rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Lewis Edward Chaney, II

Lewis Edward Chaney, II

Lewis Edward Chaney, II of Eufaula, AL passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was 54.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Bro. Raymond Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in the New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Lewis was born in Orlando, FL on November 29, 1970 to Lewis Edward and Betty Joyce Cotton Chaney. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loving and devoted soul who deeply cared for his family. He will be missed by many.

Lewis is survived by his son, Jonathan Caleb Chaney of Columbus, GA; two grandchildren, Braden Lee and Vanessa Marie Chaney, both of Columbus, GA; his loving and devoted parents, Lewis and Betty Chaney of Eufaula, AL; two sisters, Tonya Kay Brogden of Athens, AL and Mary Elizabeth Kilcrease (Fred, Jr.) of Eufaula, AL; aunts and uncles, Raymond Cotton (KA) of Vernon, FL, Gwen Stafford (Jerry) of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Margie Aree Merrill of Luverne, AL, Roy Chaney (Nadaline) of White Oak, GA and Lucille Brooks of Winder, GA and a number of other dearly loved cousins and extended family members.

James D. Richardson

James D. Richardson

James Dale Richardson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left this world to be with his Lord on September 25, 2025, at his home in Taylor, Alabama. Born on September 18, 1943, James’s life was one of unwavering dedication to his family, his craft, and his faith.

James was a man of remarkable skill and work ethic, dedicating 40 years of his life to the art of brick masonry. His hands, strong and sure, built more than walls; they built a legacy of integrity and quality that will stand the test of time. A proud Vietnam Veteran, James served his country with honor in the United States Navy, a period of his life that shaped much of his character and instilled in him values that he carried throughout his days.

Together with his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Lou Richardson, James created a home filled with love, laughter, and the occasional scent of freshly cut wood from his woodworking projects. His sons, Cory Richardson (Amy) and Paul Richardson (Rona), were his pride and joy, raised with the same steadfast values that he embodied. James delighted in the achievements and adventures of his grandchildren, Amanda Paige Richardson and Andrew Tyler Richardson, as well as his great grandchildren, Clayton and Cooper Croy, who will carry forward the lessons of kindness and perseverance they learned from their grandfather.

James was predeceased by his brothers, Jack and Boone Richardson, whose memory he held close to his heart. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Wells, Nancy Corban, and Doris Corban, who will miss their brother’s wise counsel and gentle spirit. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

A member of the United Pentecostal Church of Dothan, James’s faith was the cornerstone of his existence. His commitment to his church community was evident in his actions and his willingness to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. In moments of quiet reflection, James could often be found in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing, where he felt a profound connection to the natural world and to the Creator he so faithfully served.

A celebration of James’s life with military honors will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home with Bishop Joe Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’s honor to SouthernCare Hospice Group and the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org

Veryl Hall McGrady Medley of Headland

VERYL HALL MCGRADY MEDLEY

HEADLAND…  Veryl Hall McGrady Medley, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, at the home of her son. She was 95.

Graveside services will be held 2:30 P.M. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Headland Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Randy Woodham officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made in Mrs. Medley’s memory to C.H.A.R.M. (City of Headland Animal Rescue Mission), P.O. Box 216, Headland, Alabama 36345, or www.charmheadland.org, Children’s of Alabama, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, www.give@childrensal.org,  or to your favorite charity.

Mrs. Medley was born in Blakely, Georgia to the late R.T. McGrady and Emmie Lou Hall McGrady. She lived in Headland, Alabama most of her lifetime. She served for many years as the secretary of Headland Methodist Church. She is a member of the Headland Methodist Church.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Medley, Sr.

Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter, Pamela Hodgkins; her sons, Richard H. Medley, Jr. (Teresa) and Roger Medley (Tina); her grandchildren, Blaine Medley (Dana), Jennifer Medley (Martina), Justin Medley, and Kala Martin (Josh); her step-grandchildren, Peyton Money (McKenzie) and Preston Money (Dusti); and her great-grandchildren, Jaxon Kohl Medley, Cayson Blaine Medley, Kohen Ingram, Eli Martin, Ellis Martin, and Trenton Medley.

Serving as active pallbearers will be her grandsons.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.

Elijah Branton

Elijah Branton

Elijah Branton, 84, a lifelong resident of Rehobeth, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at SE Health, surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Taylor Assembly of God Church with Reverend Kenneth Martin and Reverend James Register officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow immediately in the Taylor Assembly of God Cemetery.

Mr. Branton was born May 1, 1941, to the late James L. (Jim) and Pliner Branton. He was a 1959 graduate of Rehobeth High School. That same year, he began his career with a land surveying company, where he later earned his professional license. In 1982, he purchased the business, which became Branton Land Surveyors. He proudly owned and operated the company until his retirement in 2010.

On May 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Jackqueline (Jackie) Branton. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Together, they faithfully served as members of Taylor Assembly of God Church, where Elijah led the music ministry for more than 50 years and taught youth Sunday school. His dedication, faith, and love for the Lord touched countless lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Selma Kornegay; his brother, James Branton, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Megan Branton.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie; daughter, Kathy Martin (Wayne); son, Rick Branton (Tanya); seven grandchildren, Kacey Williams (Jared), Josh Martin (Kala), Lizzie Thomas (Pete), Matt Branton, Jenna Kindig, and Gavin Kindig; and four great-grandchildren, Jayden and Colt Williams, and Elijah and Ellis Martin; and one sister, Elouise Gerdan.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Home Health, Hospice, and all of the caregivers, along with the staff at SE Health, for their compassionate and dedicated care during his illness.

 

 

Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb

(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.

“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”

To sign a guest register, please visit

www.sorrellsfuneral.com

 

Obituary for Mr. Henry Charles “Hank” Hagedorn, V of Ozark

OZARK…Mr. Henry Charles “Hank” Hagedorn, V, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday morning, September 26, 2025, at the family farm surrounded by his loving family. He was 69.

A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

 

You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com

Jeffery Reynolds of Headland

Jeffery Reynolds of Headland

JEFFERY REYNOLDS

HEADLAND…  Jeffery Reynolds, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, at his home. He was 72.

A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Wright Funeral Home & Crematory.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.