Mr. Jimmy Ray Mathews, age 69, a resident of Headland passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at Hartford Healthcare.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Shady Grove Congregational Holiness Church with Sister Judy Dyson and Sister Jennifer Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm at the church prior to services.
Mr. Jimmy was born on May 29, 1956 to Louie and Merline Mercer Mathews. He was a funny and outspoken individual who brought laughter and joy to those around him. Mr. Jimmy enjoyed fishing, spending time with his friends and family, and had a deep love for good food. He could never turn down a snack or a full meal. He was a member of Shady Grove Congregational Holiness Church, where he found fellowship and faith. Saturdays in the fall, you could find him cheering on his beloved Auburn Tigers. “War Eagle!”
Mr. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Mathews; sister, Sara Deese; mother-in-law, Lois Doerine Shelley; and his grandparents.
Survivors include his wife, Brandi Mathews; sister, Mary Brantley (Max), sisters-in-law, Tammy Carter, Samantha Bragan; father-in-law, William Shelley; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Anthony and Heaven Martin; his very special K9 companion, Rose.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
SKIPPERVILLE…James “J” Spears, a resident of Skipperville, died early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Skipperville. He was 18.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
In the quiet hush of a southern evening, beneath the long shadow of Alabama pines, a good man slipped gently into eternity. Louis Melton Thorpe, born December 21, 1933, in the red clay heart of Dale County, Alabama, now walks the streets of glory—his well-worn boots traded for the shoes of peace, his soul at rest in the country he longed for all his life.
He was the son of Izora Chancey Tharp and Louie Melton Tharp—people of grit, grace, and the deep soil of faith. They raised him in a time when right and wrong were clear, hard work was expected, and a man’s word was his bond. He graduated from Dale County High School, Ozark, in an America still young and full of promise—and so was he.
Louis had two sisters: Inez Tharpe Smith, who survives him, and Juanita Tharpe Tew, who went on ahead. He was the beloved father of four: Tracy Lee Thorpe (preceded), Tamera Thorpe Trenkler, Taron Keith Thorpe, and Treva Thorpe Eddleman.
Louis lived a life that honored service above self. For 20 years, he wore the uniform of the United States Air Force, answering his country’s call with quiet courage and unwavering discipline. He served across the United States and in Korea, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and retiring with full honors.
While stationed in California, he met the love of his life, Billie Virginia Ratliff, of Yucaipa. They were married on March 29, 1957, in Yuma, Arizona, beginning a union that would last more than 68 years—a marriage rooted in love, shared duty, and enduring joy. Together, they raised four children, worked the land, journeyed from coast to coast, and built a home marked by laughter, faith, and hospitality.
During his military service, Louis earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree from Troy State University, balancing family, duty, and a quiet pursuit of knowledge.
After retiring from the military, he returned to his home state and began his second career as a Public Health Administrator for the Alabama Department of Public Health. There, he played a vital role in shaping health programs, including the establishment of the state’s Nurse Practitioner Program—a legacy of compassion and foresight. He retired from public service after another 20 years of faithful contribution.
And still, Louis worked. He farmed the land of his boyhood—raising cattle, hogs, corn, hay, and vegetables—often after a full day at the office. Later, he transitioned the farm into timber and recreational land, preserving its heritage for generations to come.
He served his community with the same steadfast heart. At G.W. Long High School, he was a fixture of support and encouragement for his children and their peers. And at his lifelong church, Old Center Church, he gave deeply of himself—as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Leader, Administrative Board member, Men’s Club member, and provider of pastoral care. In every role, he led not with volume, but with example.
He was a grandfather rich in love and legacy. His grandchildren include:
From Tracy: Travis, Toni, and Tucker
From Tamera: Kimberly, James, and Melanie
From Taron: Alexandria “Alex” and Elizabeth “Libby”
From Treva: Tessa Claire Eddleman and
Several great-grandchildren.
Their family farm became more than a homestead—it was a sanctuary. It welcomed not only their children and grandchildren, but Billie’s late parents, Olan and Lena Williams, and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and in-laws who found rest, warmth, and belonging under its roof.
And now, as the nation he served celebrates its Independence Day, Louis celebrates a deeper freedom—the true and final independence found only in God’s Kingdom. On this Fourth of July, as fireworks light the sky and the country salutes its heroes, Louis hears a different call—a trumpet sounding in a land where peace knows no end.
Visitation with family and friends, followed by funeral services, will be held at Old Center Church on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Anita Brown officiating. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Old Center Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Priscilla Trawick, 4852 County Road 7, Newville, AL 36353, a place he lovingly tended in life and now calls home or Gideons of Dale County, P.O. Box 291, Ozark, AL 36361.
He has fought the good fight.
He has finished the race.
He has kept the faith.
And on this Independence Day, the gates of heaven open wide with the words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home.”
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Mrs. Carolyn Elaine Taylor of Dothan passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at her home. She was 78.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, in the Malvern Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
Mrs. Taylor was born May 19, 1947, in Holmes County, Florida to the late Buford and Eva Shiver Brown. Carolyn grew up in Geneva County, Alabama and graduated from Geneva High School, Class of 1965. She was employed at West Main Medical Center and worked with Dr. Frank Crockett for 40 years until her retirement. She lived in the Malvern Community for many years and attended Malvern Baptist Church, and it was there that she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Carolyn was a committed woman of faith and loved her church family. She enjoyed canning vegetables, making homemade pickles, and working in her yards. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, her son, Randy Carl Watkins; husbands: Jimmy Hughes, and David Taylor; sisters: Diane May, Margie Crawford, and Phyllis Hall; and brother, Herdis Brown, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include one son, Christopher Watkins (Kristy); grandchildren: Jamie Carr, Cliff Watkins (Heather), Karla Castillo, Hunter Watkins, Shelby Watkins Ikarrain, and Christopher Watkins: great grandchildren: Kynlee Watkins, Karley Watkins, Keegan Watkins, and Kenzie Watkins; sister, Glenda Faye Brown Bowers; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Kenneth Harold Guy of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at his residence. He was 73 years old.
He was born on January 9, 1952 in Auburndale, Florida to the late Hurley and Dorothy Guy. He was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He loved his family very much and worked hard to provide for them. He was a retired building contractor. In 1987 he founded Kenneth Guy Construction and Remodeling, building his business from the ground up with integrity, skill, and dedication. Kenneth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, cooking-especially, grilling, smoking meat and frying fish. He built birdhouses by hand and took pride in gardening. He had a servant’s heart and would share his garden harvest with neighbors and friends. He was a good friend to many and will be missed by those left behind to cherish his memory.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering faith- a life well lived and deeply cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Pondtown Church with Pastor Edwin Colley officiating. Burial will follow in Pondtown Cemetery with Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving friends at 9:30 a.m. at the church until service time.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Hurley and Dorothy Strickland Guy; siblings, Faye Land and Sidney Guy; father-in-law, Herman Outlaw; and nephew, Mathew Guy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Colleen Guy of Hartford; children, Michael Guy (Becky), Beth McSwain (Danny), and Emily Brannon (Scotty) all of Hartford; grandchildren, Derek Guy (Caitlin) of Hartford, Jake Guy (Monica) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Wesley Kennedy of Pensacola, Florida, and Nolan Brannon of Hartford; great grandchildren, Jett Guy, Jude Guy, and Jax Guy all of Hartford; siblings, Melton Guy (Sue) of Goldsboro, North Carolina; mother-in-law, Martha Outlaw; brothers-in-law, John Land of Callahan, Florida, Alvin Outlaw of Dothan, Harold Outlaw of Gainesville, Georgia, and David Outlaw (Sharon) of Thomasville, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many special friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Grace Missionary Baptist Church (2330 County Road 18 Newville, AL 36353), Statesville Bible Camp (In care of Dale Wallace: 531 Rabbit Highway Harmony, North Carolina 28634), or Pondtown Cemetery Fund.
Mrs. Doris Patrick Lavender, a resident of Ozark, died Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, at her home. She was 90 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lavender will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Reverend Scott Thompson and Reverend Jim Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends Tuesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Lavender was born February 27, 1935 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late James Sollie Patrick and Lelia Emla Adkisson Patrick. She attended school in Enterprise and later received her Licensed Practical Nursing Certification. Mrs. Lavender was employed with Lyster Army Hospital at Fort Rucker for eighteen years in obstetrics and eighteen years in pediatrics.
She was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark since 1960 where she taught the pre-school class in Sunday School and served on several committees. Mrs. Lavender loved gardening and working in her yard. She enjoyed shopping and decorating.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Moses Bunyan Lavender, Jr.; four sisters, Mirlene Fleming, Jeanette Pair, Jean Baker and Joyce Pair; four brothers, Ray Patrick, Manuel Patrick, Roger Patrick and Oscar Patrick. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
