Diana Rae Brion Gilmore of Ozark, Alabama passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Flowers Hospital. She was 80 years old.
She was born on September 5, 1945, to the late Robert William Brion and Gertrude Berner Brion in Detroit, Michigan.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Gilmore; and brothers, Kevin Brion and Timothy Brion.
Survivors include her children, Kryssaia Brotman of Dadeville, AL, Joseph Gilmore of Hodgenville, KY, and Kathrine Boswell (Wally) of Enterprise, AL; several grandchildren; siblings, Robin Brion (Susan) of Gallupville, NY, Terry Braun of Schenectady, NY, Colleen Marks of Enterprise, AL, Kelly Brion of Schenectady, NY, and Eric Brion (Mary) of Daleville, AL; sisters-in-law, Debbie Brion and Donna Brion both of Enterprise, AL; along with 16 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and great nephews.
Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, a resident of Dothan, passed away on, Friday, January 30, 2026, in Dothan.
Blake was born July 28, 1992, in Dothan to Leonard Carlton Bowen & Vicki Odom Prickett. A proud 2011 graduate of Rehobeth High School, Blake’s work ethic was evident early on. Following graduation, he attended Lineman School at Wallace Community College, a foundation that led to a dedicated 9 ½-year career at Farley Nuclear Plant. There, he served as a skilled Refueling Technician with Dry Cask Storage.
While his days were spent in the nuclear industry, Blake’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished in the local community. He was a visionary real estate developer, owning and operating Bowen Estates, Next Level Real Estate, Bowen & Green Properties, and Newton Creek Properties.
Blake’s true first love, however, was found in the red clay and the roar of an engine. A dirt track racing enthusiast since he was a small boy, Blake famously built his first car and competed in his first race at just 12 years old. Over the years, he raced various car classes across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, earning a reputation as a fierce and respected competitor.
His commitment to the sport went beyond the driver’s seat. In February 2020, Blake brought racing back to his community by reopening Dothan Motor Speedway in Cottonwood after it had sat dormant for a decade. Opening to a sell-out crowd, he served as the promoter for two years, revitalizing the track for a new generation of fans.
Blake’s final chapters in racing were marked by triumph. He won his last two races at his home track, Dothan Motor Speedway racing sprint and non-wing cars, and recently made local history in November 2025 by winning the first-ever Figure 8 Demolition Derby at the National Peanut Festival.
Blake became curious about taking to the skies as a young man. After his father earned his license and owned a plane Blake continuously told his father that he would do the same, and if you know Blake when he says it, he DOES it. He walked into ACOM Aviation with his mind set on a goal and the rest was history. He earned his pilot certificate in no time and began flying. Blake being the man he was and taking everything to the max he ended up buying a “project plane” and worked hard to turn it into one of the cleanest and most advanced Piper Cherokee Six’s on the market. He flew the plane on multiple adventures including vacations to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, as well as races and Brailynn’s volleyball tournaments. His kind heart even flew a family in need all the way to Pittsburgh and back to assure their young baby boy could get the care he needed. Blake had a curiosity that turned into a love and a passion for flying. A truly good man and a true aviator indeed.
He is preceded by his grandparents, Wallace & Mable Odom, and Sonny & Patricia Bowen.
He is survived by his wife of almost 10 years, Allison Kay Bowen; his two daughters, Brailynn Kay Bowen, and Brynlee Grace Bowen; his parents, Vicki & Terry Prickett, and Leonard & Jan Bowen; his three sisters, Erica Weller (Mathew), Shannon Garber (Jamie), and Robin Prickett; his four brothers, Patrick Prickett, Ryan Schueler, Blair Schueler, and Chase Schueler; his sister-in-law, Ann Marie Cook; his special nephews, Beauden Weller, Harrison Weller, Trotter Cook, Joshua & Jacob Herevia; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford with Reverend Jerry Smith, Pastor Kevin Dixon, and Chaplain John Gormley officiating. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends the night prior from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to, Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36460, or Wiregrass Angel House, 105 N. Bell Street, Dothan, AL 36303.
Serving as pallbearers, JayPaul Odom, AL Johns, Nick Green, Cameron Henderson, Tyler Wolters, Trey Johnson, Brannon Arnett, Dwayne Harry, and Blair Schueler.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Pamela Easley Stewart, born on February 6, 1959, passed away peacefully at her home in Hartford, Alabama, on the evening of January 29, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her father,
Dewey P. Easley, and her mother, Billie Jo Ward.
Pamela was a proud mother to her children, Heather Lynn Stewart Powell and Heath Dale Easley. Her face lit up whenever she spoke of her beloved grandchildren: Taylor Powell, Austin (Chassity) Powell, Michaela (Craig) Myrick, Wyatt (Elizabeth) Easley, Morgun Easley, Lilly’Ann Easley, and Weston Easley, along with many treasured great-grandchildren.
She found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother, and her legacy will continue through the generations she cherished so deeply.
Nana will be remembered as an spirited and creative soul, and for the lasting imprint of love she left on all who knew her. Her family and friends will miss her tremendously.
HEADLAND, ALABAMA — Larry Virgil Savelle, a man of steadfast faith and a beloved member of the Headland community, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, February 2, 2026. He was 67 years old.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Larry was born on December 15, 1958, to Virgil “Junior” and Rebecca Savelle. He lived a life defined by quiet strength, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family and neighbors. Larry was a dedicated employee of the Auburn University Experiment Station, where he faithfully contributed his talents and labor until his retirement.
Larry’s life was firmly rooted in his faith. As an active deacon and long-time member of Hebron Baptist Church, he lived out his beliefs through service to others. He will be remembered not only for his commitment to his church family, but also for the joy and love he extended to everyone who crossed his path.
Larry’s greatest joy was found in his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lynne Savelle; two sons, Bryan Savelle (April) and David Savelle; two grandsons, Carter Savelle and Lucas Urbano; one sister, Darlene Brown (Keith); a nephew, Josh Brown (Isle); and a great-niece, Savannah.
HEADLAND… Judy Lucille Riley Chancey, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Sunday afternoon, February 1, 2026, at her home. She was 93.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Pastor Tim Gay officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Center Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
The family request that contributions be made to Old Center Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Nancy Woods, 764 CR-89 Newville, Alabama 36353.
Mrs. Chancey was born in Newville, Alabama to the late Lyman Leroy Riley and Mabel Lillian Riley. She lived her entire life in the Newville, Alabama area until moving to Headland, Alabama six years ago. She was known for sweet smile and patient nature, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Judy, lovingly known as Maw-Maw, cherished spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. She found joy in reading, tending to her flowers, and solving puzzles. Her life was enriched by her involvement in the community as a lifelong, active member of the Old Center Methodist Church, participating actively until her health no longer permitted.
A testament to her resilience, Judy was a breast cancer survivor. She dedicated many years to her work at Village Cleaners, retiring in her late seventies.
Her memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her, as she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Boyd Chancey; her sisters, Dorothy Elizabeth Riley Mills and husband Chester and Bonnie Riley Kirkland and husband, Jack; and a great-granddaughter, Allie Forrester.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Charles Steven “Steve” Chancey; her granddaughters, Ashley Chancey Thorn (Shay), Brittany Chancey Turner (Dustin), Elizabeth Chancey Forrester (Wesley) and their mother, Sheila Chancey; her great-grandchildren, Evelyn Pybus, Stevie Louise Thorn, Lane Forrester, Teagan Forrester, Reagan Turner, and Kylie Turner; and her several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Wesley Forrester, Shay Thorn, Corey Trawick, Dusty Trawick, Hunter Singleton, and Jody Singleton.
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Edward A. “Eddie” Smith, a resident of the Echo Community, died Sunday afternoon, February 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 53.
Funeral services, with fire department honors, will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, February 6, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bryan Robbins officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Smith was born on September 28, 1972, and grew up in the small town of Pinckard, where he learned the values of hard work, kindness, and community that shaped the rest of his life. He graduated from Dale County High School in 1992, and later from Wallace Community College in 1997 with a degree in Paramedicine—a field he chose because he truly wanted to help people.
Serving others wasn’t just something he did; it was who he was. He began his career with the Dothan Airport Fire Department in 1992, and in 1997 he joined the Dothan Fire Department, where he proudly served until his retirement in 2022. His coworkers knew him as someone they could count on, someone who stayed calm in the toughest moments, and someone who always put others first. After retiring, he continued his lifelong commitment to helping others by serving as the Director of Echo EMS. He also was a member of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT), serving as the medic. Earlier in his career, he also worked with Pilcher’s Ambulance and CARE Ambulance in Dothan, touching countless lives along the way.
Outside of work, he was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed simple moments—spending time with family, cooking and entertaining, casting a line in the water, or heading into the woods to hunt. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. If it involved being outdoors or being with the people he cared about, he was content.
He was a man of faith and attended Ozark Baptist Church, where he found comfort, community, and purpose.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his grandfather, Max Thomley, and his paternal grandparents, Cody and Mamie Smith. Their memory remained close to his heart throughout his life.
He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and quiet strength—one that will continue to live on in the many people who were blessed to know him.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Carolyn Smith, Echo Community; four sons, Houston Smith (Kayley) and their children, Annie Smith and Wyatt Smith, all of Skipperville, Haisten Smith (Chelsie), Peyton Hicks (Olivia), and Mason Swihart, all of Echo Community; his parents, Ray and Sherrie Thomley Smith, Pinckard; maternal grandmother, Yvonne Thomley, Pinckard; other relatives, Danny and Brenda Enfinger, Webb, Bryan and Marolyn Robbins, Prattville, and Michael and Anna Barron, Dothan; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jake Robbins, Austin Robbins, Andy Smith, Danny Enfinger, Josh Burk and Mitchell Tucker. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Dothan Fire Department, Echo Fire & Rescue, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
