NEWTON…Mr. Robert W. Dockery, a resident of Newton, died early Friday morning, June 19, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ben Fennick officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to American Parkinson Disease Foundation, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Mr. Dockery, son of the late Elmer Ray Dockery and Louise Winifred Williams Dockery, was born in Chicago, Illinois, but his story truly began when he moved to Northport, Alabama at a young age. Alabama quickly became home, and he carried those early memories with him throughout his life. He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1954, and immediately married the love of his life, Geraldine Channell.
He was a hard‑working man from the very beginning. For years, he owned and operated a furniture woodworking company in Northport, putting his hands and heart into every piece he crafted. In 1961, life took him to Tampa, Florida, where he worked with Olsen Industries and Star Kitchens. Even then, he never stopped building, creating, and fixing—work that came as naturally to him as breathing.
Florida became another chapter in his life when he moved to Zephyrhills. There, he continued to use his skills as a craftsman while also establishing Dockery’s Nursery. He loved watching things grow, whether it was a piece of wood he shaped or a plant he tended with care.
In 1977, he moved to Newton, Alabama, where he planted even deeper roots. He became the owner and operator of Tanglewood Mobile Home Park and later served on the Newton Town Council and as Assistant Fire Chief of Newton Volunteer Fire Department.
Those who knew him will always remember his strong work ethic. He was the kind of man who showed up early, stayed late, and did what needed to be done without ever asking for praise. He was also a generous person—quietly helping others in ways many people never knew. He didn’t do work or serve for attention; he did it because it was simply who he was. He loved to go fishing, finding peace in the simple rhythm of the water and the quiet moments outdoors. It was one of the few times he allowed himself to slow down and enjoy the world around him. He was a member of the Newton United Methodist Church.
Mr. Dockery loved his family with his whole heart. Nothing made him happier than having everyone gathered around the table, sharing a meal, talking, and simply being together. He believed that family time was one of life’s greatest blessings, and he made sure those moments happened as often as possible. One of his biggest challenges—and one of his greatest joys—was keeping up with his eight sisters‑in‑law. They kept him on his toes, made him laugh, and filled his life with stories he loved to retell. Through it all, he cherished every bit of the lively, loving family that surrounded him.
Mr. Dockery was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty‑four years, Geraldine Channell Dockery, whom he cherished deeply; his sister, Margie Dockery Smith; and his brother, Ray Dockery. Though he has left this world, the impact of his kindness, his steady presence, and his unwavering dedication to family and community will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Surviving relatives include his children, Sharon Dockery, Newton, Barbara Pearson (Morgan), Eufaula, Nancy Snow (Art), Birmingham, and Robert Dockery (Leigh Ann), Pinckard; grandchildren, Christopher Pearson (Mandy), Jenny Allen (Rob), Russell King, Tim Parr, Sean King (Ellen), Nathan Dockery, and Sidney Dockery; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Christopher Pearson, Russell King, Tim Parr, Sean King, Nathan Dockery, and Rob Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Parker, Craig Harden, Arellious Maxwell, Doug Hamner, Mike Huntley, and Chris Warmouth.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Sandra Lena Violette Waldon, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at her home. She was 79 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Mrs. Waldon. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Waldon was born February 2, 1947 in Augusta, Maine to the late Donald Joseph Violette and Aurora Alma Maheux Violette. She was a school bus driver for over twenty years with Covina Valley School District in Covina, California and for thirteen years with MSAD11 in Gardner, Maine. Sandra enjoyed cross stitching and jigsaw puzzles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Waldon; one sister, Gail Constance Mickels; one brother, Donald Joseph Violette, Jr.; and one great grandson, Trevor Waldon.
Survivors include four children, Anthony DiMaggio (Jeanine), Tammy Bunnell,
Timothy Waldon (Nicole) and Todd Waldon (Jamie); grandchildren, Aaron Waldon (Samantha), Abigail Ammons (Zack), Reagan Waldon, Lleyton Waldon, and Kyle Waldon; and great grandson, Gabriel Waldon.
Douglas “Doug” Neil Lurie, Sr. passed away Friday, June 19, 2026, on his 80th birthday, at Henry County Health and Rehabilitation.
Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.
Doug was born June 19, 1946, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Henry and Elizabeth Smith Lurie. He graduated from Dothan High School in 1964. Mr. Lurie attended Troy State College where he received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration in 1969. Doug married his wife of 57 years, Connie Hall Lurie, in June of 1969. He began his career as the Vice President and Manager of Newsdealers Supply Company, Inc. in 1971 and continued for close to 30 years. He was a member of the Dothan Rotary Club, First United Methodist Church, and The Alabama Forestry Association. Doug was a certified Master Tree Farmer and Certified Burn Manager. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, managing his tree farm, and spending time with his dogs.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert Jerald (Jerry) Lurie and Rodney (Rod) Allen Lurie.
Doug is survived by his wife, Connie Hall Lurie; daughter, Allison Lurie McKinnon (Lee); and son, Douglas Neil Lurie, Jr. (Jamie). He was known as “Grandaddy” to his grandchildren, Henry McKinnon, Isaac McKinnon, Eleanor Lurie and Caroline Lurie. He is also survived by his sister, Margie Lurie Bivins; sisters-in-law, Cheryl and Judy Lurie; brother-in-law, Stan Hall (Denise); and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Henry County Health and Rehabilitation as well as Southern Care Hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dothan Area Botanical Gardens at 5130 Headland Avenue, Dothan, AL 36303.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
After a courageous battle with cancer, James McDowell, 77, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife, Penny on June 19, 202’6. He was born September 1948 in Colquitt, GA to Mary Bell McDowell and Lemuel McDowell.
James is survived by his loving daughter Leigh McDowell Davis (Paul) of Dothan, AL and step-son Dr Sean Rotolo (Jennifer) of Chantilly, VA. His cherished grandchildren include Bailey Davis, James Davis, Max Rotolo and Luke Rotolo. His family was the pride and joy of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
Many knew James as that large 6’3″ man in restaurants that loved to present to small children a folded sailboat with money carefully placed inside; After the fright of him approaching, he loved to see their expressions of delight.
He was a past officer of Dothan Elks Lodge #1887 and current member of both Elks and First United Methodist Church, New Beginnings Sunday School class.
James earned his medical degree from UTESA School of Medicine, Dominica Republic. One of James’s greatest passions was the automobile business. A true car man at heart, James devoted much of his life to the automotive industry. He proudly owned and operated Acura, Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki dealerships and remained actively involved in the business he loved. Most recently, he was working alongside·his longtime friend, Joseph Elliott, helping launch Guaranteed KARS at 1410 S Oates Street in Dothan, Alabama.
James will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, and devotion that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he enriched.
In accordance with James’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for family members. The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time.
Sherry Ann Slaugh passed away on June 18, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, at the age of 87.
Sherry was born on November 19, 1938, in Dothan, Alabama. She was a very private person who lived a life marked by quiet strength and devotion to family.
Sherry spent the early years of her life in Hollywood, Florida. Following her marriage, she moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and later made her home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she lived for 11 years. During that time, she was employed at Broward Community College in Student Development for 10 years. In 1980, she returned to Alabama, where she was employed at Wallace College as an administrative assistant for several years, and remained for the rest of her life.
Family was an important part of Sherry’s life, and she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, James “David” Slaugh; her parents, Dalton and Lillie Mae Nowell Johnson; her brother, Edward Earl Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Janet Johnson. She is survived by her cousins, Martha Ima Jean Conner of Dothan, Alabama, Katrene Nowell Pitchford (Johnny) of Ashford, Alabama, and Kathy Herman of Dothan, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express special thanks to Blessed Angel Care for their loving and thoughtful care, as well as Gentiva Hospice and her nurse, Joyce Ellison, and many thoughtful neighbors who came to know and care for her over the years. Their compassion and support were deeply valued and brought comfort during her final days.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11am in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Lynda Gayle Kent, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Extendicare Health and Rehab in Dothan, Alabama. She was 84.
Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, June 23, ,2026 in Memory Hill cemetery with Dr. Ricky Plummer officiating.
Gayle was born August 7, 1941 in Dothan, Alabama to the late T J and Annie Enfinger Lashley. She worked at Wells Fargo in various jobs before retiring as Branch Manager at the Circle South location. Gayle enjoyed fishing and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and loved family dinners after church on Sunday.
Gayle is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Harold Gene Kent.
Survivors include her step-son, Mike Kent and numerous cousins and extended family.
