Brian Michael Paddock, a man of generosity and skill, passed away on September 17, 2025, at his home in Midland City, Alabama, at the age of 57. Born on March 1, 1968, in Alton, Illinois, He was the son of late Harry Lee Paddock and Thelma Ham Paddock.
Brian’s life was one marked by the love of his close-knit family, He is survived by his mother Thelma Paddock Turner and step-dad, Johnny Turner of Dothan, his brother, Scott Paddock of Godfrey, Illinois, and his sister, Julie Cover of Belleville, Illinois. His nephew Brian Cover and niece Andrea, both of Swansea, Illinois, will fondly remember their uncle’s kindness and warmth. Brian also leaves behind step-nieces, Debra Jo Turner and Johnny Frank Turner, as well as step-brother, Danny Turner of Eufaula, Alabama. His uncle, Kenneth Ham and aunt, Donna McClary, along with their spouses, the Nelson cousins, Jeannie, Mark, Terry, and Patty, and cousins, William Murphy and Sabrina Murphy of the St. Louis area will cherish the memories they shared.
He attended Alton Senior High School. Brian’s passion for craftsmanship was evident early on as he excelled in a building trade class, mastering the art of ceramic tile with patience and precision. His work in construction and remodeling showcased his meticulous nature and his innate ability to create and repair, bringing both beauty and functionality to the spaces he touched.
Brian’s interests were simple yet profound. He found joy in the laughter and companionship that came from cooking out with friends. The beach was a place of solace and happiness.
Those who knew Brian would describe him as selfless, handy, and generous. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. His selflessness was not just an attribute but a way of life, as he constantly sought to make life better for those around him.
Brian’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. His many co-workers and friends will remember him for his unwavering support, his willingness to lend a hand, and his ability to brighten the darkest of days. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him, leaving a void that cannot be filled.
A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park at 1 pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 with Pastor Doug MacCormack officiating. The family will receive friends in Sunset Funeral Home parlors from 12-1 pm on Tuesday.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Mary A. Miner, 85, of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025.
Mary was born on August 4, 1940, in Ponce de Leon, to the late John and Nancy Dean. Mary devoted her life to the care of others, building a lifelong career in childcare management. She found great joy in nurturing children and supporting families in her community.
Faith was central to Mary’s life. Throughout the years, she faithfully taught Sunday school and sang in the choir in the churches she attended. Mary was most recently a faithful member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Outside of church, she loved gardening, playing card games, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—her greatest source of pride and joy. Mary was also an avid letter and card writer, always sending words of cheer and encouragement to brighten the lives of others.
Mary is survived by her children: Pat Parker (Kevan), Kevin Miner (Peggy), Lori Simmons (Wally), BJ Smith (Jeff), and Karen Brabston (Eric). She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tiffany Clifton (Jeremy, with children Maggie and Jude); Kysa Medina (Anthony, with children Micah and Brooklyn); Kristopher Parker (Brandi, with children Kaden, (Allie), Karson, Korbin, and Koen); Genie Simmons (with children Carter, Olivia, and Carolyn); Alex Simmons (Carrie, with children Bryson, Sadie, and Everett); Joshua Miner (Caroline, with daughters Anna and Queen); Taylor Parker (Natalie, with children Ava and Triton); MaryBeth Melvin (Brent, with son Jack); Kendall Alderman (Trent); Matthew Brabston (Becca, with son Barrett); Rachel Scott (Cameron); and Tucker Alderman (Alana, with daughter Saige).
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lloyd Miner.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 3pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chuck Locke, officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service in the chapel. Mary will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church in her memory.
Mary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving heart, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.
Nell McAllister Johnson of Alabaster, Alabama, passed away on September 17, 2025, while surrounded by her family.
Nell was born on September 1, 1939, in Dothan, Alabama, to Otis J. McAllister and Annie Maude McAllister. Nell’s greatest joy was caring for her children and grandchildren, always putting her family first. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Randall, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a legacy of love, faith, and family. Nell had a gift for baking and was known as a wonderful cook. She ministered to many through her kitchen, joyfully baking cakes and other treats for family gatherings, church events, and countless special occasions. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives.
Nell had a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and loved the Lord God Almighty. She was a faithful member of The Branch at Mission Hills in Alabaster, Alabama, where she poured her heart into her church family and community.
Nell was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Annie Maude McAllister; her son, Michael; and her brother, Harry.
She is survived by her loving husband, Randall, and her daughters, Sandra Hoiberg, Jennifer Hogan (Tim), and Jan Holcomb (Barry). She leaves behind a legacy of love through her cherished grandchildren: Zachary and Sydney Hoiberg, Kaitlin Hogan and Jenna Cooch (Alex), Taylor Holcomb, and great-grandchild Caden Cooch.
A service to honor Nell’s life will be held at The Branch at Mission Hills in Alabaster on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Brook Lovett officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
A committal service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with the family receiving friends following the service.
Nell will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
James Earl Tice of Ashford, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 73.
Known as “angraddy” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His interests were simple yet profound, as he found pleasure in hunting, fishing, and dancing. James’s love for music was evident in his appreciation for the tunes of Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard. He was a provider who built the foundation for four generations, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.
James was a kind, simple, and gentle man with a calm soul that settled any storm in his presence. He was respected by many and loved by all who knew him. His life was a living example of this scripture, 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
James is preceded in death by his parents, James Lee Tice, Sr. and Blondell Marie Braswell Tice; his brothers, Willie Gene Tice and James (Rooster) Lee Tice; his nephew, David Tice; and his great-nephews, Matthew Tice and Jessie Tice.
His legacy continues through his beloved wife, Brenda Gail Tice; daughters, Renda Carberry (Joe) and Sylvia Tice Dupriest; grandchildren, Haley House (Michael), Hunter Borden (Anna), Hanna Massey (Jacob), Dillion Tice, and Tyler Dupriest; great-grandchildren, Haystin Allen-James Mallory, Liam Anthony House, Rowan Michael House, and Evelyn Rose Massey. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Palmer.
A graveside service to honor the life of James Earl Tice will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
Fred McClain was born on August 1, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to Edward and Mary McClain. He spent his early years on Underhill Avenue before his family moved to the Howard Houses in Brownsville in 1955.
Fred was educated in the Brooklyn public school system and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation, he worked in various positions before beginning a long and dedicated career with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Kings County Hospital, where he served as an Office Associate. In this role, he worked diligently for over 25 years, building strong bonds with colleagues, offering steadfast service, and leaving a legacy of professionalism and commitment.
Beyond his career, Fred was a man of many passions. He loved dancing, playing with the drum corps, fashion design as a seamster, photography, and mentoring youth at his church. He was a proud member of the Drum & Bugle Corps, the “Wynn Center Toppers,” and was known as a loyal “Topper brother.” Childhood friends fondly recalled how growing up in the Howard Houses would not have been the same without Fred and his brothers.
Fred was a devoted father who found great joy in raising his son, Eddie Marrero-McClain. He cherished time with family, especially his beloved grandsons, Eddie Jr. and Chase. Holidays, barbecues, and gatherings were among his happiest moments, where his humor, warmth, and unforgettable laugh lit up every room.
Known affectionately as “Freddy,” he was celebrated for his charisma, sense of humor, honesty, and dance moves. He was recognized as an original member of the Howard Houses community and remained deeply connected to his old neighborhood throughout his life.
Fred will be remembered as a kind and supportive man, a mentor, a good neighbor, and a pillar in his church. He spoke his mind with integrity, offered wisdom generously, and touched countless lives with his compassion and lighthearted spirit.
On September 3, 2025, Fred departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary McClain; brothers Herbert (Tennie), Edward Jr. (“Punk”), John, and Robert, Herman (“Shot”); cousin Clifford Prime; niece Diane McClain; and nephew Bruce McClain.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Fred McClain will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel in Dothan, Alabama. The family will welcome friends and loved ones one hour prior to the services to share memories and support each other in remembrance of a life well-lived.
Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to provide a register book in memory of Charlie Kirk for those in our community who wish to express their condolences and share a message of remembrance. The register book will be available at our facility through Friday, September 19th, at 5:00 PM.
At that time, the completed book will be sent to Turning Point, where it will be placed alongside the many other register books being collected in Mr. Kirk’s honor. This collection will serve as a lasting tribute to his life, legacy, and the countless lives he impacted.
We invite all who feel led to stop by and sign the book, offering words of comfort, support, and reflection that will remain as part of this memorial. If you are unable to stop by, an obituary has been posted on our website to leave digital signatures or memories of your choosing that will be printed along with the physical register book. Follow the link below to go straight to his page.
