James Ellis McNeal, age 93, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, leaving behind a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and service. Born on December 28, 1932, he lived a long and meaningful life, earning the respect and love of all who knew him.
Mr. McNeal proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he worked as a cook while faithfully serving his country. Following his military service, he began a career with GTE Telephone Company, where he worked for more than 30 years. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet determination throughout his life.
A man of faith, James was a member of New Beginning Church in Ashford. He was also a Mason, reflecting his commitment to service, fellowship, and community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who valued honesty, kindness, and spending time with those he loved.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy McNeal; parents, Perry Clyde and Ella Merle McNeal; his sisters, Rosa Odom and Margaret Skipper (Danford); and brother-in-law, Nathan Davis.
He is survived by his children, Cynthia Holloway (Jerry), Tony McNeal (Robin), Donna Robertson (Roger), and Lisa Wilson (Anthony). He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jason Holloway (Julie), Andrew Elmore (Jamie), Leighanna Sasser (Lee), Anthony McNeal (Laci), Michael McNeal, Adam Phillips, Zachary Phillips, Amanda Radney (Junior), Ashlyn Radney (Kaden), Danielle Loukinas (Nick), and David Ellis Wilson. He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, his brother, Gerome McNeal (Cathy), his sister, Mildred Davis, and several nieces and nephews.
Family was at the center of James’ life, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He enjoyed taking drives down country dirt roads, appreciating the scenery along the way. He also looked forward to Friday fish dinners at CB’s in Slocomb and Broadway Café in Ashford and enjoyed relaxing at home while watching Walker, Texas Ranger and Animal Planet.
James Ellis McNeal will be remembered as a hardworking, faithful, and caring man whose quiet strength and steady example left a lasting impression on his family and friends. His life was one of service, devotion, and love, and his memory will continue to be cherished by all who knew him.
A celebration of Mr. McNeal’s life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 am at New Beginning Church in Ashford, AL with Pastor Logan Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. He will be laid to rest in Cowarts Cemetery.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his special caregivers, Tony and JoAnne Sanders and Cheryl Pelham, for the compassionate care, kindness, and friendship they shared with James. Their love and dedication brought great comfort to him and his family, and they will always be deeply appreciated.
Gregory George Salem, age 58, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Harvest Church in Dothan, Alabama. Burial will take place Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
Greg was born on February 15, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Nelson Salem and Marie Shunnarah Salem. A salesman for forty years, he was the ultimate dealmaker and negotiator, and over the past ten years he led the sales team at ReBath of Dothan. Greg also had an entrepreneurial spirit, launching several small businesses over the years, and he thrived as a sales coach, mentoring others in the art and craft he had spent a lifetime mastering. Greg had an undeniable charisma, along with a genuine, compassionate presence. Because of these qualities, colleagues and customers alike came to see Greg not just as a salesman, but as a trusted confidant and friend.
Greg loved playing games, cooking for others, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Auburn Tigers and the Cleveland Browns. Sports were a special bond he shared with all of his friends and children, and in recent years he took great joy in fostering Phillip’s budding talent in football and track. Gifted with a creative mind and a talent for solving problems, Greg could fix just about anything and turn any situation into a teachable moment. His family relied on him as their “Mr. Fix-it,” always ready with practical advice, a helping hand, or an ingenious solution, meeting every challenge with persistence and a willingness to help.
However, it was his relationships, not his talents, that truly defined him. Greg cherished the time he spent with family and friends. He had a remarkable gift for making others feel special, whether through his infectious smile, a comforting hug, or his playful sense of humor. Caring and quick-witted, Greg conveyed a sincere,disarming charm that made people instantly feel at ease. Even as a devoted foster father and mentor, Greg offered steady love, guidance, and nurturing to all who entered his life. Nothing made Greg happier than to be surrounded by laughing children, good food, and the joy of others.
Above all, Greg’s life was anchored in his unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was the foundation for his decisions and the cornerstone of his life. He often reminded his family to trust in the Lord in every circumstance, and loved his family with the steadfast heart of the Heavenly Father.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Nelson S. Salem; his grandparents, Salim M. and Isabel Shunnarah; his grandparents, Saleem and Maria Salem; his grandparents, George and Evelyn Salem; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Nancy Liechty.
Greg is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sherrie Liechty Salem; his mother, Marie Shunnarah Salem; his children, Harrison Holmes (Audrey), Gracie Holmes, and Phillip Salem; his brothers, Richie Salem (Melissa) and Robert Salem (Desi); his sisters, Deborah Hanania (Jack) and Gina Farmand (Musa); his brother-in-law, Todd Liechty (Tonya); his sisters-in-law, Heidi Maynard and Sarah Wileman (James); his beloved godson, Mark Hanania, and his beloved goddaughter, Alexandra Quintana (Nick); numerous cherished nieces and nephews;and many dear friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Greg’s kind heart, faithful Christlike love, generosity, and ability to connect with others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and in the love he shared with his family and friends
Donations may be made in Greg’s memory to City Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides supplies and support to the foster families in the Wiregrass area.
Sally Merle Gordon, 88, of Cowarts, Alabama, passed away on July 19, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1938, in Donalsonville, Georgia, and lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and devotion to the people she loved.
Sally was a woman of strong character and deep compassion. She was known as a fighter, selfless in all she did, and very social, with a warm presence that drew others to her. She had a kind spirit and a faith-filled heart, and those qualities were reflected in the way she treated her family, friends, neighbors, and church community throughout her life.
She was a graduate of the class of 1957 and carried the values of hard work and perseverance with her throughout her years. In her younger years, she worked in a sewing factory, and later served as a produce manager, where she was respected for her dedication and steady work ethic. Sally also gave generously of her time through volunteer service at Southeast Medical Center and Houston County Food Bank, where her caring nature and willingness to help others made a meaningful difference.
Sally was a member of Harvest Church before moving to Cowarts, and she later attended Cowarts Baptist Church. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found strength and comfort in her church family. She also served as President of the Lady Aux at VFW, where she demonstrated leadership, commitment, and a sincere desire to support others. Whether through her work, her volunteering, or her church involvement, Sally lived with purpose and grace.
She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially playing dominos and board games. These moments reflected her love of companionship and the joy she found in being with others. Her social nature and easy conversation made her a cherished presence in any gathering, and she will be remembered for the laughter, encouragement, and warmth she shared so freely.
Sally is survived by her children, David Gordon and Sandra Boyett; her grandchildren, Jessica Gordon and Kacie Flowers; and her sisters, Nadine Smullins and Mary Turner. She also leaves behind many dear memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry “Jack” Worthy and Jessica Lee Railey Worthy; her siblings, Fred Worthy, Frank Worthy, Dick Worthy, W.C. Worthy, Henry Worthy, Nell Holmes, and Clementine Worthy; and her granddaughter, Pamela Miller. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Jessica Worthy.
A celebration of Sally’s life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jonathan Sorensen and Pastor Gavin Thomas. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
OZARK…The beautiful and mighty woman known as Dorothy Miriam Brown released her embrace on life and closed her eyes to find rest and peace with her Lord and Savior after heroically fighting Multiple Myeloma Cancer for 9 years. She died as she lived: fearlessly.
Over the past nine years she endured over 300 Chemotherapy sessions, Cell Replacement Therapy, and CAR-T therapy, all very painful. She left this life peacefully in a wave of love from her family and friends.
She was a wonderful wife to Cliff, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend who was beloved by all.
Delightfully funny and bright she brought joy to all. As a dedicated fashionista she was always on the hunt for the next clothing bargain. Goodwill, the Dale Baptist Association and Salvation Army are much richer thanks to her steady stream of classy, chic clothing donations.
Dottie attacked each holiday with gusto: baking; decorating the house, yard, and all the holiday fashions in existence!
She loved crafts and was quite talented in her creations. She hosted countless sparkling gatherings at her home for friends at Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those who knew her realize how lucky they were to have her in their lives.
She was a faithful, loyal and loving wife and she worked hard every day up until her illness. The end of her life here on earth will not extinguish Dotties light. She has passed on the torch to younger generations. May we always live in a way that honors her memory.
When we are listening to someone’s problems we will remember how she never turned away from a hurting heart. Whether family or stranger, she would hear someone’s story and make them feel understood.
When we prepare meals for friends and family, we will remember how many people she blessed with her good humor, great cooking and endless hospitality.
When we are tired, we will remember how she persevered. She is preceded in death by her mother Miriam Lewis.
She is survived by her husband Cliff, sons Cody and Charley and their wives Casey and Tammi, five beautiful grandchildren: Cayla 22, Ciara 16, Roxi 14, Carter 12 and Griffin 9.
She is also survived by brothers Buddy and wife Barbara Lewis, Pete and wife Sharon Lewis, and her sisters Susie and husband Harvey Boyette, Kitty Manning and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Please keep Dottie in your hearts, she was much loved and will be missed so much.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 25, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
After a courageous battle with a traumatic brain injury, Justin Mitchell Brown, age 31 of Hartford, AL, was welcomed into his Savior’s arms on July 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
The family will receive friends at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
A graveside service celebrating Justin’s life will follow at Brown Family Cemetery, 3280 N State Hwy 167, Hartford, AL 36344, with Pastor Eric Bradley and Dr. Scott Cox officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Austin, Matthew Cummings, Dexter Tolbert, Andrew Kimbro, Garret Kimbro, Michael Guy, Melvin Armstrong, and Jason Kozisek.
Justin’s life changed two years ago when he turned his life over to His Savior, and he never looked back. His love for his Savior led him to always look for ways to serve God’s kingdom on Earth and led everyone who knew him to know how much he loved Jesus.
Justin was a good man and hard worker. First and foremost, he loved his church; he tithed and gave generously every chance he could to help the church since his work schedule didn’t allow much time for serving. He left an impact where everyone always talked about how generous his heart was and how he loved Jesus. He was good with his hands and was building – by himself – a dream home for he and his wife to have a family and grow old together.
Justin was made perfect in Christ. Though it pains us all who he left behind, we can rest in knowing that Justin is with his Savior, Jesus Christ who said well done my good and faithful servant it’s time to come home – I’m proud of you.
Justin is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah, and their dogs, Atara, Sam, and Nova. Justin leaves behind his father and mother, Joey and Stephanie Brown, his oldest sister Hannah Cummings (Matt), his older sister Myranda Austin (Thomas), his beloved nieces and nephews: Addison Austin, Lily Cummings, Tommy Austin, and Madeline Austin.
Justin’s favorite verse was Romans 7:19 – “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” We want to do good and please our Savior, but we live in sin and will be imperfect. Justin is no longer imperfect – he’s made perfect in heaven and worshipping his savior every moment. We love you, Justin!
Randall Wayne Brown passed from this life into the presence of the Lord Jesus early in the afternoon of July 18, 2026.
Randy was born June 15, 1956 to Charles Wayne Brown and Jean Pyle Brown. Randy grew up in Dothan and graduated from Dothan, High School. After High School, He attended Auburn University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Randy continued his education and earned his Masters and Ph.D from the University of Florida. War Eagle and Go Gators!
Randy was proud to serve his country as an officer in the United States Air Force. Randy retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel after twenty years of faithful service. After the Air Force, he continued to work as a Civil Engineer in the private sector in various capacities until his declining health forced him to stop. Two relationships framed and guided Randy’s life. Jesus met and saved Randy in 1967 at the age of 11. His relationship with Jesus was the driving force of his life and shaped his affections and priorities. Second only to his relationship with Jesus, Randy treasured his relationship with his family. Randy lived to love and serve his family, especially his wife of 46 years, Brenda Watford Brown, his two sons (Matt and Josh), his two daughter in-laws (Amy and Rachel), and his three grandchildren (Judson, Natalie, and Nathan).
Randy is preceded in death by his parents Charles Wayne Brown and Jean Pyle Brown, and his sister Susan Brown Barefield.
Randy is survived by his wife Brenda Brown, His eldest son Matt Brown (Amy), His youngest son Josh Brown (Rachel) His three grandchildren, Judson, Natalie, and Nathan. And many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held for Randy, Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan. Visitation will start at 10am until the funeral service starts at 11am.
Hanania, and his beloved goddaughter, Alexandra Quintana (Nick); numerous cherished nieces and nephews;and many dear friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
