Richard “Dick” Woodham, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Dick will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Michael Woodham officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, July 11, 2026, one hour prior to the service.
Dick was born on July 4, 1960, to Melvin and Wanda Woodham. He was the second of four sons and grew up surrounded by family and lifelong friends.
Dick attended Cottonwood High School, where he proudly played football under the Friday night lights. After graduating in 1978, he enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country as a Military Police officer stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he reunited with his former classmate, Melodie Been. The two married and shared 44 wonderful years together, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion.
Dick dedicated many years of his life to working as a tire technician and was employed by McGriff Tires until declining health forced him into retirement. Even throughout his cancer journey, one of his greatest hopes was to return to the job he loved.
More than anything, Dick treasured his family. His greatest pride was his beloved wife, Melodie; his daughter, Kristen, affectionately known to him as “Tater”; and his son, Shawn. Becoming “Poppy” to his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He loved cheering on Raylee, Chloe, Conner, Kolson, Mackenzie, Grayce, Grayson, and Marissa at every game, event, and milestone, always their biggest fan.
Dick found happiness in the simple things in life. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, painting ceramics, collecting coins and die-cast semi trucks, putting together puzzles, watching Auburn football, and spending time with his faithful dog, Caso. One of Dick’s greatest gifts was his ability to make friends wherever he went. Whether at a doctor’s office, the pharmacy, the grocery store, or a gas station, he never met a stranger and always left people smiling.
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melodie Woodham, and his parents, Melvin and Wanda Woodham.
He is survived by his daughter, Kristen Woodham (Stevie); his son, Shawn Shepard (Sebrina); his brothers, Melvin Woodham (Rhonda), Michael Woodham (Amy), and James Woodham (Kelly); his grandchildren, Raylee Grantham, Chloe Shepard, Conner Shepard, Kolson Creamer, Mackenzie Creamer, Grayce Creamer, Grayson Creamer, and Marissa Shook (Steven); his great-grandchildren, Jensen Shook and Adeline Shook; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Dick’s legacy is one of love, laughter, hard work, and kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him, but his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Dr. Dan M. Moore passed on to glory on June 23, 2026, from natural causes. He was 94.
Dr. Moore was born in Yokohama, Japan to missionary parents from a multi-generational missionary family. The family left the mission field when the signs of war dictated and returned to the US. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. He later spent time in Japan during the Korean war in military service, then returned to the US to further his education, earning a PhD at Georgia State University. He was a founding member of the Presbyterian Church in America and became the first full-time employee of that denomination. After leaving, he pursued a career as a university professor teaching various business courses and ending his career at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio at the age of 80. He loved ballroom dancing and practiced it for decades, still dancing at the time of his death.
He married Betsy Workman in 1946. She pre-deceased him in 1991. They were both gifted with musical abilities and led the music in their churches as she played the organ and he sang. He is survived by his three daughters, Mary Swindle (Mark), Kathy Fleming (Lyndon), Jane Ellen Moore and three grandchildren, Billy, Libby and Bradley Fleming (Katie).
His memorial service will be at 10:00 am on July 11th at Westwood Presbyterian Church in Dothan. Donations can be made to Westwood Presbyterian Church or the PCA denomination.
ASBURY COMMUNITY…Mr. Joe W. Weldon, a resident of the Asbury Community, near Ozark, died late Thursday afternoon, July 1, 2026, at his home. He was 61.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Weldon, son of the late Ronald William Weldon and Marsha Anne Powell Weldon, was a lifelong resident of the Ashford area and a man who touched the lives of many through his kindness, dedication, and caring spirit. A proud 1983 graduate of Headland High School, he carried with him the values of hard work, compassion, and service throughout his life. He continued his education at Wallace Community College before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected his desire to help others.
For many years, Mr. Weldon served as a Registered Nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Southeast Health in Dothan. Nursing was more than just a career for him—it was a calling. He cared for his patients with skill, patience, and genuine compassion, offering comfort and support during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. His coworkers respected him for his knowledge and dedication, while the patients and families he cared for remembered his gentle nature and reassuring presence.
Outside of his work, Mr. Weldon found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, activities that brought him peace and allowed him to enjoy nature. He also had a passion for computers and technology, always eager to learn, explore, and share his knowledge with others. Whether he was enjoying the outdoors, working on a computer project, or spending time with family and friends, he approached life with enthusiasm and a warm heart.
Above all, Mr. Weldon will be remembered for his love of family, his generous spirit, and his unwavering willingness to help those in need. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and friendship that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Tina Elizabeth Weldon, and his brother, Adam Weldon. While their loss was deeply felt, he carried their memories with him throughout his life. His own memory will now be treasured by family, friends, coworkers, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.
Surviving relatives include his children, Chelsea Weldon (Pace,FL), Zacc Weldon and Sophia (Decatur, AL) and Tyler Weldon (Wicksburg, AL); sister, Lisa Hill (Richard), three grandchildren, Quinn, Luna, and Ashton; several nieces and nephews, and one great niece.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Linda Joyce Dannelley Beagles of Westville, FL passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Mark Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Head Community Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Linda was born on May 23, 1945, in Hacoda, Alabama, to the late Hosea Dannelley, Jr. and Frances Gertrude Smith Dannelley. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Baptist faith.
Linda was a loving mother and a cherished Nana who found her greatest joy in her family. She was especially devoted to her beloved husband, Johnny Beagles, with whom she shared nearly 63 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story was one to remember—they married after dating for only three months. During their courtship, Johnny would hitchhike all the way from Samson, AL, to DeFuniak Springs, FL, just to spend time with her, a testament to the deep love they shared from the very beginning. Although Johnny preceded her in death, their family finds comfort in knowing they have been joyfully reunited once again.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Mack Beagles; great grandson, James Mitchell Deal; one sister, Bennie Crosby; two brothers, Ross Dannelley and Roy Dannelley.
She is survived by four children, Chad Beagles (Tammy) of Westville, FL, Loretta Deal (Randy) of Westville, FL, Chuck Beagles (Daphne) of Chancellor, AL, and Chip Beagles (Karmon) of Samson, AL; ten grandchildren: Johnny Dalton Beagles, Chad Zachary Beagles (Susie), Erin Lindsy Beagles, Brandon James Deal (Meagan), Caleb James Deal (Macie), Brent Ethan Beagles (Amber), Austin Blake Beagles (Heather), Bailey Chuck Beagles, Brie Gilley (Jamie), and Brooke Bell (Kobey), 18 great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ann McClenny for her devoted love and compassionate care.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brent Beagles, Blake Beagles, Bailey Beagles, Caleb Deal, Brandon Deal, and Gracin Beagles.
Rev. Elaine Pridgen Anderson of Geneva, AL, formerly of Bartow, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, July 03, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was 77 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 07, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva with Pastor Zack Dodson, Pastor Joel Snell and Children’s Pastor Jamey Cardwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Elaine was born in DeFuniak Springs, FL on December 01, 1948 to the late J.C. and Grace Wynell Johnson Pridgen. She was a loving mother and grandmother who dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was an artist who loved to draw and paint and blessed many with her artistic talents. Elaine loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more than anything and only desired to be in his will. At the age of 7, she was called to preach and was a witness for God all through her teen years. She spent her life as an evangelist, preacher and pastor for 70 years. She was licensed as a minister in the early 1970’s. She became ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God on April 17, 2002. She founded The Dove Ministries in the early 1970’s.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years and love of her life, William Earl Anderson and a brother, Timothy Pridgen.
Elaine is survived by her two children, Kim Cardwell (Mike) and David Anderson (Keri), all of Geneva, AL; four grandchildren, Sara Dodson (Zack) of Geneva, AL, Jamey Cardwell (Anna) of Enterprise, AL, Hanna Garcia (Zach) and Asher Anderson, all of Geneva, AL; five great grandchildren, Levi Dodson, Gracie Dodson, Tristan Cardwell, Logan Dodson and Kendall Cardwell; one brother, Lamar Pridgen (Theda) of Winter Haven, FL; sister-in-law, Susan Pridgen of Hartford, AL; and special cousin, Reba Whitman of Bartow, FL.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eugene Hunter, Jamey Cardwell, Asher Anderson, Zach Garcia, Levi Dodson, Zack Dodson, Logan Dodson and Tristan Cardwell.
OZARK…Mrs. Esther Clapp Welch, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday evening, July 4, 2026. She was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Scott Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Addition Cemetery in Eufaula. 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.
Memorial contributions may be made to, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Alabama Chapter, 500 Office Park Drive, Suite 221, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
Mrs. Welch was a lifelong woman of faith, talent, and dedication whose life touched many people along the way. Born in Eufaula, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of the late Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp. Throughout her life, she embraced every chapter with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for others.
In her younger years, she made her home in Cottonton, Alabama, where she worked in the Photo Lab at Fort Benning. She later moved to Phenix City and turned her passion for creativity into a business, becoming the owner and operator of Originality Needle Works Shop in Columbus, Georgia. Her artistic gifts were evident in everything she did, and she took great pride in creating beautiful work that reflected her attention to detail and imagination.
Mrs. Welch eventually moved to Clermont, Florida, where she was employed by Disney World. Her warm personality and cheerful spirit made her a natural fit for bringing joy to others. After many years of hard work and service, she retired and, in 2005, settled in Ozark, Alabama, where she enjoyed being closer to family, friends, and her church community.
A woman blessed with remarkable talents, Mrs. Welch had a deep love for music and the arts. She was an accomplished artist and a gifted musician who could play the piano, organ, harp, and several other instruments. Music was a central part of her life and a way she expressed both her creativity and her faith. In addition to her instrumental abilities, she was a wonderful vocalist whose beautiful singing brought inspiration and comfort to those who heard her.
Her faith in God guided her throughout her life. As a devoted member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she was an active participant in the choir and found great joy in worship through music. In earlier years, she faithfully served her church by teaching Sunday school and playing the piano during services. She treasured the opportunity to share her faith with others and to use her talents in service to the Lord.
More than her accomplishments, Mrs. Welch will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was marked by creativity, faith, perseverance, and service. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her music, her faith, her artistry, and her unwavering love for those around her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas Welch; her parents, Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp; and all of her siblings. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Surviving relatives include her children, Enoch Judge Sims (Canora), Ozark, David Hugh Sims (Lori), Helotus, Texas, John Jefferson Sims (Darlene), Cottonton, Alabama, and Dianne Elizabeth Smith, Pittsview, Alabama; eleven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
