James Kranak, a dedicated husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, Navy veteran, and talented musician, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and family.
James shared 50 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Carol, who survives him. Together they built a family rooted in laughter and resolve, raising three daughters who will carry his memory forward: Erica (Junior) Delgado, Aimee (Brandon) Plake, and Melanie (Kevin) Pfeiffer.
Nothing brought James more joy than being “Pappy” to his nine grandchildren, who adored him: Sydney, Adriana, Marah, and Aidan Delgado; Logan, Braeden, and Colton Plake; and Wyatt and Claire Pfeiffer.
James proudly served in the United States Navy, and his love of country was only rivaled by his love of music. A gifted musician, James could often be found sharing a song or strumming his guitar, filling the room with warmth and life. He was also known by many as the “Stude Dude” for his passion for restoring Studebaker cars, a hobby that reflected his appreciation for classic craftsmanship and hard work.
James’ presence will be deeply missed, but his stories, songs, and steady love will live on in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Betty Ann Bowden passed away at her home in Taylor, AL on Wednesday July 9th, 2025. Betty lived a beautifully selfless life. She was a pillar of strength and sacrifice, working tirelessly to provide for her children who were the light of her life. She was a proud and devoted wife to her loving husband of 29 years, and a fiercely loyal and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved her family with all of her heart and soul. She was passionate, hardworking, and incredibly strong with the kindest soul and the most gentle spirit. She led with compassion, always found the very best in everyone, and never hesitated to help someone in need. She was humble, kind, generous, and nurturing, and she spent her whole life pouring her love into the lives of everyone she loved. Above all else, Betty loved the Lord and proudly declared her faith in Him all the days of her life.
Betty was preceded in death by her loving parents, Samuel & Hazel Watson, and her beloved daughter, Lindy Bailey. Left to love her from afar are her devoted husband, Fred Bowden; her loving children, Brandy Hartzog (Chris) and Lee Massey (Jessica); her bonus children, Keith Bowden, Karen Gosnell (Steven), and Becky Bowden; her son-in-law, Brent Bailey; her grandchildren, Richard Cordle (Jamie), Hannah Cochran (John), Cameron Griffin (Caitlin), Avery Phillips (Mollie), Austin Bowden (Emily), Brennan Collins (Conner), Caroline Smith (Evan), Chloe Rice (Evan), Hunter Norwalk, Drew Hartzog, Olivia Gosnell, Jackson Bailey, Kamryn Bailey, Will Hartzog, and Anna Grace Massey; her great grandchildren, Aiden Cordle, Charlotte Cordle, Jacey-Kate Trawick, Isabella Bowden, Kellan Griffin, Lucas Bowden, Ivy Kate Norwalk, Zeke Griffin, Kye Norwalk, and Waylon Smith; her siblings, Faye Watson, Frank Watson (Della), Jerry Watson, and Shirley Watson Cureton along with their families; and so many other family members and friends who she loved dearly. She was deeply loved and will be missed by so many.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Gene Oden officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mrs. Yvonne Franklin, of Slocomb, AL, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 11, 2025. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at New Hinson Baptist Church with Reverend Bryan Klobe officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Interment will follow at New Hinson Baptist Church Cemetery.
Yvonne was born September 25, 1937 to the late Ernest and Callie Loutrell Gavin Jones. Yvonne worked at JC Penney as a quality control specialist. Yvonne was a woman of faith and a dedicated servant of Christ. She was an active member of the New Hinson Baptist Church. She was a wonderful homemaker, loved her family, and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Steve Franklin.
She is survived by her husband of 72 years Roland Franklin.
DOTHAN…Mr. Richard Thompson, a resident of Dothan, died early Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, at his home. He was 64.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 11, 2025, in Southside Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Tim Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thompson, the beloved son of the late James Thompson—who proudly served his country as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army—and Joan Madeline Leonard Thompson, was born and raised in the close-knit community of Dearborn, Michigan. From a young age, he carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength—traits he no doubt inherited from his parents.
He spent his teenage years in Alaska, where he graduated from Bartlett High School. Those years shaped him in many ways—he learned to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, the importance of perseverance, and the joy of simple things like a good laugh with friends or a quiet moment under the open sky.
In the 1980s, Mr. Thompson made his way to Dothan, Alabama, a place that quickly became home. He built a life rooted in community, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the little things that make life meaningful.
He had a true passion for fishing—there was nothing quite like the peace he found by the water, waiting patiently for a bite, soaking in the stillness of nature. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, as he cheered on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide with unwavering pride. And if you ever needed help with a car, he was your guy. He loved getting under the hood, fixing things with his hands, and sharing what he knew with anyone who asked. For him, working on cars wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to connect, to teach, and to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Thompson will be remembered not just for the things he loved, but for the way he made others feel—welcomed, supported, and seen. His life was a quiet testament to the power of kindness, the strength of family, and the beauty of a well-lived life.
Surviving relatives include his brothers, James “Jim” Thompson (Jan), Cullman, Danny Thompson, John Thompson, both of Dothan, and David Thompson (Stephanie), Enterprise; nieces, Mirna Thompson, Amadeua Thompson, and Brenda Thompson; nephew, Matthew Hood.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Smithie Thursby Smith of Slocomb passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Dr. J Chris Adams and Rev. Royce Morrow officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hinson Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday July 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Smith was born September 6, 1939, in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late Alvis Lefed and Annie Pearl Whittaker Thursby. Smithie grew up in Reynoldsville, Georgia and graduated from Seminole County High School and Marsh Business College. She was employed as a bookkeeper with Andrews Tire Company and Adams Yamaha and Marine for several years and retired from the United States Postal Service in Dothan after 20 years of service. She lived in Slocomb and the Fadette Community for many years and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Smithie was a committed woman of faith and loved serving her Savior. She enjoyed going on trips and attending the Taylor Senior Center where she made many friends, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, her loving husband of 46 years, Rex Smith; sister, Christine King; parents-in-law, Cliff and Beatrice Byrd; brothers-in-law: Sidney Byrd, Mack Byrd, and Don Hidle, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughter, Cindy Williams (Scott); son, William Smith (Sharon); grandchildren: Brandon Smith (Katie), Brittany Smith Ching (Jason) and Ava Miranda Williams; three great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
James Arlin Pugh, affectionately known as “Doc,” a resident of Gordon, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Houston County, Alabama. He was 88 years old.
Born on April 26, 1937, in Evergreen, Alabama, James was a proud Alabamian who deeply loved Alabama football and found great joy in driving through the countryside.
James will be fondly remembered as a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a cherished great-grandfather, and a loyal brother. His warmth, wisdom, and enduring love for his family created a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved daughters, Brandee Pugh and Kiersten Pugh (Brad Whitehead); grandchildren, Ashton Ward (Haley) and Jaylee Goodson (Peyton); great-grandchildren, Rowan, Mila, and Avery Collins; brothers, Frank Pugh (Shirley) and Winston Pugh (Sandy); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a special friend, Michael Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenora and James Pugh; and brothers, Harry Pugh, Marion Pugh, Edsel Davis, George Pugh, and Bradley Pugh.
James “Doc” Pugh will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will be treasured always.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
