David Max Skipper, a cherished family man, and a friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the Graceville Health Center. He was 81 years old.
David is preceded in death by his parents; Frate Skipper and Ruth White Skipper. A sister; Bonnie Tew, Brothers; Gerald Skipper, Bill Skipper, and Damon Skipper. He is survived by his devoted daughters, Cynthia Willis and Jody McLendon (Richard). His grandchildren; Jennifer Hidle (Donnie), Curtis Adkins, Kathy Shelley (Nick), Dale Gray (Samantha), and Joseph McLendon. Several Great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews
Throughout his life, David was known for his unwavering kindness and adventurous soul. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing and traveling with his best buddy, Joey Watford (JW). He spent his career as an oyster shucker at Hunt’s Oyster Bar, where he formed lasting friendships and became a beloved figure in the community. Family gatherings were a highlight for David, where he could be found surrounded by his loved ones, sharing stories and creating memories that would last a lifetime. His presence was a comfort, and his guidance was a treasure that his family will hold dear forever.
David approached each day with a sense of wonder and an open heart, ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement. His adventurous spirit inspired those around him to embrace life’s journey with courage and joy.
As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that his story does not end here, for he has left an indelible mark on this world that will never be forgotten.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
Barbara Gail Dozier, known affectionately as Gail by her loved ones, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 1, 1941, Gail’s vibrant spirit and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Gail was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Osea Leslie Davis and Euna Herring Davis; her beloved husband, Norman Dozier; her cherished son, Stevie Dozier; and her ten siblings, who together shared a lifetime of memories.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and joy that will be carried on by her adored granddaughter, Misty Hughes (Alec); her treasured great-granddaughter, Baylea Kyle; her great-grandsons, Luke Kyle (Neely), who are expecting a child that Gail was overjoyed about and had lovingly given a special name, and Colt Hughes. Her life was enriched by the companionship of her special friends, Royce Coker, Mary Jeffcoat, and Linda Aman; her sisters-in-law, Gwen Dozier and Eunice Dozier; fur babies, Millie and Nala, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends, will also miss her dearly.
A woman of faith and fellowship, Gail was a member of Grandview Baptist Church. She lived her Christian values through her actions and words, always putting others before herself. She joined the Farley Nuclear Plant as a nurse from the moment its doors opened, displaying an unwavering commitment to her profession until her well-deserved retirement in 2020.
Gail’s zest for life was contagious. She was known for her sense of adventure and her wonderful sense of humor. Her interests were as diverse as her personality; she relished the simple pleasures of shopping trips that invariably included dining out with friends and family. Gail was also an avid traveler, taking every opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. Vacations were not just leisure time for Gail; they were adventures to be savored and shared. Closer to home, she enjoyed playing cards and dominos, engaging in friendly competition and laughter with those she held dear.
A Graveside Service to honor and celebrate Gail’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastor Mike Grimes officiating. The family will welcome friends and loved ones at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
The pallbearers, chosen to accompany Gail on her final journey, will be Chase Brunson, Hunter Knight, Colt Hughes, Dozier Dillard, Steven Dillard, and Brannon Ingalls, all of whom shared a special bond with her.
Mr. Judge Purnell Chancey, a resident of Dothan, died early Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Chancey will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 19, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mr. Chancey was born September 5, 1937 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Judge Leslie Chancey and Jessie Myrl Paramore Chancey. He graduated from Ariton High School in 1956. Following graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served during the Korea Conflict. He met and married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Stephens, and they made their home in Dothan. He began his career as a plumber and pipe fitter with Daniels Construction Company who was a contractor for Farley Nuclear Plant. After retiring from Daniels Construction Purnell started his own plumbing company, Chancey and Davidson Plumbing. He enjoyed working in his yard and was famous for his scuppernong vines at the corner of South Park and Taylor Road. Later in life, he really enjoyed the company of his dog “Buddy”.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Gwendolyn Stephens Chancey; one son, Jeffrey Purnell Chancey; and one brother, Bobby Chancey.
Survivors include one son, Leslie Scott Chancey (Marilyn) of Dothan; siblings, Merle C. Charles (Harris) of the Arguta Community, Paschal Chancey (Ann) of Dothan, Odell Chancey (Fay) of Valley, Shirley C. Yelverton of Ozark and Terry Chancey (Sandra) of Skipperville. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Cemetery Fund, 2303 County Road 2, Ariton, Alabama 36311; or to the charity of your choice.
John Peter Goody, known affectionately as J.P. by his family and simply John by his friends, left this world on March 25, 2025, at the age of 40. Born on July 12, 1984, in Birmingham, AL, John’s warmth and laughter became a beacon of joy throughout his life. He passed away in Oklahoma City, OK, leaving behind a legacy of love and countless cherished memories.
John was preceded in death by his loving parents, Donald P. and Judy Goody. He is survived by his devoted sisters, Christina Donald (Robert) and Sandy Goody. His presence as a caring uncle will be deeply missed by his niece and nephews, Brian Nowell (Katie), Cody Goodson, Hayley Goodson, Dylan W. Granger, and Devan Donald, as well as by his four great-nieces and one great-nephew. His extended family of aunts and uncles, Martha Dunn (Johnny), Darlene Hobbs, and Bill Brantley, along with numerous cousins, will fondly remember John’s playful spirit and loving heart.
John’s early education was completed at Northside Methodist Academy, before attending Troy University. Professionally, J.P. dedicated ten years of service to Winn Dixie before working at Wal-Mart until he was unable to work.
Beyond his professional life, John was an active and cherished member of the Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, where his faith was both a personal comfort and an inspiration to others. He often shared his gift of oratory by preaching, touching the hearts of many with his words of wisdom and encouragement.
From his days as a boy scout going on to earn the highest rank of an honorable Eagle Scout, to his vibrant involvement with the Featured Players theater group, John’s enthusiasm for life was evident. His love for performing in plays was only matched by his natural ability to make others laugh. John’s sense of humor, often expressed through his quick wit and sarcasm, was one of his most memorable traits. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him were often graced with his humorous anecdotes and infectious laughter.
John was best described by those who loved him as a loving and funny individual, a man whose presence could light up a room and whose laughter could ease any burden. His love for his family and friends was boundless, and he expressed it through his every action and word.
As we say goodbye to John Peter Goody, we celebrate the life of a man who was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the stories shared, the memories cherished, and the love he spread so freely. While we mourn his passing, we also rejoice in having known such a remarkable soul who taught us the power of laughter, the strength of love, and the importance of family.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Sunset Funeral Home.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mrs. Jewel Woodard Hendley, a resident of Ozark, passed away Saturday evening, April 12, 2025, at her home. She was 82 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hendley will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Michael Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Union Presbyterian Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Mrs. Hendley was born March 30, 1943 in the Arguta Community of Dale County to the late Alvie Woodard and Era Mae Teal Woodard. It was a joyous occasion for the family when a baby girl arrived as they already had three sons. Her father gave her the nickname “Honey Jewel”. Her education began at Clio Elementary School then Barbour County High School, graduating in 1961. During her school years she played girls basketball, softball and volleyball. She was also a “Yellow Jacket” cheerleader, member of the Glee Club and a home-coming queen attendant.
She later received an Associate Degree from Enterprise State Junior College and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Troy State University. When she was a teenager she became a member of the Pea River Presbyterian Church which was co-founded by her parents and her grandfather. She always said her parents gave her love, guidance and a good Christian foundation that carried her through life’s journey. In June of 1961 she got married and moved to Enterprise. She felt that God had given her an angel from Heaven when she had her daughter, so she named her Angela. Mrs. Hendley moved to Dallas, Texas where she worked with the GTE Network Operation Center located near the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. She moved to Stow, Ohio where she continued working with General Telephone (Verizon) until her retirement following 45 years of service. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Central America and cruises to Canada and the Grand Bahamas. She enjoyed her work, her family, her friends and just plain day-to-day living. Each morning she thanked God for another new day in anticipation that each day would be better than the day before.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Elisha Woodard, Kenneth Woodard and Athia Woodard. She is survived by her daughter, Angela Hendley Parker (Joseph); and one grandson, Jesse Calhoun all of Ozark.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Presbytery of South Alabama, FOR Union Presbyterian Cemetery/Ozark, Alabama; P. O. Box 2157, Daphne, Alabama 36526.
It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we remember and celebrate the life of our beloved matriarch, Joanna Gregory, who was born in April 1942 in New Jersey. A woman of incredible strength, warmth, and grace, she dedicated her life to her family, always putting others before herself. She passed on surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, unity, and unwavering devotion.
Joanna grew up in a large, close-knit family Father Harry Van Ness and Mother Vivian Van Ness with her cherished siblings: Butch, Charlie, Bill, Wendy, Amanda, Dee, and Pam. Together, they built a foundation of love and support that would carry on through generations.
As a mother, she was nothing short of extraordinary. She raised her wonderful daughters, Terri and Mystie, and her loving son, Robert, with boundless patience, unconditional love, and a heart full of kindness. Her pride in her children was only matched by the joy she found in her grandchildren: David, Dustin, and Kristina. Each of them carries a piece of her heart and spirit.
Her love multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Donovan, Italia, Luis, Boosie, Jacob, Karlie, Ciara, Ellie, Kaylee Jo, Neala, and Nero. She adored them all deeply, always ready with a warm embrace, a sweet smile, and words of encouragement.
To us, Joanna was the stitching that held the fabric of our family together. Through every hardship and celebration, she was the steady light that guided us, the safe place we all returned to. Her love knew no limits, her heart knew no bounds, and her door was always open.
She was the most loving and caring person in the world — a woman who gave so much of herself to others and asked for nothing in return. Her legacy will forever be felt in the lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the love she inspired.
We will miss her deeply, but we will carry her in our hearts forever. We Loved each other the most so until next time it’s a draw .. To be Continued ….
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 and Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Panama City Boardwalk Beach Resort. All friends and family are welcome.
