George Wendell Trotter, born on June 20, 1947, in Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away on July 14, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. His life was a testament to devotion, service, and steadfast love for family, community, and country.
He was the husband of Katherine “Jane” Trotter for 57 years. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents, John and Elisabeth Trotter; his brother, William P. Deavers; his sisters, Doris Maria Kennon, Evelyn Terral, and Nancy Griffin; his sister-in-law, Carol Trotter; and his brothers-in-law, Jimmy Hughes and Rodney Barron.
George is survived by his sons, Stacey (Kim) Trotter, Jeremy (Kayla) Trotter, and Lucas (Kimberly) Trotter. He was a grandfather to Abree (Matthew) Buie, Colton Trotter, Emerson Trotter, Lofton Trotter, Ashlyn Trotter, Paxton Trotter, Clayton Trotter, and Easton Trotter. He also leaves behind his siblings, John Louis Trotter, Jr., Jackie Elisabeth Trotter, Peggy T. Hughes, and Beverly Ann Barron.
George received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University, an achievement that reflected his determination and commitment to learning. He carried that same dedication into his professional life, where he was known for his strong work ethic, knowledge, and leadership. He retired from BASF, where he served as an agronomist and regional sales manager for the Southeast, and he was respected for the integrity and care he brought to his work. He also served as a high school biology teacher at Oberlin High School.
His service extended beyond his career, as he was active in his community and valued the responsibility of civic involvement. He served as President of the Grant Parish School Board, demonstrating his commitment to education and to the well-being of the children and families in the community. He believed in doing his part, approaching leadership with fairness, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a difference. After relocating to Alabama, he remained civically engaged and was an active member of the Houston County Republican Party.
George loved his family deeply, and that love guided much of his life. He treasured time spent with those closest to him and found joy in the simple, meaningful moments family life provided. He also loved America and held strong political convictions, which he expressed with the same honesty and conviction that shaped the rest of his life. While his children did not always understand his passion for politics, they knew it came from his deep desire to protect them, preserve their freedoms, and safeguard the rights and opportunities he hoped they would always enjoy. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, finding peace and satisfaction in the land and the natural world around him. These interests were more than hobbies—they reflected the life he cherished and the values he embraced.
A celebration of George’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Brayden Hardy officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rehobeth Community Development Foundation, 221 Malvern Road, Rehobeth, AL 36301 in George’s honor.
Jan Susan Branting Rich, 71, peacefully fell asleep in death on July 13, 2026 after faithfully enduring Alzheimer’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was born on September 12, 1954, to the late Eileen and Homer Branting.
Jan will be remembered as a gentle, soft-spoken woman whose calm presence brought comfort to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her warm smile, contagious laugh, and caring spirit made others feel welcomed and loved. Whether through a word of encouragement, a warm embrace, or simply her quiet attentiveness, Jan had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued.
For fifty years, Jan shared a beautiful marriage with the love of her life, Harry Michael Rich. Their love only deepened through the years, especially as they faced the challenges of Jan’s Alzheimer’s disease together. Jan lovingly doted on Mike—affectionately calling him “Mikey”—and was always by his side, holding his hand, supporting his goals, celebrating his accomplishments, and tending to even the smallest details of his care. Their enduring devotion was a beautiful example of loyal, selfless love.
Jan was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and her faith was the foundation of her life. From a young age, she courageously stood firm for her beliefs. Throughout her life, she held fast to Jehovah’s promise of a righteous new world where sickness, pain, and death will be no more. That hope sustained her and brought her peace, especially during her final years. Her family and friends eagerly look forward to the day when they will welcome her back in perfect health, as Jehovah fulfills His promise to make “all things new.”
Jan possessed a deep compassion that extended to both people and animals. She had an extraordinary love for dogs, cats, and all creatures, and animals seemed naturally drawn to her gentle spirit. Those who knew her also witnessed her loyalty and compassion as she lovingly cared for her mother until the end.
Her determination was another defining quality. Even when faced with tremendous obstacles, she persevered with quiet strength and grace. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, delighting family and friends with laughter during games and gatherings. Children naturally gravitated toward her because of her joyful spirit, and babies always found a special place in her heart. She was quick to say, “I love you so much,” and her warm, heartfelt hugs made those words feel even more meaningful.
Family members fondly remember Jan’s thoughtful care in both ordinary and unexpected moments. Whether attentively caring for a sick nephew during a family vacation or offering gentle encouragement to those who were hurting, Jan consistently put the needs of others before her own. Her compassionate spirit allowed her to sense when someone needed comfort, and she responded with genuine love.
Jan is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Harry Michael Rich; her brother, Darryl(Laureen)Branting and her nephews, Conor Branting and Jason Branting along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Though Jan is deeply missed, those who loved her find comfort in Jehovah’s sure promise of the resurrection and eagerly await the day when they will once again walk beside her in a peaceful new world, healthy, joyful, and forever praising Jehovah together.
The family is deeply grateful for River Valley Nursing Home in Blountstown, Fl and Vitas Hospice and the many caregivers who also grew to appreciate Jan’s unique qualities and nurtured her during her final days.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2627 East Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, Alabama, Saturday August 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The memorial service can also be viewed via Zoom videoconferencing- meeting code is 3288100934 and passcode is 201914.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Claude Jones Dodson, Jr., a resident of Ozark, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026 following an extended illness. He was 81 years old. A memorial service for Claude will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
Claude was born January 29, 1945 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Claude Jones Dodson, Sr. and Jean Pennington Dodson. He was a 1963 Carroll High School graduate, where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. He loved his Carroll High School classmates and never missed a reunion. Claude kept in touch with his friends and would be there to help whenever they were in need. He was always learning, taking classical violin in his late 60’s, painting, writing songs and playing the acoustic guitar. His love of good food led him to become a great cook. Claude enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, playing golf and tending to his garden and plants. Claude met some of his life-long closest friends while working as the Logistics Manager for Golden Peanut Company in Atlanta. After retirement, Claude built a house on Wetappo Creek near Mexico Beach, Florida. Health problems eventually brought him back to Alabama to be near his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rodney.
Survivors include his son, Kevin; brother, Gordon (Jane); and sister, Celia; along with one nephew, two nieces and two grandnieces.
FT. GAINES, GEORGIA. . .Bobby Lee Dupree, a resident of Ft. Gaines, Georgia, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2026, at his home. He was 75.
A private graveside service for the family was held in the New Park Cemetery, Ft. Gaines, with Brother George Hartley officiating.
Bobby Dupree was born in Cuthbert, Georgia and was raised in Bluffton, Georgia. He was a graduate of Clay County High School in Ft. Gaines. Bobby lived in Ft. Gaines all his adult lifetime. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Bobby was retired from Clay County Public Works as Director. He was preceded in death by his father, Larin Lee Dupree, his mother, Hazel Jones Greer, his wife, Joyce Creamer Dupree and two brothers, Donnie Dupree and Davey Dupree.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Paige Dupree Brown (Allen David), Eufaula; a son, Todd L. Dupree (Syvia Kay), Green Cove Springs, FL; a sister, Linda Kay Tyson and a brother, Robert Grier; grandchildren, Juliann Dupree, Lauren Dupree, Morgan Dupree Tetzel (Chris), Maddie Brown Greene (Ethan), Gavin Brown, Steven Terrell (Kelly) and Troy Terrell; great-grandchildren, Emma, Raelynne, Hudson, Hanson and Lakelyn.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
DOTHAN. . .Gregory Scott Sample, a resident of Dothan, passed away July 11, 2026. He was 65.
There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Greg Sample was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and was raised in Dothan. He was a graduate of Northview High School and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Greg received a Law Degree from the Birmingham School of Law. He practiced law as Gregory S. Sample, Attorney at Law, in Dothan until 2021. Greg was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Albert Sample, his mother, Ruth Barnes Sample, an infant sister, Cynthia Ann Sample, and a brother, Terry Mack Sample.
Surviving relatives include his brother, Brett Alan Sample, Dothan; numerous cousins and relatives.
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.
Millard Sherwood Leavins of Westville, Florida passed away Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 83.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Mt. Ida Congregational Methodist Church with the Rev. Randall Ogburn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral service.
Sherwood was born April 11, 1943 in Westville, FL to the late Millard Jackson and Ora Beatrice Scott Leavins. Sherwood was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and brother. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and loved his family and neighbors. He served his Savior at Mt. Ida Church by leading the church, teaching Sunday School, working VBS and directing West Florida Camp, which he attended himself as a kid and also raised his kids and grandkids to attend.
Sherwood loved working with wood, a craft he learned early in life from his Uncle Harry Laird, who taught him well. He could build anything he set his mind to, his most recent project was working to remodel the fellowship hall at the church that he dearly loved. Sherwood worked for 12 years at Geneva Hardware before acquiring his own business. He owned and operated Sherwood’s Milling for 41 years where he served his community with custom feed grinding, his knowledge of farming, and all things livestock. He loved helping people and would go out of his way for anyone who needed a hand. He will be greatly missed.
Flowers will be accepted or donation made in his memory to Mt. Ida Church, 2026 Sherwood Lane, Westville, Fl 32464 or the Gideons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Linda Leavins; two brothers, Everette Leavins and Hansel Leavins and one brother-in-law, Wendell Baker.
Sherwood is survived by one son; Micah Leavins, Westville, FL; four daughters; Tammy (Terry) King, Westville, FL, Pam Ard, Navarre, FL, Amy (Kym) Arnold, Geneva, AL, and Chandra (Allen) Clark, Florence, MS, ten grandchildren; Cole Ellenburg, Jericha Williamson (Daniel), Robert Ard, Matt King, Sarah King, Kathryn Lolong (TJ), Amber Mock (Pepper), Jordan Arnold, Summer Starnes (Wes), T.C. Clark (Brie) and Heath Clark (Heather); 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; one sister, Mirilyn Boyd (Arnold) of Westville, FL; two brothers, Perry Wilton Leavins (Kathy) of Crestview, FL and Mark Leavins (Jennifer) of Westville, FL; sister-in-law, Tanya Crews (Jerry) Samson, AL, one brother-in-law, Dennis Baker of Atlanta, GA and a number of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Serving as pallbearers will be Cole Ellenburg, Perry Leavins, Jr., Todd Leavins, Clay Leavins, Adam Boyd, Jonah Boyd, and Forrest Leavins.
