ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mrs. Margaret Ann McMillon Hamby, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at her home. She was 84.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Mt. Olive Cemetery with Pastor Tommy Hartzog officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hamby, daughter of the late Franklin McMillon and Katie Record McMillon, was born on August 13, 1941, in Troy. She grew up with the simple values of hard work, family, and faith, and those values stayed with her throughout her life. In the 1970s, she made her home in the Rocky Head Community, where she quickly became part of the fabric of the place — the kind of neighbor people were always glad to see coming.
She attended Vanderbilt Church in Brundidge, where she found comfort, fellowship, and a sense of belonging. Her faith was steady and quiet, but it guided her in the way she treated others — with patience, kindness, and a gentle spirit.
Mrs. Hamby had a gift for working with her hands. Quilting, crochet, and needlepoint weren’t just hobbies for her; they were ways she showed love. Many people have something she made — a blanket, a doily, a piece of needlework — and those pieces carry her warmth stitched right into them. When she wasn’t sewing, she enjoyed sitting down with a good crossword puzzle, taking her time and letting her mind work through each clue. Those small, peaceful moments were some of her favorites.
She carried deep love for her family, and she also carried deep loss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Hamby; two daughters, Jeretha Ann “Ree” Smith and Patricia Hamby; and a son, Jessie “Tootsie” Hamby. She also mourned the passing of her siblings — Margaret Hamby, Frances Burgess, Mary Louckes, Myrtle Record, and Roy McMillon. Even through heartbreak, she remained strong in her own quiet way, holding onto memories and leaning on her faith.
Those who knew her will remember her gentle nature, her steady hands, and the way she found joy in simple things. She didn’t need attention or praise; she just lived her life with love, patience, and a soft strength that touched everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friends who loved her, and the many handmade pieces she leaves behind — each one a reminder of the care she put into everything she did.
Surviving relatives include her children, Debbie Cargile (John), Prattville, Shellie Chapman (Don), Brundidge, Lisa Ward (Kenny Carroll), Clio, and John Hamby (Tonia), Prattville; five sisters, Darlene Culver, Elba, Nelda Carr, Mona McMillon, Mildred Norris, and Linda Griswold, all of Troy; three brothers, Roger McMillon, Troy, David McMillon, Prattville, and Clyde McMillon, Ariton; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Kenneth Arnett, Connie Hamby, Sherry Chapman, Pat Sanders, Earl Wellwood, and Jessie Reeves.
It is with deep love and sorrow that the family of LoBorther “Bee” Andrews-Weeks announces her peaceful passing into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Southeast Health, surrounded by her children and family.
LoBorther was born on November 16, 1945, in Pace, Florida, to the late James Hayward Andrews and Gussie Katherine Atwell-Andrews. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and a deep love for the natural world around her.
Affectionately known as “Moma,” she was a devoted mother, Grammy, Great-Grammy, and friend whose strength, kindness, and unwavering love shaped the lives of those around her. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she poured her heart into caring for each of them.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her precious brother, Jimmie Gene Andrews; her devoted sister, Annie Ruth Mayo; her husband, Roy Carlton Beebe, Sr., the father of her children; her faithful son, Richard Clinton Beebe, a retired United States Marine; and her precious grandson, Caleb Stephen Moat.
She is lovingly remembered and survived by her three children: Roy Carlton Beebe, Jr. (Wanda) of Midland City, Alabama; Tafphy Sylvana Beebe-Satterfield (Brian) of Havana, Florida; and Mary Kathleen Beebe-Busenbark (Alan) of Tallahassee, Florida.
Her legacy continues through her eight cherished grandchildren: Joshua McDaniel (fiancée Maritza Morell); Mikaela Beebe (fiancé Kyle Pappey); Roy Beebe III (Kaylin); Bradley McDaniel (McKall); Ryan Beebe (Tina); Montana Satterfield (fiancé Joshua Clemmons); Caelan Beebe; and Kent Satterfield (Merriah); along with nine beloved great-grandchildren: Makaela Beebe, Kaeden Beebe, Bryson Beebe, Rayna Beebe, Sabrina Beebe, Luna Beebe, Everly Satterfield, Emma Satterfield, and Emerson Satterfield.
LoBorther had a special love for the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time in God’s creation, where she found peace and joy. She was especially delighted in watching the hummingbirds that visited her yard and caring for her beloved dachshund, Miss Molly, who brought her much companionship and comfort.
Those who knew her will remember her as a Southern lady of quiet strength, deep love for her family, and steadfast faith. Her life reflected a heart that cared deeply for others and a spirit that found joy in the simple blessings of life.
A service celebrating her life will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, Alabama 36350, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM (CST). The family will receive friends one hour to the ceremony at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest until her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, returns.
Though her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in the promise of Scripture:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
— John 14:1–3
Her love will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and her legacy will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 334-983-6604
OZARK…Mr. James “Bud” Vaught, a resident of Ozark, near Skipperville, died Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Edward Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Vaught, son of the late James Leroy Vaught and Mendie Goodwin Vaught Goodwin, was born on March 11, 1936. He grew up with the kind of steady, humble strength that stayed with him throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped his work ethic, his discipline, and his deep appreciation for the simple things in life.
After his military service, he spent many years on the road as a truck driver, working with several moving companies including Allied Van Lines, Bekin, Coleman, and J & L Moving Company. He took pride in doing his job well, and he was known for being dependable, hardworking, and willing to go the extra mile—literally and figuratively. The miles he traveled and the people he met along the way became part of the story he carried with him.
Away from work, he found peace outdoors. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, not just for the catch but for the quiet moments it offered. He had a soft spot for all animals, and nothing made him happier than sitting outside feeding the birds, watching them gather around him as if they knew they were safe in his presence. He had a gentle way about him that animals seemed to understand.
He shared forty‑five years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan Waters Vaught, and her passing left a space in his life that could never be filled. Their years together were marked by loyalty, companionship, and the kind of everyday love that grows deeper with time. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Clifford “Sonny” Vaught and three sisters, Agnes “Sis” Vaught, Margaret Vaught, and Joyce Vaught.
Those who knew him will remember a man who appreciated the simple joys—fresh air, good company, the sound of birds, and the comfort of familiar routines. He lived quietly, loved deeply, and cared for the world around him in his own steady way.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Elizabeth Dobbs, Ozark; sisters, Glenda Comeaux (Michael), Louisiana, Rhonda Vaught, California and Donna Vaught, Hawaii; brothers, Jim Vaught, Jake Waldrop, Birmingham, Dennis Vaught (Kathy), Florida and Phillip Vaught, California; five grandchildren, Mendie Dobbs, Lucas Dobbs, Tristrine Dobbs, Ashley Dobbs, and Keri Risden; five great-grandchildren, JaKolby Maddox, Joanie Lynn Deese, ; JaKamren Risden, JaKorbyn Risden, and JaKabriel Terry, and two on the way; nieces, nephews, and cousins.,
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Ms. Peggy Williams Riley, a resident of Ozark, died late Saturday evening, March 21, 2026, at her home. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Peter Brent officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Ms. Riley, daughter of the late Harry Williams and Bernice Woodley Williams, was a proud native of the Eastlake/Norwood community in Birmingham. That neighborhood shaped her early years, and she carried those memories with her throughout her life. In 1971, she made Ozark her home, and from the moment she arrived, she poured her heart into building a life rooted in hard work, kindness, and service to others.
For forty‑five years, she owned and operated Riley’s Store and Riley’s Trailer Park. Those weren’t just businesses to her — they were places where people gathered, shared stories, and felt welcome. Folks knew they could stop by for what they needed, but they also knew they’d be met with a friendly face, a listening ear, and someone who genuinely cared about them. She treated customers like neighbors and neighbors like family, and her presence became a steady, familiar part of the community for decades.
She was a faithful member of Logan Road Baptist Church, where she found comfort, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Her faith guided her through life’s ups and downs, and she leaned on it quietly but deeply.
Family meant everything to her. She carried the memories of those who went before her — her sister, Christine Hardin, and her brothers, Lesley, Wesley, Marshall, and H.L. Williams — with love and respect.
Ms. Riley lived her life with a steady strength, a generous spirit, and a down‑to‑earth warmth that made people feel at ease. She worked hard, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy built not on grand gestures, but on everyday kindness — the kind that stays with people long after the moment has passed. Her memory will continue to live on in the community she served, the friends she made, and the family who loved her dearly.
Surviving relatives include her nieces and nephews; special friends, Juan Gonzalez and Nellie Sharp, both of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Robert Larry Wise, age 81, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Noland Hospital in Dothan. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dothan on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Rev. Bob Gross officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM in the Pine Level Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Larry was a 1961 graduate of Elba High School. He attended the University of Alabama and later completed his undergraduate degree at Troy State University. He continued his education at Auburn University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Larry’s distinguished career included service as an Aerospace Engineer with NASA before returning home to work at Ft. Rucker, where he remained until his retirement.
Deeply connected to his family’s heritage, Larry was active in the operation of the family Christmas tree farm and later expanded the business by establishing a Fraser Fir farm in North Carolina. He enjoyed sports throughout his life and was an enthusiastic supporter of the “Crimson Tide.” Saltwater fishing was another pastime he loved and shared with family and friends.
Mr. Wise is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey Wise of Dothan, AL; daughter, Kim Wise of Birmingham, AL; son, Kyle (Rina) Wise of Atlanta, GA; and two grandchildren, Charlie Wise and Olivia Wise, both of Atlanta, GA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olene Spurlin Wise and Jack Cleveland Wise, along with his siblings, Roger Wise, Kaye Wise, and Faye Wise.
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Wise family.
ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mrs. Margaret Ann McMillan Hamby, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at her home. She was 84.
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
