Howard Eugene Swain, Jr., age 73, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on June 11, 2025.
The Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 A.M Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and will be celebrated at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church of Ozark with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Following, the Rite of Committal will be held in Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ozark with military honors bestowed, with Masonic Rites presented, and with the Patriot Guard in attendance. No formal visitation will be held. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark will direct.
Howard was born on August 16, 1951, in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from Richard Arnold High School and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Howard served two tours in Korea where he was an aviation maintenance technician and was promoted to Aircraft Maintenance Senior Seargent. While in aviation school at Fort Eustis and on a road trip to a wedding in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he met the love of his life, Lydia, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage until his passing. Together they lived in Ingelheim, Germany, Fort Campell, Kentucky, and last at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. While serving he received numerous decorations, medals, and commendations. Upon retiring from the military, he was employed with Goody of Dothan as a plant maintenance superintendent and later as the plant and safety superintendent for Dunbarton Cooperation.
Howard was a 49-year Scottish Rite Mason and was a member of the Ozark and Dothan Masonic Lodges. Committed to his community, Howard volunteered as a Carroll High School Band Booster and worked for years with the Carroll High School football team as a loyal member of the Friday night “Chain Gang,” pulling the down markers and moving along the sidelines for all the big plays. Howard was a Patriot Guard Rider, honoring fellow veterans at memorial services and standing with them in their final resting places. He served as an Honor Flight volunteer escorting World War II veterans to the monument that honors them in Washington, DC. He was a long-time member of St. John Catholic Church of Ozark where he shared his love of music by playing guitar in the choir for the folk mass each Sunday. Mechanically inclined, he loved to barter, trade, woodwork, fix, tinker, and collect items in his workshop. He enjoyed his land where over the years he raised goats and quail and enjoyed the visiting hummingbirds, turkeys, and gopher turtles. He liked taking road trips on his motorcycles and RV, was skilled at making homemade salsa, and loved to play music in his music room, piddling with the guitar, banjo, ukelele, mandolin, and even building several of his own instruments from cigar boxes.
Howard was proceeded in death by his parents, Howard Eugene (Jake) Swain, Sr. and Gertrude Williams Swain. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lydia Hebert Swain, his two sons, Jason Robert Swain (Shannon) of Tallahassee, Florida, and Andrew (Drew) Joseph Swain (Holly) of Ozark, Alabama, his grandson, Ethan Tylor Swain, of Westminster, South Carolina, his sister, Cindy Swain Anderson, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, his brother, Corbett Brian Swain, of Jessup, Georgia, his sister, Carolyn Swain Villafonia (John), of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic Church of Ozark, P. O. Box 1008, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Sandra Mina Hardy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefullyon Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on March 30th, 1947, in Tampa, Florida,Sandra was a cherished resident of Blakely, Georgia, where she spent her later years surroundedby family and friends.Sandra dedicated her life to her family and her work as a waitress, where she touched the livesof many with her warm smile and kind heart. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and sheleaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Elton Hardy, and her children: Keith Money(Brenda) of Newville, AL; Eric Money (Shelly) of Abbeville, AL; David Money (Stephanie) ofEdwin, AL; Tracy Wiley of Blakely, GA; Chris Hardy of Blakely, GA; and Dustin Hardy of Blakely,GA. Sandra was a proud grandmother to 28 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, each ofwhom brought immense joy to her life. Sandra is also survived by her brother, Gary Price, andher sister, Linda Fagan.She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bernice Price, her brother, Bobby Price,and her daughter, Kimberly Wamble.A visitation will be held at Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home on Thursday, June 19th, 2025,from 6:00 pm EST to 8:00 pm EST. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Ed Stapleton andwill take place at the same location on Friday, June 20th, 2025, at 11:00 am EST.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sandra’s memory to theBlakely Animal Shelter, at 518 South Main Street, Blakely, GA., reflecting her love for animalsand her compassionate spirit.Arrangements are being handled by Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home. Sandra will be deeplymissed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
OZARK…Mr. Michael “Mike” Little, a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025, at his home. He was 53.
Funeral services will be held at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 6:30 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, Pensacola Men’s Group, www.teenchallenge.cc/pensacola or by mail to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Mike was born and raised in the sunny shores of Panama City, Florida, but Ozark became his home when he moved there in 1981. He was a proud graduate of Carroll High School’s Class of 1990 and went on to attend Junior College, always striving to learn and grow. Over the years, he worked hard at Van Heusen, Gilland Chevrolet, and later dedicated himself to serving his community through the City of Ozark Public Works Department.
Mike had a deep love for Auburn University football, always cheering on the Tigers with passion. But beyond football, his heart was with his animals, who brought him endless joy. More than anything, though, Mike cherished time with his family, especially his children. Whether it was sharing laughter, creating memories, or just enjoying the simple moments, those times meant the world to him. Mike had a passion for music, was an avid wrestling fan, and his presence was one of warmth, love, and loyalty, and he left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Above all, Mike loved his Lord and Savior.
Surviving relatives include his wife and best friend, Debbie Adamson Strickland Little, Ozark; his children, Logan Little, Auburn, Luke Strickland (Evie), Dothan, Mackenzie Hicks, Jack, Alabama, Summer Strickland, and Lily Strickland; his parents, Barbara Smith (Victor), Ozark; his siblings, Susan Smith Barnes (Robert), and Ric Little (Stacy), all of Ozark; granddaughter, Katie Strickland; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clyde and Pat Williams Adamson, Ozark; sister-in-law, Pam Strickland (Jeff); nieces and nephews, Mason Wimberley, Isabella Barnes, Parker Wimberley, Carlee Barnes, Branden Little (Elixes), Madelyne Little, Raegin Little, and Andersen Little; numerous friends and other relatives.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the employees of the Public Works Department for the City of Ozark and members of the Daleville Masonic Lodge #903.
Martha Jean Tew Reeder, of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Hartford Health Care with her loving family at her bedside. She was 77.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at New Teamon Baptist Church with Reverend Lee Chorn officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends, at the church, one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to New Teamon Baptist Church: 3813 South Co. Rd. 85 Slocomb, AL 36375.
Martha was born on December 17, 1947 in Geneva County, to the late Clifton E. and Essie Mae Hardy Tew. She co-owned and operated Reeder’s Bait Farm in Slocomb for many years. She retired from Stanley Home Products as a regional sales manager with more than 30 years of service to her community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Billy Joe Tew; nephew, David M. Tew.
Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Reeder; Son, Glenn Reeder (Teresa); grandchildren: Alex Reeder, Brittany Brannon (Hunter) Jacob Sellers (Kristen); sisters: Betty Gail Overton, Sandra Thrasher (Jay); and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
Mrs. Blonnie Leavins Monk of Bonifay, FL, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025. She was 84.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 from the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Brian Benjamin officiating and her brother, Donald Leavins, delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Blonnie was born on October 01, 1940 in Holmes Co., FL to the late Onie and Voncille Clemmons Leavins. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She enjoyed cooking for her family, canning fresh vegetables and sewing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Jack Lawhorn, Sr. and DT Monk; one brother, O’Neal Leavins and one grandson, Brett Elledge.
Blonnie is survived by four children, Jack Lawhorn, Jr. (Denise) of Summerdale, AL, Sarah Nell Miller (John) of Ponce de Leon, FL, Sharon Elledge (Michael) of Lillington, NC and Samuel DT Monk (Matea) of Fishers, IN; five siblings, Wren Leavins, Sonia Anderson and Donald Leavins (Pamela), all of Bonifay, FL, June Leavins of Arkansas and Julie Cox (Palmer) of Bonifay, FL; 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a number of special nieces and nephews.
Sandra Mina Hardy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefullyon Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on March 30th, 1947, in Tampa, Florida,Sandra was a cherished resident of Blakely, Georgia, where she spent her later years surroundedby family and friends.Sandra dedicated her life to her family and her work as a waitress, where she touched the livesof many with her warm smile and kind heart. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and sheleaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Elton Hardy, and her children: Keith Money(Brenda) of Newville, AL; Eric Money (Shelly) of Abbeville, AL; David Money (Stephanie) ofEdwin, AL; Tracy Wiley of Blakely, GA; Chris Hardy of Blakely, GA; and Dustin Hardy of Blakely,GA. Sandra was a proud grandmother to 28 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, each ofwhom brought immense joy to her life. Sandra is also survived by her brother, Gary Price, andher sister, Linda Fagan.She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bernice Price, her brother, Bobby Price,and her daughter, Kimberly Wamble.A visitation will be held at Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home on Thursday, June 19th, 2025,from 6:00 pm EST to 8:00 pm EST. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Ed Stapleton andwill take place at the same location on Friday, June 20th, 2025, at 11:00 am EST.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sandra’s memory to theBlakely Animal Shelter, at 518 South Main Street, Blakely, GA., reflecting her love for animalsand her compassionate spirit.Arrangements are being handled by Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home. Sandra will be deeplymissed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
