Thomas Burton Merritt was born on May 11, 1934 and went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 12, 2025.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide P.O. BOX 670212 Dallas, TX 75267-0212.
Thomas graduated from Auburn University where he was part of the Naval ROTC program and track team. After finishing Auburn, he joined the Navy and completed his medical degree. While in the Navy, he served as a Naval aviator, and psychiatrist. During his 20 years with the Navy, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Naval Aviator Medal, and the Expert Medal for a .45 Caliber pistol. In 2008, he met the love of his life, Robbie (Honey) Merritt. They traveled the world together with stops in England, France, and Auburn where he watched his beloved Tigers. He was an avid rose gardener and won too many ribbons to count and a silver tray for his roses. His love for animals earned him the name of “Father Goose” for the geese and ducks he raised and released at Emerald Lake. We will miss Thomas for his warm smile, sense of humor, and adventuresome spirit.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Janet Merritt, father, Samual Merritt, and sister, Ella Merritt.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Merritt, sister, Jane Myers, sons, Thomas Burton Merritt, Jr., John Merritt, and Samual Merritt, his stepchildren, Chuck Preston, Peppi Cooper (Jeff), step grandson, Jon Preston, and step granddaughters, Kortney Cooper (Scott Bukosky), Kasey Cooper, and Peyton Preston; cousins, Margaret Merritt, Fay Merritt, Deede James Scarborough, Becky D. Evans, John Duke; numerous nieces, nephews, and other cousins.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Muriel Beasley Ausley, age 97, a resident of Dothan passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025 in the Glover Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Troy West officiating. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Assembly of God Cemetery in Coffee Springs with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM on Friday at the funeral home prior to services.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mrs. Muriel Beasley Ausley was born in Geneva County on October 11, 1927 to Lovie Titus and Nellie Ruth Morrison Beasley. She spent her early years of life in the Gainer Community in Geneva County and her adult lifetime in the Sellersville Community. She retired as an inspector from Van Heusen. She spent most of her time enjoying reading.
Mrs. Muriel Beasley Ausley is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Domby Ausley; three brothers, Dexter Beasley, Daniel Beasley, and Robert “Bob” Beasley.
Survivors include her son, Levon Ausley (Kathy), Dothan; sister, Nell Jennings, Defuniak Springs, FL; two grandchildren, Samantha Mayo Whaley (Luke), Wesley Chapel, FL and Jessica Woodham, Dothan; one great grandchild, Slade Woodham; one special niece, Ann Lawson Chancey (Foy), Dothan; several other nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Luke Whaley, Tom Haney, Tommy Smith, Jim Sullivan, Billy Skipper, and Tom Hutchinson.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
James Allen Knight, a man of deep faith and boundless friendliness, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 78. Born on January 2, 1947, in Dale County, AL, James was a beacon of selfless love and dedication throughout his life.
A proud graduate of E.R. Grimsley High School in Ashford, AL, class of 1965, James’s commitment to lifelong learning and excellence paved the way for his varied and successful career. His early years were spent working at Hayes Aircraft, where he honed his skills and obtained Airframe and Powerplant licenses, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and passion for aviation.
James’s heart, however, was always rooted in the soil of his family farm. Following the passing of his father, he and his brother Mack took over the operations, transforming it into the thriving James Knight Farm. As a dedicated farmer, James cultivated peanuts, cotton, and corn with a tender hand and an unwavering spirit, later serving his community as the Chairman of the Houston County Farm Service Agency.
His dedication to the land was matched only by his commitment to his faith. James was a faithful and active member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, where he not only worshipped but also led as Chairman of the Deacon Board. His voice could often be heard singing his favorite hymns, “When You Hear of My Homegoing” and “This May Be My Last Time,” which resonated with the congregation and reflected his deep spiritual convictions.
Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, James was a man who cherished his family and community. His love story with his wife, Dorothy Moore Knight, spanned 56 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring partnership and mutual devotion. Together, they raised a son, Reginald (Connie) Knight, and a daughter, Kimberly (Ronald) Helms, instilling in them the values of hard work, faith, and love. James’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jerica, Brandon, Kendra, and Dalyn, and his great-granddaughter, Bahni, all of whom he adored.
James’s family circle extended to his siblings, brother Bobby Mack Knight Sr., and sisters Lanell Rivers, Kate Edwards, and Denise Corbitt. He also held a special place in his heart for his niece Stephanie Scott and special nephews, Bobby Knight, Jr. and Jason Edwards, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends whose lives he touched.
While his loss is deeply felt, those who knew James find comfort in the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob Knight and Ida Mae Knight Hollis, and his brothers, Billy Joe Knight and Ira Knight, all of whom he now joins in eternal peace.
James’s life was characterized by his unwavering faith, his friendly demeanor, and his selfless nature. He never met a stranger, and his presence in the community was one of respect and active engagement. His love for his family ran as deep as his roots in the Alabama soil, and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of James’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19th at 2pm in the Sunset Memorial Chapel with Rev. James Harvey, Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. James will be laid to rest in the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Dothan, AL.
We are saddened to announce the loss of Cassandra Jane Flick, age 79, just shy of her 80th birthday. She passed away in Geneva, Alabama on April 10, 2025. She resided in Westville, Florida. She was born in Malone, N.Y. on June 30, 1945; daughter of Ivon and Ada Trimm. She was preceded in death by her sister, Tania and brother, Chandler who passed away approximately within a year. She has one surviving brother, Clayton Trimm. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Flick. He states, “she was the love of his life and said he was the love of her life,” they were married 34 years.
Her beloved children from her first marriage to John Henry Bigelow are: Virginia Jane Bigelow Atieh, Carla Jean Tew, Paul John Bigelow, Bryant James Bigelow, Christa Jaylene Kovachevich, Tobin Jarod Bigelow, and Devlyn Patrick Flick.
Her beloved stepsons are: Jaime Flick and Clayton Flick. She has 30 grandchildren and over 20 great grandchildren.
Cassandra enjoyed singing and once sang a solo in her high school concert. She also loved ice skating, country music, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, collecting antiques and dolls. She and her husband, Robert loved spending time on the river in Ebro, Florida. She always found peace on the river. We will always carry her memory in our hearts as heaven gained another angel.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Michael A. Bell fell asleep in death on April 8, 2025, after graciously enduring the challenges of imperfect flesh. He was born on March 14, 1986, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Clara and Sylvester Bell.
On February 11, 2006, Michael made the important decision to dedicate his life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a commitment he held close to his heart.
On January 1, 2011, he married Kayla Kimble of Hartford, Alabama. Together, they enjoyed 14 years of loving companionship and mutual devotion.
In the final year of his life, Michael served in the full-time ministry, finding joy in teaching others about the promises found in God’s Word—promises in which he deeply believed.
Michael is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kayla Bell; his parents, Clara and Sylvester Bell; and his siblings: Shonda Bell of Atlanta, Georgia; Sylvester Bell of Montgomery, Alabama; Yvonne Bell of Montgomery, Alabama; Andrea Vanessa Wallace (Kevin) of Montgomery, Alabama; and his mother and father-in-law, Carla and Jeff Ward.
Michael’s life was one of faith, love, and service. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him; however, this is only temporary, as one day soon, he will awaken in perfect health.
We find comfort in the words of Revelation 21:3, 4:
“With that, I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’”
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, texts, and calls during this time. Your love and support mean more than words can express.
Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 20th at 3 PM, located at 4465 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, AL 36105.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Glenda Reece, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, Medical Center Enterprise. She was 69.
In honoring her wishes through cremation, no services are scheduled at this time.
Glenda had a deep love for gardening, spending countless hours nurturing her flowers and vegetables with care. Alongside her devoted husband, she delighted in canning the fruits of their labor, preserving not only food but cherished memories made together. A true animal lover, Glenda adored her fur babies, her heart was big and her home always open to four-legged friends. Glenda was an avid genealogist, dedicating herself to researching her ancestry and connecting the pieces of her family’s history.
Mrs. Glenda was preceded in death two brothers, Barry Allan Reece, and Gerald Wayne Reece.
Survivors include her husband Craig, Enterprise, AL; brother, Paul Edward Reece (Laurie), Kissimmee, FL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Muriel Beasley Ausley, age 97, a resident of Dothan passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital.
James Allen Knight, a man of deep faith and boundless friendliness, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 78. Born on January 2, 1947, in Dale County, AL, James was a beacon of selfless love and dedication throughout his life.
