Barry McGaughey of Dothan, AL, passed away, Sunday, June 1, 2025 at his home. He was 73.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church Dothan with Dr. Johnny Fain and Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. Visitation will begin at the conclusion of the Memorial service.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey.
Barry leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Thelmanne McGaughey; son, Matt McGaughey, Dothan, AL; daughter, Cricket Miller (Greg), Birmingham, AL; and “Pops” grandchildren, Radney, Fox, and Maye Miller of Birmingham, AL. He also leaves behind the family’s honorary daughter and sister, Wendy Armstrong Lipscomb, Dothan, AL, and his brother, Michael McGaughey, Atlanta, GA; uncle, Daniel Maye, Louisville, KY; and aunt, Gail Beck, Salisbury, NC.
Barry McGaughey was born in Macon, GA January 29, 1952, to Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey. A graduate of Mississippi State from the School of Forestry, his first job landed him in Troy, Al where he met Thelmanne Fleming the day before she graduated college. They quickly fell in love and were married the following year. Barry dedicated his entire life to the timber industry, building relationships all over the southeast until he became physically unable in 2018.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Barry, you loved and respected him. His voice, laugh, and presence filled any room he entered. He had a heart of gold and loved his family intensely. Barry’s favorite free time activity was “piddling” on his boat and deep-sea fishing. Captain Barry was always ready to take anyone who was brave enough fishing, or a boat ride and it was guaranteed to be an adventure. He was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and an active member of First Baptist Church of Dothan for the majority of his life.
The family would like to thank the many care givers who helped take care of Barry his last tough seven years on this earth. A special thanks to Betty Johnson, Jazmine Covington, Geralyn Forrest, Debra Magwood, Jack Smiley, Cathy Gore, Adria Davenport, Tosha Scott and Katie Walker, and a special thanks to Shelly Scarbrough with Gentiva Hospice.
Per Barry’s request, his remains will be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life to scatter his ashes in a variety of his favorite places but most of all, the Gulf.
The family wants to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and family who have poured into them with love, friendship, countless meals and continual prayers over the last seven years.
Ms. Frankie Melinda Ammons of Geneva, AL went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She was 73.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Her nephew, Dr. Lee Ammons will officiate the service. The eulogy will be delivered by her nephew, Dr. Kevin Ammons. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 1:00pm.
Flowers will be accepted, and memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Frankie was born at Camp Rucker (AL) on March 27, 1952, to the late Willard Hazley “Bill” and Lois Jeanette Fulcher Ammons. She was a proud graduate of Geneva High School’s Class of 1970. During her years at GHS, she was a proud member of the Geneva High School Marching Band. Upon graduation, Frankie attended Enterprise State Junior College before transferring to the “loveliest village on the plains.” She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1976. In return, Auburn University received one of their proudest and most loyal alumni.
Frankie was a devoted educator. She spent over 30 years as a dedicated teacher serving in the Geneva County and Barbour County School Systems. Throughout her career, Frankie made it her mission to ensure every child she taught felt special. She could not stand knowing one of her children missed out on school trips, book fairs, or holidays. While many of her students benefited from her generosity, every student who entered her classroom knew she loved them. Even during her last days, she recalled wonderful memories about her former students. They made a positive impact in her life.
Upon retirement Frankie’s pastime included spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, going to the beach, shopping, and all things involving Auburn University. The quickest way to get Frankie excited was to mention a quick road trip to Auburn. She was all in!
Frankie was a very loving sister, aunt, and friend to everyone. Simply put, everyone should have a Frankie in their life. To know her was to love her. Her family and friends felt her love and prayers throughout the years. She will be missed. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ammons.
Survivors include her brother, Willard H. “Bill” Ammons, Jr. (Connie) of Geneva; two special nephews: Lee Ammons (Julianne) and Kevin Ammons (Emily) all of Geneva; two great-nephews: Haze and William Ammons; other extended family and friends, including the Girls of ’70.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Lee Ammons, Kevin Ammons, Haze Ammons, William Ammons, Dennis Huggins, Allen Mote, and Ronnie Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be the Geneva High School Class of 1970.
The family would like to thank Wiregrass Medical Center and Encompass Rehabilitation Center for their special love and care.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Dr. Harvest Hunter, a man of boundless courage and love, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on November 30, 1950, in Ohio, Harvest lived a life marked by service, humor, and a profound dedication to his family.
A proud veteran, Harvest served his country as a Marine in the Vietnam War, where his bravery was recognized with three Purple Hearts. Returning home, he channeled his discipline and commitment into various professions, then at 47 he began work as a Physician of Chinese Medicine, healing and helping countless individuals with his knowledge and compassion.
A renaissance man in the truest sense his stubbornness, a hallmark of his strong character, was always tempered by his profound love and affection, making him a steadfast husband, father, and grandfather.
For more than 20 years, Harvest called Dothan his home, where he built a very full life.
His legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Maria Hunter, his sons David Claybon, Everett “Gery”Claybon, Tracy Claybon, and Evan Guillory, as well as his cherished grandchildren Kayela Claybon, Marcada Claybon, Natasha Small, Diana Elston, and Zaria Helen Elise Hunter.
Harvest is also survived by his brother Scott Hunter, sister Cherri Washington, and many nieces and nephews, including J.P. Washington, all of whom will miss his guidance, humor, and warmth.
Harvest Hunter’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.
A celebration of Harvest’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St Jude’s Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project in Harvest’s honor.
Johnny Coste, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, in Tallahassee, FL. Born in Bessemer, AL, on May 22, 1946, Johnny’s life was marked by his selfless nature, boundless sense of adventure, and unwavering kindness.
Johnny grew up in a loving home as the son of John Oliver Coste and Ella Lemond Coste. He was a proud alumnus of Ozark Aviation Tech School, where he honed the skills that would define his professional life. For 46 years, he dedicated himself to Avionics Mechanics at Ft. Rucker, becoming an indispensable part of the team and a mentor to many.
A devout member of Post Oak Baptist Church in Ozark, AL, Johnny’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. Upon moving to Tallahassee in 2015, he joined Morningside Baptist Church. He found great joy in his community and was always ready to lend a hand or share his wisdom. His love for building and innovation led him to start Ozark’s first Personal Computer Club, inspiring countless others with his passion for electronics.
Johnny’s zest for life was evident in his many interests. As a devoted fan of the Alabama football team, he rarely missed a game, holding season tickets for decades. His love for sports traced back to his high school days, where he played football and was once briefly recruited by Paul Bryant. He also enjoyed the Alabama Country Music band, often attending concerts and sharing his love for music with his family and friends.
His talent for fixing anything with velcro, zipties, and duct tape earned his “work” the affectionate nickname “Johnny Rigged.” His ability to solve problems with ingenious solutions was just one of the many ways he brought laughter and lightness into the lives of those around him.
Johnny enjoyed the views of the Smokey Mountains, where he traveled often, appreciating the serene beauty of nature. As an owner of sheltie dogs, Johnny found great joy in raising these beautiful animals, caring for them with love and dedication. His home was always filled with the warmth and companionship of his furry friends.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his son, James Coste (Dawn); daughter, Sherry Owens; grandchildren, Jason Coste (Ameera), Kayla Coste Rowell (Zach), Samuel Coste, Skylor Edmonds (Edward), Dallas Owens, Jared Owens; and great-grandchildren, Aven Rowell, Marshall Stanford, and Isabella Edmonds. Johnny was preceded in death by his adoring parents, his beloved wife, Sandra Marsh Coste, and his brothers, Billy Ray Coste and Ralph Coste.
Johnny Coste’s life was a testament to the impact one person can have through acts of kindness, a spirit of curiosity, and the sharing of one’s passions. His memory will be held in the hearts of all who knew him, and his stories will be told for generations to come. As we say goodbye to Johnny, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.
Rhett Beau Battles, infant son of Daniel and Brittany Battles, was born on May 17, 2025, and passed on May 30, 2025. Though his time here was brief, his presence left a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who loved and awaited him.
He leaves behind his loving parents; his big brother, Nash Battles; grandparents, Jill and Chris Melvin, and Carol and Danny Battles; great-grandparents, Willie and Jackie Melvin, Shirley Battles, Sybil Dixon, and Robert and Doris Dixon. Rhett was preceded in passing by his great-grandparents, Helen and Jack Burnam, Margaret Melvin, and Elton Battles, and his cousin, Carson Davis.
He is also lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Nick and Chasity Melvin, and Justin and Holly Battles, along with a host of cousins and great aunts and uncles who mourn his loss and cherish his memory.
Rhett’s short life reminds us of the fragility of time and the strength of love. He will forever remain in the hearts of those who held hopes and dreams for his future.
Rhett’s life, though fleeting, was not without meaning. His days on this earth reminded us all of the preciousness of life and the love that binds a family together. In his innocence, Rhett taught those around him about hope, the fragility of existence, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
A celebration of Rhett’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Zach Daniels officiating. Rhett will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
The family wishes to honor Rhett with a permanent resting place that speaks to their memory. For those who feel moved to give, a memorial contribution toward this tribute may be offered instead of flowers. If you feel led to do so, please contact Sunset Memorial Park at 334-983-6604
ABBEVILLE… Hattie Duppins, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away early Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, at her home. She was 89.
No services are planned at this time.
Ms. Duppins was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Jordan White and Bonnie Bell Lawrence White. She also had lived in Rockville, MD. She attended the Henry County Training School. She was a certified nurse assistant. She was a member of the New Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter. Patricia Williams; her sons, James Duppins (Michelle) and Henry White (Brenda); her sister, Mae Ormia Grace; her grandchildren, Krystle, Kyle, and Tiffany; and her great-grandchildren, Makayla, Aniya, and Kelvin.
