Douglas Michael Norris, Sr., of Slocomb, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Flowers Hospital. He was 74 years old.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Douglas was born on September 27, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Charlotte Norris. A proud retired United States Marine, Douglas dedicated his life to serving his country, caring for his family, and helping those around him. He was a devoted family man who was always willing to lend a hand and took great pride in looking after the people he loved. For the past 20 years, he made his home in the Fadette community of Alabama, where he formed many lasting friendships.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Norris; his beloved wife, Teresa Norris; his grandmother, Willda Norris; his grandfather, Kenneth Norris; uncles: Melvin Norris, Kevin Norris, and Kenny Norris.
Douglas leaves behind to cherish his memory his life partner, Christine Sawyer; daughter, Sabrina Norris; sons: Douglas Norris, Jr. (Jennifer) and Kyle Skinner (Shelby); his grandchildren: Robert “Trey” Cochran (Lily), Jasper Norris, Sydney Permuth, Gabby Permuth, Jacob Norris, Watt Norris, Acesen Skinner, and James Skinner; along with other extended family members and many dear friends.
Douglas will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of service, compassion, and devotion to those around him will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Rufus Wendell Skipper of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the age of 60.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida, to the late Jimmy Ray and Callie Lorraine Cooper Skipper, Rufus lived a life marked by hard work, kindness, and a love for the simple things. He spent many years as a long-haul truck driver, traveling the country’s highways until the harsh northern winters began to affect his health and led him to retire from the road.
Rufus found joy in the hobbies he loved most. He enjoyed collecting die-cast cars, spending time fishing, and playing bingo with family and friends. He treasured life’s quiet moments and the relationships he built along the way. He will be remembered for his warm heart, easygoing spirit, and the memories he leaves with those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Ray Skipper, Jr.
He is survived by his brother, Frankey Skipper (Dorria); his nephew, Buddy Skipper; and other family members and friends who will cherish his memory forever.
William Terry Bullard, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at his residence following a brief illness. He was 87.
Terry’s wishes were to not have any services but the friends may drop by the family residence for a time of visitation.
Terry was born March 10, 1939 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Charles and Agnes Watson Bullard. He was a graduate of Dothan High School and attended Huntingdon College before graduating from Auburn University in 1962 with a degree in Building Science. He opened Bullard Engineering in Dothan and ran that for 15 years before going to Cumberland School of Law and getting his Law Degree. Terry was a practicing Attorney for 46 years in Dothan. He had a passion for flying, boating and spending quality time with family and friends. Terry became a Christian at the age of 70 and joined Calvary Baptist Church where he loved attending his Tuesday morning Bible Study with Dr. Rick Weber and Thursday morning Bible Study with Kelly Colbert. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed bringing joy to those around him.
Terry is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Ness; brother Ted Bullard and a granddaughter, Cassidy McCallister.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Karen Whatley Bullard; daughters; Paige McCallister, Cara Powell (Dr. Adam Powell); sons, Trant Bullard (Karen), Dr. Chad Mann (Haley) and Caleb Mann (Jeanie); grandchildren, Nick, Lawson, Anna Louise, Mary Frances, Warner, Mary Ellen, Elizabeth M, Mills, Hudson, Neely, Elizabeth P and Anne Collins; great granddaughter, Margot and a brother, Matt Bullard (Linda).
Paul Bradley Shipes, 57, of Ariton, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on July 25, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Rev. Jason Waddell will officiate, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce Casey, Shannon Strickland, Travis Strickland, Dylan Prescott, Mitch Evans, and Michael Tillman.
Paul is survived by his beloved daughter, Macy (Dylan) Prescott of Midland City, Alabama; his mother, Gaye Tillman Shipes; his brother, Scott (Mary Ann) Shipes of Euell, Alabama; two nephews, Zach (Jasmine) Shipes and Baker Shipes; one great-niece, Mila Shipes; the mother of his daughter, Schella Shipes of Ozark; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Andy Shipes.
Paul was a faithful and active member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and a proud 1987 graduate of Dixie Academy. He had a passion for NASCAR and especially enjoyed helping his brother, Scott, work on his stock car. He loved spending time fishing, farming—whether with his own tractor or someone else’s—and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Paul will be remembered for his kind heart, willingness to lend a helping hand, and the love he had for his family, friends, and community.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Patricia Eugenia Cobia, a resident of Cottonwood, Alabama died Friday, July 24, 2026 at Southeast Health Medical Center. She was 82.
Memorial services will be held At 11 AM Friday, August 7, 2026 in the Chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Chuck Locke officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to; Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1231 Fortner Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mrs. Cobia was born January 5, 1944 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Clemont Fox and Catherine Sue Hutchison Jordan. She moved to Ft. Walton, Florida at an early age and resided there until she moved back to the Dothan area. She was a secretary for Cargill before her retirement and later worked for Wiregrass Rehab and the Houston County Extension Office. She enjoyed dancing, painting, decorating, crocheting and gardening. Mrs. Cobia loved her Lord and was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. She also loved her family and spending time with them.
Mrs. Cobia is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cecil Chester Cobia, daughter, Ronda Mae Cobia Johnson; son, James Cecil Cobia; sister, Joann Wimbish and a great grandson, Brayden James Norris.
Survivors include her grandchildren, Amber Cobia Mandella (Michael), Ashley Pearson (Justin), Sarah Cobia Mauldin (Mitchell); great grandchildren, Landon, Blayne, Gianni, Austen, Addie, Hunner, Braylee, Bentley, Paislee, Maelee, Eliza-Jo, Myleigh and Ella; sister, Janet Hunley; daughter in law, Suzanne Watson Cobia.
Donald Joseph Rhodes, beloved son, grandson, and brother, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Born March 26, 1998, in Houston County, Alabama, Donald was a vibrant young man of 28, whose passion for life touched everyone he knew.
A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on July 29, 2026, at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, led by Rev. Shane Rhodes, Sr., and Rev. Keener Batchelor. He will be laid to rest at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to service time.
Donald is remembered for his fierce loyalty and deep love for those close to him. After moving to Pensacola, he devoted himself to caring for his beloved “Nonnie,” a reflection of his selfless and compassionate spirit. He cherished his family and took immense joy in spending time with his girlfriend, Paisley, as well as his loyal canine companions, Dizzy and Jerry. Whether collecting vinyl records, enjoying podcasts, or gaming, Donald filled his days with joy and laughter.
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Tommy Lee Rhodes, Carolyn Crutchfield, John Simmons, and Frances Young; his stepfather, Matthew Lance; and his aunt, Lorraine Simmons, Donald leaves behind a family who treasures his memory.
Survived by his mother, Jennifer Ghesquiere Rittner, his father, Shane Rhodes, Sr. (Julie), his “Nonnie”, Mary Young, and his siblings Devin Kelly, Shane Lee Rhodes, Jr., Dustin Rhodes (Adrienne), Gabrielle Greenhow (Nick), Kayla Rhodes, Anthony Rhodes, Matthew Rhodes, Aaron Eddins, Ragan Eddins, along with his treasured girlfriend, Paisley Sellers, and a host of extended family and friends.
His life, though brief, was rich with connections and love, leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
