Larry Brooks Barksdale, age 78, of Dothan, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025.
Born July 31, 1947 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late Robert Morgan Barksdale and Muriel Margaret Rizzo Barksdale, Larry was an avid golfer who served his country in the United States Navy.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his daughter, Joey Ann Barksdale.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mary Ann Barksdale; his son, Larry Brooks Barksdale, Jr.; his step-children, Tammy Lynn Prater, Tracey Shane Williams, Taylor Brian Williams, and Tallee Ryan Taylor; his grandchildren, Will, Matt, Mason, Jackson, Olivia, Lily, Kelsey, Abram, and Davis; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Earl Johnson was born on January 20, 1938, and passed away on December 18th, 2025 peacefully surrounded by his family.
Earl was born and raised in Cottonwood, Alabama. His loyalty, hard work, faith, kindness, and humility —were firmly shaped and rooted there. A man of compassion and generosity, Earl was widely known as a mentor, a steady presence, and above all, a man of his word.
After serving in the military, Earl became a barber—a profession he didn’t just practice, but truly loved. His chair was a place of conversation, trust, and wisdom. Even after retirement, his dedication never faded. He built a small shop at his home so he could continue caring for his clients, many of whom had become lifelong friends.
Though he took pride in his work, Earl’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He showed love through service, always ready to help anyone in need, no matter the task. His children learned by example what it meant to be dependable, honorable, and pillars of their community.
Earl found joy in simple, meaningful routines. You could almost always find him with a lawn mower—tending his own yard or helping someone else with theirs.
Those who knew Earl knew that when he said, “Let me tell you what you need to do…,” a word of wisdom was about to follow—offered with care, experience, and a heart of gold.
Earl’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered always.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Voncile Paramore Johnson, his sons, Dennis (Allyson) Johnson, Stanley (Chris) Johnson, Jace (Ramona) Johnson; his grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer) Johnson, Brent (Derek) Johnson-Gage, Trent Johnson, Seth Johnson, Jake(Jessie) Johnson, Logan (Layne) Johnson, Lauren (Andrew) King, Landon Johnson; his great grandchildren, Jack Johnson, Jude Johnson, Jennings Johnson, Remy Johnson-Gage, Meredith Johnson, Marshall Johnson, Myles Johnson, Ryleigh Johnson, Michael Johnson, Miller Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Walker King and Kennedy Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 10:00am-11:00am on Sunday, December 21st at Enterprise Baptist Church, Ashford with an 11:00am service and burial to follow. Service will be conducted by Pastor Tim Wheeler.
Harry Max McClellan, Jr., aged 82, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. Born on September 19, 1943, in Louisville, KY, to the late Harry Max McClellan, Sr. and Florine Lea McClellan, Harry lived a life marked by dedication that touched everyone he knew.
Harry’s journey through life was one of continuous learning and service. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Miami, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. His time in the service was a testament to his commitment to his nation and the values he held dear.
Upon returning to civilian life, Harry married the love of his life, Juanita, and together they navigated the joys and challenges of life for 55 wonderful years. Their partnership was a beacon of love and mutual respect, inspiring all who knew them. Harry was also survived by his brother, Roger Dudley.
Harry’s interests were as varied as they were engaging. He was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator, connecting with people across the globe and sharing his knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. His love for reading was insatiable, and he could often be found with a book in hand, lost in the pages of a new adventure or discovery. Harry also had a unique passion for raising Quaker parrots, a hobby that showcased his patience and nurturing nature.
Known affectionately as a jack of all trades, Harry could fix almost anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His expertise and willingness to assist others were just some of the many ways he contributed to his community.
Fred Allen Pirkle, Sr., a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Thursday, December 18, 2025 at his residence. He was 80.
Funeral services for Mr. Pirkle will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Travis Free officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until service time at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow in Memory Hill cemetery.
Fred was born May 31, 1945 in Elba, Alabama to the late Elvin Pitts and Alberta Pirkle. He served his country during Vietnam in the United States Air Force and later became a Truck Driver. Mr. Pirkle will be remembered as a kind and loving man.
Mr. Pirkle is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose Pirkle and a son, Harold Wayne Pirkle.
Survivors include his children, Fred Allen Pirkle, Jr, Donald Earl Pirkle (Laura), John Elvin Pirkle (Emily) and Patricia House; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; sisters, Velma, Anita, Ann, Brenda and Joan.
With a heart full of love and hands skilled in the art of caring, Margaret “Polly” Quattlebaum, known affectionately as Polly by her friends and family, left this world for her heavenly home on December 18, 2025, at the age of 95 in Malvern. Born on June 23, 1930, in Houston County, Alabama, Polly’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of kindness, selflessness, and devotion to her loved ones.
Polly’s journey began as the beloved daughter of James Ernest and Jewell Howell Brannon. She grew up alongside her siblings, Robert Brannon, Jean Quattlebaum, Bobbie MaHaney, Martha Barlow and the late Hilda Renz, Hazel Hanners, and Frances Woodall, in a home filled with warmth and laughter. Polly’s life was further blessed when she married the love of her life, the late James “Ed” Quattlebaum. Together, they built a family that would become her greatest pride and joy.
Polly’s nurturing spirit was reflected in her role as a mother to her sons, Pete (Pearl) Quattlebaum, Hayward (Malinda) Quattlebaum, Kenneth (Paula) Quattlebaum, Dennis Quattlebaum, and Billy (Sylvia) Quattlebaum, and her daughters, Linda Wambles, Brenda Quattlebaum, and Wanda (Mark) Fore. Her legacy continued to flourish with each of her 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.
Professionally, Polly was known for her meticulous work at Van Heusen in Hartford, Alabama, where she repaired shirts with precision and care. Her dedication to her craft was a testament to her character—always striving for excellence in all she did.
Polly’s interests and hobbies were as rich and varied as her life. She possessed an extraordinary talent for needlepoint, embroidery, and quilting, creating beautiful pieces that were both practical and artistic. Her love for canning vegetables from her own garden provided not only sustenance but also an opportunity to share her harvest with family and friends. Polly found peace and joy in fishing, reveling in the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the catch.
A faithful attendee of Eddins Road Pentecostal Church, Polly’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Her love of travel took her on many adventures, yet she always found the greatest adventure in the company of her family, whom she adored above all else.
Described by those who knew her as loving, kind, and selfless, Polly’s impact on the world was as profound as it was gentle. She lived her life with a grace that inspired all who were fortunate enough to cross her path, leaving a legacy of love that will endure through the generations.
Polly’s final days were spent in Malvern, Alabama, surrounded by the natural beauty of the place she so loved and the family who loved her in return. As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, we do so with gratitude for the time we shared and the memories we will forever hold dear. Polly’s spirit, a beacon of love and kindness, will continue to guide us as we navigate the days ahead without her physical presence, but with her enduring love etched into our hearts.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
Canita Lashae Calloway of Midland City, AL passed away on Tuesday December 16, 2025 at Southeast Health in Dothan, AL. She was 50 years old. Ms. Calloway was born May 21, 1975 in Fort Rucker, AL. She lived in Midland City, AL in her early years. Later, moved to Luverne, AL. She worked at ITAC as a team leader in Luverne, AL. She was a member of Sweet Bethel Baptist Church in Kinsey, AL.
She is survived by her Mother: Mattie Calloway of Midland City, AL, Three children, Daughters: Charmaine and Malaijah Calloway of Midland City, AL and Dothan, AL, and Son, Caleb Calloway of Midland City, AL, Grandchildren Jamari, Jamiya, Jayden Calloway, Jayceon Poke and Bryeir Fenn, Sister: Nikki Knox, Brothers, Devon, Teon, and Dorian Knox. Aunts: Ruth Calloway & Lessie Calloway of Dothan, AL, Shirley (Charles) Hardge of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Glenda Knox of Miami, FL, Ann Allen of Shorterville, AL, Rosa William of Philadelphia, Willie Bell William of Washington D.C. Uncles: Willie (Betty) Calloway, Freddie (Pat) Calloway of Dothan, AL, Nathaniel Knox of South Carolina, Milton Carroll of Mobile, AL, Derrick Lawson Knox, of Dothan, AL, Timothy Allen of South Carolina. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins, a Special Cousin Christopher Calloway, Special Friends Jacky Kelly of Midland City, AL, Sedrick Green of Luverne, AL, and Pam Wesson.
A celebration of Canita’s life will be held at 11am Monday, December 22, 2025 in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Walter Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
