ARITON…Mr. Douglas Michael Lemay, a resident of Ariton, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 55.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Lemay was born on June 2, 1970, in the quiet town of Natick, Massachusetts, where he spent his early years surrounded by the love of family and the charm of New England life. Though life would eventually take him far from his birthplace, he always carried a bit of that Massachusetts spirit with him—steady, hardworking, and full of heart.
About thirty years ago, Mr. Lemay made the move to Enterprise, Alabama, and later settled in Ariton in 1998. It was in these southern towns that he built a life filled with meaningful work, simple pleasures, and lasting friendships. He worked as an electrician, specializing in servicing air conditioning systems for Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country. It wasn’t just a job to him—it was a craft. He took pride in doing things right, making sure every wire was secure and every system ran smoothly. He traveled far and wide for his work, and no matter where he went, he left behind a reputation for being dependable, skilled, and kind-hearted.
Outside of work, Mr. Lemay found joy in the little things that made life sweet. He loved fishing—whether it was a quiet morning by the water or an afternoon spent casting lines with friends, it brought him peace. Music was another passion of his, and he had an ear for all kinds—from classic rock to country, blues to pop. If it had soul, he’d listen. Music was his companion through life’s ups and downs, and he often shared his favorite tunes with those around him.
One of his most cherished hobbies was collecting Hot Wheel Cars. It wasn’t just a pastime—it was a labor of love. His collection was vast and carefully curated, each tiny car a reminder of childhood wonder and the joy of holding onto something special. He could talk for hours about rare finds, favorite models, and the stories behind each piece. It was a collection that brought him pride and happiness, and he loved showing it off to anyone who asked.
Mr. Lemay was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jacquline Dorothy Perry Truman. Her memory lived on in him—in the way he treated others, in the values he held close, and in the quiet strength he carried through life.
Those who knew Mr. Lemay will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found beauty in the everyday. He had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a heart that welcomed everyone. His life was a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to make an impact—you just have to be genuine.
Surviving relatives include his life partner, Wanda Virag, Ariton; two daughters, Chelsea Lemay and Cassandra Lemay; three step-children, Emily Cobb, David Virag, and Erik Virag; three sisters, Robin LeMay Williams, Melissa Lemay Roberts, and Linda Lemay Rutledge; brother, Richard Lemay; four grandchildren, Connor White, Logan Bennett-Whitehead, Rowan Virag, and Waylon Virag; nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ABBEVILLE… Frederick Charles Maschmeier, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 2, 2025. He was 82 years old.
Reverend Brandon Turner will officiate services to be held at Judson Baptist Church (180 County Rd. 93, Abbeville) where he was a devoted member, with visitation at 10:00 am, a graveside service at 11:00 am, and collation to follow in the church fellowship hall.
Fred was a longtime volunteer at a local food bank so, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in “Masch’s” honor to the Judson Baptist Association Food Bank at 532 Ozark Rd., Abbeville, 36310.
Fred was born in Akron, Ohio, to the late Wilburt and Betty Jane (Lias) Maschmeier, He graduated from Hower Vocational High School in 1960. While he owned and operated Glen’s Fabricating Company (a die fabricating company) in Akron, Ohio for 15 years, he gave many people opportunities who might not have had them otherwise. He moved to the Abbeville area and worked for Teledyne until his retirement. While in Akron, Fred was a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Terminal Model Railroad Club in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and learned to fly small aircraft out of Wadsworth Municipal Airport. While in Abbeville, Fred joined the Panhandle Cattle Company – a cowboy shooting club and developed a strong community of friends.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, April Maschmeier (nee Price), his daughter, Alicia Maschmeier, his sister, Cathy Saxon, and his brother, Bill Maschmeier.
Remaining to cherish his memories are his daughters Elaine Prather (George), and Jennie Carlson (Bret), his grandsons Gabriel Carlson (Jessica), Bret Michael Carlson, Peter Carlson, Nicholas Bromelow (Tina), Ross Seymour, and Derek Seymour.
We will be giving Fred a cowboy send-off, so if you will attend, please wear your Western hat, your cowboy boots, or your favorite color. Following the service, the family will receive friends at his house.
Melvin Otis Seawright, 83, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, following an extended illness surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Midland City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on the day of the service from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to, First Church of the Nazarene Youth Ministry, 1081 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan, AL 36305.
Melvin was born January 4, 1942, in Georgia to the late Otis & Lorene Rentz Seawright. His hobbies included listening to music, dancing, and watching The Price is Right. Melvin never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a plate of fresh mullet. Saturdays in the fall, you could always find him cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, “Roll Tide!” Melvin was a man who was a selfless giver, always helping others in their time of need. His most joyful time was spent with his grandchildren, either at band concerts or their sporting events. His pride and joy were making lasting memories with his family. Melvin was a devout Christian who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Celina Carver; and his brother, Merl Seawright.
Left to cherish his memories are his son, James Seawright (Heather); his three grandchildren, Tristan Seawright, Larson Seawright, and Lorin Brooke Carver; his sister, Janice Rupert; his niece, Alicia Williams; his great-niece, Shana Hammock; and a very special friend, Zach Assale.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Day Spring Hospice for the love and care given to their loved one during this very difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
NEWTON…Mr. Jonathan Eugene Dent (Master Sergeant, United States, Air Force, Retired), peacefully passed away surrounded by his wife of forty-nine years and their two daughters. He left a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.
Celebration of Life Services, with full military honors, will be held at 6:00 P.M. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Harvest Church in Dothan with Pastor Keith Frith and Pastor Jonathan Broyles officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
A retired veteran, he served his country with honor in the United States Air Force and went on to build a respected career as an aircraft mechanic. He took great pride in his craft and passed on that same work ethic to those who looked up to him.
Jonathan “Bucky-Ricochet” Dent influenced many through his dedication, presence, and example. His legacy lives on in the people he inspired and the family he helped shape.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Watson Dent; daughters, Kecia Dent and Jenna Adaway and her husband, Chad Adaway, along with his cherished grandchildren: Mason and Emma Lafferty, and Hannah, Johnny, and Emily Adaway. He is also remembered by his brothers, Jim Dent and Perry Dent; his sister, Tina Nelson; his father-in-law, Jim Watson; and his brother-in-law, David Watson as well as Tim Lafferty and Marti Menfi.
His memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Sonny Lee Daniels, known to many as Sonny D, embarked on his final adventure on August 2, 2025. Born on January 6, 1974, in the heart of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Sonny’s journey through life was one filled with love and a touch of mischief. His journey came to a peaceful end in at the prime age of 51 in Dothan, Alabama.
Sonny’s early years were shaped by the loving care of Roy and Judy Wilson, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Their influence was evident in the man he became—someone who could light up a room with his presence. Friends would often hear the rallying cry of “Sonny Yee Haw Daniels” or “The Party Train” as he entered the room, his presence alone enough to kickstart any gathering.
The man who could light up a room with his humor and charm, Sonny was a legendary figure in his own right. He was the life of every party, the spark in the darkness, and the one who could tell a joke that would have you laughing for days. His love for fishing and deer hunting was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Sonny was the kind of guy who would rather spend a day on the lake or in the woods than anywhere else, except maybe Cowboys on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night when he was younger, line dancing like nobody’s business.
Sonny was a man of simple pleasures; he loved to eat, though he never quite mastered the art of cooking or found his way around the kitchen, but that never stopped him from enjoying a good meal. He was always packin’—packin’ a smile, packin’ a joke, and yes, packin’.
He was a man of many loves, but none greater than his family. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Alsept, and his nephew, Keajuan Bass. His legacy lives on through his children, Holden Daniels, Shelby Phillips (Blake), Kenneth Daniels (Hannah), and Caden Brewer; his sisters, Tina Daniels, Rena Daniels, and Selena Daniels; his brother, Brian Daniels, and his grandchildren, Dawson Daniels, Ella Daniels, and Jackson Daniels. His life was also enriched by special friends, including Judy Gillis, and the countless nieces, nephews, and other family members who will carry his memory forward.
As we gather to share stories and memories, a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. It will be a time to honor a man who taught us all how to find the humor in life, to pursue our passions with fervor, and to treasure the company of those we hold dear.
