Mr. Robert “Bob” Leslie Kiser of Enterprise passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Signature Health Care of North Florida in Graceville, Florida. He was 82.
Mr. Kiser was born on May 7, 1943, in Holmes County, Florida to the late Buck Kiser and Gladys Lucille Gilley Wells. Bob was a wonderful father and grandfather! He always made sure his children and grandchildren were taken care of and lacked for nothing. He was a selfless man and spent his whole life giving and doing for others. Bob worked for Gilley’s Heating & Cooling for over 40 years. There was nothing he could not fix! He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed passing the time at any fishing hole. Having humbly accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior two years prior to his death, his family is comforted with the assurance he is at home in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In addition to his parents, his grandfather, Homer Gilley; stepfather, Harvey Wells; and two brothers: Bill Kiser, and George Wells all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his children: Robert S. Kiser, and Lisa S. Martinez, and; grandchildren: Blake Kiser, Jacob Kiser, Alisa Martinez, and Rolando Martinez; siblings: Junior Wells, Johnny Mack Wells, Gerald Wells, Norma “Polly” Wood, and Linda Bowen; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Mrs. Peggy Ann Thompson, 90 years old of Ashford Alabama and formerly of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2025.
Peggy was born on July 8, 1934 in Ashford, Alabama. After graduating from Ashford High School she married Harley B. Thompson and embarked on devoted marriage of 66 years where they had one son, Jeff Thompson.
Most of her life was spent in Enterprise where she served as Executive Secretary of the First Baptist Church for 35 years. She was also active in several service organizations most notably Pilot Club International where she held various officer positions.
Peggy was predeceased by her parents R.J Taylor and Bobbie Silcox Taylor, her husband, Harley B. Thompson, sister, Sylvia Taylor, and brother, Byron Taylor. Survivors include her son, Jeff Thompson (Denise), granddaughter, Karen Smith (Jake), grandson, Doug Thompson (Katherine), four great-grandchildren, Drew Thompson, Grace Thompson, Graham Smith, and Katelyn Smith, sisters, Carolyn McDowell and Charlotte Rollins (Buddy), Teresa Kirkland (Lamar) brother, Sammy Taylor (Sue) and several nieces and nephews.
Her legacy was one of unyielding kindness and generosity always putting the needs of others before her own. Devoted to her family and church she tirelessly and unselfishly was a caregiver to her late husband in his later years. Her hobbies included reading, tending to her flower garden, ceramics and enjoying time spent with close friends.
Funeral services for Peggy will take place on July 10, 2025 at 11 AM at Enterprise Baptist Church in Ashford, Alabama. The family will receive friends and neighbors at the church an hour before the service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to your favorite charity in Peggy’s memory.
Pallbearers will be Doug Thompson, Jake Smith, Keith Shirley, Greg Baxley, Moultrie Sessions, Jr., and Jason Kirkland.
OZARK…Kathleen Louise (Grabski) Tackes passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, after an extended illness, at her home and surrounded by her loving family.
Memorial services will be held in the Chicago area at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark was in charge of arrangements.
Known to family and friends as Katie or Kay, she was born in Chicago on November 13, 1934. Katie attended and graduated from West Pullman Elementary School and Fenger High School, where she met her lifelong best friend, Barbara Zagotta. Some of her fondest early memories centered around ice skating, roller skating and the picnics sponsored by the Hungarian Baptist Church in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood.
Later in life, she moved to Cicero, then Park Forest, in Illinois before moving to Anniston, Alabama to be closer to her daughter Margaret Mary. They eventually settled in Ozark, Alabama.
Katie stayed home to raise her children when they were young and used her talents to bring in extra money through crafts, fashioning wreaths from discarded keypunch cards, angels from expired Reader’s Digest magazines or cloth and gold spray paint. She held a variety of jobs in her life, including keypunch operator at International Harvester, and later Illinois Central, as well as server at Camadeca Catering. Eventually, she shifted into management in the computer departments at Sunbeam and, later, Stone Container in the Chicago area.
Katie was a voracious reader who loved Agatha Christie novels and was a devoted fan of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy films. She was quick-witted, creative and fierce in her devotion to family. Katie had an unshakable belief that all children should be loved and cherished, a conviction she passed on to her children.
Later in life, Katie spent a portion of her pension to help support a variety of charities that included St. Jude’s and Salvation Army. She was unashamed of her love of candy and sweets, especially the oatmeal raisin cookies she baked once the weather turned cold.
A lifelong learner, Katie took up driving and skiing in her late 40s. She impressed everyone when, at age 85, her love of crafts was reignited. She expanded her talents to design and, with her youngest daughter’s help, create seasonal wreaths that featured a variety of nuts, plastic fruits and other festive items. She also learned to weave and made scarves, table runners and mosaic afghans for friends and everyone in her family.
Katie is survived by her sister, Sandra (Grabski) Leschine of Friday Harbor, WA, and her four children, Margaret Mary Tackes Fiorella (Theodore Jeffrey) of Ozark, AL; William Edward Tackes (Beverly Domaleczny) of La Grange, IL; George Alexander Tackes (Carolyn Martens) of Oak Lawn, IL; and Kathy Lynn Dean (Mark) of Peachtree City, GA. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Caleb Atticus Tackes (Ashley); Jillian Margaret Tackes; Anthony Francis Vogeltanz (Angelique Gibson); and Teresa Elizabeth (Vogeltanz) Randolph (Eric); as well as by three great-grandchildren: Jace Christian Vogeltanz-Randolph, Addison Randolph and Conner Randolph. Other family members who celebrate her life include her niece and goddaughter, Kimberly Dawn (Tackes) Mooney (Ronn) and nieces Karen (Hartwig) Harris (David), Linda (Hartwig) Pachowicz (Scott), Ellen (Hartwig) Turner, Gail Leschine-Seitz, Sharon Spoeri, and Sally Spoeri.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Joseph Tackes (1929-1981), father Adolf Olson, mother Wilda Grabski (Baughman), stepfather Al Grabski, mother-in-law Margaret Tackes, sisters Beverly Hartwig and Sonia Spoeri, grandson Alexander Tackes, nephew Charlie Leschine and niece Susan Spoeri.
Katie’s 90 years of life were filled with love and strong convictions. She continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her.
Tim Skipper, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, and esteemed member of the Dothan community, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on October 5, 1964, in Dothan, Alabama, Tim’s life was a testament to the love and dedication he had for his family, his creative passions, and his commitment to public service.
Tim’s journey began as the beloved son of Larry Skipper and the late Annette Skipper. He grew up in a home filled with love and laughter, which shaped him into the generous and compassionate man known to all. In Lakeland, FL, he met and married the love of his life, Renee, and together they built a beautiful life filled with joy and cherished memories. Their union was blessed with two sons, Aaron Skipper, who is married to Haley, and Dalton Skipper. Tim’s role as a doting grandfather to Hazel and Violet was one of his greatest joys, and his legacy will continue to live on through them.
A dedicated member of the Frostproof Florida Police Department, Tim served his community with honor and distinction. His commitment to protecting and serving others was a cornerstone of his character, and he was deeply respected by his colleagues and those he helped throughout his career. Tim’s protective nature extended beyond his professional life and was felt by all who knew him.
Beyond his law enforcement career, Tim was a man of many talents and interests. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the owner of a beloved comic book shop at Backyard Treasures, where he shared his passion for storytelling and art with fellow enthusiasts. His creativity also shone through his work as a photographer, capturing moments of beauty and significance that would otherwise go unnoticed. Tim’s artistic eye led him to take album photo covers for several famous musicians, leaving a lasting impression on the music industry.
Tim spent many years in Lakeland, Florida, before returning to his roots in Dothan, where he lived for 30 years. He was known for his blunt honesty, a trait that, combined with his compassionate nature, earned him the deep respect and trust of those around him. Tim’s love for comic books was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of his belief in the triumph of good over evil and the power of a good story.
His life was a canvas of vibrant colors, marked by the countless lives he touched with his generosity and his talent. Tim was a true protector in every sense of the word, and his presence was a source of comfort and strength to his family and friends.
Tim Skipper’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and service. As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have on the world around them. Tim will be profoundly missed by his wife, sons, grandchildren, father, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will be treasured in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Wood and Pastor Rick Jenkins officiating. Tim will be laid to rest in Newton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Thomas E. “Tommy” Scarborough, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, veteran, cowboy, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, just four days shy of his 77th birthday. A decorated military veteran, Tommy proudly served his country with honor and courage, a commitment that shaped his life and earned him the respect of all who knew him.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Paul Nolin officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, one hour prior to the service.
Born on July 6, 1948, to Merrill and Hoyt Scarborough, Tommy lived a life marked by adventure, love, and generosity. He was a skilled pilot, able to fly nine different types of aircraft—an extraordinary feat that speaks to his intelligence, determination, and fearlessness.
But the sky wasn’t his only domain. Tommy was a true cowboy at heart, with a deep love for horses—his “horse children”—and the rugged beauty of the life they brought him. He found joy in the simple things: a good ride, a hearty laugh, a helping hand extended, and time shared with those he loved.
Those who knew Tommy knew a man of immense decency, generosity, and warmth. He had a way of making friends wherever he went and left an impression that lasted long after the conversation ended. He was loving, fun, and always ready with a story or a smile. His presence lit up a room, and his absence will leave it dimmer.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Hoyt Scarborough; his brother, Donnell Scarborough; and his beloved son, Clint Scarborough. Though their loss weighed heavily on him, he never lost his strength or his spirit.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Scarborough; his daughter, Gayle Scarborough; his stepson, Michael McDonald; his stepdaughter, Tracy Powell, his granddaughter, Leanna Johnson (Eric), grandson, Alex McDonald (Danni) and great-grandchildren Faith, Hadlee, Axel, Evie, and Riley, nephews Brandon Scarborough (Shelly) and Michael Scarborough (Julie), his Aunt, more like his sister, Laura Bagwell, along with many great nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of dear friends. All who knew Tommy loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward with respect, pride and affection.
Tommy fought a long, hard battle, facing each day with courage and grace. In the end, he went home—to reunite with the family he missed so dearly, and to wait for the rest of us. He will be remembered as a hero, a cowboy, a gentleman, and above all, a good man.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to his favorite charity, Wounded Warrior Project, in his honor.
Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Aldecoa, Jackie Smith, Tommy Enfinger, Kerry Farrar, Thomas Wilson and Michael McDonald.
OZARK…William Isaac “Bill” Osteen, 93, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at Largo Cemetery, Largo, Florida. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Monday, July 7, 2025, at the funeral home in Ozark.
Born on November 13, 1931, in Williston, Florida, to William and Mattie Osteen, Bill moved with his family to Largo, Florida, in 1940. He was a graduate of Largo High School in 1950. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After his military service, he began a long and successful career as an electrician.
On March 12, 1955, Bill married Faye Gillaspie in Largo, Florida. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 70 years of marriage. Bill was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In 1965, he founded Osteen Electric Inc., which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1985. During this time, he also served as President of the Kiwanis Club from 1981 to 1982, reflecting his commitment to community service and leadership.
In 1974, he purchased property in Ozark, Alabama, where he began a small cattle farm as a hobby. After retiring, he and Faye moved to Ozark in 1986, where he continued to share his skills and generosity by helping build eight homes for family members in Alabama and Florida. A man of many talents and interests, Bill was an avid golfer who played well into his 80s, forming lasting friendships on the course. At the age of 85, he proudly achieved a hole-in-one—one of his most cherished golfing memories.
Bill also had a passion for woodworking, spending countless hours in his barn crafting beautiful pieces of furniture for loved ones. His legacy lives not only in the structures he built and the furniture he made, but in the lives, he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Faye Osteen; his children: Lynn Trowbridge (Steve) of Ozark, AL, Gail McKenzie (Roy) of Palmetto, FL, and Clint Osteen (Wendy) of Hartselle, AL; six grandchildren: Britni Matyasi (Frank), Kelli Whitfield (Matt), Sara Trowbridge, Stephanie Johnson (Thomas), Isaac Osteen, and Jake Osteen; and eight great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mattie Osteen; his brothers, Pete and DeWitt Osteen; sister, Eutha Scott and eight half-siblings.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to caregiver Linda Knotts as well as Ashlee Sims, nurse from Community Hospice in Ozark, for their compassionate care and support for the family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360, or a charity of your choice.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy of service, craftsmanship, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
