Bryan Norris Bedsole of Kinston, AL went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 20, 2025. He was 58.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Shortt officiating. Burial will follow in Travelers Rest Cemetery in Samson, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. There will be a fellowship meal served for family and close friends at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in the Ganer community prior to the funeral service. Those wishing to provide food, please carry to the fellowship hall on Saturday morning.
Bryan was born on January 04, 1967 in Samson, AL to Judy Kaye Hall Bedsole and the late Theron Norris Bedsole. He was an accomplished welder and had worked for Utility Trailers for several years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Bryan was especially fond of spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Ganer, AL.
Bryan was preceded in death by his father, Theron Norris Bedsole.
Bryan is survived by his wife, Sherry Lynn Folmar Bedsole; mother, Judy Hall Bedsole; two children, Justin Bedsole (Mary) and Julie Bedsole; one grandchild, Wren Bedsole; three siblings, Becky Johnson (Wayne), Blayne Bedsole (Teresa) and Bonnie Luster (Bucky); several special nieces and nephews, who were very dear to Bryan; cousins, extended family, friends and his life-long friend, Eric Bowden also survives.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Bowden, Garrett Glisson, Gunner Glisson, Christopher Bedsole, Paul Folmar, Paul Thurston and Brian Weeks.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
William “Gilbert” Ross, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 90. Born on July 28, 1934, in Columbus, Georgia, Gilbert lived a life marked by devotion, service, and love.
Gilbert was married to his loving wife, Virginia Ross for over 70 years. Together, they built a family foundation that would grow to include their daughters Laura Wiggins (Eugene), Lisa Ketcham (Don), and Rebecca Mathews (Ben), as well as a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life.
Before embarking on his civilian career, Gilbert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. His time in the service instilled in him a sense of duty and honor that he carried with him long after his military days were over. Following his service, he transitioned to a career as an air traffic controller, a role he held for 38 years.
In addition to his work in air traffic control, Gilbert was an entrepreneur at heart. He started and operated Benchmark Engraving in Dothan, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail were not just a profession but a passion.
Gilbert was also a dedicated member of Harvest Church of Dothan, where he found spiritual fulfillment and fellowship. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with guidance and comfort through all of life’s seasons.
Gilbert’s legacy is carried on by his family, including his grandchildren Stephanie Wiggins, Ross Wiggins, Bryan Wiggins, Andrew Grucza, Michael Ketcham, Makenzie Ketcham, Liam Mathews, Eve Mathews, great-grandchildren Sebastian Lumitap, Kaitlyn Wiggins, Easton Wiggins, Austin Swords (Kaylie) and great-great-grandchildren Ryer James Swords and Ainslie Kay Swords. Each of them carries a piece of Gilbert’s spirit, his love, and his teachings in their hearts.
William Gilbert Ross lived a life that was full and meaningful. He was a man who made a difference in the lives of those he touched, and his memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Reverend Larry Anderson will be officiating a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Harvest Church.
“Dave” Knowlton, 65, of Midland City formally from Portville, NY died Monday January 20,2025 in Southeast Health Medical Center after an illness.
Dave was born on January 30,1959, in Olean, NY and was the son of Charles Leroy” Shorty” Knowlton Jr and Virginia Lou Knowlton.
Dave moved to Midland City, AL about 20 years from Richburg, NY. Mr. Knowlton worked at Clancy’s Excavating Portville Truck and Auto, and Wayne Paving. Dave was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan and loved spending time with his family and tinkering in the garage.
Mr. Knowlton was preceded in death by his parents Charles Leroy “Shorty” Knowlton Jr and Virginia Lou Knowlton, sister Kathy Jo Smith, and sister Molly Boswell, and Nelly his beloved Boxer.
Dave is survived by 3 daughters: Billie Jo Neudeck of Richburg, NY, Bobbie Jo Krotz of Jesup, GA, Dawn (Johnny) Culpepper of Banks, AL, and 1 son: David Knowlton II of Bolivar NY; 10 Grandchildren Sierra Neudeck, Gavyn Neudeck, Jamason Krotz, Brayden Knowlton, Allie-Ann Kohl, Lillian Kohl, Wyatt Kohl, Lillian Mesler, Zoiee Button, and Trent Knowlton. Super Dave loved his grandkids and enjoyed boating, fishing, cook outs, and just hanging out with them.
Dave was survived by siblings Charles (Connie) Knowlton III of Bolivar, NY, Linda (Terry) Lowe of Midland City, AL, Gary (Bonnie) Knowlton of Allegany, NY, Sally (Kevin) Nutt of Duncan, SC, Terri (Roy) Rogers of Crossville, TN Mary (Walt) Vaughn of Little Genesee, NY, Beverly (Scott) Drum of Midland City, AL, and Lauretta Richardson of Elba, AL.
Dave was as unique as people come. He was loved by many people and will forever have that special place in our hearts. Super Dave fly high- We all love you very much.
Memorial Services will be announced at a later date.
Klaus Richters, of Daleville, AL, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Westside Terrace Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was 89.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Shiloh Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing.
Klaus grew up in Germany during World War II and immigrated to the United States in 1959. He joined the United States Army in 1960 and retired in 1980 after 20 years of service, which included two tours in Vietnam and one in Korea. Klaus continued to work on Fort Rucker managing the Auto Craft Shop and other mechanical jobs.
He was preceded in death by his son Andrew Richters.
Survivors include his wife, Theresia Richters, Daleville, AL; daughter, Renate Richters (Glenn Miller), Harvest, AL; brother-in-law, Peter Elsner, Hamburg, Germany; nephew, Arne Richters, Ahrensburg, Germany.
HEADLAND. . .Erma Armstrong “Missie” Hancock, a resident of Headland, died Thursday night, January 23, 2025. She was 94.
A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Jim Corley officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 1550 Parramore Road, Dothan, AL 36303.
Mrs. Hancock was a lifelong resident of Headland, daughter of the late Alto Armstrong and Nell Phillips Armstrong. She was an active member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church where she formerly taught Sunday School. Mrs. Hancock retired from Headland High School, June 4, 2007, as Secretary and Bookkeeper after thirty-seven years employment. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Leon Hancock, a grandson, Joseph Tyler “Bubba” Hancock, a sister, Mary Frank Brown, a stillborn infant brother, and two other brothers, Rupert Armstrong and Foster Armstrong.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Jan Henry (Jay), two sons, Steve Hancock (Kay), and Joe Hancock, all of Headland; grandchildren, Randi Coleman (Josh), Kendall Mims (Joey), and Brooke Hancock; great-grandchildren, Peerce Patterson, Mia Patterson, Hannah Coleman, Murphy Mims, Ellerie Coleman and Dayton Coleman.
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.
Joe Johnson “John” Summerford, II, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, and community pillar, passed away on January 21, 2025, following a recent illness. Born on October 16, 1950, in Mobile, Alabama, John was a source of strength and encouragement to all who knew him, embodying the essence of a life well-lived. He was 74 years old.
John was adopted at the tender age of six months by Joe and Sarah Summerford, a couple whose love knew no bounds. He was the blessing and gift they had longed for, and he flourished under their loving care, knowing they had chosen him. Raised in Ashford, Alabama, John’s childhood was idyllic, filled with the simple joys of small-town life and the enduring friendships he cultivated there. It was at Ashford School that he met Pam Knight, the woman who would become his devoted wife of 57 years and the love of his life.
After attending Troy University, John returned to Ashford in 1970 to farm. His career took a significant turn in 1976 when he joined his father at Summerford Truck Line, Inc., a family business that would become his life’s work. Following his father’s passing in 1978, John took the helm and expanded the company, serving all 48 states and growing a dedicated team of 250 members. The many people who worked alongside him through the years were more than employees and were considered an extended family. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he founded Summerford Pallet Co., Inc. in 1994 and Summerford Cattle, Co., Inc. in 1995, driven by his love for the land and cattle farming. John loved to see a deep, green pasture with pretty red cows grazing, loved the solace that came from sitting quietly and listening to the cattle chewing the grass, and through raising cattle felt a deep spirituality saying that God was a cattleman like him and owned the cattle on a thousand hills.
John’s life was marked by authenticity, loyalty, and a spirit that was both audacious and unassuming. He was a man of integrity, known for his dependability and honesty. John carried the blessings of his upbringing into adulthood, becoming a generous contributor to community events and serving in various roles in the community. His interests extended beyond his professional life. John’s sole motivation was always his love for his family. Many know him as a brilliant businessman, but his favorite titles were husband, Daddy and Papa. His business success was for him a way to love and take care of his wife, daughters, and dear grandchildren. John was deeply rooted in his faith and was a lifetime member of the Ashford United Methodist Church. He embodied the spirit of what the family heard again and again from many whose lives he touched, as they were told that he was one of the “last of the good guys”. He was a man of his word, a man’s man who led without fear knowing who was guiding his steps. John’s success was not just in business, but in the countless lives he touched and improved through his kindness and generosity.
John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pam Summerford; his daughters, Nealy (Brent) Shirah, Julee (Chris) Lasseter, and Susy (Nathan) Spann; his grandchildren, J.J. (Haley) Clemmons, Sarah Shirah, Sam (Zoie) Lasseter, John Luke Lasseter, Summer Spann, Georgia Spann, and Jake Spann; his great-grandchildren, Jaxon Clemmons, Judson Clemmons, and Charlotte Jane Lasseter; and many beloved friends and family members.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ricky Plummer, Pastor Jerry Dawsey, and Pastor Sidney Miller officiating. John will be laid to rest in Ashford City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home from 12:30-2 pm to share memories and support one another.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashford Rescue Squad or a church of your choice.
John Summerford’s legacy is one of a strong, honorable, and kind man who lived a life of purpose and passion. In his final days, he shared that he had always been a good man, but his 74 years had been lived at ninety-nine and a half percent. Through an intimate spiritual encounter he became a “one-hundred percenter” and would joyfully repeat the words “I’ve got it all” while he shared his great desire for everyone he met to have it all too. His memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him, and his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.
