Rickey Zander Davis, a man who lived his life with the kind of gusto that could light up the darkest of rooms, has taken his final curtain call on January 28, 2025, in Fadette, Alabama. Born on July 18, 1968, in the sunny state of Florida, Rickey’s life was a journey filled with laughter, horsepower, and a touch of mischief.
Rickey was the kind of guy who could fix anything with duct tape and a smile. He was the handy wizard in a family that cherished his wisdom and his knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary. His parents, Rubin Z. Davis and Luda Mae Baxley Davis, along with his siblings Mary Peacock, Cathy Mae Davis, and Bobby Davis, surely greeted him with open arms and a heavenly chuckle as he joined them in the great beyond.
Left to cherish his memory his son, Bray Davis; daughter, April Davis (David Williams); granddaughter, Emmalyn Annmae Davis; sisters, Judy Gillis and Sherene Hammerbacher; and brothers, James Davis and Ray Davis.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Rickey served his country with honor and brought that same dedication to every aspect of his life. He was a man who loved cars, not just the shiny new ones, but the ones that had stories to tell and memories to share. He was a staple at drag races, where his cheers were as legendary as the cars zooming by.
Rickey’s love for bonfires was only matched by his love for his friends and family. He was the life of every gathering, often found dabbling in the devil’s lettuce, which he claimed added a special flavor to his already colorful tales. His booming voice, shouting his favorite rally cry, “Raise Hell Praise Dale!” could be heard echoing through the night, a testament to his free spirit and zest for life.
The words that best describe Rickey are “handy” and “wise,” but they only scratch the surface of a man who was a mentor, a confidant, and the unofficial mayor of every gathering. He had a joke for every occasion, a pat on the back for every achievement, and a listening ear for anyone in need.
A Graveside Service will be held at a later date, where friends and family will gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a man who taught us all how to live with laughter in our hearts.
Kenny Tatham, passed away on January 28, 2025, in Newton, Alabama. Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Kenny’s warm spirit and jovial nature touched the lives of many throughout his remarkable journey of 50 years.
Kenny’s life was marked by his loving dedication to his family, his passion for life, and his unwavering courage. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, embodied by his wife of 13 years, Becky Tatham, and his cherished children, Kendra Cranford (David), Daniel Hoaglan, Anna Vaughn, Miranda Evans, and Heather Hoaglan. His joy was multiplied by his adoring grandchildren, including Kayden Tatham Ware and seven others who will carry forward his zest for life.
He was a beloved brother to Jimmy Tatham, Candy Christensen, and Paula Kendrick, all of whom shared an unbreakable bond with Kenny that will endure beyond his passing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Tatham.
Kenny’s work ethic was as strong as his character. For 20 years, he navigated the roads as a dedicated truck driver, playing a pivotal role as one of the truck drivers during the tragic events of 9/11. His commitment to his profession and the strength he displayed during times of national crisis showcased his courageous spirit.
Beyond his professional life, Kenny was a man of many interests. His love for his family was paramount, and he was known to be an incredibly supportive figure, always there with a kind word or a helping hand. An avid Alabama fan, Kenny’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious, and game days were always a special occasion in the Tatham household.
Kenny’s adventurous side shone through in his love for riding his motorcycle, a pastime he enjoyed until illness made it difficult. He also had a sweet tooth, with Reese’s peanut butter cups being a particular favorite treat that he was always happy to share—or not, depending on his mood.
His sense of humor was one of his most memorable traits. Kenny was a jokester at heart, always ready with a quip or a prank to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him. His visits to the Oklahoma-Cherokee casinos were not just about the games but also about the laughter and camaraderie he shared with friends and family.
Kenny’s life was a testament to the words that best describe him: loving, friendly, and courageous. His presence was a comfort, his laughter a gift, and his courage an inspiration. He navigated life’s challenges with a smile, and his ability to find joy in every moment has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Kenny’s journey through life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of laughter. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded to embrace each day with the same passion and joy that he did. His legacy will live on, not just in the stories told but in the way we love and support each other, just as he did every day of his life.
OZARK…Mrs. Mary Louise Gonzalez, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday afternoon, January 29, 2025, at her home. She was 83.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penny’s Pantry of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 475 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Gonzalez, daughter of Henry Gonzales, Sr. and Crecencia Gonzalez Gonzales, was a native of Waco, Texas. She was a 1960 Graduate of Waco High School, Waco, Texas and 4 C’s Business College. Mrs. Gonzalez lived in various locations in the United States, while her husband served in the United States Army, prior to moving to Ozark in 1984. Over the past few years, she enjoyed being a “Band Mother” of the Carroll High School Marching Band. Mrs. Gonzalez was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was one of the founding members of the food pantry. In recognition of her faithful service to the church, she was recently awarded Christ the King Medal. Mrs. Gonzalez was preceded in death by her siblings, Beatrice, Carol, Geneva, Henry, Irene, and Richard.
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty-seven years, Juan J. Gonzalez; her children, Christine Herrera, Jackie Dover (Stephen), Henry Gonzalez, Floriselda Molina (Cristian), Brenda Simechak (Matthew), Crystal Kitchens (Christopher), Juan J Gonzalez (Monica); her siblings, Alfred, Bobby, Charlie, Dorothy, Joe, Paul, Pete, and Steve; grandchildren, Randall Herrera, Curtis Herrera, Maria Garza, David Garza, Christopher Gonzalez, InaYa Molina, Catherine Molina, Katelyn Simechak, Alsatia Kitchens, Noah Kitchens, Violet Gonzalez, Scarlett Gonzalez, and Jett Gonzalez; eleven great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Henry Gonzalez, Matt Simechak, Juan J Gonzalez, Cristian Molina, Chris Kitchens, and Eric Cedeno.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Joseph Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson, a pillar of strength and generosity, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on December 22, 1946, in Dale County, Tommy was a beacon of love and support to all who knew him.
Tommy’s life was a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. He was a lifelong farmer, tending to the land with a deep respect for nature and the community that it sustained. His years working with the railroads were marked by the same level of commitment and excellence. Tommy’s education at Wallace Community College and Auburn University equipped him with the knowledge and skills that bolstered his professional endeavors and enriched his personal interests.
A true family man, Tommy’s greatest joy came from being with his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his son, Phillip Thompson and his wife Maegan; his daughter, Ashleigh Funk and her husband Shaun; and his adored grandchildren, Marshall Thompson, Clementine Thompson, Luke Hay, and Mason Funk. Tommy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anice Camp; by his parents, William Dewitt Thompson and Betty Jean Thompson, who instilled in him the virtues that he lived by every day.
Those who knew Tommy will remember him as a man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his ability to solve problems made him a go-to person in times of need. The Sylvan Grove and Midland City community, where he resided for the majority of his life, benefited greatly from his unwavering spirit of service.
Tommy’s interests extended beyond his work and community service. He had a passion for travel, with the Smoky Mountains and Panama City Beach being among his favorite destinations. His love for exploration and adventure was a source of joy and inspiration to his family and friends.
As a member of the Sylvan Grove Methodist Church, Tommy’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. Which reflected his belief in the power of fellowship and the importance of giving back to others.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Tommy will remember him as a loving, generous, and handy man. His ability to fix almost anything was matched only by his willingness to help others. His presence was a comfort, his laughter contagious, and his guidance invaluable.
Jospeh Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson lived a life marked by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his remarkable life. Tommy’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he enriched and the enduring love he shared with his family and friends.
A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 10-11am in the chapel prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.
BIRMINGHAM. . .Daniel Hulen “Danny” Brannon, a resident of Columbiana, Alabama, and a former resident of Birmingham, passed away Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025. He was 75.
Danny Brannon was born July 27, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama to Hulen Brannon and Myra Nell Hand Brannon. He lived his early years in the Old Center community of Henry County, Alabama before moving to Abbeville, Alabama in 1956.
Danny faced many challenges in his life with determination and grit, spurred on by his parents. During his teen years, he became a big brother to his two adoring sisters, Barbara and Leigh.
Danny graduated from Abbeville High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Alabama in 1971. Upon graduation, he immediately began his career at Moses Phillips, a CPA firm in Birmingham. He was the managing partner for many years before Moses Phillips merged with another firm and became Dent Moses in 2016. Danny retired after working at the same firm for forty-seven and a half years.
Danny married the love of his life, Mary, in 1989. They enjoyed many happy years traveling to the beach, to Lake Logan Martin, and on a mission trip to Moldova. His other passions included University of Alabama football, fishing, and reading. His biggest joy was his grandson, Maddox. He was active in civic groups and Valleydale Church for many years, serving as a Deacon, church treasurer, and finance committee chairman.
Danny was preceded in death by his father, Hulen Brannon, and his step-son, Timothy Lee Robertson, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Watkins Brannon, a grandson, Maddox Lee Robertson, both of Columbiana; his mother, Myra Nell Hand Brannon, Abbeville, AL; sisters, Barbara Evers (Charles), Birmingham; and Leigh Watford (Darrell), Newville, AL; nieces, Caroline Evers Phillips (Charles) and their children, Chase and Myra; Audrey Watford Burroughs (Luke) and their son, Jude; and Julianne Evers; nephews, Shelby Hulen Watford (Keely) and Charlie Evers; aunts, Joan Hand Parris and Mary Brannon Mims.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Old Center Church Cemetery, 764 County Road 89, Newville, Alabama 36353 with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Valleydale Church, Birmingham, AL, with Pastor Ross Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valleydale Church “Moldova Missions Fund”, 2324 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35244.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Shelby Watford, Charlie Evers, Luke Burroughs and Charles Phillips.
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.
Olivia Christine Childree, known affectionately as Christine to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at her home in Clayhatchee, Alabama. Born on June 16, 1971, in Dale County, Alabama, Christine lived a life filled with laughter, love, and the simple joys of the natural world.
Christine was the beloved mother of two daughters, Katie Santamaria (Pablo) and Crystal Cheyenne Harris (Eric Johnson). She reveled in her role as a grandmother to Xander, Jasper, and Syrina Childree; Conner and Isla Melancon; and Joanna and Johnathan Santamaria. Her spirit will live on through the stories and memories she created with her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Survived by her brothers, Donnie, Danny, and Jessie Childree, and sisters, Mary Smith (Otis), Paula, Teresa, Samantha, Melinda Childree (Cody Galloway), and Jennifer Morris, Christine’s presence was a cornerstone of the Childree family. Her parents, Donnie G. Childree and Patricia A. Glover Childree, preceded her in death. Christine also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Known for her quick wit and spirited nature, Christine was the life of any gathering. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her. Despite being a self-proclaimed homebody, Christine relished her time outdoors. She had a green thumb and was happiest when she was tending to her yard, a haven for family and friends alike.
An avid fisherwoman, Christine could often be found by the water’s edge, rod in hand, waiting for the next big catch. Her love for the outdoors extended to her fascination with arrowhead hunting, a pastime that married her appreciation for history with her passion for exploration.
The night sky held a special allure for Christine, who loved astrology. She found solace in the stars and planets, and her curiosity about the cosmos was a testament to her lifelong desire to learn and grow. Her family will fondly remember nights spent under the stars, with Christine pointing out constellations and sharing stories of the universe.
Christine’s legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and an unquenchable zest for life. She was a woman who embraced the world with open arms and found beauty in the simple things. Her spirit, humor, and love of life will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we bid farewell to Christine, we celebrate a life well-lived life that touched so many with its warmth and brightness. Her memory will continue to be a guiding light for her family, a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in every day.
The Childree family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. Christine’s life was a gift to us all, and though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit remains, as vibrant and enduring as the stars she so loved to gaze upon.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 4:30 pm in the Belle Meade Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating.
