Tammy Melinda Devane Mears, passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2026, in Houston County, Alabama.
Tammy was born on February 19, 1963, the daughter of Bill and Linda Thorne and pursued her education at cosmetology school after high school and went on to work as a cosmetologist.
Tammy also had a deep affection for her canine companions, who were a constant source of comfort and companionship. Tammy loved camping and fishing, and she found peace and enjoyment in the outdoors.
Tammy is survived by her parents, Bill and Linda Thorne; her sons, Justin Miles (Jordan) and Kyle Jinks; six grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Tammy will be held at 2 PM Monday, July 20, 2026 from Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Doug Seale officiating. Burial will follow in Ashford City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
William “Bill” Edward Stiver of Slocomb, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 79 years old.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Bill was born on Friday, October 18, 1946, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to the late William Albert Stiver and Loretta Marie Linkauer Stiver.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest joy was the people he loved. Bill valued life, faith, family, and the lasting relationships he built throughout the years. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he enjoyed a successful career in logistics within the telecommunications industry. He had a deep passion for genealogy, spending countless hours tracing family roots and preserving stories for future generations.
Bill and his wife, Jann Beasley Stiver, lived in Florida for many years before retiring to Slocomb, Alabama, where they purchased land and created a home they truly cherished. He found great satisfaction in caring for and enjoying his property, embracing the peace and beauty of country life. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his deep love for his family, and the kindness, warmth, and generosity he shared with everyone who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Stiver, and his nephew, Ryan Wesley Rader.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Jann Beasley Stiver; his sister, Gay Rader (Randolph); his brother, Ray Stiver(Barbara); his children: Monica Randez (Roy), Tina Ferrell (Paul), Charla Medina, and Charles Elwin Dann III (Tina); grandchildren, Lorelei Lehner-Farsakh (Aziz), Michael Lehner, Rachel Dworkin, Andrew Lehner (Kaitlin), Vincent Randez, Joseph Cagle (Shalaine), Billy Bishop, Claire Dann, Connor Dann, and Bryson Higgins; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and dear friends.
Thomas Bruce Duke, passed away at his residence on July 18, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71.
Bruce was born on December 25, 1954, in Moody Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, and lived in Dothan during the early years of his life. He carried the values of his hometown with him throughout his life, and those who knew him best will remember a man who was loving, kind, and selfless in all that he did.
Bruce spent many years working in the glass industry, where he was respected for his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic. He worked with Dothan Glass Company and Commercial Glass Company, and later went on to own and operate his own business, Glazing Contractors, for more than 25 years. Through his work, Bruce built a reputation for dependability and pride in a job well done. He was also a member of the Dothan Elks Club, where he enjoyed fellowship and community with others.
Above all else, Bruce was a devoted family man. He shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Anita Turner Duke, and he cherished her deeply throughout their life together. He was a proud and loving father to his son, Tony (Shannon) Duke. Bruce found great joy in his grandchildren, Alyssa (Casey) Bates and Haley Williams, and he was delighted by his great-grandchildren, Casey Junior Bates and Ruth Marie Bates. He is also survived by his sisters, Cynthia Letourneau, Debra Burke, and Teresa Sego, as well as several nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas Duke and Bobbie Joyce Waters. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried their influence with him in the way he treated others, with compassion and quiet strength.
Those who knew Bruce will remember him as a compassionate and lovable teddy bear with a smile that could brighten any room. He had a gentle spirit and a warm presence that made people feel welcome and valued. He adored his wife, Anita, and never missed an opportunity to show how much she meant to him. His love for her was evident in the way he spoke of her and in the life they built together over more than five decades.
Bruce also loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing. He was happy to fish anywhere, but Eufaula was his favorite place to cast a line and spend time in nature. Being outdoors brought him peace and joy, and he appreciated the simple beauty of creation. Whether he was near the water or spending time with loved ones, Bruce found contentment in the moments that mattered most.
His life was one marked by devotion, hard work, and kindness. He gave generously of himself to his family, his friends, his work, and his community. Bruce leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was, a loving, kind, and selfless man whose life touched many.
Military honors will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 3:00pm at the Sunset Helicopter Pavillion.
Jeffrey Lloyd Ochab, known to many as Jeff, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 69.
Jeff was born on October 31, 1956, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, to the late Lloyd Ochab and Eleanor Zimmer Ochab. He grew up in Portland, TN before moving to Alabama and was raised with strong family ties and a deep sense of responsibility that stayed with him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janice Ochab, his brother Alan Ochab and his granddaughter Evie Beasley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Cobb Ochab; his sons, Jonathan Ochab and Brandon Ochab; his step-daughters, Brittany Hayes (Austin) and Courtney Coker (DeAndre Beasley); his grandchildren, Easton Hayes, Alora Beasley, Isabella Hayes and Andre Beasley, his brother, Randy Ochab, his father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Gwen Cobb brothers-in-law, Donnie Cobb (Misty) and Jeff Cobb (Allison), along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of friends.
Jeff proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army and the United States Navy, where he served as a medic. His commitment to caring for others did not end with his military service. After returning to civilian life, he continued in the medical field and worked as a Registered Nurse. In every role he held, Jeff was known for his steady hands, compassionate heart and willingness to put others before himself. He was truly selfless, and that quality was evident to everyone who knew him.
Those who knew Jeff will remember a man who loved to work and took pride in staying busy. He found joy in helping people and in being useful to those around him. He was also an avid Tennessee football fan, and he enjoyed following the team with enthusiasm and loyalty. When he had time to relax, he especially enjoyed riding his tractor, a simple pleasure that reflected his appreciation for honest work and the life he built.
Jeff lived a life marked by service, devotion and love for his family. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran and caregiver whose presence brought comfort and strength to many. His family and friends will remember his dependable nature, his generous spirit and the quiet kindness that defined him. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
Funeral services for Jeff will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, prior to the service at the funeral home.
ASHFORD… Jaxon Kohl Medley, a resident of Ashford, Alabama, passed away Friday morning, July 17, 2026, at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 18.
Funeral services will be held 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Dr. Tony Deese officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Jaxon Kohl was born in Dothan, Alabama, to Blaine and Dana Medley. A proud member of the Ashford High School Class of 2026, Jaxon Kohl was known for his kind heart, bright smile, and the joy he brought to those around him. He had a passion for collecting LEGO® sets and collecting rare lego mini figures, especially Ninjago, and could often be found building and creating with enthusiasm. Above all, Jaxon Kohl cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, making memories that will be treasured forever.
Jaxon Kohl was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Patricia Ann Medley.
Jaxon Kohl leaves behind a loving family who will forever hold him in their hearts: his parents, Blaine and Dana Medley; his brothers, Kohen Ingram (Krystal) and Cayson Medley; his grandparents, Danny and Debbie Whitehurst and Roger Medley (Tina); his uncles, Sean Whitehurst and Chad Whitehurst; his aunt, Kala Whiddon (Justin); his cousins, Hunter Whitehurst (Sam), Cain Whitehurst, Haisten Whiddon (Ashton), Harrison Whitehurst (Lily), and Kenadie Whiddon; his best friends, Rossi Constantino and Jonathan Cooper; along with many other beloved relatives and dear friends whose lives were touched by his love, kindness, and friendship.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at Children’s of Alabama Hospital, especially those on the 8 Quarterback floor, for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Jaxon Kohl and his family during a difficult time. Their dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.
DOTHAN…Kim Shipman, a resident of Dothan (formerly of Ozark), passed away late Thursday evening, at her home. She was 64.
Homegoing services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Ozark with Reverend Joshua Mann officiating. Burial will follow in Westside Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
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
