Richard Elgin Sumlin, 68, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on June 16, 2025, after a long battle with COPD.
Born on March 29, 1957, Richard was the son of the late John Frank Sumlin Sr. and Myrtie Myrick Sumlin. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank “Pete” Sumlin Jr. and sister Nancy Bartholomew.
Richard was a hardworking man with a sharp wit, a generous heart, and a strong spirit. He was an award-winning butcher and a natural entrepreneur, having owned and operated meat markets, automotive shops, and a repossession business over the years. In his later years, he found joy in lending a hand at his son’s lawn mower shop, staying active and doing what he loved most—working.
Richard never met a task he didn’t take on with passion. Whether it was woodworking, turning wrenches, or occasionally working on people’s nerves with his sharp sense of humor, he poured himself into everything he did. Above all, he loved his family. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. Saturdays were reserved for Alabama Football—Roll Tide.
He is survived by his two children, Cody Sumlin (Angel) and Desirea Sumlin (Yovany); four beloved grandchildren, John Bryson Sumlin, Avigail Mae Wright, Isabelle Annleigh Nunez, and Jolene Yvonne Nunez; his brother Bennie Sumlin; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
A gathering will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.until 12:00 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home (965 Woodland Dr Dothan, AL)
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.
As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.
After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed.
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.
He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn’t just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.
Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
John Perry “Johnny” Walker, Jr., a former resident of Ashford, died late Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2025, in the Vitas Community Health & Rehabilitation Center in Panama City, Florida. He was 78.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend George Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Friday at the mortuary in Headland.
Mr. Walker was born in Ozark and was reared in the Bertha Community of Dale County, son of the late John Perry Walker, Sr. and Bennie Pearl Snell Walker. He formerly lived in Ashford for thirty-two years before moving to Graceville Health Center in 2022. Mr. Walker was retired as a Petroleum Equipment Technician with RaceTrac Petroleum. In earlier years, he was engaged in farming. Mr. Walker was a member of the Dothan Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sheryl Bell and Kimberly McGriff, a sister, Donna Pettis, and a brother, Tommy Walker.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Candace Walker Phipps (John), Headland, AL; Dixie Walker Plumley (Jeremy), Chipley, FL; and Susan Walker Chailland (Ty), Doniphan, Missouri; a son, John Perry Walker, III, Slocomb, AL; son-in-law, Mark Bell; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren.
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.
Mr. Mack Ward of Slocomb passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 64.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family.
Mr. Ward was born June 30, 1960, in Geneva County to the late Clayton and Beatrice Sawyer Ward. Mack was employed as a cashier for many years at the Big Little Store as well as Perdue Farms. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
In addition to his parents, siblings: Robert Earl Ward, Patricia Ann Mixon, Wade Ward, Christine Hill, Elic Ward, and Jane Ward, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include siblings: Billie Joe Ward, Jean Campbell, Gladys Flowers, Joan Bateman, and Gregg Ward; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Barbara Ann Pullam McCollough of Samson, AL passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Samson First Baptist Church with her brother, Rev. Jim Pittman and Rev. Scott Wilkins officiating. Burial will be in Travelers Rest Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Samson First Baptist Church in her memory.
Barbara was born on July 03, 1945 to the late James and Annie Pearl Pittman Pullam. She retired from Citizen’s Bank in Geneva after more than 20 years of service. She worked in various offices throughout the bank, mainly as an administrative secretary. She will be remembered by many for her kindness and her infectious laugh. She loved people and enjoyed being around her friends and family. Barbara enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the Great Smokey Mountains. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Samson, where she sang in the choir and enjoyed being a part of her church family.
Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Jimmy McCollough of Samson, AL; daughter, Michelle Cooley (Jay) of Geneva, AL; five grandchildren, Kayla Dunn (Cole) of Hacoda, AL, Justin Aplin (Shannon) of Wing, AL, Hunter Aplin of Samson, AL, Jackson Cooley and Laney Cooley, both of Geneva, AL; six great grandchildren, Jack, Graham and Annie Dunn of Hacoda, AL, Taften Aplin, Ansley Russ (Curt) and Branson Johnson, all of Wing, AL; one brother, Jim Pittman and wife Jamie of Lynchburg, VA.
