Benjamin McDaniel Coale, known to many as Ben, passed away on July 18, 2026, in Ashford, Alabama, at the age of 50.
Born on October 19, 1975, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ben lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and service to others. He was a proud son, father, brother, uncle, coach, businessman, and friend whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and steadiness to those around him. Ben was preceded in death by his father, Mark Coale, and he is survived by his son, Webb Coale; his mother, Jane Parker (Jimmy); his sisters, Dana Taylor (Andy), and Betsy Watson (Jeff); the mother of his son and friend, Olivia Love; his nephew, Caleb Watson; and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish his memory.
Ben graduated from Zion Chapel High School and later attended Troy State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. He valued education and carried that same sense of purpose into every part of his life. His career reflected his strong work ethic and his willingness to serve others. Before becoming the proud owner of Playmaker Teamwear and Ben’s Bread, he served as a football coach at Pike County, where he helped lead his teams to two state championships while also teaching science. Ben approached each role with dedication, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
His involvement in the community was equally meaningful. Ben was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce, where he built friendships and supported the people and places he cared about. He was known for being kind-hearted and generous, and he had a way of making others feel welcome and appreciated. Whether he was working, coaching, or spending time with family and friends, Ben carried himself with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
Ben was a family man in every sense of the word. He loved being a father to Webb and treasured the time they spent together. Some of the happiest moments in his life were the simple ones, including trips with his son and their regular Sunday visits to Waffle House. He was a great dad, son, brother, and uncle, and those roles were among the greatest honors of his life. His family meant everything to him, and he made sure they knew it through his love, loyalty, and steady presence.
Those who knew Ben will remember his wit, his great sense of humor, and the easy way he could lighten a room. He had a quick smile and a personality that left people laughing long after the conversation had ended. He enjoyed watching football, golfing, and spending time with the people he loved. He was baptized in Brewton, and his faith was an important part of his life. His beliefs guided him and reflected the kindness and generosity he showed to others each day.
Ben’s life was a testament to the value of hard work, family, and friendship. He gave generously of himself and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he shared so freely. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to those who loved him.
The family and friends of Benjamin Coale will forever remember his devotion, his humor, and his unwavering love for those closest to him. His life was one of purpose and heart, and his memory will be treasured always.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lucas Tribble officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 22 from 5pm until 7pm at the funeral home.
HEADLAND… Stanley Dale Hinson, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home. He was 74.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Norman C. Simmons officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday prior to the service.
Stanley Hinson was a lifelong resident of Headland who was deeply rooted in his community and devoted to his family, faith, and the land he loved. He was the beloved son of the late James Ottis Hinson and Naomi Whatley Hinson. A proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 1970, Stanley remained a steadfast supporter of his hometown throughout his life.
A member of First Baptist Church of Headland, Stanley lived his life guided by his Christian faith. He also proudly served for several years in the Army National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to serving his country.
For many years, Stanley dedicated himself to farming, a vocation he embraced with hard work, integrity, and pride. As the owner and operator of Hinson Farms, Inc., he built a lasting legacy through his dedication to agriculture and his love for the farming way of life.
In addition to his parents, Stanley was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Smith Hinson, sisters, Shirley Hinson Clower and Christine Hinson Armstrong and a daughter-in-law, Amber Hinson.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Candice Lawrence (Jack), and Jennifer Lawrence (Eric), all of Headland; a son, Jim Hinson, all of Headland; ten grandchildren, Tyler Lawrence (Alana) , Carlie Lawrence (Tyler Jackson) , Zachary Lawrence (Baylee) , Zoey Cook (Austin) , Zane Lawrence , Zeb Lawrence , Zayden Lawrence, Zada Lawrence, James Gunner Hinson, Gracie Hinson; great grandchildren, Whitt Lawrence, Grant Lawrence, Blakelyn Cook; sister, Gayle Parker (Jerry); several other loving family members and friends.
OZARK…Mr. Stan Folds, a resident of Ozark, died Monday morning, July 13, 2026, at his home. He was 69.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Folds, son of the late Edward Raymond Folds and Margaret Faye Bludsworth Folds, was a native of Ozark, Alabama, a community he always proudly called home. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1975 and, like many young men of his generation, set out to build a life of his own. Following graduation, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he began a new chapter and answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army.
After his military service, Mr. Folds eventually returned to his roots in Ozark in 1987. He dedicated many years of hard work to M1 at Fort Rucker, where he worked as an Apache helicopter mechanic. He took great pride in his work and in helping maintain the aircraft that supported those who served. Known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and mechanical skill, he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him before retiring after a long and faithful career.
In his spare time, Mr. Folds enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time on the golf course, playing a game of pool with friends, and relaxing while watching television. More than anything, however, he treasured the time he spent with his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved. He was a devoted father, grandfather, family member, and friend whose presence was a source of comfort and strength to those around him.
His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he cherished every opportunity to share laughter, stories, and precious moments with them. Whether offering advice, lending a helping hand, or simply enjoying their company, he created memories that will be treasured for generations to come. His love for his family was evident in all that he did, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Folds was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen Folds. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the many wonderful memories they shared with him and in the lasting impact he made on their lives. His kindness, dedication, and love for his family will never be forgotten.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Cristen Folds, Dothan; sister, Linda Folds Stanton, Midland City; two brothers, Tracy Folds (Alexandra) and Wesley Folds, all of Ozark; three grandchildren, Cabella Young, Cruze Georgiadis, and Emerald Georgiadis; niece, Makenzie Folds; two nephews, Jesse Folds and Wyatt Folds; a host of cousins and friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN. . .Katrine Carpenter Williams, a resident of Dothan, passed away Sunday morning, July 19, 2026. She was 78.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, July 23, 2026, in the Cowarts Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Sorensen officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary Burial will follow in the Columbia City Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cowarts Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 10, Cowarts, AL 36321 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Friends of Columbia, P.O. Box 77, Columbia, AL 36319.
Mrs. Williams was born in Henry County and raised in Columbia. She was a graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia and received a Degree as a Registered Nurse from Troy State University-Montgomery. She was retired from Southeast Alabama Medical Center as a Registered Nurse and in earlier years, she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mrs. Williams was a member of Cowarts Baptist Church. She was an active member of the Cowarts Senior Center and the B-Team Angels, a ladie’s singing group. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her father, Gillam Davie Carpenter, her mother, Willie Pearl Scott Carpenter, her husband, Rodney Lewis Williams, two brothers, Junior Carpenter and Carlton Carpenter, and a sister-in-law, Kathy Carpenter.
Surviving relatives include a sister, Paula Brooks (Gerald), Havana, FL; a brother, Terry Carpenter, Ozark; nephews, who she helped to raise, Bruce Carpenter (Amanda) and Bobby Carpenter (Keila), and other nieces and nephews; two step-daughters, Lynne Coker (Craig), and Renee’ Hankins (Carl); sisters-in-law, Freddie Carpenter and Shirley Williams.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Bryce Carpenter, Travis Carpenter, Brody Goodman, Trey Dollar, Michael Sermino and Kyle Brooks.
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.
OZARK…John Durwood Stroh, 79, a resident of both Ozark, Alabama and Bowdon, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Ozark.
John was born on July 23, 1946, in Bowdon, North Dakota. He graduated from Bowdon High School with the Class of 1964 and was proud of his small-town roots. In 1966, John was drafted into the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War until 1968. During his military service, he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice.
Following his honorable discharge, John moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked a variety of jobs as he built his life. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a Matco Tools distributorship in Minnesota, where he enjoyed serving his customers and building lasting relationships. He also owned and operated his own trucking company, Stroh Trucking.
John found great joy in riding his motorcycle, spending time on the open road, and visiting with friends. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures and valued the friendships he made throughout the years. He enjoyed being Santa Clause to his great-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Heinrich “Hank” and Leola Werner Stroh; his sisters, Iris Neumiller and Pamela Frueh; his brother, Jerome Stroh, and two nephews.
He is survived by his nephews, Glen Neumiller, Hugh Neumiller, both of South Dakota Darin Frueh and his son Sheldon, both of North Dakota.
In addition to his nephews and other relatives, his extended family includes, Millie Sanders Drum, Dr. Harry Robinson and his wife Patricia Sanders Robinson, all of Ozark, Natasha Hollenbeck, Wisconsin, Larissa Drum, Minnesota, Aiden Magel, Minnesota, Ava and Alexis Hollenbeck, both of Wisconsin, Nolan and Eleanor Drum Olson, James Swanson, Richard Swanson, James Swanson Jr. (Karen), Gabriel Swanson (Maddie), Tyler Swanson (Jess), and Larry Thurston, all of Minnesota.
John will be remembered for his service to his country, his resilience in the face of life’s challenges, his independent spirit, and the kindness he shared with those who knew him.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
