Mr. Billy Joe Childree of Wicksburg passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb. Interment will follow in the city cemetery in Midland City.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Childree was born on September 30, 1945 in Houston County to the late Irene Tillery and Charlie Childree. Billy enjoyed fishing, gardening, and loved playing the piano. He owned and operated the Wicksburg Tractor Company for over 35 years and was known for his mechanic skills far and wide. Billy was a family man, cherished the time spent with them, and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, a son, Billy Robin Childree; sister, Patricia Foster; brothers, Rayand Don Childree, and mother of his children Margaret Marie Hancock Childree all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his children: Tammy Quintina Childree Messick, Billie Marjo Mathis (Tim), and Bobby Joe Childree; grandchildren: Aaron Catlin, Joseph Childree, Justin Childree, Ashley N. Bolden, Stephanie Scott, Hannah Walden, Hailey Mathis, Brian Childree, Adrian Childree, Austin Childree, and Kayleigh Childree; great grandchildren: Griffith Childree, Avaleigh Hill, Daximus Hill, Avery Walden, Emersyn Walden, Kyngston Jackson, Kinsley Childree, Karson Scott, Millie Whitted, Zeke Childree, Jaidon Childree, and Ariel Childree; other extended family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Andy Proctor, George Scott, Michael Childree, Adaveion Jackson, Paul Barnes, and Brian Childree.
Ms. Reba Roslyn Key Williams, a longtime resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday morning, January 8, 2025 with her son, Sammy, at her side. She was 94 years old.
Funeral services for Ms. Williams will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, January 11, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Danny Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Saturday at the funeral home in Ozark from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Ms. Reba, as she was affectionately known, was born on September 13, 1930 in the Skipperville Community to the late James Comer Key and Annie Maude Gassett Key. She graduated from Dale County High School. Ms. Reba loved to talk about all the years she worked in the fields with her family while she was growing up. One thing for sure, she was never afraid of hard work. Following high school, she spent several years working at Phillips-Van Heusen in Ozark. She had an amazing talent as a seamstress, and soon moved on to create beautiful window treatments from her business, Reba’s Fabrics which was located in Dothan, Alabama. Ms. Reba loved the church, and was very active for many years, both at Southside Baptist Church in Ozark and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark. Another certainty about Ms. Reba; she loved her family with all her heart. She loved to talk about them, brag on them, and spoil them. Her last three years were spent at Westside Terrace where she received love and care from so many including a special lady who would spend at least six hours a week with her to keep her company and tend to her “social needs,” Cheryl Pelham. DaySpring Hospice was also very attentive and provided much encouragement and comfort these last months.
She was preceded in death by her late husband of 55 years, Charles Bennett Williams; two sisters, Mary Olive Dykes and Jean Sowell; and two brothers, James Curtis Key and John Wilton Key. Survivors include one son, Sammy Williams (Carol); three grandchildren, Ben Williams (Emily) of Austin, TX, Emily Ryan (Matt) of Oxford, MS, and Matthew Williams of Birmingham, AL; two great-grandsons , Ford Williams and Jay Williams (Austin); one great-granddaughter, Isla Ryan (Oxford); and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Key of Carrollton, GA. Several nephews and nieces also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to The Gideons, P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Johnny Peter Dawkins, affectionately known as Peter to his friends and loved ones, passed away on January 6, 2025, at the age of 56 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on March 9, 1968, in Houston County, Alabama, Peter’s life was a tapestry of dedication, love, and generosity that touched everyone he knew.
Peter was a proud graduate of Wicksburg High School, class of 1986. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Dawkins Heating and Cooling, a business he owned and operated until his retirement in 2010. His professional life was marked by the same integrity and commitment that he brought to all aspects of his life.
A man of deep faith, Peter was an active member of Good News Ministries, where he served and grew in his spiritual journey. His love for the Lord was evident in his actions and the way he lived his life. Peter’s interests were as warm and engaging as his personality. He was an avid Florida Gators fan, bringing enthusiasm and joy to every game he watched. His love for travel took him to beautiful destinations such as Aruba, the Bahamas, and the mountains, where he created countless cherished memories.
Above all, Peter’s unwavering strength and profound love for his family defined him. He was a loving husband to his wife, Karen Dawkins, and a guiding light to his children, Preston (Sasha) Mitchell, Cherrol (Dewayne) Walton, and India (Marcus) Mitchell. His legacy continues through his ten grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. Peter’s commitment to family extended to his dear mother, Catherine Dawkins, his brothers, Micheal (Vanessa) Dawkins, Mack (Alexis) Dawkins, Doug (Tomika) Dawkins, and his sisters, Mary (Tim) Tolbert and Barbara (J.J.) Johnson. He was a cherished nephew to his four aunts and four uncles, and a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Dawkins, his brother, Richard Dawkins, and his mother-in-law, Catherine Mitchell.
Peter’s life was characterized by his loving nature, his generosity, and his ability to make everyone around him feel valued. He had a special place in his heart for his dog, who was his constant companion and friend. His presence was a source of stability and comfort to all who were fortunate enough to be part of his world.
As we celebrate Peter’s life, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have through simple acts of kindness and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Peter’s memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories we share, the laughter we remember, and the love he gave so freely.
A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Craig Mitchell officiating. Peter will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Frances “Melanie” Wagnon passed away after a lengthy illness in Dothan, Alabama on October 12, 2024. Melanie was born in Madison, Georgia to Robert Garth and Mildred (Lott) Garth. Melanie graduated from Rutledge Academy (Private School) in 1979 where she was active on the school basketball team. Upon graduation, she followed her passion and went to Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia seeking a Nutrition Management degree.
Melanie enjoyed watching the Georgia football games at home with her husband and family. Melanie and her husband, Ed Wagnon, have a special connection with the Georgia Bulldogs as their first date was attending a home game in Athens, Georgia. They were married on September 10, 1989, at First United Methodist Church of Madison, Georgia.
Melanie loved to cook for her family and always enjoyed the holiday meals with her family and friends. Melanie also enjoyed garden planning with her family and over the years they transformed the backyard of many homes into a garden full of flowers and other foliage that made it feel like an oasis of peace. Melanie enjoyed the family travels and the military service years that created lifelong memories and stories of their travels overseas military assignments that she found to be life enriching. Melanie devoted her life to her husband and children. Melanie cherished the close friendships that fulfilled her with happiness and love. She loved to stay in touch with friends and learn about their families’ adventures.
Melanie was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred (Lott) Garth; her father, Robert Garth; sister, Anne Filmer (Charles); brother, Robert Garth, Jr. (Ferrell); and son, Edwin “Garth” Wagnon. Melanie is survived by her husband, Ed Wagnon, Valdosta, Georgia; daughter, Katie Carlson (Brad); grandchild, Aubrey Carlson; sister, Mary Sears (Jim); brother, Branum (Tanny); sister-in-law, Betty Akins; brother in law, Bill Akins, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Melanie was well loved by all and will be deeply missed.
Melanie and Ed’s retirement home in Valdosta, Georgia was her “happy place”. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025 in Valdosta, Georgia
Anthony Lee “Tony” Mims of Geneva, AL passed away on Tuesday, January 07, 2025. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 from the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral home in Geneva. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Flowers will be accepted.
Tony was born October 02, 1951 in Samson, Alabama to the late Glen and Ethel White Mims. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed living a simple life and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman. He would always get up early in the morning and start his day with a fresh cup of coffee, while he enjoyed the quietness of the day. Prior to retiring, he worked as a sheetrock and drywall finisher.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Emmette, Winford, Bobby Ray and Max Mims.
Tony is survived by three children, Robert Mims of Geneva, AL, Stacy Engram (Styme) of Hartford, AL and Hope Edwards (Matt) of Geneva, AL; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
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
Samuel Don Preston, known affectionately to friends and family as Don, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 89. Born on October 12, 1935, in Newton, Alabama, Don lived a full life characterized by love, service, and a deep connection to his community.
Don is survived by a loving family, including his devoted son, Donnie Preston, and daughter, Marie (Brian) Calhoun. He was a proud grandfather to Preston (Caitlin) Calhoun. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Annette Preston, and his sisters, Bettye Dubois, Mary Frances Kirkland, Hazel Morrow, and Ann Armstrong. He leaves behind his caring sister-in-law, Joy Wright, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
For over 30 years, Don was a dedicated employee at the Supreme Ice Cream Company, which later became Meadow Gold. Throughout his tenure, he worked diligently and with great pride, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His commitment and passion for his work ultimately led him to a leadership role, where he guided his team with integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Don’s contributions were instrumental in the company’s success, and his legacy of hard work and dedication continues to inspire those who knew him. Even after his retirement from Meadow Gold, Don continued to serve his community by working part-time in security at Southeast Health. His commitment to service extended beyond his professional life, as he also served in the Army National Guard and as an Auxiliary Alabama State Trooper.
Don was a true outdoorsman, with a passion for hunting and fishing that he carried throughout his life. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for people. He never met a stranger and was known for his warm, engaging personality that drew others to him. A steadfast member of Cloverdale Baptist Church, Don’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and interactions with those around him.
Those who knew Don will remember him as a loving individual, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word. He took great pleasure in working in his yard, often seen tending to his garden or meticulously caring for his lawn. It was in these simple pleasures that Don found joy and contentment.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Skidmore officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for 1 hour prior to the
