Ellen May Hendrix, known to all as May, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on April 22, 1930, in Lebanon, Tennessee, to Jim Huddleston and Cora Hall Huddleston, May graduated from Watertown High School and lived a full and vibrant life.
May was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her loving spirit, strong faith, and incredible cooking. She was a dedicated military spouse who cherished her family, her faith, and the simple joys of life, like canning food from her garden. A longtime member of Westgate Church of Christ, May was a faithful servant of God, often found reading her Bible and enjoying gospel music shows.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene Hendrix; her son, Dennis Hendrix; and her siblings: Benton Huddleston, Glen Huddleston, Ada Dunaway, Corene McCulloch, JT Huddleston, Gertrude Phillips, Howell Huddleston, Ed Huddleston, and Carl Davis Huddleston.
May’s memory lives on through her loving family: her son, Steve Hendrix (LaDonna); her daughters, Shelia Poe (Tony) and Tammy Loyed (Gary); special nieces, Debra Williams (Scott) and Becky Holland (Steve); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy to her.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 AM until the start of the service.
May will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire those who carry her memory.
Robert “Bob” Diaz, Jr., known affectionately among his family and friends as “Blue Leader,” passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the venerable age of 101 in Dothan, Alabama. He was a man of remarkable character and achievements, whose life story began on May 9, 1924, in Havana, Cuba to the late Ana Maria Gomez and Robert Diaz, Sr. Bob’s journey led him to the United States, where he grew up in Middletown, New York, and later became a treasured member of the Miami, Florida, community before settling in Dothan in 1995.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Mary Margaret Peters Diaz, and is survived by a legacy of love and leadership through his children: LeeAnn Diaz Bing (Billy), Linda Diaz Holder (Ted), Robert Charles Diaz (Sharon), and Mark Diaz (Susan). His life was further enriched by the joy of several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward the values and memories he cherished.
A man of intellect and discipline, Bob pursued higher education with a fervor for knowledge and a passion for innovation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Miami, followed by a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Texas. His academic journey culminated in a Master’s in Aeronautical Research Management and Development from Florida State University, setting the stage for a distinguished career.
Bob’s professional life was marked by over 30 years of dedicated service in the Air Force, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military career was storied, beginning in the final years of World War II as a mechanic in the Army Air Corps. In 1948, he transitioned into the United States Air Force, where he soared as a fighter pilot, serving his country during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and earning the deep respect and admiration of his peers. His service also took him abroad, including an assignment in the Panama Canal Zone. Following his military career, Bob continued his lifelong dedication to aviation as the Assistant Director of Operations for the Dade County Aviation Department until his retirement.
His commitment to service extended beyond his professional endeavors. Bob was a proud member of the Shriner organization, and he maintained active involvement with several aviation organizations, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). These affiliations reflected his unwavering dedication to his fellow service members and to the broader community.
Bob’s interests and hobbies were as expansive as the skies he once navigated. His love for aviation was not just a career but a lifelong passion. He was a mentor and friend to many within the aviation community and took great pleasure in sharing his experiences and knowledge with others. Family was his greatest joy and legacy. He met his late bride at a local dance- the beginning of a profound love and a shared passion for dancing that their family holds dear.
As we remember Robert “Bob” Diaz, Jr., we are reminded of the indelible impact he made on his family, friends, and the many lives he touched through his service and community involvement. He was a beacon of wisdom, courage, and kindness, and his story will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who will learn of his remarkable life in the years to come. Bob’s legacy will forever soar, much like the aircraft he once expertly piloted, in the hearts of all who were honored to call him husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Blue Leader.
A celebration of life and the rendering of military honors will be announced at a later date.
Retired Sergeant First Class (Supply), Robert “Bob” Harold Ferguson, age 93, of Dothan, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Bob was born February 20, 1932, in Alliance, Ohio, to William Reed Ferguson and Elizabeth Allmon Ferguson. He graduated from Sebring High School in Ohio and later proudly joined the United States Army, where he served his country for more than 20 years. During his military career, Bob was stationed in Vietnam, Germany, and Japan. Following his retirement from the Army, he began working as a painter.
Bob enjoyed watching Ohio State football and had a lifelong love of skating. He was a professional dance skater who taught roller skating and was especially proud to have taught two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to dance on skates. He also invented a skate safety device. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed sudoko puzzles, painting, and most of all spending time with his family. He developed a very special bond with his nephew Allen.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Ferguson; brothers John Henry Ferguson (who passed as an infant) and Lewis Ferguson; sisters Vera Stroup (Jack), and Sylvia Mummert (Lloyd), Verla Detchon (Fred); nephews Dean Detchon and David Detchon; neice Sandy; LesLie (Les) Fertic and beloved K9 companion, Liebe.
He is survived by his daughters, Melody Ruble (Jack) and R. Jeanne Ferguson; stepson Mike; grandchildren Donald “Jamie” Villars(Yong), Niki Turney (Ron), Eddie Phillips, (Jan), and Scarlett Lester (Ed); great-grandchildren Katrina, Danny, Jacob (Autumn), Olivia, Christopher, Joe (Ally), and Tyler (Shelby); great-great-grandchildren Nolan, Beckett, Janson (due in March) as well as one in South Korea, one granddaughter in Seoul, Korea; cnieces and nephews Allen, Sharon, Diane, Jill, Tracy, Susie, and Steve.
He is also lovingly survived by his best friend and caretaker, Ella Fertic (“Mousey”), and her children Maria Luz Rowe, Brandon Guzman and Robert Guzman
Bob will be deeply missed by many and fondly remembered as an intelligent, kind, generous, and good man.
Donna Ellen (Hartzog) Lewis, 67, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity with The Reverend Katie Bradshaw and The Reverend Carl Saxton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., in the Parish Hall prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to, Taunton Family Children’s Home, 173 Taunton Family Road, Wewahitchka, FL 32465.
Donna was born December 1, 1958, in Chipley, Florida to James Edward & Mary Elsie (Lunsford) Hartzog. She spent the early years of her life in Dothan and was a 1976 graduate of Dothan High School. Donna worked most of her life as a bookkeeper for her family business, H & H Doors and Hardware. Additionally, she worked at Chico’s ladies’ clothing store for several years. While away from work, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, tending to her flowers, and being at the beach. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dothan. Donna deeply loved her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded by her father; and her brother Mark Edward Hartzog.
She is survived by her two children, John David Lewis (Hannah) of Cottonwood, and Anna Kathryn Lewis (Katie) of Dothan; her mother, Mary Elsie Hartzog of Dothan; her sister, Laura Martin (Bill) of Dothan; her seven grandchildren, Landon Thompson, Elle Barron, Metz Miller, Grayson Lewis, Lucy Miller, Huff Barron, and Mary Reese Lewis; her three nieces & nephew, Lauren Beck, Mary Ashley Cole, Carly Leger, and Colby Martin; and several great nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Sarah Elizabeth Williams Dean, of Gordon, Alabama, passed away on January 12, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1934, to John Ward Williams and Mildred Cartier Williams.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Henderson Dean, Jr., and her son, Thomas Henderson Dean, III.
Phillip Randolph Mixon, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at Wiregrass Medical Center on January 24, 2026, at the age of 78.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until service time.
Phillip was born on November 13, 1947, in Black, Alabama, to the late Randolph and Mary Romond Mixon. He lived a life rich in service, love, and dedication to his family. For 45 remarkable years, Phillip made significant contributions to the aviation industry, a journey that showcased his deep passion for flight and technology. He spent 21 years at Hayes/Pemco, two years at Fed Ex and 22 years at Mobile Aerospace. His career was a testament to his commitment and expertise, and it earned him the respect and admiration of many both within and outside the field. In addition to his professional achievements, he proudly served in the United States Marines, exemplifying the qualities of honor and bravery. His time in the military shaped him into the remarkable individual his family and friends came to admire.
In addition to his parents, two brothers: Douglas Mixon and Thomas Mixon; sister, Jean Golembewski and grandson, Tristan Segrest, all preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Teresa “Trish” Mixon; son, Phillip Ray Mixon; adopted daughter, Rita Smith; adopted son, Kenneth Mixon; stepson, Timothy Black; grandchildren: Kalid Segrest, Matt Segrest, Sam Smith, Phillip Mixon, and William Mixon; great-grandchildren: Abygale Segrest and Brysen Brannon; sister, Sarah Montgomery; and brothers: James Mixon and Loy Mixon.
