James Benny Smith, affectionately known as Jim to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on March 25, 1942, in LaGrange, Georgia, Jim was a spirited and adventurous soul who lived his life with a kind heart and open arms.
Jim’s journey through life was marked by his love for his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Nancy T. Smith. Together, they raised a loving family that included their son, Christopher Smith (Dana), their daughter, Julie Marie Smith, and their cherished granddaughter, Gianna Smith. Jim was a dedicated family man who also held a special place in his heart for his nephew, Troy Smith (Amanda), and found comfort and friendship in his caregiver, Melissa Arguello, in his last years. Predeceased by his parents, James O. and Ruth Hinson Smith, and his brother, Daniel Smith, Jim’s legacy of love lives on through his family.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Jim’s academic and athletic prowess earned him a track scholarship to Auburn University, where he graduated with a business degree. During his time at Auburn, he was a dedicated member of the ROTC, laying the groundwork for his military service. Jim served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army and spent 13 months in Vietnam, where his bravery and service were recognized with several honorary medals. Following his service, he returned home safely to his loving wife and family.
Upon returning home, Jim joined the family business at Dothan Motor Company, working alongside his father and his brother, Daniel Smith, and making a significant impact on the local community. His adventurous spirit extended to the skies as a private pilot, often flying with Nancy to various car auctions across the United States for both work and pleasure.
Jim was a man who loved God and lived his life as a devout Christian. He never met a stranger and was always ready to share a story or a smile. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and his extensive travels around the world, with Africa holding a special place in his heart. In their later years, Jim and Nancy enjoyed exploring new horizons on cruises, creating unforgettable memories together.
A man of many interests, Jim was also an avid gourmet cook, and his love for giving was unparalleled. He was famously known in Dothan for his banana bread, which he generously distributed to friends and acquaintances, brightening the days of many with his delicious treats. Jim’s larger-than-life personality was matched only by his unabashed generosity and the profound love he had for his wife and children.
Jim did it all and did it all well, embodying the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children… to leave the world a bit better… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Jim’s life was indeed a testament to success, touching the lives of those around him with his spirit, adventure, and kindness.
As we remember Jim, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a journey marked by love, service, and the joy of sharing with others. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as his presence enriched every life he touched. His was a life well-lived, a narrative of joy, adventure, and unconditional love, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he so dearly cherished.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 1pm in the Sunset Chapel with Rick West officiating. Military honors will follow at the Sunset Helicopter Pavillion. Jim will be laid to rest in the Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama.
Wade Hampton Noland, a resident of Bakerhill, Alabama passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Fort Gaines Health and Rehab. He was 77 years old.
The family will have a private memorial service Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton, Alabama.
Wade was born February 23, 1947, in Myrtlewood, Alabama to the late Eldridge and Sarah Frances Noland. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Louisville Baptist Church. In his spare time, he loved hunting, working on cars, and enjoyed food and a good conversation.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a son, Robert E. Sullivan.
Survivors are his loving wife of 52 years, Joan Faye Fuller Noland; son, Tracy Sullivan (Tina); daughter, Tami Sullivan; brother, Bobby Noland (Lynn); two grandchildren, Alexander Murray and Katharine Murray.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Brenda Louise “Nana” Marshall Trawick, a beacon of love and the matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, just one day shy of her 78th birthday, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on February 11, 1947, in Napier Field, Alabama, Brenda was the cherished daughter of the late Robert and Louise Price Marshall. Her life was a testament to the power of love, family, and dedication, leaving a legacy that will be treasured by all who knew her.
Brenda was a proud graduate of Dale County High School, Class of 1965, and shortly after, on December 3, 1965, she married the love of her life, James “Honey” Trawick. Their unwavering partnership spanned 59 years, during which Brenda lovingly supported Honey in all his business ventures, including the well-known Honey’s Hotdogs. Together, they built a life filled with joy, hard work, and enduring love.
Their family blossomed with the arrival of three children: James Mark Trawick, Jamie Trawick (James) Lolley, and Tracy Trawick (Dan) Cumbie. Brenda, known affectionately as Nana, was the cornerstone of her family, always ready to play referee during family issues, listen intently, and offer her wisdom with open arms. Her six grandchildren, Ariel (Jordan) Lowe, Molly (Stone) Lasseter, Drew Cumbie (Lillie McCorkle), Korin Lolley, Hunter Trawick, and Sarah Trawick, along with her two great-grandchildren, Reid Lowe and Ellie Mae Trawick, were the light of her life. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her infant daughter. Brenda’s ability to love unconditionally and her role as the family’s glue will forever be remembered by her loved ones.
Brenda’s talents extended beyond her role as a family matriarch. She was a wonderful cook, known for her sumptuous meals that brought everyone together. Her kitchen was not just a place of nourishment but a sanctuary where laughter, love, and sage advice were shared over home-cooked delights.
Selfless, friendly, and loving—these words encapsulate the essence of Brenda Louise “Nana” Trawick. She had an innate ability to make everyone around her feel cherished and important, and her presence was a source of comfort and joy.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, with Brother Danny Williams officiating. Her final resting place will be in the serene grounds of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. Relatives and friends are invited to gather and share memories of Brenda at Sunset Funeral Home on Thursday evening, from 5-7 pm. Serving as active pallbearers will be her grandsons and loved ones, Korin Lolley, Hunter Trawick, Drew Cumbie, Stone Lasseter, Jordan Lowe, and Hunter Golden, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the care and compassion shown to them by Enhabit Home Health and by her private sitters, Amy, Melissa, and Trenia.
Brenda’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those she touched, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends. Her unwavering love, kindness, and the joy she brought to life will be the memories that sustain them in the days to come. Brenda Louise “Nana” Trawick will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love and selflessness will endure forever.
Arthur Webster Austin Jr, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died unexpectedly, Monday, February 10, 2025 at his home. He was 81.
Per his wishes, there will be no services at this time.
Arthur was born to the late Arthur and Mary Stone Austin on December 11, 1943. He served his country in the United States Navy and was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his military service, he began a career as a firefighter, serving the people of Montgomery, Alabama, retiring after twenty years. After moving to the Wiregrass Area, he began a second tour of firefighting serving the people of Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) for twenty more years before retirement. He was married to the love of his life, Carolyn Evonn McKinley Austin for fifty-eight years. Arthur was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a grandson, Randall Cook Jr; two sisters, Joyce Belyeu, and Melvina Curtis.
Left to cherish his memories are two daughters, Pam Cook (Rob VanDinter), and Teresa Jones (Randell); a son Greg Austin (Lori); five grandchildren, Jessica Cook, Ashley Jones, Charles Jones Jr (Kayla), Taylor Shahin (George), and Carlie Wiggins (Ethan); fifteen great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Helen Garner Meacham, 78, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. She was born on December 24, 1946, in Alturas, Florida to J.D. and Kate Garner. Funeral services will be 11:00am, Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Robert Hamilton officiating. Burial to follow at Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until the time of service at the funeral home.
Mary was a devout Christian throughout her entire life. She was a loving wife to her husband, Jerry, for 59 years. She was an overprotective, wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. She is rejoicing once again in the arms of her husband in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Lee Meacham, of Dothan, Alabama, her parents, a brother, Terrell Garner, a sister, Betty Jo Hurtado, a brother, Jack Garner, a brother, David Garner, and a grandson, Joshua McNelley.
Mary is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Chari and Terry McNelley, and Amy and Doug Shumate; grandchildren, Jonathan and Jessica McNelley, Justin and Tiffany McNelley, Joshua and Olympia Shumate, Mary Hannah Shumate and Matthew Shumate; great grandchildren, Nickolas York, Morgan, Brooklyn, Piersleigh and Oliver McNelley; sisters, Sarah Steedley, Patsy Ayers, and brother, Charles Garner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan McNelley, Justin McNelley, Joshua Shumate, Mary Hannah Shumate, Matthew Shumate and Nickolas York.
John Raymond Ragan, Sr., a resident of Eufaula, Alabama passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula. He was 76 years old.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula with Bro. Gerald Carroll officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The burial will follow in the Georgetown Cemetery in Georgetown, Georgia. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home in Eufaula. Flowers will be accepted.
John was born June 10, 1948, in Columbia, Alabama to the late William Raymond and Mallie May Railey Ragan. He worked as an insurance salesman for 30 years. 15 years with Independent Life and retired after 15 years with Mutual Savings, as a Regional Staff Manager. He enjoyed being a Scuba Instructor, airplane pilot, deer hunting, and was known as a great builder.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Echo Elise Tarver; four sisters, Ruth Ragan, Etta Spence, Gwen Grimes, and Miriam McLaney; four brothers, James Ragan, Joey Ragan, Charles Ragan, and Bill Ragan.
Survivors are three sons, John Raymond Ragan, Jr. of Eufaula, Gregory Wilson Scott (Mary) of Eufaula, and Steven Ragan (Jacquline) of Fort Gaines; sister, Mary Olive; twelve grandchildren, David Tarver (Brandy), Crystal Ragan (Rick), John Raymond Ragan, III (Jessica), Brittany Jewel Ragan, Katelyn Sanders (Kody), Emily Ragan, Lillie Ragan, Amelia Ragan, Alyssa Ragan, Joseph Scott, Matthew Scott, and Morgan Scott; eight great-grandchildren, David Evan Ragan, Olivia Charlette Ragan, Russell James Ragan, Elizabeth Virginia Ragan, Andrea Robertson, Braylin Heath, Karson Sanders, and Kameron Sanders; two former wives, Brenda Gallamore and Shirley Ragan; longtime companion, Linda Twitchell.
Active pallbearers are Steven Ragan, Gregory Scott, Danny LeRoy, Joseph McLaney, Arthur Williams, and David Tarver.
Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Fredrickson and Michael McLaney.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Wade Hampton Noland, a resident of Bakerhill, Alabama passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Fort Gaines Health and Rehab. He was 77 years old.
John Raymond Ragan, Sr., a resident of Eufaula, Alabama passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula. He was 76 years old.