Timothy Lance McCardle, a resident of Cottonwood, Alabama died Tuesday May 13, 2025 at his residence at the age of 42.
Funeral services for Lance will be held at 3 PM Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with his brother, Brandon McCardle and family officiating. Burial will follow at Ramah Primitive Baptist Church cemetery in Cottonwood, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:45 PM at the funeral home prior to the service.
A lifelong resident of Cottonwood, Lance was a shining light in the lives of all who knew him. Born and raised in the town he held so dear, he graduated with pride from Cottonwood High School’s Class of 2000.With an infectious smile that could brighten even the darkest day, Lance had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued and loved. His heart was especially tender towards animals and he found joy in caring for them and connecting with their quiet, loyal spirits. He was an avid arrowhead hunter who cherished time in the outdoors, where he felt most at peace. A gifted artist, Lance expressed himself through creativity, leaving behind pieces of his soul in every drawing. He had a special place in his heart for old western movies, drawn to their grit, loyalty and timeless charm. But above all, Lance was as real as they come, kind hearted, loyal and fiercely honest. He had a temper that was never cruel, just true, and everyone knew not to cross him because he stood firm in what was right. His strength, humor and unwavering sense of self left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Lance will be deeply missed, remembered for the joy he gave so freely and the strength he carried quietly, like a true cowboy at heart.
Lance is preceded in death by his father, Timmy McCardle; grandmother, Helen McCardle and his grandfather, Emmitt Gerald Lynn.
Survivors include his mother, DeeDee Lynn Smith (Michael); grandfather, BJ McCardle; brothers, Brandon McCardle (Maeghan), Devin Womack (Josie); niece, Charlie; nephews, Carter and Bishop; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be, Zack Morris, Eric Exum, David Ham, Brad Hatcher, Joseph Livingston, Brandon McCardle and Devin Womack. Cousins will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
James Wallace Thomley, 78, a resident of Wicksburg, AL, passed away on May 7, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a man of unwavering faith.
After graduating high school, Wallace served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his military service, he began his civilian career with Page Aircraft at Fort Rucker, then spent 11 years in various roles at the Farley Nuclear Plant. In 1983, he embarked on a new path with Hardee’s, where he was quickly promoted to general manager and served in that role at several Wiregrass-area locations until his retirement in 2008.
A faithful member of Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ (formerly Appletree Street Church of Christ) for 65 years, Wallace served as a deacon and was the congregation’s longest-standing member. He was deeply involved in church life—teaching Sunday school, supporting various ministries, and offering heartfelt prayers that touched many. His faith and leadership left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Wallace’s life was shaped by the influence of strong Christian men: his great-grandfather Henry Thomley, who nurtured his faith in God; his father Ray Thomley, who instilled in him the value of hard work; and his uncle Taft Thomley, who guided him in raising a God-centered family. Wallace carried forward their legacy in the way he loved and led his own family with humility, strength, and grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Myrtle Reeves Thomley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret Ann Stephens Thomley of Wicksburg; daughter Melinda Sherrod (John) of Dothan; grandchildren Jessica Sherrod of Knoxville, TN, and John Sherrod Jr. of Dothan; three sisters, Brenda Herndon (Don), Wanda McSween, and Cathy Brown (Bill); and his brother-in-law Larry Stephens (Diane), who was like a brother to him.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Honeysuckle Church of Christ (986 Honeysuckle Road), with visitation to follow at the Courtyard by Marriott Dothan (3040 Ross Clark Circle).
In lieu of flowers, Wallace requested that donations be made to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice of Dothan or the American Heart Association.
Shelby Strickland age 86 of Dothan passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Extendicare Health and Rehab. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home with Pastor Harrison and Billy Gene Dickerson officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.
Shelby was born May 17, 1938 in Cottonwood to Terry Gene Strickland and Allie B. Perry Strickland Grier. He owned and operated Strickland Tile Company. He enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and CNN. He also enjoyed being on a bowling league. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy and cherished spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia Strickland; his sons Billy Dickerson, Donald Dickerson, Bobby G. Strickland; brothers Shelton Strickland, Clarence Strickland, John Allen Strickland; sisters Shirley Hall, Sarah Ray, Willa Dean Condrey.
Survivors include his daughters Mary McGowan (Dennis), Deborah Freese, Rhonda Mitchell (Thomas), Brenda Metcalfe (Todd); grandchildren Brooke Ellison, Matt McGowan, Ashley Calloway Simmons, Deanna Hetterling, Jennifer Metcalfe, Bobby Strickland, Jr., Billy Dickerson, Jr., Anthony Dickerson, Bethany Strickland, Trey Simmons, Brandon Strickland, Brittany Strickland Wood; great grandchildren Jackson Metcalfe, Jaxon Strickland, Graeson Hetterling, Ian Simmons, Emma Rose Hetterling, Sawyer Mack Phipps, Elsie Violet Phipps; brothers Robert Strickland (Locky), Larry Strickland (Paula); sisters Nina Sue Campbell, Linda Shepard, Brenda Joyce Jewell, Elisa Grier, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends Mr. Leon, Harry Sistrunk.
Pallbearers will be Todd Metcalfe, Trey Simmons, Bobby Gene Strickland, Jr., Jimmy Miller, Matt McGowan and Jack Metcalfe.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Extendicare’s Health and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for their care.
Sarah Nowell Martin of Dothan passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the age of 84. Born on June 9, 1940, in Ashford, Alabama, Sarah’s life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness and generosity.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Wednesday, prior to the service.
She was born to the late Richard and Ellen Gamble Nowell. Sarah’s journey through life was marked by the love she shared with her siblings, Mildred Hughes, Medford Nowell, Martha Sue McClinton, and Calvin Nowell, all of whom preceded her in death.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted daughter, Karen Martin Burnett, and her adored grandson, Nathan Burnett. Sarah’s spirit will also live on through her special fur baby, Dolly, who brought her immeasurable joy and companionship.
Sarah’s professional life was characterized by her unwavering commitment and hard work. After 25 years of dedicated service, she retired from Ansell.
Beyond her work, Sarah had a zest for life that was contagious. She loved Auburn football, country music, and her fondness for Word Search puzzles.
Sarah was loving, kind, and generous. Sarah’s legacy is not only in the lives she touched but also in the example she set on how to live with grace and joy.
Sarah Nowell Martin’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and kindness. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
