Gerald Hugh Colley

by Sunset Memorial Park | Mar 28, 2025 | Obituaries

Gerald Hugh Colley, a man of unwavering courage and profound kindness, completed his earthly journey on March 26, 2025, in Birmingham, AL. Born on August 26, 1945, in Clay County, AL, Gerald was a beacon of strength and generosity throughout his 79 years of life.

Raised by his late parents, Lizzie and JC Colley, Gerald grew up with a strong sense of duty and family. Gerald’s legacy continues through his beloved wife, Phuong Minh Colley, his cherished children, Katherine Colley and Christopher (Jocelyn) Colley, and his adored grandchildren, Noah and Grant Colley. He is survived by his siblings, Marcelle Smith, Thurber Colley, and Rachel Gibson. He joined his siblings, Wilma Colley and Willian McDaniel in Heaven, as well as his brother and sister in laws, Lindy McDaniel, Joe Nathan Smith, Dean Colley, and Elwyn Colley. His life was enriched by a host of nieces and nephews, whom he held dear.

In 1963, Gerald graduated from Mellow Valley High School, taking the first step in what would be a lifelong commitment to education and service. He attended Southern Union in Wadley from 1964 to 1965, later earning his degree in Agribusiness from Auburn University in 1968. His academic accomplishments laid the foundation for a life characterized by discipline, leadership, and a desire to serve his country and community.

Gerald’s sense of duty led him to be drafted into the Army in 1968, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career. Gerald was commissioned through OCS. He held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, including Operation Officer, Logistics Officer, Company CDR, Directorate of Combat Development, Plans, training, and Readiness Officer, Counterintelligence Officer, Military Intelligence Executive Officer and Executive Officer to Strategic Plans, Operational Research Analyst. Gerald retired from the Army as a Major, embodying the values of bravery and commitment to excellence. He obtained qualifications to include Special Forces, Ranger, Airborne and Pathfinder.

Beyond his military service, Gerald was an active member of the Rotary Club, where he continued to exemplify the principles of service and fellowship. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he served with devotion as a Sunday school teacher and mentor at Bethel Baptist Church, sharing his wisdom and nurturing the spiritual growth of those around him.

Gerald’s life was a testament to the power of courage, selfless service and kindness. He approached each day with a steadfast resolve to make a positive impact on the world with his generosity, whether through his military service, his involvement in his church, or simply in the way he interacted with his family and friends. His presence was a source of comfort and inspiration, and his legacy will continue to be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

As we remember Gerald Hugh Colley, we celebrate a life lived with honor, fairness, and integrity, a heart given to love, and a spirit that was never daunted. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. Though Gerald has departed from this world, the values he embodied and the memories he created will forever remain as guiding lights for those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church in Newton, AL with Pastor Mike Griggs. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Burial with military honors will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Alabama National Cemetery.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

Willie Frank Sewell

by WHW Funeral Home | Mar 28, 2025 | Obituaries

Willie Frank Sewell of Westville, FL passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Locke and Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Sweet Gum Head Church of Christ Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Willie was born in Westville, FL on July 11, 1952, to the late Marvin Bishop and Evelyn Prescott Sewell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Cebron Earl Sewell and Houston Franklin Sewell; one sister, Lois Hall.

Willie was known as a loving husband, father, and PawPaw. His wife informed him in 6^th grade that they were to be married one day, and this started a long trend of her being right. If he wasn’t found tending his garden, he could be found in the woods or on a riverbank, losing a catch that he would have told you was the biggest catfish that you’ve ever seen. The only time he and his wife were on opposite sides was if Alabama and Duke were playing at the same time. His love for the community shined through in his daily service, whether that be driving a friend in need, helping a neighbor, or assisting with repairs and upkeep of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, of which he and his wife were members since the 1980s. Just in case you were wondering where to get a good cup of coffee, he would tell you McDonald’s has the best you can find, and here’s a helpful tidbit: don’t throw the cup away, because it makes a real good spit cup for later!

Willie was survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Sewell of Westville, FL; two daughters, Wendy Cobb (David) of Hartford, AL and Heather Sewell (Dewey Trant) of Samson, AL; one granddaughter, Ashlyn Cobb of Hartford, AL; three sisters, Grace McCullough (Erbie), Mary Sue Ingalls, and Pauline Biddle; sister-in-law, Jeanie Jordan (Jessie); brother-in-law, Zion Miller; and several nieces and nephews.

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  

Paul Frederick Flowers

by Holman Mortuaries | Mar 28, 2025 | Obituaries

ABBEVILLE. . .Paul Frederick Flowers, a resident of Abbeville, died Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 82.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Abbeville Memorial Cemetery-East with a grandson, Caleb Flowers, officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:30 P.M. Tuesday at the mortuary in Abbeville.
Mr. Flowers was born in Alton, Illinois and was reared in Wood River, Illinois, son of the late Paul Franklin Flowers and Phyllis Nieft Flowers. He attended St. Bernard’s Elementary School and graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1960. Mr. Flowers attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1972 and retired after twenty-five years service. A veteran of the Vietnam War era, Mr. Flowers retired with rank of Sergeant First Class. He lived in various locations in the United States and overseas while serving in the military. Mr. Flowers moved to Abbeville in 1994. After retirement from the military, he owned and operated laundromats in Headland and Dothan. Mr. Flowers was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Flowers and his beloved grandmother, Sylvia Foster.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Suk Hui Yi Flowers; two sons, Tae Hui Flowers (Donya), Abbeville; and Kuk Hui Flowers, Dothan; three grandchildren, Allison Flowers, Caleb Flowers (Olivia Stephenson) and Carrie Ann Flowers; four sisters, Pat Holbrook, Wood River, Illinois; Pam Thompson (Ron), Springfield, Illinois; Diana Flowers (Butch), Moro, Illinois; and Dolores Zakrzewski, Springfield, Illinois; several special nieces and nephews

HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.