John Edward Heitzenrater, age 92, passed away on July 24, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on March 26, 1934, in Pennsylvania and lived a life marked by steady service, deep faith, and a warm spirit that touched all who knew him.
John proudly served his country in the Army, carrying with him the values of duty, discipline, and loyalty throughout his life. After his military service, he devoted 35 years to working as a mail carrier in Albany, Georgia. In that role, he became a familiar and trusted presence in the community, faithfully delivering mail and friendship alike. His work reflected the kind of man be was, dependable, respectful, and committed to doing his part each day with care and integrity.
Those who knew John will remember him as a very sweet and humble Christian man. His faith was an important part of his life, and he lived in a way that reflected kindness, patience, and grace. He had a gift for conversation and loved to talk, often brightening the day of others with his friendly nature and easy manner. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and valued, and his presence was a comfort to family and friends throughout the years.
John is survived by his wife, Jane Heitzenrater; his daughters, Susie (Billy) Hope, Rosalind Jackson (Johnny) and nine stepchildren: his grandchildren, Kayla Garcia (Taylor) and Ryan Hope (Courtney); his step-grandchildren, Johnny Jackson II and Marco Jackson; and one brother Ronnie (Mary Kay) Heitzenrater. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and the example he set through his life.
John’s family was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured the time he spent with those he loved. He found happiness in simple moments, in conversation, in shared laughter, and in the everyday blessings of home and family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him, and his memory will continue to bring comfort to all who loved him.
A life well lived is remembered not only for its years, but for the love, faith, and kindness it leaves behind. John Edward Heitzenrater will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude for the many ways he enriched the lives of others. His gentle spirit, steadfast character, and loving heart will not be forgotten.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Harrison officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest at Webb Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
OZARK…Mr. Jerry G. Andrews, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday morning, July 24, 2026, at his home. He was 76.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Andrews was born on August 1, 1949, and was a lifelong son of Southeast Alabama, having been raised in Midland City before making his home in Ozark in 1987. A man known for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and devotion to his family, he spent more than thirty years employed with Rebwood Furniture Company in Headland before concluding his working career with King Church Furniture in Dothan. Through the years, he earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike for his dependability, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
Outside of work, Mr. Andrews found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time on the water fishing, where he could enjoy the peace and beauty of God’s creation. Following retirement, he and his beloved wife shared many treasured adventures together, traveling and creating memories that would remain close to their hearts. He was also a devoted fan of University of Alabama football and could often be found cheering on the Crimson Tide each season with enthusiasm and pride. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and cherished the friendships and fellowship that came from being part of a team.
Above all, Mr. Andrews will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted family member, and loyal friend. His gentle spirit, steady presence, and caring nature touched the lives of many. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love that will continue to be cherished by those who knew him. Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in the countless memories they shared and in the lasting impact he made on their lives.
Mr. Andrews was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bryant and Hettie Woodham Andrews; his father, Paul Andrews, and stepmother, Mae Robinson Andrews; and his nephew, Steve Andrews. Their memories, along with his own, will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-seven years, Ann Whatley Andrews, Ozark; his children, Kim Beasley (Pete), Pinckard, Jason Andrews (Patsy), Lexington, Kentucky, and Christine Perrone, Cullman; grandchildren, Jesse Beasley (Wendie), Jolie Fields (Devin), Tyler Diaz, Paul Diaz, Logan Andrews, Megan Andrews, Austin Perrone, and Ethan Perrone (Kat); great-grandchildren, Aaron Beasley, Ashlyn Beasley Emersyn Fields, Violet Diaz, Dakota Perrone, Addilynn Perrone and one on the way, Loretta Perrone; brother, Douglas Andrews (Joann), Donalsonville, Georgia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cathy Ward, New Brockton, Lisa Lange, Bob Whatley (Mel), and Todd Whatley (Shelli), all of Ozark; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Mr. Shawn C. Williams, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday morning, at Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 P.M. Friday, July 31, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Williams, the beloved son of the late Van B. Williams and Mary Helen Adcock Morris Williams, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, during his father’s military service. As part of a military family, he spent his early years living in various locations throughout the United States and overseas, experiences that helped shape his adaptable nature and gave him an appreciation for people from all walks of life.
In the early 1980s, he made Ozark his home, where he built a life marked by hard work, loyalty, and lasting friendships. He was employed with I.D. Associates, Inc. in Dothan as a skilled sign fabricator, taking great pride in his craftsmanship and dedication to his work. Known for his strong work ethic and dependable character, he earned the respect and admiration of his coworkers and those who knew him professionally.
Outside of work, Mr. Williams found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and cherished the sense of freedom and adventure they provided. He also enjoyed playing pool, where his easygoing spirit and friendly competitiveness often brought people together. Above all else, he treasured the time spent with his family and friends. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments were among his most valued. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Timothy Scot Morris, Gary Morris, Larry Morris, and Steve Morris.
Mr. Williams will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering friendship, and the love he shared with those around him. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and joy to many lives, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Brittany Williams, Ozark; two grandchildren, Jarrett Williams and Titus McNeal; brother, Keith Morris (Brenda), Copperas Cove, Texas and his best friends, who were like his brothers, Lee Burns, Mike Allan, Mark Carr, Shane Mills, and Henry Gonzales; sister, DeAnna Thomas; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
James Edward Hicks passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. He was 83 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Pastor Joey Tucker officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel. The family will begin receiving friends on at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, until service time.
Jim was a kind and loving man. He had a love for reading. Gifted with his hands, he could fix just about anything. He was the best “handyman”. Above all, Jim was truly an all-around good person who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Sybil Pelham Hicks; sister, Nina Powell; and grandson, R.J. Greer.
Survivors include his wife, Leigh Richardson Hicks; daughter, Crystal Peters; grandson, Lennox McGinty; siblings, Alex Hicks and Neda Womack; nieces and nephews, Lori Womack, Jennifer Bryant, Robin Womack, Marti Scarborough, Bo Hicks, Michelle Enfinger and Joey Tucker.
Serving as pallbearers: Keith Phillips, Bo Hicks, Jason Bryant, Brady Bryant, Perry Scarborough, and Eric McGinty.
Arthur Lee Bullard, 88, a longtime resident of Gordon, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his residence.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home, the family will receive friends following the service. A private family burial will take place at Bullard Family Cemetery at a later date.
Flowers will be accepted.
Arthur was born November 18, 1937, in Montgomery to the late Arthur Rudolph & Minnie Velma (Baxley) Bullard. He spent the early years of his life moving around the south before calling the Cottonwood area home in the late 1970s. Arthur worked for many years as an Engineer at Collins Signs until his retirement. Outside of work, he enjoyed owning and tending to his livestock, gardening, but most importantly he loved hunting and fishing. He will be missed deeply by his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Bullard; his two children, Buddy Bullard, and Lee Bullard; his siblings, Glenda Bullard, Missy Bullard, and Harold Bullard.
He is survived by his grandchildren, Chris Griffin (Sarah), Jason Griffin, Jennifer Snider (Phillip), Dustin Ingram (Summer), Josh Bullard (Christina), Ashley Webb (Jack), Jeremy Bullard (Rashell), and Jon Bullard; his brother, Robert Bullard; his sister, Sharon Bullard; his numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
