Susan Olivia Vaughn Weaver, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, at the age of 75.
Susan was born on February 10, 1951, in Houston County, Alabama, to the late Ollis Coy Watford and Mary Faye Harper Watford. She was a proud graduate of Ashford High School, Class of 1969.
Susan dedicated more than 40 years of her life to her passion for interior decorating. Through her talent, creativity, and love for beautiful spaces, she touched the lives of many and built a career that reflected her remarkable eye for detail and style.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Johnny Vaughn, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage; and Jim Weaver, with whom she shared seven years.
Susan leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her son, John Marc Vaughn and his wife, Jessica, of Ashford; her daughter, Susanne Nichole Vaughn Yates and her husband, Kenneth, of Dothan, Alabama; and her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Zack Hughes, John Mitchell Vaughn, Katlyn and Aaron Wood, Kody and Kaley Yates, Seth Yates, and Sean Yates. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Daniel Wood. She is also remembered by her special friends, Jim Stone and Linda Scott.
Susan will be remembered for her loving heart, creative spirit, devotion to her family, and the many beautiful memories she created throughout her life. Her family and all who knew and loved her will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with Reverend Greg Aman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private family burial will be held separately.
Pallbearers will be John Mitchell Vaughn, Andrew Etheridge, Michael Edwards, Pat Jones, Brian Edwards, and Greg Williams.
Ruby Lee Bass Burkett, of Geneva, AL, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old. No services are planned at this time.
Ruby was born on April 3, 1941, to the late Jim Nathan and Flora Lee Forman Bass. She enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, fishing, and wood burning.
In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Burkett; one son, Robert Earl Burkett; two grandsons, Jeremy Burkett and Kenneth Burkett; and six siblings.
Ruby is survived by her five children, Gale Harrison, Burt Burkett, Patricia Burkett, Dwane Burkett, and Hilda Wells; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Ray Hoover Bowman, Jr., passed away on August 16, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 70.
Ray was born on December 31, 1955, to Ola Mae Jackson Bowman and the late Ray H. Bowman, Sr. He lived his entire life in Dothan, the community he called home from the beginning to the end of his days. He was a familiar and friendly presence to those who knew him, and he carried himself with a warm spirit that made others feel welcome. Ray was a graduate of Dothan High School, and he remained connected to the city and the people around him throughout his life. His roots in Dothan ran deep, and his life reflected the values of loyalty, hard work, and steady kindness.
Over the years, Ray worked a variety of jobs and was known for being dependable and willing to do what needed to be done. His work included security, where he served as a guard at Flower’s Hospital and installed security systems, as well as worked in sales. He also worked with Pepsi and later concluded his career with Cook’s Pest Control. In each role, Ray brought a strong work ethic and a practical spirit. He understood the value of an honest day’s work and took pride in earning his way through dedication and perseverance. Those who worked alongside him knew him as someone who could be counted on and who approached his responsibilities with sincerity.
Ray was a sociable man who enjoyed being around people. One of his favorite places to spend time was the Waffle House by Southeast Health Medical Center, where he could often be found drinking coffee and visiting with others. He appreciated simple moments and the comfort of good company, and he had a natural way of making conversation that reflected his easygoing personality. He enjoyed hanging out, sharing time with others, and being part of the everyday rhythm of life in his community. His presence was often marked by a kind word, a friendly smile, and a genuine interest in the people around him.
Family was central to Ray’s life, and he loved his family deeply. He held those close to him with great affection and care, and his devotion to them was one of the defining parts of who he was. Ray was known as a loving man whose kindness extended to the people he cherished most. He valued togetherness, and he found meaning in the bonds he shared with family and friends. His loved ones will remember not only his steady presence, but also the warmth and sincerity that made him so special to them.
Ray was a friendly, loving, and kind man, and those words reflect the spirit with which he lived his life. He had a way of making others feel at ease, and his character left a lasting impression on the people who knew him. He will be remembered for his approachable nature, his generous heart, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. Though he is no longer with us, the memory of his kindness and the example of his life will remain with those who loved him.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, friendship, and love that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know him. His life was a testament to the importance of community, family, and simple human connection. Ray Hoover Bowman, Jr. will be missed deeply and remembered with affection, gratitude, and respect by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Ray was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Jessica Colley (Chris), and Miles Bowman-Herbert (Grace). He was a proud grandfather to Jessica’s children, Lane, Makayla, and Dylan (Britton), and Miles’s children, Lance, Karla, Cassey, Eliza, and Bella. He is survived by his great-grandchildren, Ellison Mae, Rylan, and Sophia, with another great-grandchild on the way, Cohen. Ray is also survived by his mother, Ola Mae Bowman, and by his sister, Stephanie Bowman, brother, Ronnie Bowman and his children and grandchildren.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Daren Davis officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Ray will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Jim Darren Helms, 61, of Wicksburg, Alabama, went to be with his Lord on August 15, 2026, after passing away peacefully at his home.
Jim was a devoted son, beloved father, and loyal friend who leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and cherished memories with his family and friends.
Born June 9, 1965, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Jimmy Lamax Helms and Elizabeth Clements Helms, Jim grew up in Enterprise and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1983. After earning an A.S. degree from Troy State University, he began a dedicated career with the Fort Rucker Fire Department, where he served for more than 30 years before retiring. Not ready to give up serving his community, Jim started his own landscaping business. Later, wanting to remain involved with the people and community around him, he became the groundskeeper at the Dothan Botanical Gardens, where he continued doing what came naturally to him, working hard, helping others, and taking pride in caring for something he loved. Known as a gentle giant, Jim was passionate about staying healthy, hunting, and spending quality time with his 13-year-old schnauzer, Sadie. He was also a gifted handyman who could fix almost anything and was always happy to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Jim took special care of his mother, Elizabeth, whom he loved deeply. He treasured the routine of spending every Sunday possible with her, attending church together and taking her to lunch afterward. He took great pride in caring for her yard and home so that she could enjoy life with as few worries as possible. His love for his mother was evident in the countless ways he looked after her and made sure she was cared for. But Jim’s greatest love by far was his daughter, Kellan, the light of his eyes and the warmth of his heart. He became a big kid at Christmas and looked forward to hanging lights and decorating the house for Kellan’s visits. One of their favorite memories was a surprise snowfall when they made snow angels and built snowmen together. They shared a special Christmas tradition of watching his favorite movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, while waiting for Santa to arrive. Whatever Jim was doing around the house, he tried to include Kellan, creating the simple, lasting memories that she will carry with her always.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Lamax Helms, and his maternal grandmother, Margaret Copeland.
He is survived by his daughter, Kellan Helms of Malone, Florida; his mother, Elizabeth Clements Smith of Ozark, Alabama; the mother of his daughter, Gina Helms; stepsister, Melinda Yu (Chang); stepbrother, David Smith (Tracy); as well as other extended family and many friends who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, with Reverend Marty Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Dothan Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Ave., Dothan, AL 36303.
Jim’s life was defined not by what he had, but by what he gave, his time, his strength, his kindness, and most of all, his love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Ms. Roxanne Marie Pilot Plekker, a resident of Ariton, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, in Ozark Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was 65 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Ms. Plekker. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Ms. Plekker was born August 4, 1961 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Robert and Joyce Boerner Pilot. Roxanne loved GOD, family, friends and her dog, Nick. She was a kind, caring, sweet person who always tried to make people laugh and help them in any way she could. Roxanne was greatly loved and will be missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Pilot. Survivors include her sisters, Cheryl Pilot, Belinda Kari (Dave) and Lucinda Pilot; her brothers, Jeffrey Pilot (Dorothy), Michael Pilot, Timothy Pilot (Susan) and Scott Pilot (Stephine). Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Ronald Charles Ellis, also known as “Ron,” of Dothan, AL went home to be with the Lord on July 27, 2026.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff and Billy Rich officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Craig Ellis, Eric Andrews, Scott Graham, David Clark, Patrick Street, and Drew Johnston. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron’s grandsons, Caleb Andrews and Colin Graham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy and those wishing to honor his memory, consider making a donation to Southside Baptist Church.
Ron is survived by his cherished wife, Pamela Ellis, who he adored and made it his mission to love, support, and honor her. He also leaves behind his children, Carrie Graham and her husband, Scott, Casey Andrews and her husband, Eric, and Craig Ellis and his wife, Mandi; and his grandchildren, Carolyn, Julia, and Colin Graham, Caleb and Maggie Andrews, and Emelia, Thomas, Rosemary, and Shepard Ellis. He is also survived by his sister, Dawn Ellis; his brother, Randy Ellis; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Winton “Buddy” Ellis and Nadine Ellis.
He lived a life defined by faith, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. He was an active and devoted member of Southside Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and participated in countless committees, ministries, and initiatives. He especially loved being involved with Vacation Bible School and missions, always looking for any opportunity to serve his church and share God’s love with others.
He was a constant presence in his children’s lives. He coached, encouraged, participated, and showed up for their activities, sports, and endeavors. Whatever mattered to his children mattered deeply to him, and he gave freely of his time and energy to help them succeed.
He consistently cared more about others than he did about himself. He was extraordinarily generous with both his time and his resources, often recognizing a need before anyone had the chance to ask. Restaurant servers were always glad to see him seated in their section.
He loved Braves baseball and shared that love with his family. Among the memories his children will always treasure is cheering alongside him as Sid Bream slid safely home in Game 7 of the 1992 National League Championship Series, sending the Braves past the Pittsburgh Pirates and creating a moment they would relive together for years.
He will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of practical jokes, and his determination to bring laughter and levity into nearly every situation. He had a gift for helping people smile, especially when they needed it most. He loved cooking and was a true foodie long before being a foodie was a thing. He was quick to share his food adventures and favorite restaurants and loved sharing meals with the people he loved.
He was a role model for loving all of God’s children. He spent 42 years working in his community selling cars. He was known as a trusted advisor and had lifelong customers who wouldn’t buy a car from anyone else. Many of those customers grew into friends.
His famously messy desk may have been covered with papers and projects, but no matter how scattered it became, there was always a clear view of the photographs of his wife, family, and grandchildren – reflecting that which was most important to him.
Above all, he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his family, his church, and every person whose life he touched. He would want his legacy to be defined not by personal accomplishments, but by his love for other people, his generosity, and the countless ways he worked to make life better for those around him.
And now, he is in Heaven, singing his favorite hymns loudly from the second pew and waiting for his cherished wife to join him when she has finished playing her songs.
Ron will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and carried in the hearts of his family, church family, and friends for generations to come.
