Danny Ray McKnight, a devoted father, proud veteran, and beloved jokester known for his generosity and faith, passed away at the age of 73 on July 3, 2025, in Macon, Georgia.
Born on May 20, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, Danny lived a life marked by love, service, and deep-rooted faith. A graduate of Dothan High School, he went on to honorably serve in the Army National Guard and spent many dedicated years with the United States Postal Service.
Danny didn’t just talk about his faith—he wore it. Literally. His collection of Christian t-shirts was just one of the many ways he shared his love for the Lord with the world around him. He was a man who believed in showing up for people, loving fiercely, and laughing often.
Although he recently moved to Douglas, Georgia, to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, Danny’s heart never left Dothan, Alabama, where he was born and raised. A proud veteran, Danny’s military service took him across the world, including a memorable deployment to Seoul during the 1988 Summer Olympics. His time in service reflected his deep sense of duty and adventure, but no matter where life took him, his greatest pride and joy remained his children: Danny McKnight II and Tiffany Clardy.
He is survived by his son, Danny McKnight II (Kristine) of Douglas, Georgia; daughter, Tiffany Clardy (Michael) of Dothan, Alabama; brothers, Steve McKnight (Norma) and Rodger McKnight, both of Dothan; grandchildren, Madison and Maggie McKnight of Dothan; nephew, Ashley McKnight (Susie) of Panama City, Florida; niece, Emrist Mustin (Garrett) of Dothan; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Margaret McKnight; his brother, Jimmy McKnight; and his granddaughter, Saylor McKnight.
Danny loved Alabama football, the Atlanta Braves, and spending time fishing. And if you knew him, you knew there was only one acceptable drink: Diet Coke—nothing else even came close. His sense of humor was unmatched, and even in tough times, he managed to bring laughter wherever he went. He lived life to the fullest, always defied death’s door, and fought until the very end.
Danny was known for his quiet strength, his sharp wit, and his unwavering love for his family. Whether sharing stories from his years of service or enjoying a simple afternoon surrounded by loved ones, he lived with a deep appreciation for the things that truly matter.
More than anything, Danny was a giver. Whether it was a warm smile, a word of encouragement, or quite literally the shirt off his back, he was always there for others. His warmth, humor, and deep compassion will be missed more than words can say.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Charles Goldsmith officiating at Sunset Memorial Park, with military honors to follow.
Mr. Brennen Guy Grantham, a resident of Ozark, died Sunday, July 6, 2025. He was 31 years old.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Grantham 4:00 P.M. Friday, July 11, 2025, from Westview Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Jabe J. Fincher, Jr. officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Friday in the church from 2:00 P. M. until service time.
Mr. Grantham was born August 3, 1993 in Dothan, Alabama. He graduated from Dale County High School in 2012 and worked with Kogutz Masonary. He was an avid lover of animals and gaming. Survivors include his parents, Brooke and Andy Kogutz and Buddy and Belinda Grantham all of Ozark; maternal grandparents, Jackie and Paula Heath of Ozark; his aunt, Brandy Heath (Shanna Rivers) of Dothan; two sisters, Emma Eldridge (Tommy) and Carrie-Grace Grantham both of Ozark; one brother, Tucker Grantham of Ozark; nieces and nephews, Slate Langenkamp, Carly Eldridge, Knox Eldridge and Buckley Eldridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
With arms wide open and a smile as wide as the sea, LaJan Barton Head lived a life full of light, love, and laughter. On Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, at the age of “29” LaJan passed away surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.
A private memorial service will be held for Ms. Head at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Born in Gilmer, Texas, to Gleandell and LaJuan Barton, she was the heart of her family and the kind of woman who made every day brighter just by being herself.
She was cherished by her siblings, Lynn Merrill (Billy), Randall Barton, Kent Barton (Herlinda), and Richard Barton and was also a devoted mother to her two daughters, Catina Foss (Todd) of Ariton and Brandy Parker (Jeff) of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In addition to her children, LaJan had a special bond with her nieces and nephews, who brought her great joy throughout her life. To her grandchildren, she wasn’t just Grandma—she was “LuLu,” a name that came with hugs and unconditional love. Her grandchildren Zach Foss (Carolina), Trenton Foss (Hanna), Rylie Parker, Waylon Albritton, and Saylor Albritton, were her pride and joy, along with her precious great-granddaughter, Blakeleigh Foss. LaJan had a spirit as vibrant as the colors she loved—especially pink. She found peace in the waves, joy in gardening, treasure in antique shops and beauty in the smallest moments. Whether with lifelong friends or people she had just met, she made others feel seen, loved, and welcome. She leaves behind a legacy not just of family, but of fierce love, laughter, and living fully in the salty waves of life.
Ande (Edna Ference) Dawson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on March 6, 1945, in Ohio, to Edward and Edna Kormanyos, Ande was a beacon of love and dedication, always placing her family at the forefront of her heart and actions.
Ande’s journey in life was a testament to her loving nature and adventurous spirit. She shared 59 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Bob Dawson, a bond that was rooted in deep love and mutual respect. Together, they nurtured a family that included their son, Rob (Kristina) Dawson, and daughter, Ange (Eric) Brickman. Ande took immense pride and joy in her role as a grandmother to Patrick Brickman (M. C. Sharpe), Reid (Lizzy) Brickman, Julia (Cliff) Martin, and Lukas Dawson, and she cherished the moments she became a great-grandmother to Adeline Brickman. Her brother, Edward (Connie) Kormanyos, Jr., sister-in-law, Gale McCune, niece, Kathy McCune-Ellwood, and nephew, Tom McCune, were all dear to her heart.
Raised in the Christian faith, Ande’s upbringing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida laid the foundation for her values and the importance of family. She carried these principles throughout her life, always ensuring her loved ones felt supported and cared for. Her selfless nature was evident in the way she was always there for her husband and children, creating a warm and nurturing home environment.
Ande’s interests were as diverse as they were engaging. She grew up fishing the Florida Coast and Everglades with her father and brother. Her love for saltwater fishing was a cherished activity shared with her son, Rob, creating lasting memories on the water. As an adult, she developed a love for tennis and enjoyed the role of player, partner, and instructor for many years. Ande found pleasure in the simple joys of life, such as reading, assembling puzzles, and playing games.
Traveling was another passion for Ande and Bob, who explored the western United States in their RV, embracing the freedom of the open road. Ande served as a chase driver for Bob when he was a commercial balloon pilot, a role that highlighted her adventurous spirit and the teamwork that defined their marriage.
Ande’s love for good food and a perfectly cooked steak during nights out, was well-known among her family and friends. Summers were spent in their beloved cabin in Franklin, NC, a place she called it her “happy place” and developed many deeply special friendships over the years there.
Those who knew Ande will remember her for her loving heart, her readiness for adventure, and her selfless dedication to her family. Her legacy is one of unwavering love and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and warmth.
Ande’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family, the joy of her grandchildren, and the adventures that she and Bob shared. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the memories she created will forever be treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Ande’s departure from this world leaves behind a legacy of love and the beautiful impression of a life well-lived. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she lived her life to the fullest, surrounded by those she loved until her very last moments.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
David (Dave) Russell Wuertzer, D.P.M., passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 81 at River Landing in Colfax, North Carolina. Born January 8, 1944, in Jamestown, New York, Dave was a dearly loved husband, father, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered as a gentle man with a quick wit, deeply devoted to God, family, and country.
After graduating from Falconer High School, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Allegheny College, where he met his future wife, Virginia (Ginny) Judd. He went on to complete a master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania before pursuing a medical career at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (Temple University), graduating with honors.
Dave practiced podiatry for 34 years in Alabama, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. In Alabama, he served as Vice-President of the Alabama Podiatry Association and was appointed by the governor to the Alabama State Board of Podiatry.
During the Vietnam War, Dave was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He served at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with the USAF Honor Guard at official ceremonies, including those at the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. He later served as a training officer at Lackland AFB and as the first podiatrist at the Elmendorf AFB hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.
Dave and Ginny shared 58 years of marriage and lived in seven states. They settled in Dothan, Alabama, where Dave founded The Southeast Alabama Foot Clinic. He was also a Charter Member of Covenant Methodist Church, where he played a vital role in its founding and served in leadership over the years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sunday School Superintendent, and Youth Coordinator. He was active in the community, serving on the boards of the Dothan Country Club and the local chapter of the American Diabetic Association, and was a longtime Rotarian.
A gifted athlete, Dave competed in four sports in high school and played baseball and basketball in college. He coached his son, Scott, in youth leagues and shared with him a lifelong love of golf. Together they played courses across the country and attended professional tournaments, including the Masters, the PGA, and the U.S. Open. Dave continued playing golf into his 80s, proud of his two holes-in-one and of having shot his age countless times.
In retirement, Dave and Ginny moved to a lakeside home in North Carolina near their son, where Dave added boating to his list of hobbies and stayed active until the final months of his life.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Coletta Wuertzer, and his brother, Richard Wuertzer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ginny; his son, Scott David Wuertzer; his nephew, Russell (Lynn) Wuertzer; and his niece, Jodelle (William) Magner.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th, in the Healthcare Multipurpose Room at River Landing, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Care Ministry, Covenant Methodist Church, 3610 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36305.
Jimmy “Jim” David Hall, 82, a resident of Headland, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his residence following an extended illness.
Graveside services with Navy Honors will be at 1:30 E.T. / 12:30 C.T., Friday, July 11, 2025, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery with Chaplain Tim Stevenson officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 10, 2025, 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., at Glover Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Jim was born on February 15, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Earl Dexter & Hattie Leona (Goff) Hall. He spent the early years of his life in Knoxville and was a 1961 graduate of Young High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly served for four years. After his military service, he began his career as an electrician working for a number of years and was a member of the IBEW Local Union 443 of Montgomery. Jim loved his family and was of Baptist faith.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra Sue Hall; his son, Robert Wayne Hall; his brother, Clifford Hall; and his sister, Virginia Young.
He is survived by his son, Richard Hall of Headland; his four grandchildren, David Hall, Baylee Hall, Kinzee Hall, and Kaleb Hall; his great-grandchild, Riley Hall; and several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
With arms wide open and a smile as wide as the sea, LaJan Barton Head lived a life full of light, love, and laughter. On Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, at the age of “29” LaJan passed away surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.
Ande (Edna Ference) Dawson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on March 6, 1945, in Ohio, to Edward and Edna Kormanyos, Ande was a beacon of love and dedication, always placing her family at the forefront of her heart and actions.
