George McArthur Summerford, age 88, resident of Dothan, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Westside Terrace.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in the Glover Funeral Home parlor. A Graveside service for family and close friends will follow at the Ashford City Cemetery at 11:00 AM with Dr. David R. Saliba officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
Flowers will be accepted or Memorial Contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at P. O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to one’s charity or church of choice.
George was born on October 8, 1936 to Harriman Oscar Summerford and Georgia McArthur Summerford in Gordon, Alabama. He was a graduate of Ashford High School in 1954 and Alabama Polytechnic Institute in 1959, now known as Auburn University. George retired as Vice President of Regions Bank, was a past member of the Lions Club and Jaycees. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dothan and was faithful to his Christian walk.
George is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lynne Hathcock Summerford; mother of his children, Betty C. Summerford; brother, Harry Summerford; step-son Terrance Creel; and nephew, Doug Summerford.
Survivors include his son, Andy Summerford (Beth) of Dothan; daughter, Amy Summerford Tolleson of Dothan; sisters, Patsey Smith of Ashford and Cindy Aman (Stan) of Dothan; step-son, Keith Creel (Reta); step daughter in law, Georgia Creel, both of Dothan; six grandchildren, Summer Tolleson Hughes (Daniel), Sydney Tolleson (Zachary), Taylor Tolleson (Niki), Joshua Summerford (Bailey), Jeremiah Summerford, John Curtis Summerford, Grayson Creel, Taylor Creel, Peyton Creel, Jaci Creel, and Sophie Creel; ten great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, Leigh Taylor (Randy), Stacey Smith, Troy Smith (Sherryll), Kathy Summerford; and many cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Otis Willburn Roney, known as “Speedy Buggy,” passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in Graceville, Florida, at the age of 93. Born on December 6, 1931, Otis lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his community, and the law.
Otis’s journey began in the loving arms of his parents, Webb and Emily Alberta Davis, and alongside his 7 brothers and sisters, Bobby Roney and Sarah McBriar (Nick). His early years were the foundation upon which he built a life of service. In 1956, Otis married his first love, Myrtlelene Roney, and together they shared a life full of joy and commitment until her passing in 1998. He found love again with Sue Roney, who also preceded him in death, as did his son, Ricky Roney. Otis’s legacy continues through his daughter, Sharon Griswold, and his cherished grandchildren, Angel and Tracy Griswold.
Otis’s professional life was as remarkable as his personal one. Before becoming a police officer, he worked with the Houston County Road and Bridge department. He then went on to serve as a police officer in Columbia, Alabama, for 11 years, with additional time served in Gordon, Alabama. His steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of his community earned him the distinction of being the longest-serving police chief in Houston County. After a laudable 50-year career in law enforcement, Otis retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and courage.
Even after retirement, Otis remained active in his community. He was a proud member of the Enon Church of Christ, where he found spiritual fulfillment and camaraderie. His love for Alabama Football was well-known, as was his unwavering work ethic. Otis was a man who worked all the time, taking pride in every task he undertook.
Otis’s commitment to the law earned him the affectionate nickname “Speedy Buggy,” a nod to his reputation for issuing speeding tickets on Highway 84. This moniker became synonymous with his relentless pursuit of justice and the high standard he set for himself and others in the line of duty.
Those who knew Otis would describe him as courageous, selfless, and wise. His bravery was not just in the face of danger but also in the strength of his convictions. He was selfless in his actions, always putting the needs of others before his own. His wisdom was a beacon for many, guiding his family, friends, and colleagues through life’s challenges.
Otis’s influence extended far beyond the badge he wore with pride. He was a pillar of the community, a devoted family man, and a true friend to many. His unwavering sense of duty, his compassionate heart, and his wise counsel will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we say farewell to Otis Willburn Roney, we celebrate the life of a man who was a hero in every sense of the word. His legacy of service, love, and honor will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the community that he served so faithfully. Otis’s memory will be cherished and his life celebrated as an example of a life well-lived.
While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that Otis has found peace and reunion with his beloved wife Myrtlelene, his second wife Sue, his son Ricky, and his parents. His story is one of unwavering dedication and love—a story that will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Otis. Your watch has ended, but your impact endures.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Enon Church of Christ Cemetery. Pastor Samuel Walter will be officiating.
BLUE SPRINGS. . .Reverend James Earl Ward, Sr., a resident of Barbour County, near Blue Springs, died Sunday night, January 26, 2025, at his home. He was 94.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the Shiloh Word Fellowship with Rodney Williams, Jonathan Smith and Reverend Charlie Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Word Fellowship “Building Fund,” c/o Winelle Teal, 141 Pacific Street, Dothan, AL 36303.
Reverend Ward was born and reared in Henry County, near Abbeville. As a teenager, he worked with his family on the farm. Reverend Ward served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korea War as a Combat Medic. He lived in Columbus, Georgia twenty-six years before moving to Barbour County in 1980. While living in Columbus, he worked over thirty years as truck driver for Georgia Highway Express. Reverend Ward served Shiloh Word Fellowship as its Pastor for twenty-five years. He was also employed by Evans Building Materials and Buddy’s Building Supply and served in the Prison Ministry at Ventress Correctional Facility. He was a member of Shiloh Word Fellowship where he played the harmonica. He was preceded in death by father, Jesse James Ward, his mother, Alma Wilkinson Moore, his wife, Virginia Bryan Ward, his son-in-law, Robert Wilkinson and a sister, Ila Mae Sheffield.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Jenita Wilkinson, a son, Reverend James Earl “ Buddy” Ward, Jr. (Charlene), all of Blue Springs; grandchildren, Lori Williams (Rodney), and Brittany Joyner (Michael); great-grandchildren, John Joyner and Joshua Joyner; a brother, Jimmy Shelley, and his special canine friend, “Mr. T”.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Rodney Williams, Michael Joyner, Joe Whatley, Shane Teal, Christopher Smith and James Roy Wilkinson.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
We are gathered here in the comforting embrace of the Lord to honor the life and legacy of a man who was a beacon of love and strength in our community, Bobby Earl Walker. Born on the 31st of July, 1968, in Dothan, Alabama, Bobby was a lifelong resident of this fine town, and it is with heavy hearts that we announce his passing on the 25th of January, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the very place he called home.
Bobby Earl Walker, a man of faith and family, was called to his eternal rest at the age of 56. He was preceded in death by his parents, Early Lee Sanders and Betty Jean Walker, his sister, Deloris Walker, and his brothers, Darren Maurice Walker and Charles Sanders. His life was also touched by the untimely passing of his twin grandchildren, Dominic Walker and Ameera Walker.
The love of Bobby’s life, Durene Walker, stood by his side for 36 years of marriage, during which they raised two wonderful daughters, Belinda Walker and Penny Walker. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jeremiah McNealy, Allysia Meads, Katherine Meads, Elijah McNealy, Arabella Cooper, and Tyson Walker, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Bobby’s siblings, Lisa Walker, Danny Walker, Germaine Walker, Tausha Walker, Kenny Walker, and Anthony Walker, will remember him as a beacon of love and stability. His father-in-law, Cleveland Crews, and his best friends, Serrell Taylor, Jaby Crews, Bryan Peak, Donnie Sistrunk, and Frank Pruitt, will miss his unwavering friendship and the countless memories they shared.
Bobby was a man of many talents and a pillar in the workforce, dedicating 22 years of service at H&H stores before lending his skills to Builders Door & Hardware for 18 years. His work ethic was unparalleled, and his commitment to his craft was evident to all who knew him. He was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing in the Alabama sun on Lake Eufaula, cheering on his beloved Alabama Football team with a loud “Roll Tide,” for all to hear, and supporting Duke Basketball with equal passion.
His grandchildren will fondly remember the smell of fried fish and chicken that Bobby loved to cook, and the warmth of the family barbeques he often hosted. From the tender age of 13, Bobby was skilled in the art of welding, a testament to his handy and selfless nature. He was a man who gave of himself freely, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
Bobby’s character was the embodiment of love. He was a man who put others before himself, whose actions spoke louder than words, and whose heart was as big as the song, Sweet Home Alabama. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.
As we prepare to bid farewell to Bobby Earl Walker, we invite family and friends to join in celebrating his life. Funeral Services will be held at 1 P.M. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Little Rocky Mt. Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Butler officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery, where Bobby will be laid to rest among his loved ones.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.
Let us hold fast to the memories of Bobby Earl Walker, a man whose life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith. As we lay him to rest, we do so with the knowledge that his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. Amen. And one more time, “Roll Tide Roll.”
Betty Jean Rodgers, affectionately known as Jean, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, in Ozark, Alabama, at the age of 74. Born on September 10, 1950, in Phenix City, Alabama, Betty Jean was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life, touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Aunt Jean’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Thomas Williams and Betty and Robert Miles, all of whom predeceased her. She carried the legacy of her loving family, including her son Patrick Rodgers, sister Mary Williams, nephews Miles Ansley and Kourtney Jenkins, all of whom have passed before her. Aunt Jean’s vibrant spirit lives on through her devoted children, Michael Rodgers (Shanita) of Hagerstown, MD, Cetoria Stampley (Keith) of Dothan, AL, and Marvin Burnett (Whitney) of Ozark, AL. She was a pillar of strength and love for the two special grandchildren she raised, Tytona Rodgers and Michael Rodgers, and adored her 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Aunt Jean also leaves behind a host of cherished nieces and nephews and her loving sisters, Clementine Jenkins and Linda Cannon, her bonus siblings, Eddie (Jean) Miles, Irene Peterson, and Shirley Tarver, and her God Sister, Ms. Susie Daniels. Her favorite riding partner and aunt, Gloria Morris, along with her best friend, Ann Roskam, will forever hold Aunt Jean’s memory in their hearts.
Betty Jean’s dedication to family was mirrored in her professional life. She graduated from D. A. Smith High School with the Class of 1969. Betty Jean spent over 33 years as an Aircraft Mechanic at Fort Rucker, where she meticulously worked on CH-47 helicopters. Her exceptional skill and steadfast work ethic earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Betty Jean’s involvement in her community reflected her generous spirit, and her willingness to lend a hand made her a valued member of her community.
Outside of work, Betty Jean’s interests were a testament to her zest for life and her caring nature. She was a member of St. Paul AME Church in Ozark, Alabama. She was an exceptional cook, known far and wide for making the best potato salad that was always in high demand at family gatherings. Her love for the casino at Wind Creek was legendary, as she seemed to carry an endless streak of luck. Despite her successes at the slot machines, she remained selfless and giving, always putting the needs of her family and friends above her own. Betty Jean was the epitome of a great mother, not only to her own children but to all who needed nurturing.
Those who knew Betty Jean would describe her as loving, kind, generous but stern. Her warm presence could light up a room, and her compassionate spirit made her a confidant and friend to many. Betty Jean’s ability to care for everyone around her was her superpower, and she used it to make the world a better place for her family and friends.
Betty Jean Rodgers will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through everyone who was special to her. Her life was a testament to the beauty of selflessness and the enduring power of family bonds. Betty Jean’s memory will be cherished and celebrated by all the lives she touched.
A celebration of Betty Jean’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in Ozark, Alabama, off Andrews Avenue. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service in the Sunset Chapel.
George McArthur Summerford, age 88, resident of Dothan, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Westside Terrace.
