OZARK…Mr. John A. Bull (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Thursday, March 26, 2026. He was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, in the Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mr. Larry Hicks. Graveside services, with full military honors and Masonic Rites, will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360 or to Carroll High School Band Boosters, Carroll Band, 141 Eagle Way, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Bull, son of the late Ward David Bull and Melva Maryanne Bailey Bull, was born on June 18, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Though his life began in the hills of West Virginia, he grew up under the wide California sky in Gustine, where he learned early the value of hard work, loyalty, and looking after the people you love. Those qualities stayed with him for the rest of his life.
In June of 1961, he answered a calling larger than himself and joined the United States Army. What followed was a remarkable twenty‑two‑year career marked by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. He served two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea, and two tours in Germany—each one shaping him, challenging him, and deepening his commitment to the men and women who served beside him. His service was recognized through numerous awards, including seven Good Conduct Medals, a Bronze Star with “V” Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, two Unit Presidential Citations, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Gold Army Recruiter Badge with three Sapphires, and the coveted Gold Recruiter Ring. In 1976, he was named the Army’s Recruiter of the Year—an honor that reflected not only his skill, but the genuine care he had for helping young people find their path.
He retired as a Master Sergeant, carrying with him the respect of those who served under him and alongside him. His military career was long and decorated, but he never wore his accomplishments with prideful weight. Instead, he carried them quietly, humbly, as part of a life lived with purpose.
In October of 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty O. Andrews. Their marriage was a true partnership—steady, joyful, and filled with the kind of love that anchors a family. She preceded him in death, but the devotion they shared remained a guiding force in his life. He spoke of her often, with tenderness and gratitude, and he carried her memory with him in everything he did.
After retiring from the Army, he began a second career with Alfa Insurance Corporation, where he worked for several years before retiring once again in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down for long; he later joined the team at Gilland Chevrolet in Ozark, where he enjoyed staying active, meeting people, and being part of a community he cared deeply about.
Mr. Bull was a fun‑loving soul with a warm laugh and a personality that drew people in. He loved people—truly loved them—and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued. He was a devoted family man, the kind who showed up, who listened, who supported, and who loved without hesitation. His family knew they could count on him, and his friends knew the same. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna M. Moore.
He was a proud member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge in Skipperville and the Disabled American Veterans Post #94 in Ozark. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where he found fellowship and comfort.
Those who knew him will remember his kindness, his humor, his steady presence, and the way he lived his life with integrity and heart. He served his country with honor, his family with devotion, and his community with generosity. His legacy is one of service, love, and a life lived fully and well.
Surviving relatives include his son, Nicky Bull (Jesse), Ozark; two grandsons, John Francis Bull and Andrew Wyatt Bull; sister, Phyllis Pacheco, Newman, California; many nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Johnny German, Mark Blankenship, Raymond Hart, Stanley Enfinger, Frank Wyatt, and Mike Barefield.
Ricky Ladale Phillips died March 29, 2026 at Flowers Hospital after an extended illness. A Dothan resident of 10 years, he was born June 3, 1964 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Earnest Calvin Phillips and Faye Bruner. He later became a devoted long haul truck driver, driving to places like Texas, California and Iowa.
Rick married Gretchen Phillips in 2015 and moved to the Dothan area after retiring from the trucking business. He loved building scaled military models, spending time with his grandchildren, wife and sisters, and spoiling his dogs.
He will be fondly remembered by his wife Gretchen, his grandchildren Noel, Bailey and Curtis, his mother Faye, his sisters Tammy, Misty and Gigi, his brother Slade, his stepfather Jim (Sharon) his stepchildren Caitlin (Dalton) and Justin, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his father Calvin, and his stepson Matthew.
In lieu of a traditional memorial and viewing, Ricks wishes were to be cremated, and the family will have a memorial for friends and family at their home in Dothan on Friday, April 3.
Norman “Rusty” Preston Burgess passed away at home on Wednesday evening April 1, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Bluff Springs Baptist Church with Brother Jerry Nelson & Brother James Bell officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service. Bluff Springs Baptist Church is where he and his wife have been members for many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluff Springs Baptist Church, or your charity of choice.
Rusty was born June 1, 1939, to the late Norman Ray & Flora (Smith) Burgess, and was raised in Ashford. His favorite hobby was fishing, and he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. During his early career, he was a truck driver for GFA Motor Lines, Summerford Truck Line, and Watkins Motor Lines. Rusty proudly served as the former mayor of the city of Ashford. He was an integral part of the operations of Burgess Transportation for many years.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Flora Burgess; a daughter, Rhonda Gail Burgess; a grandson, Jeremy Frank Danner; two sisters, Peggy Layton (GW) and Johnelle Rhodes (Jimmy); and a brother, Jimmy Ray Burgess.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Thelma; a son, Rodney (Kim); a daughter, Lori (Jeff) Danner; a granddaughter, Haley (Howard) Walker; two great-grandsons, Grayson and Henry Walker; his sister-in-law, Lynn Burgess; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Benji Burgess, Jeff Burgess, Mason Glover, Brooks Glover, Theron Hood, and Cliff Godwin.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his Bluff Springs Baptist Church Sunday School Class.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Albert Harold Fritzke of Samson, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was 95 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama, with Rev. Jimmy Eddins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Graveside services for Mr. Fritzke will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City, Florida, with Wells Memorial Funeral Home of Plant City, Florida directing.
Albert was born on March 10, 1931, in Plant City, Florida, to the late Albert F. Fritzke and Winona Keely Fritzke. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Mr. Fritzke worked with the railroad in Tampa, Florida, for 16 years while farming. He made his living raising cattle and growing row crops, but his true passion was baling hay. He spent many years growing and baling hay in Florida before relocating to Alabama, where he continued his hay operation alongside his wife, Faye.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Molly Fritzke; his second wife of 46 years, Faye Fritzke; and a daughter, Sue Lynn Davidson.
He is survived by five children: Catherine Speer of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; Joy Fritzke of Plant City, Florida; Carol Sapp (Marvin) of Plant City, Florida; Tom Player (Lori) of Plant City, Florida; and Rhonda Leverett (Ken) of Valrico, Florida; one son-in-law, Raymond Davidson of Byron, Georgia; 11 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
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
Dan C. Coleman, who was born on September 27, 1957, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Bristow officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 to 2 P.M. Tuesday, prior to the service.
He lived a life marked by love, generosity, and kindness. He was known by all as “Poppy,” a title that reflected the deep affection his family and friends held for him and the joy he brought to those around him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend whose presence brought comfort, strength, and warmth to many.
Dan spent 40 years working for Michelin, where he was respected for his dedication, steady work ethic, and loyal service. His long career was a testament to his character and commitment.
Outside of work, Dan found joy in woodworking and landscaping. He also had a servant’s heart, which was an example of his commitment and love for the Lord. If he saw a need or heard of a need, he was always willing to help. His kindness was not limited to words, but was shown through action, generosity, and a sincere desire to care for others. Dan’s generous heart got him into quite a few predicaments and gave him a lot of stories to tell. He had a dry sense of humor, but telling his tales was legendary among family and friends, especially his “chainsaw tale.”
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J.C. and Dorothy Jean Coleman; his daughter, Amanda Coleman Hughes; and his brother, Ronald Lee Coleman.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Roney Coleman; his son, Aaron Coleman and wife Anna; his brother, Berry Coleman and wife Lisa; his sisters, Gloria Myers and Diane Dean and husband Bobby; his son-in-law, Jon Hughes; his sister-in-law, Jeannie McGriff and husband Larry; his brother-in-law, Patrick Roney and wife Sally; his grandchildren, Hadley Hughes and Sophie Coleman; and several nieces and nephews. His love for his family was steady and unconditional, and he will be remembered for the devotion he showed to each of them.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and family devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved, in the lessons he taught by example, and in the many lives he touched through his kindness and care.
OZARK…Ms. Pam Gulledge, a resident of Ozark, died early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Ms. Gulledge, daughter of the late Raymond Earl Gulledge and Rosemary Tachawwickah Gulledge, was a proud native of Ozark. She grew up with a strong sense of family and community, and she carried those roots with her throughout her life. She graduated from Carroll High School in 1977 and later continued her education at Wallace Community College, always believing in learning and bettering herself.
A meaningful part of her identity came from her Comanche Nation Indian heritage, which she held close to her heart. She was proud of where she came from and the strength, resilience, and deep family ties that are woven into that history. She honored her heritage in quiet but steady ways—through the stories she cherished, the traditions she respected, and the sense of pride she carried in knowing the generations she came from. It was a part of her that shaped her spirit, her outlook, and the way she connected with the people she loved.
Over the years, she worked in several places that became part of her story—M.O. Carroll Grocery Company, Mass Merchandisers, Pemco Aeroplex at Napier Field, and C&S Door Plant in Ozark. No matter where she was employed, she was known for being dependable, hardworking, and someone who could be counted on. She took pride in doing things the right way and giving her best, whether she was helping a coworker or tackling a new task.
In her personal life, she had a wonderful mix of interests that made her uniquely her. She loved listening to music, especially Elvis and songs with Spanish lyrics—something about the rhythm and the language always spoke to her. She had a knack for assembling things of any kind, from small items to more complicated pieces. If something needed putting together, she was the one who could figure it out. She also enjoyed the fun and excitement of slot machines, and she adored her special K‑9 babies, who were truly part of her family.
She was a devoted University of Alabama football fan, cheering on the Crimson Tide with enthusiasm every season. And her favorite flower was the rose—a simple, classic beauty that matched her own quiet strength.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Michelle Gulledge, whose memory remained close to her heart.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jeffery Wayne Sanders; sister, Cristal Gulledge, both of Ozark; two uncles, Connie Galey and Byron Hoahwah; aunt, Kimberlyn Hoahwah Taua (Gayland), Norman, Oklahoma; her two beloved dogs, “Gus Gus” and “Pepperjack”; a host of cousins
Serving as active pallbearers will be Phil Benton Jones, Jr., Phil Benton Jones, III, Floyd Madrid, John Sanders, Sam Covington, and Jamie Sanders. Members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office will serve as honorary pallbearers.
