ARITON…Karen McWhorter Laney, a resident of Ariton, died late Monday morning, May 5, 2025, at the home of her son, Daniel, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 59.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Reformation Church, Ozark with Chaplain Adam Mulliner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Laney, daughter of the late Luther McWhorter and Hazel Thunderburk McWhorter, was a native of Clio and lived in various locations before moving to Ariton twenty years ago. She was a devoted employee of Southern Classic Food Group in Brundidge for sixteen years. Mrs. Laney was a loving mother, “Granny”, and friend whose love and kindness touched all who knew her. She was a devoted University of Alabama Football Fan and will be remembered for having the best sense of humor. Mrs. Laney was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Laney.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Tabitha McWhorter, Ozark; son, Daniel McWhorter (Chelsea), Ozark; four loving and beautiful granddaughters, Destiny Pruitt, Audrie McWhorter, Allison McWhorter, and Nora McWhorter; many extended children and grandchildren that she claimed as her very own.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Daniel “Dan” Kennedy, Sr., a man of courage, generosity, and unwavering faith, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on May 10, 1953, in Corning, New York, Dan’s life journey led him to his final days in Enterprise, Alabama, where he was surrounded by the love of his family. His legacy is one of service, both to his country and his community, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Dan’s formative years in Corning laid the foundation for a life of dedication and purpose. After completing his education, he answered the call to serve, embarking on a distinguished 20-year career in the US Army. His time in the military saw him in the skies above Somalia and during Desert Storm, where he skillfully piloted Hueys and Blackhawks, eventually retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) from Ft. Rucker. Dan’s commitment to his country was a testament to his character, and his bravery was an inspiration to many.
Following his retirement, Dan’s path took a spiritual turn as he became a Minister and Pastor, shepherding the flock at Pentecostal Outreach Church in Enterprise with Pastor Tony Roberts and under Senior Pastor George Abbott, his best friend. His gentle guidance and unwavering belief touched the lives of countless individuals, providing solace and strength to those in need. Dan’s everyday demeanor was that of an ordinary and simple man, yet his actions spoke volumes of his extraordinary spirit and benevolence.
Dan’s greatest pride and joy were his family. He leaves behind a loving wife of 53 years, Lillian Kennedy, who was his partner in all things and his steadfast support. His children, Daniel (Judy) Kennedy, Michael (Wendy) Kennedy, and Rebecca Kennedy, will carry forward his legacy of kindness and integrity. Dan’s seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild will grow up with stories of their grandfather’s courage and love, ensuring his memory will live on. His sister, Chris Stanton, along with several nieces and nephews, will remember Dan for his generous heart and the wisdom he imparted.
Dan’s life was one of selfless service, and this extended beyond his family and church. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, embodying the very essence of a community pillar. His passing leaves a void in the lives of many, but his spirit of giving and faith-filled life serves as a beacon of light for all to follow.
A celebration of life for Dan will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Military honors will be rendered at the Sunset Memorial Park Helicopter Pavilion. Pastor Tony Roberts will officiate the service, honoring a life well-lived and a man greatly admired. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and share memories of Dan from 10-11 am before the service begins.
Daniel Kennedy, Sr.’s journey on earth may have concluded, but his impact is everlasting. As we say goodbye, we find solace in knowing that his legacy of courage, generosity, and faith remains with us. Dan’s life story is not one of an end but a continuation through the many lives he touched. He has set the bar high for all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever.
Martin Lee Ackley, has taken his final bow on May 4, 2025. Born on March 21, 1970, in the charming town of Ozark, AL, Martin’s journey through life was as vibrant and spirited as the man himself. He was the life of the party, a title he held from his youth until his passing in Dothan, AL.
Martin’s legacy is carried on by a loving family who matched his larger-than-life personality. His son, Dalton Ackley and daughter in law, Jersey, who inherited many of his dad’s traits; his daughter, Kira Ackley, who got his knack for turning every day into a celebration; his adorable grandkids, Cassidy and Nova, who knew him as the legendary “Paw Paw”; the mother of his children, Jennifer; his loyal brother, Iril Brown; his sisters, Barbara Faulk and Margaret Adkinson, who could always count on him for a good laugh; his fur baby, Jack, who was his steadfast sidekick.
He attended Carrol High School and went on to construct a life filled with joy, hard work, and the occasional shenanigan. He was a man who built more than just buildings in his construction career; he built a community of friends and a family that was as sturdy as the structures he worked on.
To say Martin was the life of the party is an understatement. He was the party. A simple man who found happiness in the everyday, Martin was known for his ability to turn a regular Tuesday into an event to remember. He provided for his family not just with the necessities, but with laughter, boundless energy, and the kind of stories that become family legend.
Martin was preceded in death by those who surely welcomed him with open arms: his mother, Betty Lou Smith; his infant twin, Martha Ackley; his sister, Crystal Sells; and his brother, Alan Brown; and his lifelong partner in crime, Brian Myers, who had been causing ruckus with Martin since they were both five years old. One can only imagine the heavenly reunion filled with laughter and joy as Martin joined them.
Martin was a man who lived by his own rules, went out on his own terms, and never missed an opportunity to be outside, soaking up the sun or searching for arrowheads. He was also known for being a diehard Alabama fan. He was the guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, and then probably make a joke about how it looked better on you anyway. With him, there was never a dull moment, whether he was fishing, sharing his latest find, or just being his spirited self.
He will surely be missed but most importantly, he will always be celebrated.
Elizabeth Ann Holland McDonald of Geneva, AL passed away Monday, May 05, 2025. She was 83.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 09, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Nathan Castaneda officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends Thursday night at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund in her memory.
Ann was born April 26, 1942 in Geneva Co., AL to the late Curtis Clayton and Mary Louise Morris Holland. She was a faithful member of West Pittman Baptist Church. Prior to her retirement, she worked in the textile industry as an inspector with Phillips-Van Heusen for 40 years. She later worked for Wiregrass Medical Center and Nursing Home in housekeeping for almost 20 years. She enjoyed taking road trips with family and her church family. She will forever be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her ability to make something good from every situation. Ann was always full of joy, laughter and devotion to her family and her community. She was always ready to step to the front of the line if work was to be done to benefit a fellowman. She was deeply loved and cherished and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Alton Luveral McDonald; one sister, Jean Ellen Spivey and one brother, Curtis Ray Holland.
Ann is survived by one brother, Rex Holland (Loretta) of Geneva, AL; very special niece; Rachel Sullivan (Brien) and their children, Jake and Parker Sullivan; nephews, Jonathan Messer, Mickey Messer (Andrea), all of Geneva, AL and Doug Spivey of Phenix City, AL; very special uncle and aunt, Charles Morris (Jean) of Geneva, AL; a number of special cousins, extended family, friends and church family.
The family would like to say a special “thank you” to Wiregrass Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice for their devoted love and care for Ann.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Edwin Mack Sheehan of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at the age of 97¾.
Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9AM at Memory Hill Cemetery. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 10:00 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Caleb Galloway and Reverend Jay Joye officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the service.
Mack had a special place in his heart for his church and especially for those who prepared, served, and delivered the meals each week. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to “The Feeding Faith Ministry” at First Presbyterian Church, 3012 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama, 36305 or to the Student Learning Services program at Providence Christian School 4847 Murphy Mill Road, Dothan, AL 36303. This program provides resources to students with learning or developmental disabilities.
Born on September 20, 1927, he was the son of Austin DeWitt and Maude Ziglar Sheehan. As a young 12 year old, Mack looked forward to working at his dad’s business, Motor Bearings & Supply Company, in downtown Dothan. He was a 1946 graduate of Dothan High School and attended the University of Alabama. After this, he served his country in the United States Army as a Radio Inspection Specialist. Later, he worked at GMAC in Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan for 34 years. He served as a deacon, elder, Sunday School Superintendent, and as Property Manager at First Presbyterian. Until his death, he was the oldest active male at his church.
Mr. Sheehan spent his life as an encourager, a supporter, and a true southern gentleman. He loved the simple things in life and enjoyed long walks on the beach with his family, guiding them with his words backed by his faith in God and his desire to impact the lives of others. He had the gift of gardening and enjoyed growing spectacular plants, especially camellias and orchids.
He is survived by his children; Jan (Brooks) Cavell, Mark (Kathy) Sheehan, and Clark (Janet) Sheehan; his grandchildren; Brandon (Jennifer) Cavell, Steven (Lauren) Dooling, Courtney (Chris) Sloop, Rebecca (Tim) Caine, and Luke (Anna) Sheehan; his great grandchildren; Kate, Claire, and Cooper Cavell, Mackenzie and Ellie Dooling, J.J. Quinn, Pearce and Charleigh Kate Sloop, Edwin “Teddy” Caine, and June Lee-Sheehan; his sister, Francis Sheehan Rice, and several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 64 years, Janelle Clark Sheehan, a sister, Marjorie Sheehan Berry,and one grandson, Jason Grady Dooling.
HALEBURG… Robert Clifford Scott of Haleburg, Alabama, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Westside Terrace Health & Rehabilitation, in Dothan, Alabama. He was 78.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Haleburg Baptist Church with Pastor Ray Cobb and Pastor Bill Bond officiating. Burial will follow in the Scott Family Cemetery in Haleburg, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Miami, Florida, Robert lived a vibrant life marked by hard work, family ties, and humor. For over 40 years, he owned successful land development companies, leaving a lasting mark on the landscapes and communities he served. Robert was a devoted husband to JoAnne Scott and a proud father to Tammy Wise and Robert Scott, II (Cliff). He welcomed a daughter-in-law, Kathy Scott with warmth and love. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Katiana Wise (and partner Edgar Lange), Robert Scott, III (C.J.), and Presley Scott—as well as his great-grandson, Henry Lange. He is fondly remembered by his sisters, Catherine Moss and Mary Granda, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Mavis Scott, and his brothers Angus, Thomas (Jacqueline), and Henry Scott.
Robert found immense joy in family gatherings, golf cart rides, and his many passions. He loved Italian food, especially crispy crust pizza, and enjoyed watching his koi fish swim peacefully. An avid fan of old Westerns starring John Wayne, he never missed a chance to root for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Auburn University, and the Miami Dolphins. Robert’s adventurous spirit extended to drag racing dreams, cheering on NASCAR drivers, and horse racing, particularly the Kentucky Derby. He cherished fishing trips to Flamingo and deer hunting in Alabama. Music brought him great joy; he loved listening to and singing along with Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard, and Elvis Presley. His sense of humor was legendary, and he was known for his hilarious gorilla impression. A generous soul who always lent a hand to those in need, Robert believed deeply in kindness. He was a member of Haleburg Baptist Church and also attended Haleburg Methodist Church.
He often claimed—with characteristic charm—that he invented cheese grits. Whether or not that’s true may remain a mystery, but what is certain is that Robert Clifford
Scott lived life fully—with heart, humor, generosity, and love.
