HEADLAND… Helen Phillips Laney, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. She was 80.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Phil Craddock officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request you make a contribution to your favorite charity in Mrs. Laney’s honor.
Mrs. Laney was born in Ozark, Alabama to the late Oscar Howard Phillips and Ruby Pearl Chalker Phillips. She was a 1963 graduate of Carroll High School. Mrs. Helen had lived in Montgomery, Alabama for twenty-five years before moving to Headland in 1997. She enjoyed quilting and cooking for her family. Her true passion was spoiling her nieces and nephews.
Leaving to cherish her memories are husband, James H. Laney; her brothers, Kenneth Phillips (Amy), Neal Phillips (Sandi), and Jackie Phillips (Cora); her sister-in-law, Glenda Lynch (John); her nieces and nephews, Mark Phillips (Anne Katherine), Lindsey Salter (Steven), Andy Phillips (Stacey), Kristi Bell (Jeremy), Holly Hardwick (Richard), Anna Johnson, Jeremy Woodham (Kristen), and Joshua Woodham (Gina); and her several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Wendell Lupton Peacock, a cherished pillar of the Poplar Head Community, passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on September 10, 1955, in Bonifay, FL, to the late Henry Lupton and Vernell Myers Peacock, Wendell lived a life marked by warmth, laughter, and a deep love for his family.
Known for his humor and friendly demeanor, Wendell had the unique ability to turn strangers into friends instantaneously. His gift of gab was as much a part of him as the Florida sun. He knew every nook and cranny of Holmes County, from its dusty roads to serene creeks, due to his love for the land and its people. His passion for life was only surpassed by his love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he considered his ultimate pride and joy.
Survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cynthia Smith Peacock, he was a treasured partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. Wendell was the proud father of two daughters, Brandee Wilson (Eric) of Geneva, AL, and Miranda Rae Peacock of Bonifay, FL. He cherished the role of “grandpa” even more, especially to his grandchildren Reed Wilson, Blake Wilson, Claudia Paulk (Isaiah), and Courtney Monk, as well as his step-grandson Colby Pugh (Taylor). His joy continued to grow with the birth of great-grandson Obadiah Paulk, the expectant arrival of great-granddaughter Kaylee Paulk, and the love for his step-great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Gunner Pugh. Wendell’s legacy of kinship is further carried on by his brother, Willard Peacock (Tereasa), along with his nephews, Hunter Peacock (Anna), and Grady Peacock; two great nieces, one great nephew, and a host of extended family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Poplar Head Community Church with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
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
ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mr. Eddie Blackmon, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025. He was 43.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Kenneth Wayne Joyner, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 85 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 9, 1940, in Cottonwood, Alabama, Kenneth led a life marked by love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Kenneth’s journey began in the small town of Cottonwood, he later attended Campbellton High School and laid the foundation for a life of service. His commitment to his country was evident when he honorably served in the Air Force for two years, distinguishing himself in the Military Police and their K-9 unit. Following his military tenure, Kenneth continued his dedication to public safety by joining the Dothan Police Department, where he served for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He also spent time working with the Dothan Housing Authority, where his compassion and commitment to others shone through.
Kenneth was an avid fan of Alabama Football, he reveled in the thrill of the game and the camaraderie of fellow fans. His love for the outdoors was evident in his fondness for fishing, a pastime that brought him both peace and joy. Kenneth’s love for sports extended beyond mere spectating; he served as not only an umpire for various sports, but as a coach for many years, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with players often coaching teams to the world series.
Kenneth started the Bicycle Rodeo at the Farm Center, an initiative that combined his love for community service with his down-to-earth nature. Kenneth’s wisdom, strength, and kindness were the pillars upon which his family and friends relied.
Kenneth’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 24 years, Dianne Joyner, his devoted children, Randy (April) Joyner, Donna (Lamar) Tidwell, Sandra (Ron) Durham, and his stepchildren Dana (Robert) Johnson, Jim (Tammy) McCoy, and Leah (Dow) Johnston. His life was further enriched by the joy of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry his spirit in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sandy Joyner, and son Kent Patterson.
A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joey Holland officiating. Military Honors will follow the service at the Sunset Helicopter Pavilion. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm.
Tony Allen “TJ” Williams, Jr of Ashdown, AR passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Flowers Hospital. He was 38 years old.
Services will be held at a later date in Arkansas.
TJ was born on December 2, 1986, to Tony Williams and Cheryl Grooms Neiman. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Neiman; paternal grandmother, Emma Jean Howard; maternal grandparents, Wilford and Deloris Grooms; and his uncle, Ronny Grooms.
He is survived by his father, Tony Williams of Geneva, AL; one sister, Tonya Sue Stapleton of Ashdown, AR; grandfather, Emanuel F. Howard of Geneva, AL; two aunts, Kim Stanley and Karen Tabler both of Ashdown, AR; one uncle, Don Williams of Foreman, AR; and several nieces and nephews.
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
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mary Annette Hughes Dutill, a resident of Dothan and formerly of Ozark, died Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Southeast Health Medical Center. She was 81 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Dutill will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Don Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Dutill was born May 20, 1944 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Louis Earl Hughes, Sr. and Mary Martha Elizabaeth Ezell Hughes. The late Lois Broadwell Hughes became her step-mother following the death of her mother. Mrs. Dutill graduated from Carroll High School in 1962 and went to work with General Telephone in Ozark, retiring after twenty-five years of service. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and attended Rainbow Meadows Baptist Church in Dothan. She had a kind, gentle heart and loved helping others. Mrs. Dutill enjoyed sewing and was a long-time fan of “The Young and The Restless”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Denver C. Dutill; and one sister, Judith Hughes. Survivors include one daughter, Alicia Davis of Niceville, Florida; one son, Edward Dutill of Atmore, Alabama; one sister, Elaine Glover (Mike) of Ozark; two brothers, Rick Hughes of Pinckard and Louis Earl Hughes, Jr. of Enterprise; four grandchildren, Jamey Yeater (Jennifer) of Slocomb, Alabama, Katie Davis (Jordan Hutchenson) of Freeport, Florida, Libby Davis of Milton, Florida and Lee Dutill of Dothan, Alabama and nine great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Southeast Health; Marlen, Mollie, Tory, Caty, Quanna and Arica; and CCU Kathy, Andrea and Trevor “Cheese Cake”. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1124 County Road 11, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
