Patricia Anne Gilbert, fondly known as Pat to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on
April 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 28, 1935, she
embraced life’s journey for 90 years, filling those years with love, dedication, and a quiet
determination that touched everyone she met.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Campbell and Ethel Hornbuckle
Campbell; husband, George W. Gilbert; and brother, William Carter. She leaves behind a legacy
of love and cherished memories with her daughter, Cynthia A. Ferguson (Gary); her sons,
Robert G. Christiansen, Jr. (Linda), Michael D. Christiansen (Gail), and Dr. Benjamin J. Field
(Amanda); her seven grandchildren; and her eleven great-grandchildren.
A proud graduate of Ensley High School, Patricia excelled academically and was honored with
an academic scholarship to the University of Alabama. Choosing a different path, she embarked
on a successful career as a model, gracing department stores and local television with her poise
and grace. Her professional journey evolved as she became one of Alabama’s pioneering
inhalation therapists, a role she cherished at UAB.
It was during her time at UAB that Patricia had the unique opportunity to meet the legendary
Coach Paul Bear Bryant on multiple occasions while he came to visit Dr. Pat Trammel. Her
work in healthcare allowed her to witness firsthand the impact of compassion and dedication,
values she instilled in both her personal and professional life.
Above all, Patricia was a loving figure to all who knew her. She cherished moments with her
family, and she found solace and happiness in the times spent at the beach, listening to the
rhythm of the waves. Her caring nature, coupled with her unwavering support, made her the
cornerstone of her family.
The graveside services to honor and celebrate the life of Patricia Anne Gilbert will be held at
2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery. The services will be overseen
by Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Beverly Harris for her seven and a half years of love, support,
dedication, and the positive impact she had on mom.
Robert Lee Hughes, lovingly known as Rob, passed into his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 64, surrounded by his beloved family in Dothan, Alabama.
Rob was born on January 15, 1961, to Edward and Reba Hughes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. After his father retired from the Air Force, Rob grew up in Texas, enjoying many lake trips on his family’s boat and swimming in their backyard pool in later years.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Rob began his military career in San Antonio, Texas, in 1987. Throughout his 20 years of service, he dedicated himself to quality assurance and helicopter safety. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics in 2002 and retired with distinction as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (E-7) in Tucson, Arizona.
Rob’s military service took him all over the world, including multiple deployments to Kuwait. His favorite duty station was Turkey, where he especially enjoyed connecting with the local community and experiencing the culture firsthand.
In 2008, Rob and his wife, Paige, relocated to Dothan, Alabama, where he continued serving his country as a supervisor on an Air Force government contract. He retired for the second and final time in 2023.
Rob was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful, original pieces cherished by family and friends. His many hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit and love for life—building and flying RC planes, a passion he shared with his lifelong best friend, Rick LaRocque, riding his motorcycle, RV camping, metal detecting, shooting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Above all, Rob was a devoted husband, father, and “Pop-Pop.” He deeply adored his granddaughters and treasured every moment spent with his family. His unwavering faith was a guiding light to those around him, often sharing Bible verses and encouraging loved ones to walk in faith. His wit, humor, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Rob found joy in simple pleasures—camping, beach trips, mountain getaways, fishing, and taking his family on adventures to amusement parks. His legacy of love, faith, and laughter will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Rob will be forever missed and remembered by his beloved wife, Paige, his daughters: Jessica Jetter and Sara Garland (Justin), his treasured granddaughters: Hannah (Austin), Tori, Arya, Samantha, Adalynn, and Amelia, his brother, Carl Hughes (Margarita), as well as nieces, a nephew, great nephews, and many loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Adam Jetter.
A Celebration of Life Service for Robert will be held at 1 P.M. Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 to 1 Sunday, one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
COLUMBIA. . .Linda Seay Odom, a resident of Columbia, died late Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 66.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Friday, May 23, 2025, in the First Baptist Church of Columbia with Pastor Vann Cooley officiating. Burial will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. Friday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Columbia, P.O. Box 267, Columbia, AL 36319 or to a favorite charity.
Linda Odom was born in Union Springs, Alabama and was raised in Dothan. She was a 1977 graduate of Dothan High School and received an Associates Degree from Wallace Community College. Linda was formerly employed by Columbia Peanut Company. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia. Linda was a member of Bunko Babes and enjoyed crafts including ceramics and crocheting and also gardening and working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her father, John Woodson Seay Jr., her mother, Hilda Seay Calloway, her step-father, Reverend Herman Calloway and a brother-in-law, Rusty Guilford.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Randy Paul Odom; a daughter, Jennifer Wright (Trey), Haleburg; a son, Chris Odom, Dothan; a sister, Mary Guilford, Dothan; grandchildren, Grayson Wright, Sawyer Wright and Mack Wright; brothers-in-law, Ubert Collis Odom, Jr. (Marie) and Henry Edward Odom (Nedra).
Serving as active pallbearers will be Marty Williams, Caleb Bristow, Ben Armstrong, Jerry Hayes, David Padgett and Buster Padgett.
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.
Bobby Ray Thomas’s journey was one filled with the love of music, family, and unwavering faith. He was born on September 19, 1965 and passed on May 15, 2025 in Midland City, Alabama.
Bobby attended Dale County High School, where he not only excelled academically but also made a spirited attempt at mastering the drums. His love for music extended throughout his life as he found joy and solace in the rhythms of jazz and the passion of gospel music. A homebody at heart, Bobby’s happiest moments were those spent surrounded by the laughter and stories of his loved ones.
A devoted member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Bobby’s faith was the cornerstone of his existence. He lived his beliefs through acts of kindness and a loving demeanor that touched the lives of all who knew him. His gentle spirit and faith-filled nature were his guiding lights, and they shone brightly in every aspect of his life.
Bobby’s legacy of love continues through his family. He is survived by his adoring children, Phillip Ward, Stephanie Ward, Brandon Ward, and Tony Ward, who will forever cherish the lessons and memories their father imparted. His mother, Willene Thomas, and siblings, Robert Lee Thomas, Precilla Brinkley, and Randy Thomas (Edith), will miss his presence deeply, as will his 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who were the apples of his eye.
The family tree, strong and extensive, includes his uncles, Alvin Beacham, Curtis Beacham, Ronnie Beacham (Sarah), Ray Thomas, Sammy Thomas, and David Thomas, as well as his aunts, Dean Smith her husband Benny Smith, his special aunt Vera Beachem, Robbie May (and her husband, Rev. Leon May), Bertha Thomas, and Willie Ruth Thomas. Bobby also leaves behind two cherished nieces and a host of other relatives who were dear to him.
Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Thomas, his grandparents, Eloise and Willie Calvin Beacham, and Celester and Johnny Thomas, and his uncle, Robert Beacham. Each of them held a special place in his heart and helped shape the man he became.
Bobby’s love for his community was evident in the way he embraced life. He was the neighbor everyone could count on for a friendly chat or a helping hand. His passion for barbecuing brought the neighborhood together, creating memories and fostering friendships that stood the test of time.
A man of simple pleasures, Bobby’s life was a testament to the power of love and kindness. He never sought the spotlight, but his warmth and generosity made him a beacon in the lives of those around him. His absence will be felt deeply, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church located at 996 East Delta Street, Midland City, AL 36350, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Leon May will be providing the eulogy and Rev. Alan J. Rollins will be officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5pm until 7pm at Sunset Funeral Home.
Mr. Charles “Woody” Bryan, Sr. age 80, passed away, Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home in Dothan, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Bryan was born September 24, 1944, in Colquitt, Georgia to Hagan Bryan and Lavada Bryan. He was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard. Along with his love of cars, he enjoyed fishing and playing with his Grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James “Jimmy” Bryan; granddaughter Amanda Cox; great grandchildren Aiden Bryan and Saylor McKnight; brother Skip Bryan.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jacqueline Bryan; son Charles Bryan (Michelle), daughter Cindy Tate (Carl); granddaughters Kristine McKnight(Dan); Sabrina Ledford (Charles); great grandchildren Emery Ledford, Andrew Ledford and his many friends and family.
Celebration of Life services will be held, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30 pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 5:30 pm.
Mr. Phillip Wayne Brackin, a resident of Ozark, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home. He was 65 years old.
A memorial service for Mr. Brackin will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 31, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
Mr. Brackin worked with I. D. Associates for twenty-six years where he became the Senior Vice President of Engineering. While he was an accomplished man in his work life, his greatest achievements were closer to home. Phillip was a devoted father, loving grandparent and amazing friend. His genuine heart would draw you in and his witty personality would keep you. Phil was an avid hunter and held respect for nature and the beauty of the outdoors. His talent and intelligence could be seen in everything he touched. There was no obstacle he couldn’t overcome, no problem he couldn’t solve and if something wasn’t available to be bought – he could build it.
He is survived by his beloved daughters, Ashton Brackin and Madison Ward (Kendall Ward, his son-in-law who quickly became more of a best friend); and his treasured granddaughters, Luna Williams and Maris Ward. He also leaves behind his loyal, long-time best friend, Bill Holland. All of whom cherished and loved him deeply. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Mary Adams Snell and his brothers, Harry Brackin and David Brackin.
