OZARK…Mr. Ronald E. Shell (Senior Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, Retired) a resident of Ozark, died early Monday afternoon, March 23, 2026, at his home. He was 71.
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
OZARK…Mr. Larry Edward Evans, a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at his home. He was 75.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Evans, son of the late Fate Edgar Evans and Margaret Virginia Glass Evans, was born and raised in Birmingham. That city shaped his early years — the neighborhoods he knew, the friends he made, and the memories he carried with him throughout his life. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1969, a milestone he was always proud of, and one that marked the beginning of the hardworking life he would go on to build.
He spent his career as a plumber, working side by side with his father at Fate Evans Plumbing, Inc. in Birmingham. It wasn’t just a job to him — it was a family trade, something he learned with his hands and his heart. He took pride in doing things the right way, helping people, and being someone others could count on. Many folks remembered him not just for the work he did, but for the way he treated them: honest, steady, and kind.
In 2021, he made a new home in Ozark. Even later in life, he embraced the change with the same quiet strength that had carried him through the years. He attended Stonebridge Church of God.
Those who knew him will remember a man who lived simply and loved deeply. He didn’t need attention or fuss; he was content with the everyday things — good conversation, familiar routines, and the people who mattered to him. He carried himself with a gentle spirit and a calm presence that made others feel at ease.
Surviving relatives include his son, Brad Elliot Evans, Tennessee; sister, Sharon Webster (Chuck), Ozark; brothers, Terry Evans, Leeds, Alabama and Chris Evans; nieces and nephews, Wendy Claassen, Todd Webster (Sherri), Lisa Turvin (Matt), and Jared Evans.
Bennie Allen Sumlin
Born February 21, 1954, passed away March 20, 2026 at the age of 72.
Bennie Allen Sumlin, a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and Uncle passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and a lifelong love of the open road.
Bennie spent 44 years as a long-haul truck driver — a career he didn’t just work, but truly loved. He was a man most at home with miles of highway stretching out before him, unbothered by the passing of time, content in the freedom that only the road could give. To Bennie, there was no better place to be.
Off the road, he was a diehard fan of the New York Yankees and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and there was never any doubt where his loyalties stood on game day.
Bennie is survived by his two daughters, Lisa and Sarah, and his four grandchildren, Lacy, Shay, Tyler, and Holly, who were among his greatest joys.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtie Sumlin; his sister, Nancy Bartholomew; and his brother, Richard Sumlin.
Bennie will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and in every mile of open highway.
Loria Ann Jordan Melson of Geneva, AL passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was 66.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Zach Dodson and Rev. Archie Howell officiating. Burial will follow in Vaughanville cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Ann was born in Orlando, FL on February 24, 1960 to the late Billy Eugene and Massie Ree Caldwell Jordan. She was an avid antique car enthusiast, who especially was fond of the Ford Mustang. She enjoyed traveling to the mountains, playing games on the computer with friends and spending time with her family, especially her great-grandson. Ann was employed for close to 20 years as a data entry clerk with Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva, AL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Lynn Melson; one sister, June McKinney and one nephew, Daryl McKinney.
Ann is survived by one daughter, Samantha Fleming of Geneva, AL; three step-sons, Michael Alred of Samson, AL, Scott Alred of Geneva, AL and James Travis Melson (Summer) of Bonifay, FL; one step-daughter, April Lynn Diaz (David) of Winter Haven, FL; two grandchildren, Breanna Alred Callahan (Austin) and Matthew Tucker, all of Geneva, AL; five step-grandchildren; one great-grandson, Weston Callahan of Geneva, AL; one sister, Patty Myers of Samson, AL; a special niece and two special nephews, Josh Myers, Heather Loftin (Spence) and Travis McKinney and a number of special great nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Antonio Fitzgerald Finn, age 41, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away following a lengthy illness.
Antonio was born on June 12, 1984, in Dothan, Alabama, to Gary Chambers and Sharon Finn Kelley. He was employed as a DC Shipper at WestPoint Home Manufacturing. In addition to his career, Antonio was a talented tattoo artist who expressed his creativity through his art.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Antonio ran track and was known for his exceptional endurance, earning him the nickname “Mr. No Lungs.” He was also a respected lifeguard throughout all of his high school years and “swam like a fish.” He remained a sports enthusiast throughout his life and especially enjoyed watching his son play basketball for the Wolves and local travel ball/AAU teams
Antonio loved spending quality time with his son, Kamryn, particularly playing video games such as Resident Evil. He also enjoyed swimming and fishing. Known for his quick wit and warm personality, he was truly a jokester who could light up any room with laughter.
He cherished his family deeply and leaves behind precious memories to be treasured by his loving son, Kamryn Finn; his parents, Gary Chambers (Lisa) and Sharon Finn Kelley; his maternal grandmother, Bobbie Darrisaw; his sister, Sherry Finn; nephews Jaylynn May, Javon May; uncles, Odell Chambers (Mary), Rodell Chambers (Priscilla), Willie Finn, and Chris Finn; aunts, Cynthia Vinson (Carlton), Geraldine Potter, and Ella Chambers (Fred); and his best friends, Thomas Wilson and Roland Valentine Schlect, along with many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:30 am. at New Beginning Ministries INT, INC., 1000 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
Bennie Allen Sumlin
