COLUMBIA… Bobby Ray McCraney, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, passed away Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 88.
Memorial services will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 01, 2025, at Center Baptist Church in Webb, Alabama, with Pastor John Holley officiating. His son, Brian McCraney will give a eulogy. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. McCraney was born in Ashford, Alabama to the late JC McCraney and Lucille Hicks McCraney. He was a 1954 graduate of Houston County High School. After high school he served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years. He lived in Antioch, California before retiring back to Columbia, Alabama sixteen years ago. While in California, he owned and operated his drywall construction business. Mr. McCraney was a member of the Center Baptist Church in Webb, Alabama.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Ida Mae Smith McCraney; his daughters, Jennifer Littlejohn (Starr) and Jessica Fipps (Eric); his sons, Jerry McCraney, John McCraney (Pauline), Brian McCraney (Jennie); his brother Benny McCraney; his twelve grandchildren; his seventeen great-grandchildren; and his several nieces and nephews.
Martha S. Keen, a resident of Dothan, AL passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. She was 95. Martha’s life was a testament to the power of love, service, and devotion.
Graveside services will be held at Memory Hill Cemetery on June 25, 2025, at 11 AM with Brother Mike Grimes officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grandview Baptist Church.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Ruby White Skipper. Two sisters, Glenda and Dorothy; daughter, Rebecca McKay; her cherished grandson, Russell McKay; and her best friend, Pearl Richardson.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be forever treasured by her granddaughter, Marci Ramos (Jorge), her great-granddaughter, Kaylee Ramos, son-in law, Bill McKay, her cousins, Jackie Holloway and Gloria Whitestone, as well as her close family friends, Donald Parmer, Willie Earl Paramore, and Karen Wessner, all of whom were touched by her gentle spirit and unwavering friendship.
Martha’s life was marked by her tireless commitment to volunteerism. She dedicated countless hours to Thee Store of the Columbia Baptist Association, where her efforts supported the community and spread goodwill. As a devoted member of Grandview Baptist Church, she found strength and solace in her beliefs and the fellowship of her church family.
Martha enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, and spending time with those she loved. She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Prince, who was her constant companion for many years.
Those who knew Martha would describe her as the epitome of kindness. She approached every person and situation with a heart full of grace and understanding. Her faith-filled life was an inspiration to all, as she lived by example, showing what it means to walk in love and faithfulness.
DOTHAN. . .David Allen Carroll, a resident of Dothan, died early Wednesday afternoon, June 4, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility. He was 90.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, near Columbia, with Reverend Hosea Parker officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements,
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Cemetery Fund, 3894 Ebenezer Road, Columbia, AL 36319 or First United Methodist Church “Respite Care” in memory of David Carroll, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
David Carroll was born and reared in the Ebenezer Community of Houston County. He was a graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. David served his country in the U. S. Air Force from 1955 until 1958. He was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher until his wife’s health failed. David retired from Pemco World Air Services at Napier Field as a Lead Electrician. He had quite a reputation for solving complex problems regarding avionics in the aviation industry. After retirement, he and KeNette travelled extensively to hear their favorite gospel music groups with friends and church family. They enjoyed trips to the beach and mountains and doted on their grandsons. He was strong in his faith and was a strong family man who was loved deeply by his family and will be missed immensely. David was preceded in death by his wife, KeNette Folkes Carroll, his father, D. S. Carroll, Jr., his mother, Adell Nall Carroll Morris, step-father, Jack Morris, and a special uncle, Don Nall, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty and Cartha Moore, Della and Ted Knighton, Tommy and Nelle Murphy.
Surviving relatives include his son, Brian David Carroll, Columbia; grandchildren, Tyler Carroll (Taylor) and Brice Carroll; great-grandchildren, Katie Rae Carroll and Preston Carroll; a sister, Jackie Poss (Glen), Dothan; a brother-in-law, Wayne Folkes (Cindy); numerous nieces and nephews and cousins from the Nall and Culbreth families
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.
Richard Eugene Brown, a man of honor, love, and adventure, passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on February 9, 1951, in Georgia, Richard was a beacon of light and strength to all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife, Cheryl, his devoted sons, Richard Allen Brown and Jason Ellis Brown, his cherished grandchildren, Avery Cheyenne Brown, Jessa Lynn Brown, and Wyatt Earl Brown, and his loving sister, Cindy Joyner.
Richard, known affectionately by his family and friends as a selfless and loving individual, dedicated his life to the service of his country and community. A proud Vietnam Veteran, he served his nation with valor and commitment as a member of the US Marine Corps. After his military service, Richard continued his life of service as a Police Officer in Forrest Park, Georgia, where he protected and served with distinction.
Later, Richard embarked on a long and successful career with Georgia Power, where he worked diligently as a senior analyst for over 34 years. His colleagues remember him not only for his meticulous work but also for his ability to bring warmth and camaraderie to the workplace. Richard retired in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication that inspired all who worked alongside him.
Despite his professional accomplishments, it was Richard’s unwavering love for his family that truly defined him. He was a pillar of strength, offering support and guidance to his wife and sons. As a grandfather, he was gentle and playful, his eyes always sparkling with joy in the presence of his grandchildren.
Richard’s passion for life was evident in his love for the beach. The ocean was his refuge, a place where he found peace and solace. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the beauty of the coast, creating lasting memories with his family and friends along the sandy shores.
The words that best describe Richard—selfless, loving, adventurous—paint a picture of a man who lived life to the fullest, always placing the needs of others before his own. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, a testament to a life well-lived.
In his final months, Richard made his home in Dothan, having moved from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, last November. He carried the essence of the beach with him, a serene and joyful part of his soul that he shared generously with everyone he met.
As we bid farewell to Richard Eugene Brown, we celebrate a life that exemplified courage, love, and a spirit of adventure. His memory will be treasured, his stories retold, and his life lessons passed down through generations. Richard’s journey through life was a remarkable one, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us all.
Mr. David Alan Bolich, beloved husband, father, brother, and teacher passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with his wife and son by his side. He was 72.
A Memorial Service for Mr. Bolich will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 13, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday, June 13, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
David was born in Stuttgart, Germany to the late Warren and June Bolich. He was proud to be a graduate of Auburn University and receive his Masters Degree from Troy State University. David dedicated his life to education and music, serving as an award-winning high school band director for over thirty years.
Through his passion, discipline, and deep commitment to his students, he shaped the lives of thousands of young musicians, leaving a legacy that will echo for generations. Known for his uncompromising standards and a passion for mentoring young directors, David built a wide network of fellow band directors across the state — colleagues who deeply respected him and whom he, in turn, greatly admired. It cannot be overstated how much every student and colleague meant to him. In retirement he found himself volunteering his time assisting in band rooms across the southeast and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert Wells.
David is survived by his devoted wife, Tami Clapham Bolich of Ozark; his son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Dariana Bolich of Birmingham; and his sisters, Claudia Wells of Smyrna, Georgia and Jan and Rodney Senn of Dothan. His loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, former students, and the music education community he helped to grow and inspire.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that support and/or donations be made to the Carroll High School Band Program.
Joyce Bedsole Blakey passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on November 1, 1949, in Houston County, Alabama, Joyce lived a life marked by love and kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Tim Bedsolde officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday, one hour prior to the service.
Joyce was a proud graduate of Slocomb High School, class of 1968, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She was a lifelong member of Malvern Baptist Church.
As a loving wife and mother, Joyce’s passion for her family was unparalleled. She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Blakey, and her beloved son, Chris Reeves. Joyce’s memory will also be treasured by her sisters, Evelyn Glover (Hubert), Lorena Leger, Jean Lewis (James), and Dora Chappell (Larry), as well as her sisters-in-law, Linda Bedsole and Dorothy Sue Pope Bedsole. Her numerous nieces and nephews, to whom she was a cherished aunt, will miss her guiding presence and her ability to make each one feel uniquely special.
Joyce’s life was one of engagement and joy. Her hobbies included working in her yard, where she found peace and satisfaction in the beauty of nature. She had an eye for decorating, creating warm and inviting spaces that reflected her personality. Joyce’s love for people was evident in her ability to connect with others; she never met a stranger, and her presence would invariably light up a room. Her kindness and loving nature were the hallmarks of her character, and these traits were best exemplified in her interactions with friends, family, and even casual acquaintances.
Preceding her in death were her parents, J.T and Allie Mae Dorriety Bedsole, her sister, Rebecca King, and her brothers, Keneith and James Bedsole.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
