My dearly beloved brother, Richard Anthony Clanton, 60, of Dothan, Al transitioned from his earthly body May 24, 2025.
Richard was born to Johneise Luckett Walker and Plantus Clanton, Sr on April 27, 1965 in Alton, Il.
He spent his early years in Illinois and at the age of 10 he moved to Alabama with his mother and siblings. As an adult, Richard resided in several cities and states until settling in Dothan a few years ago.
Richard worked hard and embraced being an entrepreneur. He affectionately called himself “Sir Fix a Lot”. He could fix anything if he put his mind to it. Richard had a big heart and loved helping others. His smile would light up a room. Richard had a great personality. He loved to talk too.He never met a stranger. Richard would give you his last. In his baby sister’s eyes, he could do no wrong. He was my hero -always ready to take care of me.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Johneise Luckett Walker; his father, Plantus Clanton, Sr; stepfather, Willie Earl Walker; sisters, Brenda Riddlesprigger Smith, Johneice Riddlesprigger Thomas; brother, Ruben Riddlesprigger, III.
He leaves to cherish his memories his siblings Jessica Knight (James) of Atmore, Al;Tina Riddlesprigger of Clarksville, Tn; Lonnie Riddlesprigger of Kansas City, Mo; Plantus Clanton, JR (Katrina) of Atlanta, Ga; Geraldine Luckett Bennett (Bobby) of Dothan, Al; Archie Luckett (Laneka) of Dothan, Al; Patricia Aguilar (Ricardo) of San Leandro,Ca; Karyn Clanton of Alton, Il; Kevin Clanton of Alton, Il; Kyle Clanton of Alton, Il; Kaury Clanton-El of Alton, Il; Karylton Clanton of Alton, Il; Kristine Stephens (Antonio) of Alton, Il; Benita Ingram (Wayman) of Alton, Il; and Dr. Tracy Webster- Cooley (Andri) of Alton, Il, Vickie Jones of Ypsilanti, MI.
He is also survived by several doting nieces, nephews, great-neices , and great-nephews who loved their Uncle Richard very much; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, 1pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home Chapel (965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, Al). Visitation will begin at 12pm.
SKIPPERVILLE…Mr. Ronny Keith McGowan, Sr., a resident of Skipperville, died Monday afternoon, May 26, 2025, in Noland Hospital. He was 58.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 31, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Keith Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Beersheba Cemetery in Skipperville. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Mr. McGowan, son of the late Herman McGowan and Josephine Hayes McGowan Gilly, was a native of Ozark and has lived in Skipperville since 2004. He was formerly employed with Trailer World in Ozark as a truck driver and in earlier years, he was employed with Mass Merchandisers in Ozark. Mr. McGowan was formerly the co-owner and operator of Quick Q Barbecue in Ozark for several years. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. McGowan was a member of Morgan Baptist Church and attended Post Oak Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Ronny McGowan, Jr., sister, Kim McGowan, sisters-in-law, Darlene Gallagher and Sandy Hahn, brother-in-law, John Suggs, II.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Juliaetta Ketchum McGowan, Skipperville; his children, Jimmy McGowan (Jana) and Amanda Chancey (Ryan); brother, Harold McGowan (Cathy); sisters-in-law, Kathy Henson, Fanetta Moses, and Lois Suggs; grandchildren, Gage McGowan, Kelsey McGowan, Carson McGowan, Avery McGowan, Addison McGowan, Kelex Chancey, Hallam Chancey, and Rory Chancey; aunts and uncles, Ruby McGowan, Jeanette Eldridge, Gerald McGowan, Fred Hayes, Glennie Courson, and Elaine Falls; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jimmy McGowan, Gage McGowan, Carson McGowan, James Hahn, Ryan Chancey, and Dewayne Hayes.
Elizabeth Wood Lambert, a resident of Dothan, died Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, at Elite Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, AL surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.
Mrs. Lambert was born February 7, 1934, in Dothan where she lived most of her life. She was a graduate of Ashford High School. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jim Lambert, and eventually moved back to Dothan where she lovingly raised two sons. For over 30 years, she owned and operated Kennington’s Dress Shop where she found her passion working with her friends and clientele. Mrs. Lambert enjoyed traveling and spending times with her family at her Lagoon home in Panama City Beach, FL. She had a generous loving heart and touched many lives with her kindness. Her family and friends will always be thankful for the gift that was her life.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Lambert; eldest son, Mike Lambert; and her parents, Eulice and Johnie Wood.
Survivors include her son, Phil Lambert of Birmingham; and a daughter-in-law, Jowana Lambert of Dothan (wife of deceased son, Mike Lambert); three grandchildren, Britni Tucker (Joe) of Dothan, Jason Lambert of Birmingham, and Mary Elizabeth Pearson (Gibbs) of Fairhope; two great-grandchildren, Yates Tucker of Dothan and Vera Lambert of Birmingham; a brother, Mickey Wood of Dothan; a niece, Helen Ann Teague of Midlothian, VA; a nephew, Dr. David Wood of Auckland, New Zealand; 3 grandnieces, Fielding Teague of Midlothian, VA, Evelyn Wood of Auckland, New Zealand and Caroline Wood of Auckland, New Zealand; and a grandnephew, Holden Teague of Midlothian, VA.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ashford City Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home of Dothan directing.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.
Thelma Payne, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on June 12, 1936, Thelma’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her feisty spirit.
Thelma is predeceased by her parents, brothers, and sisters. Her legacy continues through her beloved husband of 51 years, Noble Payne, who stood by her side as both partner and best friend. Together, they raised a family that included daughters Ladonna Payne (Teresa) and Dana Payne, as well as sons Joe Harris Jr., Mark Harris, and Alfred Sexton (Regina). Grandchildren, Tiffany, Joe, Brittany, Ashlyn Tyler, Alyssa, Allen Harris, Brad, Ryan, Keith Ingram Hannah, Megan, Kristen, Ashley, Chris and Andrew Sexton as well as her canine companion, Sebastian.
A private memorial service will be held by the family in Gulfport, MS.
Thelma was a respected businesswoman who, alongside her husband, owned and operated successful Firestone and Texaco service stations in Biloxi, Bay St. Louis and D’Iberville, MS. Her close friends and family members fondly referred to her as “Little Mama,”
Thelma’s interests were as vibrant as her personality. She was an avid bridge player at the local Country Club in MS. Her feisty nature made her a formidable opponent at the card table, and her laughter was a common and welcome sound that echoed through the gatherings.
Thelma’s presence could light up a room, and her spirit could lift the heaviest of hearts. Her love was a guiding force, and her strength was the foundation upon which her family was built.
Thelma Payne’s journey on this earth has come to a close, but her story will be told with smiles and fondness, as we reflect on the incredible woman she was.
Margie Nell Brannon passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 4, 1942, in Geneva County, Alabama, to Talmer Lee and Selma Bateman Jenkins, Margie’s life was a testament to the strength and warmth of her spirit.
Margie’s journey began in the heart of Alabama, where she was raised alongside her siblings. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and eight brothers, the values they shared and the memories they created remained a guiding force throughout her life. Margie’s legacy continued to flourish through her loving family, including her four children, Donna Halstead (Johnny), Judy Jackson (Michael), Joey Holland (Merideth), and Brad Holland (Genia), as well as her cherished grandchildren, Brent Halstead (Sara), Holly Taylor (Brett), Lindsey May (Steven), Mary Kathryn Holland, Jana Holland, Sam Cooper, Charlie Allcorn (Ashley), Matthew Allcorn, and ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her former husband, Jim Bob Brannon, and the memory of her grandson, Jim Preston Holland and granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica Halstead.
Margie dedicated over two decades of service to the students and staff at Rehobeth High School, where she worked in the lunchroom, and her commitment to the community extended to her role as a bus driver for the Houston County School System.
Margie was an accomplished seamstress, creating custom drapes. Her love for cooking was legendary, especially her biscuits and her renowned 14-layer chocolate cake, which brought joy to family gatherings.
She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, imparting wisdom and laughter in equal measure. Her candid nature meant that those around her never had to wonder about her thoughts or feelings—Margie was known for her honesty and her willingness to share her heart and mind openly.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Margie Nell Brannon will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and all who were graced by her presence.
There will be a private graveside service held for Margie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Union Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 7335 South County Rd. 33, Cottonwood, Al 36320.
Jerry Lynn Williams, lovingly known as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Jacksons Gap, Alabama. Born on April 5, 1953, in Frederick, Oklahoma, Jerry’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to his loved ones, a passion for life’s simple pleasures, and a legacy of kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Jerry’s journey began in Frederick but found its roots in Ozark, Alabama, where he graduated from Carroll High School in 1971. His early commitment to hard work and community was evident through his long-standing career as an insurance agent with ALFA and American General. Jerry’s professional life was marked not only by his success but also by the relationships he built along the way.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gail McLaughlin Williams; sons, Keith Williams, Jeremy Williams, and Dr. Brad (Genesee) Cook; daughter, Amanda (Sam) Pack; grandchildren, Emily Ann Bell, Grayson Bell, Emilee Cook, Sydnee Cook, Marlee Cook, Will Pack, and Rob Pack; sister, Debbie (Jim) Head; brothers, Larry (Joannae) Williams, and Jeffery (Missy) Williams; aunt, Linda (Gary) Staples; brothers-in-law, Jim (Vivian) McLaughlin, Dr. Bill (Sarah) McLaughlin, and Rob (Anna) McLaughlin; sisters-in-law, Landra (Greg) Siegfried and Shelley (Waylon) Hoerner; step mother-in-law, Judy McLaughlin; a host of nieces and nephews; and his 26 toed spoiled cat, Mittens, who provided him with companionship and joy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Williams; mother, Rubye Beauchamp Medley; aunt, Clara Roy; father-in-law, Dr. Bob McLaughlin; and mother-in-law, Ann McLaughlin.
Jerry’s zest for life was reflected in his many interests and hobbies. An avid boater, he cherished the tranquility of the water and the adventure of travel. He found great joy in BBQ competitions and was renowned as the family chef, always eager to cook for others. His passion for Auburn football was infectious; as a former president of the Quarterback Club for Carroll High School, an active member of the Dale County Auburn Club, and a devout fan, he savored every moment from attending games to hosting tailgate gatherings.
His faith played a significant role in his life. As a devoted Baptist, he found solace and community in Hillcrest Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church, both in Ozark. Jerry’s generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and loving heart made him a pillar in his community and a beacon of light to his family.
To describe Jerry Williams as merely loving, generous, and thoughtful would be an understatement. His presence was a gift to those around him, and his memory will be a guiding force for generations to come. He lived a life that exemplified these virtues, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.
