Lee Roy Shiver, age 82, of Newton, Alabama, passed away at his home on August 17, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1944, and lived a life marked by love, faith, hard work, and devotion to his family and church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Raymond Shiver and Bessie Lee Shiver.
Lee is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Graham Shiver; his daughter, Kimberle Cowden (Danny); his son, John Barry Shiver (Wendy); seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Danny Shiver (Janie); his caregiver, Johnnie Hull; his cousin, Joan Seay (Chester); and many special friends, cousins, and his family at Bay Springs Baptist Church.
Their love story began at the local swimming pool, where Lee first caught Mary’s attention in a way she would never forget. He tapped her on the shoulder, splashed her, and then swam away. The next time they saw each other, it was raining. As Lee was rolling up the windows of his car, Mary asked him to roll up hers as well. Lee’s response was, “I would have climbed a telephone pole backwards had you asked me.” From those playful beginnings grew a love filled with laughter, memories, challenges, faith, and devotion to one another.
Lee was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family was the center of his world. He and Mary shared a marriage built on love, faith, forgiveness, and commitment, standing beside one another through every season of life and never going to bed angry. Lee’s journey of faith was an important part of his life. For more than 35 years, Mary faithfully prayed for him to accept the Lord, never giving up. Her persistent love and unwavering faith were a beautiful part of that journey, and Lee came to know the Lord and chose to follow Him. And what a life that decision led him to. His faith became an important part of the man he was and the life he lived, shaping the way he loved his family, served others, and lived out his days. Their story is a reminder that love does not give up, faith does not stop praying, and God can work through a lifetime of answered prayers.
Lee was a faithful member of Bay Springs Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Gideon, and on the church security team. His life of service reflected the same selfless nature he showed at home and in his community. He loved his church family and found purpose in serving others.
Lee retired as an aircraft mechanic and took great pride in the work he did throughout his life. He enjoyed staying busy and lending a helping hand whenever it was needed. Whether working on something around the house or helping his son with a race car, Lee approached every task with skill, patience, and a willingness to serve.
He loved fishing, camping, gardening, and watching racing, especially NASCAR and the Snowball Derby. He was also a devoted Alabama fan who loved Alabama football and proudly cheered, “Roll Tide.”
Lee had a special love for the simple joys of life, including frying turkeys at Thanksgiving and enjoying good food as a true foodie. He was known for his great sense of humor and for being a man who never complained, even during his year-long illness. When asked how he was doing, he would always reply, “I feel good.” That spirit of optimism and strength remained with him until the end.
Those who knew Lee will also remember that no matter what the trip held, Lee was always going to fall out of his boat. It was one of those memories that became part of who he was and will continue to bring laughter and smiles to the hearts of those who loved him.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Taylor McNeil and the staff of ACG Hospice for their care, compassion, and support during this time.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Bay Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Tommy Green officiating. A private burial will follow in Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Blanche “Sunshine” Baxter Whigham died Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home in Fairhope, AL. She was the first-born child of Ralph and Mildred Baxter of Louisville, AL. She was 87 years old.
Blanche met the love of her life, Boyd Whigham, in Louisville. Their story began in third grade and continued for 67 wonderful years of marriage. Boyd often sang “You Are My Sunshine,” to Blanche, giving her the nickname that would stay with her for a lifetime.
Blanche and Boyd were avid Auburn fans, attending football and basketball games as often as possible, always wearing their colors. When not attending she was watching from home with friends and neighbors.
Sunshine was always a beauty. According to Boyd, her highest accolade was winning the Fabulous Fanny Contest at the Sigma Nu house.
Sunshine also treasured the lifelong friendships made in Louisville. A member of the unofficial, Barbour County Young Matrons Society, a group of women now in their 80’s and beyond, they continued to meet yearly and share laughs and tales.
She loved creating beautiful moments. Some of her grandchildren’s favorite memories were made around Christmas, when Sunshine would always bake a special birthday cake for Jesus.
She loved hosting family and friends at the beach house, but most of all, she enjoyed a glass of wine with Boyd at sunset.
Blanche was predeceased by her husband, Boyd Whigham, and is survived by her brother, Buck Baxter (Haldine); daughters Lisa Whigham Taylor and her husband, Jerry, and Allison Whigham Kendall and her husband, Edward, both of Fairhope, Alabama; six grandchildren, Boyd Taylor (Elizabeth), Critter Taylor (Callie), Casey Panza (Ryan), Ted Kendall, Rob Taylor, and Ben Kendall; and one great-granddaughter, Genevieve Taylor.
Sunshine will be laid to rest beside her beloved Boyd, returning to the place where their story began and where their love will continue.
A burial will be held at Louisville Cemetery Tuesday, August 18.
Memorial contributions can be made in Blanche’s honor to her grandson’s school/home or the Louisville Cemetery Fund.
The Learning Tree
5451 Able Court
Mobile, Alabama 36593
or
Louisville Cemetery Association
PO Box 4
Louisville, AL 36048
John T. Gillis, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love
of his family.
John was born on May 19, 1941, in Dothan, Alabama. He proudly served his country for
four years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, John dedicated
26 years to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, serving his community with
honor, integrity, commitment, retiring as a Lieutenant.
John valued education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of
California, Los Angeles.
John is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his loving brother, George Gillis (Brenda), nephews and nieces, Shawn Gillis (Julie), Brent Gillis (Brooke), great nieces, Caroline and Ava Gillis, great nephews, Cooper and Luke Gillis, stepdaughters and
stepsons, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other extended
family members who will deeply miss his strength, wisdom, and steady presence.
John will be remembered for his life of service, his devotion to family, and the quiet
dignity with which he lived. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
Forever loved and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the Chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Ed Branch officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM until service time. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Cottonwood City cemetery immediately following the service.
COLUMBIA, ALABAMA. . .Richard G. Leeds, a resident of Henry County, between Brown’s Crossroads and Haleburg, passed away peacefully Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the Holman-Abbeville Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Abbeville. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 9:00 A.M. Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dothan Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Avenue, Dothan, AL 36303.
Mr. Leeds was born and raised in Sullivan, Illinois, son of the late Elmer Leeds, Sr. and Florence Grider Leeds. He was a graduate of Sullivan High School and received a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Unversity of Illinois. Mr. Leeds enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1955 and served his country after the Korean War until 1958. While serving in the military, he was the official photographer for the U. S. Army and was a contributing photographer for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. After Desert Storm, he served as Lead Engineer in the reconstruction of the power grid in Kuwait. Mr. Leeds formerly lived in Daphne, Alabama for twenty-five years. While living in Daphne, he worked as an Electrical Engineer and was the co-owner and operator of Jubilee Music, Inc. He was a member and officer of the V.F.W. Post 5660 in Fairhope.
Mr. Leeds was preceded in death by his wife, Gloriann Pulliam Leeds and a brother, Elmer Leeds, Jr.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Susan Leeds Cross (Keith), Columbia; a son, Scott Leeds, Decatur, Illinois; grandchildren, Sarah Perry, Dylan Smith (Blake Shumway), Gailan Leeds and Rachel Leeds; and his furry companions, Ralphie, Diego and Rambo.
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.
HEADLAND… Jason Wesley Brown (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 12, 2026, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was 44.
Funeral services will be held 4:00 P.M. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Jonathan Tomlin officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Jason was born in Jasper, Alabama, at Baptist Health Walker Hospital and grew up in Double Springs, Alabama. He was a proud graduate of Winston County High School, Class of 1999.
Jason proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). MSG Jason W Brown served 3 combat deployment tours overseas, numerous field training exercises, held a security clearance, numerous awards for achievements & excellence. MSG Jason W Brown was a part of the 313th Military Intelligence Battalion; assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft Bragg, NC. After 20 years of honorable service, he retired from the Army. MSG Brown loved his country, and was a tremendous pride for him.
Jason earned an Associate Degree in Business Management and later found his calling as a homebuilder with Rainier Homes. He & his wife, Shelley took extraordinary pride in building quality homes and approached his work with the same dedication, precision, and strong work ethic that defined so much of his life. He built more than houses—he built lasting relationships and friendships with the homeowners he served. His tremendous attention to detail and commitment to doing things right were evident in everything he touched.
Outside of work, Jason found happiness in simple things. He loved fishing, especially bass fishing, and treasured his time at the lake in his beloved bass boat. Those days on the water created countless memories that will be cherished by those who shared them with him.
Jason was also a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He was a true “Mr. Fix-It,” always working on something and never afraid to figure out how to make things work. Whether it was one of his vehicles, his bass boat, or a lawn mower, Jason could usually be found cleaning it, fixing it, or making it better. He genuinely loved washing vehicles—all vehicles—and he took immense pride in making sure they looked their absolute best. And no wash was complete without “Tire Shine.”
That attention to detail was simply part of who Jason was. He was meticulous in everything he did. His tool cabinet was a perfect example of his personality: everything had its place, and everything belonged in its place. He took pride in doing things right, whether he was building a home, working on a piece of equipment, cleaning a vehicle, taking care of the things he loved or the people he loved.
Jason’s faith was an important part of his life, he was saved in November of 2025 and he became a devoted member of Blackwood Church. His faith, kindness, and quiet strength were reflected in the way he lived and in the way he cared for others. He loved Jesus and wanted to spread the gospel anytime he could.
Above all, Jason loved his family deeply. He shared a special bond with his brother and nephews and was loving & devoted to his mother. He loved his wife tremendously, not only could you see their love for each other, you could feel it. Together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and memories. He also had an incredibly special companion in their beloved fur baby, Smore, who was by his side for 15 years. Jason loved Smore dearly, and their bond was a beautiful reflection of his gentle heart and tremendous capacity to love.
Jason will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his strong work ethic, his meticulous attention to detail, his infectious personality with his humor & always being a jokester, his love of the outdoors, his faith, his love for Alabama football, and the countless ways he cared for the people and things that mattered to him.
Leaving to cherish his memories include his loving wife of almost nineteen years, Shelley Brown; his mother, Donna Nelson Lay (Richard Lay), Father Danny Brown (Annette Brown), Father in Law John Wagner, stepson, Chris Escobar; brother, Cody McCauley; nephews, Coltyn McCauley, Thomas Nelson, brother in law Todd Wagner, fur baby, Smore; several Aunts, Uncles, Siblings, Cousins & Friends.
Most of all, Jason will be remembered for the love he gave so freely to his family and those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, friendship, hard work, and cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow soldiers, church family, former coworkers, homeowners whose lives he touched, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though Jason is no longer with us, the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will never be forgotten. His life was a gift, his service was a legacy, and his love will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to call him husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and family.
Rest peacefully, Jason. “Well done my good and faithful servant.”- Matthew 25:23
Sunshine Obituary
