Wilma Lee Lanton, of Cottonwood, AL., passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 13, 2025, just one day shy of her 73rd birthday. Born July 14, 1952, to Kenneth and Ruth Anne Stiffy, Wilma’s life was one epitomized by kindness, gentleness, and generosity.
Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 53 years, James Oscar Lanton Jr., and her sister, Ida May Flowers. She is survived by her daughter, Sher’rie Dye, her treasured grandson, Timothy Dye, best friend, Pebbles, as well as her nieces Cindy Hubauer, Renee Decker (Steven), and nephew John John Flowers, alongside many other special nieces and nephews who held a dear place in her life.
Aside from her contributions through volunteer work, Wilma’s interests were deeply rooted in the world of fabrics and threads. She was an avid seamstress, always ready to create, mend, or embellish, leaving a trail of beautiful handiwork and warm hearts wherever she went. Wilma sought to share her incredible warmth with the world around her. With nimble fingers and a passion for sewing, she spent countless hours volunteering her talents, creating hats for cancer patients and crafting rice bags to bring comfort to those in need.
In remembrance, we honor the life of a remarkable woman who stitched love into the corners of the earth and whose memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Larry Sowell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM in the chapel. Burial will follow at the Memory Hill Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted.
Chief Master Sergeant Hubert “Marshall” Smith, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, completed his earthly journey on July 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family in Dothan, Alabama. Born on May 21, 1944, in Gordon, Alabama to the late Hubert (H.D.) and Eddie Lou Smith, Marshall’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his country, family, and faith.
Marshall’s journey began in the small town of Gordon, where the values of hard work and community were instilled in him from a young age. He graduated from Ashford High School with the class of 1962 and promptly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. His distinguished military career spanned over 22 years, with 12 years spent overseas. His commitment to excellence propelled him rapidly through the ranks to Chief Master Sergeant, a testament to his leadership and dedication. Marshall’s duties, which often required a top secret security clearance, ranged from Military Personnel Technician to First Sergeant and culminated in his role as an aircraft and nuclear weapons security superintendent.
After retiring from active duty in 1984, Marshall returned to Dothan with his beloved wife, Judy, and embarked on a second career with the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs. His 22 years of service there were marked by a steadfast commitment to his fellow veterans, as he served in various capacities including Houston County Assistance Veterans Service Officer and Executive Director of the Alabama Veterans Network.
Marshall’s educational pursuits were as robust as his career, amassing 100 college credit hours with the community college of the Air Force. His thirst for knowledge and self-improvement was an inspiration to all who knew him.
A man of deep Christian faith, Marshall was actively involved in his church, where he found great joy and solace. His faith was the cornerstone of his life and provided him with the strength and guidance to lead a life of service.
Marshall is lovingly remembered by his wife of over 49 years, Judy Smith; his son, Terry Smith (Brenda); his adored grandchildren, Cody and Autumn; his sisters, Faye Davis and Linda Gale Gray; and his brothers, Harry Smith, Larry Smith, and Arnold Smith. His legacy of love, integrity, and service lives on in his family and in the countless lives he touched.
In his retirement years, Marshall enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and continued to be an active and cherished member of his church community. His life was a living example of the Christian values he held dear: love, compassion, and service to others.
As we bid farewell to Chief Master Sergeant Hubert “Marshall” Smith, we celebrate a life well-lived and honor the profound impact he had on this world. His memory will be treasured in the hearts of his loved ones and the many people whose lives he enriched. We take comfort in the knowledge that Marshall now rests in eternal peace with his Lord and Savior.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Marshall will be laid to rest in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital or the Shriners International.
Mr. Jeffery Ganus, of Dothan, Alabama passed away at his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was 68.
Mr. Ganus was born on April 22, 1957 to the late James Doles and Blanche Evelyn Ivey Ganus. Jeffery worked as computer programmer for over 40 years until his retirement. He enjoyed, most of all, spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, wife, Iwana Smith, and brother Bubba, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include a sister, Sondra Grantham (Chuck); a brother, Brian Ditty; nephew, Daniel Grantham (Deanna); great nephew, Austin Grantham; great niece Abbey Grantham; and niece Jessica Knight (Jake); other extended family and friends.
Gerald R. Cannon, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, surrounded by family. He was 83.
Gerald was born to Suell and Grace Cannon on August 24, 1941, in Tallassee, Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard and was quickly promoted to Captain and Company Commander due to his notable leadership skills and ability to care for and mentor those under his command.
Gerald’s quick rise in the Army enabled him to shift into his industrial career – overseeing manufacturing plants from Trane and Hobart, to becoming the President and General Manager of Dexter Lock in Auburn – which is what brought the family to their beloved Auburn. In all roles, he was a supportive and generous leader who was seen as a mentor by many of his employees.
Gerald was, above all else, a family man: a dedicated husband and father, a fun-loving ‘DeDaddy’ as he was known to his grandchildren and a loving father-in-law. His steady presence in the lives of those he loved and were loved by has left an indelible mark, particularly his unfailing support of Auburn University, which he generously and enthusiastically shared across generations. “War Eagle” was a familiar greeting everywhere he went. He leaves us with cherished memories of family outings to Auburn basketball and football games, vacations at the beach, beautiful days on Lake Martin, laughter, and a sweet and steady disposition that set the tone for every family gathering. Gerald loved to meet and talk with friends and strangers alike. If you were his friend, or if you were lucky enough to be in his family, you were on the receiving end of limitless support, encouragement, love, and his gift for making you laugh with his unique ‘Gerald-isms’. He was a man of character, quietly showing all of us how to live virtuous lives by the example he set every day.
Gerald was predeceased by his first wife, Jan Cannon, his second wife, Sherry Cannon, and his daughter Dale Cannon. He is survived by his beloved brother, Harold (Ann); his son, Rob (Ann), and his daughter, Cindy Cannon Thorne (Jeff); five grandchildren: Sam Cannon, Cate Cannon, Aaron Cannon, Stephen Naughton (Lexie) and Alice Lee Konstant (Thomas George); and two great-grandchildren, Cannon Naughton, who was his best little buddy, and brand new arrival, Evie Konstant.
There will be a celebration of life for Gerald on August 17th, 2025, at Water Oak Manor from 2:00pm to 4:00pm central time. Water Oak Manor is located at 232 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, Al 36832. All are invited to come and share stories of Gerald Cannon. There will be some light refreshments served. As Gerald would want, come casual and be comfortable.
William Earl Trawick, a lifetime resident of Dothan, passed away on July 12, 2025 at Westside Terrace in Dothan. He was 89 years old.
William was born to the late Marvin and Lorraine Trawick on September 14, 1935. He was a graduate of Rehobeth High School. Following high school, William became part owner of TKW and Evans Building Supply for over 35 years. A faithful member and deacon of Mt. Gilead throughout his life, William’s commitment to his church and community was unwavering.
Above all, William was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His children and grandchildren knew they were loved unconditionally, and his guidance and support were the cornerstones of their lives. He was known for his giving heart and helping anyone he could.
William is survived by his three children, Pam Trawick Vinson (Greg) of Dothan, AL, Greg Trawick (Cindy) of Franklin, NC, and Lana Trawick Allen of Dothan, AL; eight grandchildren, Mandi Vinson Carlson (Richard), Marci Vinson Bocanegra (Jesse), Marah Vinson Woods (Justin), Patrick Trawick (Aimee), Garreth Trawick (Emily), Daniel Allen (Emily), Shannon Allen Lusk (James), and Mallory Allen; and his sister, Mary Martha Walker (Macolm). He was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Hazel Trawick; son-in-law Randy Allen; and his brother, James “Honey” Trawick and his wife, Brenda Trawick.
A celebration of Williams’s life will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Mount Gilead Baptist Church with his grandson Patrick Trawick and Brother Danny Williams officiating. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
HEADLAND. . .Nelle Solomon Adams, a resident of Headland, passed away Saturday night, July 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 80.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Chaplain Kevin Kelly and Chaplain Jason B. Adams officiating. Private graveside services for the family will follow in the Headland Methodist Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the mortuary.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Headland Methodist Cemetery Fund, 103 West King Street, Headland, AL 36345.
Nelle Adams was a lifelong resident of Headland and was 1963 graduate of Headland High School. She received a B.S. Degree and a Master’s Degree both in Elementary Education from Troy University. Nelle was formerly employed by the Henry County Board of Education as a first grade teacher at the Headland Elementary School. She was a member of the Headland Methodist Church and was active in most church activities. In earlier years, Nelle was active in the Walk to Emmaus. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Prioleau “Pete” Solomon, her mother, Myra Burks Solomon Smith and her step-father, Allen Smith.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Lawson Oyette “Buddy” Adams, Jr.; a daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Barnes (Will), Headland; two sons, Jason B. Adams (Holly), Pensacola , FL; and Marc Adams, Headland; a sister, Sandra Solomon Holman, Pensacola, FL; two brothers, Dr. Charles P. Solomon (Jane), Birmingham; and Thomas B. Solomon (Liz), Headland; grandchildren, Lily Griswold (Tyler), Anna Saville (Robert), Eden Barnes (Myles Fellows), Ty Barnes and John Lawson Adams; great-grandchildren, Rainer Griswold and Rhett Griswold; several nieces and nephews.
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.
