With deep compassion and profound respect, we announce the passing of Eldridge Robert “Bob” Barnes, 83, of Daleville, Alabama, who departed this life peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii during the tumultuous days following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bob’s life was shaped by both history and honor from the very beginning. He would go on to dedicate over five decades to Army Aviation—serving his nation with unwavering courage, selflessness, and humility.
Bob served multiple combat tours in Vietnam, where his bravery became the stuff of legend. Over the course of his military career, he earned 37 Air Medals and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for heroic action during a harrowing mission near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. When his helicopter was brought down by heavy enemy fire, Bob led his crew through treacherous terrain, navigating danger with calm resolve until they were safely rescued—without a single life lost. This act of valor was one of many; he flew countless helicopter missions to evacuate wounded soldiers from hostile landing zones, often braving intense enemy fire to bring others home.
He served a decade on active duty as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. After returning from Vietnam, he continued his service to our nation for the next 40 years as a flight instructor at Cairns Army Airfield, Fort Rucker—mentoring generations of Army aviators. As a longtime flight commander in the Primary Flight Division, he was known for his exceptional skill, quiet strength, and deep care for his students and peers.
Bob’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, integrity, and love. He was not only a soldier and teacher but also a mentor, a confidant, and a father figure to many. His steady guidance, gentle humor, and enduring kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. To be in Bob’s presence was to feel safe, valued, and seen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Connie C. Barnes, and his sister, InaRae Barnes. He is survived by his son, John Earl Barnes of Columbia, Maryland; daughter, Nicole Lorraine Eagen Hutchinson (Mike), Palm Bay, Florida; his daughter-in-law, Denise Barnes; and his cherished granddaughter, Molly—who brought him immense joy and pride.
Bob will be remembered not only for his service and sacrifice but for the quiet wisdom, fierce love, and enduring faith that defined his life. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him, and in the countless lives he uplifted with his courage and compassion.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel, with Father Jim officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2pm. Military honors will follow the service.
Randall Mark Barbaree, age 64 of Banks, Alabama passed away October 17, 2025, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Sykes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. His son-in-law, Allen Knight will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Cole Dawkins, Cody Dawkins, Caleb Dawkins, Allen Knight, Jarrod Johnston and Seth Barbaree. Keahey Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Left to cherish his memory, loving wife of 30 years, Brenda Brown Barbaree of Banks; his children (by marriage), Jody Knight (Allen) of Blue Springs, AL; Clint Senn (Mary) of Eufaula, AL; Stacey Johnston (Jarrod) of Ariton, AL. He was a known as “Big Pa” to grandchildren, Cole Dawkins, Cody Dawkins, Caleb Dawkins, Jarrod Ellington, Amanda Ellington, Kasen Whitehurst and Avery Johnston and 10 great grandchildren. a brother, David Barbaree (Julie) of Banks, AL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin “Hot” Barbaree and Edna Wayne Harris Barbaree and a brother, Marty Barbaree.
Lana’s Flowers of Eufaula will be serving the family (ph.850 819 3344).
ABBEVILLE. . .Denise McCoy White, a resident of Abbeville, passed away late Sunday night, October 19, 2025, at her home. She was 59.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Henry Fullington officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Wednesday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, or to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, both c/o Claudia Trawick, 213 McClendon Drive, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Denise White was a lifelong resident of Abbeville and attended Abbeville High School. She was formerly employed by Great Southern Wood Preserving in Human Resources. In earlier years, Denise was employed by WestPoint Stevens and Westside Terrace. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Denise was preceded in death by her father, James Louie McCoy.
Surviving relatives include her husband, David White; three daughters, Chelse Culpepper and Caylee Price (Tucker), all of Abbeville; and Nichole Thomas (Jamie), Dothan; two sons, Justin Culpepper (Miranda), Donalsonville, GA; and Grayson White (Bailee), Dothan; her mother, Joyce Volf McCoy, Abbeville; a grandson, Raylan Thomas; and a special friend who Denise thought of as a sister, Lisa White.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Brendt Murphy, Darrell Watford, Robie White, Ross White, Robby Culp and Paden White.
The family would like to express their appreciation to our loving friends and family who have helped during Denise’s illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Betty Stafford Garner, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully Friday October 17, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Garner will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Greg Aman officiating. Interment will follow in Elam Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Matthew Worley officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Wednesday at the funeral home in Ozark from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Born August 23, 1934, in Barbour County, Betty grew up in the small community of Elamville, Alabama. She was the fifth of six children born to Leroy and Henrietta Sutton Stafford, and shared her childhood with her siblings; Dorothy and Maurice Andrews, Roy Harvey, Lena Belle, and Martha Jane Stafford. Betty married the love of her life, Trawick Garner, and they were devoted to one another for 72 wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. She was a proud mother to four children: Paul Garner (Lana), Kathleen Garner, Sandy Smith, and Sheri Garner. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Pate Smith (Mary Katherine), Ashley Barron, Michelle Parker, Brooke Walker (Jacob), and Jeffrey Stephenson; and six great-grandchildren: Logan, Henry, Sarah, Mary Charles, Sally, and Anna Katherine. Betty was a longtime member of Ozark Baptist Church and a woman of deep faith. She worked as a cosmetologist for 15 years in local shops but was best known for her devotion as a homemaker. She had a remarkable talent for handcrafts—crocheting, French hand Sewing, embroidery, smocking, and bargello. She found joy in the kitchen, delighting her family with her famous tea cakes, fried cornbread, dumplings, pancakes with sugar syrup, fried chicken, and hot BBQ sauce. Betty also enjoyed playing tennis and attending country music concerts. Her warmth, creativity, and love for her family will be remembered always.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Elam Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Tonita Dawkins, 105 Wyman Street, Enterprise, Alabama 36330. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA. . .Allen Andrew Danford, Jr., a resident of Panama City, Florida, passed away Sunday morning, October 19, 2025, at his home. He was 97.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Blackwood Cemetery, 429 County Road 44, Headland, Alabama, with Reverend George Bryan officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Danford was born in Midland City, Alabama and was raised in the Blackwood Community, near Headland, Alabama, son of the late Allen Andrew Danford, Sr. and Myrle Dick Danford. He served his county in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Danford lived most of his adult lifetime in Columbus, Georgia before moving to Panama City in 2015. He was a Master Mason in the Rose Hill Masonic Lodge No. 484 in Columbus. Mr. Danford retired from the U. S. Government at Ft. Benning as a Bus Driver. After retirement, he was employed by the Muscogee County School System as a School Bus Driver. Mr. Danford was preceded in death by his wife, Irma Calloway Danford, a son, Rex Allen Danford, sisters, Fauviette Thompson, Hazel Reagan, Betty Jo Golden and Rene Herring and brothers, C. L. Danford and Randall Danford.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Sandra Danford Webb (Vic), Panama City Beach, Florida; two sisters, Faye Bruner and Ouida Schulman, both of Dothan; grandchildren, Angie McConnell, Tosh Webb (Shelly), Stephanie Nelson (Scott), Chase Webb (Robin), Cassie Parker (Justin), and Jeremiah Danford; six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Maxine Tew Jackson, 73, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at her residence. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mrs. Jackson at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Central time) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama, where she will be laid to rest. The Rev. Grace Kirkland (Mrs. Jackson’s aunt) will officiate.
Mrs. Jackson’s family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Born August 23, 1952, in Midland City, Alabama, Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of Gladys Corbin of Dothan, Alabama and the late J. L. Tew. She was a textile machine operator at Kenebo in Tifton; and she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tifton.
Mrs. Jackson loved going to the beach; and she loved working with her flowers.
Mrs. Jackson is survived by her husband, Porter Jackson of Tifton; one son, Andrew Jackson of Tifton; one brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Helen Tew of Thomasville; one sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Charles Collins of Dothan, Alabama; and four grandchildren, Madison Salmen, Donovan Smith, Nathan Jackson and Bailey Jackson.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, Tifton Unit, P. O. Box
22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, or Hospice of Tift Area, 618 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794.
