Mrs. Yvonne Franklin, of Slocomb, AL, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 11, 2025. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at New Hinson Baptist Church with Reverend Bryan Klobe officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Interment will follow at New Hinson Baptist Church Cemetery.
Yvonne was born September 25, 1937 to the late Ernest and Callie Loutrell Gavin Jones. Yvonne worked at JC Penney as a quality control specialist. Yvonne was a woman of faith and a dedicated servant of Christ. She was an active member of the New Hinson Baptist Church. She was a wonderful homemaker, loved her family, and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Steve Franklin.
She is survived by her husband of 72 years Roland Franklin.
DOTHAN…Mr. Richard Thompson, a resident of Dothan, died early Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, at his home. He was 64.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 11, 2025, in Southside Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Tim Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thompson, the beloved son of the late James Thompson—who proudly served his country as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army—and Joan Madeline Leonard Thompson, was born and raised in the close-knit community of Dearborn, Michigan. From a young age, he carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength—traits he no doubt inherited from his parents.
He spent his teenage years in Alaska, where he graduated from Bartlett High School. Those years shaped him in many ways—he learned to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, the importance of perseverance, and the joy of simple things like a good laugh with friends or a quiet moment under the open sky.
In the 1980s, Mr. Thompson made his way to Dothan, Alabama, a place that quickly became home. He built a life rooted in community, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the little things that make life meaningful.
He had a true passion for fishing—there was nothing quite like the peace he found by the water, waiting patiently for a bite, soaking in the stillness of nature. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, as he cheered on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide with unwavering pride. And if you ever needed help with a car, he was your guy. He loved getting under the hood, fixing things with his hands, and sharing what he knew with anyone who asked. For him, working on cars wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to connect, to teach, and to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Thompson will be remembered not just for the things he loved, but for the way he made others feel—welcomed, supported, and seen. His life was a quiet testament to the power of kindness, the strength of family, and the beauty of a well-lived life.
Surviving relatives include his brothers, James “Jim” Thompson (Jan), Cullman, Danny Thompson, John Thompson, both of Dothan, and David Thompson (Stephanie), Enterprise; nieces, Mirna Thompson, Amadeua Thompson, and Brenda Thompson; nephew, Matthew Hood.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Smithie Thursby Smith of Slocomb passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Dr. J Chris Adams and Rev. Royce Morrow officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hinson Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday July 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Smith was born September 6, 1939, in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late Alvis Lefed and Annie Pearl Whittaker Thursby. Smithie grew up in Reynoldsville, Georgia and graduated from Seminole County High School and Marsh Business College. She was employed as a bookkeeper with Andrews Tire Company and Adams Yamaha and Marine for several years and retired from the United States Postal Service in Dothan after 20 years of service. She lived in Slocomb and the Fadette Community for many years and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Smithie was a committed woman of faith and loved serving her Savior. She enjoyed going on trips and attending the Taylor Senior Center where she made many friends, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, her loving husband of 46 years, Rex Smith; sister, Christine King; parents-in-law, Cliff and Beatrice Byrd; brothers-in-law: Sidney Byrd, Mack Byrd, and Don Hidle, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughter, Cindy Williams (Scott); son, William Smith (Sharon); grandchildren: Brandon Smith (Katie), Brittany Smith Ching (Jason) and Ava Miranda Williams; three great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
James Arlin Pugh, affectionately known as “Doc,” a resident of Gordon, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Houston County, Alabama. He was 88 years old.
Born on April 26, 1937, in Evergreen, Alabama, James was a proud Alabamian who deeply loved Alabama football and found great joy in driving through the countryside.
James will be fondly remembered as a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a cherished great-grandfather, and a loyal brother. His warmth, wisdom, and enduring love for his family created a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved daughters, Brandee Pugh and Kiersten Pugh (Brad Whitehead); grandchildren, Ashton Ward (Haley) and Jaylee Goodson (Peyton); great-grandchildren, Rowan, Mila, and Avery Collins; brothers, Frank Pugh (Shirley) and Winston Pugh (Sandy); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a special friend, Michael Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenora and James Pugh; and brothers, Harry Pugh, Marion Pugh, Edsel Davis, George Pugh, and Bradley Pugh.
James “Doc” Pugh will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will be treasured always.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Felix “Phil” Jasper Riley, 83, a resident of Dothan, passed away on, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at his residence following an extended illness.
Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery (6286 County Road 73, Headland, AL 36345) with Reverend Ronnie Ball officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. Per his wishes, causal dress is requested. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m., at the funeral home on Saturday prior to the services.
Flowers will be accepted.
Phil was born on January 9, 1942, in Henry County to the late Daniel Posey & Ophelia Vivian (Barnes) Riley. He spent the early years of his life in the Newville community and was a graduate of Newville High School. Phil then attended Troy University-Dothan, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in counseling. He worked as a Real Estate Sales Agent, as well as in Marketing Sales for WDHN News. Phil was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Headland.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Marcia Ann Riley.
He is survived by his daughter, Ronda Eberhart (Randy) of Dothan; his four sons, Robert Riley (Jennifer) of Dothan, Josh Riley (Jordan) of Dothan, Chris Riley (Tabitha) of Orlando, FL, and Rodney Richards (Shelia) of Bonifay, FL; 10 grandchildren, Emily Kalil (Eddie), Amber Jackson (Tanner), Blake Eberhart, J.T. Eberhart, Casey Richards, Dylan Richards (Hailey), Tanner Riley, Remington Riley, Jackson Riley, Austin Riley, and Avery Riley; and one great-grandchild, Ashlea Abraham; his brother, Danny Riley (Linda); and very special sister-in-law, Cheryl Clonts, and brother-in-law, Blake Ball (Denise).
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Day Spring Hospice for the love and care shown to their loved one during this very difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Elaine Marie Clark passed away on July 8, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on February 7, 1945, in Oswego, New York, Elaine’s radiant spirit and boundless energy became evident early in her life. She carried these traits with her when she moved to Niceville, Florida, in the 1950s, where she would meet her beloved husband, J.C. Clark. Together, they moved to Dothan in 1974, where they established their family home and created countless cherished memories.
Elaine’s legacy is one of firsts and of dedication. As the first female Cub Scout leader in Alabama. Her commitment to youth did not stop there; she also served as a Brownie Girl Scout leader, nurturing the growth and development of many young minds. Elaine’s professional life was marked by her role as a managing member at Avis Car Rental, where she was respected for her strong work ethic and her ability to connect with people. She also owned a leather shop, where she enjoyed using her hands and creativity. However, her greatest accomplishment was being a devoted homemaker—providing love, care, and guidance to her family, which brought her the most pride and fulfillment.
To her family and close friends, Elaine was affectionately known as “Turbo”—a nickname that perfectly captured her spirited personality, quick wit, and nonstop energy. Whether tackling projects or lighting up a room with laughter, Turbo never slowed down and was always at the heart of every moment.
Family was the cornerstone of Elaine’s world. She was a devoted wife to J.C. for 53 years and a loving mother to her son, Jerry Clark, and daughter, Rhonda Irvin. Her heart swelled with pride for her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. Although she was preceded in death by her daughters, Candance “Candy” Daniels and Sherry Marie Clark, and her brothers, Billy and Bobby Stephenson, her memory will continue to be cherished by her surviving brother, Richard Stephenson, and his wife, Loretta.
Elaine’s zest for life was reflected in her various interests. A former member of the Elks Lodge, she was often found playing bingo with friends. Her hands were rarely still, as she loved to sew and crochet, creating beautiful pieces that are treasured by her family and friends. Bowling was another passion, and Elaine enjoyed the strikes, spares, and laughter shared with her bowling companions. Above all, Elaine loved her family deeply. She found great pleasure in bank fishing, where she could soak in the tranquility of nature and reflect on her blessings.
Elaine’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the community she helped shape. Her unwavering spirit, generous heart, and infectious laughter have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
A graveside service to honor Elaine’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Sam Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
