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.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Joyce Ann Oakley, age 72, of Ozark, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, April 1, 2026, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Mr. Paul Woodham officiating. Private interment will follow in Newton City Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. The family asks that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Joyce Ann was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, daughter, and sister who touched the lives of all who knew her. Joyce Ann’s strong faith, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered and treasured by her family and friends. She retired from Newton Elementary School as the Cafeteria Manager. She loved serving the staff, children, and the community. Joyce Ann took great pride in her work and formed many lasting friendships during her years there. Joyce Ann enjoyed working in her yard. She enjoyed planting a garden every year and sharing with the community. She found joy in the beauty of her plants and flowers and took pride in nurturing them. Her love for gardening reflected her gentle spirit and the care she showed to those around her. Joyce Ann was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She was a hard worker who took pride in caring for her family and home, always putting others before herself. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Noel Paramore.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Wendell Dean Oakley; her three daughters, Felicia McDaniel (Jeff), Amanda Enfinger (Chuck), and Jennifer Cauthen (Keith); her stepson, Michael Oakley; her mother, Betty Riley Paramore; her sister, Darlene Hicks (Danny); and her uncle, Rayburn Paramore (Melanie). Joyce Ann was especially proud of her two grandchildren, Olivia Enfinger and Caleb Enfinger (fiancée Emily Norman), whom she loved and adored deeply.
Though Joyce Ann will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with her Lord and Savior. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Blackmon and her staff at Dothan Hematology, Dr. Patel and his staff at Mission Oncology Partners, and the staff of Dale Medical Center for their excellent care, compassion, and support during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce Ann’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or The American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 131433, Birmingham, Alabama 35213.
Baby Curtis Franklin Page, precious son of Ethan Tyler Page and Megan Lindsay Page, was born sleeping on March 30, 2026.
Curtis was deeply loved and longed for, and his life, no matter how brief, touched the hearts of all who awaited his arrival. In his quiet and gentle way, he brought a love that will forever remain in the lives of his family.
Curtis is lovingly survived by his parents, Ethan and Megan Page, and his big sister, Sophia Page.
Baby Curtis will forever be cherished as a beloved son and brother.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at First Baptist Church in Enterprise.
