Oralee Kelley, of Dothan, AL passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at Southeast Health. Born on January 14, 1934, in Dothan, Alabama, Oralee’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and her dedication to her family, her business, and her community.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Gertie Watford; beloved husband, Bernell Kelley; and son, Calvin Kelley. She is survived by her children, Diane Howard and Dennis Kelley; grandchildren, Jamie and BJ Ralph, BJ Rouse, Chuck and Shelia Kelley; great-grandchildren, Tanner Clayton, Ansley Rouse, Jackie and Ben Perry, and Gage Cowart; and great-great-grandchildren, Eli and Isla Cowart.
Oralee’s journey began in the heart of Alabama, where she grew up surrounded by the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality. Her early years in Dothan shaped her into a woman of strength and character, qualities that would define her for the rest of her life.
Her life was one of service and commitment, qualities that she carried into every aspect of her existence. As a business owner, Oralee poured her heart into Kelley’s Superette in Rehobeth, Alabama, a family-owned and operated establishment that became a cornerstone of the local community.
She loved everyone she met and her kindness knew no bounds. Her thoughtfulness was a comfort to those around her and her presence was a source of joy and stability. Oralee Kelley’s story is one of a well-lived life and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
There are no services scheduled at this time. For those who would like to honor her memory, the family ask that you be kind to all as Oralee was.
MIDLAND CITY… Matthew “Matt” Scott Cole, a resident of Midland City, Alabama, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home. He was 35.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 7, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with Reverend Brad Price officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hinson Baptist Church Cemetery in Slocomb, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or donations in Matt’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka Kansas 66675-8516, or www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org.
Mr. Cole was born in Dothan, Alabama to Herman Ladon Cole and Cindy Reinhart Hamilton. He lived most of his life in Midland City, Alabama. He was a 2008 graduate of Dale County High School. After high school he served his country in the US National Guard, where he served a tour in Syria and Kuwait, and was still active as a Sergeant in the guard. He served his community as a law enforcement officer with the Dothan Police Department as a K-9 officer with Sandor. He was currently an instructor at S.E.R.e. School, where he was an Evasion Instructor. He was a member of the Slocomb Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death was his infant brother, Kelly Cole; and his grandparents.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Christie Golden Cole; his daughter, Rosalie Kate Cole; his sons, Noah Grey Cole and Bristol Hayes Cole; his father, Don Cole (Jennifer); his mother, Cindy Hamilton (Tom Murray); his sister, Kailyn Creel (Bethanie); his brothers, Stevie Ladon Cole (Ava) and Joshua Cory Cole; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Stevie Cole, Joshua Cole, Bobby Jennings, Damon Owens, Thomas Price, Derrik Seagers, Blake Pendleton, and Bryan Touchton. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his Guard Unit (A.Co. 1-173 IN REG Atmore, Alabama), Ft. Rucker S.E.R.e Team, and countless friends.
Joe “Bear” Williams, 71, of Hartford, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Hartford Health Care.
Born on May 29, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Joe was the son of the late Richard and Gracie Watson Williams. Known affectionately as “Bear,” he was a devoted father, uncle, and grandfather whose big heart and good humor touched everyone he met.
A lifelong truck driver, Bear loved being on the open road, casting a fishing line, and sharing a good laugh. Known as a bit of a trickster, he never met a stranger and could make friends anywhere he went. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Bear’s kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gracie Watson Williams; brother, Richard Williams Jr.; and sister, Brenda Williams.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford.
Bear is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Williams of Hartford; children, Sadie Wheeler (Glen) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gracie Lynn Williams of Hartford, and Jason Williams (Linda Coslett) of Hartford; grandchildren, Trenton Thompson, Erin Hatcher, and Kadence Coslett, all of Hartford, as well as Christian Rhodes, Brandon Rhodes, and Kaylin Rhodes, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Hobbs of Esto, FL, Donna Efird (Jerry) of Deland, FL, Joyce Rogers of Panama City, FL, Nancy Skipper (Dewayne) of Gritney, FL, and Mary Odom (Davy) of Chipley, FL; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Age 70, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Southeast Health.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Fowler Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Donny was born on December 14, 1954, to Jewett Goff and Lucille Henderson Goff.
He proudly served in the United States Army and later worked for over 20 years as a mail carrier with the Dothan Post Office. Most recently, he was employed as a courier at Dothan Dental Studio. Donnie was known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and love for thrift shopping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, who brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Rebekkah Goff; his parents, Jewett and Lucille Goff; brothers, Jeff Goff and William Goff; and mother-in-law, Martha Tilley.
Survivors include his children, Anthony Goff and Staci Goff Moore; grandchildren, Adriean Goff Lowe (Dyllan), Caymon Moore (Jaidyn), and Cameron Moore (Erin); great-grandchildren, Levi Goff, Cooper Hudspeth, CJ Moore, Hazel Lowe, and Waylon Moore; special friend, Carolyn Poyner; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives who will cherish his memory.
OZARK…Mr. Jake Smith, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, November 3, 2025, in the Washington County Health & Rehab in Chipley, Florida. He was 69.
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
Edith Faye Gamble, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on May 30, 1938, to the late Charlie Lee Braswell and Sarah Cordelia Lashley, Faye was a devoted mother, not only to her own children but to all who knew her. She raised her family with unwavering dedication and resilience, especially after becoming a single mom. Her children were her pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy through her surviving children, Donna Sasser, June Childs (Keith), and Lynn McKenzie (Rhonda) and her sister, Sara Nell Parker. Her love extended to her 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense happiness and purpose to her life. Special friends, Diane Palmer and Gayvon Braswell, who stood by her through thick and thin, will cherish the countless memories and hold them forever in their hearts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved children, Sandra McKenzie, Ricky McKenzie, and Janice Marie Myers.
Faye had a passion for gospel music, particularly the harmonies of the Gaithers, and filled her home with joy and praise. Her mornings were sacred, reserved for savoring her coffee and reflecting on the blessings of a new day. Faye was also known as a formidable garage sale warrior, always on the hunt for a good bargain, much to the delight of her family and friends.
She also had a love for classic television was well-known, with TV Land shows providing comfort and laughter during her leisure time.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Goff; his parents, Jewett and Lucille Goff; brothers, Jeff Goff and William Goff; and mother-in-law, Martha Tilley.
