Mr. William Earl Cherry (Retired Dothan Police Sergeant), a resident of Dothan, Alabama, departed this life at his home on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 81.
At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the warmth and love of his devoted family. Born March 15, 1945, in Geneva County, AL, to the late William Delmar and Willie Belle Bowden Cherry, he began his education at Hartford Elementary School and was a proud 1963 graduate of Geneva County High School. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Opal “Marie” Welch Cherry, and together they shared over 53 years of marriage before her passing in 2019. After moving to Dothan in 1967, he attended Wallace Community College and Troy University to study criminal justice so he could pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. William’s life was one of steadfast commitment which was displayed in his 40 years of service as a police officer. He was employed by the Dothan Police Department, where he served with honor and humility for over two and a half decades. While there, he was a specialized instructor for the Alabama Police Officers Standards and Training Commission. He was instrumental in creating the first-ever honor guard within the department—a testament to his pride in service and his dedication to honor and tradition. He retired from the Dothan Police Department in 1996 with the rank of sergeant. After retiring from the Dothan Police Department, he continued his service at the Dothan Regional Airport as a police officer and later as the police chief. In addition to his law enforcement career, he also retired from the Alabama National Guard after 20 years of service, earning the rank of staff sergeant. William was a pillar of strength, a guardian of peace, and a friend to all who knew him. William was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan and could be found glued to the television when Alabama football was on. At other times, he could be found fishing in the waters of Lake Eufaula on his pontoon boat or spending time with his family. He was of Baptist faith and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. While his health limited his ability to attend in person, he remained connected by reading his Bible, following Sunday morning services online, and held a deep and abiding love for the Lord.
Visitation will be held at Sorrells Funeral Home, Slocomb, Alabama, on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Cottonwood Highway, Dothan, Alabama, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Ricky Plummer officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Kinsey, Alabama, with full police honors provided by The Dothan Police Department Honor Guard. Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb is in charge of the arrangements.
He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Opal “Marie” Welch Cherry; two sisters, Bernell Knight, and Joyce Gilley; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Welch; five brothers-in-law, Ted Knight, Wayne Welch, Freddie Welch, Greg Welch, and Jimmy Rex Gilley; one niece, Martha Tharpe; and one nephew, Michael “Mike” Gilley.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamelia Evans (Paul Sr.), and his sons, David Cherry and Jeffrey Cherry; his one and only grandchild, Paul Evans, Jr.; his brother, Kenneth Cherry (Sandra), as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Jacki, his humongous Rottweiler fur baby, who brought him constant joy and companionship.
The family would like to sincerely thank the aides, nurses, pastor, and social worker from Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and the many ways they went above and beyond to keep him comfortable during his time in their care. Also, a special thanks to Sandra and Kenneth Cherry for their love and support during this difficult time.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
MIDLAND CITY…Mr. Joe Mack Creamer (Sergeant, Alabama Army National Guard, Retired), a resident of Midland City, died Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at his home. He was 68.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mr. Marvin Edward Cooper, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Extendicare Health. He was 86 years old.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasantview Presbyterian Church in Clayton, Alabama, with Dr. Ray Cureton officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted.
Marvin was born on August 11, 1939, in Clayton, Alabama, to the late Phil and Pearla Mae (Knight) Cooper. He was a 1957 graduate of Bakerhill High School. Marvin served in the United States Navy from 1958-1961. He worked for many years as a farmer, electrician, and as a heavy equipment operator. In years past he enjoyed squirrel hunting with family, fishing, and watching wrestling. Marvin loved his family and spending time with them. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord and was a member of Pleasantview Presbyterian Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Sammie Gay (Gibbons) Cooper; two brothers, Hilton Cooper and John P. Cooper.
Survivors include his son, Mike Emfinger (Angie) of Eufaula; grandson, Clif Anderson; four great-grandchildren, Trace Anderson, Ashlyn Anderson, Carlie Shirley, and Brantley Anderson; one great-great grandson, Atlas Luken.
Active pallbearers are Kenny Cooper, Ronnie Cooper, Justin Cooper, Maddox Cooper, Cliff Anderson, and Boyd Andrews.
Honorary pallbearer will be Lavon Hutto.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
John David Andress, age 77, of Madrid, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1948, in Madrid, Alabama, the son of the late John Isaac Andress and Lena Pitts Andress.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. David Gustavus Andress and Johnie Dooling Andress, and William Thomas Pitts and Lena Mae Pitts, as well as his sister, Selena Andress Bond. Their memories remained an important part of his life, and he carried the values they instilled in him throughout the years.
John David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Colarusso Andress, who shared with him a long and devoted marriage filled with faith, family, and steadfast companionship. He is also survived by his daughter, Marilyn Andress Evans and her husband Jeff of Opelika, and his son, David Brian Andress and his wife Amber of Madrid. He leaves behind a loving family of grandchildren, Gabe Newman and his wife, Carolyn, Kaylin Andress, Emma Andress, Ashton Evans, Landon Andress, John Carter Evans, and Anna Evans, along with great-grandchildren Graham Herman, Mills Newman, John Walt Newman, and Emmie Chase Herman. He is also survived by his brothers, Jimmy Mack Andress of Madrid and Thomas Gustavus Andress and his wife Tracey of Madrid, as well as his brothers-in-law, Ricky Bond of Madrid and Richard Colarusso and his wife Pam of Madrid; several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, including Tony Mixon and Emory Waddell.
John David graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Troy University, an achievement that reflected his commitment to learning and personal growth. He served his country in the United States Army, and later dedicated 20 years of service to the Dothan Fire Department before retiring. In addition to his work as a firefighter, he also spent time as a teacher, sharing his knowledge and experience with others. His life of service was a testament to his character, and he was known as a man who could be counted on in times of need.
When he was off duty from the fire department, John David worked as a handyman in remodeling and construction. He had a natural ability to fix, build, and improve, and he used those skills generously for the benefit of others. John David was a faithful member of Madrid Baptist Church, where his presence and devotion were valued. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he occasionally played golf when time allowed. He was an avid Alabama football fan and took great pride in cheering on his team. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being a “Paw Paw” was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he embraced that role with warmth, patience, and love.
Funeral services for John David will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Madrid Baptist Church with burial following in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the church.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the Madrid Community, Madrid Baptist Church, Southern Care Hospice and Nurse Donna, along with Cornerstone Caregiving.
Mr. Marvin Edward Cooper, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Extendicare Health. He was 86 years old.
