Mr. Gerald Chavis of Dothan passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on February 15, 1950, in Crescent City, Florida, Gerald’s journey through life was marked by devotion to his family, a passion for the simpler pleasures in life, and an unwavering work ethic.
He was a loving husband to his wife of 57 years, Judy Chavis, a guiding light to his children Cindy Chavis, Jerry Chavis (Paige), and Kim Stanley (Anthony), all of Dothan, and a twin brother, to Geraldine Hallman (Earl). His legacy is also cherished by his sister-in-law, Linda Chavis, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched.
Gerald was preceded in death by his dear parents, Dewey and Carlie Jones Chavis, his son Stephen Chavis, grandson Blake Carnes, seven brothers, and three sisters, his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those he left behind. His grandchildren Charlie Carnes (Jerilynn), Hunter Carnes, Brett Chavis, Paige Turner (Elijah), Dalton Chavis (Brianna), Carlee Brackin (Garrett), Kaylee Boren (Junior), Summer McLean (JD), Josh Stanley (Brook), Brianna Chavis (Laurel), Brooke Chavis, Brantlee Chavis, Courtney Smith (Curtis), Caitlin Brannon (Matthew), and Colton Cherry, along with his twelve great-granddaughters, seven great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews will forever hold onto the lessons and love he imparted.
For 36 years, Gerald dedicated himself to his work at Qualico Steel.
Gerald was an avid Alabama football fan and also enjoyed working in his yard and fishing.
As we remember Gerald Chavis, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. His journey on earth has ended, but the stories of his compassion, his unwavering support, and his gentle demeanor will be retold and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Wayne Godwin officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday, one hour prior to the service.
Henry Fitzhugh “Buddy” Lee, III, passed away peacefully at his residence in Panama City Beach, FL, on Monday, October 6, 2025, following a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Geneva First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tyler Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday beginning at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the PGA Tour First Tee Foundation, www.firsttee.org/donate
Buddy was born on August 17, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Henry Fitzhugh Lee, Jr. and Helen Bursley Lee. He grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he learned to play golf and caddied at the Montgomery Country Club and graduated from Lanier High School.
Buddy attended Auburn University, where he was a Sigma Nu and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. While at Auburn, Buddy met his late wife, Dixie Dozier Lee, and they were married for 43 years until her death in 2012.
Buddy loved playing golf, watching Auburn football, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He loved his family and spending time sharing stories with friends.
Buddy graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland Law School in 1972 and practiced law in Geneva, AL, for over 40 years. During that time, he served as the representative attorney for the Geneva City School Board, Wiregrass Hospital, and as the City Judge of Geneva,
In 1991, he helped build and operate the first and only 9-hole public golf course in Geneva County, River Oaks Golf Course, which remained open until 2022.
Buddy moved to Panama City Beach in 2015, retired from the law, and played golf 3 times a week until July of this year.
Buddy is survived by his daughter, Allison Lee Redd (Gaines), 5 grandchildren, Jacob Weldon Redd, Ethan Fitzhugh Redd, Calvin Harris Redd, Dixie Elizabeth Redd, and Sarah Annette Redd, all of Peachtree Corners, GA; one sister, Cindy Lee Kessler, of Montgomery, AL, special friend, Kay Carmichael of Panama City Beach, FL,, friend Anthony Barrett Sullivan (Laura Beth) of Birmingham, AL, and many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to Derek and Becky Warren for their friendship and sacrifice, to the employees at Vitas Hospice who served Buddy with such attention and care the past three months, especially nurse Julie Hand, and to caregivers Janelle Parrish and Denaujah Jackson.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Weldon Redd, Ethan Fitzhugh Redd, Anthony Barrett Sullivan, Robert Murray Bishop, Lewis Reuben Gayden III, Christopher Redden Gayden and Derek Allen Warren.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Dr. Farouk Yusaf Khan, a beacon of compassion and intelligence, passed away on October 7, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 75. Born on April 10, 1950, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Dr. Khan’s journey led him from his birth city to the suburbs of Alabama, where he lived a life marked by dedication, love, and service.
Dr. Khan’s academic prowess was evident early on, leading him to a distinguished career in medicine. After earning his MD in Neurology, he furthered his expertise by obtaining a PhD. His commitment to healing and care defined his tenure as a neurologist, a field in which he excelled and brought comfort to countless patients. Dr. Khan’s dedication to his homeland was also apparent in his service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Pakistan Army, a role he performed with honor and pride.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Khan was a man of deep faith, practicing Islam with a heart full of devotion. His beliefs guided him through life’s challenges and enriched his character with virtues that those around him admired deeply. His loving wife, Mrs. Aliya Khan, stood by his side as a testament to their shared values and enduring partnership.
Dr. Khan’s legacy includes his beloved children, Ayesha Khan (married to Darko Doknic), Amina Khan, Zareen Khan Kobaisy (wife of Dr. Maisara Kobaisy), and Surraya Khan Khorsand (married to Ali Khorsand). His role as a father was one he cherished above all else, instilling in his children the values of love, kindness, and intelligence. His grandchildren, Liam Oliver Bourque, Brycen Khan Doknic, Hala Medina Kobaisy, Noah Miodrag Doknic, Nadia Haleh Khorsand, Lilly Aliya Khorsand, and Musa Farouk Kobaisy, will forever carry the wisdom and joy he imparted.
Dr. Khan’s parents, Mohammed Yusuf Khan and Surraya Mairajuddin Khan as well as his younger brother, Fareed Yusuf Khan, predeceased him, leaving behind memories of brotherly love and shared moments that will forever be cherished.
His zest for life was evident in his many interests. An avid lover of the outdoors, Dr. Khan found solace in the thrill of hunting and the companionship of animals, especially horses. His skill in polo was matched only by his prowess in card games like Bridge and Trumps, which he enjoyed with friends and family. His sense of humor, charisma, and willingness to help anyone in need made him a cherished presence in any gathering.
Dr. Khan was a respected member of the community, reflected in his involvement with the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA) and his status as a 32nd-degree lifetime member of the Free Masons. His life in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s, where he practiced medicine, added to the tapestry of experiences that he shared with all who knew him.
Described as loving, intelligent, and selfless, Dr. Khan’s genuine care for his family, patients, and friends was the cornerstone of his existence. He lived a full life, marked by hard work, optimism, and a boundless capacity for love.
Dr. Farouk Yusaf Khan’s journey on earth may have come to a close, but his spirit and the impact he made on the world will continue to resonate for generations to come. He was, and will always be, a guiding light to his family, a caring healer to his patients, and a cherished friend to many. Dr. Khan’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 2pm at MCW Masjid Alnoor. Burial will follow in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
Edward Linnie Sims, age 88, of Ashford, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Born August 13, 1937 in Valdosta, Georgia to the late Charles F. Sims and Lois Grambling Sims, Linnie graduated from Pinetta High School and Florida State University. Linnie served his country proudly in the United States Army. He worked in Technical Services at Georgia Pacific for 37 years before his retirement.
Linnie loved the outdoors, whether it was traveling or gardening. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and listening to the sounds of nature as he waited for the fish to bite. A proud alumni, Linnie would spend his Saturdays watching his Florida State Seminoles play football.
In addition to his parents, Linnie was preceded in death by his brothers, Fitch and Donald Lee Sims; and his sister, Edna Whigham.
Linnie is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Shelba Sims of Ashford, Alabama; his children, Krystel and Rusty Martin, Charles and Jan Whatley Sims of Pansey, Alabama, Mark and Kim Jeffcoat Sims of Dothan, Alabama, and Gene M. Sims of Huntsville, Alabama; his grandchildren, Justin and Kristi Martin of Pansey, Alabama, Tre` and Joni Eubanks of Gordon, Alabama, Tiffany and Josh Hoover of New Have, Connecticut, Tyler and Shelby Sims of Fort Gaines, Georgia, Zachary Sims of Dothan, Alabama, Emma Sims of Auburn, Alabama, Jarrett and Kelli Kelley of Odenville, Alabama; his 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Phillip and Kaye Sims of Yuba City, California; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Darryl Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Ashford City Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Maurice Vertren Martinestz, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 63. Born in Geneva, AL, on September 14, 1962, Maurice was a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Maurice was a proud graduate of Geneva High School, where he first showcased his outgoing and engaging personality. His love for music and performance led him to attend the University of Alabama, and it was there that he became a proud member of the Million Dollar Band, leaving a lasting impression on both the band and the university community.
In his professional and personal life, Maurice was known as a “Jack of all trades.” His ability to fix, create, and improve was only matched by his culinary skills. Neighbors often found him grilling outside with his boombox playing, a testament to his love for good food, good music, and good company. Maurice’s outgoing and outspoken nature meant he never met a stranger and was beloved by all in his hometown of Geneva.
A dedicated family man, Maurice’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Martinestz, his daughter, Essie Coradini, and his cherished granddaughter, Na’Kaiyah Holmes. Maurice was a brother to Raymond Martinez (Tommie) and a cherished uncle to his special nieces, Kim Campbell, Stacey Bunn, Chloe Bunn, and Tekima Lee. His legacy of love and laughter extends to his many nieces, nephews, friends, and family members who will miss him dearly.
Maurice’s passion for life was evident in his hobbies. An avid fisherman, he could often be found at his favorite fishing spot, patiently waiting for the next big catch. His love for Alabama Football was infectious, and he never missed a game, always cheering on his team with the same fervor he approached life.
Maurice’s ability to light up a room with his presence will be deeply missed. He had a unique gift for making everyone feel special and loved. His laughter, his stories, and his unwavering support for those he loved are the memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
As we say goodbye to Maurice Martinestz, we celebrate a life well-lived and well-loved. His spirit, a blend of warmth, generosity, and humor, will forever be remembered as a bright light in the lives of many. Maurice’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his legacy of love, laughter, and community will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A celebration of Maurice’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mrs. Velma Scott Bonner, of Newton, AL, passed away at Flowers Hospital on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She was 78.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00PM at Shiloh Baptist Church with Reverend Ricky Hall and Reverend Gary DeBerry officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church.
Family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Love in Action in Dothan, Alabama.
Mrs. Velma was born, in Houston County, on July 30, 1947 to Ora Mae Scott. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and loved her church family. Velma enjoyed reading, cooking and preparing food for her family and friends but her greatest love was for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Bonner; mother, Ora Mae Scott; one brother, Kenneth Scott; two sisters: Janie Smith and Sara Harrison; brother in laws; George Wells, Chet Smith, and Hubert Harrison.
Survivors include two daughters: Kim Hammack (Curry), Carol De Phillips (Donnie); son, Shelley Bonner (Sabrina); grandchildren: Jace, Michaila, Marissa, Taylor, Hannah, Logan, and Owen; great grandchildren: Connor, Brody, Peyton, Aubrey, Andy, Harper, Killian, Ryland, and baby Leonard; sisters: Mary Langford (Donnie), and Kathleen Wells; brothers: Wayne Scott (Jean) and Earl Scott; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Infusion Center at Flowers Hospital, Cara and the lab staff at Dothan Hematology and Oncology, Jeff Brannon and the staff at Flowers Hospital. Along with the CCU staff under Dr. Robert Latimer and Blake, Wicksburg EMS, Wicksburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue.
