Jack Blackmon, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved brother, passed away on July 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71. Born on June 27, 1954, in Barbour County, Alabama, Jack’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his generous spirit.
Jack was the loving son of the late Rosie Mae Blackmon and Matthew Blackmon. He grew up surrounded by a large, warm family, including his nine siblings who predeceased him. Despite the loss of his great-grandson Xavier Carter, Jack’s legacy continues through his wife, Shelia Dianne Acree Blackmon, his daughters, Kametrice Ming, Leshia Rearden (married to Joseph), and Natasha Nared. His love and lessons live on through his grandchildren, Starious Carter, Rashaud Carter, Kobe Ming, Kamaryn Blackmon, Jaylen Miller, Laylee Miller, Keleen Blackmon, Nakeisha Nared and Keunta Nared, as well as his eight great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.
Jack completed his education at Dothan High School before proudly serving his country as a Navy veteran. He carried the discipline and respect he learned in the military throughout his life, especially in his career with GTE as a lineman. His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and reliable team member who brought not only his skills but also his humor to the job.
Jack’s brothers, Jimmy and Joe Blackmon, will miss his presence dearly, as will a host of nieces and nephews who looked up to him as an example of kindness and strength. Jack was a natural storyteller, and his comical tales will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. He was a man with a real big heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer support. His generosity extended beyond his family, touching the lives of many in his community.
A true family man, Jack’s greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. He was always eager to organize family gatherings, cherishing every moment he could spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His actions embodied the true spirit of a giver, and his desire to create lasting memories with his family will be a treasure held close by those who survive him.
Jack’s enduring kindness, strong work ethic, and jovial personality have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy will be carried on not just through the stories he leaves behind but also through the example he set as a loving and committed family man.
As we bid farewell to Jack Blackmon, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the unwavering commitment to the people he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 21, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Christerpher L. Jones, Sr. and Joseph Rearden officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mrs. Evelyn Brent Hinson, age 94, Johnson City, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City. She was a longtime native of Dothan, AL.
Mrs. Hinson was born on February 15, 1931, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late William Elliott & Mamie Dobbs Brent. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Hinson.
She was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Pam & Steve Alexander, Johnson City, Tennessee; son and daughter-in-law, William & Francesca Hinson, Titusville, Florida; grandchildren, Taylor Alexander (Sarah), Gray, Cara Tinch (J.R.), Johnson City, Brent Hinson (April) and Hilary Westerberg (Jerrick Odinson); great-grandchildren, Rowan Tinch, Hayden Tinch, Hunter Hinson, Caleb Hinson, Wendy Westerberg, Lucas Westerberg, and Liberty Westerberg.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, in Midland City, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at Sunset Funeral Home prior to the Graveside.
James Glenn Gibson Jr., affectionately known as “Hoot” by those who knew him best, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on December 16, 1934, in Varnville, South Carolina, Hoot’s vibrant spirit and zest for life began to shine early on. He moved to Savannah, Georgia at the tender age of six, where he grew up and formed lifelong friendships before eventually settling at Whitehall Residence in Dothan, Alabama.
Hoot was a cherished family man, deeply devoted to his beloved wife of 53 years, Karen Gibson, until her passing. His love and legacy are carried on by his daughter, Gigi Schuyler, and her husband Dr. Robert Schuyler; his treasured granddaughters, Dr. Amelia Quinn Schuyler of Brimingham, AL and Gillian Marie Schuyler of Paris, France; and his sister-in-law, Ola Faye Rumpf. He was predeceased by his adored grandson, Carter James Schuyler, whose memory remained close to his heart always.
An active member of the St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA, Hoot’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both times of joy and hardship. He brought his strong work ethic and leadership to Hercules Incorporated, where he served as a Plant Shift Supervisor, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues through years of dedicated service.
Hoot’s personality was as colorful as the stories he would regale to anyone within earshot. He never met a stranger, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life was truly remarkable. His laughter and tales often found an appreciative audience, especially when influenced by his fondness for Dewar’s Scotch, which he enjoyed in good spirits.
A man of many passions, Hoot was a world-class skeet shooter, earning accolades and admiration in the sport. He was also a proud Master Mason and Shriner, dedicated to service and fraternity. His enthusiasm for life was matched by his love for golf, he could be found several times a week on the green, swinging with the same precision and focus that he brought to all his pursuits.
Hoot’s passing marks the end of an era filled with love, laughter, and the kind of adventures that could only belong to a man of his unique character. His memory will be a beacon of joy for those who had the privilege of knowing him. James Glenn Gibson Jr.’s story does not end here, for his spirit will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who cherished him for many tomorrows.
We would be remiss without acknowledging Hoot’s friends and caregivers: David and Jim Dennis and the staff of Whitehall Residence, Charlie Prater and Beverly Pool, Dr. Bill Bancroft, Vitas Hospice, Wiregrass HomeCare and friends of Nativity Episcopal Church.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Jessie Jackson O’Neal, affectionately known as Jessie to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born on March 21, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama, Jessie’s life was one of devotion, service, and love, traits that illuminated the lives of all who knew her.
Jessie’s early life in Dothan was filled with the warmth of a close-knit family. She was born to the late John Will Jackson and Jessie Beatrice Jackson and was the sister to her late brothers, John O. Jackson (Melba), Billy J. Jackson, Herbert V. Jackson, Henry G. Jackson, and Charles D. Jackson, Sr. (Frances). Despite the loss of her beloved family members, Jessie’s spirit remained unshaken as she continued to spread love and kindness to everyone she encountered.
Jessie and her late husband, Dr. Harry L. O’Neal, Jr’s love story led them to embark on a journey of adoption of their 3 loving daughters, Sandra Cundith (Tim), Erin Belinda Bethea, and Diana Brown. Together they built a getaway at Compass Lake to make memories with family and friends. Jessie’s legacy is carried on by her grandchildren, Brantley (Michael) Wood, Hayden Bethea, Maggie Bethea, and Justin Walding; her great-grandchild, Bracken Walding; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Jackson and Jeri Jackson. She is also survived by Ann Walden Jackson, who was like a sister to her. She was preceded in death not only by her husband and parents but also by her daughter, Diana Brown, who passed away on November 15, 2021. Jessie’s memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.
After graduating from Dothan High School in 1954, Jessie embarked on a career as a Civil Service Worker at Ft. Rucker, where she played a vital role in the Flight Board. Her professional journey later transitioned to working alongside her late husband, Dr. Harry L. O’Neal, Jr., as the administrator at O’Neal Chiropractic Life Center. It was there that her meticulous nature and unwavering support were truly appreciated.
Jessie’s life was a testament to her faith. A devout Christian, she was a pillar of the First Presbyterian Church in Dothan, Alabama. She maintained a cherished circle of Church family, family, work family, and community.
She developed a love for flowers and gardening from her mother, which reflected the beauty and care she brought into the world. Jessie’s talents extended to the piano, which she played with grace and joy. Her home was a hub of love, where she relished spending time with her family and friends. Friends and neighbors often remarked on the warmth that seemed to emanate from her doorstep – a testament to Jessie’s generous spirit and unwavering kindness. Her laughter filled every gathering, and her keen sense of humor could brighten the grayest of days.
Described by those who knew her as faith-filled, loving, and selfless, Jessie’s impact on the world was profound. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from her dedication to her family to her involvement in her church and community. She was a woman who put the needs of others before her own, and her presence was a source of strength and comfort to many.
A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, July 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Caleb Galloway officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church an hour prior to the service. Jessie will be laid to rest in the Memory Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Hayden Bethea, Gary Hughes, Britton Hughes, Chuck Jackson, Fred Hanners, and Will Hanners.
