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Walter Ray Connell

Walter Ray Connell

Walter Ray Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with his sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell officiating. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Connell was born in Pensacola, FL, to the late Neal E. and Fannie F. Nix Connell. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and most especially spending time with his family and friends. He served four years in the US Air Force. Following his service career, he returned to Mobile, AL where he met the love of his life, Brenda Waite. They were married on June 23, 1963. He attended Texas Bible College and soon after graduating, he and his wife started a church in Bainbridge, GA. Five years later, they started a church in Americus, GA and later, one in Cordele, GA, even while he still pastored in Americus, GA. In 1986, he moved his family to Florida and pastored Open Pond United Pentecostal Church until his retirement in 2009.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and seven brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda Connell of Westville, FL; three children, Steven (Clarissa) Connell of Westville, FL, Mickey (Rachel) Connell of Milton, FL, and Tammy (Shannon) Harris of Tallahassee, FL; adopted daughter, Janice “Sissy” (Stacy) Warmack of Winston, GA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Connell of Westville, FL, Chad (Madison) Connell of Milton, FL, Hannah (Tyler) Rundle of Bonifay, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL; four great grandchildren and one on the way.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Windham, Greg Windham, Jr., Jamie Cooper, Donny Crosby, Greg Windham, and Lance Groce.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; Logan Wilson, whom he loved like a grandson; his caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice, with special thanks to his nurse, Regina.

Dan Golden of Newville

Dan Golden of Newville

DAN GOLDEN

NEWVILLE… Dan Golden, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, at Dothan hospital. He was 63.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Concord Baptist Church with Reverend Mark Brantley officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Dan Golden leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love. Born to the late John Willis Golden and Mildred Lois Turner Golden, Dan was a proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 1981.

Throughout his life, Dan worked in various roles, including at West Point Pepperell, Southeast Alabama Medical Center, and the Dixie Dandy in Newville. But the role he found most fulfilling was as a caregiver, where he devoted himself to helping others with warmth and compassion. His heart was always open to those in need, and he made a difference in many lives.

A true Auburn fan at heart, Dan took great joy in supporting his beloved team. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was an active member of Concord Baptist Church, where he found strength and community.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Carpenter Golden; his sister, Janet Brannon (Ronnie); his brothers, Jimmy Golden (Martha) and Charles Golden; his sisters-in-law, Jane Carpenter Brantley (Mark) and Lila Windus (Pete); his brother-in-law, Jim Ed Carpenter (Brenda); and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins: as well as his cherished fur babies. He will also be deeply missed by many extended family members, dear friends, and all those who were touched by his kindness and spirit.

Serving as active pall bearers are Steven Brannon, Jim Faulkner, Arnie Nowell, Carson Brannon, Joe Bruer, and Brandon Elmore.

Though he may no longer be with us, Dan’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.

Mr. Roland Carter Thorne

Mr. Roland Carter Thorne


Mr. Roland Carter Thorne, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at his home. He was 95.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Billy Rich officiating. Burial will follow in the Ramah Church Cemetery in Cottonwood, Alabama with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until 10:45am on Tuesday at the funeral home prior to services.

Flowers will be accepted.  

Mr. Roland was born in Clio, Alabama to the late Porter Franklin and Like Connie Shehane Thorne on March 10, 1931. He attended grade school in Malone, Florida and graduated from Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Alabama. He attended one semester at Alabama Polytechnic School, now known as Auburn University. In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force, his first duty was as military police and later became radar tech on F102 Fighter Aircraft, and ending as precision measuring.

Mr. Roland was stationed in England when he married Helen Mathis, who was from Scotland. She bore his three children, Martin, Donna, and Scott. His second wife, Jackelin, died of cancer. He and his third wife, Jeanette, have now been married for over thirty years. They became a blended family as Mr. Roland welcomed her three sons, Robby, Roger, and Jay into the family.

After his military career of twenty-four years, he worked in home construction in Niceville, Florida for several years then in the oil well industry monitoring equipment in Lafayette, Louisianna and Galveston, Texas for three years. Later he moved to Dothan and worked at Sony for several years before he became a rural mail carrier for twelve years. Due to an injury, he finally retired. Mr. Roland was proud of his military career, and he especially enjoyed his assignments in Pakistan and Turkey. Not only was Mr. Roland dedicated to his career, but he was also dedicated to his Lord and Savior as well as his church, Southside Baptist Church, which he was a member of for several years.

Mr. Roland is preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers, two sisters, stepmother, Nettie Conrad, and uncle, Joe Thorne.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette McCord Thorne; five sons, Martin Thorne, Cawfordville, Florida, Scott Thorne, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Robby Thompson, Roger Thompson, Jay Thompson, all of Dothan; one daughter, Donna Thorne, Mt. Solon, Virginia; two grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robby Thompson, Roger Thompson, and Jay Thompson.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Aaron “Cotton” Farmer

Aaron “Cotton” Farmer

Aaron Franklin “Cotton” Farmer, passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on November 25, 1948, to the late Marion Aaron Farmer and Leila Love Farmer, Cotton’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love and hard work.

Cotton was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was often found sitting on the back porch, taking in the beauty of nature and the companionship of his family. His dedication to his loved ones was unwavering, and he was a pillar of strength for them all. Cotton’s work ethic was unparalleled, and he instilled the values of diligence and perseverance in all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Farmer, with whom he shared countless hours fishing and creating memories. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Farmer and Joe Farmer. His legacy of love continues through his family. Cotton was a devoted father to his son, the late Aron Farmer, and to his daughters, Cheri Fessenden and April Farmer. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Damian Farmer, Christopher Bean (Aryanna), Brett Jackson, and Alex Farmer, as well as his great-grandchildren, Levi Goff and Adonis Rodriguez.

Cotton is also survived by his brother, Max Farmer (Sheila), and his sisters, Peggy Lingo, Patricia Farmer, and Barbara Gatewood. Each of them carries a piece of Cotton’s generous spirit and will remember him for his unwavering support and boundless love.

Those who knew Cotton will recall a man who was the epitome of generosity. He gave freely of his time, his resources, and his wisdom, always putting others before himself. His legacy is one of kindness and selflessness, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services for Cotton will be held at 1 PM, Friday, March 20. 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Judy Dyson officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 1 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Miss Kimberly A. Fulford

Miss Kimberly A. Fulford

 

Miss Kimberly A.  Fulford of Hartford passed away Friday, March 13, 2026 at her home. She was 43.

Kimberly was born in Enterprise, Alabama to Edward Kenneth and the late Donna Anita Hataway Fulford on June 29, 1982. She graduated from Geneva County High School. Kimberly attended Wallace Community College where she earned her Certificate in Nail Technology. At the time of her death, she was working at Tate’s Grocery where she was cherished by many for her kind and selfless spirit. She was a hard worker that always brighten everyone’s day with her smiling face. Kimberly had a desire to make everyone she met feel loved and an infectious laugh that will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and the Hartford Community.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Anita.

The loving family that she leaves behind includes her daughters: Macy Fulford, Krista Fulford, and Alisa Fulford; father, Kenneth Fulford; sister, Heather Fulford; brother, Brian Fulford and other extended family and friends.

 

Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb

(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.

“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”

To sign a guest register, please visit

www.sorrellsfuneral.com

James Vincent Keeler

James Vincent Keeler

James Vincent Keeler, a man whose laughter and love knew no bounds, passed away on March 16, 2026, in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 8, 1978, James, lived a vibrant life full of joy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear.

James’s journey through life was marked by his boundless energy and a spirit that could brighten the darkest of days. His role as Assistant Plant Manager for Unifirst over the past six years was not just a job but a platform where he expressed his strong work ethic and his innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

A man of the earth, James was most at home in the great outdoors. With a fishing rod in hand or taking a refreshing swim, he found solace and joy in nature’s embrace. His love for the outdoors was only matched by the love he had for his family. A dedicated father, his daughters Courtney Fulford, Leila Keeler, Fiona Keeler, and Ariel Keeler were the apples of his eye. He instilled in them the power of tenacity, humility, and the importance of being non-judgmental. His words of wisdom and inspiring presence will continue to guide them throughout their lives.

James’s legacy of laughter and kindness is also carried on by his loving parents, Nancy and Don Keeler, his grandfather Wayne DuRocher, his sister Renee (Roy) Peters, and his nephews Tristan (Katie) Peters, Caleb Peters, and Avery Peters. He shared a special bond with his ex-wife, Jessica Keeler, with whom he navigated the complexities of life with grace and understanding. Though the family feels the absence of James’s son, Blake Keeler and his grandparents, James “Jim” Keeler, Elouise Fralick, and Ruth DuRocher who preceded him in death, they find comfort in knowing that they are all reunited once more.

His sense of humor was legendary; a true prankster at heart, James never missed an opportunity to share a joke or pull a harmless prank, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake. He never met a stranger, for his friendly and selfless nature made him a cherished member of the Dothan community. His faith-filled life was a testament to his character, a beacon of light for all who knew him.

A celebration of James’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Deese officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 am on Saturday, sharing stories, memories, and the infectious joy that James brought into their lives.

James Vincent Keeler was more than just a man; he was a source of strength, a well of wisdom, and a heart filled with love. As we say goodbye, we also say thank you—for the laughter, the support, and the endless acts of kindness. James, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest in peace, dear James, until we meet again.