ABBEVILLE. . .Donald Gordon Hudspeth, a resident of Abbeville, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at his home. He was 79.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Hudspeth was born and raised in Henry County, Alabama, son of the late Dan Gordon Hudspeth and Lois Kathleen Richards Hudspeth. He was a 1965 graduate of Abbeville High School. Donald served in the Army National Guard in the Abbeville unit and also served in the National Guard in Tucson, Arizona. Donald attended the University of Arizona and later received a degree as a Physician’s Assistant from Columbia University. He received a degree as a Respiratory Therapist from Washington Technical Institute/Howard University. Donald retired from the State of Florida as a Health Program Specialist. In earlier years, he served as Chief of Respiratory Services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He worked with Dr. Forrest Bird in the invention of the Baby Bird Neonatal Ventilator in Palm Springs, CA. Donald was a member of Liberty Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Lorrie Hudspeth Salazar (Eddie), Bethlehem, GA; a son, Donald A. Hudspeth, Auburn, GA; grandchildren, Eddie Salazar, Jr., Julianne Salazar and Nathan Salazar.
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.
John E. Woods, a devoted servant of the Lord, beloved husband, and cherished patriarch, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on October 11, 1930, in Emanuel County, Georgia, to the late Sadie and John Woods. John’s life was a testament to faith, hard work, and an unwavering love for his family.
A Life of Service and Faith
John’s journey of service began in his youth when he served honorably in the United States Navy. Upon returning home, he married his sweetheart, June, beginning a beautiful union that spanned 70 years. While he spent many successful years working in the appliance and refrigeration industry, John eventually followed a higher calling.
Gifted with a passion for praise, he served as a Music Minister for numerous churches, leading congregations in worship for decades. His devotion eventually led him and June to the mission field, where they traveled to Brazil and Puerto Rico, sharing their faith and touching countless lives across borders.
Family Legacy
John’s greatest earthly joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, June; his sister, Sarah; and his five children: Kim, John (Sherry), Barbara (Tony), Donna (Manfred), and Susan (Terry). He also had numerous nieces and nephews.
His legacy continues through 13 grandchildren who he absolutely adored, and 27 great-grandchildren who brought him immense pride and happiness.
John was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, one brother, and a nephew.
Devoted to the End
Whether he was across the world on a mission trip or at home surrounded by his wife and family. John’s love for his Savior and his family never waned. He remained a steady, devoted presence until the very end. His life was a song of praise, and his memory will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Mr. Woods will be held at 4 P.M. Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Cornerstone Church on John D. Odom Rd. Dothan, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to The Alcance Mission https://tinyurl.com/4x6c6zrv in John’s name.
GOSHEN…Mr. Kerry Charles Lee, a resident of Goshen (formerly of Ozark), died early Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 52.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the Joquin Baptist Church in Goshen. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 12:00 Noon Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Kerry was born on September 12, 1973, and he graduated from Ariton High School in 1991, where he proudly claimed football as his favorite subject—not because it was easy, but because it was where his heart lived. He loved the Ariton Purple Cats with everything in him, and he carried that same loyalty into his love for the Auburn Tigers.
Kerry found peace outdoors. Deer hunting wasn’t just a hobby—it was part of his rhythm, part of how he connected with the world. And when hunting season was over, he still kept an eye on the woods, watching the animals on camera. He delighted in helping older people that had no one else to help. The love of his life was playing with his two granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grover C. Lee and Elvie Chance Lee Lightner, and Aubrey and Juanita Messick, all of Goshen.
Surviving relatives include his son, Jess Lee (Jaci); two granddaughters with the third on the way; father, Charles C. Lee (Shirley), Goshen; mother, Lydia M. Richardson, Ozark; he was loved by numerous aunts and uncles, Gloria Jean Cook, Pensacola, Florida, Glen Lee (Patsy), Brundidge, Kate Kyzar (Watson), Goshen, Ann Arnett (Benson), Brundidge, Doug Messick (Frances), Hartford, Luther Messick (Dorothy), Troy, Victor Messick (Judy), Kathrine Spivey, Hope Hull, Alabama, Rickey Messick, Goshen, Gail Rowe (Jim), LaGrange, Georgia, Nita Goodman (Jim), Maryville, Tennessee, David Messick (Glenda), Goshen, Leshia Fannin (Orin), Goshen, and Angie Wise (Robert), Saraland, Alabama; numerous cousins will miss him and extended step-family.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ABBEVILLE… John James Pierce, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home. He was 78.
Mr. Pierce was born in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Claude Ellis Pierce and Ruby Louise Althouse Pierce. He was raised in New Carlisle, Indiana, where his lifelong love for animals began. Growing up on a farm, he was almost always found in a barn or a field, surrounded by animals. This deep empathy followed him throughout his life; his dogs were truly his world and his closest companions in his later years. He cared for them with a devotion usually reserved for his own children, putting their needs above all else.
A truck driver for over 40 years, Mr. Pierce lived for the open road. While he spent decades traveling the country, his spirit belonged to the Florida Keys. He often spoke of the “total abyss” of peace and love he felt when riding his motorcycle across Seven Mile Bridge. The sight of the crystal-clear water and the feeling of that clean, free air was a sensation beyond description, it was the moment he felt most free. This feeling stayed with him so deeply that he wished to be there eternally, asking that he eventually be taken back to that bridge on a motorcycle to be set free into the wind and the water he loved.
He was an avid Harley enthusiast and a lover of the outdoors who enjoyed camping, fishing, and taking his boat out on the lake. While he appreciated the finer things in life, he never wanted them for himself; he wanted them so he could share them with others. He took great joy in being “the guy you called” for an adventure—whether it was riding the waves with “Papa John” on the boat or heading out on a motorcycle run.
Mr. Pierce was a gentle soul and a natural peacemaker. He possessed a laugh that was completely and utterly contagious; if he started laughing, you couldn’t help but join in. He was a gifted storyteller who believed laughter was the best medicine and that family should stick together no matter what.
He loved his children unconditionally and with immense pride. He spoke of them constantly, never leaving a single soul out. He will be missed dearly by his closest friends, Ty Arrowood, George Beach, and Apple, as well as many other dear friends not listed here—but as John would say, “you know who you are.”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Beverly Sult, Virginia Vida, Nancy Vida, Carolyn Parris, and Patricia Laskowski.
Left behind to cherish his memories include his siblings, Leo Pierce (Yvonne) and Jack (Claude) Pierce (Evelyn); his children, Rose Nodes (Jerry), Wen Pfierce, Amy Avery (Jami), John James Pierce Jr. (Johnny) (Megan), and Keith Pierce (Tiffany); his grandchildren, Johnathan Vandegrift, Justin Vandegrift, Jessica Vandegrift, Juliana Nodes, Michelle Graber, Zane Pfierce, Brayden Avery, Noah Pierce, Justin Pierce, Riley Wilkes, and Mathais Pierce; and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time, but there will be a celebration of life at a later date. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
OZARK…Mr. George J. Llopis, III (Sergeant Major, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2026, at his home. He was 78.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
EDWIN… Emmer Tew Turner, a resident of Edwin, Alabama, passed away peacefully late Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday April 20, 2026, at New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Danny Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Edwin Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Contributions may be made to New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church, 2777 County Road 75 North, Clopton, Alabama 36317.
Mrs. Turner was born in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Travis Tew and Sarah Rich Tew. She lived a life devoted to her family and to those she loved. She was known for her kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. Always placing the needs of others before her own, Emmer was a devoted and loving mother whose greatest joys were her family. Her warmth, care, and gentle presence were a blessing to all who knew her. Emmer will be forever remembered for the love she gave and the family she cherished. She was a member of the New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Leroy Turner and Herbert Anderson; and her siblings, Annie Lou Tew, Harold Tew, Olan Tew, Henry Tew, Isaac Tew, Jason Tew, David Tew, and Donnie Tew.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter, Shirley Sapp (Richard); her sons, Leroy Turner (Linda), Richard Turner (Faye), and Tim Turner (Christèle); her grandchildren, Lee Turner (Jennifer), Brandon Turner (Julie), Ashley Sapp Price (Drew), Leslie Turner, Mathieu Turner, and Nathan Turner; her great-grandchildren, Lilly Austin, Kylie Jo Austin, Sawyer Turner, Riley Turner, Turner Kate Price, Collins Price, and Tripp Price; her sisters, Mary Tew Brown and Rose Tew Rowe; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Brandon Turner, Lee Turner, Drew Price, Jerry Whitehead, Jeff Sherman, and Michael Prine.
