OCALA, FL… James “Jim” Howard McKnight, Jr., a resident of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Headland, AL, passed away Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, at his son’s home. He was 82.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Headland, Alabama, with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. McKnight was born in Headland, Alabama to the late James Howard McKnight, Sr. and Frances Laverne Hasty McKnight. He was a graduate of Dothan High School. He served his country during the Vietnam War and retired (US Army Sergeant First Class) from the U.S. Army. After retirement he worked with Wal-Mart in the sporting goods department and at Headland Ace Hardware. Jim had lived in Rayne, LA and Headland, AL before moving to his son’s residence in Ocala, FL., three years ago. Mr. McKnight was a member of the First Baptist Church – Headland.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Davis McKnight.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his daughter, Candace McKnight; his son, Tim McKnight (Lena); his step-daughters, Diane Avery (Phillip) and Beth Givens (Mark); his sisters, Diane Adams (Mike) and Nancy Lamon; his ten grandchildren; his eight great-grandchildren; and his several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Phillip Avery, Tye Avery, Alec Avery, Lee Ross, Mark Givens, Grant Givens, and Tim Grace.
Margaret Alice Adams Russell of Dothan, AL passed away on Monday, June 02, 2025. She was 88.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 06, 2025, at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Shortt officiating. Burial will follow in Lime Springs Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to your favorite charity.
Margaret was born on March 06, 1937, in Geneva, AL to the late Calvin Curtis and Lenner Lee Bostic Adams. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, who she always lovingly cared for and wanted the best for them that life had to offer. She embodied a sacrificial spirit of love, giving and complete dedication to her family. She was a faithful member of Harvest Church in Dothan, AL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Hershel Ray Adams and Donald Ray Adams and one infant sister.
Margaret is survived by the father of her children, Alcus Russell of Malvern, AL; two children, Alice Russell Dowling Kilcrease and Joey C. Russell, both of Dothan, AL; one sister, Eloise Phillips (Neal) of Samson, AL; two brothers, Billy Ray Adams (Carol) of Samson, AL and Grady Ray Adams of Milton, FL; a very special sister-in-law and friend, Barbara Yates Adams of Samson, AL; numerous nieces and nephews; the Russell family, whom she married into on February 11, 1955. Her canine companion, “Aubie” also survives her.
The family would like to say a special “Thank You” to Nancy Turnham, DNP and staff at Graceville Health Center for taking care of our precious mother for the past 7 years.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Christine Broxson Holmes Norris of Geneva, AL passed away Sunday, June 01, 2025, at her home. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 05, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Red Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Christine was born in Geneva Co., AL on December 06, 1934, to the late Henry Lee and Mary Elizabeth Golden Broxson. She was a hard worker who believed in staying busy. She worked for over 30 years at the Piggly Wiggly in Geneva, AL as a cashier. She was one who believed in staying independent and caring for herself as long as she could. Her favorite pastime was watching Westerns on television, especially Gunsmoke. She was an avid animal lover, especially her cats. Christine was a longtime member of Westside Methodist Church and later attended Geneva Family Worship Center, as long as her health allowed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Curtis Holmes and Greg Norris; one brother, Carl E. Broxson; five sisters, Claudie Shirah, Edna Koen, Nellie Dean Thames, Louella Moates and Sudie Kyser.
Christine is survived by a number of special nieces and nephews who lovingly cared for her; a special caregiver/friend, Wendy Keisler of Geneva, AL. She will fondly be remembered by those who loved her and helped care for her.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.net
Eddy B. Keel was born on December 28, 1947, in Dothan, Alabama, to Leroy and Mary Keel.
He graduated from Dothan High School in the class of 1966 and then went on to study pharmacy at Auburn University where he graduated in 1971. He was a pharmacist for over 50 years.
Eddy was an outstanding athlete. He was catcher on Dothan’s Dixie Youth baseball all-star team that won the Alabama State Championship and was runner-up at the Dixie Youth World Series in South Boston, Virginia.
At Young Junior High School, he was a three-sport letterman; quarterback for the football team that was undefeated, point guard for the basketball team that won the State Junior High Championship, and ran the 440 on Young’s track team that won the State Track Championship.
The Dothan High football team, where Eddy was quarterback, was one time polled the number one football team in the state of Alabama. His senior year, the football team voted him Captain. He played point guard on the basketball team and catcher on the baseball team. An exceptional student in high school, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. His classmates also voted him Senior Class President for the Class of 1966. In recognition of his athletic abilities and scholarly achievements he was awarded the prestigious “Jimmy Bottoms Award.”
After college, he took up golf and it became his passion, and he played with family and friends for the rest of his life.
Eddy was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He also coached each of his sons’ baseball teams.
As a devout Christian he lived his life guided by his faith. As a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dothan for over 50 years, he served in various committees and ministries; Chair of the Board of Stewards, Chair of the Missions Committee. He was a beloved youth group leader and high school Sunday School teacher for decades. He had a particular passion for young people.
Also serving the community through volunteer work he participated in The Harbor; Meals on Wheels; he was a mentor to new fathers at Wiregrass Hope Group; Communities of Transformation; the Samaritan Clinic through Love in Action Ministries; church mission trips, usually with youth; he was a Respite Volunteer; and many others.
Eddy is survived by his wife Mary Kate Keel; sons Jason (Abbie), Matthew, and Nicholas (Jeanette); grandchildren Ava, Hannah, Owen, and Bennett; brothers Mike (Martha) and Bruce (Jan); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. David R. Saliba officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, First United Methodist Church – Respite Care Ministry, or The Harbor, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Serving as honorary pallbearers, Don Swanson, Dr. Ted Paulk, David Ritchie, Dr. Scott Helms, Tommy Tackett, Aaron Tackett, and Sam Stanfield.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Barry McGaughey of Dothan, AL, passed away, Sunday, June 1, 2025 at his home. He was 73.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church Dothan with Dr. Johnny Fain and Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. Visitation will begin at the conclusion of the Memorial service.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey.
Barry leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Thelmanne McGaughey; son, Matt McGaughey, Dothan, AL; daughter, Cricket Miller (Greg), Birmingham, AL; and “Pops” grandchildren, Radney, Fox, and Maye Miller of Birmingham, AL. He also leaves behind the family’s honorary daughter and sister, Wendy Armstrong Lipscomb, Dothan, AL, and his brother, Michael McGaughey, Atlanta, GA; uncle, Daniel Maye, Louisville, KY; and aunt, Gail Beck, Salisbury, NC.
Barry McGaughey was born in Macon, GA January 29, 1952, to Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey. A graduate of Mississippi State from the School of Forestry, his first job landed him in Troy, Al where he met Thelmanne Fleming the day before she graduated college. They quickly fell in love and were married the following year. Barry dedicated his entire life to the timber industry, building relationships all over the southeast until he became physically unable in 2018.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Barry, you loved and respected him. His voice, laugh, and presence filled any room he entered. He had a heart of gold and loved his family intensely. Barry’s favorite free time activity was “piddling” on his boat and deep-sea fishing. Captain Barry was always ready to take anyone who was brave enough fishing, or a boat ride and it was guaranteed to be an adventure. He was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and an active member of First Baptist Church of Dothan for the majority of his life.
The family would like to thank the many care givers who helped take care of Barry his last tough seven years on this earth. A special thanks to Betty Johnson, Jazmine Covington, Geralyn Forrest, Debra Magwood, Jack Smiley, Cathy Gore, Adria Davenport, Tosha Scott and Katie Walker, and a special thanks to Shelly Scarbrough with Gentiva Hospice.
Per Barry’s request, his remains will be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life to scatter his ashes in a variety of his favorite places but most of all, the Gulf.
The family wants to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and family who have poured into them with love, friendship, countless meals and continual prayers over the last seven years.
Ms. Frankie Melinda Ammons of Geneva, AL went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She was 73.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Her nephew, Dr. Lee Ammons will officiate the service. The eulogy will be delivered by her nephew, Dr. Kevin Ammons. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 1:00pm.
Flowers will be accepted, and memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Frankie was born at Camp Rucker (AL) on March 27, 1952, to the late Willard Hazley “Bill” and Lois Jeanette Fulcher Ammons. She was a proud graduate of Geneva High School’s Class of 1970. During her years at GHS, she was a proud member of the Geneva High School Marching Band. Upon graduation, Frankie attended Enterprise State Junior College before transferring to the “loveliest village on the plains.” She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1976. In return, Auburn University received one of their proudest and most loyal alumni.
Frankie was a devoted educator. She spent over 30 years as a dedicated teacher serving in the Geneva County and Barbour County School Systems. Throughout her career, Frankie made it her mission to ensure every child she taught felt special. She could not stand knowing one of her children missed out on school trips, book fairs, or holidays. While many of her students benefited from her generosity, every student who entered her classroom knew she loved them. Even during her last days, she recalled wonderful memories about her former students. They made a positive impact in her life.
Upon retirement Frankie’s pastime included spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, going to the beach, shopping, and all things involving Auburn University. The quickest way to get Frankie excited was to mention a quick road trip to Auburn. She was all in!
Frankie was a very loving sister, aunt, and friend to everyone. Simply put, everyone should have a Frankie in their life. To know her was to love her. Her family and friends felt her love and prayers throughout the years. She will be missed. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ammons.
Survivors include her brother, Willard H. “Bill” Ammons, Jr. (Connie) of Geneva; two special nephews: Lee Ammons (Julianne) and Kevin Ammons (Emily) all of Geneva; two great-nephews: Haze and William Ammons; other extended family and friends, including the Girls of ’70.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Lee Ammons, Kevin Ammons, Haze Ammons, William Ammons, Dennis Huggins, Allen Mote, and Ronnie Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be the Geneva High School Class of 1970.
The family would like to thank Wiregrass Medical Center and Encompass Rehabilitation Center for their special love and care.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
