Jacqueline Tomlin Chapman, 87, of Eufaula, Alabama, died Monday, September 22, 2025, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 2 P.M., at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Ken Bush and Rev. Matt Avera officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery with Chapman Funeral Home directing. The visitation will be held prior to the service from Noon until 2 P.M. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Lakeside School.
Born June 14, 1938 in Clayton, Alabama, Mrs. Chapman was the daughter of the late Jackson “Jack” and Ethel Louise Benefield Tomlin. She was a graduate of Newton High School, Class of 1956. She retired as bookkeeper after more than 20 years with the Lakeside School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She attended George C. Wallace State Vocational Trade School. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Sidney L. Chapman, Sr. and her sister, Dorothy Burton.
Survivors include her children: Sidney L. “Chip” (Tina) Chapman, Jr. and Jacqueline Cara (Keith) Hutto; 3 grandchildren: Jennifer Chapman, Amanda Chapman (Brandon) Green, Michael Jenkins; 2 great grandchildren: Chapman Green and Harper Green; 2 sisters: Jean Goolsby and Sara (Pete) Barkley; several nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers will be Wade Taylor, Logan Mitchell, Jay Jaxon, Ben Garrison, Jason Bennett, Mark Shoemaker and Marty Roney.
Vivian Yvonne Lewis Ellison was born on March 23, 1951, in Columbia, Alabama, to the late Jimca and Mary Lewis. She was one of eight beloved siblings.
In 1975, Yvonne married the love of her life, Robert Lee Ellison, with whom she shared many joyful years until his passing on June 25, 2022.
Yvonne went home to be with her Lord on the morning of September 18, 2025, peacefully at her home.
Yvonne will be remembered for her caring heart, her fun and outgoing personality, and the way she brought joy to everyone she met. She had a gift for sewing and worked as a talented seamstress for many years, using her skills to create clothing and keepsakes that reflected her creativity and love.
She is survived by her children, Darrell (Jennifer) Ellison and Rhonda (Willie) Ellison; grandchildren, Elijah, Leah, Jorden, and Isaiah; nephew, Mark Ellison (Mark Jr., Khalil, Jamaar); brothers, Jordan (Jean) Lewis, Curtis (Stephanie) Lewis, and Janssen (Erica) Lewis; god-sister, Jean Allen; faithful nephew, Janssen “Goobar” Lewis; special nieces, Jacqueline Lewis, Lucille Griffin, and Sarah Griffin; uncle, Tommie Guilford and many devoted friends including Willie Sale, EB, Eddie Roy, Buddy, Buford, and Paul. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless others who loved her dearly.
Yvonne’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will live on in all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday at the funeral home from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Beau Christian Martin, age 48, of Haleburg, AL, formerly of Dothan, passed away early Monday morning, September 22, 2025, at his home. He lost his courageous battle with Stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer diagnosed on Easter 2025.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Haleburg Senior Citizens Building (10347 George H. Grimsley Hwy, Columbia, AL) with his close friend and former coworker, Pastor Derek Womack, officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00–3:00 p.m. A private burial with Fire and EMS honors will take place at Martin River Farm (county road 47, Shorterville, AL). In keeping with Beau’s wishes, the family requests that everyone dress casually—horses and flip flops welcome—as Beau was never one for dressing up.
Beau was born on Thursday, January 20, 1977, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, AL, on his mother’s birthday, to Jerry and Reta Martin and was their only child.
He attended Emmanuel Christian School during his early years before transferring to Ashford Academy, where he graduated in 1995. While in high school, Beau played football, and during his senior year, his team won the state championship, taking home championship rings—an achievement he was always proud of. While in school, he also worked at Ivey & Ivey Farms of Webb.
A life of service defined Beau. He joined the Haleburg Fire Department, Columbia Rescue and Houston County Water Rescue, later beginning his career with the Eufaula Fire Department. Determined to further his education, he attended Wallace Community College in Dothan and Trenholm Technical College in Montgomery, where he earned his Paramedic license and became dual licensed in both Alabama and Georgia. He went on to obtain additional certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and EVOC instructor, as well as rescue diver, high-angle rescue, and forestry preservation training. In 2000, Beau started the Haleburg Rescue Squad. Over his 26-year career, he was recognized many times by the American Heart Association for numerous life saves.
Beau dedicated his career to EMS, working with several agencies across Alabama and Georgia. He also worked at HOPCO as a meat processor.
Outside of his service, Beau was an avid outdoorsman and treasured all of “God’s creatures”as he would say when he was a little boy. He loved hunting, fishing, and living life to the fullest. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding bulls at the rodeo. His happiest moments were spent in the woods teaching his children about the beauty and mysteries of God’s creation, traveling with his family to Cades Cove in Tennessee and the Gulf of America (Mexico); watching his daughter barrel race, and taking his son hunting.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Reta Lynn Kretzler Martin (August 2024); maternal grandparents, Carl D. and Esther M. Balsbaugh Kretzler; paternal grandparents, Raymond M. and Lena Vermell Hall Martin Sheppard; and uncle, Carl Dean Kretzler.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Leigh Vickers Martin; his children, Baileigh Caroline Martin and Peyton Christian Martin; their mother, Amy Sellers Martin Shepard; his father, Jerry R. Martin; his step daughters Hannah Bywater (Devin), Hayley Kirsch (Ty); step- grandchildren Dannon Bywater, Addison Kirsch; mother-in-law Nina Vickers; aunt, Ruth A. Billhimer (Thomas); his uncle, Larry C. Martin (Laura); as well as special family members, Shieba Kelly Kennon (Daniel), Mark Kelly (Gina); Todd Blackman (Catrina), Ben and Traci Armstrong. His partners in EMS that became family Denise Revells and Anthony Wells (Linda). He also leaves behind a host of extended family, devoted friends, and coworkers who will miss him dearly.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Clay Harris, Jamar Ivey, James King, Martie Pearson, Keith Taylor, and Allen Van Slyke.
Honorary pallbearers include Mark Kelly, Todd Blackman, Ben Armstrong, Hugh Clements and the crews from AmeriPro EMS, Early County EMS, and Haleburg Fire and Rescue.
The family would like to thank Dr. Vincent Barker, who served as Beau’s colleague, friend, and personal physician, for the outstanding care he provided.
As a longtime family friend said best, “Beau was an everyday hero, saving one person at a time.”
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Karla Lydia Dykes, age 62, of Headland, Alabama, who entered into rest unexpectedly on September 12, 2025.
A Celebration of Life service will be held this autumn at Gateway Church in Headland, Alabama, with Pastor Ruth Jones officiating.
Karla lived a joyful and vibrant life. She spent her youth in Alabama, Florida, and Colorado, and throughout her life she treasured the outdoors, swimming, and riding her motorcycle. She especially cherished spending time with her family—most of all her beloved nieces and nephews—as well as her friends, neighbors, and church family.
In 2007, Karla made her home in Headland, where she became a devoted member of Gateway Church. She was baptized there and found great joy in singing contemporary Christian music. Karla was known for her kindness, love, and a welcoming spirit that touched everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her father, Fred M. Dykes; stepfather, Robert L. Carroll; maternal grandparents, Luke and Vera Lee Copeland; and paternal grandparents, Fred and Edna Lydia Dykes.
Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Mary Juanita Carroll; two sisters, Kathy Taylor and Kay Hand; her brother-in-law, Danny Hand; her brother, Kim Dykes; four step-siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Karla’s warmth, generosity, love for God, and love for life will be remembered always by those blessed to know her.
Midland City, AL – Ray Thompson, a lifelong resident of Midland City, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025. He was 89.
A Celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with Rev. Michael Proffitt officiating and a eulogy delivered by his grandson. A private family burial will follow at Sylvan Grove Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory, which is overseeing the arrangements. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southeastern Drag Racers Association, 8977 South U.S. 231, Ozark, AL 36360. For more information, contact Johnny Jordan at (334) 299-0303.
Born in Houston County to the late Haywood and Alvenia Kelly Thompson, Ray was a devoted member and trustee of Sylvan Grove Methodist Church. He proudly served in the Alabama National Guard and later was an auxiliary officer with the Pinckard Police Department. A dedicated car enthusiast and businessman, he founded Ray Thompson Auto Service, which he owned and operated for over 60 years. He was especially proud of his involvement in the Southeastern Drag Racers Association. Ray loved drag racing and will be fondly remembered for the joy and energy he brought to the sport. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and formerly a Mason at the Dothan Lodge.
Above all, Ray considered his greatest accomplishment was starting and raising a family whom he loved deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Virginia Thompson; sisters, Lois Horne, Gwen Weeks, and Hughlene Stone; and brother, Eldon Thompson.
He is survived by his daughter, Taresa Woodham (Dana); his son, Mike Thompson (Marilyn); his sister, Martha T. Woodham; his grandchildren, Damon Woodham (Chanetta), Madison Woodham, Chasity Enfinger (Tim), Kirstin Wilde (Chris), Nathan Thompson (Abby), and Brandi Enfinger; his great-grandchildren, Donnie, Blake, Mia, Aiden, Remmington, Jaxon, Mary-Kate, Keelan, Kaedence, and Abbigail; his sister-in-law, Dale Lisenby Deese (Mike); and his several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ray will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his lifelong dedication to community and country.
OZARK…Mr. Frank Bezdany, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully late Sunday afternoon, September 21, 2025, at his home. He was 91.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Rocky Head Community, with Pastor Robin Bell officiating. Celebration of Life Services will be held following the graveside at Stonebridge Church of God in Ozark at 2:00 P.M. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bezdany was a devoted servant of God and spent much of his life witnessing for Christ. He shared the Gospel’s message of love and salvation with everyone he met. Frank has gone home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. John 14:2-6.
Surviving relatives include his children, Kathleen A. Fry, Mark D. Bezdany, John Bezdany, Frank J. Bezdany, Jr., and JoAnn Bezdany; grandchildren, Jacqueline Lugo, Colton J. Fry, Gabrielle E. Fry, Jennifer L. Fry, Kaylee Bezdany, Holly Bezdany, Jamie L. Bezdany, and Ashley Bezdany (deceased); great-grandchildren, Mateo Lugo, Myles Lugo, and Kash Bezdany.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
