ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mr. Eddie Blackmon, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025. He was 43.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Kenneth Wayne Joyner, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 85 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 9, 1940, in Cottonwood, Alabama, Kenneth led a life marked by love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Kenneth’s journey began in the small town of Cottonwood, he later attended Campbellton High School and laid the foundation for a life of service. His commitment to his country was evident when he honorably served in the Air Force for two years, distinguishing himself in the Military Police and their K-9 unit. Following his military tenure, Kenneth continued his dedication to public safety by joining the Dothan Police Department, where he served for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He also spent time working with the Dothan Housing Authority, where his compassion and commitment to others shone through.
Kenneth was an avid fan of Alabama Football, he reveled in the thrill of the game and the camaraderie of fellow fans. His love for the outdoors was evident in his fondness for fishing, a pastime that brought him both peace and joy. Kenneth’s love for sports extended beyond mere spectating; he served as not only an umpire for various sports, but as a coach for many years, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with players often coaching teams to the world series.
Kenneth started the Bicycle Rodeo at the Farm Center, an initiative that combined his love for community service with his down-to-earth nature. Kenneth’s wisdom, strength, and kindness were the pillars upon which his family and friends relied.
Kenneth’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 24 years, Dianne Joyner, his devoted children, Randy (April) Joyner, Donna (Lamar) Tidwell, Sandra (Ron) Durham, and his stepchildren Dana (Robert) Johnson, Jim (Tammy) McCoy, and Leah (Dow) Johnston. His life was further enriched by the joy of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry his spirit in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sandy Joyner, and son Kent Patterson.
A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joey Holland officiating. Military Honors will follow the service at the Sunset Helicopter Pavilion. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm.
Tony Allen “TJ” Williams, Jr of Ashdown, AR passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Flowers Hospital. He was 38 years old.
Services will be held at a later date in Arkansas.
TJ was born on December 2, 1986, to Tony Williams and Cheryl Grooms Neiman. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Neiman; paternal grandmother, Emma Jean Howard; maternal grandparents, Wilford and Deloris Grooms; and his uncle, Ronny Grooms.
He is survived by his father, Tony Williams of Geneva, AL; one sister, Tonya Sue Stapleton of Ashdown, AR; grandfather, Emanuel F. Howard of Geneva, AL; two aunts, Kim Stanley and Karen Tabler both of Ashdown, AR; one uncle, Don Williams of Foreman, AR; and several nieces and nephews.
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
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mary Annette Hughes Dutill, a resident of Dothan and formerly of Ozark, died Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Southeast Health Medical Center. She was 81 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Dutill will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Don Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Dutill was born May 20, 1944 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Louis Earl Hughes, Sr. and Mary Martha Elizabaeth Ezell Hughes. The late Lois Broadwell Hughes became her step-mother following the death of her mother. Mrs. Dutill graduated from Carroll High School in 1962 and went to work with General Telephone in Ozark, retiring after twenty-five years of service. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and attended Rainbow Meadows Baptist Church in Dothan. She had a kind, gentle heart and loved helping others. Mrs. Dutill enjoyed sewing and was a long-time fan of “The Young and The Restless”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Denver C. Dutill; and one sister, Judith Hughes. Survivors include one daughter, Alicia Davis of Niceville, Florida; one son, Edward Dutill of Atmore, Alabama; one sister, Elaine Glover (Mike) of Ozark; two brothers, Rick Hughes of Pinckard and Louis Earl Hughes, Jr. of Enterprise; four grandchildren, Jamey Yeater (Jennifer) of Slocomb, Alabama, Katie Davis (Jordan Hutchenson) of Freeport, Florida, Libby Davis of Milton, Florida and Lee Dutill of Dothan, Alabama and nine great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Southeast Health; Marlen, Mollie, Tory, Caty, Quanna and Arica; and CCU Kathy, Andrea and Trevor “Cheese Cake”. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1124 County Road 11, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
DOTHAN… Timothy “Tim” Glenn Bright, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home. He was 58.
A memorial service will be announced later.
Mr. Bright was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Harvey Glenn Bright and Betty Faye Whittington Bright. He was a native of Dothan, Alabama. He was a 1986 graduate of Ashford Academy. He had moved to Headland, Alabama about twenty-five years ago and lived there until moving back to Dothan, Alabama nine years ago. He worked with GTE (named Brightspeed now), for over twenty-seven years. He was a member of the CWA Union 3972 and had served as a past president. He also was a very active member in Dothan Masonic Lodge 466. Tim enjoyed coaching football and baseball when his son (Hunter) was playing. He loved being a positive role model for those young men. He was a member at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Kim Wofford Bright.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his son, Hunter Bright (Kaylee Hall); his sister, Gloria Faye Dykes (Ghani); his step-daughter, Camilla Crenshaw; his step-sons, Will Crenshaw (Emily) and Cole Crenshaw (Madison); his step-grandchildren, Grey Crenshaw, Carrigan Crenshaw, Caine Crenshaw, and Crew Crenshaw; his nieces, Jennifer Hinson (Matt) and Jessica Dykes; his nephew, Jeff Dykes (Krista); his great-niece, Chloe Dykes; his great-nephews, Cody Hinson (Corina) and Caleb Hinson; and several cousins and friends.
Mrs. Mary Etta Hallford of Geneva, Alabama passed away on October 27, 2025 at the age of 98.
She was born January 12, 1927 in Black, Alabama to the late Albert and Sallie Pippin Messer.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, First Sergeant Rex Hallford, Jr.; four brothers, Albert ‘June’ Messer, R.B. ‘Bill’ Messer, Jesse Bruce ‘Bru’ Messer, and R.L. ‘Bully’ Messer; two sisters, Doxie Burch and Tressie Guilford; and one son-in-law, Randy Lavoy Kirkland.
Mrs. Hallford is survived by her sister, Eloise (Buddy) Ward; son, Rodney (Linda) Hallford; daughter, Lori Hallford Kirkland; grandchildren, Eric Hallford, Krystal (Josh) Pierson, Randi Leigh Kirkland, Cliff VanNostrand, Steve VanNostrand, and Leah Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Maddie Pierson, Brady Hallford, Alayna Hallford, Gavin Hallford, Ethan Hallford, and Kristyn Sutphin; many other family members and friends; and a special friend, Pat Connor.
Mary lived a life full of love and adventure. She was a devoted military wife, mother, and grandmother. Along with her husband, she traveled to many places such as Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal Zone. Travels didn’t stop there; later going to New York City with her daughter and Las Vegas with her little sister. She had many hobbies including painting pottery, reading, crossword puzzles, and crocheting. She even won several ribbons for crochet projects such as an ornate Barbie bride dress. Mary loved socializing, dancing, playing bingo and dominos, and going to the casino. She frequently went to lunch and events at the Geneva Senior Center and was not shy to dress up or wear a wig. She attended many city-wide events such as parades, festivals, and fireworks. On Saturdays in the Fall, she could be found cheering on the Tide. She was proof that you’re never too old to have fun. She was always there to celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of her immediate and extended family members. This week, we celebrate her.
A visitation will be held Friday, October 31st from 4-6pm at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Children are welcome to wear Halloween costumes. Mary will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with her husband at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Geneva Senior Center.
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