Charles L. D. Ball, 91. of Ozark, Alabama, passed away at his beloved home on August 30, 2026.
Known as L.D. or D to his family, Charlie to his friends, and Paul to his wife, Carolyn, Charles lived an extraordinary life grounded in God, family, and country.
At barely 16, he misrepresented his age to join the National Guard, beginning a distinguished military career of approximately 22 years. A highly decorated United States Army veteran, paratrooper, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist, he served during the Vietnam War and held assignments around the world, including the Pentagon and protective details involving United States presidents.
Following retirement, Charles continued his career in law enforcement and education, teaching Criminal Justice and Psychology. He was respected throughout the legal community— even by some who might have preferred not to cross his path. His remarkable knowledge was matched by his compassion, generosity, and willingness to help others.
Charles met Carolyn on a blind date while he was attending explosive ordnance training Indian Head, Maryland, and she was working for Bell Telephone in Washington, D.C. The Arkansas boy and Baltimore girl married only weeks later and celebrated 64 years together this past April. Their daughter, Sonya, soon followed, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and laughter.
Caring for his family was never simply Charles’s responsibility; it was his honor. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Alexandra and Elijah, and was always there to cheer them on. To Charles, every child was worth showing up for. He coached soccer, helped children who could not afford to participate, supported fundraisers, and even purchased a camper so more boys and girls could travel with the team. When a child had no family member present, there was always room at the Ball family table.
He loved his home, his pond, his land, and the animals that followed him faithfully as he worked outdoors. He loved road trips, camping, and time on the water. He was not a perfect man, nor did he expect perfection from others. He believed in trying your best, giving grace, and caring for one another.
Charles is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Sonya; grandchildren, Alexandra and Elijah; siblings, Dwight, Mary Ann, and Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Esta; siblings, Virginia and Medford; and nephews, Timmy and Tommy. He also shared a special bond with his great-grandson, Kai, who preceded him in death and remained forever a treasured part of his heart.
Terry Curtis Smith, age 57, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on November 27, 1968, in Dothan, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 10, 2026, one hour prior to the service.
Terry spent more than 34 years working as a truck driver, serving with dedication and reliability for several different companies throughout his career. He took pride in his work and understood the value of long hours, responsibility, and perseverance. His years on the road reflected the kind of man he was, dependable, hardworking, and committed to doing his job well.
Outside of work, Terry found joy in the simple things that brought him comfort and happiness. He loved Alabama football and followed the team with enthusiasm and loyalty. He also enjoyed fishing, a pastime that gave him time to relax and appreciate the peace of the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Smith; his daughters, Donna Kaye Smith and Amber Harley; his sons, Curtis Smith and Dustin Smith; his step-sons, Eric Mobley, Jeffery Mobley, and Isaac Dean; his sister, Ellen Arretteig; several grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He cherished his family and the many roles he held within it, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Smith, his brother, Dennis Smith, and his sister, Meredith Kirkland. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried the bonds of family with him always.
Though his passing brings sorrow, his life stands as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, family, and the enduring impact of a life well lived.
ENTERPRISE… Harold E. Fearing, a resident of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away early Tuesday morning, September 01, 2026, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. He was 93.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 05, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with his son, Harold Allen Fearing giving a eulogy. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, in Headland, Alabama. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Harold E. Fearing was born in Burr Oak, Kansas, to the late Clarence Walker Fearing and Ruth Clemons Fearing. He was raised in Burr Oak, and then attended Kansas State College (now Kansas State University). Harold met Donna Morine while at K-State and they married in 1954. Harold was in the four-year ROTC program and after graduation in 1955 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.
Harold dedicated much of his life to serving his country through a distinguished career in the United States Army. Early in his career he volunteered for flight school and earned his Army Aviator wings in 1956. He served in Korea in 1956 and 1957. After Korea, Harold attended rotary wing aircraft school. Finishing first in his his rotary wing class, Harold was selected for further training and became a rotary wing instructor pilot. In 1961 Harold was assigned to the 1st Battle Group in Germany, that trucked across East Germany to show support for Berlin when the Berlin Wall was built. Returning to the US in 1965, Harold was assigned to a Chinook Company that trained pilots and transported Chinook helicopters to South Vietnam. Harold was stationed at Pleiku South Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, flying Chinooks in support of US infantry. In 1970, Harold was assigned to ROTC faculty duty at the University of Delaware, where he instructed students and managed the ROTC flight program. In 1973 he was reassigned to the Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He retired in 1975 after 20 years in the military.
Following his retirement from active duty, Harold continued his service to the Army at Fort Rucker through the Civil Service, where he worked in helicopter flight training and combat strategy. His knowledge, experience, and dedication continued to benefit those who follow in his footsteps.
After he retired from the military, Harold and Donna got the motorcycle bug. At first together on one motorcycle, and later each on their own motorcycles, they rode in all the lower 48 states, six Canadian provinces, Mexico and Australia. Harold also rode to Alaska. They belonged to several motorcycle clubs and enjoyed riding to national motorcycle conventions all over the country. Harold and buddies took “guy trips” all over the country every summer for about 10 years. Most had identical yellow Honda Gold Wings and they called themselves “The Goldenrods”.
Harold was also an avid and skilled woodworker. He built lovely furniture and toys for his family that will be cherished for generations.
In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Donna J. Fearing; sisters, June Dempsey, Beth Alexander, Lauradelle Warne; brothers, Glenn Fearing and Jean Fearing.
Those who will always cherish his memory include daughter, Kathryn Ruth Bigler (Wallace J. Bigler); sons, Harold Allen Fearing (Donna Willis Fearing), Paul David Fearing (Pamela Bludsworth Fearing), and Steven John Fearing (Elizabeth Fearing); ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several other loving family members and friends.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
HEADLAND. . .Needham Gordon Marley, III, a resident of Headland, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by friends and family on September 3, 2026. He was 71 years old.
Memorial services will be held at the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. officiating. The family will welcome friends in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Thursday prior to the memorial service.
Gordon Marley was born in Ozark, AL and raised in Aberdeen, NC. He formerly lived in Columbus, GA and Nashville, TN before moving to Headland in 1998. Gordon was a graduate of the Auburn University School of Architecture. He was self-employed as an Architect and Designer while living in Headland. Gordon was a faithful servant of First Baptist Church of Headland where he dutifully operated the Audio Visual at the Sunday morning worship service for 24 years. Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Needham Gordon Marley, Jr., his mother, Peggy Lee Marley, his grandparents, Needham Gordon Marley, Sr. and Jewel V. Brown Marley and Reverend Roby J. Lee and Amelia Zobel Lee and his step-grandmother, Sarah Frances Espy Lee.
Surviving relatives include his partner, Jim McGee, Headland; a sister, Amelia Lee Marley (Jennifer K. McMutrie), Bradenton, FL; and an aunt, Nadine Chandler Marley, Dothan, AL. Faithful companions include Gracious, Little Man, Frankie, and Annie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301 or SEACT, 909 South St. Andrews Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301.
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.
Daniel Lomax “Max” Wright, 82, of Warner Robins, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026. He was born on October 15, 1943, in Midland City, Dale County, Alabama, to the late David and Nettie Lou (Sims) Wright.
Daniel answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army National Guard from which he retired. He also had a long and distinguished career with the civil service at Robins Air Force Base, where he worked as a flight line supervisor. His dedication to service was evident throughout his life, both in his career and in the way he cared for those around him.
Daniel was a faithful member of the Assembly of Perry, where his Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a godly man whose faith guided the way he lived, loved, and served others. Daniel was known for being generous and giving, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
A true jack of all trades, Daniel had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He enjoyed working on cars and had a lifelong passion for drag racing and NASCAR. He was also a devoted Alabama football fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Crimson Tide. Daniel was a Mason and took pride in the friendships and fellowship that came with his former Masonic membership.
Above all, Daniel treasured his family and the time he spent with those he loved. His wisdom, generosity, humor, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Ray (Jones) Wright; his grandsons, Danny Dodder and Kendall Woodson; his siblings, Denver “Demp” Wright, Lavon “Beck” Wright, Richard Wright, Doyle Lee Wright, and Jane Wright Besecker.
Daniel leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Tonya Lynn Wright of Byron, Georgia; Darcy Lou Schofill (Bobby Irby) of Warner Robins, Georgia; and Tracy Leigh Wright of Byron, Georgia; his grandchildren, Zackery Cole, Aubery Cole, Rachel Schofill, Owen Wright, and Peyton Wright; his sister, Glenda Hoffman of Midland City, Alabama; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Daniel’s life was a testament to faith, service, generosity, and love for family. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his faith has carried him home and that the legacy of love he leaves behind will continue through the lives of those who knew him.
A service to celebrate Daniel’s life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Pastor Chris Summerlin will officiate.
Interment will follow the service at Andersonville National Cemetery.
Daniel’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him.
With honor, Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
PINCKARD… Peggie Strawder, a longtime resident of Dale County, Alabama, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, September 2, 2026, at her home. She was 78.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Wright Funeral Home and Crematory, with Reverend Stephen Windham officiating.
Peggie was born in Dale County, Alabama, and attended Dale County High School. She devoted much of her working life to caring for others as a caregiver. She was a member of First Baptist Church-Headland.
Peggie was a talented seamstress who took great pride in her work. She also enjoyed spending time playing Bingo and cherished the simple pleasures and relationships that brought joy to her life. She will be remembered for her caring spirit and the special place she held in the hearts of her family and friends.
Peggie was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Inez Strawder Hall and George Broward Hall; her sister, Mary Strawder Windham; and her half-sisters, Hazel Box, Betty Sue Stafford, and Edna Courson.
She is survived by her half-sister, Evelyn Craven; two special cousins, Evelyn Brackin and Frances Condrey; special niece, Wendy Shuemake (Samuel); special nephew, Stephen Windham (Melanie); brother-in-law, Harvey Windham; and several other cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Peggie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
