Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Ronald Wayne “Ronnie” Weed, a resident of Echo, Alabama, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Marianna, Florida following an extended illness. He was 76 years old. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public services for Mr. Weed. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Weed was born September 15, 1949 to the late Glenn and Marie Jenkins Weed in Midland City, Alabama where he lived the early part of his life. After graduating from Dale County High School in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country. While serving, he spent time in California, Washington, Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Japan, Philippines and Hong Kong. His military service was an important chapter in his life. He remained in close contact with many of his fellow veterans (honorary brothers) until his health no longer permitted.
Ronnie enjoyed a successful career in outside sales in Dallas and Houston, Texas before returning to Alabama to settle into a more peaceful lifestyle near family and friends, of which there were many. He met and fell in love with Carole Dean McAllister and together they owned and operated several businesses. They created beautiful wooden art pieces in later years where their talents could be showcased and shared with others. He would say that his greatest production in life was his precious daughter Lindsey, whom he loved with all his heart. As soon as she could hold a paintbrush, she joined Ronnie and Carole in their art projects. During Lindsey’s younger years, she and her dad shared a passion for horses and he encouraged her to grow in skill and confidence. Time spent with horses strengthened their bond, and recalling these moments will always bring comfort to her heart. Ronnie and Carole were together for twenty-eight years before she passed away suddenly in 2023.
No matter the circumstances, Ronnie could always be found watching Alabama football and NASCAR. He made it quite clear that he was not to be disturbed during either unless there was blood involved, and then it was a case by case basis. Ronnie was a good natured, entertaining man and he enjoyed visiting with his friends as often as possible, even more so when it was down by the river where they fished, played dominoes and cards, shared countless memories of day gone by, and drank a cold beer or two. He will be sorely missed.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his grandparents, W. T. and Mamie Weed, and Otto and Coner Jenkins; sisters; Judy Bowden and Kellie Northrop; brothers-in-law, Jim Crumpler and Gene Bowden; and nephew, Clint Waltz. Family members left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Lindsey Weed of Echo; his sisters and brothers, Glenda Ann Crumpler of Midland City, Glenn Weed (Betty Jeanne) of Dothan, Mary Sinquefield (Doug) of Ashford, Martha Walts (Greg) of Newton, Douglas Weed (Starla) of Dothan, Nancy Pomrenke (Bob) of Jacksonville, Florida, Sandi Walding (Mikie) of Dothan, Bo Weed (Marilyn) of Troy and Pete Weed (Cindi) of Midland City. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
CW3 Charles William “Bill” Johnson III (United States Army, Retired), a resident of the Camp Ground Community of Ozark, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home. He was 72 years old.
Funeral services for CW3 Johnson will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 21, 2026, from Camp Ground Baptist Church with Reverend Merrell Henry officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Friday from 9:30 A.M. until service time. A complete obituary for CW3 Johnson will be forthcoming.
OZARK…Xavier Nathaniel Gantz, a resident of Ozark, near Skipperville, passed away Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, at his home. He was 16.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 13, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jason Miller, Pastor Daniel Jones, and Pastor David Houston officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to, Harvest Christian School, 1694 Deese Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Xavier was born on July 5, 2010, in Rockford, Illinois. In 2015, he moved with his family to Ozark, Alabama, where he quickly made it home and built many friendships and lasting memories. He was currently a Junior at Harvest Christian School in Ozark, where he was known by classmates, teachers, and friends for his kind heart, respectful nature, and friendly personality.
Xavier had a deep love for adventure and the outdoors. One of his greatest passions was flying, and he was proudly working toward obtaining his private pilot’s license. The excitement of being in the air brought him tremendous joy, and he looked forward to all the opportunities that flying would bring. In addition to aviation, Xavier enjoyed riding dirt bikes, fishing, hunting, playing video games with friends, and spending time around cars. Whether he was outdoors exploring, talking about airplanes and vehicles, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, he lived life with enthusiasm and a genuine appreciation for the things he loved.
More than anything, Xavier will be remembered for the person he was. He had a wonderful personality that naturally drew people to him. He was kind to everyone he met, respectful to those around him, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His smile could brighten a room, and his caring and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on family members, friends, classmates, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and the memories he created with those he loved will be treasured forever.
Though his time here was far too short, Xavier’s life was filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his memory will forever be a source of comfort, inspiration, and cherished remembrance.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Martin and Deborah Gantz.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Sabrina Rafferty Gantz, Ozark; father, Christopher Gantz (Virginia), Chancellor; maternal grandparents, Peggy and Daniel Heavin, Rockford, Illinois; paternal grandmother, Denise Gantz, Livonia, Michigan; siblings, Charlotte Gantz, Carson Gantz, and Montana Mock; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Class of 2028 at Harvest Christian School and members of the Harvest Christian School Basketball Team.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Keisha Renee Shirah of Geneva, Alabama passed away Sunday, August 09, 2026. She was 61.
A private memorial service will be held by her family.
Keisha was born on June 03, 1966 in Geneva, Alabama to the late James Edward and Linda Jean Hicks Shirah. She was an avid lover of the outdoors, being in nature and enjoying the beautiful sunshine. She was a hard worker but valued her time spent with family and close friends. Keisha was a private person but was always available to anyone who might need her. She was confident in her faith and was certain that Heaven would be her home forever.
In addition to her parents, Keisha was preceded in death by one son, Lance Shirah.
Keisha is survived by one daughter, Jessie Childree (Michael) of Geneva, AL; one brother, Steve Shirah (Carla) of Lexington, SC; two special nephews, Gabriel Shirah and Alex Shirah, both of Lexington, SC and the father of her daughter, James Thompson of Dothan, AL.
SKIPPERVILLE…Mr. Tony Earl Shiver, a resident of Skipperville, died late Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, at his home. He was 60.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 6:00 P.M. Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. David Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Shiver, the son of the late Dob Shiver and Lottie German Shiver, was born and raised in Headland, a place that always remained close to his heart. In 2018, he made his home in Skipperville, where he continued to build friendships and enjoy the simple things in life that meant so much to him.
For many years, Mr. Shiver worked as a truck driver with Southwest Waste Disposal. He took pride in his work and was known as someone who could be counted on to get the job done. He was a hardworking man who believed in showing up, doing his best, and providing for those he loved.
When he wasn’t working, he could often be found outdoors enjoying some of his favorite pastimes. He loved spending time fishing and hunting, finding peace and relaxation in nature. Whether it was an early morning in a hunting stand or a quiet day on the water with a fishing pole in hand, those moments brought him great happiness. He was also a devoted sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Football season was a special time of year, and he enjoyed sharing his passion for the Tide with family and friends. In addition to football, he was an avid NASCAR fan who loved following the races and rooting for his favorite drivers.
More than anything, Mr. Shiver will be remembered for his kind heart, his easygoing nature, and the many memories he shared with those who knew and loved him. His presence brought comfort and laughter to family gatherings, and his love for the outdoors, sports, and simple pleasures made him someone others enjoyed being around. Though his family’s hearts are heavy with his passing, they find comfort in the treasured memories he leaves behind and the lasting impact he made on their lives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Susan Covington and Dorothy Brown; and his brother, John Shiver.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Christine Cook Shiver, Skipperville; his children, Theresa Cook (Ligon), Skipperville and Lee Strickland (Cheryl), Newton; sister, Linda Faye McNeal (Earl Cummings), Ozark, step-sister, Mary Ann Brown, Opelika; four grandchildren, Joshua Cook, Christopher Shane Hicks, Cassie Rene Hicks, and Timothy Cummings; aunts and uncles, Melba Slaughter, Lucy Palmer, Linda Cook (Mixon), Illene Cummings (Billy Ray), Pauline Cummings (Floyd), Kenneth German (Glenda), Ronnie German, and Delores German; brother-in-law, Wayne Cook (Nancy), Newton; nieces and nephews, Susie, Michael, George, and Joyce Gail; several cousins.
ECHO COMMUNITY…Dr. Mahlon D. Horton, Pastor, a resident of the Echo Community, died at the age of 95, early Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, at Southeast Health Medical Center, Dothan, Alabama. Our heartfelt gratitude to the care team at DW McMillan Hospital in Brewton as well as the care team at Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., with viewing from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M., Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Ozark, AL 36360. (location of service to be announced) The service will be officiated by his son, Chaplain Gordon Horton, U.S. Coast Guard – ACS. A time of fellowship for all will follow. Burial to be held at the Ewell Baptist Church Cemetery for family members only. Our deepest thanks to John Cawley and Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark for graciously taking charge of the arrangements.
Note: August 20th – 2:00 service you may find the livestream link at the bottom of this page. https://www.fuquabankston.com/obituaries/mahlon-horton
Mahlon Horton was born on July 17, 1931, to the late Dale and Vineta Horton, in his grandparents’ house in Springfield, Oregon. He lived in Fall Creek, Oregon until 1940, when the family moved to Toledo, Oregon. In 1945, Mahlon accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord and was baptized. In 1946, he moved with his family to McMinnville, Oregon. In 1948, he began teaching a Sunday school class of boys in the First Baptist Church in McMinnville. Mahlon also joined the Oregon National Guard in 1948 and served until 1956. In 1949, he graduated from McMinnville High School. He won awards with the Future Farmers of America in the national conference. His Parliamentary FFA debate team won awards.
In 1950-62, Mahlon was in business with his parents and oldest brother; Rainbow Gardens, Inc. They grew potted plants for florist and grocery stores. He ran the delivery van transporting plants to the stores as well as working in the greenhouses.
In 1955, Mahlon married Audrey Nordmo. Through the years ahead, they raised a family of seven children. Their children all give honor and gratitude to their Dad for his faithfulness, dependability and integral part in their lives.
In 1962, Mahlon accepted a position as foreman of Sun Valley Bulb Farm in Myrtle Point, Oregon. Later, when he accepted God’s call to the ministry the owner of this company offered him a new house and a substantial raise if he would remain as foreman of this 35 acre bulb farm. He turned this offer down to live a life of faith following God’s call.
In 1963, Mahlon Horton moved to California to study for the ministry at Western Baptist College. He trusted God completely to provide work as he made this move with his wife and four children. In later years, he earned his Bachelor of Ministry Degree from Covington Theological Seminary and was bestowed a Doctor’s degree from Carolina Bible College in Concord, NC.
In 1965, Mahlon pastored one of the oldest churches in existence in Oregon, Brownsville Baptist Church. Then, in 1967 Mahlon established the First Baptist Church in Rainier, Oregon. From there he went to Grangeville, Idaho to pastor in 1975. In just a few short months, God called him to become a missionary. He joined Macedonia World Baptist Missions and became their first missionary sent out to a foreign field. His commissioning service was held in Lafayette Baptist Church in Lafayette,Oregon which he had previously helped to establish in 1958.
In 1977, after completing deputation in just one year, Dr. Mahlon Horton began his service in foreign mission fields. He served in Freeport, Bahamas for spring of 1977, then continued on to Haiti 1977-81. After a year of furlough in the United States they moved to Canada serving there for 40 years.
In Canada, he established Faith Baptist Church in Chilliwack British Columbia in 1982, and Berean Baptist Church in Kamloops, British Columbia in 1993. Both of these churches were purchased during Mahlon’s ministry and paid in full when turning them over to another pastor. Both Independent Baptist churches have good pastors and are still holding true to the faith today.
In 1992, Dr. Horton became a Canadian citizen while retaining his U.S. citizenship. At age of 78, in 2009, he resigned from his final Canadian pastorate. In total, Mahlon was a faithful international church planter for over 50 years. For the last years of his ministry, he served as the Far North Representative for Macedonia World Baptist Missions raising awareness for the need of church planters in the Far North. He challenged men to “Take up the mantle of ministry.” For several years, the Hortons spent part of the year in Canada and part in Alabama. Dr. Mahlon Horton was in the ministry for sixty years. He retired from Macedonia Missions at the age of 90.
In 2022, Dr. Mahlon Horton and his wife, Audrey, moved full-time to Echo, Alabama where they lived until moving to Brewton, Alabama a few short weeks before his death. He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church in Ozark.
In total Dr. Mahlon Horton preached for 62 years, his final sermon in the pulpit being just six weeks before God called him home to heaven. II Timothy 4:7 is a true testimony of his life, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Dr. Horton was preceded in death by his siblings, Dalton Horton, George Horton, Anita Crafton, and Larry Horton. And also: Son-in-law Matthew Barbier, and grand-daughter Anna Barbier. Surviving relatives include his wife of over 70 years, Audrey Nordmo Horton; his children, Norman Horton and wife, Roslyn – Echo Al., Crystal Barbier – Greenville, S.C., Kenneth Horton and wife, Donna – Fountain Inn, S.C, Phillip Horton and wife, Jill – New Plymouth, ID, Valerie Kuiper and husband, Steven – Brewton, AL., Keith Horton and wife, Ali – Peoria, AZ., and Gordon Horton and wife, Lori – Orrsville, PA.; twenty-eight grandchildren; forty-seven great-grandchildren and three more soon to be born; siblings, Dr. Arlin Horton and wife, Wilma, and Daniel Horton; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Norman Horton, Kenneth Horton, Phillip Horton, Keith Horton, Gordon Horton and Steven Kuiper.
Military funeral honors will be rendered by an Honor Guard at the cemetery in commemoration of Dr. Mahlon Horton’s years of service in the Oregon National Guard.
Dr. Mahlon & Audrey Horton’s whole lives have been committed to spreading the Gospel. In honour of their years of commitment any donations will help to cover remaining medical and burial expenses as well as to help care for Audrey’s needs through times ahead. Audrey desires to carry on their lifetime legacy of service for the Lord to the best of her capabilities.
