HEADLAND… Kenneth Bates “Buddy” Jones, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church – Headland, with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday evening at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
The family will welcome flowers, or memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Respite Care Ministry, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301.
Mr. Jones was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Coley J. “Bud” Jones and Laura Adell Green Jones. He was a 1961 graduate of Rehobeth High School. Buddy had worked with several airlines including Southern Airlines, Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and retiring from Delta Airlines after thirty-seven years. He was an avid Alabama football fan and found great joy in coaching his children in baseball. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren, often taking them out for ice cream. He was a member of the First Baptist Church – Headland where he enjoyed attending the Barnabas Sunday School Class.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Ansley Jones; his sisters, Geraldine Marchman, Rachel Merl Jones, Inez Purvis, Frances Hallford, Hazel Trawick, and Carolyn Saunders; and his brothers Alonzo Jones, Coleman Jones, and Lamar Jones.
Left to carry on his legacy and memories are his loving wife of fifty-three years, Janice Jordan Jones; his daughter, Jennifer Baucom (Mark); his sons, Russell Jones (Debra) and Jarrad Jones (Jennifer); his sisters, Linda Martin and Merline Faulk (David); his grandchildren, Kenton Jones (Sarah), Dalton Jones, Sydney McNeill (Avery), Brandon Jones, Kennedy Baucom, Anna Katherine Baucom, Grayson Baucom, Brady Jones, and Emma Jones; his great-grandchildren, Trent Jones, Leighton Jones, Millie Mae Jones, and Daisy Jones; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanette Parish ( Jim), Jim Jordan (Wanda ), John Jordan (Pam ), and Jerry Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Brandon Jones, Avery McNeill, Kenton Jones, Dalton Jones, Brady Jones, and Grayson Baucom.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice, his nurse, Jodi Wellborn, and
MILTON, FLORIDA…Ms. Peggy Sue Ellis Thomas, a resident of Milton, Florida (formerly of Ozark), died early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, in Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola. She was 68.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Walter Ray Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with his sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell 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 Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Connell was born in Pensacola, FL, to the late Neal E. and Fannie F. Nix Connell. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and most especially spending time with his family and friends. He served four years in the US Air Force. Following his service career, he returned to Mobile, AL where he met the love of his life, Brenda Waite. They were married on June 23, 1963. He attended Texas Bible College and soon after graduating, he and his wife started a church in Bainbridge, GA. Five years later, they started a church in Americus, GA and later, one in Cordele, GA, even while he still pastored in Americus, GA. In 1986, he moved his family to Florida and pastored Open Pond United Pentecostal Church until his retirement in 2009.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and seven brothers.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda Connell of Westville, FL; 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 Bonifay, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL; four great grandchildren and one on the way.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Windham, Greg Windham, Jr., Jamie Cooper, Donny Crosby, Greg Windham, and Lance Groce.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; Logan Wilson, whom he loved like a grandson; his caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice, with special thanks to his nurse, Regina.
NEWVILLE… Dan Golden, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, at Dothan hospital. He was 63.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Concord Baptist Church with Reverend Mark Brantley officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Dan Golden leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love. Born to the late John Willis Golden and Mildred Lois Turner Golden, Dan was a proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 1981.
Throughout his life, Dan worked in various roles, including at West Point Pepperell, Southeast Alabama Medical Center, and the Dixie Dandy in Newville. But the role he found most fulfilling was as a caregiver, where he devoted himself to helping others with warmth and compassion. His heart was always open to those in need, and he made a difference in many lives.
A true Auburn fan at heart, Dan took great joy in supporting his beloved team. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was an active member of Concord Baptist Church, where he found strength and community.
Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Carpenter Golden; his sister, Janet Brannon (Ronnie); his brothers, Jimmy Golden (Martha) and Charles Golden; his sisters-in-law, Jane Carpenter Brantley (Mark) and Lila Windus (Pete); his brother-in-law, Jim Ed Carpenter (Brenda); and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins: as well as his cherished fur babies. He will also be deeply missed by many extended family members, dear friends, and all those who were touched by his kindness and spirit.
Serving as active pall bearers are Steven Brannon, Jim Faulkner, Arnie Nowell, Carson Brannon, Joe Bruer, and Brandon Elmore.
Though he may no longer be with us, Dan’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Roland Carter Thorne, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at his home. He was 95.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Billy Rich officiating. Burial will follow in the Ramah Church Cemetery in Cottonwood, Alabama with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until 10:45am on Tuesday at the funeral home prior to services.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Roland was born in Clio, Alabama to the late Porter Franklin and Like Connie Shehane Thorne on March 10, 1931. He attended grade school in Malone, Florida and graduated from Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Alabama. He attended one semester at Alabama Polytechnic School, now known as Auburn University. In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force, his first duty was as military police and later became radar tech on F102 Fighter Aircraft, and ending as precision measuring.
Mr. Roland was stationed in England when he married Helen Mathis, who was from Scotland. She bore his three children, Martin, Donna, and Scott. His second wife, Jackelin, died of cancer. He and his third wife, Jeanette, have now been married for over thirty years. They became a blended family as Mr. Roland welcomed her three sons, Robby, Roger, and Jay into the family.
After his military career of twenty-four years, he worked in home construction in Niceville, Florida for several years then in the oil well industry monitoring equipment in Lafayette, Louisianna and Galveston, Texas for three years. Later he moved to Dothan and worked at Sony for several years before he became a rural mail carrier for twelve years. Due to an injury, he finally retired. Mr. Roland was proud of his military career, and he especially enjoyed his assignments in Pakistan and Turkey. Not only was Mr. Roland dedicated to his career, but he was also dedicated to his Lord and Savior as well as his church, Southside Baptist Church, which he was a member of for several years.
Mr. Roland is preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers, two sisters, stepmother, Nettie Conrad, and uncle, Joe Thorne.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanette McCord Thorne; five sons, Martin Thorne, Cawfordville, Florida, Scott Thorne, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Robby Thompson, Roger Thompson, Jay Thompson, all of Dothan; one daughter, Donna Thorne, Mt. Solon, Virginia; two grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers will be Robby Thompson, Roger Thompson, and Jay Thompson.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Aaron Franklin “Cotton” Farmer, passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on November 25, 1948, to the late Marion Aaron Farmer and Leila Love Farmer, Cotton’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love and hard work.
Cotton was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was often found sitting on the back porch, taking in the beauty of nature and the companionship of his family. His dedication to his loved ones was unwavering, and he was a pillar of strength for them all. Cotton’s work ethic was unparalleled, and he instilled the values of diligence and perseverance in all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Farmer, with whom he shared countless hours fishing and creating memories. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Farmer and Joe Farmer. His legacy of love continues through his family. Cotton was a devoted father to his son, the late Aron Farmer, and to his daughters, Cheri Fessenden and April Farmer. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Damian Farmer, Christopher Bean (Aryanna), Brett Jackson, and Alex Farmer, as well as his great-grandchildren, Levi Goff and Adonis Rodriguez.
Cotton is also survived by his brother, Max Farmer (Sheila), and his sisters, Peggy Lingo, Patricia Farmer, and Barbara Gatewood. Each of them carries a piece of Cotton’s generous spirit and will remember him for his unwavering support and boundless love.
Those who knew Cotton will recall a man who was the epitome of generosity. He gave freely of his time, his resources, and his wisdom, always putting others before himself. His legacy is one of kindness and selflessness, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral services for Cotton will be held at 1 PM, Friday, March 20. 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Judy Dyson officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 1 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
