Anthony Wayne Shelley of Midland City, Alabama passed away on May 3, 2025, after an extended illness. Anthony was born on June 24, 1962, in Dothan, Alabama. He was 62 years old.
Anthony was preceded in death by his beloved mother Jewell Frances (Folds) Williams, his father Larry L. Shelley, Linda Shelley, his sister Patricia Dianne (Shelley) Walden, and brother-in-law Ronnie Walden.
He was in the Army in the early 80’s and specialized in hawk fire missiles. After his military service he became a cook on an oil rig and continued to spend most of his life in the food industry, especially the Waffle House for many years.
He always enjoyed listening to music and building his music catalog. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved Alabama Football. Roll Tide Tony – we will miss you!
Anthony leaves behind his three daughters, Allison Christine Shelley and Chaz of Perry, GA and her sons Cameron, Conner, Hunter and Keaton. Ida Nicole Milotte of Dublin, GA and her sons Solace and Gideon, and Tasha Graham of Moss Point, MS and her children Lily, Gene, and Emma. He also leaves behind the mother of his children, Lisa Chadwick and Ron of Preston, GA. His three loving brothers, Don Shelley (Kathy), Chris Shelley and Bryan Shelley, all of Dothan, AL, are also left to remember him. He leaves behind his uncle Bobby Folds of Dothan, AL and his Aunt Mary “Bug” (Folds) Yarrington of Chattanooga, TN; nephews Blake (Kristi and Dawson) Walden, Kevin (Kathy and Caleb) Gamble and his children, Katlyn and Caleb; a niece Heather Walden (Brianna); and special friends Alvie and Linda Davis.
A celebration of life memorial will be announced at a later date.
Virginia Irene Lindsey, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 10, 1935, Virginia’s life was a testament to her enduring spirit and the love she shared with those around her.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM at the church. A luncheon is to follow services.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 15 years, James William Lindsey. Sisters, Mary McCormick and Patricia Davison. She is survived by her children, Winnie Tisdale (Philip), Marty Kocsis (Mark), and Chris Lindsey (Lauri). A brother, Jimmy Bower. Grandchildren, Mathew Tisdale (Amelia), Tucker Tisdale (Brigitte), Lindsey Aldridge (Mitchell), Parker Lindsey, Kristen Ramirez (Matt), James Kocsis, Kendall and Kayley Stevens as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Virginia’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Edgewood Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, where she found fellowship and purpose. In her later years, she continued her spiritual journey as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Dothan, AL where she remained active and engaged in her community. Virginia’s commitment to her faith was evident in her daily life, from her love of reading the Bible to her involvement in her church’s quilting group and Ladies’ luncheon.
Her interests were a reflection of her inner beauty; sewing was not just a hobby but a way for Virginia to create and share with those she loved. Her handmade quilts, crafted with care and prayer, were more than just blankets; they were hugs from Virginia to those she held dear.
Virginia’s life was one of service, to her family, her faith, and her community. Her kind heart and faith-filled soul were the words that best described her, and they were the guiding principles by which she lived every day. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on the world, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.
As we say goodbye to Virginia Irene Lindsey, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and kindness. Her story does not end with her passing but continues through the lives of those she touched. Virginia’s legacy is one of compassion and devotion, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Mrs. Martha Condrey Martin, known fondly as “Mama” and “Granny,” passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025, following an extended illness. She was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great-grandmother, and loving daughter of the late James “Jim” and Essie Mae Helms Condrey. Mrs. Martin was 94.
Martha was born on August 9, 1930 in Seminole County, Georgia. Around 1943, she moved with her family to Dothan, Alabama, where she would meet and marry Ralph H. Martin. During their 60 year marriage, they raised a family, built a successful business, and were active in local community organizations. In her spare time, Martha was an avid reader and a regular bingo player at the Elks Lodge.
A devout wife, she was her husband’s primary caregiver for more than 10 years until his death in 2006.
Family was Martha’s priority. She had five adoring children and seven grandchildren that loved her deeply. Always happy and smiling, she cherished spending time with family and friends enjoying stories and laughs. She was kind. She was gentle. She was loving. She was generous. She will be missed.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Martin is predeceased by all of her siblings, daughters Jenny Brown and Laura Martin, and grandchildren Brent Martin, Obie Rice, and Hannah Brown.
Mrs. Martin is survived by her son, Michael Martin, and his wife, Sammie; daughters, Martha Martin Henkel, and her husband Wally, and Kitrina Rice; grandchildren, Natalie Hilbert, Amber Hancock and her husband, Lee, Leslie Dulaney and her husband, Mark, Phillip Brown, and Will Thompson; step-granddaughter, Pene Parker; six great-grandchildren; and five great great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to Michelle Johnson and Patricia Rich for their patient and professional caretaking services.
On Friday, May 9, 2025 the family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.
ARITON…Karen McWhorter Laney, a resident of Ariton, died late Monday morning, May 5, 2025, at the home of her son, Daniel, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 59.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Reformation Church, Ozark with Chaplain Adam Mulliner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Laney, daughter of the late Luther McWhorter and Hazel Thunderburk McWhorter, was a native of Clio and lived in various locations before moving to Ariton twenty years ago. She was a devoted employee of Southern Classic Food Group in Brundidge for sixteen years. Mrs. Laney was a loving mother, “Granny”, and friend whose love and kindness touched all who knew her. She was a devoted University of Alabama Football Fan and will be remembered for having the best sense of humor. Mrs. Laney was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Laney.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Tabitha McWhorter, Ozark; son, Daniel McWhorter (Chelsea), Ozark; four loving and beautiful granddaughters, Destiny Pruitt, Audrie McWhorter, Allison McWhorter, and Nora McWhorter; many extended children and grandchildren that she claimed as her very own.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Daniel “Dan” Kennedy, Sr., a man of courage, generosity, and unwavering faith, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on May 10, 1953, in Corning, New York, Dan’s life journey led him to his final days in Enterprise, Alabama, where he was surrounded by the love of his family. His legacy is one of service, both to his country and his community, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Dan’s formative years in Corning laid the foundation for a life of dedication and purpose. After completing his education, he answered the call to serve, embarking on a distinguished 20-year career in the US Army. His time in the military saw him in the skies above Somalia and during Desert Storm, where he skillfully piloted Hueys and Blackhawks, eventually retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) from Ft. Rucker. Dan’s commitment to his country was a testament to his character, and his bravery was an inspiration to many.
Following his retirement, Dan’s path took a spiritual turn as he became a Minister and Pastor, shepherding the flock at Pentecostal Outreach Church in Enterprise with Pastor Tony Roberts and under Senior Pastor George Abbott, his best friend. His gentle guidance and unwavering belief touched the lives of countless individuals, providing solace and strength to those in need. Dan’s everyday demeanor was that of an ordinary and simple man, yet his actions spoke volumes of his extraordinary spirit and benevolence.
Dan’s greatest pride and joy were his family. He leaves behind a loving wife of 53 years, Lillian Kennedy, who was his partner in all things and his steadfast support. His children, Daniel (Judy) Kennedy, Michael (Wendy) Kennedy, and Rebecca Kennedy, will carry forward his legacy of kindness and integrity. Dan’s seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild will grow up with stories of their grandfather’s courage and love, ensuring his memory will live on. His sister, Chris Stanton, along with several nieces and nephews, will remember Dan for his generous heart and the wisdom he imparted.
Dan’s life was one of selfless service, and this extended beyond his family and church. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, embodying the very essence of a community pillar. His passing leaves a void in the lives of many, but his spirit of giving and faith-filled life serves as a beacon of light for all to follow.
A celebration of life for Dan will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Military honors will be rendered at the Sunset Memorial Park Helicopter Pavilion. Pastor Tony Roberts will officiate the service, honoring a life well-lived and a man greatly admired. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and share memories of Dan from 10-11 am before the service begins.
Daniel Kennedy, Sr.’s journey on earth may have concluded, but his impact is everlasting. As we say goodbye, we find solace in knowing that his legacy of courage, generosity, and faith remains with us. Dan’s life story is not one of an end but a continuation through the many lives he touched. He has set the bar high for all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever.
Martin Lee Ackley, has taken his final bow on May 4, 2025. Born on March 21, 1970, in the charming town of Ozark, AL, Martin’s journey through life was as vibrant and spirited as the man himself. He was the life of the party, a title he held from his youth until his passing in Dothan, AL.
Martin’s legacy is carried on by a loving family who matched his larger-than-life personality. His son, Dalton Ackley and daughter in law, Jersey, who inherited many of his dad’s traits; his daughter, Kira Ackley, who got his knack for turning every day into a celebration; his adorable grandkids, Cassidy and Nova, who knew him as the legendary “Paw Paw”; the mother of his children, Jennifer; his loyal brother, Iril Brown; his sisters, Barbara Faulk and Margaret Adkinson, who could always count on him for a good laugh; his fur baby, Jack, who was his steadfast sidekick.
He attended Carrol High School and went on to construct a life filled with joy, hard work, and the occasional shenanigan. He was a man who built more than just buildings in his construction career; he built a community of friends and a family that was as sturdy as the structures he worked on.
To say Martin was the life of the party is an understatement. He was the party. A simple man who found happiness in the everyday, Martin was known for his ability to turn a regular Tuesday into an event to remember. He provided for his family not just with the necessities, but with laughter, boundless energy, and the kind of stories that become family legend.
Martin was preceded in death by those who surely welcomed him with open arms: his mother, Betty Lou Smith; his infant twin, Martha Ackley; his sister, Crystal Sells; and his brother, Alan Brown; and his lifelong partner in crime, Brian Myers, who had been causing ruckus with Martin since they were both five years old. One can only imagine the heavenly reunion filled with laughter and joy as Martin joined them.
Martin was a man who lived by his own rules, went out on his own terms, and never missed an opportunity to be outside, soaking up the sun or searching for arrowheads. He was also known for being a diehard Alabama fan. He was the guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, and then probably make a joke about how it looked better on you anyway. With him, there was never a dull moment, whether he was fishing, sharing his latest find, or just being his spirited self.
He will surely be missed but most importantly, he will always be celebrated.
