by Fowler Family Funeral Home | Sep 24, 2025 | Obituaries
Beau Christian Martin, age 48, of Haleburg, AL, formerly of Dothan, passed away early Monday morning, September 22, 2025, at his home. He lost his courageous battle with Stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer diagnosed on Easter 2025.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Haleburg Senior Citizens Building (10347 George H. Grimsley Hwy, Columbia, AL) with his close friend and former coworker, Pastor Derek Womack, officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00–3:00 p.m. A private burial with Fire and EMS honors will take place at Martin River Farm (county road 47, Shorterville, AL). In keeping with Beau’s wishes, the family requests that everyone dress casually—horses and flip flops welcome—as Beau was never one for dressing up.
Beau was born on Thursday, January 20, 1977, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, AL, on his mother’s birthday, to Jerry and Reta Martin and was their only child.
He attended Emmanuel Christian School during his early years before transferring to Ashford Academy, where he graduated in 1995. While in high school, Beau played football, and during his senior year, his team won the state championship, taking home championship rings—an achievement he was always proud of. While in school, he also worked at Ivey & Ivey Farms of Webb.
A life of service defined Beau. He joined the Haleburg Fire Department, Columbia Rescue and Houston County Water Rescue, later beginning his career with the Eufaula Fire Department. Determined to further his education, he attended Wallace Community College in Dothan and Trenholm Technical College in Montgomery, where he earned his Paramedic license and became dual licensed in both Alabama and Georgia. He went on to obtain additional certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and EVOC instructor, as well as rescue diver, high-angle rescue, and forestry preservation training. In 2000, Beau started the Haleburg Rescue Squad. Over his 26-year career, he was recognized many times by the American Heart Association for numerous life saves.
Beau dedicated his career to EMS, working with several agencies across Alabama and Georgia. He also worked at HOPCO as a meat processor.
Outside of his service, Beau was an avid outdoorsman and treasured all of “God’s creatures”as he would say when he was a little boy. He loved hunting, fishing, and living life to the fullest. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding bulls at the rodeo. His happiest moments were spent in the woods teaching his children about the beauty and mysteries of God’s creation, traveling with his family to Cades Cove in Tennessee and the Gulf of America (Mexico); watching his daughter barrel race, and taking his son hunting.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Reta Lynn Kretzler Martin (August 2024); maternal grandparents, Carl D. and Esther M. Balsbaugh Kretzler; paternal grandparents, Raymond M. and Lena Vermell Hall Martin Sheppard; and uncle, Carl Dean Kretzler.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Leigh Vickers Martin; his children, Baileigh Caroline Martin and Peyton Christian Martin; their mother, Amy Sellers Martin Shepard; his father, Jerry R. Martin; his step daughters Hannah Bywater (Devin), Hayley Kirsch (Ty); step- grandchildren Dannon Bywater, Addison Kirsch; mother-in-law Nina Vickers; aunt, Ruth A. Billhimer (Thomas); his uncle, Larry C. Martin (Laura); as well as special family members, Shieba Kelly Kennon (Daniel), Mark Kelly (Gina); Todd Blackman (Catrina), Ben and Traci Armstrong. His partners in EMS that became family Denise Revells and Anthony Wells (Linda). He also leaves behind a host of extended family, devoted friends, and coworkers who will miss him dearly.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Clay Harris, Jamar Ivey, James King, Martie Pearson, Keith Taylor, and Allen Van Slyke.
Honorary pallbearers include Mark Kelly, Todd Blackman, Ben Armstrong, Hugh Clements and the crews from AmeriPro EMS, Early County EMS, and Haleburg Fire and Rescue.
The family would like to thank Dr. Vincent Barker, who served as Beau’s colleague, friend, and personal physician, for the outstanding care he provided.
As a longtime family friend said best, “Beau was an everyday hero, saving one person at a time.”
by Fowler Family Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Karla Lydia Dykes, age 62, of Headland, Alabama, who entered into rest unexpectedly on September 12, 2025.
A Celebration of Life service will be held this autumn at Gateway Church in Headland, Alabama, with Pastor Ruth Jones officiating.
Karla lived a joyful and vibrant life. She spent her youth in Alabama, Florida, and Colorado, and throughout her life she treasured the outdoors, swimming, and riding her motorcycle. She especially cherished spending time with her family—most of all her beloved nieces and nephews—as well as her friends, neighbors, and church family.
In 2007, Karla made her home in Headland, where she became a devoted member of Gateway Church. She was baptized there and found great joy in singing contemporary Christian music. Karla was known for her kindness, love, and a welcoming spirit that touched everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her father, Fred M. Dykes; stepfather, Robert L. Carroll; maternal grandparents, Luke and Vera Lee Copeland; and paternal grandparents, Fred and Edna Lydia Dykes.
Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Mary Juanita Carroll; two sisters, Kathy Taylor and Kay Hand; her brother-in-law, Danny Hand; her brother, Kim Dykes; four step-siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Karla’s warmth, generosity, love for God, and love for life will be remembered always by those blessed to know her.
by Wright Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
RAY THOMPSON
Midland City, AL – Ray Thompson, a lifelong resident of Midland City, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025. He was 89.
A Celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with Rev. Michael Proffitt officiating and a eulogy delivered by his grandson. A private family burial will follow at Sylvan Grove Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory, which is overseeing the arrangements. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southeastern Drag Racers Association, 8977 South U.S. 231, Ozark, AL 36360. For more information, contact Johnny Jordan at (334) 299-0303.
Born in Houston County to the late Haywood and Alvenia Kelly Thompson, Ray was a devoted member and trustee of Sylvan Grove Methodist Church. He proudly served in the Alabama National Guard and later was an auxiliary officer with the Pinckard Police Department. A dedicated car enthusiast and businessman, he founded Ray Thompson Auto Service, which he owned and operated for over 60 years. He was especially proud of his involvement in the Southeastern Drag Racers Association. Ray loved drag racing and will be fondly remembered for the joy and energy he brought to the sport. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and formerly a Mason at the Dothan Lodge.
Above all, Ray considered his greatest accomplishment was starting and raising a family whom he loved deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Virginia Thompson; sisters, Lois Horne, Gwen Weeks, and Hughlene Stone; and brother, Eldon Thompson.
He is survived by his daughter, Taresa Woodham (Dana); his son, Mike Thompson (Marilyn); his sister, Martha T. Woodham; his grandchildren, Damon Woodham (Chanetta), Madison Woodham, Chasity Enfinger (Tim), Kirstin Wilde (Chris), Nathan Thompson (Abby), and Brandi Enfinger; his great-grandchildren, Donnie, Blake, Mia, Aiden, Remmington, Jaxon, Mary-Kate, Keelan, Kaedence, and Abbigail; his sister-in-law, Dale Lisenby Deese (Mike); and his several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ray will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his lifelong dedication to community and country.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
OZARK…Mr. Frank Bezdany, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully late Sunday afternoon, September 21, 2025, at his home. He was 91.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Rocky Head Community, with Pastor Robin Bell officiating. Celebration of Life Services will be held following the graveside at Stonebridge Church of God in Ozark at 2:00 P.M. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bezdany was a devoted servant of God and spent much of his life witnessing for Christ. He shared the Gospel’s message of love and salvation with everyone he met. Frank has gone home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. John 14:2-6.
Surviving relatives include his children, Kathleen A. Fry, Mark D. Bezdany, John Bezdany, Frank J. Bezdany, Jr., and JoAnn Bezdany; grandchildren, Jacqueline Lugo, Colton J. Fry, Gabrielle E. Fry, Jennifer L. Fry, Kaylee Bezdany, Holly Bezdany, Jamie L. Bezdany, and Ashley Bezdany (deceased); great-grandchildren, Mateo Lugo, Myles Lugo, and Kash Bezdany.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
by Wright Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
MARY “DAPHNE” WEAVER
HEADLAND… Mary “Daphne” Weaver, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Saturday evening, September 20, 2025, at her home. She was 83.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family request that contributions be made in Mrs. Weaver’s honor, to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.donate.cancer.org.
Mrs. Weaver was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Alvah Cumbie and Ruby Edna Rolling Cumbie. She was a graduate of Dothan High School. She had previously lived in Atlanta, Georgia and Ozark, Alabama before moving to Headland, Alabama thirty-seven years ago. She loved to read and do word-find puzzles. She was a member of the Harvest Church in Dothan, Alabama.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings, Alvis Cumbie, Joyce Kirkland, and A.E. Cumbie.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband of sixty-three years, Don Weaver, Jr.; his daughter, Kim Dollar (Rodney); her sister, Georgia Warren; her grandchildren, Brett Dollar (Phuong) and Brianne Kent (Brandon); and her great-grandchildren, Brayden Kent, Brody Kent, and Bryson Kent.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Richard Glenn Miller, a resident of the Echo Community, died late Monday morning, September 22, 2025, at his home. He was 66.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor James R. Devine officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Miller was born on September 4, 1959, in Tampa, Florida, where he spent his early years surrounded by sunshine, family, and the kind of simple joys that shaped the man he would become. In 2000, he made his way to the Echo Community, a place that quickly became home—not just in location, but in spirit. He built friendships there that lasted decades, and his presence became a familiar comfort to many.
Mr. Miller was a hardworking man who never minded rolling up his sleeves. In his younger days, he worked in building construction, putting his hands to good use creating and fixing things—always with pride in a job well done. He also spent time working on a golf course, where he found peace in the quiet mornings and the rhythm of the greens. Whether he was working or relaxing, He had a way of making people feel at ease.
Outside of work, he found joy in the simple things. He loved fishing—there was nothing quite like casting a line and waiting patiently, surrounded by nature. Gardening was another passion of his. He could often be found tending to his plants, coaxing life from the soil with care and patience. His garden was more than just a hobby—it was a reflection of his gentle spirit and his appreciation for growth, beauty, and quiet moments. He was a minister of the gospel for over ten years and was a member of the Ewell Faith Community Church in Ewell.
Mr. Miller had a kind heart and a steady presence. He didn’t need to be the loudest in the room to make an impact—his warmth spoke for itself. He was the kind of person who’d lend a hand without being asked, who’d sit and listen when someone needed to talk, and who’d share a laugh that made your day a little brighter.
He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Miller, whom he loved deeply and spoke of often. That bond shaped much of who Buddy was—a man grounded in family, loyalty, and love.
He will be missed by many—neighbors, friends, and loved ones who were lucky enough to know him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the gardens he grew, and the quiet strength he brought into the lives of those around him.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Jeanette Anglin Miller; brother, Tony Miller (Laverne), all of the Echo Community; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
