David “Dave” Craig Soutar passed away on April 23, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 70.
Born in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey on July 7, 1955, Dave lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep love for the people around him. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, and he will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to every part of his life. Those who knew him best will remember him as thoughtful, spirited, and straight as an arrow, with a kind heart and a genuine concern for others.
Dave was married to his beloved wife, Michele Soutar, for 43 years, and their marriage was a lasting example of commitment and partnership. Together they built a strong and loving family that remained central to his life. He is survived by his sons, George Soutar and his significant other, Caitlin Bailey, and David Soutar and his wife Brittany. He also leaves behind his brothers, George “Pete” Soutar and Don (Mary Beth) Soutar, and his sisters, Deb Soutar (Bonnie Breit), Karen Soutar Morella, and Janet (Larry) Dembeski. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will cherish their memories of him.
Dave spent 23 years employed with Johnson and Johnson in Raritan, New Jersey, where he was respected for his work ethic and dependable nature. After retirement, he pursued another venture that reflected his energy and willingness to stay active. He operated a hot dog stand known as Dave’s Dogs for several years, and later moved to Dothan in 2006. Whether in his career or in his business ventures, Dave approached work with dedication and pride.
Outside of work, Dave found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved all sports, especially football, and he was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. One of the highlights of his life was the opportunity to see the Packers play in person, a memory he treasured. He also enjoyed growing a vegetable garden, grilling, and cooking, and he took great pleasure in being around family. His home and his table were places where people felt welcome, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
Dave also gave his time and energy to the lives of young people and his community. He served as a Boy Scout pack leader, participated in junior bowling league activities, and coached when his children played sports. These roles reflected the way he invested in others and encouraged them to do their best. He was the kind of man who led by example and left a lasting impression through his patience, guidance, and support.
A celebration of life service in Dave’s honor will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Father Rich Perkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Dave’s life was one of love, loyalty, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and the example he set will continue to be felt for years to come.
Bessie Knight Farmer, 90 years young, was born on February 18, 1936 to Elizabeth McClendon Knight and Sylvester Knight in Newville, Alabama, she is the twin sister of Ressie Knight Carter and one of eighteen children. She passed away on April 21, 2026.
Her siblings include: Martha Knight Gamble (Sam Sr.), Jacob Knight, Clara Knight May (James), Annie Knight Jackson (Henry Sr.), Janice Knight Cannion (Willie), Lula Knight Franklin (Clarence Sr.), Bessie Knight Farmer (John), Ressie Knight Carter (Willie), Lenora Knight Brown (Sam), Ezekiel Knight (Mary), David Knight Sr. (Evelyn), John Aaron Knight, Carolyn Knight McEachin, Flora Evelyn Knight, Elijah Knight (Shirley), Zaccheus Knight (Marylin), Lazarus Knight, and Daniel Knight (Wanda).
All of the children worked the fields to take care of the family. They learned to sing and began singing all around the area as guest artists until Daddy Sylvester said, “NO.”
More than anything, Bessie and her family chased after God and ensured that their individual families did the same.
Her children are Danny E. Knight Sr., Wallace E. Jackson (Deceased), Dallas E. Jackson (Deceased), Marcus V. Nichols (Sheryl), Jane E. Nichols-Gordon (Robert), and Tarrance S. Nichols.
She is survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.
Bessie attended the Old Rosenwall School in Alabama for her high school diploma. After she had her six children, she went to the University of Miami (Miami, Florida) for her bachelor’s degree and then, through independent study, to Goddard College (Vermont) for her master’s degree. She was a continuous student in life. She knew at an early age she would be a field missionary for the Lord, so she eagerly ran with the vision that the Holy Spirit deposited in her each day. Bessie made sure her family—all of her family—knew the expression of God’s love through praise, worship, teaching, and living out her faith.
Bessie began her work life as a short-order cook at Patrick Air Force Base and as a housing manager of public housing in Melbourne, Florida. She later worked in the Art Department on the University of Miami campus, where she lived for five years with her family.
After her degrees, she managed 1,001 public housing units in Liberty City, Miami, Florida (the largest in the United States at that time). In addition, she was a South Dade County Skill Center counselor, where she was gifted to use a self-written employability training manual to help people gain employment and see the love of the Lord.
As a friend, she had several adopted sisters. As a mother, she adopted every child she saw and tried to attend to their needs. As a citizen of the community, Bessie was tireless in her effort to serve. She served as Southern Regional Housing Manager from Perrine to Homestead, and she was a published author of several books, as well as poetry, papers, and training manuals.
A celebration of her life will be held 2:00 pm Saturday May 2, 2026 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Debra Kay (Bell) Latremore, of Daleville, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa on May 31, 1957, Debra spent her early years growing up in Melbourne, Florida, and went on to live a full and vibrant life defined by her strength, generosity, and unmistakable zeal for living.
Debra was a fighter in every sense of the word. She faced challenges with resilience, grace, and a heart full of optimism. As a devout Catholic, her strength was grounded in her faith and her deep appreciation for life’s many blessings.
For nearly 40 years, Debra was the proud owner and broker of Aero Real Estate, where she built more than a business, she built a legacy of care, trust, and service in the Daleville community she called home. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering and taking on leadership roles. She was always willing to help others and never missed an opportunity to lift people up. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her daughter Leah, present in every moment whether cheering from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, offering steady support, encouragement, and love. That love only grew as she became Grandma to Layla, who was her pride and joy.
Debra’s adventurous and caring spirit shone through in her love for fishing, cheering on Auburn football, traveling, and spending time with loved ones at her beloved beach house and fish camp. She had a special way of bringing people together, especially over her delicious, five-star cooking. Her back porch was a place of comfort and connection, always open and welcoming, where she offered a listening ear and a warm heart. Whether through her work, her friendships, or everyday moments, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen, cared for, and uplifted. She wore her rose-colored glasses proudly and had a way of finding joy in each day.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Novak; her father, Gordon Bell; and her sisters, Teresa Eggleston and Jacquelyn Bell. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Leah Whiddon (Josh), and granddaughter, Layla Whiddon; her stepmother, Marie Hilton Bell; her partner, Malcolm Clarke; along with aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of cherished friends who became family.
A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto in the Main Post Chapel, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to DaySpring Hospice and her best friends for the compassionate care and support provided during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Boys and Girls Club of Daleville in her honor.
Mary Virginia Simon, age 83, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Creel officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory from 1:00 pm until 1:45.
Born on July 25, 1942, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family. She was the loving mother of Joseph “Joe” Simon, proud grandmother of Aaron, Andrew and Deanna Simon, and cherished great grandmother of Noah Simon.
Mary also shared a special bond with her loving brothers and sisters, as well as her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she cared for deeply.
Mary was known as one of the hardest working women you could ever know. She was a tireless worker and true fighter. Mary spent her days pushing through challenges with strength and determination from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Mary was always giving her time and energy to those she loved. She had a generous heart and found joy in caring for others, often showing up with food, making sure everyone was fed and taken care of. She was a giver in every sense of the word, always going above and beyond for her family. To Mary, family was everything.
Her legacy is one of strength, selflessness, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Albert Peter Pontius, Jr., passed away on April 25, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 78.
Born on November 24, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, he spent the early years of his life in that city before going on to build a life marked by service, devotion, and a memorable spirit. Al carried with him the strength and character shaped by his upbringing, and those who knew him came to appreciate the sincerity, humor, and directness that were such a natural part of who he was.
Al proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as an E-7 Sergeant. His military service reflected his discipline, commitment, and sense of duty, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. After his time in the Army, he continued to serve others in everyday ways, including driving a school bus and working for Walmart for some time.
Al was a gentle, funny, and loving man whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone around him. He had a way with words and was never afraid to speak his mind without a filter, a trait that often brought laughter and honesty to the conversations he shared. Beneath that straightforward nature was a sweet and caring heart, and those closest to him knew him as someone who loved deeply and sincerely.
He was especially proud of the life he shared with his wife, Cheryl Pontius, with whom he was married for 5 years. Their relationship began through work and grew into a meaningful partnership filled with companionship and affection. Together, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and shared many interests that brought them joy. Al loved Mickey Mouse, enjoyed music, appreciated the sounds and style of the 1950s, and was an enthusiastic football fan, especially when it came to Auburn Football.
Al is survived by his wife, Cheryl Pontius; his daughter, Tai Pontius; his grandchildren, Jayden and Arianna Desenberg; and his special caretaker, Lexie Teague. He was deeply loved by his family, and his presence will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who were blessed to know him.
Those who knew Al will remember his humor, his honesty, and the warmth that came through in his everyday interactions. He brought energy and personality into the lives of others, and his laughter and words will be remembered for years to come. He was the kind of man who could make people smile, think, and feel cared for all at once.
Starla Leigh Holley of Dothan, Alabama passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. She was 46 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama, with Rev. Garry Winstead officiating. Burial will follow in Ino Baptist Church Cemetery, with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Starla was born in Dothan, Alabama on December 2, 1979, to Houston Mike Holley and Reba Sue Hughes Wood. She loved cooking, working in her flowerbeds, and caring for her pets.
Starla is survived by her special friend and companion, Jeff Turvin of Dothan, Alabama; one son, Dalton Smith (Gloria) of Crestview, Florida; one daughter, Leslie Boles (Blaide) of Enterprise, Alabama; one grandson, Benson Boles of Enterprise, Alabama; her mother, Reba Sue Hughes Wood (Glenn) of Elba, Alabama; her father, Houston Mike Holley (Linda Brooks) of Samson, Alabama; two brothers, Mark Holley (Sherrie) of Samson, Alabama, and Ben Holley (Holly) of Elba, Alabama; along with many special nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dalton Smith, Mark Holley, Ben Holley, Jamison Holley, Jackson Holley, and Carter Hearold.
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
