HEADLAND… Anthony “Tony” James Stuart, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at a Dothan Hospital. He was 55.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Headland, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Stuart was born in Donalsonville, Georgia to Gail Cook Pierce and the late William James Stuart. He was a 1988 graduate of Southwest Georgia Academy. He attended Valdosta State University. At his passing, he was a maintenance supervisor at Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant. Tony was a man who never met a silence he could not fill—with a joke, a story, or just a well-timed comment that made you laugh when you least expected it—he was truly the life of every room he walked into.
A proud Auburn Tigers fan, Tony could often be found sporting his orange and blue, passionately cheering on or fussing at his team whether they were up by 30 or down by 3 with 10 seconds left. His love for Auburn was second only to the love he had for his family—which makes it even more impressive that he somehow managed to stay married to an Alabama fan. Their household was divided on football Saturdays, but united in love (and the occasional good-natured trash talk).
Along with his father, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Michael Stuart.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Annie Spears Stuart; his sons, Haden Stuart (Courtney), Jackson Stuart, and Hunter Stuart; his mother, Gail Cook Pierce (Boyd); his grandmother, Costella Cook; his brother, Max Stuart; his stepbrothers, Wallace Pierce (Stephanie) and Jonathan Pierce; his half-sister, Ashley Stuart; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Stuart.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Shane Whitman, Wyatt Whitman, Tyler Spears, Mason Stuart, Josh Towns, Caleb Towns, Jonathan Nall, and Brian Hatcher. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his co-workers at Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant Maintenance Department.
Mr. Lavaughan Holland of Geneva, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. He was 80.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Pastor Brandon French officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Holland was born on November 30, 1944, in Samson, AL to the late Henry Lloyd “Byrd” and Gladys Irene Johnson Holland. He served in the US Air Force for 4 years. He retired from Fleming Foods/Food Giant as Manager of Maintenance after many years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, having fish fries and watching NASCAR. He enjoyed going out to McLin’s and eating shrimp, but mostly, spending time with his family and friends. He was a faithful member of Maple Avenue Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Faye Holland and son, Darren Holland.
He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Holland Driskell of Dothan, AL; two grandchildren, Amanda Hall (Quinton) of Geneva, AL, Dillon Holland (Breanna) of Geneva, AL; five great-grandchildren, Ayden, Avery, and Amelia Hall and Dawson and Willow Holland, all of Geneva, AL; one sister, Glenda Brock (Alvin) of Chancellor, AL; Lifelong Friend, Jerry Crutchfield of Geneva, AL; special caregiver, Franzella Scott of Geneva, AL and a host of special extended family and 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
John L. Wallace, a resident of Dothan, Alabama passed away on April 22, 2025 at Westside Terrace. He was 91.
A private service will be held at a later date for the family.
Mr. Wallace was born on June 23, 1933 on his family’s farm in New Brokton, Alabama to the late Edwin and Bessie Wallace. He grew up in Greenville, Alabama where he met his future wife, Joyce. He later attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). After college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He later retired from the United States Postal Service in 2008. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dothan for many years.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Joyce Taylor Wallace; his parents; a brother, Edwin Wallace, Jr.; and a daughter, Hope Wallace Haydon.
Survivors include his daughter and son in law Joy and Ray Taylor; granddaughters, Ashleigh Watson (Alex), Allie Traylor (Harrison), and Anna Haydon; grandson, William Martin; great grandson, John Hudson Watson; son in law, Clay Haydon; and brother-in-law, Ronald Taylor.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Day Springs Hospice for the wonderful care they provided and for the friendships he formed with several of their staff.
Roy Ray Deal, age 85, of Dale County, Alabama between Midland City and Echo, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at Flowers Hospital, surrounded by family members.
Roy was born on October 1, 1939, in Midland City, AL to the late Espy Deal and Lillie Foreman Deal. He graduated from Midland City High School in 1957, where he proudly played football and was a member of the FFA. He later attended Howard College (Samford University) in Birmingham, studying business administration. While in Birmingham, Roy met and married the love of his life, Joy Bullock. Married for 61 years, they built a life centered around faith, family and love.
In 1966, Roy returned to Midland City with his growing family. He worked for many years as a purchasing agent for DMI Furniture in Napier Field before joining Dunbarton Corporation, where he served as Quality Control Engineer until his retirement in 2007. In addition to his primary career, he worked tirelessly on his farm raising cattle and growing peanuts and hay.
Roy was a member of First Baptist Church of Headland and the Jack Bridges Sunday School class. He was a former Deacon and Sunday school teacher at Midland City Baptist Church.
Always known for his positive outlook and quick wit, Roy had a deep love for the simple things in life. He enjoyed fishing, cheering on Auburn sports and spending time outdoors on his farm riding his Gator and tractor. Above all, he was a devoted God-fearing man who cherished his family with all his heart.
Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joy Bullock Deal and his parents, Espy Deal and Lillie Foreman Deal.
He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Pate (Mark) of Midland City, AL; his son David Deal (Rita) of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Adam Harden (Heather) of Dothan, AL; Krysta Thompson (Thomas) of Dothan, AL; Avery Owens (Corey) of Headland, AL; and Nathan Deal (Virginia Parnell) of Grand Junction, CO. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Olivia Thompson, Graham Thompson, Addie-Reece Harden, Harper-Mae Harden and Ava Joy Owens.
Roy will be dearly missed by his family and his cherished friends, including special friends Edna Whitehead and the Windham family.
Funeral services will be held at Holman Headland Mortuary chapel on Sunday April 27, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time in the chapel. Officiating the service will be Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. and Brother Harvey Windham. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory.
In his memory, we celebrate a life well lived – marked by love, laughter, hard work and unwavering faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Echo Volunteer Fire and Rescue department.
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.
Mr. James Farris Helms, beloved Dad and Husband, age 83, a resident of Dothan passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff and Rev. Jeff Ross officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM at the funeral home. The family will gather at their daughter’s home, Lawana Parrish, 109 Hamilton Place Headland, AL 36345.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Mr. Farris Helms was born in Pine Level on February 14, 1942 to James Roy Helms and Mary Elizabeth Thrasher Helms. He grew up in Coffee County and graduated from Elba High School in 1960. Later after graduation, he joined the Alabama National Guard. His first job was at Sawyer Candy Company in Elba. He later moved to Montgomery and worked for an insurance company, then later he became a food delivery man. He also worked at Tri-State meat from 1974 to 1985. After he semi-retired, he worked for Winn Dixie, Dothan City School, in addition to him and his wife starting their own lawncare business. Mr. Farris Helms was a member of Southside Baptist Church, formerly of Heritage Baptist Church. He was a simple man that worked hard for his family.
Mr. Farris Helms is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Agnes Wilson; infant brother; and infant son.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Belinda Helms, Dothan; daughters, Lawana Parrish, Headland, Kimberly Ferguson, Cristanna Sevec, both of Dothan; four grandchildren, Austin Ferguson, Nathan Parrish, Lila Parrish, Madison Sevec; niece, D’Aun Meherg.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and their wonderful staff members, Stephanie and Aisha; Southeast Health CCU 3rd floor nurses, Josh and Quan; Dothan Fire Station #4 and Pilchers Ambulance service; Dr. Dahlin and Sheyenne at Dothan Medical.
God came to earth and picked a beautiful flower to take back to Heaven with him.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
David “Reid” Oates, a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated physical therapist, passed away on April 19, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Born on October 21, 1962, in Dalton, Georgia, Reid lived a life steeped in compassion and service to others.
Reid dedicated thirty years to his career as a physical therapist, where he exemplified the qualities of caring, kindness, and sympathy. His commitment to helping others extended beyond his profession; Reid was a proud member of the First Baptist Church in Metter, Georgia, and a devoted Christian whose faith guided him throughout his life.
Beyond his professional and familial responsibilities, Reid had a zest for life that was infectious. He found joy in taking care of his cows and enjoyed spending time outdoors. A dedicated Alabama Football fan, he often expressed his enthusiasm for the game, sharing moments of camaraderie with friends and family.
Reid’s community contributions included serving as Rotary President in Reidsville, Georgia, where he positively impacted many lives. His dedication to service and community encapsulated his desire to make a difference.
David “Reid” Oates is preceded in death by his father, James Oates; and his stepson, Robbie Brinson.
Reid’s love for his family was immense. He cherished his wife, Karen Oates, and took great pride in his daughters, Taylor (Michael) Melvin and Caroline Oates. He was a beloved grandfather to four grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love and support. Reid is also survived by his mother, Pennie Oates; brother, Chuck (Shannon) Oates; and his sister-in-law, Sharon (Art) Elvins; three nieces, one nephew, three great nieces and three great nieces.
As we remember Reid, we reflect on the legacy of love, strength, and service he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
VISITATION: Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
FUNERAL: Friday, April 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Metter First Baptist Church.
BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.
REMEMBRANCES: Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga. 30417 or Metter First Baptist Church 50 S. Rountree St. Metter, Ga., 30439
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
Mr. James Farris Helms, beloved Dad and Husband, age 83, a resident of Dothan passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital.
