COLUMBIA. . .William Davis “Billy” Lanford, Jr., a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in a Dothan hospital surrounded by loved ones. He was 75.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. (CDT) Friday, March 27, 2026, in the First Baptist Church of Columbia with Pastor Vann Cooley officiating and a eulogy to be given by Mike Bynum. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Friday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Columbia City Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Columbia, P.O. Box 267, Columbia, AL 36319 or the Columbia Historical Society for the restoration of Columbia Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 335, Columbia, AL 36319.
Billy Lanford was a lifelong resident of Columbia, son of the late William Davis “Bill” Lanford, Sr. and Miriam Killingsworth Lanford. He was a 1968 graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. Billy attended Troy University where he received a BS Degree in Finance and later a Masters Degree in Accounting from Troy University-Dothan. Billy was currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the First State Banks. In earlier years, he served as President of the Bank of Columbia and PeoplesSouth Bank both in Columbia. Billy served in banking in Blakely and Columbia for a total of fifty-four years.
Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia where he served as a Deacon, as a member of the Finance Committee and Trustee. He was a member of the Columbia Lions Club, Columbia Historical Society, Early County Rotary Club and formerly served as President of the Early County Chamber of Commerce. Billy was an avid hunter who found peace in the woods. He loved collecting guns, guitars, bows and arrows, turkey calls and knives. Billy was a master at cutting grass and bush hogging which he took great pride in. He had an undying love and devotion for his wife and two daughters. Billy was especially proud of his five grandchildren whom he often bragged about. Kate, man’s best friend, was his beloved and loyal pet. Gene Mills is a cherished friend since childhood . Billy was preceded in death by his sister, Annetta Lanford Kilgore.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Kathy King Lanford; daughters, Keely Lanford Mims (Chris), Dothan; and Karla Lanford Chastain (Jeff), Auburn; grandchildren, Mary Hinson Mims, Davis Mims, Kathryn Mims, Ford Chastain and Ann Banks Chastain; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Kilgore and Dr. Jimmy H. King (Cornelia); several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be William H. “Bo” Barnes, Bill Lee, Sonny Hall, Matt Swann, Lee Swann, Keary King, Gene Mills, Al Hutchins, Davis Mims and Kenneth Bryan. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Officers, Directors and employees of First State Bank.
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.
Michael “Mike” Joe Johnson, a resident of Dothan, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
There will be no services held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Honduran Missions Team. Please remit in Mike Johnson’s memory to Honduras Missions, c/o Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 2864 S. Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, Alabama 36305.
Mike was born on August 27, 1959 to the late Ivey Joe and Marguerite (Margaret) Ann Ott Johnson. He was a well-known jokester and enjoyed making his family and friends laugh. Mike used his mechanical skills to bless others by keeping their vehicles in top-top shape. He enjoyed golfing and “tinkering” with a little bit of everything. In his early years, he enjoyed drag-racing his 1964 Ford Fairlane. Mike attended Memphis Baptist Church.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Leonard and Mildred Johnson; uncle, Billy Johnson; brother, Donald Johnson; sister, Donna Kay Johnson; granddaughter, Ivie MaKayla Johnson.
Survivors include his children, Sheree Piercey (Jerry), Tammy Phillips (Darryl), and Kelly Brackin (Shon); grandchildren, Hunter Broxton (Cidney), Heath Prater, Caleb Prater (Vivian), Blair Piercey, Logan Piercey, Cheyenne Piercey, Gabe Brackin (Grace), Katie Jo Cushman (Jesse), Haley Whittington, Douglas Newman, Dustin Newman; great grandchildren, Mason, Carter, Carson, Tyler, Layla, Tatum, Dayton, Amani, TJ, and soon to be baby boy Graham; brother, Tony (Wanda) Johnson; nephew, Josh Johnson; and his very loyal canine companion, Lily.
A special thank you to each person at Southside Waffle House. His days were spent laughing alongside each of you while enjoying his daily cup of coffee and tea as you each brought him joy.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
BLAKELY, GEORGIA. . .Christopher Bryan Laney, a resident of Blakely, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026, at his home. He was 49.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M Friday, March 27, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Ray Cobb officiating. Burial will follow in the Center Baptist Church Cemetery, near Webb. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the mortuary in Headland.
Bryan Laney was born and raised in Early County, Georgia, son of the late James Daniel Laney, Sr. and Carolyn Dian Garrett Laney. He formerly lived in Webb and Ashford before returning to Early County in 2024. Bryan was retired from Qualico Steel in Webb as a Foreman.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Shannon Kirkland Laney; daughters, Rebecca Laney Harper (Nathan), and Rachel Laney, all of Blakely; a sister, Crystal Senn; two brothers, Daniel Laney (Fran), and Kenneth Laney (Crystal); two grandchildren, Laney Grace Harper and Madalyn Gonzales.
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.
Larry Earl Brooks, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away on March 21, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 83. Born in Greenfield, Indiana, on May 29, 1942, Larry’s life was marked by service, love for his family, and a dedication to his community that will be remembered for generations to come.
Larry’s journey began in the small town of Greenfield, where he grew up surrounded by the love of his family. His youthful days were filled with the joys of small-town life, and it was there that he developed his lifelong passions for golf, hunting, and fishing. Larry’s active nature and zest for life were apparent to all who knew him.
After graduating from high school, Larry answered the call of duty and joined the Air Force, where he served for four years working in Radio Communications during the Vietnam War. His bravery and commitment to his country were hallmarks of his character, traits that he carried with him throughout his life. In the midst of his service-oriented career, Larry found another calling as a successful businessman. He owned and operated a Moore’s True Value Hardware store for many years, where his hard work, integrity, and friendly demeanor made the store a staple in the community. Larry continued to contribute to his community by working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office for over 25 years, specializing in radio equipment, lights, and sirens.
His dedication to his customers and employees alike earned him respect and admiration from all corners of the town.
Larry’s personal life was just as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Kathleen Brooks, with whom he shared an incredible 60 years of marriage. Their love story began on a picturesque beach, a meeting that turned into a lifetime of shared memories and unwavering partnership. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Julie Brooks, who inherited her father’s kind heart and commitment to family and his late son, Christopher Brooks, whom learned golf from Larry and went on to become a pro golfer.
Though he faced the sorrow of losing his son, Christopher Brooks, and his siblings, Benny Brooks and Marilyn Holiday, Larry’s strength and love never wavered. He found comfort and joy in the company of his sister, Doris Foster, and the many nieces and nephews who looked up to him as a role model and pillar of the family.
Larry’s legacy is one of love, service, and an unflagging spirit. His laughter, stories, and the wisdom he imparted will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a steadfast friend, a loving family man, and a proud veteran, Larry Earl Brooks leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us. His memory will be carried in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
Abbeville….Christine Shirley Henderson, a resident of Abbeville and formerly of Headland, passed away Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026. She was 99.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A. M. Friday March 27, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Pastor Ruth Jones officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Ms. Henderson was born in Headland, Alabama, to the late Steward Cornelius Shirley and Flossie Searcy Shirley. She was raised and educated in her local community, where she formed lifelong friendships and values that would guide her throughout her life.
She was employed with Wex Tex, where she worked diligently as a pajama packer, taking pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way. Ms. Henderson was a devoted member of Gateway Baptist Church, where her faith was an important and steady presence in her life.
In her free time, she enjoyed simple pleasures and staying active. She loved working in her yard and took great pride in keeping her grass neatly cut. Remarkably, she continued cutting her own grass with a push mower until just two years ago, a testament to her strength, independence, and determination.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Otis Henderson, and brothers, James Shirley and S.C. Shirley.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Cathy Ray (Jimmy) and Danny Henderson (Linda); her cherished grandchildren, Carmen Scoggins (John), Kelly McCord (Dusty), and Carrie Mims (Lavar); great-grandchildren, Bailyn Alvarado (Brandon), Madeline “Mak” Hamilton, Kaii Olds, Kannin Olds, Ross Mims, Ben McCord, Blakely McCord, Xander Scoggins, Niko Scoggins; great-great-grandchildren, Cohen Alvarado, Korbin Alvarado, and Rylee Alvarado; as well as several other dear family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
Ms. Henderson will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the love she shared with those around her.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
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Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
COLUMBIA. . .Billy Joe Haynes, a resident of Columbia, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 80.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the Camp Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Gregory Bevan and Pastor Jeff Brewer officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Camp Springs Baptist Cemetery Fund, c/o Sharon Elliott, 13205 County Road 53, Columbia, AL 36319.
Billy Joe Haynes was born in Houston County and was raised in the Camp Springs Community of Henry County. He lived in Winchester, Virginia thirty-nine years before returning to Henry County, near Columbia, in 2022. Billy Joe was a 1965 graduate of Headland High School. He served his country for eighteen years in the Army National Guard in the Headland unit and also in the Virginia National Guard. Billy Joe was retired from the Winchester Regional Airport in Winchester, Virginia as an Aircraft Service Technician after thirty-two years employment. In earlier years, he was employed by Hayes Aircraft at Napier Field. Billy Joe was a member Camp Springs Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Haynes, his father, Richard A. Haynes, his step-father who helped raise him, Billie Vernon Enfinger, and his mother, Vera Victoria Johnson Enfinger, a sister, Jane Axtell and a brother, Steve Enfinger.
Surviving relatives include his sisters, Judy Tyson, Dothan; and Deborah Larsen (Felton), Columbia; his brothers, Bobby Enfinger (Malinda), Daleville; and Stanley Enfinger (Clara), Donalsonville, GA; numerous nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Tyler Larsen and his wife, Faith; a special caregiver, Cynthia Chambers.
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.
