age of 16, she moved to Chicago with her husband, Roy Edward Sabatka, Sr. Together, they began a life side by side, sharing the many joys, challenges, and everyday moments that come with building a home and raising a family.
After many years away, Mrs. Sabatka returned to her hometown of Ozark in 1980. Coming back home gave her the opportunity to once again be surrounded by the familiar community and place where her own story had begun. Through the years that followed, she continued to devote herself to her family and to the people who meant the most to her.
Mrs. Sabatka will always be remembered as an excellent wife, mother, and sister. Family was at the center of her life, and there was never any question about how deeply she loved them. She was happiest when she knew the people she cared about were doing well, and she treasured the time they were able to spend together. Her love was shown not only through words but through the many little things she did every day to care for her family and make them feel at home.
One of the places Mrs. Sabatka especially enjoyed was the beach. There was something about being near the water and enjoying the peaceful surroundings that brought her happiness. Whether it was a special trip or simply time away from the routines of everyday life, those moments at the beach became part of the memories she and her family would treasure.
Her husband, Roy Edward Sabatka, Sr., preceded her in death just two weeks ago. After sharing a lifetime together as husband and wife, their passing within such a short time of one another makes this season of loss especially tender for the family they leave behind. While their absence will be deeply felt, their family can hold close the many years they shared, the home they built together, and the love that became such an important part of their family’s story.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mrs. Sabatka was preceded in death by three sisters, Joan Davison, Faye Taylor, and her infant sister, Melinda Gail.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Donna Lynn Roberts; son, Ricky Sabatka, Jr., all of Ozark; grandchildren, Stephanie, Laura Jean, and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Rumi, Lula, Asha, and Tala; two sisters, Linda Tomlin, Rehobeth and Wanda Cain (Michael), Midland City; nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
