OZARK…Mr. Lester F. “Les” Caudill (Command Sergeant Major, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
MARGARET ELAINE CHAMPION
DOTHAN… Margaret Elaine Champion, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Hartford Health Care in Hartford, Alabama. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Archie Howell officiating. A eulogy will be given by her grandson, Reverend Billy Champion. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Winslette Chapel Methodist Church, 396 South County Road 9, Newton, Alabama 36352, www.winslettechapelchurch.org.
Mrs. Champion was born in Munson, Florida to the late Luther David McCranie and Clara Estell Caylor. She had lived in Dothan, Alabama for the last fifty-three years. She was retired from Ansell in Dothan, Alabama.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Betty, Mary, Diane, Jean, and Annette; and her brothers, Ronnie, Earl, and John.
Leaving to cherish his memories are her sons, James Champion (René), Johnny Champion (Jill), and Mike Braden (Laura); her brothers, Robert McCranie and Duke McCranie; her seven grandchildren; and her six great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Daniel Champion, Billy Champion, Joshua Champion, Johnny McCranie, Tim Blessman, and Austin Lynch.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
Roger William Danley of Samson, AL passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home, with Minister Harry O. Adkison officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Methodist Cemetery with masonic rites and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 7, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Roger was born on March 10, 1935 in Covington County, AL to the late Chottaw and Nancy Elizabeth Adams Danley. Mr. Danley proudly served his country in the US Marines. He was a member of the Samson Masonic Lodge #624 for 60 years. During his working career, he worked for 44 years as a butcher. He worked 20 years with the Riley family prior to purchasing the butcher pen and working another 24 years, along with his wife. They worked hard to serve the community, taking care of all of the butchering needs for folks far and near. In his spare time, Roger enjoyed a good fishing trip with his wife, but especially his grandsons. Many memories have been made in a boat, fishing with his family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Gerald Danley; one sister, Juanita Fulford; and two brothers, Wayland Danley and Cleveland Danley.
Mr. Roger is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Merline Stafford Danley; one son, Jeffery Danley; two grandsons, Garrett Danley (Alexyis) and Gavin Danley (Maggie); two granddaughters, Macy Danley and Alex Danley Janssen; six great grandchildren, Sophia Grace Danley, James Dawson Danley, Charleigh Danley, Drake Gerald Danley, Adarian Tate Goode and Jonah Banks Goode; one sister, Valinda Lolley; two brothers, Bobby Danley (Betty Sue) and Jacky Danley (Susan); many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Garrett Danley, Gavin Danley, Thomas Parrish, Craig Lolley, Wally Wilson and Danny Danley.
Sorrells Funeral Home
P.O. Box 159
Slocomb, AL 36375
(334) 886-7777
Marjorie Faye Hardy Bruce of Wicksburg went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church with Rev. Allan Singley and Rev. Buddy Hood officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Building Fund or to Pilgrim Home Cornerstone (Senior Citizen) Fund address 13534 US 84 West Newton, Al. 36352
Mrs. Bruce was born March 7, 1935, to the late Claude Avon and Katherine Langham Purdy. Margie was born and raised in Lambert Mississippi where she attended Lambert High School. She married Walter Hardy and became an army wife for 18 years. After Walt retired from the Army they resided in Newton. Following Walt’s death in 1970, Margie made the decision to stay in Newton and raise her four children, later moving to the Wicksburg community when she met and married Durwood Bruce. Margie was employed by Fort Rucker Exchange (PX) as a Warehouse Manager for 30 years, after a few months of retirement she went back to the PX and worked part time for the next 12 years. In addition to her job at the PX, Margie also worked with her husband Durwood at Bruce Mercantile and Hardware store in Newton. She enjoyed working in her beautiful flower garden and being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Margie was a faithful member of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church. She loved her preacher, Bro Buddy Hood and her church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Katherine Purdy; husband of 18 years, Walter Hardy; husband of 45 years, Durwood Bruce; infant daughter, Deborah Faye Hardy; granddaughter, Amy Hardy; grandson, Jeremy Bruce; sister, Mayford Escue; brother, Charles (Bub) Purdy; and sister-in-law, Frankie Purdy.
Survivors include her daughters: Sharon (Dewayne) Anderson, Carol Hardy Sellers, and Renay Bruce; sons: Walter E Hardy, Kenneth (Susan) Hardy, and Gary (Cathy) Bruce; grandchildren: Shannon (Doug) Jimmerson, Susan (Kevin) Broyles, Joshua (Tanya) Hardy, Amanda (Bart) Mathis, Staci Peterson, Hunter (Katiera) Sellers, Luther (Melissa) Hardy, Heather (Joe) Brooks, and Megan Knight, 13 great grandchildren; one great grandchild; sisters: Shelby Williams (TN), and Shirley “Sissy” Gentry (AL); sister-in-law, Barbara Hardy (MS); brother: Bill Purdy (MS); several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank Westside Terrace, for the care Margie was given while she was a resident there including the times they let her sit at the nurses’ station on Mulberry Lane and give her “work” to do. Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice for their care and guidance.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference” To sign a guest register, please visit
Jerry Wayne Coskrey, known affectionately as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on January 11, 1947, in Houston County, Alabama, where he lived his entire life, Jerry was known by his unwavering kindness, selflessness, and loving nature.
Jerry graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1965, where he showcased his athletic spirit on the football field and on the track. His passion for sports was only rivaled by his dedication to his community and his career in the grocery business, where he spent his entire working life, including many years at McCormick Spice Company and Piggly Wiggly.
Jerry was the beloved husband of Peggy Coskrey, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage filled with love, support, and cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that includes their children, Michelle Lawson (Chris), Brian Coskrey, Beth Sizemore (Dewayne), and Caleb Coskrey (Anna Norris), who will forever remember their father’s dedication to their wellbeing and happiness.
His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cheyanna Clark (Ben Hoefly), Coby Clark (Abi Garner), and Jacob Sizemore (Caroline Turochy), who will carry forward his lessons of kindness and the importance of family. Jerry also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Brackin, Martha Kingry, and Lucy Bowers, who will miss his presence deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Bob and Mary Goodson Coskrey; his brother, John Coskrey; sister-in-law, Carolyn Coskrey; and brother-in-laws, Ken Bowers, Al Brackin, and James Kingry.
Jerry’s interests and hobbies reflected his love for life and his commitment to his family. He was a fixture at the local McDonald’s, where he would enjoy his coffee while engaging in lively discussions with friends, often attempting to “solve all the world’s problems.” A true people person, Jerry never missed an opportunity to help others and was always there to lend an ear or a hand.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were special times for Jerry, as he loved to grill and share meals with his family, making each holiday a memorable occasion. He cherished his moments by the water, whether it was at Crystal Lake or Lake Eufaula skiing and fishing with his family. A loyal fan of Alabama football, Jerry’s enthusiasm for the game was infectious.
Jerry’s life was a testament to his character—loyal, trustworthy, kind, and honorable. He never failed to take care of his family, and his selfless nature ensured that he was always there for them in times of need. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his infectious laughter, and his genuine concern for others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2024 from the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Rev. Travis Free officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30pm on Friday until the service begins at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. Attn: Dothan Group Home at 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane Birmingham, AL 35216
Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Coskrey, Steven Kingry, Paul Kingry, David Johnson, Adam Treadwell, Jason Parker, Hugh Myrick, and Kevin Donaldson. Honorary pallbearers include his weekly coffee drinking buddies.
I want to share what has been heavily on my mind for a long time now and I have shared my feelings with some local funeral homes and maybe just maybe it will give some comfort to future grieving families …
There’s a quote that says
“ One small change can make a big difference “
Before I did the Angel Of Hope the standard norm of obituaries never stood out to me but after talking to hundreds of parents every year for 9 years who have lost a child I look at many things in life differently. Not sure you remember me telling you that I worked part time at Ward Wilson in the 1980’s. Obituaries have for as far back as I can remember been written with everything in the past tense……….
John was the son of..
Jane was the daughter of…
John was the father of…
Jane was the parent of.
And then……….
John LOVED his family
Jane LOVED her family
People have their own beliefs about the Bible’s interpretation of what happens after we die …but I believe if the obituary could be written…..
John IS the son of…
Jane IS the daughter of…
John LOVES his family
Jane LOVES her family
John IS the father of
Jane IS the mother of……
Maybe that might give just a small bit of comfort to the families .
I’ll always be my children’s father even after I’m gone
And my children and everyone else’s children will ALWAYS be my children and their children.
I know the computer programs and especially AI now that it exists automatically writes or gives hints to creating an obituary.
But Maybe. Just Maybe!!
If you could help change how they are written it might just help families.
I, just like you, will ALWAYS love my children after I’m gone…
Please don’t let anyone write in my obituary that I LOVED my children.
Just a thought.
Hopefully this will be that
SMALL CHANGE THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Steve Hardwick
Wiregrass Angel Of Hope