Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mildred Alice Byrd Hice, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the home of her son. She was 80 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Hice will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Mrs. Hice was born March 11, 1945 at Fort Rucker, Alabama to the late Leonidas Byrd and Sarah Elizabeth Willis Byrd. She was a 1963 graduate of Carroll High School and attended Troy State University. Mrs. Hice met and married Robert Lee Hice while he was stationed at Fort Rucker. They were located at numerous duty stations while Bob served in the United States Army and moved back to Ozark in 1969. Alice and Bob managed the Ozark Roller Bowl Skating Rink for many years. She later began her work as a substitute school teacher with the Ozark City School System. Alice worked in the pre-school department at the Ozark Baptist Church until her retirement. She loved to read, take care of her plants and flowers and was an avid Alabama fan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Hice, Sr.; one son, John Edward Hice; one grandson, Issac Lee Hice; one sister, Gwen English; and two brothers, Jimmy Byrd and William Byrd. Survivors include one son, Robert Lee “Bobby” Hice Jr. (Suvaughn) of Ozark; two grandchildren, Alex Hice (Heather) and Josh Hice; two great grandchildren, Natalie McKee and Eleanor “Ella” McKee; and two sisters, Deann Medley of Ozark and Sue Ward of Reno, Nevada. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kristy (Ozark EMS), Denna and Olivia (Dale Medical Home Health), and Ashley and Angelia (Community Hospice) for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department, 3299 North County Road 21, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Eddy Cline Odom, age 77, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Flowers Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral services for Mr. Odom will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 26, 2026, Camp Ground Baptist Church with Reverend Merrell Henry officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Monday in the church from 9:30 A.M. until service time. Eddy was born March 10, 1948 in Enterprise, Alabama. He served in the Army for 22 years, and then worked for the Fort Rucker Aircraft Maintenance Contract for 14 years. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, spending time with family and friends. Eddy was a devoted husband, father and Pawpaw. He loved his grandkids and always made sure to be at everything they had and cheering them on from the sidelines. He was an avid Alabama fan and loved cheering on the Tide. He was a member of Campground Baptist Church, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith and service. Eddy was proceeded in death by his parents, Mazean and Clarence Odom, and brother Sammy Odom. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Derek (Jessica), Mike (Heather) and his grandchildren, Nathan,Kadyn and Bryce; brothers-in-law, Bobby and Don. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Campground Baptist Church 3898 West Andrews Ave, Ozark, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
CW3 John Ray Kennamore, Sr. (United States Army, Retired), a resident of Dothan and formerly of Ozark, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Flowers Hospital. He was 88 years old. Funeral services for CW3 Kennamore will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Jason Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
John Ray Kennamore, a devoted husband, decorated United States Army veteran, aviation safety pioneer, and lifelong public servant, passed away after a life defined by perseverance, courage, and unwavering service to others. Born on May 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ray’s early years were shaped by profound hardship. Raised by his widowed grandmother in extreme poverty—often without electricity, plumbing, or a permanent home—he learned resilience, humility, and self-reliance at a young age. Those early struggles forged the quiet strength, determination, and work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. At just 18 years old, Ray enlisted in the United States Army on January 3, 1956, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned more than two decades. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Christel Becher, and they were married on April 1, 1958. Their marriage became his constant anchor through years of deployments, danger, and sacrifice. Ray served his country in some of its most critical moments, including duty in Beirut, Lebanon; Berlin during the Berlin Crisis; and two combat tours in Vietnam. As an Army aviator and warrant officer, he flew rotary-wing aircraft in combat and later served in leadership roles as Operations Officer, Safety Officer, and Instructor Pilot. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in a rocket and mortar attack in Vietnam—an attack that tragically claimed the life of a fellow pilot and close friend. Beyond the battlefield, Ray left an enduring legacy in military aviation safety. While assigned to the U.S. Army Safety Center, he helped pioneer groundbreaking human-factors research that transformed how aviation accidents are investigated. His work reshaped safety practices across all branches of the military and influenced national aviation safety standards, saving countless lives in the decades that followed. After retiring from active duty in 1976, Ray continued to serve others through civilian roles. He worked in law enforcement with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, instructed future Army aviators, and later served as a GS-13 Aviation Safety Officer with the U.S. Army Safety Center until 2004. Ray often spoke with gratitude about how the military changed his life—taking a boy from desperate circumstances and giving him purpose, education, and opportunity. He earned his GED, a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, a master’s degree in criminal justice, and completed post-graduate studies in psychology, proving through example that perseverance can overcome even the most difficult beginnings. In retirement, Ray embraced a well-earned slower pace, enjoying time with loved ones, a sharp sense of humor, and the simple pleasure of rest—often joking that he was “working hard at doing nothing.” Above all else, Ray was a devoted husband and family man whose life reflected quiet strength, integrity, and service. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. John Ray Kennamore is survived by his beloved wife, Christel Kennamore; his children, John Kennamore, Jr. and wife Paula, and Sylvia Diana Scyphers and husband Sonny; his grandchildren, Steven Scyphers and wife Mallory, Justin Kennamore and wife Kerri, Brandy Kennamore, Sharon Mines, Brandon Kennamore and wife Anna, and Andrew Kennamore and wife Cherish; his great-grandchildren, Natalie Pierce, Izabella Kennamore, Bradon Kennamore, Alexis Kennamore, Molly Kate Mines, Hadley Scyphers, Claire Mines, Brody Brannon, Paxton Kennamore, Maren Scyphers, Jaxon Robinson, and Braelyn Chalmers; and many close family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to your local animal shelter; or to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 1 Metroplex Drive , Suite 230, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (alz.org).
Mr. Lenard Buford Fillingim, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his residence. He was 79 years old.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Prospect Baptist Church in Clayton, with Rev. Hollis Ritter officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Clayton directing. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted.
Lenard was born on July 29, 1946, in Clayton, Alabama, to the late Buford and Annie Jeannette (Brogden) Fillingim. Lenard proudly served in the US Army National Guard for 26 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, building things, and could fix any vehicle. He helped rebuild a 1950 Chevrolet. Lenard was a member of Prospect Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; step-son, Cecil Travis Kessler.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra Green Fillingim; daughter, Tami Troesch; two grandchildren, Joshua Troesch and Jonathan Troesch; three great-grandchildren, Emma Troesch, Tristan Troesch, and Caroline Troesch; brother, Andy Fillingim (Sherry); sister, Linda Sowell (William).
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Greene, Ryan Greene, and Kevin Greene.
Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Fillingim and Bruce Adams.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Barry Christopher Shelton, age 56, a cherished family man and friend whose kindness knew no bounds, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on June 19, 1969, in Nashville, Tennessee. Barry’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit were a constant light in the lives of all who knew him.
A devoted father, Barry’s greatest pride was his children: Brianna Shelton, Adrianna Hawes (Zackary), and Jeremiah Luckado. His joy multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren, Kimberly and Tate Hawes, and AJ and Addie Luckado. Affectionately known as “Pop Pop,” Barry delighted in making them laugh and filling their lives with love, humor, and unforgettable memories. He was also survived by his father, Larry Shelton, Sr. and his wife, Vee; and his siblings, Larry Shelton, Jr. and Mary.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kerry Shelton.
Barry was known for his remarkable work ethic and selfless nature. Those who worked with him knew him as someone who would truly give the shirt off his back to help another. His dedication to his work was matched only by his unwavering commitment to his family and friends.
A true lover of 1980s music, Barry’s playful spirit often turned ordinary gatherings into joyful moments filled with laughter and song. Known for his infectious sense of humor and self-proclaimed nerdy charm, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease.
Barry’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and laughter will live on through his family. A loving father, a devoted “Pop Pop,” and a loyal friend, Barry Christopher Shelton will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Marilyn June Pennington, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 79, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on January 21, 1947, in Houston County, Alabama, Marilyn’s life was a testament to the love and joy she brought to everyone she knew. She was affectionately known by most as “Maw Maw”.
Marilyn’s journey began as a small-town girl with a heart for family. Her infectious smile and generous spirit were a beacon of light to those around her. She married the love of her life, the late Bobby Pennington, Sr. and together they built a family founded on love, respect, and the simple pleasures of life. Marilyn was a devoted mother to her sons, Bobby Pennington (Rene) and Frank Pennington (Lisa). Her role as a grandmother to Eric, Michelle (Dyllan), Nathan, and Corey, and as a great-grandmother to Audrey, Aiden, Leilah, Elijah, Hadley, and Ashby, was one she cherished with every fiber of her being. Marilyn is also survived by her siblings, John Bowen, Rex Bowen, Merlene Devan, Mary Lee Hidalgo, Helen Buntin and Sue Jenkins.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Henry Bowen, Lela Mae Conner, Christine Thompson and Mildred Woods.
Marilyn’s professional life was marked by a long and fulfilling career at Sony, where she formed lasting friendships and left a legacy of hard work and dedication. Even after retirement, she remained an active and beloved member of her community, sharing her warmth and wisdom with all.
An avid bowler, Marilyn spent many years knocking down pins with her team, forming bonds and creating memories that lasted a lifetime. Her love for Elvis Presley went beyond simple admiration; she especially enjoyed collecting Elvis’s memorabilia, a pursuit that brought her great joy and pride.
Above all, Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. The weekly family night dinners were a sacred tradition, a time for laughter, stories, and the simple pleasure of being together. She believed that family was the cornerstone of happiness and worked tirelessly to keep her loved ones close.
Marilyn’s love for swimming, playing Bingo, and her unwavering kindness to everyone she met were the hallmarks of a life well-lived. She was a woman of faith, strength and grace, who faced life’s challenges with courage and a smile that could light up a room.
As we bid farewell to Marilyn June Pennington, we celebrate a life that was filled with love, laughter, and the making of cherished memories. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and every life she touched. Marilyn’s story is one of love, family, and the joy of everyday moments. She will be deeply missed, but the warmth of her love will continue to embrace us all.
A private gathering will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama at https://bcrfa.networkforgood.com/projects/53076-bcrfa-donation
Mr. Lenard Buford Fillingim, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his residence. He was 79 years old.
