Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Hilda Louise Brannon Herring Renz, a resident of Clio, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus Saturday morning, November 1, 2025, at her home. Mrs. Hilda was 100 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Renz will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Rick Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Serving as pallbearers will be Joshua Ivey, Justin Ivey, Joseph Dove, Christopher Ivey, Christian Clark, Austin Tillis, Jaxon Brannon and Cade Calhoun. Mrs. Renz was born September 27, 1925 in Newton, Alabama to the late James Earnest Brannon and Minnie Jewell Windham Brannon. She attended Newton High School and became a Licensed Practical Nurse following the death of her first husband. Mrs. Renz worked in the office of several doctor’s in Ozark, as a private duty nurse, at Dale Medical Center and Lyster Army Hospital. She retired with a total of thirty-six years of service. During her early childhood she attended Christian Home Church of Christ in Wicksburg. During most of her adult life she attended the First Assembly of God Church in Ozark. After moving to Clio to live with her daughter, she attended Clio Baptist Church. Mrs. Renz was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Family was the most important part of her life. She was the life of the family gatherings and was a loving playmate to the children. She loved giving gifts, and wanted everyone to have a gift at Christmas. Just a “Keepsake” she would say. The Brannon Family Reunions, which began during her parents’ lifetime, were very special to her. The family still gets together the last Saturday in September to celebrate her birthday. She looked forward to the monthly lunches the remaining Brannon siblings and cousins held. The family realized how short and precious time is and decided to enjoy as much family time as possible. She was an outdoor advocate at heart. She loved raking leaves, working in her yards, riding her lawn mower, cutting her own grass until she was 90 years old, camping in her younger years and going fishing. She loved crocheting and made many beautiful bedspreads and throws for the family. She enjoyed canning Slocomb tomatoes, making jelly, and freezing vegetables. She was a WORKER and loved every minute. When she was no longer able to work in her yard, she spent many hours working on puzzles and word search. She also was an avid Alabama fan and loved watching the Atlanta Braves. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Willie Frank Herring and Herbert H. Renz; son-in-law, Kenneth E. Ivey; grandson, Ronnie E. Ivey; sisters, Hazel B. Hanners, Frances B. Woodall; brothers-in-law, Royce Hanners, Ed Quattlebaum, Junior Quattlebaum, Robert Woodall, Al Barlow and James Mahaney. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia “Pat” Herring Ivey; two grandchildren, Chad Ivey (Joni Doman) and Beverly Ivey Clark (Greg Motes); great grandsons, Joshua Ivey (Rachel), Justin Ivey, Joseph Dove (Haley), Christopher Ivey (Kasey), Christian Clark (Peyton); great granddaughter, Ivy Clark; bonus great-grandson, Austin Tillis (Rebecca Lea); bonus great-granddaughter, Ashtin Tillis (Braydon Bingham); great-great grandsons, Easton Ivey, Hayden Dove, Sawyer Dove, Kreed Ivey, Chancellor Clark; great-great granddaughters, Annie Leigh Jetton, Khloe Martin, Kenna Ivey; bonus great-great grandsons, Cayson Tillis and Hutton Herring; brother, Robert Brannon (Margaret); sisters, Margaret Quattlebaum, Jean Quattlebaum, Barbara Mahaney and Martha Barlow. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Agape Care Group Hospice for their loving care and support. Also to the other special caregivers who helped take care of Mrs. Renz during these last golden years. A special thanks also to the Clio Baptist Church family and Clio Senior Center. Flowers will be accepted or memorials in her memory may be made to your favorite charity.
David O’Neil Jacobs, a vibrant soul known for his spirited nature and handyman skills, passed away on October 30, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Cullman, Alabama, on February 5, 1957, David’s zest for life and infectious laughter left a mark on all who knew him. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, musician, and veteran, David’s legacy is one of passion, love, and an eclectic spirit that could light up any room.
David’s journey began in the heart of Alabama, where his innate curiosity and intelligence were evident from a young age. His life was one of service and skill, as he proudly joined the US Navy. David was a true Jack of all trades, skilled as a mechanic, electrician, plumber, and painter, there was no task he couldn’t tackle with precision and dedication.
Family was the cornerstone of David’s world. He is survived by his devoted son, Jason O’Neal Jacobs and his wife Kristy, his loving daughter, Amanda “Mandy” Holland and her husband Ken, and his cherished grandchildren, Timothy Jacobs, Rebecca Jacobs, Jordyn (Isaac) Hatcher, Zane (Elizabeth) Holland, and Jennica (Kade) Daniels. David’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of his five great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward.
David’s talents extended far beyond his professional life. He was an accomplished musician, playing the electric guitar alongside greats like Hank Williams, Jr. and was even offered a spot in the Reba McEntire band. A rocker at heart, he also loved the drums, embodying the spirit of ’70s and ’80s rock. When he wasn’t creating music, David could be found enjoying a game of football, showcasing his marksmanship with a gun or bow, or meticulously repairing electronics. His humor and laughter were contagious, and he found peace in the “spirits” of life.
Known affectionately as “Q-tip” by those close to him, David’s eclectic nature was a testament to his diverse interests and abilities. He was a man who could discuss complex subjects with ease yet never lost the common touch that allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. His intelligence was paired with a passionate and spirited heart, which made him not just respected, but deeply loved.
David O’Neil Jacobs will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. His was a life well-lived, full of melody, laughter, and an enduring love that will resonate for generations to come.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Cecil Olen Taylor, Jr., a resident of Webb, died Sunday November 2, 2025 at Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 62.
Memorial services will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 at 2 PM in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Cecil was born May 28, 1963 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Cecil Olen and Martha Groves Taylor, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Webb and a Truck Driver for Summerford Trucking. He loved his time with family and Alabama Football.
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Juanita Calhoun.
Survivors include his wife, Holly Taylor; god children, Staci Hood (Jason), Anthony Sculley; siblings, Abigail Wild (Steven), Joshua Taylor, brother in law, Vincent Calhoun and a lifelong friend, Robert Kennedy along with nieces, nephews and extended family.
LYNN HAVEN, FLORIDA. . .Barbara Jean Blalock Merritt, a resident of Lynn Haven, Florida, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 30, 2025, at her home. She was 90.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 7, 2025, in the Adoniram Baptist Church Cemetery, 6963 County Road 65, Shorterville, Alabama 36373, with Minister Amy Parrish officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 12:30 P.M. Friday at the mortuary in Abbeville and also following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adoniram Baptist Church, c/o Tina Barnes, 3475 County Road 71, Shorterville, AL 36373.
Ms. Merritt was born and raised in Abbeville, Alabama, daughter of the late James W. Blalock and Alice Hardwick Blalock. She attended Abbeville High School. Ms. Merritt was retired as the Co-Owner and Operator of M. L. Merritt Contracting of Opelika, Alabama. She was affiliated with First Baptist Church of Panama City and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Ms. Merritt enjoyed crocheting, cooking and gardening and watching her favorite television shows which included Golden Girls, Mary Tyler Moore Show and N.C.I.S. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jimmy Blalock and Robert G. Blalock and a special cousin, Olivia Fleming.
Surviving relatives include her son, Kerry Merritt (Lisa), Lynn Haven, Florida; grandchildren, Derek Stevens (Laura Helton), Jessica Darrow (Spencer), and David Stevens; several cousins including, Amy Parrish, Virginia Bostick and Tom Hardwick; and a special and long time friend, Frances Fields.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Arthur Dean Edmonds, a resident of Ariton, died late Friday night, October 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Edmonds will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Jonathan Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mr. Edmonds was born February 15, 1935 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Clyde Edmonds and Edna Beasley Edmonds. He graduated from Ariton High School and began work with the State of Alabama with the road crew. He was later employed with various maintenance contractors at Fort Rucker as a helicopter mechanic on various aircraft, retiring following forty-five years of service. Dean was a Master Mechanic and a member of the Machinist Lodge IAM #2003 in Daleville, Alabama. After retirement, he enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, collecting arrow heads, fishing, Alabama football and tinkering with machinery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Dina Leigh Edmonds Hughes; his son, Gary Dean Edmonds; three deceased brothers, Ronnie Beasley, Bill Beasley and Al Beasley. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Betty Edmonds of Ariton; one son, Lynn Edmonds (Belinda) of Ariton; one step-sister, Barbara Slaughter of Tallahassee, Florida; four brothers, Mel Edmonds and E.C. Edmonds both of Brookhaven, Mississippi, Jack Beasley (Linda) of Savannah, Georgia and Larry Beasley of Tamps, Florida. He is also survived by one special granddaughter who he adored, Kristen Hughes. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center; Cathy McGowan, Vicky, Tonjulla and Dorothy. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in his memory to Mount Olive Cemetery Fund, C/O Mrs. Kathryn Goodson, 1681 Highway 51, Ariton, Alabama 36311; or to Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Mr. Nelson Senn, 373 County Road 241, Ariton, Alabama 36311.
Clara Blanchard, 87, of Headland, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Dothan. She was born on February 9, 1938, to Norris Oder and Nodine Hobbs Oder.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Blanchard; and her seven siblings. Her loving legacy continues through her children: Barbara Ann Trammell, Jerry Blanchard, Rickey Blanchard, Melvin Blanchard, Penny Sanders, Jeremy Blanchard, and Timothy Jones.
A devoted mother, Clara dedicated her life to her family. Following the untimely passing of her husband in 1971, she raised her children with remarkable strength, grace, and unwavering love. She was also a cherished member of Antioch Baptist Church, where her faith and kindness touched many lives.
In keeping with her wishes, a private burial has been held to honor her memory.
