Sumner Earle Stapleton, Jr., affectionately known as Buddy to all who knew and loved him, departed this world on December 4, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in 1936 in Dothan, Alabama, Buddy remained a lifelong resident of the community he cherished, passing away peacefully in the same town that was always home.
Buddy’s life was marked by a series of accomplishments and a dedication to service that mirrored the strong values he held dear. After graduating from Marion Military Institute, he continued his education at the University of Alabama, an institution that would forever hold a special place in his heart. His love for his alma mater was only matched by his love for his country, which he served with honor as a member of the US Marines.
Upon returning to civilian life, Buddy’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills led him to work at his family owned business H & H Dowling and Brothers. He was also co-owner of Southern Peanut Company. His commitment to community service was evident through his roles as the mayor of Pinckard, a Dale County Commissioner, and the President of a bank in Cottonwood, Alabama. He also held esteemed positions on the Board of SARCO, the Southeast Regional Planning Committee, and the Midland State Bank, which later became Southtrust Bank. His business acumen was well recognized, and his partnership with Mikie Walding in various ventures was a testament to his collaborative nature.
Buddy’s sense of duty extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a pillar of the community, a friend to many, and a devoted family man. He leaves behind his loving wife, Joyce Turner Stapleton, his daughter Beth DiDomenico, grandchildren Charles and Sumner Lynch, and great-grandson Josiah Bryan. His sister, Helen “Sissy” Virginia Harell, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Sumner E. and Helen Dowling Stapleton, his daughter Ranah Leigh Stapleton, and his sister Marilyn Stapleton Kiefer.
Those who knew Buddy understood that he was a man of integrity and generosity. His approachable nature and transparent demeanor earned him the respect and trust of everyone he met. An intelligent and selfless individual, Buddy’s friendly disposition was a beacon of light in the lives of many. A die-hard Alabama fan, his passion for sports was only rivaled by his commitment to his community and the love for his family.
Buddy’s life will be celebrated with a service that reflects the warmth and joy he brought to the world. The ceremony will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Brian Turner. Friends and loved ones will gather to honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind from 10-11 am at the funeral home on Tuesday. Military honors will follow the services and Buddy will be laid to rest with a private family service at Pinckard Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wiregrass Food Bank or to The Salvation Army.
Sumner Earle Stapleton, Jr. lived a life that was full, meaningful, and impactful. His unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, and his genuine care for others will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. Buddy’s life story is one of love, laughter, and an enduring spirit that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
NEWVILLE… Deborah Lingo Graham, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away early Thursday morning, December 4, 2025, at her home. She was 69.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 8, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Acy Tucker officiating. Burial will follow in the First Missionary Baptist Church Garden of Rest Cemetery. 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.
Mrs. Graham was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Alex C. Lingo, Sr. and Carrie V. Reynolds Lingo. She was a lifetime resident of Newville, Alabama, except for a short period, that she lived in New York and Shorterville, Alabama. She was a 1974 graduate of Headland High School. She worked over twenty plus years with West Point Pepperell until her retirement. Mrs. Deborah was known for her service to the community. If others were happy, she was happy. She would do anything for anyone. She never met a stranger. We will never forget that bright smile that lit up every room she walked into. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newville.
Along with her parents she was also preceded in death by her son Terrence T. Graham, and her nephew, Daryle Lamonte Warren.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Ward Espy Graham, Jr.; her sons, Kelvin L. Graham (Christina R.) and Derrick D. Graham, Sr. (Ashlie B.); her brother, Alex C. Lingo, Jr.; her grandchildren, MacKenzie Graham, Kaylon Graham, Christopher Graham, Kameron Graham, Kianna Graham, Cara Dawsey (Eric), Derrick Graham, Jr., Cameron Chambers, Michael Brooks, DeYonna Graham, Annaka Thornton, Caleb Hill, Kaiden Graham ,Damoni Graham and Todd Terry, Jr.; her great-grandchild, Josiah Brooks; and her great-grandchild on the way, Lyric Tatum Dawsey; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be her sons, grandsons, and nephews.
Carol Robinson, a resident of Dothan, died Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Southeast Health Medical Center. She was 77.
Memorial services for Carol will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Cottonwood with Reverend Tommy White officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:30 AM at the church prior to the service.
Carol was born January 7, 1948 in Henry County, Alabama to the late William Russell and Mary Emily Watford Norton. She lived in Henry County in her early years and attended Abbeville High School. Carol later moved to Dothan and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church Cottonwood where she sang in the choir, was the WMU director and Treasurer of Sunday School and Women’s Ministry. Carol loved gardening, animals and caring for her family.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Virginia Hayes.
Survivors include her husband, Tony Robinson; son, Michael Spann (Dawn); step sons, Colby Robinson (Abbie) and Chris Robinson; grandchildren, Brady Spann (Sophie), Jamme Newdigger (Matt) and Stella Robinson; great grandchildren, Wyatt and Korie Newdigger; sister, Marie Smothers; brothers, Rusty Norton (Jean) and Roy Norton (Shirley) and a brother in law, Michael Hayes.
Marilyn Betty Hutchings, born December 9, 1933, in Somersville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 in Hartford, AL, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and boundless care for others.
Those who knew Marilyn would tell you she never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand. Whether she was cleaning houses, looking after children, or tending to her beloved garden, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond made her a fixture in the lives of family, friends, and neighbors alike.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert C. Hutchings, Jr.; her son, Mike Hutchings, and her four sisters. Their memories held a cherished place in her heart.
Marilyn is survived by her three children: Linda Guth (Dave), Debbie Tucker, and Greg Hutchings (Debbie). She is also remembered fondly by her nine grandchildren and their families. Ryan and Michael Serdula, Steve and Thomas Tucker, Michael, Matthew, Marc, Justin, and Eric Hutchings.
Marilyn’s unwavering commitment to family, her gentle humor, and her generous spirit will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Her stories, wisdom, and laughter will continue to echo in the gardens she nurtured and in the hearts of those who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Marilyn by planting something beautiful or spending a quiet moment helping someone in need- just as she would have done.
John D. Knight, Jr.,
“June” was born on November 23, 1946, to the late John D. Knight, Sr., and the late Sarah Knight. June passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at his home in Clio, AL.
June was a member of St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Clio, AL. He attended and graduated from Clio Public High School in May of 1964. Later that year, he married Essie Caple Knight and in that union, had one child. He later moved to Miami, FL, where he started his truck driving career and drove for numerous years, which was his passion.
June was preceded in death by his loving parents, John D. and Sarah Knight, one sister, Johnnie P. Pitman, two brothers, Grady Knight and Phillip Knight, one granddaughter, Otiyana Briana LeShay Knight and one great-granddaughter, Paisleigh Michelle Serann Gamble.
June leaves behind a loving daughter, Tamerian Hurt of Dothan, AL, grandchildren, Valencia (Markeith) Williams of Ozark, AL; Michael (Jessica) Gamble of Dothan, AL; Jamorion Kelly of Dothan, AL, great-grands, Chriszavion West, Tatiyana Alexis Teshay West, Makayla Gamble, Makeriah Gamble, Kari Amir Gamble, Greyson Kole Gamble and Jalani Nahir Kelly, three great-great grands, Jaiden Forte, Serenity Williams and Nylah Starks; siblings, James Robert
(Rose Marie, Deceased) Govan, Chicago, IL; Tom Albert (Gennette, Deceased) Govan, Chicago, IL; Ethel (John Albert) Beacham, Clio, AL; Sarah (Raymond) White, Louisville, AL; Jennie Barrow, Montgomery, AL; Bobby D. Knight, Dallas, TX; Donnell (Angela) Knight,
Moundville, AL; Teresa (Fred, Deceased) Daffin, Clio, AL; one Godbrother, Cedric Horn and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; Special friends, Joseph Edwards, Kim Stanley, and Alfonzo Brown of Dothan, AL, and Mary McClendon and family of Clio, AL.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and kindness during their time of loss and great care provided by Southern Care Hospice and especially nurse Heather.
McClendon and family of Clio, AL.