James Phillip “Jim” King, Jr., 31, of Dothan, passed away on September 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and commitment to family and friends. Born on November 12, 1993, to Kathryn “Kathy” Smoker King and James “Jimmy” Phillip King, Sr., Jim grew up in a home filled with warmth and laughter, values he carried throughout his life.
Jim was an alumnus of Houston Academy, where he graduated in 2012, cherished by his peers for his infectious smile and kindness. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama. His academic achievements were just the beginning of a life filled with promise and purpose.
In his professional life, Jim was deeply involved in the family business, King Church Furniture. His hands-on approach in selling, repairing, and building custom made church furniture not only demonstrated his craftsmanship but also his commitment to preserving the family legacy. Jim’s passion for his work was evident to all who knew him, and his contributions were a testament to his character, hardworking, creative, and loyal.
Jim had a special way of filling every moment with love and laughter whether it was over a meal he cooked or spending time outdoors. He was truly happiest when surrounded by others. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and he was often referred to as the life of the party. Jim’s ability to connect with people was remarkable; he never met a stranger and always put others before himself. This selflessness was a thread that ran through every aspect of his life.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Jim knew him to be a loving and attentive family man. He is survived by his mother, Kathy King, and his father, Jimmy King; his fiancée, Janie Posey; and his siblings, Sydney (Chase) Givens and Lyvi King. As an uncle to Jack and Rose Givens, Jim was a figure of fun and wisdom, a role he cherished wholeheartedly.
He is also survived by his grandmothers, Carolyn Neal and Janice King; aunts and uncles, Greg Smoker, Carolyn Smoker, Jeff Smoker, Kim Crenshaw, Kevin (Kendra) Smoker, Carl Smoker, Julie Johnson and Jana Rice; and many cousins across Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Jim’s extended family includes Jeff, Michele, and Jimmy Posey, and he was blessed with many special friends from elementary school, high school, and college from across the country. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Millie. Jim was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harry Smoker and Jackie King.
Jim’s legacy is one of a listening ear and a loving heart. He was always there for anyone who needed him, offering support and a shoulder to lean on. His love for his family was unwavering, and he will be remembered for the strength and comfort he provided to those he held dear.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 3 pm on Friday, September 12, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Dothan. The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church of Dothan on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm and also on Friday from 2-3 pm. Jim will be laid to rest at Ashford City Cemetery, where his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of those he touched. Serving as active pallbearers will be Jordan McDaniel, Dyllan Powell, Alex Culbreth, Zach Smoker, Bryan Wilson, and Brannon Woodall. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be friends and the members of Theta Chapter of Sigma Nu.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)938-6604
DOTHAN… Keith Eugene Shelley, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 59.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the GoFundMe, Support Keith Shelley’s Funeral Costs, by Austin Bridges, https://gofund.me/e4481dc4e .
Mr. Shelley was born in Dothan, Alabama to Wade Mack Shelley and Jannis Gayle Davis Shelley. He was a lifelong resident of Dothan, Alabama. He was a 1984 graduate of Northview High School. After high school he worked with GTE for several years. He worked with Blankenship Construction until he had to retire due to medical issues. He was of the Baptist Faith.
He was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Dylan Shelley; his grandparents, Ruby & Hollis Davis and Tom & Mahala Shelley; and his brother-in-law, Jim Upchurch.
Leaving to cherish his memories is his parents, Wade Mack Shelley and Jannis Gayle Davis Shelley; his sisters, Shannon Bridges (John) and Robbie Shelley Upchurch; his nieces and nephews, John Michael Bridges, Kane Huggins, Gage Bridges, Mahala Bridges Clark (Ethan), and Jaden Bridges; and his several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mrs. Mary Alice Hall Holley of Westville, FL passed away Friday, September 05, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday September 10, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Minister Wes Colron officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Mrs. Mary was born December 16, 1945 in Hollywood, FL to the late Theodore Frank, Jr. and Frances Carlotta Schmidt Hall. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved beautiful flowers and plants, enjoyed watching butterflies, gardening during the spring, flower arranging and all beauty that nature had to offer. Mary loved to read, work with pottery, raise and train horses. She was a true lover of the outdoors, fishing, and caring for all animals. She loved and cherished her family, but her grandchildren and great-grandchild were truly the light of her life.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly R.; one sister, Rosemary Hall and two brothers, Jon Hall and Theodore Allen “Ted” Hall.
Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Eli H. Holley; one son, Nathan Holley (Jennifer) of Crestview, FL; three daughters, Deborah Holley Mosser (Justin) of Wicksburg, AL, Abigail Holley (Emanuel Majewski) of Dothan, AL and Roxanne Miller (Shane Dillard) of Dothan, AL; nine grandchildren, Jaron Thomas, Sydney Gomez, Noah Holley, Evan Holley, Gabriel Holley, Jackson Thompson (Jaylee), Jayden Miller, Reanne Mosser and Brenton Mosser; one great grandson, Matthew Woodham; one sister, Elizabeth Anderson of Casa, AR and a host of extended family and friends.
Mary leaves behind a true legacy of goodness, caring and love that will forever remain with those who knew and loved her most.
ARITON…Mr. Ed Christian (a.k.a, CB handle, Fallen Angel), a resident of Ariton, died late Saturday afternoon, September 6, 2025, at his home. He was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Christian was a man who lived a full life, rich in experience and grounded in love. Born in Columbus, Indiana, he was the son of William Christian and Rosa Irene Futch Christian, both of whom instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience. He carried those values with him throughout his life, touching the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.
He spent many years in Bartow, Florida, where he built a life surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of everyday living. In 2007, he made the move to Ariton, Alabama—a place that quickly became home. He found peace in the quiet rhythms of small-town life and built new connections that meant the world to him.
Mr. Christian was no stranger to hard work. He spent much of his career as an over-the-road truck driver, logging countless miles across the country. He had a deep respect for the road and the stories it held, and he took pride in doing his job well. Later, he worked with the Dothan Eagle as a newspaper carrier, waking up before dawn to make sure folks got their morning paper. It wasn’t glamorous work, but he did it with dedication and a smile—because that’s just the kind of man he was. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a paratrooper.
One of the most tender parts of Mr. Christian’s life was his love for animals—especially dogs. He had a soft spot for strays and never turned one away. If a dog showed up at his door, it found a home. He believed every creature deserved love, and he gave it freely. His dogs weren’t just pets—they were family.
He also carried deep love and sorrow in his heart. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Larry Christian and Mary Fickle, by his brother, Alfred Christian, and his first two wives, Opal Hiatt and Martha Poer. Those losses were heavy, but he bore them with grace, keeping their memories alive in the stories he told and the quiet moments he spent reflecting.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-seven years, June Foster Christian, Ariton; his children, Becky Ross (Dink), North Vernon, Indiana, Donald Christian, Bradenton, Florida, Dennis Christian (Debbie), Columbus, Indiana, Roger Christian (Angie), Nancy Battin (Bill), all of Columbus, Indiana, Leslie Christine Christian, Russellville, Arkansas, Julie Powell, Ozark, Eva Marie Brogden, Brundidge, Kathleen Cass Christian, Panama City, Florida, Michael Scott Christian (Kayla), Ariton, and Richard Christian (Amber), Enterprise; a brother, Doyle Dewight Christian, Indiana; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN…Brenda Joyce Metcalf, a resident of Dothan (formerly of Midland City), died Saturday morning, September 6, 2025, at her home. She was 68.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 8, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Les Lee officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Metcalf, born and raised in the close-knit town of Midland City, was the beloved daughter of William Howard Metcalf and Bobbie Jeanette Johnson Metcalf. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the kind of small-town values that shaped her into the strong, caring woman so many came to love. She attended Dale County High School, where she made lifelong friends and built memories that stayed with her through the years.
After high school, Ms. Metcalf worked as a convenience store manager at several locations throughout the Wiregrass area. She had a knack for making people feel welcome—whether they were regulars grabbing their morning coffee or travelers passing through. Her work wasn’t just about managing a store; it was about connecting with people, sharing a laugh, and lending a listening ear when someone needed it.
But her greatest joy came from her family. She was a proud mother and an even prouder grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she spent with them—whether it was baking something sweet in the kitchen, cheering them on at school events, or simply sitting together and talking about life. Her love for her family ran deep, and she made sure they always knew it.
Ms. Metcalf had a playful side too. She was a die-hard University of Alabama football fan—Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and you could always count on her to be decked out in crimson and white, cheering on the Tide. She also had a soft spot for professional wrestling, and she’d watch it with the same enthusiasm as any championship game. In quieter moments, she loved to read, crochet beautiful pieces by hand, and play games on her phone—little things that brought her comfort and joy.
She faced her share of heartache, having been preceded in death by her daughter, Crystal Waters; her brother, Don Metcalf; and her niece, Amy Hall. Though those losses weighed heavy on her heart, she carried their memory with grace and strength, honoring them in the way she lived and loved.
Surviving relatives include her children, Penny Paul (Travis), Crawfordville, Florida, Tasha Waters (Nicholas), Dothan, and Gabriel Waters (Jennifer), Panama City, Florida; sister, Carolyn Mercer (Allen), Cottonwood; brother, Jerry Wayne Metcalf (Teresa), Midland City; eight grandchildren, Tarez Dull, Zhane Paul, Sola Dull, Skylar Waters, Braeden Paul, Jeremiah Waters, Malachi Harris, and Angel Harris; great-grandchildren, Jace Paul, Alexia Paul, Mylan Zamor, Jaylan Zamor, Tyryanna Stanley, Anzaryus Smith, Kaji Kyle, Terrell Dull, and Noella Dull; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
