Joe “Bear” Williams, 71, of Hartford, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Hartford Health Care.
Born on May 29, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Joe was the son of the late Richard and Gracie Watson Williams. Known affectionately as “Bear,” he was a devoted father, uncle, and grandfather whose big heart and good humor touched everyone he met.
A lifelong truck driver, Bear loved being on the open road, casting a fishing line, and sharing a good laugh. Known as a bit of a trickster, he never met a stranger and could make friends anywhere he went. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Bear’s kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gracie Watson Williams; brother, Richard Williams Jr.; and sister, Brenda Williams.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford.
Bear is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Williams of Hartford; children, Sadie Wheeler (Glen) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gracie Lynn Williams of Hartford, and Jason Williams (Linda Coslett) of Hartford; grandchildren, Trenton Thompson, Erin Hatcher, and Kadence Coslett, all of Hartford, as well as Christian Rhodes, Brandon Rhodes, and Kaylin Rhodes, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Hobbs of Esto, FL, Donna Efird (Jerry) of Deland, FL, Joyce Rogers of Panama City, FL, Nancy Skipper (Dewayne) of Gritney, FL, and Mary Odom (Davy) of Chipley, FL; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Age 70, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Southeast Health.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Fowler Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Donny was born on December 14, 1954, to Jewett Goff and Lucille Henderson Goff.
He proudly served in the United States Army and later worked for over 20 years as a mail carrier with the Dothan Post Office. Most recently, he was employed as a courier at Dothan Dental Studio. Donnie was known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and love for thrift shopping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, who brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Rebekkah Goff; his parents, Jewett and Lucille Goff; brothers, Jeff Goff and William Goff; and mother-in-law, Martha Tilley.
Survivors include his children, Anthony Goff and Staci Goff Moore; grandchildren, Adriean Goff Lowe (Dyllan), Caymon Moore (Jaidyn), and Cameron Moore (Erin); great-grandchildren, Levi Goff, Cooper Hudspeth, CJ Moore, Hazel Lowe, and Waylon Moore; special friend, Carolyn Poyner; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives who will cherish his memory.
OZARK…Mr. Jake Smith, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, November 3, 2025, in the Washington County Health & Rehab in Chipley, Florida. He was 69.
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
Edith Faye Gamble, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on May 30, 1938, to the late Charlie Lee Braswell and Sarah Cordelia Lashley, Faye was a devoted mother, not only to her own children but to all who knew her. She raised her family with unwavering dedication and resilience, especially after becoming a single mom. Her children were her pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy through her surviving children, Donna Sasser, June Childs (Keith), and Lynn McKenzie (Rhonda) and her sister, Sara Nell Parker. Her love extended to her 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense happiness and purpose to her life. Special friends, Diane Palmer and Gayvon Braswell, who stood by her through thick and thin, will cherish the countless memories and hold them forever in their hearts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved children, Sandra McKenzie, Ricky McKenzie, and Janice Marie Myers.
Faye had a passion for gospel music, particularly the harmonies of the Gaithers, and filled her home with joy and praise. Her mornings were sacred, reserved for savoring her coffee and reflecting on the blessings of a new day. Faye was also known as a formidable garage sale warrior, always on the hunt for a good bargain, much to the delight of her family and friends.
She also had a love for classic television was well-known, with TV Land shows providing comfort and laughter during her leisure time.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
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
Goff; his parents, Jewett and Lucille Goff; brothers, Jeff Goff and William Goff; and mother-in-law, Martha Tilley.
