ARITON…Mr. Gearld E. Walker, a resident of Ariton, died Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, at his home. He was 76.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Underwood and Reverend Kent Braswell officiating. Burial will follow in Gospel to the Nations Cemetery in Newton. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Walker, born to Richmond Elvin Walker and Willa Dean Brown Walker, was a proud native of Ozark, Alabama. His roots ran deep in the community where he spent most of his life, and in 2024, he made a new home in Ariton, bringing with him a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and quiet strength.
He worked for many years as an automobile mechanic, a trade that suited him perfectly. He had a knack for fixing things—not just engines and transmissions, but anything that needed a little patience and know-how. Before that, he served his hometown through his work with the City of Ozark, always lending a hand where it was needed. Whether it was under the hood of a car or helping out around town, Mr. Walker was the kind of man who believed in doing things right and doing them with heart.
Long before his working years, Mr. Walker answered the call to serve his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam Era. Though he didn’t talk much about his time in the military, those who knew him could see the quiet dignity and discipline that came from his service. He carried that sense of duty with him throughout his life.
Outside of work and service, Mr. Walker found joy in life’s simpler pleasures. He loved to fish—there was something about being near the water, waiting patiently for a bite, that brought him peace. He could spend hours with a rod in hand, lost in the rhythm of nature. When he wasn’t outdoors, he was often found in front of the TV, watching old Westerns. He had a soft spot for the grit and honor of cowboy tales, and he never missed a good showdown. He was also a passionate WWE fan, cheering on his favorite wrestlers with the same excitement he brought to everything he loved.
And when it came to college football, Mr. Walker was all in for the Auburn Tigers. Win or lose, he stood by his team with unwavering loyalty. Game days were special, filled with anticipation and pride.
But perhaps the most tender part of Mr. Walker’s story was his love for his wife, Onita Peacock Walker. They were married on August 30, 1974, and shared a life full of love, laughter, and companionship until her passing. He missed her deeply, and her memory remained a constant presence in his heart.
Mr. Walker was also preceded in death by his siblings—Willie Pearl Reeves, William Walker, Wayne Walker, Johnny Walker, and Rex Walker. Each loss left a mark, but he carried their memories with grace and quiet resilience.
He was a man of few words but deep feeling. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his dry wit, and the way he made you feel like everything was going to be okay. His life was a testament to loyalty, hard work, and the kind of love that doesn’t need grand gestures to be felt deeply.
Surviving relatives include his children, Angela Lawson (Jason), Ariton, Jason Walker (Krissy), and Kim Arnette, all of Ozark; grandchildren, Hannah Lawson, Destiny Walker, Jessica Arnette, Brianna Lawson, Travis Walker, Brittany Lawson, Michael Arnette, and Jaden Lawson; great-grandchildren, Grayson Besaw and Brexton Taylor; his special cat, “Mean”
Serving as active pallbearers will be Charles Ward, Ben Key, Jason Lawson, and Jaden Lawson.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Betty Jean Martin Cunningham of Dothan passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, at Southeast Health. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 with Dr. J Chris Adams officiating. Interment will follow in the Fadette Pentecostal Ministries Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
Mrs. Cunningham was born January 21, 1938 to the late Malcomb and Ollie Mae Dean Martin. Betty was a great woman of faith who loved her Lord. She enjoyed fishing, antiquing, going to yard sales, and reading a good book. She was loved and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, her husband, Jerry Cunningham, and a daughter, Pamela Jean Diaz, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include her grandchildren: Dustin McKinney (Aimee), Harlie Reid (James), Banesa Diaz (Cade Spann), and Tonya Odom (Jarad); great grandchildren: Braxton McKinney, Westlynn Reid, Everly Odom, and Gage Odom; son-in-law, Aurelio Diaz; other extended family and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Jaci with Amedisys Home Health, caretaker, Doris Gibbs, and nurses: Tristian, and Caleb with Southeast Critical Care for the love and support they provided.
David Carl Crawford of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children, Sims (Missie), Lindsay (Tami), and Kathryn, his grandchildren, Nelson, Tucker, Sarah Frances, William, and Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Darrell (Kent), and his nephew, Mark Bentsen (Melissa) and their two sons, Teddy and Tad. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred and Carl Crawford.
Dave, as he was known by friends and family, was born and raised on a working farm in Peculiar, Missouri, and was the first Crawford to graduate from college. Dave attended the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1962 on an ROTC scholarship, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon graduation, Dave began his enlistment with the United States Navy, where he served from early 1962 through the end of 1966. He was commissioned as an officer and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander as a pilot, primarily flying the Lockheed P-2V Neptune radar plane with his beloved squadron, the VP-18 Flying Phantoms. While stationed in Pensacola, Dave met his bride-to-be, Kathy, and the two married in December 1962. The Navy newlyweds were transferred to Corpus Christi TX, Norfolk VA, Jacksonville FL, and Puerto Rico before settling in Birmingham after Dave’s honorable discharge from the Navy. He continued serving in the Navy Reserves until 1968, when his first child, Sims, was born.
Around this time, Dave accepted his first accounting job with Lybrand, Ross Brothers & Montgomery, P.C., in Birmingham, where he became a certified public accountant and worked for several years. Thereafter, he ran his own accounting firm for about 4 years and then joined the Borland Benefield accounting firm as a partner around 1978. Dave stayed at Borland Benefield until 2005 and served as its managing partner for more than 15 years. After retiring from Borland Benefield, he served as chief financial officer for the law firm of Parsons, Lee & Juliano until 2012. Since CPAs never really retire, he continued his solo accounting practice at Office Park until 2021, when he finally hung up his spurs.
Dave always loved being a CPA, and he truly enjoyed the friendships that developed over decades of serving his loyal clients. As a bonus, the job gave him ample opportunity to chat with his clients about Alabama football, spin a yarn about his Navy adventures, or tell a joke thick with midwestern wit.
A private burial ceremony will be held for the family at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. Thereafter, the family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church (in Canterbury Hall), 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35213. A celebration of life will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Canterbury United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Dave’s favorite places, the National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32508. Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (navalaviationfoundation.org)
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334-983-6604) www.sunsetmemorialpark.com
Johnny Rogers Rials of Samson, AL passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025. He was 81 years old.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Travelers Rest Cemetery in Samson, AL with Rev. Wade Rials officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Samson First Baptist Church in Johnny’s memory.
Johnny was born in Geneva County, AL on September 27, 1943 to the late Andrew Jackson and Ella Alford Rials. He was a hard worker who enjoyed driving a semi-truck all over the country. He was truly the happiest when he was behind the wheel of a “Big Rig”.
In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Michael Rogers Rials; one sister, Evelyn Curto; three brothers, Rev. Homer Rials, Bud Rials and Royce Rials.
Johnny is survived by his one sister, Sara Rials Quiller and husband, Roy of Prattville, AL and one brother, Tommy Rials and wife, Billie June of Samson, AL; one step-daughter, Pam Wise and husband, Murray of Samson, AL and a number of special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Margery Ann Knight, a beacon of unwavering love and gentle kindness, left this world to join her beloved husband in eternal rest on August 8, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in the serene town of Bell, Missouri, on January 13, 1941, Margery’s life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and selflessness.
Margery’s early years in Missouri shaped her into the nurturing and caring person everyone came to adore. After graduating from high school, she married the love of her life, James A. Knight, and embarked on a journey that would see her become the cornerstone of a family that cherished her deeply. Margery’s heart was always with her family, and she was the beloved matriarch to her son, Steve Allen Knight, and daughter, Kelly Ann (Robert Lee Hughes, II) Hughes. The joy of her life was further multiplied by her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann (Christian) McGowan, Robert Lee “Trey” (Nikki) Hughes III, and Alex (Cody) Cary, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Cooper McGowan, Mikayla McGowan, Bobby Gene Hughes, Abbi Cary, Alli Cary, Aubrey Cary, and Autumn Cary.
Margery’s compassion extended beyond her family to her sister, Milly Dressing, who, along with the rest of the family, feels the void left by Margery’s departure. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ella Garstang, and by her loving husband of 59 years, James A. Knight, with whom she now shares a heavenly abode.
As a supportive military wife, Margery’s strength and adaptability were the family’s backbone during numerous relocations. Her professional life was marked by 20 years of dedicated service at Pea River Electric in Ozark, Alabama, where her hardworking and understanding nature made her a cherished colleague until her well-deserved retirement.
Margery’s interests reflected her loving spirit. An avid animal lover, she found companionship and joy in her dogs and horses. Her nurturing touch was also evident in her favorite hobby of taking care of her horses. Moreover, her musical talent shone through when she played the piano, filling the room with warmth and her gentle presence.
Those who knew Margery will remember her as loving, gentle, and selfless—words that only begin to capture the essence of a woman who gave so much and asked for so little in return. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.
A graveside will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-2 pm, where they will share memories and honor the remarkable life of Margery Ann Knight.
Margery’s departure is not an end, but a continuation of love that transcends physical boundaries. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons will be followed, and her love will forever be the guiding light for her family and friends.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
John Wayne Faulk passed away on August 8, 2025, keeping his positive attitude and praise of God until the very end. He lived a joyful Christian life on this earth, but he looked forward with great anticipation to his heavenly homecoming.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brad Faulk; his parents, Andrew and Athalone Faulk; his brother, Wade Faulk; and his son-in-law, Robert Still.
John Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Anndra Faulk; daughter, Dina Still; daughter-in-law, Lanea Faulk; grandchildren, Matthew Still (Rachel Sugg Still), Cade Faulk, and Abby Still; great-grandchildren, Therese and Catherine Still; and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Derryl Homberg; nephew, Frank Homberg, and niece, Jana Champion (Chris).
Born on April 21, 1942, John Wayne was a lifelong servant of the Lord. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, where he was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully until he and Anndra moved to Wicksburg. There they spent 20 years of gratitude and growth at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, where he continued to serve as a deacon. Upon returning to Dothan, he rejoined Calvary Baptist and served until his illness.
John Wayne found great joy in fishing—especially at Lake Ammonia, Seminole and Eufaula—often catching fish for the annual Pilgrim Home Baptist Church fish fry. He caught thousands of fish but was delighted in sharing his catch with friends and family. His freezer was never empty. Known as the best storyteller, he never met a stranger. His love for his Geneva High School classmates endured throughout his life, with many friendships lasting from first grade onward.
John Wayne and Anndra’s love story began in first grade, blossomed through their high school years, and led to marriage in 1962 after graduation and college.
A celebration of life will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home, Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 2:00-3:00pm at the funeral home.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Crockett, Dr. Peacock, and the nurses and staff of ACG Hospice in Dothan for their exceptional care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Mission fund or Wiregrass Hope in Dothan, Al.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
