HEADLAND… Otis “Earl” Floyd, a resident of Headland, Alabama departed this earthly life Friday, August 1, 2025, at his home. Earl was born March 30, 1951, to the late Otis Floyd and Rose Avery Floyd in Henry County, Alabama where he spent most of his life. At an early age he accepted Christ and joined Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. Earl was educated in the Henry County school system. After many years of service, he retired from Golden Peanut Company.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Mary Floyd; siblings, Hellen Wilson, Laconia Floyd, Betty Nickerson, Bernestine Lewis, Loney Filsaime and Benjamin Floyd.
He leaves to cherish his memories his companion, Sally; daughters, Brittany and Shelia; granddaughter, Kailynn Britt; grandsons, Cameron and Caleb Britt; sisters, Pearlie Doxilley, JoAnn Floyd and Futher Floyd; sisters-in-law, Kathy Ashley (Roy) and Gloria Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Otis Earl Floyd will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Delvick J. McKay officiating. Burial will follow in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Arthur Gordon Freeland, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at his home. He was 72 years old. In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Mr. Freeland. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
Mr. Freeman was born June 21, 1953 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Beatrice and Francis Freeland. He first joined the United States Air Force in 1973 and then joined the United States Army in 1977 where he first worked on Power Generator equipment and then Scout Helicopter repairs. During this time he met his wife in Germany. Later they built a house in Ozark, Alabama and had their only son, Sean, in 1988. After retiring from the Army in 1993 he worked at Fort Rucker continuing his work on helicopters and retired after 20 years. Arthur enjoyed history, college football, mechanics and westerns. He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Jeanette; and his wife of 39 years, Martina. Survivors include his son, Sean; three brothers, Francis, Paul and Mark; and sister, Roxanne.
Retha Rials Cherry, age 76, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025.She was born in Phenix City, Alabama, on August 9, 1948, to I.D. Rials and Odell Holley Rials.
Retha was a proud graduate of Opp High School, Class of 1966. Her class shared a unique and lasting bond, and she deeply cherished attending every class reunion-missing only the one held in 2024.
Retha retired in 2013 after 33 years of dedicated service-beginning with the State of Alabama, Department of Agriculture, and later transitioning to federal service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Science and Technology division.
She is survived by her two sons: Patrick Yates Cherry of Auburn, AL, and Rory Cameron Cherry of Arnold, MD; and by her five beloved grandchildren: Sloane Cherry, and Daniel and Tristan Jinright of Auburn, AL; Harper Cherry and Brenn Cherry of Arnold, MD.
She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Seay, and brother-in-love, Jimmy Seay; nephew Kerry Seay (Teresa) of Panama City Beach, FL; niece Kelly White (Paul) of Dothan, AL; great-niece Bethany Burgess of Montgomery, AL; great-nephew Ben Burgess of Nashville, TN; great-niece Kaylee Seay of Dothan, AL; great-nephew Kade Seay of Mobile, AL; and great-great-niece Braelyn Burgess of Dothan, AL.
Retha was preceded in death by her former husband, Jerome Cherry; her parents, her nephew Kenyon Seay; and a dear friend and companion, Jimmy Griffin.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama,
on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Luke Justice Taylor, age 45, passed unexpectedly on August 5, 2025, leaving behind a quiet legacy of kindness, generosity, and gentle humor that touched everyone who knew him.
A Visitation of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, 2:00 until 4:00 PM. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Luke’s memory to SOS Animal Shelter (https://www.sosshelter.com/donate), a cause close to his heart.
Luke had a wonderfully quirky soul. He was a lover of books, movies, and animals, and enjoyed discussing a new favorite novel or obscure film with anyone who shared those interests. Though he lived a quiet life, Luke cultivated a small, tight-knit circle of friends with the kind of loyalty that spans decades. They shared his love of games, conversation, and humor. Their friendship was a source of joy in his life, and their grief is a testament to the lives he touched. He was a 15-year employee of the Dale Medical Center. His calm nature, dependability, and quiet dedication earned him the affection and respect of his coworkers. Throughout his life, Luke showed up consistently and wholeheartedly, offering help before it was asked for and love without condition.
The youngest son of Margaret Ann Taylor and the late Robert Sellers Taylor, Luke is survived by his devoted mother, Margaret, and his older brothers, Scott Taylor (Jon Livingston) and Mark Taylor (Tabitha Taylor), who will forever miss his unique presence in their lives. He was a cherished uncle to Kayla Joiner (Cody Joiner) and Kenley Taylor, and a proud great-uncle to Sterling Joiner. He will be missed more than words can express, and his memory will live on in the many lives he brightened simply by being himself.
Michael Scott Brooks, a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 4, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was born there on July 10, 1967. Michael will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and love for the outdoors.
He was the son of Faye D. Brooks and the late A. Lamar Brooks. Michael grew up in Dothan with his brother, Russell Brooks (Nancy), and took great pride in being an uncle to Caleb Brooks (Sydney) and Josiah Brooks (Lauren), and a great-uncle to Carter Brooks. His family meant the world to him, and he remained closely connected to them throughout his life.
Michael graduated from Northview High School and went on to build a career as a self-employed specialist in pharmaceutical returns. He was independent, hardworking, and known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, and birds, as well as fishing—finding peace in the quiet moments nature offered. Michael also had a deep love for golf, having competed in tournaments like the Future Masters during his younger years.
A true dog lover, Michael found great comfort and joy in the companionship of his pets. He was always willing to lend a hand, and many remember him as someone who would quietly step in to help others without expecting anything in return.
Michael’s life left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him.
Family and friends will be gathering in the reception center at Sunset Funeral Home to share stories and memories of Michael on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions in Michael’s honor to be made to Alabama Wildlife Federation https://www.alabamawildlife.org/donate/.
Jimmy Earl Helms of Geneva, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Flowers Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Jimmy was born on March 8, 1954 in Andalusia, Alabama to the late John and Flosie Helms.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Larry Mock officiating. Burial will follow in Whitewater Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his brother, Johnny Helms; niece Kimberly Mims; nephews, Jason Helms (Leigh) and Chris Helms (Tyla); great nephews, Shawn Mims, Tyler Helms, Nick Helms, and Seth Mims, along with several great great nieces and nephews.
