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.
James L. Bledsoe, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 75. Born on September 3, 1949, James lived a life marked by selflessness and deep affection for his family and friends.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Bledsoe; his sister, Patricia Rackstraw and her husband Frank; his daughter, Juliet; his sons, James and Michael; his step-children, Chad, Carmen, Charlene, and Cameron; and four cherished nieces and nephews. Each of them benefited from his boundless love and unwavering support.
A Celebration of Life for James will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The service will be followed by a burial at Memory Hill Cemetery, with arrangements entrusted to Ward Wilson Funeral Home. James’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
Johnny Mack Whatley, Sr., a pillar of strength and a beacon of kindness, left this world on January 22, 2025, at the age of 89, in Dothan, Alabama. He was a man whose life was a testament to the values of love, faith, and community. Born on January 6, 1936, to the late Robert and Elizabeth Cox Whatley, John’s early years laid the foundation for a life full of achievement and service.
John, affectionately known by all who loved him, was a proud veteran of the US Army. After his service, he returned to his roots in Dothan, where he established himself as a respected farmer. His dedication to the land and his community was unwavering, and his work ethic was admired by many. In the late 1970s, he transitioned to the manufacturing industry, where he began a new career with the same vigor and commitment he had shown in farming.
He was a loving husband to his teenage sweetheart for 55 years, caring for her with unwavering devotion through her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. John’s role as a family man extended beyond his immediate circle as he was a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His children, Terri Knowles, Johnny (Angi) Whatley, Jr., and Russell (Anita) Whatley, his grandchildren, Shannon Smith, Matthew (Kimberly) Smith, Brynn (Sam) Dresser, Kadin (Kira) Whatley, Blake Whatley, and Britton Whatley, and his great-grandchildren, Andrew Davis, Dylan Smith, Griff Smith, and Eli Dresser, will forever hold dear the memories of his love and guidance.
John’s legacy is also carried on by his siblings, Mickey Whatley and Bobbie Whatley, along with numerous nieces and nephews who looked up to him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gennine, by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Whatley, his brothers Robert Whatley, Jr., and Bill Whatley, and his sisters Katherine Botscoe and Priscilla Hall.
An unwavering man of faith, John was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dothan. His commitment to his faith was evident in his role as a deacon, where he served with distinction, including several years as Chairman. His contributions to the church were significant, particularly his leadership on the building committee that oversaw the construction of the current sanctuary. He also shared his wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, impacting countless lives through his teachings.
John’s passion for life was matched by his love for golf, a game he played with enthusiasm and skill. He graced the greens 2-3 times a week and cherished the father/son tournaments with Blake and Britton. His love for the sport also took him on memorable trips to Hilton Head Island, where he enjoyed playing with his sons Johnny and Russell.
The words that best describe John are loving, faith-filled, and friendly. He was a man who touched the lives of many with his warm smile and generous spirit. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Brother Paul Edenfield officiating. John will be laid to rest with military honors in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, reuniting with his beloved wife. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. John’s life was a gift to us all, and his memory will be cherished forever. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Mr. John W. Shipman of Dothan passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 80
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, January 27, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Jake Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 A.M. Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Marthana Jane Manross Ward, fondly known as Marti, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at the age of 58, in Graceville, Florida. Born on December 27, 1966, at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Marti was a vibrant soul whose presence was felt like a burst of sunshine by everyone who knew her.
The daughter of Wayne Manross, Jr., and the late Jane Pauline Pleger Manross, Marti grew up with a strong sense of family and a contagious zest for life. Her sister, Robin D. (Scott) Brewster, remembers Marti as not just a sibling but a lifelong friend whose laughter and creativity brought joy to their family gatherings.
Marti’s passion for baking was not just a hobby but a form of expression that won her accolades, including the prestigious Bay County Baking Contest. Her kitchen was a magical place where flour, sugar, and a dash of her creative spirit produced treats that were much more than just desserts; they were edible manifestations of her love and care.
Her crafts were another outlet for her creative talents. With nimble fingers and an imaginative mind, Marti crafted beautiful creations that she generously shared with friends and family. Whether it was a handmade card or a carefully stitched quilt, each piece was a token of her generous spirit.
Marti’s poodles were her constant companions and a source of endless joy. She raised them with the same love and attention that she gave to every aspect of her life. Her furry friends were more than pets; they were a part of her family, a reflection of her loving nature.
To say that Marti was the life of the party would be an understatement. Her outgoing and talkative personality made her a natural at social gatherings. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and included, and her laughter was infectious.
As a friend, Marti was the epitome of warmth and friendliness. She had the gift of making connections with people from all walks of life. Her creativity was not just limited to her hobbies but was evident in her approach to life. She navigated the world with a creative flair that made ordinary moments extraordinary.
Marti’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and creativity. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated by all, especially her beloved father, Wayne, sister, Robin, brother, Wayne (Bud), nieces, Victoria and Elizabeth, along with the many friends who were like family to her.
As we bid farewell to Marti, we celebrate a life lived with passion and a spirit that will continue to inspire. Her journey on earth may have ended, but her story—a beautiful tapestry woven with joy, creativity, and friendship—will live on forever in the memories of those who loved her.
Mr. Jesse Tildon Brown, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 22, 2025, in Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 84 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Brown will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Dan Sheppard officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Mr. Brown was born July 29, 1940 in the Bertha Community of Dale County to the late Jesse Loyd Brown and Mary Ossie Snell Brown. He was a 1958 graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark. Following graduation, he worked with A & P Grocery in Ozark and the Commissary at Fort Rucker. He then worked with the United States Postal Service for 42 years until his retirement in 2000. After his retirement, Mr. Brown worked with Armstrong Trucking and with Blankenship Construction.
Mr. Brown was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for several years. He enjoyed raising cows and loved hunting arrow heads and studying about Native Americans. Mr. Brown loved his fur babies, Saydi and Sammy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Heath Brown. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Heath Brown; daughter, Lori Brown Blankenship (Mark); son, Jay Brown (Shelley); brother, Jimmy Brown (Cheryl); grandchildren, Brittany Blankenship Johnson (Troy), Jordan Blankenship Davis (Nick), Brandon Whipple and Kristen Nicole Tanner (Alex); great grandchildren, Ellis Johnson, Ella Beth Johnson, Romah Davis, Hamp Davis, Noah Davis, Knox Davis, Ford Davis, Jesse Tanner, Kayleigh Tanner and Michael Tanner.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
