Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr., known simply as “Buddy” to everyone who knew and loved him, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work, and unconditional love for his family. He was the kind of man whose quiet strength spoke louder than words. Gentle and kind by nature, he was also firm when the moment called for it, always guided by wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of right and wrong.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Bro. Baker Creel officiating and grandson, Trevor Barnes assisting. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the chapel of Bottoms Funeral Home-Hartford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bascom Barnes, Sr. and Bessie Mae Cullifer Barnes; brothers, Dolpheus Barnes, Harold “Doc” Barnes, Foy Barnes, Mackie Barnes, and Lamar Barnes; and sisters, Carolyn Dean and Mary Smith.
Buddy faithfully served his country through the National Guard, retiring after many years of dedicated service with the National Guard unit in Hartford, Alabama. He also dedicated more than three decades of service to Fort Rucker, where he worked in several positions throughout his career. His commitment to duty was extraordinary. Upon his retirement, he was honored for an incredible accomplishment—never missing a single day of work in more than thirty years. That recognition reflected the loyalty, discipline, and dependability that defined his life.
Above all else, Buddy loved the Lord. His faith was evident in the way he treated people—with grace, humility, patience, and forgiveness. He was one of the most forgiving men anyone could hope to know, always willing to extend kindness and compassion.
He loved his family with all his heart. He was immensely proud of his sons, Mark and Greg, and treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also held a deep appreciation for his family’s heritage and believed in preserving the values and traditions that had been passed down through generations.
Buddy was a meticulous man who believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. He had a lifelong passion for antiques, books, history, and collecting unique treasures. He loved to read and was always eager to learn something new. He also had the heart and mind of an inventor. He had a remarkable ability to take something that already worked and make it even better, using his creativity, resourcefulness, and determination to improve whatever was in front of him.
Those who knew Buddy will remember a man who was generous with both his time and his heart. He led by example, worked without complaint, forgave freely, loved deeply, and lived with quiet humility. He was the kind of man whose influence could be felt without ever demanding attention.
He is survived by his children, Greg (Rhonda) Barnes of Slocomb and Mark (Rose) Barnes of Hartford; grandchildren, Trevor (Alyson) Barnes, Jenna (Will) Hays, Holdon (Brittany) Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Dillon Lunsford and Drake Lunsford; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Barnes, Brior Barnes, Harlow Barnes, Jayce Barnes, Wyatt Barnes, Kara Lunsford, and Paisleigh Lunsford; sister, Betty Sue Bottoms; along with several nieces and nephews.
Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr. leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by awards or accomplishments alone, but by the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the example he set every day. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trevor Barnes, Holdon Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Gabby Johnson, and Will Hays.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Avis Wynell Tate Granger Prescott of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at her home surrounded by family. She was 86 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Scott Cox officiating. Burial will follow in New Teamon Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel. The family will begin receiving friends at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, until service time.
She was born on November 18, 1939, in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Oliver and Lora Pate Tate. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Eddie Granger and second husband, Billy Curt Prescott; children, James Edward Granger and Danny Oliver Granger, and brother-in-law, Marcus Williams.
Survivors include her daughter, Lori (Charles) Coker; daughters-in-law, Stella (James) Granger and Lavelle (Danny) Granger; sister, Jeanette (Marcus) Williams; grandchildren, James (Kelly) Dice, Louise (Bob) Littlefield, Candice (Mark) Le Cocq, Renea (Kendalle) Myers, Shasta (Justin) Mccurley, Zack Granger, Justin (Britney) Coker, Travis (Hadley) Coker, Tate (Kim) Coker; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; niece, Misty Williams, and two nephews, Marc and Jamey Williams.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin, Travis, Tate, Zack, Marc, and Jamey.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed.” Revelations 21:4
Brenda Joyce Waite Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with her sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell and her son-in-law, Rev. Shannon Harris, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Brenda was born on July 29, 1944 in Mobile. AL to the late Earl and Hazel Waite Read. She was one of 3 siblings. She married Walter Ray Connell on June 28, 1963 in Mobile, AL. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a devoted pastor’s wife who faithfully served beside her husband for more than 50 years. Brenda was an avid gardener who loved her beautiful flowers. Most importantly, Sister Brenda was a powerful prayer warrior who stood firm in faith throughout every season of life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband of 63 years, Walter Ray Connell; her stepfather, Charles Read and two brothers, Floyd Waite and Lynn Waite.
Brenda is survived by three children, Steven (Clarissa) Connell of Westville, FL, Mickey (Rachel) Connell of Milton, FL, and Tammy (Shannon) Harris of Tallahassee, FL; adopted daughter, Janice “Sissy” (Stacy) Warmack of Winston, GA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Connell of Westville, FL, Chad (Madison) Connell of Milton, FL, Hannah (Tyler) Rundle of Callaway, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL and five great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; her caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice.
Paul Phillips, age 60, of Donalsonville, GA, passed away Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026, at Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, AL.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Oakview Church of God with Rev. John Gunter and Pastor Julius officiating. The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Seminole County Warpath on Cancer, 200 West 10th Street, Donalsonville, GA 39845, Attn: Jan Taylor.
Mr. Phillips was born in Donalsonville, GA on August 27, 1965, to Albert Phillips and Mollie Sutton Phillips. He worked for Covenant Steel as a welding fitter and inspector.
Paul was the kind of person who never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and at ease. A devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team and proudly shared his love for Alabama football with everyone around him. He had a gift for making people laugh, whether through a quick joke, a funny story, or his playful personality. And his laughter was as memorable as the joy he brought to others. He will be remembered for his friendly spirit, his sense of humor, and the way he could light up a room simply by being himself. ROLL TIDE!!
He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Albert Phillips and Mollie Sutton Phillips; his wife, Verna Mixon Phillips; his children, Erica Drew (Ben), Valorie Scarbrough (Jeffrey), P.J. Phillips (Shelby Myers) and Josh Phillips; his step-children, Roger Ashby, Amanda Burroughs (Bubba) and Diana Owens (Lee); his grandchildren, Alyson Chudzik (Donald Epley), Benion Drew, Faith Drew, Ryder Scarbrough, Delanie McMillan (Deangelo), Timothy McMillan (Megan), Zachary McMillan (Alexis), Tori Edwards, Mati Breeden, Noah Owens, Lily Owens, Dylan Owens, Jesse Owens (Sarah); and his great grandchildren, Braylon Epley, Riley Epley, Kyler McClendon, Ava McClendon, Riley McMillan, Amelia Owens, and Oaklynn Cloud; his brother, Doug Phillips (Tammy); his sisters, Angela Heath (Danny)and Ashley Forsyth (Ian). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Benjamin Dukes “Chuck”; his grandchild, Riley Epley; and his best friend, Sonny Lucas.
Margarita “Marg” Ramos Huggins, age 64, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Born on October 5, 1961, in Suffern, New York, Marg lived her life exactly as she wanted, boldly, generously, creatively, and unapologetically herself. She never met a stranger, never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and never let someone leave her home hungry.
Marg dedicated her life to caring for others, spending many years serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Caring wasn’t simply what she did for a living; it was who she was. Whether tending to her patients, comforting a friend, or opening her home to someone in need, she gave freely of herself without expecting anything in return. If she bought something she loved and discovered someone else admired it or needed it more, chances were she’d hand it over with a smile.
A gifted artist with an eye for beauty, Marg found joy in painting and creating. Flowers were among her greatest loves. One of her favorite projects was transforming an old iron bedframe she discovered in an antique store into a breathtaking garden masterpiece. She carefully planted flowers to resemble a made bed, with the tallest blooms forming the pillows and cascading layers of blossoms creating a colorful floral quilt, a perfect reflection of the creativity and love she poured into everything she touched.
Her kitchen was another canvas. Family and friends eagerly anticipated her famous Puerto Rican pernil, slow-roasted to perfection, along with her hearty chili and comforting lasagna. Around Marg’s table, no one was ever just a guest, they became family.
She lived life out loud, with a heart as big as her love for her family and a sharp wit to match. Marg was a woman of fierce love, zero filter, and an unforgettable spark. If she loved you, you were fed, fiercely protected, and, every now and then, lovingly put in your place with a perfectly timed look or an enthusiastic “¡Ay, por favor!” She danced to the beat of her own drum, spoke the truth without hesitation, and filled every room with laughter, music, and just the right amount of beautiful chaos. Her Puerto Rican sass was legendary, but it was always wrapped in unwavering loyalty and unconditional love.
Above all, Marg was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, treasured sister-in-law, and proud aunt. Her greatest masterpiece wasn’t found on a canvas or in a garden, it was the family and friendships she nurtured with endless love, generosity, and joy.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Delores Mann, and her brother, Al Ramos.
Those left to treasure her memory include her loving husband of 24 years, Bill Huggins; her son, Joey Gonzalez (Tanya); her sisters, Rosa Figueroa (Mario), Lisa Conklin, Monica Johnson, and Juanita Pelletier; her nephew, Gabriel Figueroa; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever brighter because Marg was part of them.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that somewhere there is a beautiful garden blooming a little brighter, a kitchen filled with incredible food, and a room echoing with laughter because Marg has arrived. Her vibrant spirit, artistic soul, generous heart, unmistakable sass, and fierce love will continue to bloom in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
The family honored her life in a private, intimate gathering.
MIDLAND CITY… Jimmie Wayne Mallory, a resident of Midland City, Alabama, passed away Saturday morning, July 25, 2026 at the home of his fiance’ in Dothan, Alabama following a long illness . He was 79.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Paul Edenfield. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Mr. Wayne Mallory was born at Adams Mill in Dale County, Alabama, to the late William Robert Mallory and Mildred Cain Mallory. He was a proud graduate of Dale County High School, Class of 1965.
Wayne dedicated forty-four years of his life to working as a safety engineer. Throughout his distinguished career, he traveled extensively across the United States, helping build and perform demolition work at nuclear facilities. He also proudly served his country in the National Guard for six years.
Following his career, Wayne continued serving others by volunteering for many years at Flowers Hospital and Southeast Alabama Medical Center. He was later employed by Southeast Alabama Medical Center for four years, where his caring nature and willingness to help others continued to shine.
A faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Midland City, Wayne enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, playing golf, watching NASCAR races, and cheering on his beloved Auburn Tigers. He especially treasured the time spent with his family and friends.
Wayne never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and could make anyone feel welcome. Known for his generous heart, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His kindness, selflessness, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Above all, Wayne dearly loved his family and friends, and above all, He loved His Lord. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Shannon Renae Mallory; a brother, Lavern Mallory; brothers-in-law, Sonny Stinson, and Dennis Cole; sister-in-law, Geraldean Mallory
Leaving to cherish his memories are his daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Mallory; sisters, Emily Mallory Stinson, Sandra Mallory Cole; brother, John Harvey Mallory (Joan); fiance’, Jackie Griggs; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; several other loving family members and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Ken Stinson, Wade Stinson, Patrick Mallory, Derek Mallory, Marty Cobb, Avery Beasley, and William Culpepper.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Midland City.
