Charles Hugh Swicord, Sr., 90, a life-long resident of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his residence following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Southside Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:15 p.m., prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to, Southside Baptist Church, 423 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL 36301.
Charles was born on April 14, 1935, to Hugh McCord & Frances Burdeshaw Swicord. He was a 1953 graduate of Dothan High School. In 1958, he purchased Burdeshaw Bicycle Shop, which he owned and operated until his retirement. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Lou Watkins Swicord; and his sister, Barbara Ann Swicord Coe.
He is survived by his son, Charles Hugh Swicord, Jr. (Freida); his daughter, Elizabeth Dianne Swicord Laseter (Kerry); his grandchildren, Laura Beth Swicord, Charles Hugh Swicord III, Davis Robert Swicord, Benjamin Joseph Swicord, Garret Ryan Wilkins (Rochelle), and Jon Alan Wilkins (Amy); his great-grandchildren, Bailee Elizabeth Wilkins White (Grayson), Kelsey Ryan Wilkins, Gregory Tate Wilkins, Jack Alan Wilkins, and Lucy Elizabeth Wilkins; and his niece, Carla Frances Coe Brown.
Serving as pallbearers, Charles Swicord III, Davis Swicord, Ben Swicord, Garret Wilkins, Jon Wilkins, Tate Wilkins, and Terry Bruce.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
ARITON…James Colton Blake Cumbie, a resident of Ariton, passed away, Saturday, July 19, 2025. He was 29.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend David May officiating. Burial will follow in Leatherwood Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the church.
Blake was a native of Ariton, Alabama and graduated from Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy in 2014, where he made lasting friendships and memories that stuck with him through the years. After high school, Blake found his calling in welding, working in construction with a strong work ethic and a quiet sense of pride in what he built with his hands.
Blake had a big heart and an even bigger love for the Georgia Bulldogs. Football season was sacred—he never missed a game if he could help it, and he cheered on his team with the kind of passion that made Saturdays feel like holidays. Whether it was tailgating with friends, watching from home, or talking stats and plays, Blake was all in when it came to his Bulldogs.
When he wasn’t working or watching football, Blake found peace in the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish—those quiet moments in the woods or by the water were where he felt most at ease. It wasn’t just about the sport; it was about being in nature, soaking in the stillness, and spending time with the people he cared about.
To his niece and nephews—Ella, Parker, and Pate—Blake was affectionately known as “Bubba.” And he wore that name like a badge of honor. He adored those kids and lit up whenever they were around. Whether he was teasing them, teaching them something new, or just being the fun uncle, Blake had a special bond with each of them. They brought out the softest parts of him, and he gave them memories they’ll carry forever.
Blake was a former member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ozark, where he learned the values of faith, family, and community. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life, reflected in the way he treated others—with kindness, respect, and a quiet generosity.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Marie Searcy Cumbie, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms.
Blake’s life was a beautiful mix of simple joys, strong character, and deep love for the people around him. He may have been quiet at times, but his presence spoke volumes. He will be remembered not just for the things he did, but for the way he made others feel—valued, loved, and truly seen.
Blake leaves behind a family who loves him dearly, including his parents, mother, Tina Beasley (Drew), father, Chris Cumbie (Erica); sister, Chelsi Niday (Chris); brother, Gage Cumbie (Graci); niece and nephews, Ella Morgan Babb, Parker Niday, and Pate Niday; aunt, Andrea Baxter; uncles, Danny Cumbie, Jason Leatherwood, and Brad McLaughlin; grandparents, Colon Leatherwood (Becky) and Jerry Knighton (Jasper); several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Chris Cumbie, Danny Cumbie, Gage Cumbie, Chris Niday, Jason Leatherwood, and Kaden Baxter.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Cuba P. Horsley Wallce-Hill, age 72 of Ozark, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Cuba was born in Maysville, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late James and Anne Horsley from Garrison Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Valery Clawson Smith, brothers, Charles Sartin, Jimbob Sartin, and Henry Horsley, and her sister Mary Brough.
Cuba enjoyed sitting on the front porch of her home talking with her sister Alice and visiting with her kids and grandkids when they came to visit.
Surviving relatives include her son, Charles (Chuck) Clawson; her brother Jamie Horsley, sisters, Alice A Winterrowd and Delores Gibson; five wonderful grandchildren, Donovan Clawson, Dillion Smith, Jay Jay Smith, Kambe, and Michael Seidle; three great-grandchildren, Brielle Clawson, Jax Clawson, and Evalyn Clawson; several nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Eva Merle Parrish Harrell, affectionately known as Eva Merle, who passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Taylor, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 10, 1933, in Houston County, Alabama, Eva Merle’s journey through life was marked by her loving nature and gentle spirit, which touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Eva Merle was a beacon of joy and warmth in her community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Mallie Mallory Parrish; her beloved husband, John Harrell; her cherished daughter, Deborah Harrell McLendon; and her siblings, Lomax Parrish, James Parrish, Sarah Nell Carbonelli, Billie Parrish, Gerald Parrish, and Jeanette Johnson. Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by those she leaves behind, including her grandson, Adam McLendon (Jeanette); her granddaughter, Stephanie Turvin (Shane); her sister, Diane Baxley (Tommy); her son-in-law, Mike McLendon (Carol); her great-grandchildren, Hannah Brunson (Ryan), Shellie Yeoman (Dustin), Daniel McGraw, Colby Turvin (Heather), and Courtney Dowd (Johnny); and her great-great-grandchildren, Miles, Lucas, Axel, Kairi, Lawson, Birdie, Gillie, and Johnny Dowd, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
Eva Merle’s life was one of dedication and passion. She was a manager at Hallmark, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to make every customer feel special. Her interests were as vibrant and varied as her personality. She had a love for shopping, finding joy in the hunt for the perfect gift or the next addition to her beloved nutcracker collection. Scrapbooking was another of her passions, allowing her to preserve precious family memories with creativity and care.
A master at growing flowers and plants, Eva Merle’s garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing touch. Her dog, Allie, was a constant companion and source of unconditional love. Family was the cornerstone of Eva Merle’s life, and she cherished the time spent with them, especially during Sunday dinners, which she hosted with love and enthusiasm. Despite being an Alabama fan in a family of Auburn supporters, her gentle ribbing and playful banter during football season will be fondly remembered.
Eva Merle’s love for Christmas was evident in her extensive nutcracker collection and the joy she took in decorating her home for the holidays. Her spirit of giving and celebration made every Christmas time a magical experience for her family and friends.
A graveside service to honor the life of Eva Merle Parrish Harrell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Reverend Travis Free, who will share words of comfort and remembrance for all those whose lives were enriched by Eva Merle’s presence.
ARITON…Mrs. Carolyn Shadrack Batchelor, a resident of Ariton, died early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, at her home. She was 82.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Ariton Cemetery with Pastor Randy Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Batchelor, born to the late Louis Shadrack and Iris Lavelle Spencer, was a proud native of Louisiana, where her roots ran deep and her heart was shaped by the warmth of Southern life. Over the years, she made her way through different chapters of her journey, living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Terrell, Texas, before settling in the quiet town of Ariton, Alabama in 2012—a place that quickly became her sanctuary.
She lived a life full of grit, grace, and determination. In her earlier years, she worked hard managing apartment complexes, always making sure folks had a safe and welcoming place to call home. Later, she took to the open road as an over-the-road truck driver, a job that suited her independent spirit and gave her a chance to see the country from behind the wheel. She was never afraid of hard work and always carried herself with strength and dignity.
But it was in Ariton where she found peace. She loved nothing more than sitting on her front porch, soaking in the stillness of the countryside, watching the world go by at its own gentle pace. That porch became her favorite spot—a place for quiet reflection, laughter with neighbors, and long talks with family.
Mrs. Batchelor had a deep love for animals, and they loved her right back. Her dog Lula was her loyal companion, always by her side. Her cat Katie brought her comfort and calm. Vera Bell, her donkey, and Candy, her miniature donkey, added joy and a touch of whimsy to her days. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she cared for them like family.
She was a woman of faith and found community and comfort in attending the former Ariton United Methodist Church. Her belief in kindness, compassion, and the goodness of people was evident in the way she lived and loved.
Mrs. Batchelor was preceded in death by her son, Michael Batchelor, her beloved siblings—Sara Spencer, Claudine Shadrack, and Otis Shadrack—whose memories she carried with her always. Though she faced loss, she never lost her warmth, her humor, or her ability to make others feel at home.
Her life was a beautiful blend of strength and softness, of hard work and quiet joy. She will be remembered not just for the things she did, but for the way she made people feel—loved, welcomed, and at peace.
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty years, Jeff Batchelor, Ariton; children, Brad Westberry (Holly), Garland, Texas, Carla Sammons (Jimmy), Dothan, Robbie Batchelor (Ami), Savannah, Georgia, Malissa Simpson (Howard), Oceanside, California, and Anthony Batchelor, Lutz, Florida; two sisters, Vera Fowler (Jiffy), Farmerville, Louisiana, and Donna Weadock (Donald), Vidalia, Louisiana; brother, Felton Dupree (Barbara), Louisiana; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Bradley Peavy, Bryson Peavy, Jeremy Talbott, Brady Westberry, Chase Batchelor, and Micah Westberry.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
