rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Mr. Paul Preston Hall, Sr.

Mr. Paul Preston Hall, Sr.

Paul Preston Hall, Sr., esteemed family man, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Born on August 3, 1943, in Ozark, Alabama, to the late Preston Brady Hall and Mary Bowman Hall, Paul’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and kindness.

Paul, affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It,” was a man whose hands were rarely still. His early education at Ashford High School laid the foundation for a lifetime of practical knowledge and skill. After graduation, he proudly served in the Alabama National Guard, where he honed his discipline and commitment to service. Paul began his working career at what was then Dothan Telephone Company, demonstrating a knack for understanding the intricacies of communication technology.

His professional journey led him to Georgia Pacific, where he retired after many years of diligent work. Paul’s colleagues remember him as a man who could always be relied upon, a true team player whose generosity extended beyond the workplace.

In 2015, Paul moved from Dothan to Tallahassee, where he quickly became an integral part of the Deer Lake Church community. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he lived it out through his actions, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

Paul’s interests were as varied as they were engaging. An avid gardener, he took great pride in his ability to nurture life from the soil. Cycling was not just a hobby but a way to explore the world around him, enjoying the simple pleasures of nature and the open road. But it was his role as “Mr. Fix It” that truly defined him. There wasn’t a sprinkler system, AC unit, or any household challenge he couldn’t tackle. Neighbors knew that with Paul around, help was always just a call away.

His family was the center of his universe. Though preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tommy, and his beloved wife, Margaret Jacqueline Hall, Paul’s legacy lives on through his son, Preston Hall (Sarah) of Tallahassee, FL, his daughter, Elizabeth Hall of Fairfax, VA, his adored grandson, Asher Hall, and his sister-in-law, Judith Hall of Dallas, TX. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 12 PM (CST) at Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama with Reverend Kyle Gatlin officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 AM until 12 PM (CST) at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Lung Association at www.lung.org

 

 

Harley Ivy Addison Dunegan

Harley Ivy Addison Dunegan

Harley Ivy Addison Dunegan, 25, a soul as vibrant as a golden sunflower basking beneath a kaleidoscope sky, where hues of sunset melted into one another, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous two-year battle with an aggressive malignant brain tumor.

Harley, a 2018 graduate of Northview High School, carried a work ethic well beyond her years. She began working at the Elks Lodge at just 14, starting out by serving Bingo players with a sparkle in her eye. Over time, she became the beloved queen of the pool area, making sure everyone was having a good time. Her infectious laugh, sharp wit, and genuine care for others made her a treasured presence to coworkers and members alike.

Her mother, Kimberly Nicole Rudd Addison, her rock and confidante; her brother, Christen Sean Addison (Crystal); her father, Eric Addison; her grandparents, John and Gladys Rudd, who instilled in her a love for the simple joys in life; her uncle, Jon Rudd (Susan); her cousins, Solomon Rudd and Gunner Rudd; her aunt, Autumn Dampier; her cousins, Chloe Smith, Malana Duren and Oren Dampier; her second mother, Natalie Rogers, who provided a second home filled with warmth; her faithful canine companion, Beastie Boy; and her husband, Jacob Dunegan, survive her.

Her interests were as vibrant and varied as the sunflowers she adored. Music was her refuge, the ever-present soundtrack to her life’s journey. Halloween was her favorite holiday—she reveled in the thrill of horror movies and the magic of the season. The Dothan Botanical Gardens offered her a quiet sanctuary, a place where she could immerse herself in the beauty of nature. She cherished the serenity of the beach and the splendor of sunsets, finding peace in the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves.

Though shy by nature, Harley’s loving spirit effortlessly drew people to her. She was blessed with a close-knit circle of friends who became an extension of her family. Her whimsical love for unicorns, the flutter of yellow butterflies, and the enduring charm of Hello Kitty brought smiles and light to those lucky enough to know her. It is often said, “God picks the most beautiful flowers first,” and Harley was truly one of the most radiant—taken far too soon, yet leaving an indelible mark on every heart she touched.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Harley will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Dee Koza officiating. The burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, to share memories and comfort one another.

Harley’s life was a melody composed of the softest notes and the most resonant chords. She danced to the rhythm of her own drum, leaving an unforgettable beat in the hearts of all who loved her. As we say goodbye to our beloved Harley, let us remember her not with tears, but with the laughter and joy she so freely shared. Her legacy is not one of sorrow, but of the love and light she radiated—a beacon for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Harley, here’s to you: the brightest star in our comedic universe—forever shining, forever missed.

Mr. Perry Friday

             SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD

DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301

334-702-1712

www.southernheritagefh.com

William Perry Friday, a resident of Ashford, formerly of Cairo, Georgia died Saturday, August 16, 2025. He was 81.

Graveside services will be held at 1 PM (EST) Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Pine Level Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 PM until 7 PM Monday, August 18, 2025 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.

Perry was born June 14, 1944 in Houston County to the late Issac and Leafy Clifton Davis Friday. He was a graduate of Ashford High School and retired as a Fuel Service Technician from Grady County, Georgia. Perry was one who always had a good time singing karaoke and had a great sense of humor.

Perry is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Thelma Whitfield Friday and siblings, Tommy Joe Friday, Illa Mae Friday, Virgil Friday and Issac Friday.

Survivors include his stepson, Donald Whitfield (Kay) and sisters, Syble Conrad (Charles), Lenabell Kirkland and Henrietta Shelly.

Mrs. Mary W. Lisenby

Mrs. Mary W. Lisenby

Mary W. Lisenby, 90, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully August 15, 2025. Born November 1, 1934, in Quitman County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Effie Whitaker.

Mary was known for her kind heart, loving spirit, and unwavering devotion to God and her family. Throughout her life, she demonstrated an unmatched strength and resilience, always offering a listening ear and a helping hand. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her two sons, Dave (Beverly) Lisenby, Scott (Sandy) Lisenby, her daughter Starla Lewis, daughter-in-law Nina Lisenby, grandchildren Chad Lisenby, Clark Lisenby, Jacqueline (Brandon) Holland, Lauren (Cameron) Choquette, Whit (Bailee) Harrison, Ray (Karen) Pack, Taylor Lewis, and eight great-grandchildren. Mary’s memory will live on in the lives she touched and the values she instilled in her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, W.C. (Bill) Lisenby Jr., son, William C. (Bill) Lisenby III and son-in-law Butch Lewis.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels through Covenant Methodist Church.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Chad Lisenby, Clark Lisenby, Whit Harrison, Cameron Choquette, Brandon Holland, and Taylor Lewis.

Mary will be forever loved and deeply missed.

 

Mr. William “Randy” Faison

Mr. William “Randy” Faison

William “Randy” Faison, age 72, of Dothan, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025.

Born July 2, 1953 in Alabama to the late Marion Weems Faison and Mildred Estelle Kirkland Faison, Randy enjoyed classic cars and classic rock.

In addition to his parents, Randy is preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Weems Faison and Marion Kent Faison.

Randy is survived by his children, Brandi Isbell, Dusty Faison, and Jennifer Killebrew and his grandchildren, Erin, Sara, Kate, Dillon, and Justin.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Betty Lou “Little Mama” Traylor

Mrs. Betty Traylor, age 94, a resident of Cottonwood, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Cottonwood with Rev. Joey Hudspeth and Rev. Tommy White officiating. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 267 Metcalf Street, Cottonwood, Alabama 36320.

Mrs. Betty was born to the late Mr. Royce Elwood and Mrs. Audrey Johns Pope in Houston County, Alabama. She was a graduate of Rehobeth High School and was the actual artist who designed the original Rehobeth Rebel logo. After many years in the working industry, she retired from Twitchell Textile Mill. She was a homemaker, and family was the most important to her. Her most precious times were making lasting memories with her family. She treated all the children of Cottonwood as though they were her own. She was talented in every phase of life, and her hobbies included cooking and drawing. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, Cottonwood.

Mrs. Betty is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty-seven years, James Loyd Traylor; two brothers, Donald Pope and Ronald Pope.

Left to cherish her memories are her two daughters, Betty “Tinker” Danford (Buddy) and Brenda Dunning; three grandchildren, Heather Layton, Veronica Layton, Laci Anderson (Michael); six great grandchildren, Heath Danford (Matlei), Taylor Schartau, Connor Layton, Cory Layton, Addi Anderson, Weston Anderson; five great great grandchildren, Bella Danford, Mikaela Phares, Ella Phares, Addy Folds, Asher Folds; siblings, Jimmie Townsend, Jackie Rodgers, John Pope (Marilyn); special fur baby, Rosie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Layton, Michael Layton, Michael Anderson, Cody Stewart, Heath Danford, Cory Layton, and Connor Layton.

Honorary pallbearers are Jamey Rodgers, Bo Anderson, Will Johnson, Royce Townsend, and Weston Anderson.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice, Lynda Kirkland, Cottonwood Senior Center, Boyd and Dianne Childree for the wonderful care that they rendered to Mrs. Betty.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com