ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.
As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.
After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed.
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.
He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn’t just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.
Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
John Perry “Johnny” Walker, Jr., a former resident of Ashford, died late Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2025, in the Vitas Community Health & Rehabilitation Center in Panama City, Florida. He was 78.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend George Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Friday at the mortuary in Headland.
Mr. Walker was born in Ozark and was reared in the Bertha Community of Dale County, son of the late John Perry Walker, Sr. and Bennie Pearl Snell Walker. He formerly lived in Ashford for thirty-two years before moving to Graceville Health Center in 2022. Mr. Walker was retired as a Petroleum Equipment Technician with RaceTrac Petroleum. In earlier years, he was engaged in farming. Mr. Walker was a member of the Dothan Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sheryl Bell and Kimberly McGriff, a sister, Donna Pettis, and a brother, Tommy Walker.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Candace Walker Phipps (John), Headland, AL; Dixie Walker Plumley (Jeremy), Chipley, FL; and Susan Walker Chailland (Ty), Doniphan, Missouri; a son, John Perry Walker, III, Slocomb, AL; son-in-law, Mark Bell; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Mr. Mack Ward of Slocomb passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 64.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family.
Mr. Ward was born June 30, 1960, in Geneva County to the late Clayton and Beatrice Sawyer Ward. Mack was employed as a cashier for many years at the Big Little Store as well as Perdue Farms. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
In addition to his parents, siblings: Robert Earl Ward, Patricia Ann Mixon, Wade Ward, Christine Hill, Elic Ward, and Jane Ward, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include siblings: Billie Joe Ward, Jean Campbell, Gladys Flowers, Joan Bateman, and Gregg Ward; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Barbara Ann Pullam McCollough of Samson, AL passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Samson First Baptist Church with her brother, Rev. Jim Pittman and Rev. Scott Wilkins officiating. Burial will be in Travelers Rest Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Samson First Baptist Church in her memory.
Barbara was born on July 03, 1945 to the late James and Annie Pearl Pittman Pullam. She retired from Citizen’s Bank in Geneva after more than 20 years of service. She worked in various offices throughout the bank, mainly as an administrative secretary. She will be remembered by many for her kindness and her infectious laugh. She loved people and enjoyed being around her friends and family. Barbara enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the Great Smokey Mountains. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Samson, where she sang in the choir and enjoyed being a part of her church family.
Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Jimmy McCollough of Samson, AL; daughter, Michelle Cooley (Jay) of Geneva, AL; five grandchildren, Kayla Dunn (Cole) of Hacoda, AL, Justin Aplin (Shannon) of Wing, AL, Hunter Aplin of Samson, AL, Jackson Cooley and Laney Cooley, both of Geneva, AL; six great grandchildren, Jack, Graham and Annie Dunn of Hacoda, AL, Taften Aplin, Ansley Russ (Curt) and Branson Johnson, all of Wing, AL; one brother, Jim Pittman and wife Jamie of Lynchburg, VA.
Alan Aziz Khan, affectionately known as Alan to his friends and family, passed away on June 16, 2025, in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama at the age of 25. Born on February 28, 2000, to Altaf Khan and LaTiffany Gilmore, Alan’s life was one marked by joy, selflessness, and an unwavering love for those around him.
Alan’s early years were spent in the nurturing environments of Dothan. He is a graduate of Penn Foster High School and he continued his education at Southern Union, Stillman Union, and Wallace Community College. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when he founded a T-shirt business that showcased his creativity and passion for design.
Above all, Alan cherished the time spent with his family and is survived by the love of his life for over four years, Kailey Fulford. He was a devoted father to his son, Noah Alan Khan, whose life was brightened by Alan’s beautiful smile and loving nature. He leaves behind a loving father, Altaf Khan, with his wife Christine Varanti; his mother, LaTiffany Gilmore; a sister, Anecia Mayes (Sterling Marshall); his brothers, Austin and Hudson Khan; and stepsister, Lola Varanti. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Rowshan Ara Khan, Hosnara Khan, Melissa Lampkin (Otis), Shannon Gimore, LaTonya Gilmore, LaDonna Swain. LaTeisha Elliott (Joseph), Jonathan Swain, Charles Myland, Sr. (Melissa), Shawn Myland, Niatacha Perry, Allerie Gilmore (Stephanie), Christin Swain (Tata), Jeryl White, Kareem Poke (Angie), Jerome Swain, Ksha Toronda (David) Vaughn, Nikki Smith, Wanda Blackmon, Nicole and Thomas; and his great aunts, Jean Myhand Price and Magalene Myhand. His grandparents, Willie Jean Gilmore and Rejia Khan, will miss his frequent visits and conversations as well as his great grandmother, Henrietta Smith (Samuel). Alan’s memory will also be cherished by a host of aunts, uncles, and other relatives who were touched by his presence including his cousin and barber, Reginald Myhand, Sr. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Abdul Aziz Khan, Charles Myhand, Sr, Ann Mayes, and Emory Mayes (Michelle). He is also preceded by his great grandparents, Julius Myhand (Leslie) and Dolly Turner (Charlie), his uncle, Abul H. Khan; and his great aunts and uncles, Mamie Ruth Swain, Annie Johnson (Jeff), Thomas “Kitt” Myhand (Magalean), Willie C. Myhand, Clynthia Pearl Gilmore and Denise Snuggs Womack.
Alan’s life was a testament to the power of love and selflessness. He was a man who always put others before himself, and his legacy is one of kindness and generosity. His friends and family will remember him as the best dad, whose life was infused with joy and a beautiful smile that could light up any room. Alan’s love for his family was immense, and he was deeply committed to his prayer life, ensuring to take his Sabbath every Sunday to reflect and rest.
An avid lover of nature, Alan found solace and happiness in fishing and exploring the outdoors. His adventurous spirit and appreciation for the beauty of the world around him were infectious, inspiring many to join him in his outdoor pursuits.
Those who knew Alan would agree that “loving” and “selfless” are words that perfectly encapsulate his character. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his memory will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Alan Aziz Khan’s life was a beacon of light, and though he has departed from this earth, his spirit will continue to guide and uplift us.
A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Reverend Eugene Leonard Jr. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
