Billy Bush Shellhouse, Sr., known to many simply as Billy, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 88.
He was born on October 6, 1937, in McRae, Georgia, and from the beginning of his life he carried the steady, hardworking spirit that would come to define him. Billy moved often during his years with the Army, and his first move took him to Virginia. Those early experiences helped shape a life marked by adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to serve wherever he was needed. He was a kind, faith-filled, and handy man who was known for his dependable nature and his generous heart.
Billy began his working life as a helicopter and aircraft mechanic in the Army. His skills and strong work ethic later led him to Fort Rucker, where he worked in the T-37 test unit. He was a true jack of all trades, and he had a gift for fixing, building, and improving whatever needed attention. He was the kind of man who could tinker with almost anything, and he used those abilities not only in his work, but also in the service of his family, his church, and his community. He even owned the Tasty Freeze in Headland, adding another chapter to a life filled with honest labor and practical service.
Billy’s faith was central to his life. He accepted Christ in a church in Texas, and that decision guided the rest of his days. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State, then moved to Texas, where he attended Theology School in Fort Worth and received his master’s in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later answered the call to ministry and served faithfully as a pastor. He pastored Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Enterprise, Alabama, for three years, then started Taylor Baptist Church in Dothan, where he served for three years as well. He also pastored Glenwood Hill Church in Macon, Georgia, for three years. His ministry reflected the same steady devotion that marked every part of his life, and he was cherished by those who heard his preaching and felt his care.
After retiring from ministry, Billy moved to Dothan and obtained his CDL in his late forties. He worked hard in that season of life too, and he never lost his appreciation for honest work. Mary often went with him on his hauls for three months out of the year, sharing in the road life and the memories that came with it. Even in retirement from truck driving, Billy remained active and engaged, and he continued attending Pathway Baptist Church, where his faith and fellowship remained important to him.
Billy loved God, country, and family. He was a devoted husband, a great provider, and a man who took pride in caring for those he loved. He and Mary shared 68 years of marriage, a testament to enduring love, commitment, and companionship. Together they built a life filled with faith, labor, and family devotion. His presence was a source of strength to those around him, and his quiet kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Shellhouse; his son, Billy Bush Shellhouse, Jr. (Mary K.) of Dothan; his daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Shellhouse of Midland City; his grandchildren, Cindy Shellhouse of Dothan and Donna Kilpatrick (Donovan) of Dothan; his step grandson, Wesley Hamann of Salt Lake City, Utah; his great-grandchildren, Kane Shellhouse and Adalynn Kilpatrick; and his sisters, Sarah Hall and Betty Holmes. He also leaves behind a host of friends and family who will remember him with love and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Shellhouse and Addie Free; his granddaughter, Amanda Shellhouse of Daleville; and his brothers, Webb Shellhouse, Jr., Fred Shellhouse, Ernest Shellhouse, and James Shellhouse.
Billy’s life was one of faith, service, and steadfast devotion. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his strong hands, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to the Lord. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the memories he created will continue to bless those who knew and loved him.
A private celebration of life will be held to honor Billy’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Taylor Baptist Church in his honor: 4156 Taylor Rd, Taylor, AL 36301.
Sara Thames Hughes of Elba, AL passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was 85 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise, AL with Minister Greg Hanchey officiating. Burial will follow in the Asbury Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The family will receive flowers, or memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Church of Christ Building Fund.
Sara was born on December 2, 1940, to the late James Oliver and Annie Pearl Bradley Thames. Sara was a member of Liberty Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as Secretary/Treasurer. In addition to her church involvement, Sara was a proud member of the Red Hatter’s Club and the Damascus Senior Center. These memberships brought her friendship, laughter, and many meaningful connections. Sara also found great pleasure in the simple joys of life. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and spending time outdoors, where she could appreciate the beauty around her. Watching the birds brought her peace and delight, especially hummingbirds. She loved to fish for hours at her place on the river in Steelefield Fish Camp in Vernon, FL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and the love of her life, Bobby Hughes; two brothers, Junior Thames and J.D. Thames; one sister Vernell Thames.
She is survived by one son, Ricky Hughes (Kim) of Elba, AL; one daughter, Phyllis Griswold (Reggie) of New Brockton, AL, seven grandchildren, Kenny Hughes (Jessica), Ashton Hughes, Cayla Register (T.J.), Brandon Griswold, Justin Griswold (Rachel), Darren Holden (Kirstin), and Jack Hughes; 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kenny Hughes, Brandon Griswold, Justin Griswold, Ashton Hughes, Clay Garner, TJ Register, Jack Hughes and Darren Holden.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.net
Wilma Jean Story Gilliam, a resident of Avon, Alabama died peacefully Sunday, June 21, 2026, at her home. She was 90.
Jean was born October 23, 1935 in Charlotte, TN. At 18 years old, she married the love of her life, Jerry Mathis Gilliam. Together they spent many years relocating all over the country with Jerry’s job and finally moved to Dothan in 1972 for Jerry to succeed Mr. Red McGuirck as the president of the Colonial Bakery. After decades of raising children and supporting her husband, Jean went to nursing school and became a LPN, first working at Extendicare but spent the majority of her career at Dothan Pediatric Clinic as Dr. Barron’s nurse.
Jean enjoyed spending time as an Eastern Star, volunteering with The National Peanut Festival, and many years as a member of The Dothan Pilot Club. She was a devoted member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church as well as an annual donor to SEACT and The University of Alabama.
Jean will be remembered for her generous spirit, always looking her best, and loving her family and friends well. She enjoyed traveling the world, giving to others, watching Alabama football, and most importantly, spending time with her family. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she had a stocking for every person in her family hanging from her mantle every year.
Jean was cared for by such loving and devoted caregivers. The family expresses their gratitude to Ms. Betty, Ms. Hattie, Ms. Monica, and Joyce with Gentiva Hospice.
She is preceded in death by her parents Roger and Mabel Story of Charlotte, TN, her loving husband, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, her brother, Charles Story and his wife Wilma Story, her oldest son, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, Jr, and her grandson Dustin Colt Gilliam.
She is survived by her sisters: Sandra Fergueson (Carl) and Brenda Holder (Terry). Her daughter Pamela Leverette (Ben) and youngest son Steven Gilliam (Ashley). Her beloved daughter-in-law for many years: Jane Sunday (Rickey). Grandchildren: Jerry Mathis Gilliam III (Shanda), Ashley Leverette, Jessica Nichols (Adam), Judson Leverette (Hope), Sarah Kathryn Lyndall (Colby Mansman), and Mary Elizabeth Lyndall (Bull Milstead). Great grandchildren: Bradley Clements, Trenton Gilliam (Isabella), Banks Nichols, Weston Nichols, Cooper Milstead, Benjamin Leverette, and Lucy Grace Leverette. Jean had one Great-great grandchild: Danny Mack Clements. She had a great-granddaughter on the way, Charlotte Elizabeth Mansman as well as a great-great grandson due in November, Colton Gilliam. Jean was also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held in Cumberland Furnace, TN on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s honor can be made to The Dothan Pilot Club, The National Peanut Festival, or SEACT.
HOUSTON, TX…..It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Martha Faye Bostick, at her home in Houston, Texas. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She left behind a legacy of compassion and dedication that touched countless lives.
Born in Headland, Alabama, on December 29, 1939, to Eugene and Frances Bostick, Martha was the embodiment of kindness and perseverance. She is predeceased by her beloved parents and her sister, Gayle Marshall, and nephews Mike and Marty Marshall.
Martha’s educational journey began after graduating from Headland High School Class of 1958. Her passion for nursing led her to the Columbus School of Nursing, where she earned her RN, and later to the University of Alabama Birmingham, where she achieved her RN MSN.
Her commitment to healthcare continued as a dedicated nurse, serving at Columbus Medical Center.
She furthered her impact on the field of nursing as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Alabama Nursing School, where she inspired and mentored the next generation of nurses. The last 34 years of Martha’s career were spent serving as an Executive Administrator at The Houston Veterans Administration Medical Center, where she worked tirelessly in quality management to improve patient care.
Martha’s passions extended beyond her professional life. She was an avid University of Alabama football fan.
Her enthusiasm for the game was matched only by her love for gardening and cooking.
Martha leaves behind her cherished family: her sisters, Patricia Hammond (Charles) and Jenny Hawkins (James ), many nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She treasured many memories created at family gatherings.
A service celebrating Martha’s life will be held on June 26, 2026, at a 1:00 PM reception by the family and funeral services at 2:00 PM at Tolbert Baptist Church, located at 4305 County Rd 45 South, Headland, Alabama 36345.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, a cause Martha supported with great passion.
Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace, knowing she made the world a better place.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
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Bruce Alan Infinger, age 63, passed away peacefully at home with family on June 20, 2026. He was born on November 4, 1962, to Billie Infinger and Betty Radney Infinger.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Leeann Hodges Infinger, and his parents. He was known for his sense of humor, outgoing personality, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his girls, whether it was hunting, fishing, or boating. Bruce loved the outdoors and naturally made every experience an adventure.
Bruce is survived by his children: Leah Tidwell (Reid), Jeri Lynn Clark, Rachael Earley, and Jeffery Messer; his grandchildren: Isabella, Joseph, Levi, Journey, Jaxxon, Aubrey Lynn; his siblings: Janie Jones, Sue Infinger, Billy Infinger, and Jimmy Infinger. As well as countless extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Bruce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He is forever free with his Heavenly Father and loved ones.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. David Amason officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.net
