Denise Louise Heintz Simmons, passed away on June 4, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 58.
Denise was born on May 7, 1968, in Enterprise, Alabama, and she made Dothan her home since 1999. Those who knew her will remember her as a loving, adventurous, and intelligent woman whose presence brought warmth and kindness to every room she entered.
Denise was the beloved wife of Daniel Simmons, and together they shared a life filled with devotion, shared experiences, and treasured memories. In the early years of their marriage, Denise and Daniel traveled widely while he served in the Military, visiting Germany and other parts of Europe. These journeys reflected Denise’s adventurous spirit and her appreciation for the beauty of the world beyond her own doorstep. She embraced new places and experiences with enthusiasm, and she carried that same openness into her daily life.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Devin Simmons, and her daughter, Danielle Simmons. Denise took great pride in her family and cherished the role she played in their lives. She was also a loving daughter to her father, Dennis Heintz, and she was preceded in death by her mother, Jackie Heintz. Her family was central to her life, and the bonds she shared with them were a source of strength, joy, and comfort throughout the years.
Denise worked with Southeast Health in IT, Administration, and EPIC, where she was valued for her intelligence, reliability, and steady commitment to her work. Her professional life reflected her ability to adapt, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the people and organizations around her. She approached her responsibilities with care and competence, and she earned the respect of colleagues through both her skill and her kind disposition.
In addition to her career, Denise was deeply involved in the lives of others through her natural ability to connect with people. She truly was a people person, and her warmth made it easy for others to feel welcome in her presence. She enjoyed building relationships and had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated. Denise also spent many years selling Thirty-One Bags, an endeavor that allowed her to share her enthusiasm, connect with others, and enjoy the friendships that came from it.
Denise’s life was one of movement, purpose, and heartfelt connection. She enjoyed traveling, especially in the years when she and Daniel were first married, and she carried those memories with her always. Whether she was exploring a new place, working alongside others, or spending time with family and friends, Denise brought energy and sincerity to all that she did. Her adventurous nature was balanced by a deep love for home, family, and community, and those who knew her will long remember the grace and strength she brought to everyday life.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Denise will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
With profound love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Sherman Lewis Benton, who entered eternal rest on June 3, 2026, at the age of 94.
Born February 27, 1932, in Dale County, Alabama, Sherman lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, hard work, kindness, and quiet strength. Throughout his ninety-four years, he touched countless lives through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love for those around him.
Sherman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Jane Benton, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Their enduring love was the foundation of a family that continues to grow and flourish through the generations. Though he deeply missed her following her passing, he carried her memory in his heart every day and looked forward to the day they would be reunited.
He was a devoted father and is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Melony Foster (James) and Cheryl Wood (Andy), who were blessed by his guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. His greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in watching it grow over the years.
He leaves behind a legacy that spans generations, including cherished grandchildren, along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
He is also survived by his beloved brothers-in-law: Bill Burgess (Shirley), Mickey McKnight (Debbie), and Jimmy McKnight (Nelda), and sisters-in-law, Liz Benton (Wayne), and Ann Benton (Norman), who shared many treasured memories and family celebrations with him throughout the years.
Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Benton and Mabel (Stanford) Benton, and his three brothers: one who passed away shortly after birth, Charles Wayne Benton, and Norman (Shorty) Benton, and a sister, Miriam Speight (Sam). Though they departed before him, their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.
Whether through his work, his service to others, his faith, or simply the example he set each day, Sherman embodied values that will continue to inspire those who loved him. He taught by example the importance of integrity, humility, perseverance, and compassion. His warm smile, gentle humor, steady presence, and heartfelt advice will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
To know Sherman was to know a man who valued family above all else. He celebrated life’s milestones with enthusiasm, found joy in simple pleasures, and never missed an opportunity to share a story, lend a helping hand, or offer words of encouragement. His life was a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and commitment.
While our hearts grieve his loss, we find comfort in the many memories he leaves behind and in the knowledge that his legacy lives on through the family he cherished so dearly.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Hwy, Dothan, AL 36305, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord!” Matthew 25:21.
Mitchell Axford Goodfriend, 65, of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away on June 3, 2026, in Dothan. He was born December 6, 1960, in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to Cecil Thomas and Jane Axford Goodfriend, who predeceased him. He spent his childhood on the move before the family settled in New Orleans.
Mitchell served 22 years in the United States Army as an air traffic controller, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He was proud to shoulder responsibilities beyond his rank. He went on to spend 20 more years as a civilian instructor, teaching soldiers tower control and helping train hundreds of controllers. He took pride in his work, mentioning to his son how well his students were doing.
He was hands-on and competitive. He loved gadgets and automating his home, and hated to lose — even at a friend’s Fitbit step count.
Above all, Mitchell was devoted to his family. He married Hwaseon on March 29, 1986, and with every move the Army asked of them, he was her guide, finding and sharing what made each new home special. No one could make her laugh the way he could — his jokes gentle, observant, and always playful. For 40 years, he was the love of her life and her best friend.
He was also a friend to his son, Scott — they traveled, hiked, played games, and commiserated over the long-suffering New Orleans Saints. He was endlessly proud of Scott, and his friends heard about it constantly. He cared for his own father in his later years. He doted on his twin grandchildren, flying to California to help whenever he could, once on a day’s notice.
He is survived by his wife, Hwaseon; his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Aditi; his sister, Deirdre; and his two grandchildren, Fiona and Dylan.
The family will receive friends from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of his life at 4:30 p.m. with military honors. He will be laid to rest at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
Candy Renée Wellman McKnight, age 42, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
Candy was born July 11, 1983, in Enterprise, Alabama, to June Ellis Wellman and Jenise Spann Wellman. She worked as a general manager in the food industry. Candy enjoyed fishing, family trips, spending time with her aunts, and most of all, being with her family. She loved watching Swamp People, Naked and Afraid, and Bar Rescue. She also enjoyed working and had a special love for alligators and turtles.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jenise Wellman, and her father-in-law, Shelby McKnight.
Leaving to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 13 years, Steven McKnight; her sons, William Lee Howard Jr., Cameron Aki Howard, and Tristan Tyler McKnight; her father, June Wellman; her brother, Timothy Wellman and his wife, Ariel; her brother-in-law, Michael McKnight and his wife, Sherry; her sister-in-law, Sonya Hudson and her husband, Billy; her mother-in-law, Rita Gisclair; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Mr. Charles Wesley Williams, age 68, a resident of Ashford, died Tuesday June 2, 2026 at his residence.
The family will have a private family memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Mr. Williams was born on August 17, 1957, in Fort Gaines, Georgia the son of John Wesley Williams and Ruth Ann Chancellor Williams. He lived in Dothan area most of his lifetime. Charles retired as a welder with Smith Brothers in Dothan where he worked for nearly 40 years. He enjoyed being a shade tree mechanic.
He was preceded in death by his father and infant sister Marie Williams.
Survivors include his loving Mother, Ruth Williams, Ashford; special companion, Shannon Rikard, Ashford; three sisters, Janet Williams Hutto (Steven), Wicksburg; Sheila Knight, Ashford; Donna Greer, Ashford; several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
OZARK… Ron Edgar, a resident of Ozark, Alabama, passed away Tuesday night, June 2, 2026, at his home. He was 75.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, June 07, 2026 at Newton First Assembly of God Church with Reverend Tommy Giddens officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Westview Cemetery in Ozark. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Edgar was born in Coffee County to the late Joseph Alvin Edgar and Naoma Edgar. He attended local schools and later pursued higher education in college. Throughout his career, he dedicated many years to the accounting profession, serving faithfully with M.O. Carroll Grocery Company, where he was respected for his strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
A man of faith, Mr. Edgar was a devoted member of Newton First Assembly of God Church, where he found fellowship and spiritual encouragement. He will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his steadfast faith, and the positive impact he made on the lives of those who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Edgar is preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty years, Jane Riley Edgar; sons, Joey Edgar of Birmingham, Alabama and Jared Edgar of Lakeland, Florida; brother, Billy Edgar (Shirley); sister, Brenda Strickland (Jerry); sister-in-law, Mae Ola Bell (Braxton); brothers-in-law, Bartow Riley and Mike Riley; beloved niece, Donna Naylor (Allen) as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jerry Strickland, Jeff Bell, Nyk Money, Jason Ketcham, Jeff Rhodes, Wade Whatley, and Jimmy McKnight.
Mr. Charles Wesley Williams, age 68, a resident of Ashford, died Tuesday June 2, 2026 at his residence.
