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Carrie McCraney Gamble

Carrie McCraney Gamble

HEADLAND. . .Carrie Bell McCraney Gamble, a resident of Houston County, near Webb, died early Thursday, July 17, 2025, at her home. She was 79.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Chaplain Kevin Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, near Ashford. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the mortuary in Headland.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mrs. Gamble was born and reared in Barbour County, near Clayton, daughter of the late J C McCraney and Annie Mae Grubbs McCraney. She was a graduate of Headland High School. Mrs. Gamble lived in the Center Community of Houston County, most of her adult lifetime. She was a member of Cedar Springs Baptist Church. Mrs. Gamble was formerly employed by Flowers Hospital as an Insurance Clerk and in the propane gas business as a bookkeeper. She loved needlepoint, crocheting, quilting, canning fruits and vegetables. Mrs. Gamble loved her family especially her granddaughter, Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Wayne Gamble, a daughter, Kimberly Ann Gamble, sisters, Martha Lela Branch and Grace Ward and brothers, William Hubbard McCraney, A.J. McCraney, James Calvin McCraney and Billy Dean McCraney.

Surviving relatives include a daughter, Rhonda Walker (Bobby), Cowarts, AL; a grandchild, Jordan Walker (Ethan Pirtle), three sisters, Alberta Vinson, Dothan; Jo Ann Shuyler (Terry), Headland; and Patsy Vaughn (Bob), Dothan; a brother, Johnny McCraney, Florida; sisters-in-law, Myra McCraney, Peggy Blocker (Darril) and Carolyn Jernigan, a brother-in-law, Dennis Gamble (Earlene); several nieces and nephews.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Dennis Gamble, Greg Gamble, Ethan Pirtle, Phillip Blocker, Tony Shuyler and David Hall. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Josh McCraney.

 

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.

Jack Blackmon

Jack Blackmon

Jack Blackmon, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved brother, passed away on July 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71. Born on June 27, 1954, in Barbour County, Alabama, Jack’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his generous spirit.

Jack was the loving son of the late Rosie Mae Blackmon and Matthew Blackmon. He grew up surrounded by a large, warm family, including his nine siblings who predeceased him. Despite the loss of his great-grandson Xavier Carter, Jack’s legacy continues through his wife, Shelia Dianne Acree Blackmon, his daughters, Kametrice Ming, Leshia Rearden (married to Joseph), and Natasha Nared. His love and lessons live on through his grandchildren, Starious Carter, Rashaud Carter, Kobe Ming, Kamaryn Blackmon, Jaylen Miller, Laylee Miller, Keleen Blackmon, Nakeisha Nared and Keunta Nared, as well as his eight great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Jack completed his education at Dothan High School before proudly serving his country as a Navy veteran. He carried the discipline and respect he learned in the military throughout his life, especially in his career with GTE as a lineman. His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and reliable team member who brought not only his skills but also his humor to the job.

Jack’s brothers, Jimmy and Joe Blackmon, will miss his presence dearly, as will a host of nieces and nephews who looked up to him as an example of kindness and strength. Jack was a natural storyteller, and his comical tales will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. He was a man with a real big heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer support. His generosity extended beyond his family, touching the lives of many in his community.

A true family man, Jack’s greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. He was always eager to organize family gatherings, cherishing every moment he could spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His actions embodied the true spirit of a giver, and his desire to create lasting memories with his family will be a treasure held close by those who survive him.

Jack’s enduring kindness, strong work ethic, and jovial personality have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy will be carried on not just through the stories he leaves behind but also through the example he set as a loving and committed family man.

As we bid farewell to Jack Blackmon, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the unwavering commitment to the people he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 21, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Christerpher L. Jones, Sr. and Joseph Rearden officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

Obituary for Joshua David-Ray Lawson of Ozark

OZARK…Joshua David-Ray Lawson, a resident of Ozark, died late Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. He was 16.

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

Evelyn Brent Hinson

Evelyn Brent Hinson

Mrs. Evelyn Brent Hinson, age 94, Johnson City, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City. She was a longtime native of Dothan, AL.

Mrs. Hinson was born on February 15, 1931, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late William Elliott & Mamie Dobbs Brent. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Hinson.

She was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Pam & Steve Alexander, Johnson City, Tennessee; son and daughter-in-law, William & Francesca Hinson, Titusville, Florida; grandchildren, Taylor Alexander (Sarah), Gray, Cara Tinch (J.R.), Johnson City, Brent Hinson (April) and Hilary Westerberg (Jerrick Odinson); great-grandchildren, Rowan Tinch, Hayden Tinch, Hunter Hinson, Caleb Hinson, Wendy Westerberg, Lucas Westerberg, and Liberty Westerberg.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, in Midland City, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at Sunset Funeral Home prior to the Graveside.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

James Glenn Gibson Jr.

James Glenn Gibson Jr.

 

James Glenn Gibson Jr., affectionately known as “Hoot” by those who knew him best, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on December 16, 1934, in Varnville, South Carolina, Hoot’s vibrant spirit and zest for life began to shine early on. He moved to Savannah, Georgia at the tender age of six, where he grew up and formed lifelong friendships before eventually settling at Whitehall Residence in Dothan, Alabama.

Hoot was a cherished family man, deeply devoted to his beloved wife of 53 years, Karen Gibson, until her passing. His love and legacy are carried on by his daughter, Gigi Schuyler, and her husband Dr. Robert Schuyler; his treasured granddaughters, Dr. Amelia Quinn Schuyler of Brimingham, AL and Gillian Marie Schuyler of Paris, France; and his sister-in-law, Ola Faye Rumpf. He was predeceased by his adored grandson, Carter James Schuyler, whose memory remained close to his heart always.

An active member of the St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA, Hoot’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both times of joy and hardship. He brought his strong work ethic and leadership to Hercules Incorporated, where he served as a Plant Shift Supervisor, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues through years of dedicated service.

Hoot’s personality was as colorful as the stories he would regale to anyone within earshot. He never met a stranger, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life was truly remarkable. His laughter and tales often found an appreciative audience, especially when influenced by his fondness for Dewar’s Scotch, which he enjoyed in good spirits.

A man of many passions, Hoot was a world-class skeet shooter, earning accolades and admiration in the sport. He was also a proud Master Mason and Shriner, dedicated to service and fraternity. His enthusiasm for life was matched by his love for golf, he could be found several times a week on the green, swinging with the same precision and focus that he brought to all his pursuits.

Hoot’s passing marks the end of an era filled with love, laughter, and the kind of adventures that could only belong to a man of his unique character. His memory will be a beacon of joy for those who had the privilege of knowing him. James Glenn Gibson Jr.’s story does not end here, for his spirit will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who cherished him for many tomorrows.

We would be remiss without acknowledging Hoot’s friends and caregivers: David and Jim Dennis and the staff of Whitehall Residence, Charlie Prater and Beverly Pool, Dr. Bill Bancroft, Vitas Hospice, Wiregrass HomeCare and friends of Nativity Episcopal Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com