CW4 Benny Doyle Crocker (United States Army Retired)
CW4 Benny Doyle Crocker (United States Army Retired), passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at Oakview Manor in Ozark, Alabama, at the age of 92. A devoted soldier, public servant, and family man, he lived a life marked by courage, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Born on January 23, 1933, in Poplarville, Mississippi, Mr. Crocker was the son of Perry and Mattie (Tyner) Crocker. From humble beginnings in southern Mississippi, he would go on to serve his country with distinction across multiple continents and decades.
Mr. Crocker’s military career was both extensive and exemplary. Serving as a member of the First Cavalry Division and Rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, he served with honor through some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. His service included two tours in Germany—one during its occupation following World War II—three tours in Vietnam, one tour in Thailand, and deployments during both the Korean War and the occupation of Japan.
As a standardization pilot for much of his aviation career, Mr. Crocker played a critical role in shaping Army aviation training. He trained numerous Army generals to fly military aircraft through the short course at Fort Rucker and ultimately served as the last commander of the CH-54 Crane Flight there. Among his many acts of valor was a daring rescue mission as pilot of a CH-54 Skycrane: after an Air Force jet crew had been rescued by a Jolly Green Giant helicopter that was subsequently shot down, Mr. Crocker flew in to recover the downed aircraft and crew. For this act of heroism, he was authorized for both the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross—though they were never formally awarded. His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Master Aviator Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, among numerous others—each a testament to his bravery and skill.
Following his retirement from active duty, Mr. Crocker continued his dedication to public service. He served as safety inspector for the Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant-Mason Chamberlain, worked as a policeman with the Picayune Police Department in Mississippi, and later held the role of Chief Deputy of the Reserve Force for the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department.
Throughout all chapters of his life—military or civilian—Mr. Crocker remained grounded by his deep Christian faith. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, he gave all credit and glory to his Lord Jesus Christ for sustaining him through trials and triumphs alike. Mr. Crocker was also a member of Masonic Lodge # 445 , Carriere, MS and Daleville Masonic Lodge # 903.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Johnnie Faye Crocker; sons Benny D. Crocker Jr., of Mobile (Semmes), Alabama; Johnny D. Crocker (Penny) of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Cynthia J. Brabham (Joe) of Enterprise, Alabama; grandchildren Amanda Auld (Allen), Holly Ureste (Mark), William Crocker, Christopher Crocker (Beatriz), John Brabham, and Robert Brabham; great-grandchildren Jory, Blayn, Henry, Gianna, Baleigh, Luke, Michael, and Layla; siblings Wanda Snyder; Jane Burge (Fred); Betty Beaudreau (Dave); Joy Voiselle (Bruce); and Camillia Pearson.
He was preceded in death by his infant son David Joseph Crocker; daughter-in-law Jenny Hart (Regas) Crocker; parents Perry and Mattie Crocker; brother Harold Crocker; sister Sylvia (Crocker) Blackwell; and brother Paul Crocker.
Mr. Benny Doyle Crocker’s legacy is one of strength under pressure, generosity toward others, steadfast dedication to duty—and above all—a life lived with purpose under God’s guidance. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to generations yet to come.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Pinson of Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Andy Gammill of Professional Medical Associates, and Rev. Kerry Mitchell of Calvary Baptist Church for their compassionate care and spiritual support during this time.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Picayune Funeral Home, located at 815 S Haugh Ave, Picayune, Mississippi, 39466. Graveside services will follow at McNeill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Calvary Baptist Church, 1837 Highway 51, Enterprise, AL 36330-7647 in Benny’s memory.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Terry Lee Perry, a devoted family man, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Southeast Health on April 10, 2025. He was 83 years old. Born on January 6, 1942, Terry’s life was characterized by his generosity, skillful hands, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life.
Terry was a proud retiree of Triple A Cooper, where he formed lasting friendships and left a legacy of hard work and dedication. His love for music was evident to all who knew him, as he was a very good musician who could often be found strumming his guitar. An avid outdoorsman, Terry’s happiest moments were spent fishing in the tranquil waters of Alabama. He was also a fervent Alabama fan, often cheering “Roll Tide” with the same passion he devoted to every aspect of his life.
Preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Perry and Irene Thompson Perry, and his beloved daughter, Debra Lynn Baxley, Terry’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his sisters, Everlene Newton and Patsy Joyner; brothers, Roy, Harvey, and Lamar Perry; and his son-in-law, Todd Baxley.
OZARK…Mrs. Chris Sitz Roberts, a resident of Ozark, died early Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025, in Early Medical Center, Blakely, Georgia. She was 73.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 14, 2025, in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. Monday in the church sanctuary.
Mrs. Roberts, daughter of the late Albert Wesley Sitz and Glennie Ruth Goodson Sitz, was a native of Tracy City, Tennessee. She moved to Ozark at an early age and retired from Thompson Propane Gas Company. Mrs. Roberts enjoyed working in her yards and loved children. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Roberts, sisters, Linda Adkins, Debbie Lowe, and Judy Sauls, brothers, Albert Sitz and Jimmy Sitz.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Amanda Boudinot (John, Sergeant First Class, United States Army, Retired), Fort Novosel; son, Chad Roberts (Angela), Ozark; brother, Bobby Sitz (Judy), Ozark; five grandchildren, Sarah Boudinot, Jessica Adams (Landon), Meghan Sprinkle (Gabe), Dalton Roberts, and Rebekah Roberts; three great-grandchildren, Lillian Boudinot, Paul Adams, and Lainey Grace Adams.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ASHFORD. . .Roy Gene Phillips, a resident of Ashford, died Friday morning, April 11, 2025, at his home. He was 75.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Robert Lunsford and Reverend Jerry Harden officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery, near Ozark. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A. M. Monday at the mortuary in Headland.
Mr. Phillips was born in Roswell, New Mexico and was raised in Eufaula, Alabama, son of the late Millard Earl Phillips and Myrtle Jane Sutton Phillips. He was employed as a Truck Driver most of his adult lifetime. Mr. Phillips formerly served as a Constable in Barbour County. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Faulk Phillips, a son, Bryan Phillips, grandsons, Phillip Senn and Joshua Senn, and sisters, Cheryl, Belinda, Renee’ and an infant sister.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Rita Hughes (John), Webb, AL; Rinda Brannon (Todd), Pansey, AL; and Rena Eldridge (David), Ashford; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Darla Luna, San Angelo, Texas; and two brothers, Danny Hojeda, Garland, Texas; and Carl Phillips, Columbia, Alabama.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jacob Peacock, Christopher Senn, Christopher Eldridge, Randy Kirkland, Tristan Senn and Mark Miller.
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.
Linda J Howell, 77 years old, of Ozark, AL passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at her residence.
Graveside services will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Magnolia Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Raymond A Rivers officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family request that in leu of flowers, contributions be made to your personal charity of choice.
Mrs. Howell was born on September 8, 1947, in Midland City, to the late Dewey Ray and Mattie Jewel Cain Tharpe. Linda was a member at Magnolia Freewill Baptist Church.
Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by her spouse, Curtis Howell; parents, Dewey Ray and Mattie Jewel Cain Tharpe.
Survivors include a brother, Wilmer Tharpe (Paula); sister, Ann Crowley: Niece, Angela Whatley (Robert); nephews: Timothy R. Crowley and Chris Tharpe along with many other family members and friends.
On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, God shined His face upon Joseph Ryan Bowen and called him home to receive his ultimate healing. Ryan is now resting in the arms of his Savior, restored and redeemed by Jesus Christ.
Born on April 6th, 1965, to the late Christine Bowen (Oliver) and Simon Bowen Sr., Ryan was a lifelong resident of Dothan, Alabama. He lived a life full of simple joys—sipping sweet tea on a warm day, fishing by quiet waters, salvaging for parts and working on vehicles with the kind of care and precision that reflected his heart. Ryan was a restorer—of things like old lawn mowers or cars, His passion was in bringing things back to their original beauty, much like the redemption Jesus gave him and the divine restoration Ryan now experiences in Heaven.
Ryan is lovingly remembered by his sister Martha Pearl Daniels (Bowen); his brothers Simon Bowen Jr. (Linda) and Charles Bowen (Joyce); and a host of nieces and nephews who adored him.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. While his absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we rejoice in knowing he is reunited with his Creator and family in Glory. Until we meet again, we will carry his memory in our hearts and look forward to that Heavenly reunion.
Homegoing Celebration will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery, 2390 Hartford Highway, Dothan, Alabama 36305.
