Dewayne Charles Sowell, 69, a long-time resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, following a brief illness.
Dewayne was born October 12, 1956, in Alaska to the late J.D. & Burlie Mae (Adams) Sowell. During the early years of his life, he moved and traveled around the country while his dad was serving in the military. Following high school, he took continuing education classes, was Regional Manager of Great Day, and then began working for Perdue Farms as a purchasing agent. After his career with Perdue, Dewayne owned and operated Sowell Lawn Care for the last 30 plus years, as well as Sowell Investments. Outside of working, he enjoyed playing billiards, watching Nascar & College Football, spending time with his family, and never met a stranger. He was of Baptist faith.
He is preceded in death by parents.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie “Susie” Sowell of Dothan; his two daughters, Katie Woodham (Jonathan) of Dothan, and Ashley Rediker (Seth) of Los Angeles, CA; his two grandchildren, Stanton & Corbin Woodham both of Dothan.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a private family service will be held in Paxton, Florida.
Flowers will be accepted.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mark DeWayne Skinner, was born on December 12, 1975, in Houston County, Alabama, and passed away on July 16, 2026, in Slocomb, Alabama with his family by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Addis Habbard officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:15 to 11 AM Sunday, prior to the service.
Mark graduated from Troy University with a degree in journalism, and he carried that education into a career that reflected both his talent and his eye for detail. He loved taking pictures, and photography became one of the ways he shared the world as he saw it. Through his work for the Jackson County Times and the Floridan, his photography encompassed ballgames, parades, and many other community events. His images captured more than moments. They reflected the spirit of the communities he served and the everyday life he so clearly valued. Mark loved his fellow cowokers at the Times and the Floridan.
Mark was known for his kind heart and his steady love for his parents. He cared for them with devotion, and that love was evident to all who knew him. He was a good-hearted person who treated others with warmth and sincerity. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will remember his gentle nature, his creativity, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life.
He also faced serious illness with courage and determination. Mark overcame his illness and was in remission for 12 years, a testament to his resilience and the strength of his spirit. Even through difficult times, he remained a man of grace and perseverance, and he continued to live with purpose and gratitude.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Hulon Wayne Skinner, and by his grandparents, Clyde and Gertrude Skinner and Johnny and Minnie Bell Tidwell. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Skinner, and several aunts and uncles, who will cherish his memory and the love he shared with them.
His memory will remain a lasting blessing to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Walter Jim McCall, Jr., passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was 76 years old.
Mr. McCall was born on October 1, 1949, in Kentucky to the late Walter Jim McCall, Sr. and Beatrice Hyden McCall. He worked for many years as an auto mechanic, a profession that reflected his talent for fixing and understanding just about anything with an engine.
He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including watching classic Westerns, working on computers, enjoying 1990s sitcoms, riding his motorcycle, mowing the grass, and following NASCAR. His favorite driver was Mark Martin. He was also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan. Above all, Walter cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jacob McCall; his sister, Joyce McCall; and his brother, Ray Hatton.
He is survived by his son, Jim McCall and wife, Katharine McCall; his cherished grandchildren, Mason McCall and Grace McCall; his brother, Russell McCall; and his sisters, Carol Sue Hayes and Rebecca Hatton, along with several extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Walter will be remembered for his mechanical skills, his love of family, and the many memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
Mr. Charles Edward Bush, born on February 15, 1939, in Brantley, Alabama, passed away after an extended illness on July 9, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. He was 87 years old.
Charles graduated from Brantley High School in 1957 and went on to dedicate over four decades of his life to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). His career at ALDOT was marked by significant contributions, including his work on the construction of I-65 and I-85. Rising through the ranks, he retired in 1998 as Preconstruction Engineer for the 6th Division in Montgomery, Alabama. He was a licensed professional land surveyor as well. Following his retirement from ALDOT, Charles continued to share his expertise as a consultant for Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR).
Charles joined the Alabama Army National Guard in 1957 and joined the Alabama Air National Guard in 1983. He retired in 1999 with a combined total service of over 27 years and the rank of Master Sergeant.
A man of faith and service, Charles was a devoted child of the Lord and served as a Deacon at Autauga Heights Baptist Church in Prattville, Alabama. His commitment to his faith and community was a cornerstone of his life.
Charles found joy in fishing, gardening, reading, and playing cards with his grandchildren and friends. These hobbies brought him peace and connection with those around him.
He is survived by his loving family: brothers Rex Bush (Sheila) and Ben Bush (Debra); sister Martha Sappenfield (Bill); son David Bush (Judy); daughters Denise Pace (Reid) and Melanie Bynum; grandchildren Allison Upton, Alaina Bush, Makenzie Bynum, Jansen Bynum, Ashley West, and Alyssa Creel; great-grandchildren Abbey West, Arthur Upton, and Hudson Creel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who cherished him deeply.
Charles was predeceased by his parents John L. Bush and Estell Bush (nee Nance); his wife of 50 years Carolyn Bush (née Messick); brothers Johnny Bush and Jimmy Bush; and sister Betty Murphy.
Charles’s legacy is one of dedication—to his family, his work, his faith, and the many lives he touched along the way. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on August 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Brunson Chapel United Methodist Church 6087 Old Brantley-Luverne Hwy. Casual attire.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)-983-6604
Mrs. Suzanne Owen of Dothan passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 80.
Graveside services will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Dothan City Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Donations may be made to the Ronald S. Owen Scholarship at Huntsville Hospital or to the Ronald and Suzanne Owen Scholarship at Southeast Alabama Medical Center Foundation.
Suzanne was born in Dothan, on October 11, 1945, to the late Nicholas and Irma Louise Solomon. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 1967 with a BS in Elementary Education. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Along with her being a loving wife, she was very supportive of Ron during his civilian and military service.
Suzanne is survived by her husband, Ronald S. Owen, daughter, Kristen Owen Riley (Lee), son, Brian Nicholas Owen (Angie Marie), and grandchildren, Owen Riley, Barnett Riley, Cody Owen and Brayden Owen.
Charles D. Smith died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after an extended illness, surrounded by family. He would have celebrated his 91st birthday on July 23rd.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Glover Funeral Home chapel in Dothan with Rev. Billy Rich officiating. Jonathan Woodham will provide the music. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.
Born on July 23, 1935, to Homer A. and Lena Spivey Smith, Charles grew up in Slocomb, Alabama, his childhood overshadowed by the great depression and World War ll. He began working in his teens, delivering auto parts, which would lead to a lifelong career in the automotive industry.
Charles married the love of his life, Jeanette Johnson, in 1955 and they settled in Dothan, Alabama, where Charles began working for Taylor Auto Parts. In the late 60’s he opened Smitty’s Auto Service which he owned and operated until he returned to the auto parts business as general manager of United Auto Parts until his retirement.
Throughout his life Charles was an avid and well-respected drag racer and builder. Charles and family spent innumerable weekends at racetracks throughout the Southeast competing in different racing classes. One of the crowning achievements of his racing career was when he set an International Hot Rod Association class record in Daytona, Florida, that stood for many years. His accomplishments later got him inducted into the Drag Racers Hall of Fame. Throughout his racing career, Charles’ family was always with him at the track. Crew members often included his son, nephews, family members and close friends. A later move into competitive go-cart racing allowed Charles to team with his son Russell as driver. Their success led to a second career for Charles as an engine builder for racing carts and junior dragsters.
Charles was a devoted Christian. He loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Southside Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as usher for many of those years. He also served honorably in the Alabama Air National Guard.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Lena Smith: his brothers, Howard, Johnny Frank, Homer J., and James; and his sisters, Betty Griffin, Rose Black, and Dottie Williams. Great-Grandson, Maverick Laramore.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeanette Johnson Smith; his daughter, Renee (Paul) Woodham; his son, Russell (Shelley) Smith; his granddaughters, Meghan Woodham, Auburn, Alabama, and Morgan (Dewayne) Laramore; his grandson, Cash Smith; and his great-grandsons, Mason and Milo Laramore. Charles also leaves behind his brother Max (Sandra) Smith; his sister, Joyce Helen Grimmer; and special sister-in-law Lenore Smith, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be David Capps, Mace Kirkland, Kenneth Enfinger, Jon Smith, Joe Smith and Jay Haisten. Flowers will be accepted but donations are preferred and can be made to Southside Baptist Church, 423 E Cottonwood Rd, Dothan, AL 36301.
The family would like to express great appreciation to all of Charles’ caregivers: private sitters Vanita Newman and Mandela McClendon; the staff of Enhabit Hospice, especially Taylor Perkins; and the staff of Courtyard Rehabilitation, especially our special nurses Keisha and Marilyn.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
er Jim McCall, Jr.
