Larry Dale “Larrydale” Epps, 72, passed away on May 27, 2025, in Webb Alabama. Born on March 22, 1953, in Douglas, Alabama, Larry lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and deep love for those closest to him.
Larry was known for his hardworking nature and unwavering commitment to his job. He approached every task with diligence and pride, earning the respect of those around him. A true “Mr. fix-it,” Larry had an extraordinary talent for repairing anything broken, especially tools. His passion for tools extended beyond utility; he meticulously collected them, organizing each piece into its proper category and toolbox with care and precision.
His hobbies reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and nostalgia. Larry was an avid collector of knives, Zippo lighters, baseball cards, Coca-Cola memorabilia, coins, and later in life, rocks, which he lovingly polished. Each item in his collection told a story and held a special place in his heart.
Larry’s presence was a gift to those who knew him. He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help someone in need, a great listener who offered thoughtful advice and unwavering support. His siblings looked up to him with admiration and respect. To his companion Debbie, he was more than just a soulmate, he was a best friend whose love brought comfort through life’s joys and sorrows. Larry carried the loss of his only child, Jonathan Epps, affectionately known as JD in 1989. JD was the pride of Larry’s life; many nights were spent at the kitchen table reminiscing about him through heartfelt stories that kept JD’s memory alive. Larry yearned for their reunion, and now they are together once more.
Larry is survived by his siblings, Terry Epps, Steven Epps, Sheila Epps and Tina Epps. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, JD; his brothers, Eddie Epps and Gary Epps; and his parents, Billy and Carolyn Epps.
Mrs. Linda Elaine Robinson Hartzell, age 77, a resident of Dothan passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Graveside services will be held at 11am on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Pastor Dustin Mendium officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Taylor Senior Citizen Center, 1457 St. Highway 605, Taylor, Alabama 36301.
Mrs. Linda Robinson Hartzell was born on July 11, 1947 to Ralph and Alma Dixon Robinson. She grew up in Geneva and attended Geneva High School. She loved to fish, crochet, cook, and do karaoke. She always seen the best in others and always tried to help anyone in any way.
Mrs. Linda Robinson Hartzell is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold Robinson, Oneal Robinson, and Malon Robinson; sisters, Helen Jacobs, Elizabeth Judah, and Betty Vanlandingham.
Survivors include the love of her life for fifty-eight years her husband, Ken Hartzell; sons, Scott Hartzell, Tim Hartzell (Wendy), and Kevin Hartzell; sister, Martha Haythorne; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Day Spring Hospice, Deep South Home Medical Equipment, and Dr. Ryan Conner for their love and great care during this difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
My dearly beloved brother, Richard Anthony Clanton, 60, of Dothan, Al transitioned from his earthly body May 24, 2025.
Richard was born to Johneise Luckett Walker and Plantus Clanton, Sr on April 27, 1965 in Alton, Il.
He spent his early years in Illinois and at the age of 10 he moved to Alabama with his mother and siblings. As an adult, Richard resided in several cities and states until settling in Dothan a few years ago.
Richard worked hard and embraced being an entrepreneur. He affectionately called himself “Sir Fix a Lot”. He could fix anything if he put his mind to it. Richard had a big heart and loved helping others. His smile would light up a room. Richard had a great personality. He loved to talk too.He never met a stranger. Richard would give you his last. In his baby sister’s eyes, he could do no wrong. He was my hero -always ready to take care of me.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Johneise Luckett Walker; his father, Plantus Clanton, Sr; stepfather, Willie Earl Walker; sisters, Brenda Riddlesprigger Smith, Johneice Riddlesprigger Thomas; brother, Ruben Riddlesprigger, III.
He leaves to cherish his memories his siblings Jessica Knight (James) of Atmore, Al;Tina Riddlesprigger of Clarksville, Tn; Lonnie Riddlesprigger of Kansas City, Mo; Plantus Clanton, JR (Katrina) of Atlanta, Ga; Geraldine Luckett Bennett (Bobby) of Dothan, Al; Archie Luckett (Laneka) of Dothan, Al; Patricia Aguilar (Ricardo) of San Leandro,Ca; Karyn Clanton of Alton, Il; Kevin Clanton of Alton, Il; Kyle Clanton of Alton, Il; Kaury Clanton-El of Alton, Il; Karylton Clanton of Alton, Il; Kristine Stephens (Antonio) of Alton, Il; Benita Ingram (Wayman) of Alton, Il; and Dr. Tracy Webster- Cooley (Andri) of Alton, Il, Vickie Jones of Ypsilanti, MI.
He is also survived by several doting nieces, nephews, great-neices , and great-nephews who loved their Uncle Richard very much; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, 1pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home Chapel (965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, Al). Visitation will begin at 12pm.
SKIPPERVILLE…Mr. Ronny Keith McGowan, Sr., a resident of Skipperville, died Monday afternoon, May 26, 2025, in Noland Hospital. He was 58.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 31, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Keith Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Beersheba Cemetery in Skipperville. 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.
Mr. McGowan, son of the late Herman McGowan and Josephine Hayes McGowan Gilly, was a native of Ozark and has lived in Skipperville since 2004. He was formerly employed with Trailer World in Ozark as a truck driver and in earlier years, he was employed with Mass Merchandisers in Ozark. Mr. McGowan was formerly the co-owner and operator of Quick Q Barbecue in Ozark for several years. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. McGowan was a member of Morgan Baptist Church and attended Post Oak Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Ronny McGowan, Jr., sister, Kim McGowan, sisters-in-law, Darlene Gallagher and Sandy Hahn, brother-in-law, John Suggs, II.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Juliaetta Ketchum McGowan, Skipperville; his children, Jimmy McGowan (Jana) and Amanda Chancey (Ryan); brother, Harold McGowan (Cathy); sisters-in-law, Kathy Henson, Fanetta Moses, and Lois Suggs; grandchildren, Gage McGowan, Kelsey McGowan, Carson McGowan, Avery McGowan, Addison McGowan, Kelex Chancey, Hallam Chancey, and Rory Chancey; aunts and uncles, Ruby McGowan, Jeanette Eldridge, Gerald McGowan, Fred Hayes, Glennie Courson, and Elaine Falls; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jimmy McGowan, Gage McGowan, Carson McGowan, James Hahn, Ryan Chancey, and Dewayne Hayes.
Elizabeth Wood Lambert, a resident of Dothan, died Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, at Elite Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, AL surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.
Mrs. Lambert was born February 7, 1934, in Dothan where she lived most of her life. She was a graduate of Ashford High School. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jim Lambert, and eventually moved back to Dothan where she lovingly raised two sons. For over 30 years, she owned and operated Kennington’s Dress Shop where she found her passion working with her friends and clientele. Mrs. Lambert enjoyed traveling and spending times with her family at her Lagoon home in Panama City Beach, FL. She had a generous loving heart and touched many lives with her kindness. Her family and friends will always be thankful for the gift that was her life.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Lambert; eldest son, Mike Lambert; and her parents, Eulice and Johnie Wood.
Survivors include her son, Phil Lambert of Birmingham; and a daughter-in-law, Jowana Lambert of Dothan (wife of deceased son, Mike Lambert); three grandchildren, Britni Tucker (Joe) of Dothan, Jason Lambert of Birmingham, and Mary Elizabeth Pearson (Gibbs) of Fairhope; two great-grandchildren, Yates Tucker of Dothan and Vera Lambert of Birmingham; a brother, Mickey Wood of Dothan; a niece, Helen Ann Teague of Midlothian, VA; a nephew, Dr. David Wood of Auckland, New Zealand; 3 grandnieces, Fielding Teague of Midlothian, VA, Evelyn Wood of Auckland, New Zealand and Caroline Wood of Auckland, New Zealand; and a grandnephew, Holden Teague of Midlothian, VA.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ashford City Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home of Dothan directing.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.
Thelma Payne, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on June 12, 1936, Thelma’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her feisty spirit.
Thelma is predeceased by her parents, brothers, and sisters. Her legacy continues through her beloved husband of 51 years, Noble Payne, who stood by her side as both partner and best friend. Together, they raised a family that included daughters Ladonna Payne (Teresa) and Dana Payne, as well as sons Joe Harris Jr., Mark Harris, and Alfred Sexton (Regina). Grandchildren, Tiffany, Joe, Brittany, Ashlyn Tyler, Alyssa, Allen Harris, Brad, Ryan, Keith Ingram Hannah, Megan, Kristen, Ashley, Chris and Andrew Sexton as well as her canine companion, Sebastian.
A private memorial service will be held by the family in Gulfport, MS.
Thelma was a respected businesswoman who, alongside her husband, owned and operated successful Firestone and Texaco service stations in Biloxi, Bay St. Louis and D’Iberville, MS. Her close friends and family members fondly referred to her as “Little Mama,”
Thelma’s interests were as vibrant as her personality. She was an avid bridge player at the local Country Club in MS. Her feisty nature made her a formidable opponent at the card table, and her laughter was a common and welcome sound that echoed through the gatherings.
Thelma’s presence could light up a room, and her spirit could lift the heaviest of hearts. Her love was a guiding force, and her strength was the foundation upon which her family was built.
Thelma Payne’s journey on this earth has come to a close, but her story will be told with smiles and fondness, as we reflect on the incredible woman she was.
Mrs. Linda Elaine Robinson Hartzell, age 77, a resident of Dothan passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
