Mr. James Edward Reeves, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday evening, April 9, 2025, at his home. He was 93 years old.
Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Seth Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Monday from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Mr. Reeves was born April 21, 1931, on a farm in Spring Hill community near Campbellton, Florida, to the late Thomas Jefferson Reeves, and Carrie Watford Reeves. He graduated from Campbellton High School and Troy University, then joined the United States Army serving one tour in Germany. He was an original member of the first Special Forces unit, later known as The Green Berets. After serving in the military, he began teaching math and coaching at Baker Hill and becoming principal.
Mr. Reeves left teaching to begin his career with Pea River Electric Cooperative and retired as manager in 1995. After retirement he was fortunate to have many years to enjoy life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Doyle Reeves and his grandson, Aaron Sheppard Andrews.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette Sheppard Reeves, Ozark, three daughters, Cindy Robinson (John) and Tammy Crozier (Chris), both of Valdosta, Georgia, and Allison Davis of Gaffney, South Carolina; stepdaughter Jean Zane, Roanoke, Virginia; two stepsons, Richard Warren of Eufaula, and Bob Andrews (Michelle) of Ozark. Four grandchildren: Samatha Robinson Smith (Dave) and Clay Robinson (Whitney) both of Athens, Georgia; Jessica Daivd Umbarger (Paul) of Midland City and Holly Davis of Orlando, Florida. Five step grandchildren; John Michael Zane of Roanoke, Virginia; Christopher Zane (Becca) of Roanoke, Virginia; Robert G. Andrews (Heather), Norfolk, Virginia, Adam Andrews of Ozark, and Kathryn Andrews of Tampa, Florida.
HALEBURG. . .Shirley Braithwaite Davis, a resident of Haleburg, Alabama, died Friday morning, April 11, 2025, in the Graceville Health Center, Graceville, Florida. She was 70.
A graveside service will be held in the Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, New Jersey. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of local arrangements.
Shirley Davis was born in Selma, Alabama, daughter of the late John Braithwaite, Sr. and Yvonne Sammons Braithwaite. She was raised in various locations while her father served in the U. S. Air Force. Shirley lived in Center Point, Alabama before moving to Haleburg in 1985. She was a member of Haleburg Baptist Church. Shirley was retired as the Secretary and Business Manager of Abbeville Bonding & Security Corporation.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Robert J. “Bob” Davis; step-daughters, Caryn Bizarro (James Jay Bizarro), Friendswood, Texas; and Christine Connery (Pat), Mahwah, New Jersey; a brother, John Braithwaite, Jr., Trussville, AL; three step-grandchildren, Justin Bizarro, Jillian Diffee and Caroline Bizarro; a step-great-grandson, David Diffee; an aunt, Johnna Rodgers, Mobile, AL; several cousins.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Keith Helms, of Enterprise, AL passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at UAB Hospital. He was 64.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 14, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Rev. Greg Adkins officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time.
Keith had a deep love for all sports and found great joy in umpiring games of every kind. A proud resident of Enterprise, Alabama, he cherished his community and treasured time spent with his family and his church, Refuge. Keith’s warm spirit was evident in his love for singing and his ever-present smile, which brought joy to those around him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to faith and family, and the light he brought into every room.
Keith was preceded in death by his father Donnie Helms and Grandparents Hubbard and Mary Alice Barnes, and Noah and Della Helms.
Survivors include his wife Melisa Helms, Enterprise, AL; two daughters, Amanda and Amber, Leesburg, FL; four grandchildren; mother, Sue Helms, Enterprise, AL; two brothers, Lee Helms (Sally Ann) England, and Wayne Helms, Chancellor, AL; along with numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted or memorials be made to American Cancer Society.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Ann Strickland, 77 years old, of Slocomb, AL passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Vitas Hospice Orlando Lutheran Towers in Orlando, Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church, in Slocomb, with Reverend Juston Carpenter officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family will receive family and friends on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home Slocomb.
Mrs. Strickland was born on April 28, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama to the late James and Lucille Warren Cochran. Barbara enjoyed dancing, swinging, doing search word puzzles, and drinking smoothies. She was a very active lady and was always “on the go”. Her favorite phrase to utter was “Let’s Go!”
Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Strickland; her parents; a son, Daryl Strickland; and sister, Sue Hale.
Survivors include a daughter, Julianna Hall (Nathan); a son, John David Strickland; granddaughters: Lucy and Lily Hall; Sisters: Judy Russell and Brenda Willis; aunt, Syble Jurkewicz (Tom) along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, her best friend Pauline Padgett. She was greatly loved and will be missed by those left to continue this life without her presents.
Annie Laura Lolley of New Brockton, AL passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at her home. She was 89.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Spivey and Rev. Matt Jordan officiating. Burial will follow with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Enterprise, PO Box 311525, Enterprise, AL 36330.
Mrs. Lolley was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Dewey Lee Lolley; and brothers, Clarence Newsom, Albert Newsom, Marcus Newsom; sisters, Frances Ruli and Virginia Farcus; and grand-daughter, Brandy Nicole Lolley.
Survivors include her daughters, Carol Spivey (Bruce), Hartford, AL, Sharon Mixson (Eddie), New Brockton, AL; sons, Mike Lolley (Theresa) Panama City Beach, FL, Larry Lolley (Dale), Enterprise, AL, Mark Lolley (Susan), Eclectic, AL, Chris Lolley (Stephanie), Dothan, AL; sister, Arlene “Bootie” Jones (Julius), sister-in-law, Gertrude “Gert” Lolley, Enterprise, AL; grandchildren, Michael Hines (Jacquelin), Niki Capps (Joe), Joshua Spivey (Ashley), Aaron Lolley, Stephen Hines (Megan), Ashlyn Patterson (Cole), Amber Lolley, Cody Lolley (Maddie), and Jordyn Lolley; 6 great-grandchildren.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
CW4 Benny Doyle Crocker (United States Army Retired)
CW4 Benny Doyle Crocker (United States Army Retired), passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at Oakview Manor in Ozark, Alabama, at the age of 92. A devoted soldier, public servant, and family man, he lived a life marked by courage, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Born on January 23, 1933, in Poplarville, Mississippi, Mr. Crocker was the son of Perry and Mattie (Tyner) Crocker. From humble beginnings in southern Mississippi, he would go on to serve his country with distinction across multiple continents and decades.
Mr. Crocker’s military career was both extensive and exemplary. Serving as a member of the First Cavalry Division and Rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, he served with honor through some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. His service included two tours in Germany—one during its occupation following World War II—three tours in Vietnam, one tour in Thailand, and deployments during both the Korean War and the occupation of Japan.
As a standardization pilot for much of his aviation career, Mr. Crocker played a critical role in shaping Army aviation training. He trained numerous Army generals to fly military aircraft through the short course at Fort Rucker and ultimately served as the last commander of the CH-54 Crane Flight there. Among his many acts of valor was a daring rescue mission as pilot of a CH-54 Skycrane: after an Air Force jet crew had been rescued by a Jolly Green Giant helicopter that was subsequently shot down, Mr. Crocker flew in to recover the downed aircraft and crew. For this act of heroism, he was authorized for both the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross—though they were never formally awarded. His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Master Aviator Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, among numerous others—each a testament to his bravery and skill.
Following his retirement from active duty, Mr. Crocker continued his dedication to public service. He served as safety inspector for the Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant-Mason Chamberlain, worked as a policeman with the Picayune Police Department in Mississippi, and later held the role of Chief Deputy of the Reserve Force for the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department.
Throughout all chapters of his life—military or civilian—Mr. Crocker remained grounded by his deep Christian faith. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, he gave all credit and glory to his Lord Jesus Christ for sustaining him through trials and triumphs alike. Mr. Crocker was also a member of Masonic Lodge # 445 , Carriere, MS and Daleville Masonic Lodge # 903.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Johnnie Faye Crocker; sons Benny D. Crocker Jr., of Mobile (Semmes), Alabama; Johnny D. Crocker (Penny) of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Cynthia J. Brabham (Joe) of Enterprise, Alabama; grandchildren Amanda Auld (Allen), Holly Ureste (Mark), William Crocker, Christopher Crocker (Beatriz), John Brabham, and Robert Brabham; great-grandchildren Jory, Blayn, Henry, Gianna, Baleigh, Luke, Michael, and Layla; siblings Wanda Snyder; Jane Burge (Fred); Betty Beaudreau (Dave); Joy Voiselle (Bruce); and Camillia Pearson.
He was preceded in death by his infant son David Joseph Crocker; daughter-in-law Jenny Hart (Regas) Crocker; parents Perry and Mattie Crocker; brother Harold Crocker; sister Sylvia (Crocker) Blackwell; and brother Paul Crocker.
Mr. Benny Doyle Crocker’s legacy is one of strength under pressure, generosity toward others, steadfast dedication to duty—and above all—a life lived with purpose under God’s guidance. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to generations yet to come.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Pinson of Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Andy Gammill of Professional Medical Associates, and Rev. Kerry Mitchell of Calvary Baptist Church for their compassionate care and spiritual support during this time.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Picayune Funeral Home, located at 815 S Haugh Ave, Picayune, Mississippi, 39466. Graveside services will follow at McNeill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Calvary Baptist Church, 1837 Highway 51, Enterprise, AL 36330-7647 in Benny’s memory.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
