Cecil Gordon Motley went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2025 at his home in Holmes County, Florida. He was 94 years old.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Ruthie Merle English, his parents, Lillie Emma (Scott) and Henry Jesse Motley, one sister, Annie Belle Schilling, six brothers Lester, Howell, Joe, Wade, Lawson and Carl Motley and one great-grandson, Gavin Deedrick.
He is survived by his five children, Rhonda Joiner (Jesse), Becky Motley, Gordon Motley all of Westville, FL, Lisa Peeples (Forrest) of Palatka, FL, and Christy Paul (Lee) of Bonifay, FL; ten grandchildren, Jesse Joiner III (Audrey), Katie Castaneda (Nate), Ashley Porter (Michael), Raven Clark (Andrew), Willow Motley (fiancé, Ethan McVay), Dyan Deedrick, Michelle Azula (J.D.), Justin Peeples, Trey Paul (Laura) and Jacob Paul; sixteen great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Shirley English and Patricia English Jackson..
Cecil served seven years in the U.S. Army and sixteen years in the U.S. Air Force. His military career was transformed when a superior officer found out that he was a self-taught, proficient typist, a skill at which few soldiers excelled. Among his favorite tours of duty were Frankfurt, Germany; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Anchorage, Alaska; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. By the time of his retirement in 1972, he had achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant—not bad for someone who never graduated from high school.
After retirement from the military, Cecil went on to grow chickens for Showell Farms, serve one term on the Holmes County School Board, and work for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in bringing a new correctional facility to Holmes County through his work on the Chamber and eventually served as the first Personnel Director of Holmes County Correctional Institution.
The major turning point in Cecil’s life occurred on October 23, 1962. That was the day he and his wife Merle made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This decision changed the course of their family’s future. He has been a long time member of West Pittman Baptist Church and served in the capacity of Song Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon. He participated in multiple mission trips throughout the United States and abroad, working in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Tanzania and the island of St Lucia. He has been a member of The Gideon’s International for many years and enjoyed visiting and speaking at numerous churches throughout the Panhandle.
He loved to fish and garden and by the grace of God was able to do both of those activities well into his old age. He will be missed by his immediate and extended family, his Church family and his longtime friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Nate Castaneda officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 P.M.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, 801 Bamboo Rd, Boone, NC 28607 or to The Gideons International PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
Mrs. Judy Gail Parker Skelton, a resident of Ozark, passed away, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. She was 80 years old.
Private funeral services will be held for Mrs. Skelton. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Skelton was born May 30, 1944 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Clifton Eugene Parker and Lillian Boyd Morrow Parker. She was a member of Chalkhead Baptist Church where she served in the Children’s Ministry, was a Sunday school teacher and worked with Vacation Bible School. Judy loved animals and worked with “Pets Are Us” to find homes for shelter animals. She loved gospel music, especially the Gaither Vocal Band.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Pamela Parker Bach.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Herman Douglas “Buddy” Skelton; her children, Brian Skelton (Melanie), Lisa Harrison (Derek) and Mark Skelton (Teresa Livingston); her grandchildren, Parker Skelton, Hunter Bruner, Haylee Harrison, Megan Skelton and Brianna Skelton; great grandchildren, Blake and Brooks; her sister, Maulena Loyal (Brad). Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Chalkhead Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 495 County Road 35, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Miss Cheryl Lynn Morrison, a resident of Houston, Texas died December 23, 2024 in Houston. She was 71 years old.
Funeral services for Miss Morrison will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Interment will follow in Universalist Cemetery in Ariton, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Miss Morrison was born March 12, 1953 in Galveston, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Alabama and worked with the Chevron Oil Company as a Registered Professional Petroleum Engineer until her retirement. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Cheryl loved to travel and had traveled extensively around the world. Cheryl had a very empathetic and warm heart and wanted others to feel loved and comfortable always. Cheryl was a very proud American and brilliant engineer.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Weed Morrison; her biological father, John Stanley Lipuscek; and her step-father, James Harry Morrison.
Survivors include three sisters, Patricia Dianne Criswell, Deborah Morrison Parton and Joan Marie Lipuscek; two brothers, Jonathan David Lipuscek and Matthew Christopher Lipuscek; nephew and nieces, Deric, Melanie, Maria Cristina, Elena Sophia and Olivia. We are very proud to have had the honor of having Cheryl as a sister and admire Cherly’s persistence in obtaining a privileged education all on her own merits and obtaining very prestigious positions at American 500 companies. You will be missed and we will see you soon in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in her memory to your local animal shelter.
ABBEVILLE… Thomas Andrew “Andy” Griffin, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Friday morning, January 17, 2025, at his home. He was 69.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 24, 2025, at Abbeville First Assembly of God with Reverend Jerry Bolton, Reverend Johnny Collins, and Reverend Ed Burns officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Griffin was born Miami, Florida to the late Dennis James Griffin and Annalise Hoffman Griffin. He worked as a painter, mechanic, and long-haul truck driver before his retirement. He was a member of the Faith Tabernacle in Wewahitchka, FL.
Leaving to cherish his memories is his wife, Teresa Gail Granger Griffin; his daughters, April Laster (Will), Melissa J. McCoy (Chris), Jennifer Messick, and Angela Messick Madderra (Chris); his sons, David Stimmell and Steven Hunt (Mandi); his brother, Bobby Griffin (Mickey); his fourteen grandchildren; his nine great-grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Glenn “MudBug” Broussard, Ed Burns, and Mike Pratt, Sr..
Phyllis J. Gross, age 80, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 26, 1944, in Duncan, Oklahoma, her life reflected God’s unwavering love and grace.
As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Phyllis embraced her heritage and its strong values. Her kind and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone she met, and she faced life’s challenges with grace and perseverance.
She was an enthusiastic sports fan and loved board games. She adored animals and embraced the adventures of traveling and shopping. Above all, she treasured her family and friends, and the simple moments that made life beautiful.
Phyllis dedicated her early years to being a loving homemaker and later made a lasting impact on students and staff as Vice Principal Clerk at Northview High School. She cared deeply for her colleagues and the success of young people.
She was married to her beloved husband for 61 wonderful years. As a devoted military wife, she stood loyally by her husband’s side, offering steadfast support and strength throughout his years of service. Her love for her country shone through her strong patriotism, and she took immense honor in being part of a military family.
A woman with a keen sense of humor, a quick wit, and a one-of-a-kind vibe, Phyllis had a unique ability to brighten any room with her laughter. She lived life with authenticity, always staying true to herself and her principles. Her distinctive style and unapologetic approach to life made her truly unforgettable.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jim Gross; her children Brian (Grace) and Cassie (Greg); and many cherished relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ronald Jones and Maude Sapp.
A celebration of her life will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, AL on January 19, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Phyllis will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. Date to be announced.
Mr. Rayford Ray Barnes of Slocomb passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Malvern Baptist Church with Rev. Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Barnes was born on March 1, 1935, to the late JD and Lonie Mae Givins Barnes. Rayford began his career in 1954 at the Twitchell Corporation advancing to a supervisor position. In the late 1960’s, he was employed with the Alabama Electric Motor Shop until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, his love for working on motors and desire to help family and friends always kept him busy and often filled in at various electric motor shops. Rayford also had a great passion for drag racing on the local Malvern streets in the 1950’s. In the 1960’s he began round track racing at Rocket Speedway and various other tracks with Tommy Roland, as driver of Car #6. He enjoyed being outdoors, cutting grass, working on rental houses, and anywhere he was needed in the community. Rayford was a man of faith, member of Malvern Baptist Church, and was active in the Men’s Adult Sunday School Class. He was a very loving husband, adoring father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, a brother, Jay Lee Barnes; two sisters: Eldora Davis, and Merlene Barnes, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shelby Jean Barnes; son, Dennis Ray Barnes (Mary Catherine); grandchildren: Victoria Elaine Clemmons, and Austin Tony Clemmons; sister in laws: Annette Barnes, Melba Campbell, and Sybil Stephens; brother in laws: Tommy Davis and Donald Freeman(Linda); nieces: Debra Sue Parrish, Tammy Brown(Keith), Darlene Houk, Bolivia Windham, Beth Stephens Branch, and Denise Galloway Rowland; nephews: Kevin Freeman, Rodney Galloway, Tommy Davis Jr., and Jeff Stephens; and other extended family and friends.
