OZARK… Command Sargent Major Charles “Chuck” E. Frye Sr. was born in Greene County, Mississippi on January 23,1931. He passed peacefully at the Command Sargent Major Bennie Adkins State Veterans Home on February 21st, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr and Stella Frye. His wife of 70 years Frances M (Nell) Frye, daughter Paula G Morgan and son James E. Frye, brothers Leroy, Henry, Walter Jr. (Preacher), Cecil & James, sisters Maxine, Elvalou, Ophelia & Daisy. He is survived by his daughter Joan K. Brown and son Charles E. Frye Jr (Deborah), 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 7 great great-grandchildren.
Chuck volunteered to join the United Sates Amy in 1949 shortly after graduating from Leakesville High School, in Leakesville Mississippi. He served honorably for over 26 years at numerous stateside overseas locations, in peacetime and combat, until retiring in 1975, as a Command Sergeant Major, USAC, Alaska. Chuck was a founding member the Wiregrass Sergeants Major Association and the association’s honorary president in perpetuity.
He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served with the 7th Infantry Division and served two tours in Vietnam with the 145th Aviation Battalion and 1st Cavalry Division. His assignments included 3rd Armored Division, 3rd Infantry Division, Sergeant Major for the Army Aviation Test Board, and Command Sergeant Major duties with 145th Aviation Battalion (RVN), 227th Aviation Battalion (RVN), 33rd Signal Brigade, and 1st Aviation Brigade.
Chuck’s numerous awards and decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Start (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (3), GCM (7), National Defense Service Medal (5), Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal (7 Campaign Stars), UN Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit of Citation Medal, and RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation, and the Amy Valorous and Meritorious Unit Awards.
A service honoring the life of Mr. Frye will take place at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, Alabama, with visitation on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., and the funeral service on Friday, February 28th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Army Emergency Relief and the Claybank Lodge #908 Ozark, AL.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Paula Diane (Reynolds) Crosby, 69, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend Danny Crosby officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 5:45 p.m., at the funeral home prior to the service.
Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. (ET) / 10:00 a.m. (CT), Wednesday 26, 2025, at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036.
Paula was born on March 2, 1955, in Montgomery to the late Lemiel Aston & Janie Emma (Adams) Reynolds. She spent her childhood in Prattville, and was a 1973 graduate of Autauga County High School. Paula worked in Customer Service for Southeast Gas for over 20 years up until her retirement in 2022. Following retirement, she served with Calvary Baptist Church of Dothan with their weekday ministires. She was a former longtime member of Southside Baptist Church, and was a current member of Memphis Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Wayne Crosby; a brother, Paul Aston Reynolds; and a nephew, Gary Reynolds.
She is survived by her two sons, Matthew Paul Crosby (Katie) of Millbrook, and James Adam Crosby (Kristin) of Albany, GA; five grandchildren; Bayley Crosby, Aara Marie Crosby, Kate Crosby, Janie Crosby, and Jameson Crosby; one great-grandchild, Rhett Jennings; and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers, Ty Jennings, David Kohler, Richie Pilkington, Lance Beasley, Matt Crosby, and Adam Crosby.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Aryanna Nicole Griffin, affectionately known as Aryanna, passed away at the age of 8 on February 21, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on March 18, 2016, in Dothan, Alabama, Aryanna was a beacon of joy and kindness to all who knew her.
From a very young age, Aryanna’s vibrant spirit and friendly demeanor touched the lives of many. Her infectious smile and boundless energy were most evident when she was indulging in her love for music and dance, or while playing her favorite sports, volleyball and basketball. Aryanna’s competitive spirit shone brightly whether she was on the court or racing go-carts at Adventureland, an activity she adored. Her love for life was also expressed through her cherished collection of stuffed animals and her fondness for jewelry, which added a sparkle to her everyday adventures.
Aryanna’s education was cultivated at home, where she learned not just academics but also the values of kindness and courage, attributes that came to define her. These qualities were evident in every aspect of her life, from her interactions with her family and friends to the way she faced her illness with bravery beyond her years.
She leaves behind a loving family who supported her throughout her life and her illness. Aryanna was the cherished daughter of Edtron Griffin and Lakeria King, and a beloved sister to Tyanna Balcom, Jakayla Balcom, and Raecia Brown. Her grandparents, Josephine Thomas, Martha Ashley (Connie), and Kimberly Griffin (Eddie), along with her great-grandparents, Emma Bittman and Milton King, provided her with an abundance of love and wisdom. Her aunts, Jessica Barkley, Alicia Griffin, Faith Griffin, Glenda Barkley, Pamela Hall (Nathaniel), and Tina Young, along with her uncles, Gabriel Griffin and Robert Barkley (Jackie), were integral to her life’s tapestry.
Aryanna’s vibrant life was enriched by the close bond she shared with her cousins Victory Griffin, Tre Griffin, Serenity Griffin, Caleb Ware, Paul Ware, and Robert Creed. Her extended family, including great-aunts Naomi Brackins, Irene Chamber (Johnny), Mary West, Jannie Bell Griffin, Joan Carter, and great-uncle Charles Griffin (Peggy), will fondly remember her as a light that shone brightly, albeit for too short a time.
Aryanna’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the extraordinary strength of a young girl who faced life’s challenges with the heart of a lion. She will be remembered for her kind and friendly nature, and the courage with which she lived every moment of her life. Her memory will forever be a guiding light to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we say goodbye to Aryanna Nicole Griffin, we will celebrate her life at 11:00 am on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4pm until 6pm. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Benjamin Ryan “Ben” Thames of Samson, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 21, 2025. He was 40.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Ron Thames officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Burial will follow in Liberty Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church, Youth Department, 2694 AL St Hwy 52, Geneva, AL 36340 in Ben’s memory.
Ben was born in Geneva, AL on October 31, 1984 to Gary Robert and Jocelyn Ezell Thames. He worked for 10 years at Citizen’s Bank/Bank of the Ozarks in Geneva as a cashier/clerk. Ben currently was employed with M1 at Ft. Novosel. He loved bowling and held the Alabama State Series Bowling record and state title for 12 years. Ben was a faithful member of Trinity Church and attended as long as his health would allow.
Ben is survived by his son, Carson Thames; his parents, Gary and Joy Thames, all of Samson, AL; two brothers, Berry Thames (Stacy) of Enterprise, AL and Benjie Wise (Sheena) of Samson, AL; one nephew, Ryan Holub of Bluffton, SC and one niece, Alexis Holub of Enterprise, AL; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Gary James Stump, passed away on February 18, 2025, in Enterprise, Alabama. Born in Lakewood, Ohio, on January 12, 1955, Gary’s life was marked by a remarkable spirit of courage and kindness that touched everyone he crossed paths with during his 70 years.
A man of commitment and service, Gary enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He devoted 24 years to the nation, a tenure that not only showcased his steadfast dedication but also paved the way for his impressive career as a pilot. Gary’s prowess in aviation did not go unnoticed, and he carried on his passion through his work as a test pilot at Fort Rucker, where he diligently served for 17 years. His skills extended beyond the field of aviation, as evidenced by the exceptional seeing eye dogs he trained.
Gary was not only a dedicated Little League baseball coach, where he guided and mentored countless young players, but he was also known for his generous spirit. His contributions to various charities spoke volumes about his character and commitment to making a difference. Whether on the field or in the community, Gary’s kindness and selflessness touched many lives, leaving a lasting impact that went far beyond the game. Gary was a fan of baseball and rooting for the Cleveland Indians.
Gary is survived by his cherished sons, Michael Stump and Christopher Stump, and his grandchildren, Addisyn and Kristin Stump. Adding to his joy was his great grandchild, Cylas Stump, who brought a new generation of happiness into his life.
He is also survived by his sisters, Gail Cholensky (Larry), Vicki Dreistadt, and Nancy Fortney (Chuck). The fond memories and shared bonds will also be treasured by his nephew, David Fortney, and nieces, Amanda and Samantha Dreistadt.
Gary was preceded in death by his devoted spouse, Karla Andrews Stump, his parents, Roy and Alma Stump, as well as his son Gary Stump, Jr., and brother, Everette Stump.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the SOS Animal Shelter, 25944 Highway 134 Enterprise, AL 36330 or https://www.sosshelter.com/donate.
