NEWVILLE… Lydia Mulkey Gordon, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Friday evening, April 3, 2026, at Tampa General Hospital, in Tampa, Florida. She was 43.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Scott Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Courageous for Cody” 6911 County Road 73 Newville, AL 36353.
Lydia Gordon was born in Dothan, Alabama, to James and Lillian Mulkey. She was a proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 2000. Lydia continued her education, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Counseling, and devoted her life to helping others as a compassionate grief counselor.
Lydia had a creative spirit and a true gift for crafting. She found joy in making beautiful wreaths and personalized items for others. She was especially talented in working with her Cricut machine, creating custom designs, monogrammed cups, and unique handmade pieces. She also enjoyed working with resin, pouring her creativity into every project she touched. Her creations were not only beautiful but meaningful, often made with love and given to brighten someone else’s day.
She was an active and devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dothan Chapter 76, where she shared fellowship and service with her community. Lydia was also a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church, where her kindness, creativity, and encouraging spirit touched many lives.
She is preceded in death by her son, Cody Ashton Jenkins and her father, James Ray Mulkey.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jay D. Gordon, Newville; mother, Lillian Mulkey, Newville; brothers, James Alvin “Al” Mulkey (Donya); niece, Elisha Cook (Dr. Wayne Cook); nephew, Douglas Ray Mulkey; several other loving family members and friends.
Jerry was born in Dothan, Alabama, on August 2, 1964. He passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.
Funeral services will be held at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 21 Piney Grove Road, Rehobeth, Alabama 36301, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Keith White and Rev. Sam Davis. He will be laid to rest in the Piney Grove UMC Cemetery.
Jerry was raised in Rehobeth, Alabama. He attended Jack & Jill Kindergarten and completed grades 1–12 at Rehobeth High School. After graduating in 1983, he attended Wallace College, where he took electrical and EMT classes. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Minnesota School of Theology, graduating with the highest honors, summa cum laude. He also studied theology at Emory University, Birmingham-Southern College, and Huntingdon College.
Jerry was employed by the City of Dothan for 25 years, working in traffic engineering before retiring in 2006.
As a minister, Jerry served for 20 years in the United Methodist Church, including at Madrid UMC, Napier Field UMC, Pondtown UMC, and Piney Grove UMC, retiring in 2018. He also enjoyed working at Lowe’s from 2008 to 2015.
Jerry credited his love for God to his beloved Granny, Nancy Hughes, who often spoke to him about Jesus and His love for everyone. Jerry joined Piney Grove UMC at age 12 and cherished being part of the loving fellowship of his church family. There, he met his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn, also at age 12. They later married at their home church, Piney Grove, on December 17, 1983. Jerry deeply loved his extended family, the Bradleys, who welcomed him as one of their own.
Together, Jerry and Carolyn enjoyed going to the beach, listening to their favorite songs—including “Sailing” and “Endless Love”—fishing, exploring antique shops, and spending time in the countryside. They also enjoyed dining at Rodeo and Hacienda for Mexican food. Jerry loved thrift shopping and going to lunch with his daughter Abby, where they would discuss many topics. He also shared his love of Star Wars and The Beatles with his daughter Emily.
Jerry and Carolyn built a loving family with their two daughters, Emily and Abby, each of whom had a special relationship with their father. Jerry affectionately nicknamed Emily “Embo” and Abby “his buddy.”
Jerry leaves behind his beloved Boston Terrier, Ollie, whom he rescued in 2022. They enjoyed being snack and nap buddies and watching Gunsmoke together.
Jerry loved music, reading, and woodworking. He cherished spending time with his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey, and watching them grow and achieve many accomplishments. He also participated in Yoshukai Karate, earning his black belt in 1988. Jerry loved people and sharing his faith in Jesus. He was a man of integrity who loved everyone.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Bradley Hughes; his daughters, Emily Hyland (Adam) and Abby McNeil (Andrew); and his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey Jenkins.
He is also survived by his extended family that he considered siblings: Daisy and Dwayne Johnson; Kaye and Mark Blocker; Bruce and Janet Bradley; Bob and Becky Bradley; Pat and Brenda Bradley; and Randall and Debbie Baxley.
He also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews; three special cousins, Mike Money, Keith White, and Greg White; and many dear friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nancy Hughes; his cherished Border Collie mix, Luna; and his close friend, Michael Locke.
The family wishes to thank Southeast Health, the Flowers MICU 3 unit, and all the doctors who cared for him—especially Dr. Latimer—for the compassion and care shown during his illness over the past four months. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dayspring Hospice for the love and care provided in his final days.
Expressions of sympathy may be made through flowers sent to Sunset Funeral Home, or donations may be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Elisabeth Charlotte Ramirez, age 93, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026.
Elisabeth will be celebrated in a service by her family, in accordance with her wishes. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Born in Landshut, Germany, Elisabeth’s life was one marked by love, devotion, and quiet strength. It was there that she met and married her beloved husband, SFC (RET) Ruben Ramirez, beginning a lifelong journey together rooted in partnership and care. As a proud military wife, Elisabeth embraced the many moves and transitions that came with that life, always creating a sense of home wherever they were. In time, she and her family settled in Ozark, Alabama, where she planted lasting roots and built a warm and welcoming home.
Elisabeth found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. She had a special talent for creating beauty through florals, knitting, and embroidery. She cherished time spent playing Scrabble or getting lost in a good book. She was known for her kind heart, and the way she made others feel cared for. Family was at the center of Elisabeth’s life. She lovingly hosted holiday gatherings, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of shared meals. She never missed an opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of coffee, especially in the company of those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Bernloher and Rose Bernloher of Landshut, Germany. Elisabeth is survived by her devoted husband, SFC (RET) Ruben Ramirez; her daughters, Linda Barefield (Mike), Rosmarie Williamson (Ronnie), and Sylvia Ambrose (Eddy); her grandchildren, Julie Kelly (John), John Barefield (Brittney), Shaun Williamson, Amy Sutton, David Williamson, and Molly Ambrose; and her great-grandchildren, Libby Kelly, Cullis Kelly, Emma Rose Barefield, Bryant Barefield, Cooper Sutton, and Zeke Sutton.
Elisabeth will be remembered for her sweet personality, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the countless small acts of love that defined her days. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ozark Boys and Girls Club, 195 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
OZARK…Mr. John A. Bull (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Thursday, March 26, 2026. He was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, in the Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mr. Larry Hicks. Graveside services, with full military honors and Masonic Rites, will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360 or to Carroll High School Band Boosters, Carroll Band, 141 Eagle Way, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Bull, son of the late Ward David Bull and Melva Maryanne Bailey Bull, was born on June 18, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Though his life began in the hills of West Virginia, he grew up under the wide California sky in Gustine, where he learned early the value of hard work, loyalty, and looking after the people you love. Those qualities stayed with him for the rest of his life.
In June of 1961, he answered a calling larger than himself and joined the United States Army. What followed was a remarkable twenty‑two‑year career marked by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. He served two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea, and two tours in Germany—each one shaping him, challenging him, and deepening his commitment to the men and women who served beside him. His service was recognized through numerous awards, including seven Good Conduct Medals, a Bronze Star with “V” Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, two Unit Presidential Citations, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Gold Army Recruiter Badge with three Sapphires, and the coveted Gold Recruiter Ring. In 1976, he was named the Army’s Recruiter of the Year—an honor that reflected not only his skill, but the genuine care he had for helping young people find their path.
He retired as a Master Sergeant, carrying with him the respect of those who served under him and alongside him. His military career was long and decorated, but he never wore his accomplishments with prideful weight. Instead, he carried them quietly, humbly, as part of a life lived with purpose.
In October of 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty O. Andrews. Their marriage was a true partnership—steady, joyful, and filled with the kind of love that anchors a family. She preceded him in death, but the devotion they shared remained a guiding force in his life. He spoke of her often, with tenderness and gratitude, and he carried her memory with him in everything he did.
After retiring from the Army, he began a second career with Alfa Insurance Corporation, where he worked for several years before retiring once again in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down for long; he later joined the team at Gilland Chevrolet in Ozark, where he enjoyed staying active, meeting people, and being part of a community he cared deeply about.
Mr. Bull was a fun‑loving soul with a warm laugh and a personality that drew people in. He loved people—truly loved them—and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued. He was a devoted family man, the kind who showed up, who listened, who supported, and who loved without hesitation. His family knew they could count on him, and his friends knew the same. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna M. Moore.
He was a proud member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge in Skipperville and the Disabled American Veterans Post #94 in Ozark. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where he found fellowship and comfort.
Those who knew him will remember his kindness, his humor, his steady presence, and the way he lived his life with integrity and heart. He served his country with honor, his family with devotion, and his community with generosity. His legacy is one of service, love, and a life lived fully and well.
Surviving relatives include his son, Nicky Bull (Jesse), Ozark; two grandsons, John Francis Bull and Andrew Wyatt Bull; sister, Phyllis Pacheco, Newman, California; many nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Johnny German, Mark Blankenship, Raymond Hart, Stanley Enfinger, Frank Wyatt, and Mike Barefield.
Ricky Ladale Phillips died March 29, 2026 at Flowers Hospital after an extended illness. A Dothan resident of 10 years, he was born June 3, 1964 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Earnest Calvin Phillips and Faye Bruner. He later became a devoted long haul truck driver, driving to places like Texas, California and Iowa.
Rick married Gretchen Phillips in 2015 and moved to the Dothan area after retiring from the trucking business. He loved building scaled military models, spending time with his grandchildren, wife and sisters, and spoiling his dogs.
He will be fondly remembered by his wife Gretchen, his grandchildren Noel, Bailey and Curtis, his mother Faye, his sisters Tammy, Misty and Gigi, his brother Slade, his stepfather Jim (Sharon) his stepchildren Caitlin (Dalton) and Justin, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his father Calvin, and his stepson Matthew.
In lieu of a traditional memorial and viewing, Ricks wishes were to be cremated, and the family will have a memorial for friends and family at their home in Dothan on Friday, April 3.
Norman “Rusty” Preston Burgess passed away at home on Wednesday evening April 1, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Bluff Springs Baptist Church with Brother Jerry Nelson & Brother James Bell officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service. Bluff Springs Baptist Church is where he and his wife have been members for many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluff Springs Baptist Church, or your charity of choice.
Rusty was born June 1, 1939, to the late Norman Ray & Flora (Smith) Burgess, and was raised in Ashford. His favorite hobby was fishing, and he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. During his early career, he was a truck driver for GFA Motor Lines, Summerford Truck Line, and Watkins Motor Lines. Rusty proudly served as the former mayor of the city of Ashford. He was an integral part of the operations of Burgess Transportation for many years.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Flora Burgess; a daughter, Rhonda Gail Burgess; a grandson, Jeremy Frank Danner; two sisters, Peggy Layton (GW) and Johnelle Rhodes (Jimmy); and a brother, Jimmy Ray Burgess.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Thelma; a son, Rodney (Kim); a daughter, Lori (Jeff) Danner; a granddaughter, Haley (Howard) Walker; two great-grandsons, Grayson and Henry Walker; his sister-in-law, Lynn Burgess; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Benji Burgess, Jeff Burgess, Mason Glover, Brooks Glover, Theron Hood, and Cliff Godwin.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his Bluff Springs Baptist Church Sunday School Class.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
