ABBEVILLE… Roy Lee Daniels, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at a Dothan Hospital. He was 77.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend James Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the First Baptist Missionary Church in Shorterville, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Daniels was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Mitchell Daniels, Sr. and Mary Alice Daniel Daniels. In his earlier years he lived in Abbeville, Alabama, but moved to New York, New York in 1969, and lived there until moving back to Abbeville, Alabama in 2005. While in New York, he worked with UCP as a bus driver for the disabled. He was a member of the First Baptist Missionary Church in Shorterville, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Oza Dell Daniels; his sisters, Willie Reece, Johnnie Mag Lewis and Eva Mae Daniels; and his brothers Johnny Daniels, Frank Daniels, Horace Daniels, and Bennie Daniels.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his children, Michael Daniels, Johnny Daniels, Victoria Daniels, Valerie Daniels, Crystal Daniels, Roy Daniels, Jr., Monique Daniels, Alicia Daniels, Deidre Daniels, Sharon Daniels, and Faith Daniels; his sister, Betty Daniels; his brother, Mitchell Daniels, Jr. (Lynn); his several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley Hays Guess, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on July 17, 2025, in Cottonwood, Alabama, after an extended illness. Born on December 1, 1950, in Troy, Alabama, Shirley’s early years set the foundation for a life characterized by hard work, boundless generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Shirley’s journey through life was marked by her dedication to her family and her career in the textile industry. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she took great pride in her ability to provide for her loved ones while building a community of friends and colleagues across Alabama. Despite the demands of her career, Shirley never missed an opportunity to be there for those she cared about, embodying the very essence of a people person.
Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her existence. Shirley was the cherished mother of Benji Grier and his wife Sabrina, and Brenda Towler and her husband David. She was a doting grandmother to Amanda Harper, Jay Grier, Carolina Walker, Kaytlyn Grier, and Timothy Tatum, and her joy multiplied with the arrival of each of her eleven great-grandchildren. She was the rock of her family, a constant source of strength and comfort, leaving a legacy of love that will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
Shirley’s life was shaped by the joy she found in the simple acts of giving and caring for others. Her selfless nature was evident in everything she did, from the meals she prepared with love to the time she devoted to listening and offering words of encouragement. Her generosity extended beyond her family; Shirley was always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear to friends and strangers alike.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce Guess, her son, Barry “Cowboy” Grier, and her parents, Morris and Lillie Mae Jordan Hays. Shirley’s memory will be carried forward by the countless lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.
Shirley’s character could be summed up in three words: loving, selfless, and generous. Her spirit of giving knew no bounds, and she left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. The absence of her presence will be felt deeply, but her impact will continue to inspire those she has left behind.
As we bid farewell to Shirley, we celebrate the extraordinary life she led and the immeasurable love she shared. Her legacy of caring and generosity will continue to resonate through the generations, and her memory will be treasured always. Shirley Hays Guess was more than just a name; she was a blessing to all, and her story will be recounted with admiration and love for years to come.
Coy “Gordon” Walker, of Dothan, Alabama went to his heavenly home in the early morning hours on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was blessed with 89 years on this Earthly home to spend with friends and family.
Gordon and his wife, Glenda Cook Walker, shared 67 years of marriage. Together they built a life for themselves and their three daughters: Sheila Barfield (Rickey / predeceased), Denise Beatty (Brad), and Pam Hall (Tim), who will always treasure his memory and carry on the faith and generosity their daddy showed.
As time passed and his family grew, he took on a new and cherished role as “PaPa” and boy, did he love his grandchildren and great-grands! They loved playing with PaPa and he could make the best silly faces they had ever seen. Joy is the only word to describe the times they spent with him. He had six grandchildren including: Tiffany Tomaino (Anthony), Tammy McCall (David), Daniel Smothers (Kelsey), David Barfield (Janet), Tabitha Wallace (Brian), Tina Thomley (Colby) along with 15 great-grandchildren. What a blessing of God!
Gordon joined the military at a young age and became an awesome sailor in the U. S. Navy. Throughout his career he showed dedication, hard work, patriotism, and love for our great country so much so that he was honored as “Sailor of the Year”. He retired while serving on the USS Lexington in Pensacola in 1974. The decision to retire came as a bittersweet moment for him, as he cherished and was proud to serve this great nation. Upon retiring, he and his family returned to Dothan, Alabama and he began a new adventure. Gordon and Glenda soon opened Walker’s Barber Shop. The business grew quickly and became more than a job for him as he made friends, gave advice, and helped those who needed a hand up. Each customer was always greeted with his infectious smile and the children with bubble gum; even the children getting off the school bus in the afternoon came in for their daily bubble gum “fix”.
Gordon was definitely a “handy man” and could fix just about anything. He loved fishing, classic cars, and working in the yards. His favorite thing to do was to tell others about his Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was faithful to him throughout his life and he wanted others to know and experience his faithful Father and Friend. He was generous in praying with others, giving his testimony and helping others when they were in need. If he were here today, he would tell you, the reader, that Jesus loves you. He would continue by saying, “I love you, too.” So, today, know that no matter what you are facing, God loves you and he can be your Father and your Friend too.
While the family cherishes their friends and family, they have chosen to celebrate the homegoing of their husband, father, and PaPa privately and no services will be held. No need to be sad because Gordon is at peace and is in the most beautiful place, with Jesus. May we keep our lamps lit and be ready to join him when the time comes.
Donations to honor Gordon’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ May we never forget those who serve our country.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mary Helen Grant Gearhart, a former resident of Ozark, passed away Monday, July 7, 2025. She was 93 years old. The family will receive friends at the Holman Funeral Home in Ozark Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Private interment will be in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Mrs. Gearhart was born September 12, 1931 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Lee Roy Grant and Prillie Hines Grant. She graduated from high school in Ozark and began work with Civil Service at Fort Rucker. Later she continued her work with Civil Service and retired as a Contractor with the Department of Defense. Helen met and married Donald Eugene Gearhart while he was serving in the United States Army stationed at Fort Rucker. They made their home in California where they lived until his death. She then lived with her son and later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to be with her daughter. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Pamela Gearhart Cooper; her sister, Martha Levelle Grant Bryant; and one niece, Susan Bryant. Survivors include one daughter, Valerie J. Andersen of Las Vegas, Nevada; and one son, Wesley Gearhart of Fernley, Nevada; ten grandchildren, James McGill, Joshua Duhon (Lua), Caitlyn Cooper, Jennah Cooper, Nicole Andersen, Samantha Gearhart, Kristen Logan (Kolby), Jason Andersen, Stephen Andersen (Brynley) and Christopher Andersen (Julia). Nine great grandchildren and seven nieces also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Patrick Clayton Holt of Samson, AL passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was 57 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Patrick was known by many as a master mechanic. He had a lifelong passion for anything with an engine — NASCAR, motorcycles, and the simple satisfaction of making things run again. His greatest love was for his family, and being a Dad and Paw Paw was his greatest joy. Every mile he worked, every long day he put in, was for them. He gave his life to serving others — not with big words, but with steady presence, loyalty, and a mechanic’s kind of love: practical, patient, and always there when it mattered most.
Patrick is survived by two daughters, Jamee Hitt (Garrett) and Toni Meeks (Colby); three grandchildren, Sutton Hitt, Bennett Meeks and Bowen Meeks; mother, Alice Christina Hedrick; three siblings, Tanya Ashmore, Richard Robert, and Violet Everett; his former spouse and mother of his children, Ellen Augusiak; and many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
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
OZARK…Joshua David-Ray Lawson, a resident of Ozark, gained his wings late Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. He was 16.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Joshua was born and raised in the close-knit town of Ozark, Alabama, where he made deep and lasting connections throughout his life. He attended Ozark City Schools and proudly wore the jersey of the Carroll High School Eagles Basketball Team. Whether it was practice or game day, Joshua gave it his all on the court—never afraid to dive for the ball or cheer on a teammate. His love for basketball wasn’t just about scoring points—it was about friendship, teamwork, and feeling like part of something bigger.
Joshua had a special way of connecting with people. He had one of those smiles that could light up a whole room—it was genuine, warm, and came from a heart full of love. Everyone who met Joshua could feel his kindness. He was the kind of young man who would wave at neighbors from across the street, share his favorite songs, or stop to ask how someone’s day was going just to make them feel seen.
Music was one of Joshua’s great loves. Whether he was tapping his foot to the beat or singing along with his favorite tunes, music made him feel alive. He dreamed of being a DJ someday, spinning tracks that would get people dancing and smiling just like he always did. He also had a real gift when it came to cars, especially modified ones. He could spot a cool ride from a mile away and was always curious about how they worked. Becoming an automobile mechanic was one of his biggest dreams, and he talked about it often, imagining a future where he’d fix up cars and make them shine.
And if you asked him about the NBA? His eyes would light up. Joshua loved the game so much that he dreamed of one day playing on the big stage—not just for fame, but because he believed in chasing your passion, no matter what.
More than anything, Joshua loved people. He had a way of making others feel important just by being himself. Whether it was friends at school, teammates, teachers, or someone he met just once, Joshua left an impression that never faded.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wanda Jean Green, Andrew Elton Green Green, and Sherry Allen; great-grandparents, Karen Davis, Jeanette Graham, and Charles Graham; his puppy dog, Chopalop.
Surviving relatives include his parents, Courtney Nichole Kunes (Jason Finley) and Marshall Dean Lawson (Courtney); three sisters, Savanna Nichole Lawson, EzraLee M. Lawson, and Kylie Gean Hand; grandparents, Tammy Lynn Collins, Jeff Collins, Charles Ray Kuns, Jr., and Jerri Elizabeth Kuns; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be members of the Carroll High School Basketball Team.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
