Terry James Bockes, born on May 6, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home in Midland City, Alabama, on February 15, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of family and close friends.
Terry proudly served his country as a dedicated member of the United States Army for 27 years. His military career was a defining part of his life, marked by unwavering commitment, strength, and a deep sense of duty. He formed lifelong bonds with his fellow servicemen and women, whom he considered family. The pride he carried for his service and his military family was evident to all who knew him.
A devoted sports fan, Terry rarely missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and the LSU Tigers. Whether watching a game at home or talking football with friends, his enthusiasm was contagious and brought people together.
Above all, Terry was a loving and generous man whose heart was as big as his personality. He was quick with a smile, steady with his support, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Debi; his brothers, Harry and Garry (Kathy); his sister, Sharon Bockes; his sons, TJ and Jon Bockes; his children, Rebecca Hutson (Scott), Benji Carmena (Toni), and Bill Carmena (Brandi); his grandchildren, Skylar Carmena (Michael), Benjamin Carmena, Gabe Reeves (Mileigh), Bradley Hutson, Grace Carmena, and William Carmena; and his great-grandchildren, Bentlee Casey, Adalyn Casey, and Elliana Holder. He also leaves behind his stepsiblings, Steve Wulff (Trisa), Howard Wulff (Kim), Paul Wulff (Kathy), Theresa Wulff (Tim), sisters-in-law, Reda Seal and Linda Wulff, brother-in-law, Donny Armstrong (Angie), and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Kay Bockes, stepmother, Dolores Merle Bockes, stepbrother, Jim Wulff, sister-in-law, Becky Bockes, and brother-in-law, Randy (Danny) Armstrong.
Terry’s love for his family extended far beyond bloodlines. He treasured his military brothers and sisters and the many friends he loved like family. His legacy of loyalty, generosity, and steadfast love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
HEADLAND… James Patrick “Pat” Wall, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away early Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, at Henry County Health & Rehabilitation. He was 92.
A private graveside service will be held for the family at a later date, at Headland Methodist Cemetery, with Reverend Kyle Gatlin officiating. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org; or to the Headland Methodist Cemetery Fund, 103 West King Street, Headland, Alabama 36345.
Mr. Wall was born in Cookeville, Tennessee to the late Herbert Staley Wall and Maude Mason Wall. He was a 1951 graduate of Cookeville High School. After high school he graduated from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee and from Troy State University where he earned his master’s degree counseling. He served his country as a pilot and rank as a Major in the U.S. Army. After retiring from his military career, Pat worked with civil service as a Standardization Officer for the Army Aviation at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where he also served as an Interim Dean and Instructor Pilot. Mr. Wall also served as a Director at Bevill Center for Electronics Technology in Eufaula, Alabama. He had previously lived in Ozark, Alabama and Dothan, Alabama prior to moving to Headland, Alabama twelve years ago. He was a very active member of the Covenant Methodist Church for several years, where he taught Adult Sunday School, was a choir member, and active in the Men’s Fellowship. After moving to Headland, Alabama, he became a member of the Headland Methodist Church.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Harry Williams.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of thirty-two years, Sheila Faye Penton Wall; his children, Amy Wall, Patti Robinson (Rodney), Amy Marler (Ray), and Carrie Babcock (Chad); his sister, Martha Williams; his grandchildren, Molly Horne (Bram), Evie Robinson, Grace Baxter (Conor), Forrest Baxter (Robin), Logan Marler, Jack Yoell, Evan Babcock, and John Babcock (Kiriam; his great-grandchildren, Julian Baxter and John Elwood Babcock; and his several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the Henry County Nursing Home & Rehabilitation and staff for their love and care for Mr. Wall during his time there.
Richard Robert Becker, known to many as Rich or Richie, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 53. Born on July 1, 1972, in New Jersey, Rich lived a life defined by loyalty to his family, dedication to his work, and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a natural ability to make others feel at ease, often using his quick wit and easy smile to brighten even the most ordinary day.
Rich is survived by his devoted wife, Lori Becker, who was his partner and best friend. He was a proud and loving father to Erica Schmidt (Brendan), Richie Becker, and Nicholas Becker. Nothing brought him greater joy than being “Pop” to his grandchildren, Veda and George. They were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent laughing, playing, and making memories with them.
He is also survived by his father, Richie Becker; step mother, Terri Becker; his stepfather, Steve Jackson; his siblings, Adam Becker (April), Bonnie Siqueido (Bud), and Robin Rivera (Corey); and his brother-in-law, David Seiler (Rhonda). His nieces and nephews—Destiny, Gabby, Corey, Brandy, and Jackie—will always remember his playful spirit and the way he could turn any gathering into a time of laughter. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Rita Jastram, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.
Professionally, Rich worked as an animal control officer and later as a skilled locksmith. In both roles, he served his community with integrity and compassion. Whether helping someone regain access to their home or ensuring the safety and care of animals, Rich approached his work with patience and heart. His coworkers knew him as dependable, steady under pressure, and always ready with a joke to lighten a difficult situation.
Rich was a proud member of the American Legion. He served as Road Captain and truly enjoyed organizing and taking part in the many motorcycle rides, finding freedom and fellowship. He believed deeply in standing by those he cared about and carried that same sense of loyalty into his friendships.
Outside of work, Rich embraced life’s simple pleasures. He loved adding to his collection of tattoos, each one telling part of his story, and he had a true passion for riding his Harley, feeling most at peace on the open road. He enjoyed gathering around a table for a good meal with family and friends, sharing stories over a fine cigar, a cold beer, or a glass of bourbon. These were the moments when his storytelling and humor shone brightest.
Above all, Rich will be remembered as a man who loved deeply and lived fully. He was generous with his time, protective of those he loved, and unafraid to speak his mind. His laughter, steady presence, and unwavering support will be missed beyond measure. Though his time here was far too short, the love he shared and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends for years to come.
Warren Thomas Whitaker, a steadfast pillar of his community and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 15, 1939, in Harlem, Georgia, Warren’s life was a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and kindness.
Warren’s journey began in the humble surroundings of Harlem, Georgia, where he was born to the late Marion and Ida Mae Whitaker. His early years in the South shaped the man he would become, instilling in him the values of hard work and dedication. Warren’s formative years were shared with his siblings, the late Clemon Whitaker, Anne Daly, and Jane Jackson, and his surviving brother, Lewis Whitaker.
Proudly serving as a Navy Corpsman, he was attached to a U.S. Marine Battalion serving on a destroyer escort, where he continued to exemplify the virtues of service and commitment. Following his military tenure, Warren embarked on a career that would define much of his professional life. He began as a journeyman/oiler before securing a position at the paper mill in Cedar Springs in 1963. There, he dedicated four decades as a mechanic, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his reliability and expertise. His retirement in 2002 marked the end of an era, but the legacy of his workmanship and camaraderie remained.
Warren’s heart was always with his family. He is survived by his cherished wife of 63 years, Mildred Juanita Reynolds Whitaker, who stood by his side in every chapter of their life together. His legacy continues through his sons, Norman Whitaker (Amelia) and Kirk Whitaker (Diana), who will remember their father as a guiding force of wisdom and love. Warren’s joy was multiplied by his grandchildren, Thaddaeus (Chasity) and Christian, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Outside of work, Warren found solace and pleasure at his hunting land, a place where he could immerse himself in the serenity of nature. His fun-loving and kind spirit made him a friend to all who knew him. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we do so with gratitude for the time we shared with him and for his jovial demeanor. Warren’s story is one of a life well-lived, and his memory will be cherished eternally by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of Warren’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11 am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Paul Edenfield officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Virginia was born April 8, 1944, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to George Beuerlein and Marianna Niedergeses Beuerlein. She worked as a secretary at Henderson Chemical Company for many years.
Virginia enjoyed word puzzles, cooking, and arts and crafts. Above all, she devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years; and her parents.
Survivors include her sons, Arthur Wrix Garland (Michelle Beer) and Joseph Allan Garland; grandchildren, Alexander Wrix Garland (Jessica), James William Garland (Shelby), Joseph Michael Garland, Heather Lynn Helms (Brandon), and Tiffany Walker (Klayton) great-grandchildren, Vincent Helms and Aria Helms; brother, Larry Beuerlein (Pam); sisters, Deloris Dockum and Ruth Stewart (Richard); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Jeanell Williams went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 15, 2026 at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle in Dothan, AL. She was 85.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Newton United Methodist Church in Newton, AL at 12:00 PM with her pastor, Sam Williams officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM and continuing until service time.
Interment will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church Cemetery in Ashland, AL.
Jeanell married Sam Williams on May 24, 1987 and they begin their journey as a Clergy Couple at Wallboro UMC on May 31, 1987. From there they went to Oak Valley Station UMC, then to Echo and Browns UM churches, then to Sardis UMC (Hartford, AL), Wesley Chapel UMC (Enterprise, AL), Westside and Corner Creek UM churches, Westview UMC, Columbia UMC, Kinsey UMC and finally to Newton UMC.
Jeanell was a beauty operator for 50 years, working in Montgomery, Dothan and Enterprise. In addition, she and Sam wrote, edited and published a monthly newsletter for 30 years. They were also members of THE GOPSEL SPREADERS singing group for almost 10 years.
In addition to her parents, Jeanell was preceded in death by her brothers, Willie Fred “Pete” (Earline), Russell, Pervis, Quinton and Lenward Robinson. She is survived by her husband and Pastor Sam Williams, her sisters Anne Lou Thomas (Dow) and Nancy Cassidy (Mike), her sister-in-law Betty Robinson and her spiritual son Rev Charles Newman.
Flowers will be accepted or you can make a donation to either Newton UMC, Kinsey UMC or The Gospel Spreader all in care of Sam Williams 209 East King St, Newton, AL.
Mr. Williams would like to thank God, Dr. Latimar and the staff of ICU 5 at Flowers Hospital for giving us two more weeks with Jeanell. Mr. Williams would also like to thank the staff at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle for the great care they took of Jeanell for over three years.
