John Timothy Thompson, known affectionately as Tim by his friends and loved ones, passed away on July 23, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on January 1, 1956, in Miami, Florida, Tim’s journey through life was marked by devotion to his family, a commitment to his craft, and a gentle, humorous spirit that endeared him to all who knew him.
Tim spent his formative years in the embrace of his loving parents, John E. and Jane B. Thompson, and alongside his siblings Joe, Jimmy, and Alice. He graduated from Ashford Academy in 1973, fondly remembered by his classmates for his quiet strength and reliability. Tim’s passion for hands-on work led him to achieve a pipefitting certification in Albany, Georgia, setting the stage for a career that would span decades.
A proud member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 052, Tim dedicated himself to the craft of pipefitting and maintenance, serving with distinction at Georgia Pacific. His colleagues knew him as a man of great skill and greater humility, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh, often punctuated by his signature dry wit. In 2021, after years of diligent service, Tim retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and the respect of all who worked alongside him.
Tim’s heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Debbie Thompson, for 44 years until her passing. Together, they raised a family that included daughters Jessica Kamke (Casey) and Jamie Thompson (Aaron Curlee), and his late daughter Dana. His grandchildren, Zach and Jay Kamke, brought immeasurable joy to his life. Tim’s siblings, Joe Thompson (Paula), Jimmy Thompson (Rhonda), and Alice (Wayne) Whitman, will remember him as the cornerstone of a family that was his pride and joy.
Tim’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. He loved spending quality time with his family above all else. A regular at local thrift stores, he delighted in the thrill of the hunt, always on the lookout for the next great find to add to his collection. His grandchildren will cherish memories of their grandfather taking them to karate, where he watched with pride and contentment.
Tim was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. His quiet, giving nature was felt by all, and his dry sense of humor could light up a room in the subtlest of ways. He will be remembered for these traits and for the unwavering love he showed to his family and friends.
As we bid farewell to Tim Thompson, we celebrate a life lived with integrity, love, and a touch of humor. His memory will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to know him. Tim’s legacy is etched in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his gentle, steadfast presence.
The family will gather at Sunset Funeral Home on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. to share memories and celebrate Tim’s life.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Janet Shipes Walker, age 83, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, at her home in Ozark, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at Ozark Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, with the Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Garden with Holman Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends Sunday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Janet was born on May 18, 1942, in Blue Springs, Alabama, to the late Perry and Onyx Shipes. She was a graduate of Blue Springs Senior High School and also studied business technologies at Wallace Community College. She was employed as an accountant with the maintenance contractor at Fort Rucker, where she retired following 42 years of outstanding service. She was a faithful member of Ozark Baptist Church and the Adult I – Coed II Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Ozark Literary Club. Janet enjoyed a rich and rewarding life. She was a woman of strong faith. She loved God, cherished her children, adored her grandchildren, and treasured her friends. She was a skilled accountant, a dedicated and loyal employee, an accomplished cook and gardener, a talented bridge player, and an avid sports fan. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Charles Kenneth Walker, and two brothers, Andy Shipes and Jackson Shipes.
Janet is survived by a son, Chuck Walker (Mandi) of Ozark; a daughter, Jennifer Cook (Brent) of Dothan; four grandsons: Nathan and Brody Walker of Ozark and James and Walker Elliott of Dothan; and two step-granddaughters, Virginia Gwaltney (Andrew) of Birmingham and Whitney Cook of Dothan. She is also survived by her extended family: Sandra and Lewie Helms, Barbara and Larry Hicks, Cynthia Williams, Ramona McLaughlin, Mary Alice McDaniel, and Tonya Albert, a special cousin and true blessing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s name to a charity of your choice.
Serving as pall bearers are Nathan Walker, Brody Walker, James Elliott, Walker Elliott, Scott Shipes, Paul Shipes, Scott Helms, Chris Helms, Jimbo Scott, and Andrew Gwaltney.
Charles Hugh Swicord, Sr., 90, a life-long resident of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his residence following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Southside Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:15 p.m., prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to, Southside Baptist Church, 423 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL 36301.
Charles was born on April 14, 1935, to Hugh McCord & Frances Burdeshaw Swicord. He was a 1953 graduate of Dothan High School. In 1958, he purchased Burdeshaw Bicycle Shop, which he owned and operated until his retirement. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Lou Watkins Swicord; and his sister, Barbara Ann Swicord Coe.
He is survived by his son, Charles Hugh Swicord, Jr. (Freida); his daughter, Elizabeth Dianne Swicord Laseter (Kerry); his grandchildren, Laura Beth Swicord, Charles Hugh Swicord III, Davis Robert Swicord, Benjamin Joseph Swicord, Garret Ryan Wilkins (Rochelle), and Jon Alan Wilkins (Amy); his great-grandchildren, Bailee Elizabeth Wilkins White (Grayson), Kelsey Ryan Wilkins, Gregory Tate Wilkins, Jack Alan Wilkins, and Lucy Elizabeth Wilkins; and his niece, Carla Frances Coe Brown.
Serving as pallbearers, Charles Swicord III, Davis Swicord, Ben Swicord, Garret Wilkins, Jon Wilkins, Tate Wilkins, and Terry Bruce.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
ARITON…James Colton Blake Cumbie, a resident of Ariton, passed away, Saturday, July 19, 2025. He was 29.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend David May officiating. Burial will follow in Leatherwood Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the church.
Blake was a native of Ariton, Alabama and graduated from Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy in 2014, where he made lasting friendships and memories that stuck with him through the years. After high school, Blake found his calling in welding, working in construction with a strong work ethic and a quiet sense of pride in what he built with his hands.
Blake had a big heart and an even bigger love for the Georgia Bulldogs. Football season was sacred—he never missed a game if he could help it, and he cheered on his team with the kind of passion that made Saturdays feel like holidays. Whether it was tailgating with friends, watching from home, or talking stats and plays, Blake was all in when it came to his Bulldogs.
When he wasn’t working or watching football, Blake found peace in the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish—those quiet moments in the woods or by the water were where he felt most at ease. It wasn’t just about the sport; it was about being in nature, soaking in the stillness, and spending time with the people he cared about.
To his niece and nephews—Ella, Parker, and Pate—Blake was affectionately known as “Bubba.” And he wore that name like a badge of honor. He adored those kids and lit up whenever they were around. Whether he was teasing them, teaching them something new, or just being the fun uncle, Blake had a special bond with each of them. They brought out the softest parts of him, and he gave them memories they’ll carry forever.
Blake was a former member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ozark, where he learned the values of faith, family, and community. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life, reflected in the way he treated others—with kindness, respect, and a quiet generosity.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Marie Searcy Cumbie, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms.
Blake’s life was a beautiful mix of simple joys, strong character, and deep love for the people around him. He may have been quiet at times, but his presence spoke volumes. He will be remembered not just for the things he did, but for the way he made others feel—valued, loved, and truly seen.
Blake leaves behind a family who loves him dearly, including his parents, mother, Tina Beasley (Drew), father, Chris Cumbie (Erica); sister, Chelsi Niday (Chris); brother, Gage Cumbie (Graci); niece and nephews, Ella Morgan Babb, Parker Niday, and Pate Niday; aunt, Andrea Baxter; uncles, Danny Cumbie, Jason Leatherwood, and Brad McLaughlin; grandparents, Colon Leatherwood (Becky) and Jerry Knighton (Jasper); several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Chris Cumbie, Danny Cumbie, Gage Cumbie, Chris Niday, Jason Leatherwood, and Kaden Baxter.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
OZARK…Cuba P. Horsley Wallce-Hill, age 72 of Ozark, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Cuba was born in Maysville, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late James and Anne Horsley from Garrison Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Valery Clawson Smith, brothers, Charles Sartin, Jimbob Sartin, and Henry Horsley, and her sister Mary Brough.
Cuba enjoyed sitting on the front porch of her home talking with her sister Alice and visiting with her kids and grandkids when they came to visit.
Surviving relatives include her son, Charles (Chuck) Clawson; her brother Jamie Horsley, sisters, Alice A Winterrowd and Delores Gibson; five wonderful grandchildren, Donovan Clawson, Dillion Smith, Jay Jay Smith, Kambe, and Michael Seidle; three great-grandchildren, Brielle Clawson, Jax Clawson, and Evalyn Clawson; several nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Eva Merle Parrish Harrell, affectionately known as Eva Merle, who passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Taylor, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 10, 1933, in Houston County, Alabama, Eva Merle’s journey through life was marked by her loving nature and gentle spirit, which touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Eva Merle was a beacon of joy and warmth in her community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Mallie Mallory Parrish; her beloved husband, John Harrell; her cherished daughter, Deborah Harrell McLendon; and her siblings, Lomax Parrish, James Parrish, Sarah Nell Carbonelli, Billie Parrish, Gerald Parrish, and Jeanette Johnson. Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by those she leaves behind, including her grandson, Adam McLendon (Jeanette); her granddaughter, Stephanie Turvin (Shane); her sister, Diane Baxley (Tommy); her son-in-law, Mike McLendon (Carol); her great-grandchildren, Hannah Brunson (Ryan), Shellie Yeoman (Dustin), Daniel McGraw, Colby Turvin (Heather), and Courtney Dowd (Johnny); and her great-great-grandchildren, Miles, Lucas, Axel, Kairi, Lawson, Birdie, Gillie, and Johnny Dowd, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
Eva Merle’s life was one of dedication and passion. She was a manager at Hallmark, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to make every customer feel special. Her interests were as vibrant and varied as her personality. She had a love for shopping, finding joy in the hunt for the perfect gift or the next addition to her beloved nutcracker collection. Scrapbooking was another of her passions, allowing her to preserve precious family memories with creativity and care.
A master at growing flowers and plants, Eva Merle’s garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing touch. Her dog, Allie, was a constant companion and source of unconditional love. Family was the cornerstone of Eva Merle’s life, and she cherished the time spent with them, especially during Sunday dinners, which she hosted with love and enthusiasm. Despite being an Alabama fan in a family of Auburn supporters, her gentle ribbing and playful banter during football season will be fondly remembered.
Eva Merle’s love for Christmas was evident in her extensive nutcracker collection and the joy she took in decorating her home for the holidays. Her spirit of giving and celebration made every Christmas time a magical experience for her family and friends.
A graveside service to honor the life of Eva Merle Parrish Harrell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Reverend Travis Free, who will share words of comfort and remembrance for all those whose lives were enriched by Eva Merle’s presence.
