Henry Knox Burns, III, known to family and friends as Henry or “Sonny” to many, died on March 31, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 84.
He was born on April 2, 1941, in Macon, Georgia, to Henry Knox Burns, Jr. and Anne Holmes Burns. Henry grew up in Macon and carried the values of hard work, faith, and family throughout his life. He attended Miss Duffey’s kindergarten class, Alexander III, Lanier High School in Macon, and Georgia Tech, where he continued building the foundation for a life marked by industry, innovation, service, and dedication.
Henry built a respected career through determination, vision, and a willingness to see possibility where others might not. An entrepreneur, he owned Burns Automation Incorporated in Macon, GA in 1973 and later Burns Machinery Inc., which became BMI Automation, Inc. in Dothan in 1983. He also served as Vice President and Plant Engineer from 1964 to 1975 of Burns Brick Company in Macon, Georgia. In 1975, he moved from Macon, GA to Newton, AL then to Dothan, AL in 1978, where he continued to make his home and remain active in the church and community. He loved to travel for work, and he had a remarkable ability to recognize potential in people and to give them the chance to grow and succeed.
A devoted follower of Jesus, Henry was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church where he was a member since 1975. His life in the church reflected the same steady kindness and quiet strength that defined so many other parts of his life. He was also deeply connected to Scouting, having traveled to the World Jamboree with the Boy Scouts and was an Eagle Scout himself. His commitment to Scouting extended through his family, and he took great pride in being a father and brother in the Scouting tradition.
Henry and his high school sweetheart, Kitsy, were married in 1962 and he lovingly and selflessly cared for her over the past decade as she battled Alzheimers’. Henry is survived by his wife, Katharine M. Burns, “Kitsy”; and their sons, Henry Knox Burns, IV, “Trig,” and his wife, Sherri Adkison Burns, W. Stuart Burns and his wife, Pamela Rountree Burns, and Hubert Burns and his wife, Jenie Arnold Burns; and his grandchildren, Abigail Burns, William Burns, Leila Burns, McKayla Burns, Houston Burns, and Caroline Burns. He is also survived by his brother, John McKay Burns and his wife, Chris; his sister, Ethel Burns Shockley and her husband, Steve; his brother-in-law, Shelton Sanford; his best friend, Tony Moore; and numerous nieces, nephews, church friends, and extended family members who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Knox Burns, Jr. and Anne Holmes Burns; his brother, Dr. William Holmes Burns; and his sister, Anne Burns Sanford.
Those who knew Henry will remember him as a kind and faith-filled man whose life was grounded in love for his family, loyalty to his friends, and devotion to his church and community. He lived with purpose, treated others with respect, and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue through the family he cherished, the work he accomplished, and the many lives he touched along the way.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2pm in Belle Meade Chapel at Sunset Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Shelton Stanford and Rev. Rob Oates officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service on Monday. A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2pm at Riverside Cemetery in Macon, Georgia at the Burns plot in front of the Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to his granddaughter for her mission work in Africa, https://give.pioneers.org/s-donate?firstname=MemorialGift&lastname=Burns&projectcode=102789 or to First Presbyterian Church in Dothan, AL designated for Shield Evangelical Church in South Shields, England in Henry’s honor.
Philip Morgan Casto, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 79.
Phil was born on January 20, 1947, and grew up in Dunbar, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia Tech, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After college, Phil took a year to drive across the country with a buddy in a convertible and backpack across Europe. He eventually made his way to Georgia where he attended Woodrow Wilson Law School, married, and raised a family. Phil had a successful career in law, practicing 50 years before he retired. Phil was known for his humor, strength, patience, and dedication to his family and friends. He found joy in restoring and building classic hot rods, spending much of his free time in his large shop. Entering numerous car shows across the country, he almost always came home with a trophy or plaque—often best in show.
Phil was a beloved recreational and travel team soccer coach, and called all home high school soccer matches. He was a member of Sugar Hill United Methodist church where he served on the Council for many years. Phil gave his money and time to Eagle Ranch which helps troubled kids, even fostering children for many years.
Phil is preceded in death by his father, Milford Morgan Casto; mother, Ella Marie Casto; and sister, Patricia Armstrong.
Phil is survived by his spouse of fifty years, Rebecca Casto; four daughters: Donna Lynn (Bruce) of Dothan, AL, Michelle Cooney of Cranberry Township, PA, Tricia Dille (Todd) of Cullman, AL, and Andrea Knybel (Kelly) of The Woodlands, TX. “Papa” is also survived by ten grandchildren who he was so proud of: Sean Dudish (Caroline), Autumn Dozier, Tyler Dozier, Reagan Coon, Dylan Cooney, Morgan Fuller, Mason Fuller, Caroline Knybel, Ella Knybel, and Chelsea Knybel.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.
In memory of Phil Casto, memorial contributions may be made to Hot Rodders Children’s Charity, 354 Front Street, Cornelia GA 30531.
Phil will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Margaret Ann Hatchett Cheney, 93, passed away peacefully in Dothan, Alabama, after a long and well-lived life devoted to faith, family, and service to others.
Ann will especially be remembered for her warmth, hospitality, and generous spirit. She and her husband Bob created a laughter-filled home, demonstrating love to family and friends. Ann always had room for one more at her table. As decades-long sponsors of Foreign Officers at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ann and Bob welcomed many from abroad who became lifelong friends that they visited when they traveled the world. Her home was a gathering place where all were welcomed with open arms.
Ann was deeply involved in her church community throughout her life. She was an active member of Capitol Heights United Methodist Church and later Whitfield United Methodist Church, where she faithfully served in many roles. She led the Missions Ministry, served on the church’s official board, sang alto in the choir, and participated in Circle meetings. Her church family was a priority in her life. Her very last Sunday, she streamed the services of her new church, First United Methodist of Montgomery. She also prioritized reading her Bible every morning to start her day.
Above all, Ann was devoted to her family. She had a lifelong passion for genealogy and spent many years carefully researching and preserving her family’s history so that future generations would know the stories of their ancestors and origins. Even well into her nineties, Ann remained active and independent, continuing her genealogical work and supporting the organizations she loved. Among others, she was a member of the National Societies of Daughters of the American Revolution, United States Daughters of 1812, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, The Colonial Dames of America, Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Alabama Company of the Jamestowne Society. She also served as president of the Montgomery Civinettes Club.
Ann was born May 6, 1932, in Lincoln, Alabama, to Benjamin Franklin Hatchett of Athens, Alabama, and Dorothy Schmidt Hatchett of Lincoln, Alabama. She was raised with her siblings Thomas Lawrence Hatchett, Benjamin Franklin Hatchett, and Elizabeth Arlynn Hatchett Weir.During her childhood, Ann’s family moved to Columbiana, Alabama, where she graduated from Shelby County High School as salutatorian. She went on to graduate with a degree in history and business from Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, where she was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority.
While at Auburn, Ann met the love of her life, Robert Martin Cheney of Montgomery, Alabama, a United States Marine Corps veteran. The two were married on July 3, 1954, at Columbiana United Methodist Church in Alabama. Together they built a life in Montgomery, raised their three children and traveled the world.
She is survived by her children, Robert Martin Cheney Jr. (Karen), Elizabeth Lee Cheney Sewell (the late William), and John Franklin Cheney (Deborah), as well as her grandchildren Laura Shannon Phillips (Chris), Benjamin Garrett Cheney (Jordy), Garrett Franklin Cheney (Christine), and Samantha Paige Clement (Neil).
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, John Edwin Phillips, Mildred Ann Phillips, Anna Joyce Cheney, McAllister Grace Cheney, Chloe Marie Cheney, Harper Ann Cheney, Jackson Lyndon Cheney, Valerie Rose Clement and Martin Richard Clement. Ann’s life was a testament to faith, family, and the enduring bonds of love that she nurtured throughout her ninety-three years.
Ann is entombed at Greenwood Cemetery, in Montgomery, Alabama alongside her husband. The family held a private graveside service on April 1, 2026.
You are invited to a Celebration of Ann’s life on April 26, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, Alabama, 2416 W Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36106. Visitation will be held in the Main Sanctuary at 12:00 noon, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Ann requested that donations be given to one of the following:
Embrace Alabama Kids, 925 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Jamestowne Society, William M. Kelso Archaeology Fund, 3901 Midlands Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188-2575
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
William “Bill” Dale Cantlin, 84, a resident of Ashford, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Bill was born April 1, 1941, in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late George William & Mildred (Hodnett) Cantlin. He was a 1959 graduate of St. Petersburg High School and attended the local junior college following his graduation. Bill then continued his studies at Florida State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After college, Bill began his career, and went to work for City of Clearwater as an accountant, working until his retirement in November of 1996. Following his retirement, he began some European work which took him to Budapest, Hungary, for a brief period. Outside of his work, Bill loved to travel, spend time outdoors hunting, and making financial investments; Bill and his wife Linda, relocated to Alabama in 2006.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David L. Cantlin.
He is survived by his wife 46 years, Linda L. Cantlin of Ashford; his sister, Ann Cantlin; and his niece, Larissa Rae Cantlin-Plemons (Sean).
Per his wishes, no services will be held at this time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Stephen D. Godby, born June 21, 1957, in Indiana, passed away on March 31, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He lived a life marked by devotion to his family, loyalty to his friends, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures that brought him joy.
Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Carolyn Sue Chaney; his grandfather, George Hughes; and his son, Christopher Eric Godby.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail Godby, who stood beside him through the many seasons of life they shared together. He also leaves behind his sons, Cameron Godby and his wife Gina, Corey Tucker and his wife LaKresha, and Steve Taylor and his wife Angela; his daughter, Christy Bartlett and her husband Brian; his half-sister, Susan Mahan and her husband Steve; and his half-brother, Dwight Chaney. He was a proud grandfather to Christopher and CJ Godby, Stellan and Clara Tucker, Shelby Slaughter, and Spencer and Wyatt Taylor. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong friends, Emmitt Dalton and Keith Reams, all of whom will carry forward his memory with love and gratitude.
Stephen found happiness in the outdoors and in the traditions he enjoyed throughout his life. He loved fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, and collecting Case knives. These interests reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship, adventure, and time spent in the company of those he loved.
He leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will forever treasure the time they were given with him.
