OZARK…Mr. James “Bud” Vaught, a resident of Ozark, near Skipperville, died Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Edward Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Vaught, son of the late James Leroy Vaught and Mendie Goodwin Vaught Goodwin, was born on March 11, 1936. He grew up with the kind of steady, humble strength that stayed with him throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped his work ethic, his discipline, and his deep appreciation for the simple things in life.
After his military service, he spent many years on the road as a truck driver, working with several moving companies including Allied Van Lines, Bekin, Coleman, and J & L Moving Company. He took pride in doing his job well, and he was known for being dependable, hardworking, and willing to go the extra mile—literally and figuratively. The miles he traveled and the people he met along the way became part of the story he carried with him.
Away from work, he found peace outdoors. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, not just for the catch but for the quiet moments it offered. He had a soft spot for all animals, and nothing made him happier than sitting outside feeding the birds, watching them gather around him as if they knew they were safe in his presence. He had a gentle way about him that animals seemed to understand.
He shared forty‑five years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan Waters Vaught, and her passing left a space in his life that could never be filled. Their years together were marked by loyalty, companionship, and the kind of everyday love that grows deeper with time. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Clifford “Sonny” Vaught and three sisters, Agnes “Sis” Vaught, Margaret Vaught, and Joyce Vaught.
Those who knew him will remember a man who appreciated the simple joys—fresh air, good company, the sound of birds, and the comfort of familiar routines. He lived quietly, loved deeply, and cared for the world around him in his own steady way.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Elizabeth Dobbs, Ozark; sisters, Glenda Comeaux (Michael), Louisiana, Rhonda Vaught, California and Donna Vaught, Hawaii; brothers, Jim Vaught, Jake Waldrop, Birmingham, Dennis Vaught (Kathy), Florida and Phillip Vaught, California; five grandchildren, Mendie Dobbs, Lucas Dobbs, Tristrine Dobbs, Ashley Dobbs, and Keri Risden; five great-grandchildren, JaKolby Maddox, Joanie Lynn Deese, ; JaKamren Risden, JaKorbyn Risden, and JaKabriel Terry, and two on the way; nieces, nephews, and cousins.,
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Ms. Peggy Williams Riley, a resident of Ozark, died late Saturday evening, March 21, 2026, at her home. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Peter Brent officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Ms. Riley, daughter of the late Harry Williams and Bernice Woodley Williams, was a proud native of the Eastlake/Norwood community in Birmingham. That neighborhood shaped her early years, and she carried those memories with her throughout her life. In 1971, she made Ozark her home, and from the moment she arrived, she poured her heart into building a life rooted in hard work, kindness, and service to others.
For forty‑five years, she owned and operated Riley’s Store and Riley’s Trailer Park. Those weren’t just businesses to her — they were places where people gathered, shared stories, and felt welcome. Folks knew they could stop by for what they needed, but they also knew they’d be met with a friendly face, a listening ear, and someone who genuinely cared about them. She treated customers like neighbors and neighbors like family, and her presence became a steady, familiar part of the community for decades.
She was a faithful member of Logan Road Baptist Church, where she found comfort, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Her faith guided her through life’s ups and downs, and she leaned on it quietly but deeply.
Family meant everything to her. She carried the memories of those who went before her — her sister, Christine Hardin, and her brothers, Lesley, Wesley, Marshall, and H.L. Williams — with love and respect.
Ms. Riley lived her life with a steady strength, a generous spirit, and a down‑to‑earth warmth that made people feel at ease. She worked hard, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy built not on grand gestures, but on everyday kindness — the kind that stays with people long after the moment has passed. Her memory will continue to live on in the community she served, the friends she made, and the family who loved her dearly.
Surviving relatives include her nieces and nephews; special friends, Juan Gonzalez and Nellie Sharp, both of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Robert Larry Wise, age 81, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Noland Hospital in Dothan. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dothan on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Rev. Bob Gross officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM in the Pine Level Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Larry was a 1961 graduate of Elba High School. He attended the University of Alabama and later completed his undergraduate degree at Troy State University. He continued his education at Auburn University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Larry’s distinguished career included service as an Aerospace Engineer with NASA before returning home to work at Ft. Rucker, where he remained until his retirement.
Deeply connected to his family’s heritage, Larry was active in the operation of the family Christmas tree farm and later expanded the business by establishing a Fraser Fir farm in North Carolina. He enjoyed sports throughout his life and was an enthusiastic supporter of the “Crimson Tide.” Saltwater fishing was another pastime he loved and shared with family and friends.
Mr. Wise is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey Wise of Dothan, AL; daughter, Kim Wise of Birmingham, AL; son, Kyle (Rina) Wise of Atlanta, GA; and two grandchildren, Charlie Wise and Olivia Wise, both of Atlanta, GA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olene Spurlin Wise and Jack Cleveland Wise, along with his siblings, Roger Wise, Kaye Wise, and Faye Wise.
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Wise family.
ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mrs. Margaret Ann McMillan Hamby, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at her home. She was 84.
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
MIDLAND CITY. . .Linda Woodham McKnight, a resident of Midland City, passed away early Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 83.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory, between Headland and Dothan. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301 or to Meals on Wheels, c/o South Dale Senior Citizens 1338 Hinton Waters Avenue, Midland City, AL 36350.
Mrs. McKnight was born and raised in Dale County, daughter of the late Roy Talmadge Woodham and Frances Meek Woodham. She was a graduate of Midland City High School and attended Wallace Community College. Mrs. McKnight lived in Montgomery before moving to Midland City in 1972. She was a member of Midland City Baptist Church. Mrs. McKnight was retired from General Telephone in Dothan as a Telephone Operator. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Graham McKnight and a grandson, Jason Herbst.
Surviving relatives include a daughter Melissa McKnight Bryans, Panama City Beach, FL; sons, Buddy McKnight (Lisa), and Rodney McKnight, all of Midland City; a Godchild, Meghan McLendon; brothers, James Talmadge Woodham (Sharon), Mt. Zion, Illinois; and Roy Asher Woodham (Deborah), Midland City; grandchildren, Josh McKnight (Jessica), Jaxon Bryans, Sydney Bryans, Keisha Smith and Kayla Herbst; great-grandchildren, Easton Graham McKnight, Kenzie McKnight and Hudson McKnight; several nieces and nephews.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
