Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Eric Wayne Smith, a resident of Ozark, entered into Heaven Wednesday, July 16, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 56 years old.
Funeral services for Eric will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, from Southside Baptist Church with Reverend Tim Bates and Reverend Dr. William “Bill” Cannon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
Eric was born February 18, 1969 in Montgomery, Alabama. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1987 and the University of Alabama in 1995 with a Degree in Finance. He worked with Troy University as a web developer for the past fourteen years. Eric followed his heart and went to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a faithful follower of God’s word and served Southside Baptist Church as Worship Leader for twelve years. Eric loved gardening and was an avid Alabama football fan. Eric was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Jackie Thomas.
Survivors include his wife, Melanie Thomas Smith; two daughters, Kati Leigh Smith and Kali Emmaline Smith; one son, Benjamin Thomas Smith; his parents, Alton Wayne and Rita Medders Smith all of Ozark; two sisters, Angie Smith of Ozark and Jennifer Williams (Brandon) of Dothan; his mother-in-law, Debra Kay Stewart Thomas of Ozark; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anitra and Bill Cannon of Auburn and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jackson and Chalice Thomas of Ozark. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Southside Baptist Church, 902 South Hwy 123, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Rockey Lynn Copley, age 66, of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Rockey was born on September 24, 1958, in Watervale, Michigan, to Franklin Delano Copley and Bonnie Marie Alldredge Copley. After graduating from high school, he worked as a welder. Rockey had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sitting on the porch listening to music. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Delano Copley; two brothers, Russell Copley and Chad Copley; and a sister, Wanda Williams.
Rockey is survived by his mother, Bonnie Copley; his children, Jessica (Jesse) Bell, Nicky Devane, and Justin Copley (Michelle); and the mother of his children, Sue Copley. He was a proud grandfather to Courtney Palmer (Connor), Aaron Crisostomo (Kalyn), Jacob Crisostomo (Kaitlyn), Brantley Devane, Orion Copley, Lane Copley, Jackson Gant, and Liberty Watson; and great-grandfather to Carson Palmer, Cohen Palmer, Jayce Crisostomo, and Michael Palmer.
He is also survived by his siblings, Rickey Copley (Karen), Rodney Copley, JD Copley (Sandra), Tim Copley (Jess), Brad Copley, Ellen Hennings (Robert), and Emily Baeten (Michael); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mr. Johnny Perry Hollomon, age 94, a resident of Dothan, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at his home.
Per his wishes, a private graveside service will be held.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Shirley Ward Hollomon; daughter, Julieann Hurst (Randy); stepdaughter, Jennifer Daffron (Eric); grandchildren, Andrew Grayson Hurst, Garrett Daffron (Haley), Emily Daffron; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
HEADLAND. . .Carrie Bell McCraney Gamble, a resident of Houston County, near Webb, died early Thursday, July 17, 2025, at her home. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Chaplain Kevin Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, near Ashford. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mrs. Gamble was born and reared in Barbour County, near Clayton, daughter of the late J C McCraney and Annie Mae Grubbs McCraney. She was a graduate of Headland High School. Mrs. Gamble lived in the Center Community of Houston County, most of her adult lifetime. She was a member of Cedar Springs Baptist Church. Mrs. Gamble was formerly employed by Flowers Hospital as an Insurance Clerk and in the propane gas business as a bookkeeper. She loved needlepoint, crocheting, quilting, canning fruits and vegetables. Mrs. Gamble loved her family especially her granddaughter, Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Wayne Gamble, a daughter, Kimberly Ann Gamble, sisters, Martha Lela Branch and Grace Ward and brothers, William Hubbard McCraney, A.J. McCraney, James Calvin McCraney and Billy Dean McCraney.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Rhonda Walker (Bobby), Cowarts, AL; a grandchild, Jordan Walker (Ethan Pirtle), three sisters, Alberta Vinson, Dothan; Jo Ann Shuyler (Terry), Headland; and Patsy Vaughn (Bob), Dothan; a brother, Johnny McCraney, Florida; sisters-in-law, Myra McCraney, Peggy Blocker (Darril) and Carolyn Jernigan, a brother-in-law, Dennis Gamble (Earlene); several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dennis Gamble, Greg Gamble, Ethan Pirtle, Phillip Blocker, Tony Shuyler and David Hall. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Josh McCraney.
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.
Jack Blackmon, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved brother, passed away on July 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71. Born on June 27, 1954, in Barbour County, Alabama, Jack’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his generous spirit.
Jack was the loving son of the late Rosie Mae Blackmon and Matthew Blackmon. He grew up surrounded by a large, warm family, including his nine siblings who predeceased him. Despite the loss of his great-grandson Xavier Carter, Jack’s legacy continues through his wife, Shelia Dianne Acree Blackmon, his daughters, Kametrice Ming, Leshia Rearden (married to Joseph), and Natasha Nared. His love and lessons live on through his grandchildren, Starious Carter, Rashaud Carter, Kobe Ming, Kamaryn Blackmon, Jaylen Miller, Laylee Miller, Keleen Blackmon, Nakeisha Nared and Keunta Nared, as well as his eight great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.
Jack completed his education at Dothan High School before proudly serving his country as a Navy veteran. He carried the discipline and respect he learned in the military throughout his life, especially in his career with GTE as a lineman. His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and reliable team member who brought not only his skills but also his humor to the job.
Jack’s brothers, Jimmy and Joe Blackmon, will miss his presence dearly, as will a host of nieces and nephews who looked up to him as an example of kindness and strength. Jack was a natural storyteller, and his comical tales will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. He was a man with a real big heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer support. His generosity extended beyond his family, touching the lives of many in his community.
A true family man, Jack’s greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. He was always eager to organize family gatherings, cherishing every moment he could spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His actions embodied the true spirit of a giver, and his desire to create lasting memories with his family will be a treasure held close by those who survive him.
Jack’s enduring kindness, strong work ethic, and jovial personality have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy will be carried on not just through the stories he leaves behind but also through the example he set as a loving and committed family man.
As we bid farewell to Jack Blackmon, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the unwavering commitment to the people he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 21, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Christerpher L. Jones, Sr. and Joseph Rearden officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
