Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Retired) George Belton Sayles, a beloved figure of Wicksburg, transitioned from this life on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the age of 82, in the comfort of his home, embraced by the warmth and love of his family.
A visitation to honor his life will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home located in Slocomb. Following this gathering, a private burial will take place at the serene Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Cemetery.
George was born on May 2, 1943, in Panama City, Florida, to the late Stanley B. and Dorothy Stokes Sayles. His legacy is deeply rooted in courage and dedication; he served his country with distinction in the United States Army for over 27 years, notably as a Cobra pilot during the Vietnam War. Outside of his military commitments, he cherished the beauty of nature and was an enthusiastic supporter of Alabama football, passions that reflected his vibrant spirit.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Jane Thomas Sayles; his loving daughter, Jennifer Sayles; his son, Jim Sayles; grandchildren Shane Langhammer (Cierra), Blaine Thomas, and Kayleigh Sayles; as well as great grandsons Jaxyn and Jasper Langhammer. He will also be dearly missed by his brother, Dewey Crowe (Jackie), along with a host of extended family and countless friends.
George Belton Sayles leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and resilience, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him.
Donations may be made in remembrance of George Belton Sayles to Children’s Hospital of Alabama at 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Stanley Erwin Jones IV, age 36, a resident of Basalt, Colorado (formally of Dothan), passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, December 8, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Dothan, Alabama with Dr. David R. Saliba officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12:30PM until 1:45PM on Monday in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shepherd School or In Christ Name c/o First United Methodist Church, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301.
Stanley Erwin Jones IV, was born in Dothan, Alabama, on January 20, 1989, to Stan and Julie Jones. He was the second-born of twins, arriving just after his brother David. Julie and Stan had already decided that the first twin born would be named David, after Julie’s father, and the second would continue the family name. Stanley joined his big brother, Turner—only 15 months older—and later welcomed his younger brother, Rush, born in 1993.
From the beginning, Stanley was anything but ordinary. Stan recognized early the natural athletic gifts that seemed woven into Stanley’s very being. Stanley grew up loving sports, competition, and the joy of physical challenge. He excelled in nearly every sport he attempted.
At age 12, a friend, Tim Gannon, asked if he planned to compete in the city-wide track meet. Stanley decided he would—and promptly won. He not only took the city title but went on to win the state 100-meter race and compete in the Junior Olympics in Virginia as part of a Birmingham-based relay team that recruited him for their 4×100 squad.
Stanley continued to shine as an athlete at Houston Academy, where, under the guidance of Coach Rodney Dollar, he became one of the top football players in the state. As a senior, he was named Alabama’s 2A Back of the Year and earned a starting spot at tailback in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game. In 2007, he graduated from Houston Academy and committed to playing football for Coach Larry Blakeney at Troy University. In 2020, Stanley was inducted into the third class of Houston Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
As remarkable as his speed, strength, toughness, and intelligence were on the field, it was Stanley’s heart that truly set him apart. He loved deeply and openly and made sure the people in his life felt that love. Children especially held a tender place in his heart, including his nieces and nephews, who adored him.
Stanley shared a unique and unbreakable bond with his twin, David, and with their brothers Turner and Rush. Their memories together are countless and will be cherished forever. Stanley loved his parents, Julie and Stan, with his whole heart, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Stanley lived with his heart on his sleeve. His superpower was forming deep, intentional relationships, something he learned from his beloved grandmother, Mimi, whom he deeply cherished.
Stanley made his home in Colorado, a place where he found peace in the beauty of the outdoors. He embraced all that Colorado offered—golf, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, anything that brought him outside. In 2016, Stanley graduated from Colorado Mountain College.
His natural warmth, love for people, and hospitable personality shaped his career path. He spent several years in Dothan working at Flowers Insurance Agency. Most recently, he worked at The Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, Colorado, where he quickly rose through the ranks and earned the position of Front-End Manager—a role in which he thrived and was deeply valued.
Stanley was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jake and Martha Jo Jones, David Harold Johnson, and Jane Brackin Adkinson.
He is survived by his parents, Stan and Julie Jones; his brothers, Turner Jones (Mary Olivia) of Dothan, David Jones (Claire) of Huntsville, and Rush Jones (Olivia) of Birmingham; grandparents, Jerry Adkinson, and Carmen Johnson; his beloved nieces and nephews, Tee, Asa, Brackin, Sarah Louise, Wheeler, and Presley Jane Jones. Also, his aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly.
Serving as pallbearers are Davis Flowers, Lit Flowers, Charles Flowers, James Gannon, William Gannon, Tyler Jordon, Zach Kelly, Murray Kiesler, and Watson Downs.
Stanley’s life was a gift—full of love, laughter, adventure, and devotion to the people he cared for. He will be forever missed and forever loved.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
David Albertson, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 23, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on September 25, 1950, David’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and the joy found within a melody.
David is lovingly remembered in the hearts of many. He was preceded in death by parents Herbert and Vivian Albertson, his beloved wife of 34 years, Linda Lumpkin Albertson, with whom he shared a bond of unwavering love and support. Their legacy continues through their sons, Bryan Albertson (Rebecca) and Keith Albertson.
The family will announce services at a later date.
David’s professional journey as an electrician in construction showcased his attention to detail and his commitment to craft. His involvement in various associations tied to his trade reflected his desire for continuous growth and his penchant for fellowship.
Aside from his professional life, David found his spiritual home at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where he was not only a member but also served with passion and dedication. David’s passion for music and his skill with the trombone resonated within the walls of his church every Sunday. As a member of the church orchestra, his musical talent was a gift that he joyfully shared, enhancing the spiritual experience for all those in attendance. His love for music was paralleled only by his devotion to his family. A family-oriented man, he fostered a home environment filled with laughter, support, and unwavering love.
As we look back at the life of David Albertson, ‘loving’ and ‘kind’ are the words that resound. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a man who embodied love in all its forms and left a lasting impression of kindness on the world.
Mavis Marie Ryals Vickers of Hartford, Al passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Hartford Healthcare. She was 73.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in the Chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home at 11:00 AM with Reverend Zachary Hayes officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
Interment will follow at Hartford City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Ryals, Daniel Dean, Lance Ryals, Richard Tate, Ridge Tate, and Brent Watson.
Mavis was born in Hartford, Alabama, on October 20, 1952, to Hayward and Mary Esther Ryals. She graduated from Wicksburg High School in 1972 and went on to work at the Van Heusen Textile Factory and later in the Dietary Department at the Hartford Retirement Village.
She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She was known for her love of cooking and took great pride in preparing meals for her family. Hosting gatherings, whether big holiday dinners or simple Sunday lunches, was one of her greatest pleasures, and her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of something good on the stove.
In addition to her parents; brothers: Earl Ray Ryals, Billy Wayne Ryals, and Max Ryals, all preceded her in death.
Mavis is survived by her daughter, Heather Gieselmann; Son, Mitchell Vickers (Kelli); grandchildren: Payton Ware (Mathis), Dylan Gieselmann (Emily), Emilee Vickers, Marley Gieselmann; great grandchildren: Joiner Gieselmann, Sims Ware; sister, Janice Dean (Earnest) and other nieces, nephews, extend family and friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hartford Healthcare, Southern Care Hospice and Aunt Janice for the love and care shown and provided to their loving mother.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions maybe be made in Ms. Mavis Vicker’s name to Southern Care Hospice, Enterprise, Alabama.
Ilona Battenberg Gause of Samson, AL passed away on November 26, 2025. She was 67 years old.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held by the family at a later date.
Ilona was born in Germany on March 16, 1958 to the late George and Elizabeth Battenberg. She as a devoted homemaker who loved to crochet and bake for her family and friends. She was a skilled baker and cake maker, even winning a baking contest in her younger years.
Ilona is survived by her son, Thomas Gause (Becky) of Lawrenceville, GA, daughter, Jessy Chancey (Heath) of Samson, AL; three grandchildren, Makayla, Emma and William Obie Chancey, all of Samson, AL; one brother, Arthur Battenberg of Germany.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS…Mrs. Lettie Anne McGraw Spivey, a resident of Fort Worth, Texas (formerly of Ozark), died late Tuesday afternoon, November 18, 2025, in Fort Worth. She was 93.
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
