Marguerite P. Klages, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, formerly of Franklin, NC, departed earth for her heavenly home with her Savior Jesus Christ early Friday morning, August 1, 2025, at her home. She was 96. Mrs. Klages was born on September 17, 1928, the fifth child of John Nathan Phillips and Mary Elizabeth Braswell Phillips.
After graduating high school in 1946, she continued her education at Judson College and Auburn University, graduating in 1950. After working with the Alabama Extension as a home economist for several years, she met and married Robert Klages in June 1953. Retirement brought Bob and Marguerite to Franklin, NC, where she lived until 2015. She lived in Eufaula, Alabama from then until her death.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Klages, her siblings and eldest grandson, John Grantham. She is survived by her five children: Kathi Grantham (Joe), Kerry Klages, Tim Klages (Dianna), Dan Klages (Janna), Scott Klages (Cindy), ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Private graveside service were held in Franklin, North Carolina.
Timothy “Bear” Gordon, known as Timmy to his friends and family, embarked on his final ride through the pearly gates on August 4, 2025, after a motor vehicle accident. Born on September 8, 1989, in Dothan, Alabama, Timmy was a force of nature whose laughter and love of life were as expansive as an Auburn sky.
Timmy was the kind of guy who could light up a room just by walking into it. He had a magnetic personality that drew people to him like moths to a flame. Known for his adventurous spirit and passionate heart, he was the ultimate jokester who could make anyone laugh, even on their gloomiest days. He was the protector of his circle, the kind of friend who’d give you the shirt off his back without a second thought.
Our beloved Timmy was a man of many talents. He could ride his motorcycle like he was born on it, race it like a pro, and shoot pool with the best of them. His hangouts of choice were Cowboys and Uncle Bobs, where he was a familiar and cherished face. A proud member of Shady Grove CH Church in Pansey, Timmy’s voice could carry a tune in a bucket through a windstorm, much to the delight of all who heard him.
He was preceded in departure by a convoy of beloved family members, including his paternal grandparents, Roy Gordon and Winell Tate; maternal grandparents, John Tate and Betty Smith; his father, Todd Gordon; brother, Greg Gordon, and uncles Billy Harper and Wally Hancock. They’ve surely set up the ultimate welcome party on the other side.
Timmy’s legacy is carried on by his loving mothers, Diane (Ken) Davis and Tracey Gordon; his brothers Jonathon Gordon, Tyler Gordon, and Brent Gordon; his sisters of heart, Kleigh Logan and Deanna Deese; brothers in heart, Jared Judah and Geoff Gonzales; grandparents, Robert and Shelia Whitten; uncles, Tim (Gail) Gordon, Tony (Lisa) Gordon, Rusty (Melissa) Whitten, Brian Hand, and Ray (Cathy) Tate; aunts, Dusty (Dan) Starr, Emily (John) King, Terry Cunningham, and Janie Harper; his adored nephews, Gauge Gordon, Legend Gordon, and Gatlin Gordon; and nieces Legacy Gordon and Bella Ivey. His extended family 2 Tha Limit MC and a host of loving cousins, other family members and friends will forever cherish the memories of his boundless spirit.
Timmy was a dedicated member of the 2 Tha Limit MC, a brotherhood that meant the world to him. His crew was his second family, and he rode through life with them, mile after mile. He fought valiantly for 35 days in the hospital, showing the same tenacity he brought to every aspect of his life. His spirit never wavered, and he faced each challenge with the same tenacity he applied to every aspect of his life. His family stood by him, a testament to the deep bonds he had nurtured throughout his years.
The Last Ride for Timothy “Bear” Gordon will be a celebration of a life lived to the fullest, a testament to the man who always showed up for us. On September 6, 2025, at 8:00 A.M., we will rev our engines in his honor, starting at Cowboys and ending the night back where it all began. We will carry his legacy with us, mile after mile, remembering the man who was always there for us, with a smile on his face and a joke at the ready.
Timmy’s life was a wild and wonderful adventure, filled with passion and spirit. He danced through life, leaving a trail of laughter and memories in his wake. As we say our farewells, we remember, “It’s not goodbye, I’ve only gone riding!”
Murray K. Avant, 91, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 4, 1933, in Pike County, Alabama, Murray’s life was defined by faith, family, service, and a steady kindness that touched everyone who knew him.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Murray served his country for four years before returning home to earn his associate’s degree from Wallace Community College. He went on to spend 38 years at the Dothan Eagle, where he was respected for his work ethic and the way he treated others—with patience, sincerity, and respect.
For decades, Murray was a faithful member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, serving as an usher whose handshake and smile made everyone feel welcome.
He enjoyed fishing at Lake Eufaula and spending time on the water with his family, creating memories filled with conversation, laughter, and the quiet peace he carried with him in every part of life.
Murray was preceded in death by his son, Micah Avant.
Murray is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth Avant; his son, Scott (Brandi) Avant; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Lesley) Avant, Joshua (Randi) Avant, Jason (Meghan) Avant, Nick Avant, Jonathan (Hannah) Avant, and Braelyn Scott Avant; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jackie Avant; and his sister-in-law, Martha Avant.
A celebration of Murray’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Jones, Rev. Chuck Locke, and Rev. Tim Willis officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Laura Middlebrooks and the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care, and to Wesley Place on Honeysuckle and Dr. Edwin Morris for their thoughtful and attentive care. A special thank you goes to the staff at Wesley Place for the kindness and support shown to both Murray and Ruth during his final days.
Murray’s absence leaves a deep void, but the example he set—of quiet strength, generosity, and respect for others—will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Preston Eugene “Gene” Shirah, a resident of Dothan, died Monday, August 4, 2025 at Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 89.
Funeral services for Gene will be held at 2 PM Friday, August 8, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Reverends Bill Whittington and Robert Braswell officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12:30 PM until 1:45 PM prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Madrid City Cemetery.
Gene was born July 14, 1936 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Lenny Paul and Lillian Lorane Smith Shirah. He worked as a Route Salesman for Pepsi Cola for 35 years and enjoyed hunting, fishing, Alabama Crimson Tide Football and a good game of 9 Ball. Gene was a member of the Madrid Senior Center where he drove the bus for many years before his health declined and also enjoyed finding and eating a good steak wherever he could.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, and the mother of his children, Mary Shirah, and good friend and cousin Jannie Bell Monday.
Survivors include his wife, Annette Shirah; children, Wendell Denham, Johnny Paul Shirah, Donnie Shirah (Mary), Earl Braswell (Barbara), Marie Martin, Theresa Marsh (Scott) and Sheila Lane (Robert); he was a loving grandfather to twenty-four grandchildren; fifty great grandchildren; fifteen great great grandchildren.
ARITON…Mr. Douglas Michael Lemay, a resident of Ariton, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 55.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Lemay was born on June 2, 1970, in the quiet town of Natick, Massachusetts, where he spent his early years surrounded by the love of family and the charm of New England life. Though life would eventually take him far from his birthplace, he always carried a bit of that Massachusetts spirit with him—steady, hardworking, and full of heart.
About thirty years ago, Mr. Lemay made the move to Enterprise, Alabama, and later settled in Ariton in 1998. It was in these southern towns that he built a life filled with meaningful work, simple pleasures, and lasting friendships. He worked as an electrician, specializing in servicing air conditioning systems for Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country. It wasn’t just a job to him—it was a craft. He took pride in doing things right, making sure every wire was secure and every system ran smoothly. He traveled far and wide for his work, and no matter where he went, he left behind a reputation for being dependable, skilled, and kind-hearted.
Outside of work, Mr. Lemay found joy in the little things that made life sweet. He loved fishing—whether it was a quiet morning by the water or an afternoon spent casting lines with friends, it brought him peace. Music was another passion of his, and he had an ear for all kinds—from classic rock to country, blues to pop. If it had soul, he’d listen. Music was his companion through life’s ups and downs, and he often shared his favorite tunes with those around him.
One of his most cherished hobbies was collecting Hot Wheel Cars. It wasn’t just a pastime—it was a labor of love. His collection was vast and carefully curated, each tiny car a reminder of childhood wonder and the joy of holding onto something special. He could talk for hours about rare finds, favorite models, and the stories behind each piece. It was a collection that brought him pride and happiness, and he loved showing it off to anyone who asked.
Mr. Lemay was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jacquline Dorothy Perry Truman. Her memory lived on in him—in the way he treated others, in the values he held close, and in the quiet strength he carried through life.
Those who knew Mr. Lemay will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found beauty in the everyday. He had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a heart that welcomed everyone. His life was a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to make an impact—you just have to be genuine.
Surviving relatives include his life partner, Wanda Virag, Ariton; two daughters, Chelsea Lemay and Cassandra Lemay; three step-children, Emily Cobb, David Virag, and Erik Virag; three sisters, Robin LeMay Williams, Melissa Lemay Roberts, and Linda Lemay Rutledge; brother, Richard Lemay; four grandchildren, Connor White, Logan Bennett-Whitehead, Rowan Virag, and Waylon Virag; nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ABBEVILLE… Frederick Charles Maschmeier, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 2, 2025. He was 82 years old.
Reverend Brandon Turner will officiate services to be held at Judson Baptist Church (180 County Rd. 93, Abbeville) where he was a devoted member, with visitation at 10:00 am, a graveside service at 11:00 am, and collation to follow in the church fellowship hall.
Fred was a longtime volunteer at a local food bank so, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in “Masch’s” honor to the Judson Baptist Association Food Bank at 532 Ozark Rd., Abbeville, 36310.
Fred was born in Akron, Ohio, to the late Wilburt and Betty Jane (Lias) Maschmeier, He graduated from Hower Vocational High School in 1960. While he owned and operated Glen’s Fabricating Company (a die fabricating company) in Akron, Ohio for 15 years, he gave many people opportunities who might not have had them otherwise. He moved to the Abbeville area and worked for Teledyne until his retirement. While in Akron, Fred was a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Terminal Model Railroad Club in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and learned to fly small aircraft out of Wadsworth Municipal Airport. While in Abbeville, Fred joined the Panhandle Cattle Company – a cowboy shooting club and developed a strong community of friends.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, April Maschmeier (nee Price), his daughter, Alicia Maschmeier, his sister, Cathy Saxon, and his brother, Bill Maschmeier.
Remaining to cherish his memories are his daughters Elaine Prather (George), and Jennie Carlson (Bret), his grandsons Gabriel Carlson (Jessica), Bret Michael Carlson, Peter Carlson, Nicholas Bromelow (Tina), Ross Seymour, and Derek Seymour.
We will be giving Fred a cowboy send-off, so if you will attend, please wear your Western hat, your cowboy boots, or your favorite color. Following the service, the family will receive friends at his house.
