Marvin Carter Phillips, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 79 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 22, 1945, in Columbus, Georgia, Marvin’s life was a testament to his unwavering kindness and selfless nature.
After graduating high school, Marvin answered the call to serve his country and proudly joined the Army. His bravery and dedication were evident as he fought in the Vietnam War. It was during his time in the military that he met the love of his life, Sen Phillips. The two were inseparable and their love blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted 58 years.
Following his honorable military service, Marvin continued to serve his community through his work at Fort Rucker, where he meticulously repaired night vision goggles, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the equipment for those who followed in his footsteps to protect our nation.
Marvin was the beloved patriarch of his family, which includes his devoted wife, Sen Phillips; his children, Kim Phillips, Cindy Rudisill, John Phillips, and Steven Phillips; his grandchildren, John Michael Phillips, Kacie Phillips, Mickey Rudisill, and Emma Fisher; his great-grandchildren, Skylar Phillips and Robyn Phillips. He was a guiding light and source of unwavering support for them all. Marvin was also a loving brother to Rodney Phillips and Barbara Vlass; and uncle to nephew Geoff Collins. He was predeceased by his grandson Cris Phillips, and his brother Jerry Blackmon.
Those who knew Marvin would describe him as the epitome of a “super dad.” He was always there for his children and grandchildren, providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. His humble approach to life and the love he had for his family were evident in every interaction.
Marvin’s love for the outdoors was a significant part of his life. He found solace in fishing and gardening, two pastimes that allowed him to connect with nature and impart his knowledge and passion to his children and grandchildren. His home was a sanctuary for animals, where he cared for dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, and even nurtured his love for aquatic life through fishing.
A man of deep faith, Marvin was also known as a “fisher of men.” He dedicated many hours ministering to those in prison, bringing hope and spiritual guidance to those seeking redemption and a new path in life.
Marvin’s kindness extended beyond his family and friends; it was a trait that he freely gave to all who crossed his path. His selfless acts, often done without a desire for recognition, touched the lives of many and left a legacy of compassion that will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Brother Charles Goldsmith officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mary Alice Robinson of Geneva passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was 65 years old.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Geneva with Father Zachary Greenwell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Geneva with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., at which time we will depart for the church.
Mary was born on October 27, 1959, in Buffalo, NY. Mary attended Merle Wallace Purvis Center in Geneva for a number of years. She enjoyed coloring, dancing, listening to music, reading and solving her word search puzzles. She learned to sew, quilt and operate a computer, with help from her brother. Mary had a gift of humor and never met a stranger. Once you met her, you were forever her friend. Two things she enjoyed most were watching Jackie Gleason on television and sneaking her chocolate candy, when she could get by with it. She was loved much and will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Barnes Robinson; one brother and sister-in-law, Michael Paul Robinson (Linda) and one sister, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Robinson.
She is survived by her loving and devoted father, Burton P. Robinson, Jr. of Geneva; sister and brother, Susan Robinson Meidenbauer, John Burton Robinson (Holly) all of Geneva; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John F. Simmons, Sr. as well as Wiregrass Nursing Home for their devoted love and care of Mary throughout the years.
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
Mr. Joseph Wayne McLean, of Slocomb, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at his home. He was 49.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM at 328 Old Fadette Road in Slocomb, Alabama.
Mr. McLean was born on September 19, 1975, in Brunswick County, North Carolina to Stevens and Glenda Brisson McLean. Joseph worked with Houston County Maintenance.
Survivors include his wife, Kim Hope McLean; son, Jacob McLean; daughters: Emily McLean and Stevie McLean; Sisters: Stephanie Stover(John) and Joy Carpenter(John); niece, Kimberlee Stover and nephew, Zachary Stover; and other extended family and friends.
ABBEVILLE. . .Albert Harold McCoy, a resident of Abbeville, passed away Thursday night, January 23, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Henry Fullington and Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow in Abbeville Memorial Cemetery-East. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, c/o Claudia Trawick, 213 McClendon Drive, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Mr. McCoy was born and reared in Henry County, near Newville, son of the late Daniel Albert McCoy and Georgia Pearl Arnold McCoy. He served his country in the Army National Guard in the Abbeville unit. Mr. McCoy was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was employed for most of his lifetime as the Manager of the Piggly Wiggly (Food Giant) and retired after forty-five years. Mr. McCoy was also engaged in cattle farming. He was preceded in death by his his brothers, Floyd McCoy, Robert McCoy, Louie McCoy and Jack McCoy.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-nine years, Lois Carr McCoy, a daughter, Kelli McCoy Searcy (Robert), Abbeville; a son, Dr. Chris McCoy (Donna), Capps, AL; a brother, Billy McCoy (Libby), Abbeville; sisters-in-law, Joyce McCoy, Diane Perry Edwards, Dot McCoy Long and Lougenia Carr Hudspeth (Joey); grandchildren, Cason McCoy (Deanna), Cailin McCoy and Payton Searcy; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Bobby McCoy, Jeff McCoy, Jess McCoy, Tim McCoy, Cason McCoy, Payton Searcy and Gene Arnold. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Mr. McCoy at Piggly Wiggly and Food Giant.
The family would like to express their appreciation to special caregivers, Rebecca Murray and Ruth Lawrence for the loving care and kindness shown to Mr. McCoy during his illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Mr. Don Olen Dykes, Sr. a resident of Clayton, Alabama passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. He was 82 years old.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Louisville with Rev. Curtis Rich officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Clayton directing. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted.
Don was born March 1, 1942, in Louisville, Alabama to the late Robert James and Euva Arrington Dykes. He worked for 20 years at AP Green and retired from Louisiana Pacific after 20 years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed volunteering at the food bank in Eufaula and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, James Robert Dykes; daughter, Cynthia Michelle Dykes.
Survivors include his son, Don Olen Dykes, Jr.; two grandchildren, Josh Dykes (Jamie) of Monroeville, Alabama and Kristen McNab (Derick) of Pinckard, Alabama; sister, Sandra Dykes of Midway, Alabama; five great-grandchildren, Stone Dykes, Alex Dykes, Olivia McNab, Ivy McNab, and Raegan McNab.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Josh Dykes, Mike Dykes, Littlejohn Bruer, Derick McNab, Chris Owens, and Keith Owens.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Lula Louise McCall of Samson, AL went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. She was 76 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Jimmy Eddins officiating. Burial will follow in New Home Baptist Church Cemetery in Samson, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Lula was born in Samson, Alabama on June 06, 1948 to the late Sam and Connie D. Harrison Glover. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed her Friday nights at the Samson Legion Hall with her friends. She had a special love for her rose bushes, which she grew so beautifully.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Wayne McCall; great-grandson, Brock Vinson; three sisters, Ethel Thomas, Carolyn Anderson and Sybil Johnson.
Lula is survived by three children, Donna Rodriguez, Donald McCollough (Brenda) and Sherrie Presley (Ricky); Companion, Billy Weatherford; two brothers, Jerry DeLoach and James Ludman; grandchildren, Ashley Vinson (Jason), Kristy Hughes, Brandie Hall (Brad), Casey Clenney (Patrick), LaDonna Martinez (Fernando), Dana Johnson (Zach), Aaron Rodriguez (Jessica), Jason Saunders, Shawn Gilmore (Krissy), Misty Davenport (Wes); 24 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
