Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Sister Dorothy Willene Paul Wilkerson, a resident of the Ewell Community was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Friday evening February 13, 2026, at Oakview Manor with her loving family by her side. She was 98 years old. Funeral services for Sister Wilkerson will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Joey Hudspeth and Reverend Michael Woodham officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Flowers will be accepted. Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Culley, Keith Culley, Jamie Culley, David Money, Ryan Rhoades, Kaden Griswold and Mason Arguelles.
Sister Wilkerson was born May 19, 1927 in North Dale County, Alabama to the late Mack Howard Paul and Minnie Lee Johnson Paul. After high school, Willene met and married Bob Culley while he was stationed at Fort Rucker in the Army. They later moved to Maryland where they made their home for twelve years until their divorce. Sister Willene moved the family back to Ozark and later she married Marrell Wilkerson. She worked with White Knight Manufacturing Company in Ozark as a seamstress. Willene and Marrell operated Kenny’s Truck Stop in Brundidge, she worked with Ozark Home Health, and worked as a cook at the Ice House in Ozark where she made the perfect hush-puppy. Sister Willene was a long-time member of Matthews Avenue Church of God, and helped start Cornerstone Holiness Church in Ariton. She was a strong woman of faith, always giving to someone in need, or taking someone into her home, but most importantly sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her children and grandchildren were her world celebrating five generations. She loved to cook for her family, travel and tend her flowers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Walter J. Bob Culley and Levy Marrell Wilkerson; one daughter, Cindy Marlene Butler; two sons, Bobby Culley and Bruce Culley; one sister, Mildred Gardner; one brother, Jessie Frank Paul; two grandchildren, Kevin Culley and Melissa Wilkerson. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Betty Ann and W. M. Bill Sullivan of Ozark; two sons and daughters-in-law, Howard Lee and Debbie Culley of Taylor and Levy Lamar and Nell Wilkerson of Ozark; two daughters-in-law, Ann Culley of Rising Sun, Maryland and Ginny Culley of Abbeville; son-in-law, Keith Butler of Ozark; grandchildren, Jamie Culley (Pam) of Rising Sun, Maryland, Tony Culley (Rebecca) of Ozark, Keith Culley (Chelsea) of Skipperville, Jena DeVane of Newton, Brandy Rhoades (Ryan) of the Chalkhead Community, Amber Garza (Ed) of the Rocky Head Community, Mikaela Hudspeth (Ian) of Ozark, David Money and Joel Money both of Abbeville; twenty-eight great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to thank the staff of Oakview Manor for the love and care they gave her.
Ruth Arlene Franklin, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Born on February 26, 1954, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to the late W. C. Spurlock and Norma Nicholson Spurlock, Ruth was the beloved wife of Ray Franklin, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage filled with laughter, support, and countless cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that was the center of Ruth’s world. She was a devoted mother to her sons, David, Jimmy, and Allen Franklin, and she took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Chasity Burkett, Chelsea Franklin, Caitlynn Franklin, Shana Knight, and Carlton Burkett. Ruth’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of her seven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought a sparkle to her eye and warmth to her heart.
Preceded in death by her parents, W. C. Spurlock and Norma Nicholson Spurlock, and her brother, Frank Spurlock, Ruth’s legacy is carried on by her loving sisters, Sharon Kennedy, Faye Simmons, Diane Sawyer, Vivian Jackson, and Judy Chambless. Her family remembers her as a beacon of strength and love, a woman who nurtured deep roots and strong bonds.
A proud graduate of Early County High School, Ruth found a love for gardening, finding peace and contentment in the act of nurturing plants and flowers to life. Her garden was a vibrant reflection of her soul, full of color and life. Ruth’s love for the beach was well-known, with Panama City holding a special place in her heart. It was there that she felt most at peace, with the sand between her toes and the sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. Photography was another of Ruth’s interests, allowing her to capture the beauty of the world around her. Her photographs are treasured keepsakes that will continue to tell the story of her keen eye for beauty and her appreciation for the moments that make life precious.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church.
Mrs. Margie Clark Wade, a resident of Dothan, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at Extendicare Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Graveside Services will be held at Gardens of Memory Cemetery on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:30am with Pastor Troy West officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 9:45am until 10:45am on Thursday at Glover Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Wiregrass Humane Society, PO Box 1045, Dothan, AL 36302.
Mrs. Wade was born in Houston County Alabama on August 13, 1945, the daughter of Merlin and Agnes Bedsole Clark. She spent most of her early years growing up in the Malvern community. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1963. She married the love of her life at the age of eighteen and became a homemaker for her husband and later her two sons. Mrs. Wade enjoyed baking and cooking, shopping, gardening, and anything to do with flowers, especially keeping the yards manicured. She loved jewelry and shoes just as much as cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team as well as the Atlanta Braves baseball team. She was an avid lover of her cats and dogs, but her love for her grandchildren was her greatest passion.
Mrs. Wade is preceded in death by an infant son, her parents, and two brothers, Wayne Clark and Larry Clark.
Mrs. Wade’s memories will last and live on through her husband of sixty- three years, Herman Wade of Dothan; her two sons, Terry Wade (Corbie) of Hartford and Michael Wade (Kelli) of Dothan; five grandchildren, Hunter, Haley, Holden, Peyton, Katie; nieces and nephews, Cindy Clark, David Clark, and Wayne Clark.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Edna Inez Wyatt Warrick, age 86, of Dothan, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Southeast Health.
A funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home, with Brother Tim Owens officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
The family kindly requests that those who are able wear pink or purple, as these were Edna’s favorite colors.
Edna was born May 17, 1939, in Alabama to George Wyatt and Ollie Mae Tew. She worked for many years as a hostess and biscuit maker at Hardee’s, where she was known for her warm smile and strong work ethic.
She enjoyed spreading the word of Jehovah, watching the ID Channel and The Golden Girls, and traveling—especially trips to Bethel. Edna also dearly loved her fur babies, Princess Grace and Brownie Lee, who brought her great joy and companionship.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Warrick; brother Willie Dan Adkison; and sisters Carolyn, Mary Francis Vanderon, Kathy Johnston, and Ida Peterson.
She is survived by her daughters, Gracie Wright and Laura Warrick; grandchildren, Levi James (Kevin), Christina Tice, and Misty Bogert; great-grandchildren, Kaylin Cureton (Kyle), Sable Riley, Alexus Williams, and Kali Williams; sister Doris Tew along with numerous other great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.
Edna will be remembered for her faith, her love for family, and her gentle spirit.
David Lloyd Learie, a cherished family man and proud veteran, passed peacefully in the presence of his Lord on February 10, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on June 14, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Leonard and Emma Learie. David’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and the joy of his faith in God.
After graduating from East Bay High School in 1961, David honorably served his country in the Air Force for four years, an experience that not only shaped his character but also included his education at Yale. His commitment to his country was mirrored in his dedication to his work in computer operations in the Tampa area, where he remained until his retirement.
David’s heart belonged to God and his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 41 years, Denise Learie, and a loving father to his daughters, Cynthia and Michele, his step-son, Billy (Shanna), and step-daughter, April (Matt). His legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and laughter into his life.
Not just a family man, David was also a man of the community, sharing close bonds with his siblings, Richard and Kathy, and being a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five siblings, Jim, Anne, Leonard, Emilee, and Dorothy. His presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A longtime member of Gardenville and Valrico Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and elder, loving every opportunity to serve God and care for others.
David’s life in Gibsonton, and later in Plant City, Florida, was marked by a love of the outdoors. His humble Floridian roots never left him, and he could often be found indulging in his favorite pastimes: fishing, playing golf, bowling, and working on puzzles. His garage was a place of wonder for his grandchildren, who would tinker alongside him, learning and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Retirement allowed David to explore new horizons, and he spent 15 blissful years in the mountains of Colorado. There, he found his favorite place on earth, Mueller State Park, where the beauty of nature continued to inspire him. After his time in Colorado, David moved to Dothan, Alabama, where he made his home for the past five years, enjoying a quieter pace of life while remaining close to family.
David’s life was a beautiful puzzle, each piece representing the roles he cherished: a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His legacy is not just in the work he did or the service he gave to his country, but in the quiet moments he shared with his loved ones, the lessons he imparted, and the steady presence he was in so many lives.
As we say goodbye to David Lloyd Learie, we celebrate the life of a man who was as steadfast as the mountains he adored and as warm as the Florida sun where he was born. His spirit remains a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know him. David’s journey through life was marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to his family, and for that, he will be forever remembered and deeply missed.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Gardenville Baptist Church, 7010 Payne Avenue, Gibsonton, FL 33534.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, https://www.foi.org/.
Anthony Walter “Tony” Akridge of Geneva, AL passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the home of his daughter surrounded by his loving family. He was 67 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home on Geneva with Rev. Tracy Hobbs officiating and his daughter, Amie delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 am.
Tony was born in Puerto Rico on February 15, 1958, to the late John Thomas and Averil Joan English Akridge.
In his spare time, Tony enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and collecting what he lovingly referred to as “junk.” He had a special talent for turning the ordinary into something meaningful. Above all, Tony loved his family dearly, and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Darbie Akridge; one brother, John Akridge; and one sister, Sandi Spence.
Tony was survived by his three children, Amie Gibson (Randy), Tony Akridge (Jesi), and Kelly Hyman (Ray) all of Geneva, AL; 10 grandchildren, Paine Gibson (Hailey), Bethanie Gibson (Mason), Darbie Akridge (Aaron Wolf), Allie Akridge, Addison Akridge, A.J. Akridge, Colton Hyman, Caden Hyman, Kayla Carpenter, Mikayla Miller (Nate); 11 great grandchildren, Madelyn, Grayson, Emerson, Kylan, Kahlea, Kaleasi, Raylan, Wesson, Oakley, Chloe, and River; two sisters, Debbie Hilliard (Jerry), and Shirley Brackin (Bob); one brother, Peter English (Claire); several special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to acknowledge all of Tony’s close friends throughout his life.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Edna Inez Wyatt Warrick
