Bobby Childree, a resident of Destin, Florida, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025, in Destin. He was 83.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 13th, 2025, in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M., prior to the service.
Mr. Childree was born in 1942 in Dothan, Alabama, to the late R. D. Childree and Mary Bell Lamb Childree. Bobby was a 1960 graduate of Rehobeth High School and married the late Linda Gail Stone in 1961. During this same time period, Bobby proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force, and after he was honorably discharged, he and Linda built a life and raised their family in Dothan. In 1990, they moved to Chipley, Florida, and after Linda’s passing in 2018, Bobby relocated to Destin to be closer to family. No matter where he lived, though, he always called Dothan home.
Bobby found great joy in tending his yard and garden. He always said he never felt closer to the Lord than when he was working in the beauty that the Lord created. He was a loving and attentive father and grandfather who will be greatly missed, but because Bobby became a Christian as a child and lived his life as such, his family finds peace in the certainty that he is now enjoying the glorious promise of Heaven.
Along with his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by his grandson, Weston, and his brother, Billy Childree.
He is survived by his children, Mary (Brian) Hudson and Greg (Tammy) Childree; his grandchildren, Avery Lamb, Ryan Childree, and Regan Childree; his brothers, Ronnie Childree and James Lamb; along with numerous in-laws that Bobby always counted as his own family.
Please rejoice with the family that though Bobby is gone from this earth, he is now living his best life in the presence of Jesus, and they take great comfort as believers that they will see him again one day in Glory!
HEADLAND… Gregg Armstrong, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Tuesday morning, September 2, 2025, at his home. He was 72.
Memorial services will be held 2:30 P.M. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the First Baptist Church – Headland Worship Center. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, www.stjude.org; or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org.
Mr. Armstrong was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Linton Maleon Armstrong and Sarah Ann Marshall Armstrong. He lived his entire life in Headland, Alabama. He was a 1971 graduate of Headland High School. He had previously worked with Seaboard Coastline Railroad. He retired from Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant after thirty-two years of service as a plant operator. Gregg was a dedicated and faithful member of the First Baptist Church – Headland, where he also served for many years as a deacon.
Gregg was an avid hunter and found great joy in spending time in nature. He always took advantage of any chance to hunt with a friend, a grandchild and other special young people in his life. He especially enjoyed participating in the Second Chance Ministries organization, where he would take young men hunting who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. He had a keen interest in investing in the lives of others and was passionate about encouraging and mentoring the younger generations. In retirement, Gregg used his time and talents to serve others who were struggling with an illness or unable to care for themselves. Without fanfare, he drove those in need to cancer treatments, cared for their yards and often put his handyman skills to use.
“Papa” rarely missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren and attended as many ballgames, pageants, recitals, and school events as he could. Above all, he was a Christian and a devoted family man. While he will be greatly missed in this life, we look forward to seeing him again.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Wesley Len Armstrong; his grandparents, John Wesley Marshall and Addie Mae Armstrong Marshall, and Clarence “Linton” Armstrong and Lila Armstrong.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife Vicki Pitchford Armstrong; his daughters, Alyssa Driggers (Cory) and Amy Kennedy (Nathan); his sons, Wesley Armstrong, Ashley Wimberly (Christy), and Charley Tew (Carla); his sisters, Tammy Armstrong Knowles and Suzanne Monday; and his grandchildren, Savannah Armstrong, Stacie Armstrong, Tyler Armstrong, Holley Driggers, Mary Hannah Driggers, Carson Driggers, Hayes Kennedy, Watson Kennedy, Millie Kennedy, and Gunner Tew.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday School Class (present and former members).
The family would like to give a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Wiregrass Home Care for the love, care and support shown to Gregg and the family through this time.
Mr. Julius Cecil Jones of Coffee Springs, AL passed away on Monday, September 01, 2025. He was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 09, 2025 at Coffee Springs First Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Enterprise, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Julius was born in Geneva Co., AL on October 27, 1935 to the late Stiner and Vera Jones. He retired as an auditor with the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, FL. He was a faithful member of Coffee Springs Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Julius is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Arlene Jones; three daughters, Melanie McCroy (Robert), Laura Tingelstad (Roberto) and Patricia Powell (Mark); three step-children, Sherry Taccino (Richard), Terry Butler (Jed) and Gregory Landingham (Sandy); eleven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and three siblings, Betty Jackson, Augathee Helms and Ned Jones (Glenda) and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
James Roger Retzke was a beacon of light and wisdom in the lives of those who knew him. Born on January 20, 1949, in the peaceful town of Wausau, Wisconsin, Jim’s journey began on a dairy farm that instilled in him the virtues of hard work and perseverance. He carried these values throughout his life, touching the hearts and minds of everyone he encountered. On September 1, 2025, at the age of 76, Jim passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim’s early years on the farm shaped a man of great character and intellect. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s from the Institute of Paper Science and Technology. His quest for knowledge and excellence propelled him into a successful career. Jim found his professional home within the paper industry which would lead him to Georgia Pacific, where he spent most of his career. His colleagues revered him for his intelligence and dedication. Jim’s commitment to his work was unwavering until his retirement in 2000, at the young age of 51.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of deep faith. A dedicated member of St. Columba Catholic Church, he lived his life as a testament to his Christian values. His faith was not only a personal compass but also a shared journey with his family, as he would often drive great distances to ensure they attended Mass, even while on vacation.
Jim’s sense of humor was one of his most cherished attributes. He was always Carol’s willing accomplice in good-natured pranks, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His presence was a comforting and joyful one, and his laughter was a gift that will be greatly missed.
Family was the cornerstone of Jim’s life. His love for his wife, Carol, was matched only by the adoration he had for his children, Carrie, Jeff, Sara, and Kristin, and his grandchildren, Bailey Ann, Simon, Sullivan, Mallie, Libby, Bunny, Lillian, and Jefferson. The title of “Ampa” was one he wore with pride, and the legacy of love he leaves behind in each of them is immeasurable.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carol Retzke; his son, Jeff (Jennifer) Retzke; his daughters, Carrie “Care Bear” Retzke, Sara Brackin, and Kristin (Toby) McCracken; grandchildren, Bailey Ann, Simon James, Sullivan, Mallie Brackin, Elizabeth “Libby” McCracken, Caroline “Bunny” McCracken, Lillian Retzke, and Jefferson Retzke; his great grandchild, Braylin; brothers, Daniel (Betty) Retzke, Myron (Geri) Retzke, Thomas Retzke; and sisters, Joan (Cornelia) Retzke and Mary (Russ) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Cecilia Retzke, his brothers, Timothy Retzke and Jeffrey Retzke, and many other extended family members.
Described by those who loved him as faith-filled, intelligent, and loving, Jim’s legacy is one of enduring strength and compassion. His life was a testament to the power of faith, the value of humor, and the depth of familial bonds. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in his honor, at 11 am on Friday, September 12, 2025 officiated by Father Rich Perkins at St. Columba Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home on Thursday evening, September 11, 2025 from 5-7 pm. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to Wiregrass Hope Group at https://wiregrasshope.com/donate/.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caring nurses and staff at Gentiva Hospice, and especially to Maggie, Jonathan, and Judith who showed compassion, care, and concern for Jim and their family during this difficult time.
Martha A. Pope of Dothan passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the age of 87 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on September 11, 1937, in Alabama, Martha’s life was a testament to the joy and warmth she brought to everyone she met.
Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Stacy Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 3 P.M. Sunday, one hour prior to the service.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ray Herring and Annie Mae Hoffman Herring, and her siblings, George Herring, Lorraine Brunson Higgins, Erleen Wiggins, Bobbie Whitehead, and Mae Helon Friant. Her memory will be forever held in the hearts of those she leaves behind, including her devoted children, Jannie Franklin, Sara Lynn Johnson (Wayne), and Joey Pope (Lori). Her sisters, Dot Nixon and Sara Allgood, will miss her deeply, as will her adored grandchildren, James Franklin, Kate Pettis (Jonathan), and Joshua Pope (Elizabeth), along with her treasured great-grandchild, Callahan Pettis.
Martha’s life was one of engagement and enthusiasm. She was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and Alabama Football. Her love for games was unmatched, and she was known to be unbeatable.
A talented and creative soul, Martha was well known for her beautifully crafted Afghans. These hand-woven treasures were more than just blankets; they were emblems of Martha’s love and care, which she poured into every stitch. Her family invites those who were lucky enough to receive one of her Afghans to bring them to the service and drape them over the pews.
Martha’s legacy will live on not only through her family but also through the countless lives she touched with her benevolent spirit.
Ruby Lee Exum, affectionately known to all as Granny, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 98, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on September 23, 1926, in Dale County, Alabama, Ruby’s warm presence and spirited nature will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Granny Ruby was a force of nature, a woman whose spirit was as vibrant as the gardens she tended with such care. She was the sweetest Christian lady you’d ever meet, with a faith so strong it could move mountains. She was the backbone of her family, stepping up to help raise her younger siblings after their mother passed away, proving early on that she was as tough as nails with a heart of gold.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Web Exum; her son-in-law, Billy Mims; her granddaughter, Lynn Morrison; her great-granddaughters, Avery Exum and Cassy Brooks; her parents, Oscar and Ellen Blankenship Brooks; her sisters, Ruth Hearn and Francis Duke; and her brothers, Pete Brooks, Frank Brooks, Bill Brooks, and Houston Brooks, Ruby was the last survivor of her siblings. Her memory will live on through her loving family.
Ruby is survived by her daughter, Ellen Clark (Earl), and her son, Danny Exum (Gail); grandchildren, Johnny Mims (Amanda), Brandy Exum (Mickey), Johnathan Exum (Mondae), and Eric Exum (Dawn); 11 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit of love and kindness. Ruby also leaves behind special friends Larry Dulaney and Kasey Morris, who were dear to her heart.
A special thank you is extended to the nurses and staff at Extendicare Health and Rehab for loving Granny as their own. You are the unsung heroes who provided comfort and care with a smile that matched her own.
Known for her love of flowers, Ruby found joy in helping in the garden and playing dominos. Her laughter was a common sound when she was with her grandchildren or attending the Cottonwood Senior Citizen Center. Ruby’s adventurous spirit shone through her enjoyment of fishing and her participation in delivering meals to homebound seniors with Kasey. Even in her quiet moments, she found solace in drinking coffee and reading her Bible.
Funeral Services for Ruby Lee Exum will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Earl Clark officiating. She will be laid to rest at Howard Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories from 1:30 p.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home.
