OZARK…Mr. Anthony McCloud, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday evening, August 13, 2025, in UAB Hospital in Birmingham. He was 62.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Asbury Cemetery with Reverend David Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. McCloud was born on August 7, 1963, in the quiet town of Skipperville, Alabama—a place he always called home. From a young age, he had a deep love for his community and the people in it. He graduated from G.W. Long High School in 1981, where he proudly wore the school colors and played basketball with heart and hustle. He wasn’t just good at the game—he loved the camaraderie, the competition, and the joy it brought him.
Sports were a lifelong passion for Mr. McCloud. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or even a good game of golf on TV, he was always tuned in and cheering for his favorite teams. But more than anything, he was a family man. His children were the light of his life, and he poured his heart into being a loving father. He had a special bond with his mother, one that was built on deep respect and unwavering care. He took pride in looking after her—cooking her meals, making sure she was comfortable, and simply being there for her every single day. It wasn’t just a duty to him; it was an act of love.
Mr. McCloud spent many years working at Sabel Steel in Dothan before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication. He also served his country with honor as a veteran of the United States Army, a chapter of his life that shaped his sense of discipline, pride, and service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Obie McLeod, his sister, Rena McLeod, and his brother, Wade Elden McLeod. Though their absence left a deep ache in his heart, he carried their memory with him always.
Mr. McCloud will be remembered not just for the things he did, but for the way he made people feel—his kindness, his loyalty, and the quiet strength he brought into every room. He was the kind of man who didn’t need to say much to make an impact. His life was a testament to love, service, and family.
Surviving relatives include his children, Asia Speaks, Dallas, Texas, Marcus Anthony Bell, Ozark, and Tevin Deondre Bradley, Austin, Texas; mother, Betty Cole McLeod, Ozark; sisters, Joan Dangerfield, Dothan, Delois Cohen and Angela McLeod, Ozark; his brother, who became his caretaker and best friend while in Birmingham, Mitchell McLeod, Ozark; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who showed up for Anthony and for our family during this difficult time. Whether you made the trip to Birmingham to visit with him, stopped by his home to spend time, or simply picked up the phone to call and check in—please know that your kindness did not go unnoticed.
To those who rearranged their schedules, drove long distances, and sat with Anthony just to let him know he wasn’t alone—we are so incredibly thankful. Your presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of peace that words can’t fully capture. To those who came by his residence, offering a listening ear, a warm hug, or just a quiet moment of companionship—thank you for being there when it mattered most.
And to everyone who called, sent messages, and lifted us up in prayer—your love and support wrapped around us like a blanket. In moments when we felt overwhelmed, your prayers gave us strength. In moments of sadness, your words reminded us that we weren’t walking this road alone.
It’s hard to put into words how much it means to have a community of people who care so deeply. Anthony was blessed to be surrounded by such love, and we as a family are equally blessed. Thank you for being part of his journey, and for standing beside us with open hearts.
Betty Marie Minton, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 81 in Taylor, Alabama. Born on August 22, 1943, in Palatka, Florida, to the late Albert Minton and Winnie Merle Coulliete Minton.
Betty’s warmth and kindness were the cornerstones of her existence. Her daughter, Carolyn Gibson, was the apple of her eye, and she took immense pride in her role as a mother. Betty’s legacy continued to flourish through her beloved grandchildren, Wesley Letourneau, Ariel Hall and her husband Charles, and Brianna Carranza and her husband Alex. The joys of her life multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Brinlee and Aubree Letourneau, Rylee and Jasper Hall, and A. J. and Jasmine Carranza, who all held a special place in her heart.
Betty’s brother, Glenn Minton, and sister, Lorraine McClellan, will fondly remember the countless cherished moments they shared. Her love extended beyond her human family to her adored dogs, Allie, Bentley, and Bailey, who were her constant companions and brought her immense happiness.
Betty’s love for cooking was evident in the delicious meals she lovingly prepared for her family and friends. She found joy in the simple act of sharing a meal with those she loved. Her kitchen was not just a place for cooking but a haven where memories were made, and laughter was shared.
Betty’s love for her family was unparalleled, and she reveled in every opportunity to spend time with her “grandbabies.” Each moment spent with them was treasured, and she was their unwavering cheerleader in all their endeavors. Her presence at family gatherings will be deeply missed, but the love and values she instilled in her family will continue to resonate through generations.
TYLER, TEXAS…Mrs. Chong Sun Eller, a resident of Tyler, Texas (formerly of Ozark), died late Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. She was 83.
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
Lynda “Lynn” Williford, 56, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 1, 1969, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Raymond and Patricia Rambo, Lynn was known for her caring nature, steady presence, and warm smile.
A 1987 graduate of Dothan High School, Lynn went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University. She spent her career serving others at Southeast Health for 36 years as a registered nurse. Her work was more than a job—it was a calling. Patients trusted her, colleagues respected her, and she took pride in providing care that was both skilled and compassionate.
Lynn and her husband, Tommy Williford, shared 37 years of marriage marked by love, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Tiffany Free (Bryan) and Tori Williams (Blake), and found joy in watching her six grandchildren—Keith, Adalynn, Brayden, Hudson, Riley, and Tyler—grow and thrive. She also was a loving sister to her siblings, Charles Rambo and Joy Land. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. Family gatherings were her favorite, and she rarely missed a chance to celebrate life’s milestones.
She had a lighthearted side and enjoyed simple pleasures—shopping for shoes, and spending time with her dachshunds, Gator and Elvis. Her home was always a place where people felt welcomed, cared for, and loved.
Lynn Williford’s life was a testament to the beauty of a kind heart, the strength of a nurturing soul, and the joy of a life dedicated to the well-being of others. She will be profoundly missed, yet her light will continue to shine in the memories of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been graced by her presence.
A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at 11am on Monday, August 18th, 2025 in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor Michelle Benson officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jeanne Kyle Hutto, a remarkable and kind-hearted spirit, passed away on August 12, 2025, after a life rich with service and compassion. Born on June 1, 1956, her journey was one filled with dedication, both to her country and to the field of nursing.
In honoring her wish there will be no funeral services. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/donate.html or to the Wiregrass Pet Rescue and Adoption Center,106 Adris Place Dothan, AL. 36303 https://wiregrasspetrescue.org
Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Hutto and Winona Woods Hutto. She is survived by two sisters, Julie and Janis Hutto, her aunt, Martha Woods and many beloved cousins. Jeanne’s nurturing spirit extended to her cherished fur babies, her rescue cats, who provided her with endless joy and companionship.
A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Jeanne achieved her bachelor’s degree in nursing, a testament to her commitment to caring for others. Her passion for healing and helping those in need was the cornerstone of her life.
Jeanne’s career was marked by her distinguished service in the United States Air Force, where she served valiantly for 16 years. As a flight nurse, providing critical care in the most challenging of circumstances. Her leadership and excellence were recognized with her promotion to the rank of Captain, a role she fulfilled with integrity until her retirement. Jeanne’s work in the medical field was not just a job but a calling. She was a source of comfort to those she served.
Jeanne’s nights were often spent gazing upwards, as she loved the different phases of the moon. As we look at the stars, we are reminded of Jeanne’s luminous spirit, a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched.
Age 63, of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Southeast Health.
She was born April 10, 1962, in Dothan, Alabama, Rhonda was the beloved daughter of the late Nelson and Betty Peters Granberry. She worked as a dedicated payroll specialist and was known for her kind spirit and warm heart.
Rhonda cherished babysitting her fur nephew, Jax, and held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews. She loved listening to John Lennon, The Beatles, and Steely Dan, and enjoyed shopping, reading, and cheering on Alabama football.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Left to treasure her memory are her sisters, Sonja White (Greg) and Mandy Strickland (Dwight); nieces and nephews, Talia Mills (Gene Mills, Jr.), Mark Webster, Jr (Janelle), Jesse Webster, Peyton Brown, and Maddox Brown; great-nieces and nephews, Alexa Mills, Lilly Mills, Jagger Webster, Nick Webster, and Luna Webster; and her partner, Jeri Radtke.
Rhonda will be remembered for her unwavering love for family, her joyful spirit, and her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
