ARITON…Mr. Ed Christian (a.k.a, CB handle, Fallen Angel), a resident of Ariton, died late Saturday afternoon, September 6, 2025, at his home. He was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Christian was a man who lived a full life, rich in experience and grounded in love. Born in Columbus, Indiana, he was the son of William Christian and Rosa Irene Futch Christian, both of whom instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience. He carried those values with him throughout his life, touching the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.
He spent many years in Bartow, Florida, where he built a life surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of everyday living. In 2007, he made the move to Ariton, Alabama—a place that quickly became home. He found peace in the quiet rhythms of small-town life and built new connections that meant the world to him.
Mr. Christian was no stranger to hard work. He spent much of his career as an over-the-road truck driver, logging countless miles across the country. He had a deep respect for the road and the stories it held, and he took pride in doing his job well. Later, he worked with the Dothan Eagle as a newspaper carrier, waking up before dawn to make sure folks got their morning paper. It wasn’t glamorous work, but he did it with dedication and a smile—because that’s just the kind of man he was. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a paratrooper.
One of the most tender parts of Mr. Christian’s life was his love for animals—especially dogs. He had a soft spot for strays and never turned one away. If a dog showed up at his door, it found a home. He believed every creature deserved love, and he gave it freely. His dogs weren’t just pets—they were family.
He also carried deep love and sorrow in his heart. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Larry Christian and Mary Fickle, by his brother, Alfred Christian, and his first two wives, Opal Hiatt and Martha Poer. Those losses were heavy, but he bore them with grace, keeping their memories alive in the stories he told and the quiet moments he spent reflecting.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-seven years, June Foster Christian, Ariton; his children, Becky Ross (Dink), North Vernon, Indiana, Donald Christian, Bradenton, Florida, Dennis Christian (Debbie), Columbus, Indiana, Roger Christian (Angie), Nancy Battin (Bill), all of Columbus, Indiana, Leslie Christine Christian, Russellville, Arkansas, Julie Powell, Ozark, Eva Marie Brogden, Brundidge, Kathleen Cass Christian, Panama City, Florida, Michael Scott Christian (Kayla), Ariton, and Richard Christian (Amber), Enterprise; a brother, Doyle Dewight Christian, Indiana; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN…Brenda Joyce Metcalf, a resident of Dothan (formerly of Midland City), died Saturday morning, September 6, 2025, at her home. She was 68.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 8, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Les Lee officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Metcalf, born and raised in the close-knit town of Midland City, was the beloved daughter of William Howard Metcalf and Bobbie Jeanette Johnson Metcalf. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the kind of small-town values that shaped her into the strong, caring woman so many came to love. She attended Dale County High School, where she made lifelong friends and built memories that stayed with her through the years.
After high school, Ms. Metcalf worked as a convenience store manager at several locations throughout the Wiregrass area. She had a knack for making people feel welcome—whether they were regulars grabbing their morning coffee or travelers passing through. Her work wasn’t just about managing a store; it was about connecting with people, sharing a laugh, and lending a listening ear when someone needed it.
But her greatest joy came from her family. She was a proud mother and an even prouder grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she spent with them—whether it was baking something sweet in the kitchen, cheering them on at school events, or simply sitting together and talking about life. Her love for her family ran deep, and she made sure they always knew it.
Ms. Metcalf had a playful side too. She was a die-hard University of Alabama football fan—Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and you could always count on her to be decked out in crimson and white, cheering on the Tide. She also had a soft spot for professional wrestling, and she’d watch it with the same enthusiasm as any championship game. In quieter moments, she loved to read, crochet beautiful pieces by hand, and play games on her phone—little things that brought her comfort and joy.
She faced her share of heartache, having been preceded in death by her daughter, Crystal Waters; her brother, Don Metcalf; and her niece, Amy Hall. Though those losses weighed heavy on her heart, she carried their memory with grace and strength, honoring them in the way she lived and loved.
Surviving relatives include her children, Penny Paul (Travis), Crawfordville, Florida, Tasha Waters (Nicholas), Dothan, and Gabriel Waters (Jennifer), Panama City, Florida; sister, Carolyn Mercer (Allen), Cottonwood; brother, Jerry Wayne Metcalf (Teresa), Midland City; eight grandchildren, Tarez Dull, Zhane Paul, Sola Dull, Skylar Waters, Braeden Paul, Jeremiah Waters, Malachi Harris, and Angel Harris; great-grandchildren, Jace Paul, Alexia Paul, Mylan Zamor, Jaylan Zamor, Tyryanna Stanley, Anzaryus Smith, Kaji Kyle, Terrell Dull, and Noella Dull; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Mr. Grover Keith Hagler, a resident of the Marley Mill Community, near Ozark, died late Thursday evening, September 4, 2025, in Ozark. He was 66.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hagler, born in Union Springs, Alabama, was the beloved son of the late Henry Dewitt Hagler and Marilyn Katherine Parmer Hagler Edwards. From a young age, he carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness that were instilled in him by his family and his small-town upbringing. Union Springs may have been where his story began, but it was in Ozark where he truly made his mark.
He graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark in 1977, and those who knew him during those years remember a quiet strength, a good sense of humor, and a dependable friend. After high school, Mr. Hagler dedicated most of his working life to building construction. He was the kind of man who didn’t mind rolling up his sleeves and putting in a full day’s work. Whether it was laying foundations or helping raise walls, he took pride in knowing that his hands helped shape homes and buildings that would stand for generations.
In his earlier years, Mr. Hagler was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ozark, where he found community and spiritual grounding. His faith was a quiet but steady part of his life—something he carried with him through both good times and hard ones.
Outside of work, Mr. Hagler had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. He loved to read, often getting lost in books that sparked his imagination or taught him something new. Fishing was another favorite pastime—he found peace in the stillness of the water, the patience of the wait, and the thrill of a catch. And when it came to college football, he was a proud Auburn fan through and through. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and he never missed a chance to cheer on the Tigers.
He was a man who valued family deeply, and though life brought its share of loss, he carried those memories close to his heart. Mr. Hagler was preceded in death by his two brothers, Derrell Wilson Hagler and Anthony Dewitt Hagler. Their absence was felt deeply, but he honored them by living with quiet dignity and love for those still around him.
Mr. Hagler will be remembered not just for the work he did or the hobbies he enjoyed, but for the way he treated people—with respect, warmth, and sincerity. He was the kind of person who didn’t need to say much to make an impact. His presence was steady, his heart was generous, and his life was a testament to the beauty of living simply and loving deeply.
Surviving relatives include his sister, Marilyn Frances Diamond, North Carolina; brother, Thomas Andrew Hagler, Pinson, Alabama; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Robert Wayne King, known affectionately to friends and family as Wayne, was a beacon of adventurous spirit and loving devotion who left this world on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on March 10, 1943, in Dothan, Alabama, Wayne was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown where he also peacefully passed away.
Wayne’s early life in Dothan set the stage for a lifetime of dedication and service. He attended Rehobeth High School, where he formed friendships and values that would last throughout his life. Shortly after, he answered the call of duty and joined the United States Air Force, serving with distinction in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. This period of service was a source of great pride for Wayne and shaped much of his character, discipline, loyalty, and a deep-seated love for his country.
After his military service, Wayne returned to Dothan where he embarked on a 35-year career with UPS. He began as a driver, his warm smile and dependable nature making him a well-known figure in the community. Eventually, Wayne rose to the position of manager, leading with the same integrity and commitment he displayed in every aspect of his life. His colleagues remember him as a man who could be counted on, both professionally and personally.
Wayne’s faith played a central role in his life. A long-term member and deacon at Heritage Baptist Church, he lived his beliefs through action. Whether it was serving with Campers on Mission or aiding in Operation Christmas Child initiatives, Wayne’s faith-filled service was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Beyond his work and service, Wayne was a family man through and through. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jenkins King, who was his partner in all of life’s adventures for over five decades. Together, they raised a family that includes their son, Jeff (Melissa) King; their daughters, Lisa King and Kristie (Britt) King Gilmore; and their cherished grandchildren, Jesse (Rachel) King, Elijah King, Josiah King, Malia and Erik Gunnarsson, Nicholas Richards, and Luke (Shelby) Gilmore. Wayne’s legacy continues with his great-grandchildren, Henry and Annie Dale King, Norah, Braden, and Asher Gunnarsson, who will carry forward the stories and memories of their beloved patriarch. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Jonelle King, and his brother, Joe Max King, leaving behind a family grateful for his love and guidance.
An avid lover of the great outdoors, Wayne’s passion for camping, fishing, and traveling was infectious. He made it his mission to show his family the beauty of the United States, with a special place in his heart for Yellowstone and Montana. It was important to Wayne that his family experienced these wonders together, creating lasting memories.
Wayne’s adventurous spirit, faith-filled heart, and loving nature are the words that best describe a man who lived his life fully and with purpose. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy of love and service will continue to inspire.
A service to honor and celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at 11 am Tuesday in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation from 10-11 am. Wayne’s life was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the joy of adventure—all of which will be remembered fondly by those who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Operation Christmas Child at Heritage Baptist Church in Dothan.
