HALEBURG. . .Gary Sumlar, a resident of Haleburg, died Friday morning, March 14, 2025, in Extendicare Health Center in Dothan. He was 74.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Sunday, March 16, 2025, in the Haleburg Methodist Church with Dr. Perry Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in the Haleburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Haleburg Methodist Church, c/o Jane Pitchford, 1982 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, AL 36319.
Gary Sumlar was born and reared in Haleburg, son of the Edward Sumlar and Enze Cureton Sumlar. He attended school in Headland, Newville and Columbia. Gary served his country in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Haleburg Methodist Church. Gary was retired as a welder and owned and operated his own welding business in Haleburg. He was an avid Alabama football fan. Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Sumlar and three brothers, Paryman Sumlar, Jerry Sumlar and Bobby Sumlar.
Surviving relatives include a son, Kevin Michael Sumlar, Baltimore, MD; a sister, Marietta Johnson, Lakeland, FL; a brother, Ed Sumlar, Haleburg; grandchildren, Ariel Sumlar, Justin Sumlar and Elise Sumlar; a great-granddaughter, Leira Hall.
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.
Retired Urologist, Julian Wayne “Doc” Brannon, age 85, died Monday, March 10, 2025, at his residence. Visitation will be held at Shelton Funeral Home on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Virtual Guestbook is available at www.sheltonfuneralhome.net.
Dr. Brannon was born March 31, 1939 in Headland, AL, to Julian Adair Brannon and Grace Vann Brannon. After the University of Utah and UAB Medical School, he served as a Major in the US Army. Wayne loved sports, fishing, and his TN River community.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Dorothy Walton Brannon.
He is survived by two brothers: Sam Vann Brannon (Linda) and Sidney Adair Brannon; six children: Betsy Brannon Green (Butch), Curtis Wayne Brannon (Shay), Julie Brannon Brown (Larry), James Walton Brannon (Pam), Amanda Brannon Overby (Walter), William Benjamin Brannon (Casey) and Brandi Terry Shankle (Sidney); 21 grandchildren: Catherine Green Acker (Ricky), Laura Green Farrer (Josh), James Robert Green (Paris), Grace Green Acker (Aaron), John Thomas Green (Brittany), Emily Anne Green, Joseph Andrew Green (Libby), William Clayton Green (Teagan), Olivia Brannon Pirtle (Derek), Meredith Brannon Adair (Lucas), Russell Lee Brown (Sarah), Michael Wayne Brown (Carissa), Logan Walton Brown (Kristen), Ruth-Anne Brown Spiers (Seth), Jonathan Curtis Brannon (Sara), Emma Kate Brannon, Caroline Adams, Catherine Adams Lindsay (Ford), John Kirkland Adams, Jaelynn Clark, Presley Clark and Sydney Olivia Shankle; 44 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org).
For further information, please contact Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations at 334-693-3371.
LTC Ret Donald Stanley Galla, affectionately known as “Pops” to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 2, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Don’s journey through life was marked by his courage, patriotism, and selflessness. He was a proud alumnus of Taft High School’s class of 1953 and a former student and football player at Wright Jr. College.
In 1955, Don enlisted in the Army, embarking on a distinguished 20-year military career. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, after which he attended flight training. His military service included tours in Korea, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam. As combat aviator and leader, Don was recognized through numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Honor Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 18 air medals, and the Master Aviator Badge. He logged an impressive 850 combat hours.
In 1970, Don returned to Fort Rucker where he was selected to serve as the post Inspector General. His army career was completed with what he described as the best job in the Army, when, in 1972, he was honored to serve as the Commander of the US Army helicopter precision demonstration team, The Silver Eagles, coordinating over one hundred appearances at airshows across the country. He retired from the Army in 1975, after which he served for 20 years as a fixed wing and rotary instructor pilot.
Don was the eldest of four children and was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Lillian Galla. He was a dedicated family man, committed to supporting and celebrating his loved ones in every aspect of their lives. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Lt. Col (Ret) Margaret “Peggy” Galla, an Army nurse. Together, they raised a family that included their daughter, Joyce Fendley (Steve), and their son, Donald Galla (Jenny). He was a cherished grandfather to Michaela, Madison (Jordan Harvey), and Zachary Galla.
His role as “Pops” was the one he cherished most, embracing it with boundless love and pride. He was the most devoted and supportive grandfather, never missing an event for his grandkids and always being their biggest champion. His kindness and warmth extended far beyond his own family, earning him many “adopted” grandchildren who adored him. Being “Pops” was his greatest achievement, and he lived it with unmatched joy. Don’s passing is a deep loss to his family, his friends, and the nation he served with unwavering dedication.
Ms. Ida Pearl Brunnet, beloved wife, devoted servant of Christ, and cherished friend, Ida Pearl Brunnet passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on March 12, 2025 at the age of 92.
Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1932, Ida graduated from Fremont Ross High School in Fremont, Ohio. With a deep calling to serve the Lord, she pursued her education at Kentucky Mountain Bible College in Jackson, Kentucky. Ida dedicated much of her life to the work of the Lord, serving with World Gospel Mission in Marion, Indiana.
She was a devoted wife to her loving husband, Dean, who precedes her in death. Their marriage was a testament to faith, love, and mutual devotion. Ida’s heart belonged to the Lord, her husband, and her church, where she faithfully worshiped and served.
A woman of prayer and quiet strength, Ida’s legacy is one of unwavering faith and deep love for those around her. She leaves behind two sisters, friends, and a church community who will miss her but rejoice in the knowledge that she is now home with her Savior.
One of Ida’s favorite passages of Scripture was John 14:3. I go and prepare a place for you, and I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. Ida’s family rejoices in a Savior that would lay down his life and that Ida will be with him forever.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Betty Margaret McLure Cox, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. She was 79 years old.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Prospect Baptist Church in Clayton, Alabama with Rev. Bob Cox and Rev. Hollis Ritter officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted.
Betty was born on May 8, 1945, in Clayton, Alabama to the late Quincy Paterson “QP” and Katie Maragret Hartzog McLure. She worked as a teacher’s aide for the Barbour County Board of Education for many years. Betty enjoyed talking on the phone, spending time with family and friends, crossword puzzles, singing, attending church, and watching Hallmark movies. She was a member of Union Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Bobby Cox; son, Ben Cox; brother, Julian McLure; sister-in-law, Yvonne Wood.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, Bob Cox (Emily); grandchildren, Shellie Cox and Molly Cox; two brothers-in-law, Luther Dean Cox (Mirlyn) and Jimmy Wood; two sisters-in-law, Faye McLure and Linda Adams (Toby).
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Shane McLure, Kenny McLure, Marcus Cox, Dustin Wood, Jared Luke Adams, and Josh Adams.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Ms. Gloria Ann (Owens) King, age 66, a resident of Dothan passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Terrace at Grove Park following an extended illness.
A private family graveside will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 at Cedar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Billy Rich officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the home of the daughter, Kristen Lucas 103 Cotton Ridge Lane Dothan, AL 36301.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cure CADASIL.ORG.
Ms. King was born in Pensacola, Florida on August 23, 1958 to Mr. Eugene Owens and Mrs. Betty Louise Smith Owens. She spent her early years in Pensacola and later moved to Ashford. She graduated from Ashford High School in 1976. Ms. King retired as a finance clerk at Ford Motor Credit after thirty years of service. Later worked as a real estate agent with James Grant, then a bookkeeper at Rehobeth Elementary before becoming disabled.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve King; brothers, Buddy Owens, Roger Owens; sister, Brenda Hobbs.
Survivors include her son; Adam King (Alana), Wicksburg; daughter, Kristen Lucas (Brannon), Dothan; sisters, Francis Peacock (Rex), Dothan; Peggy Gilley, Dothan; grandchildren, Kingsley Lucas, Karas Lucas, Addie King, Kate King; several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Terrace at Grove Park for their love and care.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Betty Margaret McLure Cox, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. She was 79 years old.
Ms. Gloria Ann (Owens) King, age 66, a resident of Dothan passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Terrace at Grove Park following an extended illness.