James Wallace Thomley, 78, a resident of Wicksburg, AL, passed away on May 7, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a man of unwavering faith.
After graduating high school, Wallace served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his military service, he began his civilian career with Page Aircraft at Fort Rucker, then spent 11 years in various roles at the Farley Nuclear Plant. In 1983, he embarked on a new path with Hardee’s, where he was quickly promoted to general manager and served in that role at several Wiregrass-area locations until his retirement in 2008.
A faithful member of Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ (formerly Appletree Street Church of Christ) for 65 years, Wallace served as a deacon and was the congregation’s longest-standing member. He was deeply involved in church life—teaching Sunday school, supporting various ministries, and offering heartfelt prayers that touched many. His faith and leadership left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Wallace’s life was shaped by the influence of strong Christian men: his great-grandfather Henry Thomley, who nurtured his faith in God; his father Ray Thomley, who instilled in him the value of hard work; and his uncle Taft Thomley, who guided him in raising a God-centered family. Wallace carried forward their legacy in the way he loved and led his own family with humility, strength, and grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Myrtle Reeves Thomley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret Ann Stephens Thomley of Wicksburg; daughter Melinda Sherrod (John) of Dothan; grandchildren Jessica Sherrod of Knoxville, TN, and John Sherrod Jr. of Dothan; three sisters, Brenda Herndon (Don), Wanda McSween, and Cathy Brown (Bill); and his brother-in-law Larry Stephens (Diane), who was like a brother to him.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Honeysuckle Church of Christ (986 Honeysuckle Road), with visitation to follow at the Courtyard by Marriott Dothan (3040 Ross Clark Circle).
In lieu of flowers, Wallace requested that donations be made to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice of Dothan or the American Heart Association.
Shelby Strickland age 86 of Dothan passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Extendicare Health and Rehab. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home with Pastor Harrison and Billy Gene Dickerson officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.
Shelby was born May 17, 1938 in Cottonwood to Terry Gene Strickland and Allie B. Perry Strickland Grier. He owned and operated Strickland Tile Company. He enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and CNN. He also enjoyed being on a bowling league. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy and cherished spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia Strickland; his sons Billy Dickerson, Donald Dickerson, Bobby G. Strickland; brothers Shelton Strickland, Clarence Strickland, John Allen Strickland; sisters Shirley Hall, Sarah Ray, Willa Dean Condrey.
Survivors include his daughters Mary McGowan (Dennis), Deborah Freese, Rhonda Mitchell (Thomas), Brenda Metcalfe (Todd); grandchildren Brooke Ellison, Matt McGowan, Ashley Calloway Simmons, Deanna Hetterling, Jennifer Metcalfe, Bobby Strickland, Jr., Billy Dickerson, Jr., Anthony Dickerson, Bethany Strickland, Trey Simmons, Brandon Strickland, Brittany Strickland Wood; great grandchildren Jackson Metcalfe, Jaxon Strickland, Graeson Hetterling, Ian Simmons, Emma Rose Hetterling, Sawyer Mack Phipps, Elsie Violet Phipps; brothers Robert Strickland (Locky), Larry Strickland (Paula); sisters Nina Sue Campbell, Linda Shepard, Brenda Joyce Jewell, Elisa Grier, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends Mr. Leon, Harry Sistrunk.
Pallbearers will be Todd Metcalfe, Trey Simmons, Bobby Gene Strickland, Jr., Jimmy Miller, Matt McGowan and Jack Metcalfe.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Extendicare’s Health and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for their care.
Sarah Nowell Martin of Dothan passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the age of 84. Born on June 9, 1940, in Ashford, Alabama, Sarah’s life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness and generosity.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Wednesday, prior to the service.
She was born to the late Richard and Ellen Gamble Nowell. Sarah’s journey through life was marked by the love she shared with her siblings, Mildred Hughes, Medford Nowell, Martha Sue McClinton, and Calvin Nowell, all of whom preceded her in death.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted daughter, Karen Martin Burnett, and her adored grandson, Nathan Burnett. Sarah’s spirit will also live on through her special fur baby, Dolly, who brought her immeasurable joy and companionship.
Sarah’s professional life was characterized by her unwavering commitment and hard work. After 25 years of dedicated service, she retired from Ansell.
Beyond her work, Sarah had a zest for life that was contagious. She loved Auburn football, country music, and her fondness for Word Search puzzles.
Sarah was loving, kind, and generous. Sarah’s legacy is not only in the lives she touched but also in the example she set on how to live with grace and joy.
Sarah Nowell Martin’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and kindness. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Sidney Lanier Chapman, Sr., 91, of Eufaula, Alabama, died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Crowne Health Care in Eufaula.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2 P.M., at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Ken Bush and Rev. Matt Avera officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens cemetery with Chapman Funeral Home directing. The visitation will be held prior to the service from 12 Noon until 2 P.M. at the church.
Born November 4, 1933 in Houston County, Alabama, Mr. Chapman was the son of the late Marvin Gillis and Irene Lisenby Chapman. Mr. Chapman was a graduate of the Dothan High School, Class of 1952. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a graduate and class President of the Class of 1962 at John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science. He owned and operated Chapman Funeral Home since 1965. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eufaula.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years: Jacqueline Tomlin Chapman; his son: Sidney L. “Chip” (Tina) Chapman, Jr.; his daughter: Jacqueline Cara (Keith) Hutto; 3 grandchildren: Jennifer Chapman, Amanda Chapman (Brandon) Green, Michael Jenkins; 2 great grandchildren: Chapman Green and Harper Green; 1 niece: JoAnn McFarland; several great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Wade Taylor, Matt McFarland, Ben Garrison, Mark Shoemaker, Jason Bennett, Logan Mitchell and Marty Roney.
Tracy Jill Rudder, known affectionately as Tracy to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 65. Born on January 30, 1960, in Texas, Tracy was a spirited and vibrant soul who brought joy and color to the lives of those around her.
Tracy’s early years were spent in the Lone Star State, but she moved to Dothan at a young age, where she would eventually become a cherished member of the community. She attended Dothan High School, where she formed lasting friendships and developed a love for learning. Tracy’s academic journey continued at the University of Montevallo, where she pursued her interests passionately. Her quest for knowledge led her back to her Texas roots, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas Women’s University in 2007. Tracy’s dedication to her studies was a testament to her tenacious spirit.
After her academic pursuits, Tracy returned to Dothan, where she became known for her unique and creative hobbies. She had a particular talent for crafts, often spending hours meticulously creating beautiful door wreaths and windchimes that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. Her creations were not just decorations but expressions of her personality—hardheaded, peculiar, and bullheaded in the best of ways. Tracy’s crafts were a reflection of her determination to bring beauty into the world, despite any challenges she faced.
Tracy’s indomitable spirit was matched only by her deep and abiding friendships. She is survived by her very close friends, Ken Carr, Mary Craft, and Lynn Stokes who stood by her through thick and thin. Their bond was a testament to Tracy’s ability to form meaningful and lasting connections with those she held dear. She is also survived by her brother in law, Joe Ford and her niece, Haley Ford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruth Rudder, who instilled in her the values of resilience and independence that she carried throughout her life. She also is preceded in death by her sister, Leslie Ford.
Tracy’s presence in Dothan was a beacon of creativity and strength. Her friends and family will remember her for her unwavering determination, her unique approach to life, and the joy she found in the simple act of making something beautiful with her own two hands. Her legacy will live on in the memories she has left behind and in the impact she had on her community.
As we say goodbye to Tracy Jill Rudder, we celebrate a life lived with passion and perseverance. Her story is one of a journey filled with learning, creativity, and friendship. Tracy’s life reminds us all to embrace our peculiarities, to be bullheaded in pursuit of our dreams, and to cherish the bonds we form along the way.
Tracy’s departure from this world leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of her friends and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.
Mrs. Lucy Ann Jerkins King, age 67, a resident of Dothan, died early Monday, May 12, 2025 at Flowers Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jeff Peacock officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Midland City with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will be receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday prior to services at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mrs. King was born on May 30, 1957 in Dothan the daughter of Thomas Howell Jerkins and Ruby Lois Moss Jerkins. She worked in various convenience and grocery stores as a cashier. Lucy loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and her pets.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Russell William King; two brothers, Ronald and Ronnie Jerkins; two sisters, Martha Gamble and Helen Gumpenberger.
Survivors include, two sons, Chris Jerkins (Bailee), Dothan; James Jerkins (Samantha), Wicksburg; two brothers, David Jerkins, Dothan; Steve Jerkins (Donna), Kinsey; daughter-in-law, Shanda Stinson Jerkins, Cowarts; three grandchildren, Patrick Dylan Jerkins, Midland City; Corey Lane Jerkins, Cowarts; Emma Rayne Jerkins, Wicksburg; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Corey Jerkins, Jimmy Peacock, Dylan Jerkins, Hunter Jerkins, Whit Jerkins and Clay Redding.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Lucy Ann Jerkins King, age 67, a resident of Dothan, died early Monday, May 12, 2025 at Flowers Hospital.