Melvin Otis Seawright, 83, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, following an extended illness surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Midland City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on the day of the service from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to, First Church of the Nazarene Youth Ministry, 1081 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan, AL 36305.
Melvin was born January 4, 1942, in Georgia to the late Otis & Lorene Rentz Seawright. His hobbies included listening to music, dancing, and watching The Price is Right. Melvin never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a plate of fresh mullet. Saturdays in the fall, you could always find him cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, “Roll Tide!” Melvin was a man who was a selfless giver, always helping others in their time of need. His most joyful time was spent with his grandchildren, either at band concerts or their sporting events. His pride and joy were making lasting memories with his family. Melvin was a devout Christian who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Celina Carver; and his brother, Merl Seawright.
Left to cherish his memories are his son, James Seawright (Heather); his three grandchildren, Tristan Seawright, Larson Seawright, and Lorin Brooke Carver; his sister, Janice Rupert; his niece, Alicia Williams; his great-niece, Shana Hammock; and a very special friend, Zach Assale.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Day Spring Hospice for the love and care given to their loved one during this very difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
NEWTON…Mr. Jonathan Eugene Dent (Master Sergeant, United States, Air Force, Retired), peacefully passed away surrounded by his wife of forty-nine years and their two daughters. He left a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.
Celebration of Life Services, with full military honors, will be held at 6:00 P.M. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Harvest Church in Dothan with Pastor Keith Frith and Pastor Jonathan Broyles officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
A retired veteran, he served his country with honor in the United States Air Force and went on to build a respected career as an aircraft mechanic. He took great pride in his craft and passed on that same work ethic to those who looked up to him.
Jonathan “Bucky-Ricochet” Dent influenced many through his dedication, presence, and example. His legacy lives on in the people he inspired and the family he helped shape.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Watson Dent; daughters, Kecia Dent and Jenna Adaway and her husband, Chad Adaway, along with his cherished grandchildren: Mason and Emma Lafferty, and Hannah, Johnny, and Emily Adaway. He is also remembered by his brothers, Jim Dent and Perry Dent; his sister, Tina Nelson; his father-in-law, Jim Watson; and his brother-in-law, David Watson as well as Tim Lafferty and Marti Menfi.
His memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Sonny Lee Daniels, known to many as Sonny D, embarked on his final adventure on August 2, 2025. Born on January 6, 1974, in the heart of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Sonny’s journey through life was one filled with love and a touch of mischief. His journey came to a peaceful end in at the prime age of 51 in Dothan, Alabama.
Sonny’s early years were shaped by the loving care of Roy and Judy Wilson, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Their influence was evident in the man he became—someone who could light up a room with his presence. Friends would often hear the rallying cry of “Sonny Yee Haw Daniels” or “The Party Train” as he entered the room, his presence alone enough to kickstart any gathering.
The man who could light up a room with his humor and charm, Sonny was a legendary figure in his own right. He was the life of every party, the spark in the darkness, and the one who could tell a joke that would have you laughing for days. His love for fishing and deer hunting was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Sonny was the kind of guy who would rather spend a day on the lake or in the woods than anywhere else, except maybe Cowboys on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night when he was younger, line dancing like nobody’s business.
Sonny was a man of simple pleasures; he loved to eat, though he never quite mastered the art of cooking or found his way around the kitchen, but that never stopped him from enjoying a good meal. He was always packin’—packin’ a smile, packin’ a joke, and yes, packin’.
He was a man of many loves, but none greater than his family. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Alsept, and his nephew, Keajuan Bass. His legacy lives on through his children, Holden Daniels, Shelby Phillips (Blake), Kenneth Daniels (Hannah), and Caden Brewer; his sisters, Tina Daniels, Rena Daniels, and Selena Daniels; his brother, Brian Daniels, and his grandchildren, Dawson Daniels, Ella Daniels, and Jackson Daniels. His life was also enriched by special friends, including Judy Gillis, and the countless nieces, nephews, and other family members who will carry his memory forward.
As we gather to share stories and memories, a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. It will be a time to honor a man who taught us all how to find the humor in life, to pursue our passions with fervor, and to treasure the company of those we hold dear.
OZARK…Mrs. Mary Ella Cody Pugh, a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday evening, August 3, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 89.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Pugh, born to the late Horace Franklin Cody and Mary Ollie Hawkins Pugh, grew up in the small town of Robinson, Illinois, where she built the foundation of a life rooted in kindness, hard work, and faith. A proud graduate of Robinson High School, she carried the values of her hometown with her wherever she went. In 2015, she made the move to Ozark, Alabama, bringing with her a gentle spirit and a heart full of generosity.
For nearly twenty-five years, Mrs. Pugh dedicated herself to her work at Walmart, serving customers and coworkers alike with a smile and a steady hand. She spent time working in Beckley, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida, always leaving behind a legacy of warmth and reliability. Her work ethic was second to none—she showed up every day with a positive attitude and had a way of lifting others up, even on the hardest days. If someone was struggling, she was the first to offer encouragement, reminding them that brighter days were ahead.
But Mrs. Pugh’s life wasn’t just about work—it was about giving. She was a woman of deep faith, and she lived that faith through quiet acts of love. One of her favorite things to do was make blankets by hand, stitching each one with care and purpose. She gave them to local pregnancy centers and to people experiencing homelessness, hoping to offer a little comfort and warmth to those who needed it most. It was her way of wrapping others in love, even if she never met them.
She found joy in the simple things—curling up with a good book, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and watching birds flutter around her yard. She had a gentle appreciation for nature and a peacefulness that made others feel at ease in her presence.
Mrs. Pugh’s life was a quiet testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and faith. She didn’t seek recognition, but those who knew her will always remember the way she made them feel—valued, encouraged, and loved. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Michael G. Pugh and Scott A. Pugh; sisters, Marge Michael, and Dixie Schultz; brothers, Donald Cody, Clifford Cody, Jimmie Cody, Dave Cody, and William Cody.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Rebecca Buckland (Christopher), Ozark; sons, William E. Pugh (Allison), Acworth, Georgia and Robert A. Pugh, Oro Valley, Arizona; sister, Erma Turner (Lee), Summerdale, Alabama; six grandchildren, Emma Buckland, Katherine Pugh Lindsey Pugh, Leslie Pugh, Garrett Pugh, and Ryan Pugh; two great-grandchildren, Brody Pugh and Dawson Pugh; many nieces and nephews.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Annie Jeanette Brogden Fillingim, age 97, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Henry County Health and Rehabilitation.
As we celebrate a life well lived, all are invited to meet with family at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Thursday, August 7, 2025, beginning at 9:30 A.M. with service following at 11:00 A.M, Pastor Larry Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at New Prospect Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Edwin , Alabama, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Serving as active pallbearers will be Brandon Anthony Fillingim, Scott Woods Baker, Seth Robert Sowell and Tommy Self. Honorary pallbearers will be Stacy Sanders and Wesley Franklin Sowell.
Mrs. Fillingim was born on January 6, 1928, in Ozark, Alabama to the late Dewey Brogden and Ada Beasley Brogden. Jeanette attended Ozark, Blue Springs, and Baker Hill schools as a child and lived her younger days in the Dale and Barbour County area. She married the love of her life, Buford Fillingim, on December 7, 1943. They shared fifty wonderful years together and were blessed with three children as their life’s journey led them from military to ministry. In addition to her parents, Jeanette is predeceased by her husband, Reverend Buford Fillingim and her brothers, Robert Earl Brogden and Edward Franklin Brogden. She is survived by her sisters, Betty Harrison of Texas and Elaine Woods Baker of Georgia; daughter, Linda Sowell (William) of Clopton; sons, Leonard Buford Fillingim (Sandra) of Clopton, and Andy Jearld Fillingim (Sherry) of Wicksburg. Jeanette also leaves behind five grandchildren, as well as numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jeanette will be remembered as a devoted pastor’s wife and mother with a passion for service, whether it was to her family or others. Her life characterized strength, honesty, integrity, and a steadfast faith. She spent a considerable part of her life in service for Christ alongside her husband as they brought the love of Jesus to congregations throughout the area. Whether teaching Bible School, Sunday School, cooking for dinner on the grounds, or cleaning the church, Jeanette just loved being a part, and with a love of good southern gospel music and the great hymns of faith, Jeanette also loved opening her home for others to gather around the piano and sing about the joy of the Lord. Jeanette had an unquenchable love of flowers, trees, and a well- kept lawn. Her home was always draped in azaleas and dogwood trees and you might just catch her singing as she trimmed and weeded. You might catch her speaking to the plants as each was placed in just the right spot and each bloom was appreciated. A sun hat, long sleeves and gloves were standard uniform and a shovel or rake were her tools. The yard was her canvas and oh what artwork she created! The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Henry County Health and Rehab Center for their years of love and care. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in memory of Jeanette to the Gideons International P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
