Paul Ray Anderson, age 90, passed away on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, integrity, and devotion to family and community.
He was born on October 29, 1935, in Coffeeville, Clarke County, Alabama, and from an early age he learned strong values from his parents, Fletcher and Elizabeth Anderson, that would guide him throughout his life. Paul was a humble man of strong character, steady purpose, and deep conviction.
Paul attended Semmes High School, near Mobile, Alabama, where he excelled at football, baseball, and basketball, and formed memories that remained with him throughout his life. There, he met his lifelong companion and beloved wife, Augustine Howell. They were married for 64 years until her passing in 2017. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion and enduring love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Elizabeth Anderson; four brothers, F.A, Dillon, A.G., and Perry Anderson, two sisters, Mary Anderson and Ann McNeal, and his great-grandson, Andrew Burkhalter.
Paul is survived by two sisters; Louise Davis, Fort Walton Beach, FL and Carolyn Stoker, Oxford, GA; five children: Don Anderson (Marsha), Gainesville, FL, Karen Cox, Destin, FL, Randy Anderson (Lynda), Wicksburg, AL, Sherry Burkhalter (Larry), Tumbleton, AL, and Elisa Rasmussen (Steve), Bainbridge, GA; Thirteen grandchildren: Lauren Balloon, Angela Cox, Kathryn Happoldt, Clifton Cox, Emily Cox, Jessica Morris, Robert Anderson, Daniel Burkhalter, Bradley Burkhalter, Catherine Gopal, Elisabeth Perry, Paul Randall Soden, and Alexander Soden. Thirty-two great-grandchildren: Cam, Kinley, Chloe, Bella, Ansley, Fisher, Savannah, Caroline, Emerson, Anderson, Nathaniel, Broderick, Jasper, Adelyn, Lillian, Clifton III (Tripp), John Henry, Charlotte, Paisley, Elijah, Margaret, Adelyn Raye, Mason, Emma Kate, Tucker, Graham K., Penn Howell, Jack G., Vivian Augustine, Catherine (Cate) D., Sophia Elise, and Ella Marie.
Paul started working as an apprentice carpenter in 1952. After advancing to superintendent and working for other companies for a few years, he started his own construction company in 1966. His career as a successful homebuilder and general contractor was based on his motto “Work of Distinction”. Through his leadership, his company, Paul R. Anderson Builders, Inc. earned a reputation of excellence. He continued working well into his eighties, and although he never really retired, he gradually turned his attention to his farm, Casablanca Ranch, in Henry County, Alabama, focusing on raising cattle and an orchard full of fruit trees and garden plants. He loved having his family and friends spend time with him there.
His spiritual journey began around age thirty-nine when he accepted Christ as his Savior. Later, as an ordained deacon and a Sunday School Teacher for many years, Paul loved to study the Bible and share it with others. He loved the Lord and his relationship with God shaped the way he approached each day. He leaves behind a rich heritage that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him, and the values he lived by will continue in the lives of those he touched.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Central Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home and on Saturday from 1:00pm-2:00pm at the church. Paul will be laid to rest in Anderson Family Cemetery in Tumbleton, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Edith Mae Daugherty Lawson passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she shared and the memories she created will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lawson will be 11:00 A. M. Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Robin Bell officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Edith Mae Daugherty Lawson, 77, was born on May 7, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Marlie Vascoe Daugherty II and Irma Lee “Sheppard” Daugherty. From an early age, Edith was known for her strong will, determination, and unwavering love for her family. She grew up in several different places, carrying with her the values, lessons, and memories that shaped the woman she would become. After meeting the love of her life, John William Lawson, in Hahira, Georgia, the two eventually settled in Ozark, Alabama, where they built their life together.
Edith created a beautiful life centered around family, love, and the people who meant the most to her. She was the beloved wife of John William Lawson and a devoted mother to Tonya Goodson and Julie Jones. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren while creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Professionally, Edith started her career in cosmetology before pursuing her passion for education and earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Edith devoted 47 years of her life to education, dedicating her career to teaching and inspiring generations of students. She was especially proud of the opportunity to touch the lives of countless students and make a lasting difference in their lives. Edith lived life entirely on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of fierce independence, determination, and an unforgettable spirit. She never met a rule she didn’t question or a debate she wasn’t ready to win. Her strong will carried her through every challenge she faced, and those who knew her best will remember that strength as one of the many qualities that made her uniquely Edith.
Outside of work, Edith enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. She loved tending to her yard and nurturing her plants. Some of her happiest memories were made camping at White Oak with her children and grandchildren, surrounded by the people she loved most. She cherished time spent with family, reminiscing about fond memories, making new ones, and enjoying the companionship of her loyal fur baby, India. Above all, Edith was someone who loved deeply and gave generously. She will be remembered for her ability to make people laugh, her mischievous sense of humor, and her love of playing pranks and catching family and friends off guard. She had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories—moments that will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come. Her presence brought something special to the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Edith leaves behind her loving family: Tonya (Ron) Goodson of Ariton, Alabama; Julie (Geoff) Jones of Ozark, Alabama; Brandon (Raelene) Bowman of Palm Coast, Florida; Danielle (Skylar) Mckeown of Midland City, Alabama; Maegan (Long) Duong of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Jonathan Stinson of Ozark, Alabama; Will Jones of Birmingham, Alabama; Chase Goodson of Ariton, Alabama, Erica Goodson of Texas, and Kayleigh (Blaise) Winn of Texas. Her beloved great-grandchildren include Emersyn Mckeown, Dawson Mckeown, Brooks Mckeown, Brett Bowman, Styles Fuller, Beckham Winn, and Hudson Winn. She is also survived by her siblings, Joanne (Bob) Hollenbeck of Birmingham, Alabama; Doug Daugherty of Hahira, Georgia; and Marlie (Chris) Daugherty of Hahira, Georgia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Marlie Vascoe Daugherty II and Irma Lee “Sheppard” Daugherty, and her beloved husband of 34 years, John William Lawson. Though Edith is no longer with us, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will remain forever. Edith will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center for their extraordinary care, compassion, and genuine kindness during such a difficult time.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Community Hospice, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
HEADLAND… Sylvia Lanette Hayes Starling, a resident of Headland, Alabama passed away Tuesday morning, August 25, 2026, at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. She was 78.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 P.M. Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama with Reverend Jeff Ross officiating. Burial will follow in the Union Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Abbeville, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made in memory of Sylvia Hayes Starling to the Heritage Baptist Church, 1951 Westgate Parkway, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
Mrs. Starling was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Joseph Edward Hayes and Ruth Ragan Hayes. She was a 1967 graduate of Dothan High School. She retired from Kingry Family Dentistry, as a dental assistant. Sylvia was famous for her homemade banana pudding and macaroni & cheese. Her favorite place to visit was the beach and she loved cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Sylvia was a member of the Heritage Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama, where she was very active in the His Seasoned Daughter’s Sunday School Class.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-one years, Jack Adrion “Jackie” Starling; her sisters-in-law, Sandra Starling and Judy Starling; her brothers-in-law, Ronny Starling and Mike Starling.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Mathew “Matt” Starling of Headland, AL; her sister, Gail Hayes Hutto (Tommy) of Headland, AL; her brothers, Joe Hayes (Sharon) and Danny Hayes (Lila), both of Dothan, AL; her sisters-in-law, Kay Livingston of Bainbridge, GA and Patricia Sullivan Starling of Climax, GA; and her several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be her nephews, Thomas Hutto, Brad Hayes, Derek Starling, Joshua Starling, Townsend Livingston, and Mayo Livingston.
Mrs. Barbara Ann Peterman, age 83, of the Hodgesville Community of Houston County, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Hodgesville Baptist Church with Chaplain Daulton Keel officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
Barbara was born on June 18, 1943, in Houston County to the late Ruby Mae Cobb Mixon and Wester Mixon Jr. She found joy in the simple things in life, especially tending to her flower garden and spending time with her beloved dogs. Barbara was a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother, cherished sister, and dear friend. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harvey Elton Peterman; her daughter, Donna Peterman; the father of her children, Robert Hoover Bowden; and her siblings, Bubba Mixon, Charlotte Mixon, and Timothy Mixon.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Micki Bogart; two sons, Tony Bowden and Robert Bowden; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Neece and Ellen Newell (Tracey); brother, Johnny Wayne Mixon; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends; and her beloved dogs, Snapper, Gidget, Brandy, Delaney, and Sadie, whom she loved dearly.
Barbara leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and countless treasured memories that will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Phillip Wayne Bridges, who was known to those who loved him as a friendly and interesting man, went home on August 22, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 84. Phillip was born on September 9, 1941, in Miami, Florida.
He enjoyed life in his own way and found pleasure in the pastimes that brought him happiness. He loved to golf at the Olympia Spa and spent a lot of time in the poker room at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. These interests were part of the rhythm of his life and reflected the enjoyment he found in good company, friendly competition, and the simple satisfaction of doing what he loved.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Alton Jefferson and Juanita Butler Bridges, as well as three brothers and his daughter, Nita Nicole Bridges. Though he experienced loss, he continued to be remembered for the strength and character he showed in the life he lived.
He is survived by his daughters, Terrie Drury and her husband Joe, Sherrie Foust and her husband Joe, and Wendy Northington and her husband Jeff, as well as his son, Todd Bridges. His children were an important part of his life, and his legacy lives on through them and the family who will continue to cherish his memory. The love he shared with them, along with the memories they created together, will remain a source of comfort in the days ahead.
Phillip Wayne Bridges will be remembered with affection by family and friends alike. His friendly nature, interesting personality, and the many moments he shared with others made his life meaningful in ways that will not be forgotten. Though he has departed this life, the memory of his presence, his interests, and the love of those who knew him will endure.
