LEVEL PLAINS…Mr. Rex L. Wheeler (First Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Level Plains, died late Thursday evening, August 28, 2025, at the home of his son. He was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 12, 2025, at Glory to Him Fellowship Church in Ozark . Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the church.
Mr. Wheeler, born and raised in the quiet town of Alava, Oklahoma, was the beloved son of Ernest Wheeler and Virgie Withrow. From a young age, he carried a strong sense of duty and pride in his country. At just 17 years old, he made the courageous decision to join the United States Navy, where he served honorably for six years. His commitment to service didn’t end there—he later enlisted in the United States Army, dedicating over two decades of his life to protecting and serving others. His military career was marked by discipline, resilience, and a deep love for his fellow servicemen and women.
After retiring from the Army, Mr. Wheeler chose to settle in Alabama in 1989, where he began a new chapter of his life. Never one to sit still or stop learning, he enrolled in Wallace College and graduated from their Respiratory Therapy Program. He went on to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist, using his skills to help countless patients breathe easier and live better. Over the years, he worked at Dale Medical Center, Southeast Health, and Flowers Hospital, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike.
Even as he approached retirement, Mr. Wheeler remained deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and experience. He taught Respiratory Therapy, CPR, and life support, pouring his heart into preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. His students often spoke of his patience, his wisdom, and the way he made even the most complex lessons feel personal and meaningful.
Outside of work, Mr. Wheeler found spiritual strength and community as a member of Glory To Him Fellowship in Ozark. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he cherished the fellowship and friendships he found there.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Wheeler, whom he loved dearly. Those who knew Mr. Wheeler will remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the way he made everyone around him feel seen and valued. He lived a life of service, compassion, and unwavering integrity—and leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Surviving relatives include his children, Rhonda Jo Wheeler Wainwright, Oklahoma, Rex L. Wheeler, Jr. (Janet), and Timmy D. Wheeler, all of Daleville; two brothers, Gary Wheeler (Sun), Ozark and Don Wheeler (Ruth Anne), Texas; grandchildren, Chelsea, Chris, Dakota, Darren, and Cheyenne; great-grandson, Cameron; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Joyce Elaine Beasley Hix, a resident of Dothan, died Thursday, August 28, 2025 at her residence. She was 70.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, September 8, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Reverends Cory Solomon and Kyle Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Dothan City cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 1:45 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
Joyce was born December 13, 1954 in Dothan to the late Elmer Ray and Rosine Estelle Bullard Beasley and was a lifelong resident. She had a heart for caring which was evident in her 47 years as a Nurse. Joyce was a member of Union Hill Baptist church and an Eastern Star with the Ashford Lodge Wiregrass 519.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Annie Strickland and a brother Mack Beasley.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, James Hix; children, Maggie Dykes and Jim Hix (Tiffany); grandchildren, Gage Dykes (Chelsey), Audrey Hix, Lanie Rogers (Kyle), Angel Burke (Josh) and Charlotte Hix; great grandchildren, Raylyn, Brayleigh and Jeremiah.
COLUMBIA… Ronald K. Lewis, Sr., a resident of Columbia, Alabama, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025, at his home. He was 81.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 11:45 A.M., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Lewis was born in Mobile, Alabama to the late Kenny Lewis, Sr. and Hattie Maye Hennis Lewis. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Troy University. He served his country and retired with the U.S. Air Force. After his military career he worked and retired from the civil service. He had lived in various places across the United States with his military career and the civil service. A good bit of that time was around Montgomery, Alabama and Wetumpka, Alabama areas. He played fast-pitch softball for years and was inducted into the Blue Grey Hall of Fame. He loved his family very much. He was of Catholic Faith and had attended St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley Atchinson, Faye Ivey, and Regina Dixon; and his brother, Kenny Lewis, Jr..
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of sixty-one years, Barbara Jean Bowen Lewis; his daughter, Ronda Kay Hicks (Clay); his son, Ronald “Ron” K. Lewis, Jr.; his sisters, Wendy Johnson and Tracy Maloy; and his brother, Corky Lewis (Debbie); his sister-in-law, Debbie Lewis; and his grandchildren, Christian Hicks and Karsten Hicks.
Anne Mary Rocco, a beacon of kindness and selflessness, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 82. Born on July 20, 1943, in New York, NY, Anne’s vibrant spirit and adventurous soul touched the lives of all who knew her.
Anne’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and her commitment to nurturing young minds. As a respected preschool teacher at the College of William and Mary, she shaped countless futures with her gentle guidance and infectious enthusiasm for learning. Her devotion to her faith was equally profound, as she was a devout Catholic who lived her beliefs through action, volunteering her time and energy at St. Columba Church.
Her journey from a proud New Yorker to a cherished member of the Dothan community in 2005 was filled with the joy of new friendships and experiences. Anne never met a stranger, and her ability to connect with people was one of her most remarkable traits. Her love for travel took her to Ireland, Germany, and Hawaii fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Anne’s love for life was evident in her passion for shopping, with Macy’s being her preferred destination for the latest fashions. Her sense of style was only matched by her graciousness and her ability to make every occasion special.
Left to honor Anne’s legacy are her loving daughters, Laura Stratton (James), Ronnie Jewell (Jim), and Amy Frohnapfel (Dirk); her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her nieces, Aileen Morea and Lizabeth Rossiter. Anne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Anna McKendry; her husband, Michael Rocco; her brother, William McKendry, Jr.; and her sister, Dolores Rossiter.
Anne’s life was a beautiful portrait of love, dedication, and adventure. Her kind heart and selfless nature were the cornerstones of her existence. Those who knew her will forever remember her warm smile, her generous spirit, and the way she embraced life’s journey with open arms. Anne Mary Rocco’s memory will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to feel the warmth of her love.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11am in St. Columba Catholic Church with Father Jim Dane officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to service time.
James Carlton Toole, Jr., a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, August 22, 2025, in Port St. Joe, Florida. He was 54 years old.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Friendly Assembly of God Church with Rev. Ronnie Benefield officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. Flowers will be accepted.
James was born on March 21, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, to James Carlton, Sr. and Betty Jean Morgan Toole. He was a bridge inspector and dump truck driver for Barbour County and a volunteer firefighter for Texasville Volunteer Fire Department. James enjoyed camping, fishing, watching westerns, and gardening.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Carlotn Toole, Sr.; wife, Deborah Benefield Toole; sister, Frances Rutledge.
Survivors include his mother, Betty Jean Morgan Toole; four sons, James Toole, III (Ashley) of Texasville, Alabama, William Toole of Clayton, Alabama, Jacob Toole (Kimberly) of Clayton, Alabama, and Jacob Toole, II of Clayton, Alabama; daughter, Aubrey Toole of Clayton, Alabama; brother, Charles Wesley Rutledge (Connie); four sisters, Barbara Ann Tackett (William), Martha Nell McCarty (Rudolph), Torrie Toole, and Tia Cherier (Michael); fourteen grandchildren.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
James Carlton Toole, Jr., a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, August 22, 2025, in Port St. Joe, Florida. He was 54 years old.