James Allen Knight, a man of deep faith and boundless friendliness, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 78. Born on January 2, 1947, in Dale County, AL, James was a beacon of selfless love and dedication throughout his life.
A proud graduate of E.R. Grimsley High School in Ashford, AL, class of 1965, James’s commitment to lifelong learning and excellence paved the way for his varied and successful career. His early years were spent working at Hayes Aircraft, where he honed his skills and obtained Airframe and Powerplant licenses, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and passion for aviation.
James’s heart, however, was always rooted in the soil of his family farm. Following the passing of his father, he and his brother Mack took over the operations, transforming it into the thriving James Knight Farm. As a dedicated farmer, James cultivated peanuts, cotton, and corn with a tender hand and an unwavering spirit, later serving his community as the Chairman of the Houston County Farm Service Agency.
His dedication to the land was matched only by his commitment to his faith. James was a faithful and active member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, where he not only worshipped but also led as Chairman of the Deacon Board. His voice could often be heard singing his favorite hymns, “When You Hear of My Homegoing” and “This May Be My Last Time,” which resonated with the congregation and reflected his deep spiritual convictions.
Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, James was a man who cherished his family and community. His love story with his wife, Dorothy Moore Knight, spanned 56 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring partnership and mutual devotion. Together, they raised a son, Reginald (Connie) Knight, and a daughter, Kimberly (Ronald) Helms, instilling in them the values of hard work, faith, and love. James’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jerica, Brandon, Kendra, and Dalyn, and his great-granddaughter, Bahni, all of whom he adored.
James’s family circle extended to his siblings, brother Bobby Mack Knight Sr., and sisters Lanell Rivers, Kate Edwards, and Denise Corbitt. He also held a special place in his heart for his niece Stephanie Scott and special nephews, Bobby Knight, Jr. and Jason Edwards, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends whose lives he touched.
While his loss is deeply felt, those who knew James find comfort in the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob Knight and Ida Mae Knight Hollis, and his brothers, Billy Joe Knight and Ira Knight, all of whom he now joins in eternal peace.
James’s life was characterized by his unwavering faith, his friendly demeanor, and his selfless nature. He never met a stranger, and his presence in the community was one of respect and active engagement. His love for his family ran as deep as his roots in the Alabama soil, and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of James’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19th at 2pm in the Sunset Memorial Chapel with Rev. James Harvey, Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. James will be laid to rest in the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Dothan, AL.
We are saddened to announce the loss of Cassandra Jane Flick, age 79, just shy of her 80th birthday. She passed away in Geneva, Alabama on April 10, 2025. She resided in Westville, Florida. She was born in Malone, N.Y. on June 30, 1945; daughter of Ivon and Ada Trimm. She was preceded in death by her sister, Tania and brother, Chandler who passed away approximately within a year. She has one surviving brother, Clayton Trimm. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Flick. He states, “she was the love of his life and said he was the love of her life,” they were married 34 years.
Her beloved children from her first marriage to John Henry Bigelow are: Virginia Jane Bigelow Atieh, Carla Jean Tew, Paul John Bigelow, Bryant James Bigelow, Christa Jaylene Kovachevich, Tobin Jarod Bigelow, and Devlyn Patrick Flick.
Her beloved stepsons are: Jaime Flick and Clayton Flick. She has 30 grandchildren and over 20 great grandchildren.
Cassandra enjoyed singing and once sang a solo in her high school concert. She also loved ice skating, country music, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, collecting antiques and dolls. She and her husband, Robert loved spending time on the river in Ebro, Florida. She always found peace on the river. We will always carry her memory in our hearts as heaven gained another angel.
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
Michael A. Bell fell asleep in death on April 8, 2025, after graciously enduring the challenges of imperfect flesh. He was born on March 14, 1986, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Clara and Sylvester Bell.
On February 11, 2006, Michael made the important decision to dedicate his life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a commitment he held close to his heart.
On January 1, 2011, he married Kayla Kimble of Hartford, Alabama. Together, they enjoyed 14 years of loving companionship and mutual devotion.
In the final year of his life, Michael served in the full-time ministry, finding joy in teaching others about the promises found in God’s Word—promises in which he deeply believed.
Michael is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kayla Bell; his parents, Clara and Sylvester Bell; and his siblings: Shonda Bell of Atlanta, Georgia; Sylvester Bell of Montgomery, Alabama; Yvonne Bell of Montgomery, Alabama; Andrea Vanessa Wallace (Kevin) of Montgomery, Alabama; and his mother and father-in-law, Carla and Jeff Ward.
Michael’s life was one of faith, love, and service. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him; however, this is only temporary, as one day soon, he will awaken in perfect health.
We find comfort in the words of Revelation 21:3, 4:
“With that, I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’”
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, texts, and calls during this time. Your love and support mean more than words can express.
Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 20th at 3 PM, located at 4465 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, AL 36105.
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
Glenda Reece, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, Medical Center Enterprise. She was 69.
In honoring her wishes through cremation, no services are scheduled at this time.
Glenda had a deep love for gardening, spending countless hours nurturing her flowers and vegetables with care. Alongside her devoted husband, she delighted in canning the fruits of their labor, preserving not only food but cherished memories made together. A true animal lover, Glenda adored her fur babies, her heart was big and her home always open to four-legged friends. Glenda was an avid genealogist, dedicating herself to researching her ancestry and connecting the pieces of her family’s history.
Mrs. Glenda was preceded in death two brothers, Barry Allan Reece, and Gerald Wayne Reece.
Survivors include her husband Craig, Enterprise, AL; brother, Paul Edward Reece (Laurie), Kissimmee, FL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
ABBEVILLE. . .Billy Gene Hall, a resident of Abbeville, died early Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, at his home. He was 82.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the First Baptist Church of Abbeville Family Life Building with Reverend Teddy Ward and Darden Kirby officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Family Life Building.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Abbeville “Rebuild Fund”, P.O. Box 606, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Billy Hall was born and reared in Brantley, Alabama, son of the late Ralph Hall and Flarie Adams Hall. He served his country in the United States Navy. He lived in West Point, Georgia before moving to Abbeville in 1996. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Abbeville. He was retired as a Truck Driver. Billy was preceded in death by a son, Marty Hall, and sisters, Judith Hall, Barbara Sue Wells and Mary O’Dell.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Sybil Armstrong Hall, a son, Eric Hall (Deanne), Beulah, AL; step-children, Stephanie Jones Brown (Mike), Texasville, AL; and Chad Jones (Michelle), Abbeville; sisters, Gloria Cornett (Ben), Cynthia Williamson (Jimmy), Sylvia Sipper, Ann Godwin (Jerry), and Dottie Stricklin; brothers, Jim Hall (Carol), Kenneth Hall (Sharon), and Chester Hall (Joni); a sister-in-law, Connie Burdeshaw (Frank Lucas), Jacksons Gap, AL; grandchildren, Elijah Hall, Jordan Hall, C. J. Jones (Kellie), Dylan Jones (Chelsea), Brandon Barron (Nicole) and Dalton Barron (Randi); two great-grandchildren, Chase and Mikey Barron, who spent and lot of time with “Papa Billy” and “Nana”, and nine other great-grandchildren, Paislee Barron, Dillon Trammell, Zander Trammell, Dilynn Grace Jones, Liam Jones, Elleny Brown, Joslynn Graham, Caraleigh Jones and Cam Jones.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Billy during his illness.
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HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Mrs. Martha Jewell Watford, age 86, of Dothan, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 in Ft. Gaines, Georgia.
Born July 19, 1938 to the late Freeman and Lilly McLendon, Martha enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden and with her flowers. Family memories around the kitchen table included several specialty dishes, including her dressing and her chicken and rice.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James Durwood Watford; her daughter, Margaret Shirah; her brother, Millard McLendon; and her sisters, Mary Louise Chambers, and Alice Luverne Coe.
Martha is survived by her children, James Watford (Lisa), Billy Watford (Kim), Mary Eversoll (Abe), Lisa Smith, and Brenda Watford; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery.