OZARK…Marquez Laster, a resident of Ozark, died late Friday evening, July 4. 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 27.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN…Mr. Richard Thompson, a resident of Dothan, died early Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, at his home. He was 64.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Danny Ray McKnight, a devoted father, proud veteran, and beloved jokester known for his generosity and faith, passed away at the age of 73 on July 3, 2025, in Macon, Georgia.
Born on May 20, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, Danny lived a life marked by love, service, and deep-rooted faith. A graduate of Dothan High School, he went on to honorably serve in the Army National Guard and spent many dedicated years with the United States Postal Service.
Danny didn’t just talk about his faith—he wore it. Literally. His collection of Christian t-shirts was just one of the many ways he shared his love for the Lord with the world around him. He was a man who believed in showing up for people, loving fiercely, and laughing often.
Although he recently moved to Douglas, Georgia, to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, Danny’s heart never left Dothan, Alabama, where he was born and raised. A proud veteran, Danny’s military service took him across the world, including a memorable deployment to Seoul during the 1988 Summer Olympics. His time in service reflected his deep sense of duty and adventure, but no matter where life took him, his greatest pride and joy remained his children: Danny McKnight II and Tiffany Clardy.
He is survived by his son, Danny McKnight II (Kristine) of Douglas, Georgia; daughter, Tiffany Clardy (Michael) of Dothan, Alabama; brothers, Steve McKnight (Norma) and Rodger McKnight, both of Dothan; grandchildren, Madison and Maggie McKnight of Dothan; nephew, Ashley McKnight (Susie) of Panama City, Florida; niece, Emrist Mustin (Garrett) of Dothan; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Margaret McKnight; his brother, Jimmy McKnight; and his granddaughter, Saylor McKnight.
Danny loved Alabama football, the Atlanta Braves, and spending time fishing. And if you knew him, you knew there was only one acceptable drink: Diet Coke—nothing else even came close. His sense of humor was unmatched, and even in tough times, he managed to bring laughter wherever he went. He lived life to the fullest, always defied death’s door, and fought until the very end.
Danny was known for his quiet strength, his sharp wit, and his unwavering love for his family. Whether sharing stories from his years of service or enjoying a simple afternoon surrounded by loved ones, he lived with a deep appreciation for the things that truly matter.
More than anything, Danny was a giver. Whether it was a warm smile, a word of encouragement, or quite literally the shirt off his back, he was always there for others. His warmth, humor, and deep compassion will be missed more than words can say.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Charles Goldsmith officiating at Sunset Memorial Park, with military honors to follow.
With arms wide open and a smile as wide as the sea, LaJan Barton Head lived a life full of light, love, and laughter. On Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, at the age of “29” LaJan passed away surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.
Ande (Edna Ference) Dawson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on March 6, 1945, in Ohio, to Edward and Edna Kormanyos, Ande was a beacon of love and dedication, always placing her family at the forefront of her heart and actions.
Ande’s journey in life was a testament to her loving nature and adventurous spirit. She shared 59 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Bob Dawson, a bond that was rooted in deep love and mutual respect. Together, they nurtured a family that included their son, Rob (Kristina) Dawson, and daughter, Ange (Eric) Brickman. Ande took immense pride and joy in her role as a grandmother to Patrick Brickman (M. C. Sharpe), Reid (Lizzy) Brickman, Julia (Cliff) Martin, and Lukas Dawson, and she cherished the moments she became a great-grandmother to Adeline Brickman. Her brother, Edward (Connie) Kormanyos, Jr., sister-in-law, Gale McCune, niece, Kathy McCune-Ellwood, and nephew, Tom McCune, were all dear to her heart.
Raised in the Christian faith, Ande’s upbringing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida laid the foundation for her values and the importance of family. She carried these principles throughout her life, always ensuring her loved ones felt supported and cared for. Her selfless nature was evident in the way she was always there for her husband and children, creating a warm and nurturing home environment.
Ande’s interests were as diverse as they were engaging. She grew up fishing the Florida Coast and Everglades with her father and brother. Her love for saltwater fishing was a cherished activity shared with her son, Rob, creating lasting memories on the water. As an adult, she developed a love for tennis and enjoyed the role of player, partner, and instructor for many years. Ande found pleasure in the simple joys of life, such as reading, assembling puzzles, and playing games.
Traveling was another passion for Ande and Bob, who explored the western United States in their RV, embracing the freedom of the open road. Ande served as a chase driver for Bob when he was a commercial balloon pilot, a role that highlighted her adventurous spirit and the teamwork that defined their marriage.
Ande’s love for good food and a perfectly cooked steak during nights out, was well-known among her family and friends. Summers were spent in their beloved cabin in Franklin, NC, a place she called it her “happy place” and developed many deeply special friendships over the years there.
Those who knew Ande will remember her for her loving heart, her readiness for adventure, and her selfless dedication to her family. Her legacy is one of unwavering love and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and warmth.
Ande’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family, the joy of her grandchildren, and the adventures that she and Bob shared. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the memories she created will forever be treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Ande’s departure from this world leaves behind a legacy of love and the beautiful impression of a life well-lived. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she lived her life to the fullest, surrounded by those she loved until her very last moments.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com