Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. William Timothy “Tim” Dawkins, a resident of Ariton, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, in Donalsonville Hospital. He was 68 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Dawkins will be 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from Elam Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Hill officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Tuesday from 5:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Dawkins, born February 18, 1958, at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Tim grew up in Albany, Georgia with his parents, William H. “Bill” and June Dawkins, his brothers, Tony and Tommy, and his baby sister, Tammy. While attending Dougherty High School, Tim met the love of his life, Pamela Turner. The two married shortly after graduation in 1976 and began building their life together in Ariton, Alabama. This past July, they celebrated 50 years of marriage, a remarkable milestone honoring a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Those who knew Tim and Pam knew that where you found one, you could almost always find the other. Above all else, Tim loved Pam, and he never needed a special occasion to show it. Tim spent his entire working life in the auto body repair business, a trade he learned early on while working alongside his father. He took pride in his work and carried that skill with him throughout his life. Outside the shop, Tim was happiest outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, and one of his greatest joys was sharing his love of fishing with his family and passing that passion along to the next generation. Tim also had a love for rock ’n’ roll, especially AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Bob Seger, and he enjoyed attending concerts whenever he could. Whether he was working on a car, casting a line, enjoying the outdoors, or sharing a laugh with those he loved, Tim brought his own personality and unmistakable sense of humor to everything he did. Tim’s greatest legacy was the family he and Pam built together. He was the proud father of Billy, Paul, and Cari, and he carried the memory of their infant son, Matthew, who passed away shortly after birth. His love for his family extended through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him continued joy and pride.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” and June Dawkins, and his infant son, Matthew. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pamela Turner Dawkins; his children, Billy (Jessica) Dawkins, Paul (Blair) Dawkins, and Cari (Jeff) Orgeron; his grandchildren, Hannah (Rico) Arreola, Caroline Dawkins, Connor Dawkins, Allie Orgeron, Lacey Orgeron, Hudson Dawkins, and Ledger Dawkins; his great-grandsons, Sammy and Matthew Arreola; his siblings, Tony (Teresa) Dawkins, Tommy (Debbie) Dawkins, and Tammy (Jody) Senn; his Aunt, Sybil Dawkins, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Tim leaves behind a family full of memories, laughter, and stories that will be told for years to come. His life was defined by the things he loved most: his family, the outdoors, a good laugh, and, above all, Pam, his sweetheart. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Ruth Lawrence, age 70, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on October 10, 2026. She was born on June 3, 1956, in Dothan, where she spent her life.
Ruth was married to Bob Lawrence for 45 years. She is survived by her husband; her children, Ben Lawrence and Jenny Lawrence (Steven Carter); her grandson, Jackson Carter; her brother, Robert Beauchamp; her sister, Rebecca Meadows; her brother-in-law, Matt Lawrence; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary Beauchamp, and her parents-in-law, Chester and Liz Lawrence.
Ruth graduated from Dothan High School and earned her nursing degree from Wallace. She worked as a registered nurse in oncology at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for more than 25 years, caring for patients and their families throughout her career.
In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed British television, reading, gardening, and visiting Target and Starbucks. She loved animals, especially Boxers, and cherished her beloved dorkie, Minnie.
Ruth will be remembered for her dedication to nursing, her love for her family, and her enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Ruth will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Daysprings Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Wanda Luther Edwards left her earthly body on October 9, 2026, surrounded by family and friends after a battle with leukemia. She is with her Lord and Savior. She is healed and at peace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold S. Luther and Euzier Betts Luther; her parents-in-law, Rex and Maurine Edwards; and her sister-in-law, Cheri Green.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill Edwards; her daughter Lisa Hendrix and her husband Roy; her son William Edwards and his wife Jennifer; her grandchildren Caroline Hall (Tommy), Olivia Ryals (Cade), Ross Milner (Paetyn), David Edwards (Hannah), Hayes Edwards, and Emily Edwards; her great-grandchildren Benton, Ridge, and Lucy Betts, with greatgranddaughter Elizabeth Ann expected in December; her sister Linda Mercier and her husband Drew; her half sister Sharon Woodward and her husband Sonny; her sisters-in-law Sally Everett (Ronnie) and Dixie Bryan (Bobby); her brother-in-law Jack Green; and several nieces and nephews and extended family.
Wanda was born December 3, 1950, in Cook County, Georgia. In her early childhood she moved several times as part of a military family before settling in Dothan in 1961. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1969 and later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Troy University Dothan.
Wanda married Bill in 1971 and they raised their family near Pinckard. She faithfully served as a farmer’s wife, mother, and later “Mimi.” Mimi was always available to babysit, drive the younguns wherever they needed to go, attend their events, and take them out to eat. She loved her family and spending time with them.
Wanda was a faithful and active member of Pinckard Baptist Church, where she served as church clerk for over 40 years, sang in the choir, and served as chairperson of WMU, among other duties. She loved Jesus and lived a life that reflected His love for others.
Wanda retired in 2008 from the Dale County School System after 28 years. She worked at Newton Elementary as a secretary and teacher before moving to Midland City Elementary, where she served primarily as a second-grade teacher. She was an active member of the Dale County Retired Teachers Association and Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ sorority.
A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held at 11am on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Pinckard Baptist Church. The family will be receiving friends the night prior on Monday evening from 4-6pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Wanda will be laid to rest in the Pinckard Memorial Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Ross Milner, David Edwards, Tommy Hall, Cade Ryals, Nathan Dockery, and Jason Everett. Honorary pallbearer is Hayes Edwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Pinckard Baptist Church in her memory
KINSEY. . .Douglas Allen “Doug” Hand, a resident of Kinsey, passed away early Saturday evening, October 10, 2026, at his home. He was 66.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the Trinity Baptist Church, 15786 Highway 431, South, Headland, with Brother Nick Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. Tuesday in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church. P.O. Box 146, Headland, AL 36345.
Doug Hand was born in Glasgow, Montana and was raised in various locations while his father served in the U. S. Air Force. He was a 1978 graduate of Headland High School. He lived in Headland before moving to Kinsey in 1992. Doug served his country in the 1203rd Engineer Battalion Army National Guard in Dothan. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Doug was retired from ABS Business Systems of Montgomery as a Copier Technician. In earlier years, he worked for Berney Office Solutions. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Odell Hand, his mother, Betty Jean Adkinson Hand and a daughter Heidi Riddle.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Karen Watson Hand; a daughter, Haley Hand, both of Kinsey; sons, Brandon Harrell, Dothan; and Kaden Hand, Kinsey; special children, S.J.R., H.J.R. and K.J.H. all of Kinsey; a sister, Terri Hand Garrison (Chuck), Huntsville; a brother, Larry Hand (Serretha), Kinsey; grandchildren, Kayley Harrell, Kylie Hand, Karter Harrell and Caitlin Riddle; a niece and five 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.
Matthew Ryan Grinstead, age 48, of Dothan, AL, passed away on October 9, 2026.
Born on December 26, 1977, in Dothan, AL, Matt was the beloved son of Dana and Michael Eidson. Early in his life, Matt had a strong bond with his maternal grandparents, his “Granny & Pop,” who played a big part in supporting Matt throughout his life. When their time came, Matt was there for them. Through the years, though, you would often hear his hilarious impersonations of them both.
There was one special place where Matt found joy: Suwannee, FL. Matt spent his early years down on the Suwannee River, fishing with his Pop during summers and holidays.
Throughout his life, Matt was known for being the life of the party and for always being able to make you laugh. You could have just met Matt, and he would have you laughing immediately.
Matt lived a life filled with a wide range of interests. An avid reader, he also enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, golf, and Alabama football.
Matt was always a “Mr. Fix It.” If you needed something fixed, not only would he show up, but 99% of the time, he would get it fixed.
Matt was talented, well-read, and hardworking. He worked in sales for most of his life, along with many other interesting jobs. At the time of his passing, Matt worked with his Uncle Tim and Aunt Amy at Carrier Transicold as a refrigeration technician, a skill he learned from his Uncle Tim while in Orlando.
In 2007, when Matt became a father, he accepted Christ and was baptized. He loved the Lord and was confident in his salvation.
Above all, Matt treasured his children. He was a faithful supporter of all of their activities, even when he didn’t want to be and when his wallet took the hit.
Brooklyn was his firstborn and proudest accomplishment, even though she betrayed him and attended Auburn University.
Bryant was his best friend, giving Matt a taste of his own medicine with many a teenage-boy hijink.
Brett shared many adventures with Matt, who supported all of Brett’s latest obsessions, whether they involved helicopters, Elvis, or golf, to name a few.
Matt is survived by his children, Brooklyn, Bryant, and Brett Grinstead; his parents, Dana and Michael Eidson; his brother, Ross (Kasey) Eidson; his nieces, Harper and Addie Eidson; his sister, Madeline (Judson) Buchanan; his niece, Birdy Buchanan; and his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Mary Nell Eidson. He is also survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Matt (Talmadge) also had a group of lifelong friends—Adam (Corbin) Corbin, Adam (Ezell) McCord, Jason (Chicken Leg) Martin, Matt Heard, and Daniel Driggers—who remained close throughout his life and were accomplices to many shenanigans.
Matt was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wes (Pop) and Dolores (Granny) Grinstead, and his cousin, Townsend Thomas.
Visitation will be held on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bryant Grinstead, Adam Corbin, Jason Martin, Adam McCord, Matt Heard, and Daniel Driggers.
Flowers are welcome but not necessary. If you feel compelled, please reach out to the family about how you can help support his children.
Mr. Nicholas Harold Fears, age 82, a resident of Dothan, died on Friday October 9, 2026, at his residence after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Marianna, Florida, he graduated from Marianna High School before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His military service was a source of pride and reflected his dedication to his country.
Following his military service, he built a long and successful career at Farley Nuclear Plant, where he worked for 27 years before retiring in 2000.
He was a member of Southside Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life.
He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially camping, traveling, and fishing. He also loved to cook, and nothing made him happier than preparing a good meal for family and friends. Whether gathered around a campsite, sharing stories, or enjoying a meal together, he treasured time spent with those he loved. His generosity, welcoming spirit, and love for bringing people together will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the memories they shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Cosby Fears; parents, Irene Fears Sconyers and Nicholas Green Fears; 2 sisters, Dooley Fears and Mary Lois Roberts; 2 brothers, Earlston Fears and Edward Fears.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Melba Fears, Dothan; 1 son, Nicholas Scott Fears, Ashford; 3 daughters, Lisa Hollingsworth (Randall), Pansey; Paula Richardson (Tim), Dothan; Amy Clark, Ashford; 2 stepsons, Paul Kirkland (Tammy), Tallahassee, FL, and Richard Kirkland (Dawn), Panama City, FL.; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Kirkland, Joshua Kirkland, Brandon Hollingsworth, Josh Kirkland, Joshua Stewart and Randall Hollingsworth.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Southside Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff and Reverend Edward Ham officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashford City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing.
The family will be receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, at Southside Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 423 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, Al. 36301.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
