Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Kimberly Dawn Smith, a resident of Salem, Alabama, died Friday evening, March 27, 2026, at her home. She was 53 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be held graveside 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Mr. Jacob Johnson officiating. Interment will follow, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
Mrs. Smith was born April 27, 1972 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Ronald Lamar Carr and Linda Gail Miller Gamble. She spent a great deal of time with her beloved grandmother Mrs. Jessie Mae Miller. She met her husband, Kevin Philip Smith, not long out of high school and it was love at first sight. They married April 18, 1992. With Kevin being a Warrant Officer, UH-60 Pilot in the United States Army, they spent some time abroad. Kim really enjoyed her time in Germany. After returning to the states, Kim started working at a school and knew she wanted to be a teacher. She started college at Troy University and graduated in May 1999. She began her teaching career at Ladonia Elementary School in Phenix City, teaching the first grade. Kim was an exceptional teacher. She was a favorite among parents and respected by her colleagues for her authentic caring nature and ability to reach children when others couldn’t. During her 24 year career at Ladonia Elementary, she taught first grade, kindergarten and fourth grade. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Kevin Smith. She is the beloved mother of Kennan Richard Smith and Kyle Jonathan Smith.
ASHFORD…… Dorothy Sybil Moats, a resident of Ashford and formerly of Eufaula, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026 at home. She was 94.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 5:00 P.M. Monday March 30, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 608 S. Eufaula Avenue, Eufaula, Alabama 36027.
Ms. Moats was born in Eufaula, Alabama, to the late John Ludlam and Maybell Efurd Ludlam. She was raised in Eufaula and graduated from the local high school. She moved to Lakeland, Florida, with her husband, Warren, where they made their home from 1949 until 1975. During that time, they built a life together and raised their family before returning to Eufaula with their son, Tim.
Ms. Moats worked at Superior Pecans, where she helped pack pecans during the busy fall and Christmas seasons. She was a devoted member of Parkview Baptist Church in Eufaula, where she faithfully served her church family, including assisting with Wednesday night suppers.
After the passing of her husband, Warren, she found comfort in helping others. She played an instrumental role in connecting church members with professional support when needed and went on to organize a widows’ group called “Hearts of Joy.” This group provided fellowship, shared meals, encouragement, and support to others through prayer and acts of kindness.
Ms. Moats had a deep love for flowers and gardening and was especially known for her beautiful roses. She also enjoyed watching birds of all kinds, with a special fondness for red birds.
She will be remembered for her kindness, servant’s heart, and the love she shared with her family, church, and community.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Warren; a sister Ilene Gilliam and brothers J.B. Ludlam, Wheeler Ludlam, Victor Ludlam, Britt Ludlam, Billy Ludlam.
Surviving relatives include her sons Danny Moats (Karen) and Tim Moats (Teresa); Grandchildren, Russell, Kimberly, Ashley, Cassandra, and Josh; Great grandchildren, Daniel, Erek, Keri, Taylor, and Warren ;Future great, great granddaughter, Charlie (May 2026) ; several other loving family members and friends.
DOTHAN….Kenneth Earl Preston, II, a resident of Dothan, passed away Friday night, March 27, 2026. He was 55.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at Restoration Church, 3849 Mance Newton Rd. Midland City, AL 36350 with family receiving friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Pastors Ric Jenkins and Andy Wood will be officiating.
Mr. Preston was born in Dothan, Alabama, to Janet Smith Ridgeway and the late Kenneth Earl Preston. He later made his home in Abbeville, where he was raised and graduated from high school. He was employed by Miller Clapperton Company as a foreman for many years.
Mr. Preston had a deep love for music and found great joy in it throughout his life. He was also passionate about history and genealogy, always eager to learn more about the past and the stories of those who came before him. He had a special love for motorcycles, which brought him both excitement and a sense of freedom.
Above all, Mr. Preston dearly loved his family. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, finding his greatest happiness in their laughter and the memories they created together. His time with them was filled with love, joy, and a playful spirit that will be deeply missed.
He will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of family, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Earl Preston and step-father, John Ridgeway.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Nina Watson Preston; his mother, Janet Smith Ridgeway; daughters, Cynthia Justice (Ricky) and Tiffany Jenkins (Ric); sons, Jeremiah Bush (Rachel) and Jessica Anderson; grandchildren, Baley Fowler (Remi), Braden Justice (Gracie), Katie Southerland, Emma Reese Southerland, Loraina Bush, Paisleigh Anderson, Blake Jenkins (Racheal); siblings, Mandy Redding (Tommy), Olivia Thompson (JT), Matt Ridgeway (Corina), Jennifer Silva, Mark Ridgeway (Mandy), Joey Preston, Chad Preston, Marjorie Griffith, James Preston; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and life long friends.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
Sharon Sue Blanchard Forehand, a resident of Gordon, Alabama passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Marianna Health and Rehab. She was 67.
No public services are held at this time.
Sue was born in Bartow, Florida on August 25, 1958, to the late John L. and Nettie Culpepper Blanchard. She moved to Midland City, Alabama at a early age and resided there until moving to Dothan, Alabama. Sue loved gardening, cooking, and beautiful flowers. She was a loving wife, mother, and sister. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Sue is preceded in death by her husband of twenty-six years, Andy Forehand; parents and a son, Drew Forehand.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, Matthew Forehand (Jessica); brother, John Dennis Blanchard (Carly), and sisters, Linda Irene Hand, Mary Veale, Charlene Roney (Sammy), and Barbara Lewis (Danny); several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Joby Wayne Smith, 57 of Milaca, Minnesota and formerly of Clio, AL, entered his eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Brookwood Medical Center Birmingham.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Clio, AL with Doctor Randy Adams officiating along with Jeff Kolodzinski and Joby’s son Ethan Leuthner speaking. Burial will follow in the Calvary Assembly of God Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 30 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church. A memorial service will be held in Milaca, Minnesota at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Assembly of God Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 393, Clio, Alabama 36017.
Joby was born October 25, 1968 in Ozark, AL to Gary & Nell Smith. Following his graduation from Louisville High School in May of 1987, Joby attended The Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, AL. While in high school, Joby worked at the Dixie Dandy Grocery Store in Clio. After college, he worked briefly with Van Heusen before beginning his 37 year long career with Johnson Outdoors in which his coworkers who worked alongside him became his family on the road. As he traveled the world with his career, Joby became a fixture in the bass fishing community and a friend to everyone he had the pleasure of meeting. He truly loved what he did. Joby spent his days fixing things for others, but his real gift was the kindness, humor, and attention he brought to every conversation. In reality, no matter where he was working, it was never too far for him to always find a way to stop by Nanny and PaPa’s home to visit family. Joby, better known as “J” to those who loved him most, was a loving husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His face always lit up when talking about his family. To know Joby was to love Joby. In addition to being an avid outdoorsman, Joby was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan, enjoyed a good turkey hunt with Ethan, spent many hours ice fishing, enjoyed time spent with his grandkids, and prided himself in taking care of his family. Joby will be remembered for his infectious laugh, unwavering friendships, and willingness to help anyone in need. Joby married the love of his life, Jackie Smith, in September 2016. Joby & Jackie were each other’s best friend and soul mates. Joby was Jackie’s rock. Together, they built life-long memories and friendships.
Joby was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Otis “Peanut” & Pauline Bowman Smith and his maternal grandparents JD & Ollie Morris.
Joby is survived by his wife Jackie Smith; his daughter and son in law Chelsea & Roy Knopp and his son Ethan Leuthner; his grandchildren RJ Knopp, Kaylah Knopp, Jayden Knopp, Royce Knopp, Charlette Knopp, and Catheryn Knopp; his parents Gary & Nell Smith; his brothers Brent (Chasity) Smith and Terrell (Amy) Smith; his father & mother in law Richard & Shirley Perry; his brother-in-law John (Sara) Perry; his nieces Brooke (Justin) Russell, Emma Jo Smith, Keyara Perry, Jayden Perry, and Anya Perry; his nephew Brock Perry; and all of his service crew members.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Cochran, Andy Stallings, Jacky “Chan” Suguru Takaui, Chad “Monkey” Smith, Daniel “Boner” Tucker, Trent Miller, Lance Scroggins, Scott Beattie, and Lester Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Littlefield, Rob Riden, Joe Martin, Joe Dinicola, Jerry Harris, Greg Wilkerson, and Johnny Godbold.
The Smith family would like to thank each person who took such great care of Joby. You all made a lasting impact on our family.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403 . Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
John Wyatt Pickett of Clayhatchee, AL, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was 78.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with William Mansfield officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Shiloh Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time.
John honorably served his country in the United States Army as a flight engineer, including service during the Vietnam War. Following his military career, he continued his work in aviation, retiring from Army Fleet Support in avionics. A hardworking man who never shied away from a project, John found great joy in working with his hands—whether riding his motorcycles, building with wood, or spending time outdoors on his tractor. His passion for aviation extended beyond his career, as he even built an airplane runway on his property and cherished time working his experimental aircraft.
Above all, John loved his family and treasured the moments he spent with them, especially the time shared with his son. He had a deep appreciation for music and could often be found playing the banjo or guitar. A faithful member of Daleville Assembly of God Church, John loved serving Jesus and living out his faith. He also enjoyed shooting sports and was a proud gun enthusiast. John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the love he had for his family, his faith, and the life he built.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Pickett and Willine Godwin; brother, Willie Paul Pickett; step-brother, Steve Jones.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years Von Pickett, Clayhatchee, AL; two sons, Anthony Pickett (Wendy), Enterprise, AL, Jonathan “J.P.” Pickett (Joni), Clayhatchee, AL; four grandchildren, Hunter Pickett, Nathan Pickett, Jocelyn Pickett, Summer Pickett; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Davis (Marshall), Valley Grande, AL, Denise Andrews (Danny), Clayhatchee, AL; two brothers, Dan Pickett, Idaho, Stanley Jones (Cheryl), Auburn, AL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
