Jamie Mathis walked into Heaven Thursday, June 26, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Bay Springs Baptist Church in Dothan with Rev. Wendell Holmes officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
Jamie Mathis grew up as a farmer boy plowing a mule, riding to church in the back of a pickup truck, and later as a teenager driving the school bus. He was a standout athlete at Cottonwood High School. During his lifetime he worked at Sears & Roebuck for 40 plus years. As an adult he played football well into his thirties, softball until his forties; all the while coaching youngsters in baseball, football, and basketball. When he gave up playing and umpiring softball, he began coaching his daughters and other girls through their years of athletic ventures. If he was not at the ballpark, he was at home watching some kind of a ball game on television. Jamie was most proud of his children who are Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Educators. Truly one can say an All-American boy who grew up as a Christian man with many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly. He loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing and talking. Jamie could be found leading the conversations at family gatherings. He had a passionate love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ella Estelle Mathis; brothers Thad Mathis, Ralph Mathis, Dalton Mathis, and Rosby Mathis; sisters Nina Sasser, Lila Ben Griffin, Murrelle Smith, Reba Martin, Laurie Barton, and Kathryn Mayo.
Jamie is survived by his wife, Lee Mathis; his son Lance Mathis of Dothan, daughters Winnie Ward of Barksdale AFB (Richmond), Jamie Ann Ruddock of Dothan (Scott); granddaughters Winnie Lee and Harper Kate Ward, Ella Ann Dean; a sister Joyce Sewell (Joe).
Mr. Jonathan Mason “Johnny” Evans, a resident of Skipperville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025 at his home. He was 53 years old.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, , June 29, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Brian Presley officiating. Private Interment will follow in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Sunday from 1:00 P. M. until service time.
Johnny was born October 5, 1971 in Fort McClellan, Alabama to Patricia Sharon Andrews Evans and the late Jerry Douglas Evans. He grew up in Skipperville, Alabama where he attended G. W. Long High School. Johnny earned his A & P License from Alabama Aviation College and went to work for Sikorsky Aviation.
Johnny married the love of his life, Stephanie Willis, on June 12, 2004. He enjoyed the simple things in life like spending time with his family and friends, hunting and fishing, and trips to the beach. His greatest source of joy and pride was his wife and children.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Douglas Evans and his infant daughter, Alexandria Evans.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Willis Evans; his children, Chase Evans, Reece Evans, Riley Evans and Mason Evans; his mother, Patricia Andrews Evans; one brother, Doug Evans; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Amelia Willis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Melissa Willis; and nephews, Judd Willis (Hannah) and Clay Willis. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.
OZARK…Mr. Larry R. Smith, a resident of Ozark, died Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, at his home. He was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Smith, born and raised in the close-knit town of Ozark, Alabama, was the beloved son of the late Billy Ray Smith and Becky Marie Fulford Smith. Ozark wasn’t just where he came from, it was the foundation of who he was.
Over the years, Mr. Smith put his skills and passion for cars to good use. He worked as a Certified Auto Body Repairman at several local businesses, including Jerry Mitchell Chevrolet, Walter Hand Ford, Maaco, and Gilland Chevrolet. He had a real talent for bringing things back to life—whether it was a fender that needed straightening or a paint job that needed perfecting. He took pride in his craft, not just because it paid the bills, but because he genuinely loved what he did. He believed in putting in an honest day’s work, and his hands—often stained with grease and paint—were proof of his dedication.
When he wasn’t at work, you could almost always find him with a fishing rod in hand. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby for him, it was a way to find peace, to breathe a little deeper, and to enjoy the quiet moments that life too often rushes past. There was something about being out on the water that made him feel grounded.
Mr. Smith also had a keen eye for rare and vintage coins. He found joy in the stories each old coin held pieces of history he could hold in his hand. Collecting wasn’t just about value to him; it was about connection, about preserving something meaningful and sharing it with others who understood.
But perhaps nothing brought him more joy than his loyal dog, Aubie. To say their bond was special would be an understatement. Aubie wasn’t just a pet, he was family. They were constant companions, and anyone who saw them together could tell just how deep that love ran. Through good days and hard times, Aubie was always by his side.
Mr. Smith’s life was also marked by loss. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Paula Michelle Potter, and his brother, James Harold Smith. Their memory never left him, and he carried them in his heart every day.
Surviving relatives include his aunt, Shirley Lowery, Ozark; sister-in-law, Sherry Smith, Skipperville; brother-in-law, Paul Potter, Skipperville; nieces and nephews, Misty Smith (Ricky Whitehead), Jennifer Barranco (Vince), Shelby Smith (Daniel Massey), B.J. Smith (Alicia), and Josh Smith; Gary Wimberly, his lifelong best friend; several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Hunter Whitehead, Jaxon Whitehead, Brayden Whitehead, Bryce Smith, Braxton Barranco, and Paul Potter.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN… Lockie Palinkas, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, at her home. She was 82.
A memorial service will be held 5:00 P.M. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at her grandson’s home, at 109 Oscar Godwin Road, Dothan, Alabama 36301. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. Palinkas was born in Tampa, Florida. She was retired from the Dothan Country Club as one of their favorite hostesses. She was a great grandmother, and she was the glue that held the family together. She was of the Protestant Faith.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sarah Drescher.
Leaving to cherish her memories is her daughter, Anita Adams; her son, Michael Kuykendall; her granddaughter, Lisa Drescher Camp (Jacob); her grandson, Gregory Drescher, Jr.; (Natalie Mills); her sister, Edna Anne Palinkas; and her great-grandchildren, Louis Camp, Ellie Camp, and Shiloh Camp.
Carol Jordan, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, just two days after celebrating her 80th birthday. Born on June 24, 1945, in Wisconsin, Carol’s life was a tapestry of cherished moments and enduring relationships.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St. Columba Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 10:30 on Wednesday, prior to the service.
She was the daughter of John and Mary Jones Niwa. Carol’s heart found its match in George “Marv” Jordan, with whom she shared a beautiful and adventurous life until his passing. Together, they raised a family that became Carol’s pride and joy.
Beloved by all who knew her, her warmth and love touched many.
Carol’s spirit of adventure and love for the outdoors was evident in the countless days spent with her beloved Marv at Lake Eufaula. Their shared passion for camping and boating created a legacy of family memories and friendships that will be treasured forever. Carol and Marv enjoyed exploring the country on their motorcycle.
A talented crocheter, Carol created intricate and beautiful pieces that were not only works of art but also expressions of her love. Each stitch was a testament to her patience and care, qualities that she exemplified in every aspect of her life.
Carol’s legacy is carried on by her devoted children, Robert Jordan (Lisa), Doug Jordan (Karen), and Sandra Malone (Chris Page). Her grandchildren, Rebecca Brown, Cassandra Jordan, Patrick and Ashley Jordan, Josh Malone, and one great-grandchild, Blake Brown.
Carol was preceded in death by her cherished parents, her loving husband, her brother Butch Niwa, and her sister Mary Ann Sylvia.
Carol’s memories will continue to be felt in the lives of her family and all who knew her.
OZARK…Mr. Frank Terry Little, a resident of Ozark, died early Thursday afternoon, June 26, 2025, in Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was 81.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no local services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Little, born to the late Francis Little and Mary Magdalene McCuiston Little, spent his early years between the vibrant streets of Detroit and the quiet beauty of Au Gres, Michigan—places that shaped his character and gave him a deep appreciation for both city life and the outdoors. In 2000, he made his home in Ozark, Alabama, where he became part of the community and settled into a life surrounded by peace and nature.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, being drafted in 1967. That chapter of his life reflected the kind of man he was—steadfast, committed, and always willing to serve something greater than himself. He carried that same sense of duty and determination into every part of his life long after his time in uniform was done.
Mr. Little was a man most at home under an open sky. He truly loved the outdoors—whether it was casting a line into the water on a quiet morning or just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime for him; it was a way to slow down, reflect, and connect with the world around him. He also had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs, who were more like family than pets. They were always close by, often tagging along as he worked on small projects or explored the yard.
“Tinkering” might sound like a simple word, but to Mr. Little, it was an everyday act of curiosity and creativity. He could often be found in his garage or workshop, fixing something, taking it apart, putting it back together—sometimes better than before. Whether it was an engine or an old lawn mower, he had that knack for making things work again, and he took pride in doing things with his hands.
Above all, Mr. Little had a powerful work ethic. He believed in showing up, doing your best, and taking care of what needed to be done. He didn’t look for shortcuts or praise, simply believed in doing right by others and by the task at hand.
He lived his life with quiet strength, deep values, and a kind heart. His memory lives on in the little things—in the scent of fresh-cut grass, the calm of a still lake, the gentle wag of a dog’s tail, and the steady hum of a well-worn toolbox. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Little.
Surviving relatives include his sisters, June Pennington, Prescott, Michigan, Joyce Parker (Al), Bay City, Michigan, Rosemary Little, Enterprise, Alabama, Wanda Lamont, Niceville, Florida and Brenda L. Metzger, Au Gres, Michigan; brother, Carl Little (Lori), Au Gres, Michigan; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
