Retha June Smith, fondly known as June to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 76. Born on May 30, 1949, in Skipperville, Alabama, June’s early years were filled with the warmth and charm of Southern life. Her journey through life was a testament to her kind, loving, and thoughtful nature, touching the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
June was a beacon of love and stability, especially as a proud homemaker. Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and she was the cherished wife of David Smith for 50 years until his passing. The couple’s enduring partnership was strengthened by the trials and adventures of David’s career, which saw them relocating frequently, each move a chapter in their shared story. Despite the challenges, June’s resilient spirit and capacity for love made every new place a home.
Her life in Troy, Alabama, where she moved in 1986, was marked by her dedication to her loved ones. June is survived by her son, Sean (Amanda) Smith, and her adored grandchildren, Maria Elizabeth Smith and David Ethan Smith, who brought her immense joy and pride. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters, Delane Snell Blackburn, Betty Snell Cochran, and Melba Snell (Hal) Cox; sister-in-law, Vicki Snell; and a special niece, Donna Grantham, who was like a sister to her. The angel of the family, Pam Peters, along with several nieces and nephews, will also hold June’s memory dear. Her loss will be deeply felt, as she was preceded in death by her husband, David, her sisters, Jean Snell Griggs, Leota Snell Miller, Martha Snell Burroughs, and Wanda Snell Wright, and her brothers, Horace Snell, Jr. and Michael Snell.
June’s Christian faith was an integral part of her life, having attended Brown’s Church in her youth. She carried the values of her faith throughout her life, embodying the virtues of kindness and compassion in every action. Her love for her grandkids was unparalleled, and she found great pleasure in playing cards with her friends, with Rummikub being a particular favorite. June’s sweet soul shone brightly, and she was known for never speaking ill of anyone, a rare and precious trait.
In her leisure time, June found joy in the company of her dog, Gizmo, who was a constant companion and source of happiness. Sadly, after contracting the Covid/flu, June never fully recovered. Yet, even during her illness, her spirit and love for life remained as strong as ever.
As we bid farewell to June, we celebrate a life lived with grace and generosity. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with the same kindness and thoughtfulness that she embodied every day. June’s legacy is not only in the love she gave but also in the countless moments of joy and comfort she brought to those around her.
We take comfort in knowing that June’s spirit will live on in the memories we cherish and the stories we share about a woman whose life was a true embodiment of love. May she rest in peace, and may her light continue to guide us in the days to come.
John “Sonny” Howard Griffith, 65, a long-time resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Flowers Hospital following an brief illness.
John was born on September 17, 1960, in Dothan to the late Clarence Ray, Sr. & Clara (Brazil) Griffith. He spent the early years of his life in Dothan and was a graduate of Northview High School. John spent most of his life working in sheet metal fabrication and as a General Contractor in the Construction industry and often referred to as “jack of all trades!”
He is preceded by his parents; his brother, Clarence Ray Griffith, Jr.; and his sister Linda Griffith Griffin, and her husband Jimmy Griffin.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary “Libby” Elizbeth Griffith of Atlanta, GA; his two sisters, Carolyn Dillard, and Lottie Hughes (David) both of Dothan; his nieces and nephews, Sabrina Proctor (Shane), and Hayley Archie (Travis); and his two great nieces and nephews, Cooper Proctor, and Eli Archie.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Nurses of Dayspring Hospice and 5th Floor Nurses of Flowers Hospital, for the love and care shown to their loved one during this difficult time.
Per his wishes, no services will be held at this time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Mr. Richard Lenox Tyler, Jr. died February 18, 2026 in Dothan, Alabama. He was known as “Mr. Richard” or “Dick” to his friends and neighbors, but as “Dickie” to his family and his beloved mother, Tommie Lil Mason Tyler. Dickie was born March 30, 1944 in Macon, Georgia to Tommie and Richard Lenox Tyler, Sr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Margaret Tyler Mitchell and Jane Tyler Mandell, both of whom called him “Brother” all of his life; and his great nephew, Mason Benedict.
Dickie was a 1963 graduate of Lanier High School in Macon, where he joined the Junior ROTC when Lanier had the largest unit in the U.S., with over 2,000 cadets. After high school, Dickie attended the University of Georgia in Athens. He was a member of Army ROTC and graduated in 1967 with a degree in accounting. He worked as an auditor for the Federal Government for 29 years until his retirement in 2004.
When he graduated from UGA, he received a second lieutenant’s commission and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from April 1968 to March 1970. With his fellows in the 14th Quartermaster Platoon (attached to the 512th Quartermaster Company) he performed the difficult and dangerous work of keeping communication lines in repair. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Two Overseas Service Bars, and the Bronze Star for non-combat “Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces.” In his citation for the Bronze Star, commanders lauded him for “energetically applying his sound judgement and extensive knowledge” to this assignment. The family story often told of his return home from Vietnam featured the anonymous cab driver who drove him up to his mother’s door and with tears in his eyes and great pride, returned Dickie, a soldier, to his mother.
Dickie remained a lifelong Bulldog fan and was seldom seen without his UGA baseball cap. He was an avid coin collector, a formidable tennis player, a loving son and brother, a great uncle, and the caretaker of many cats in need of a home. He also had one of the world’s great minds for sports statistics.
He is survived by his nieces Lee Tyler Darter, Margaret Tyler Mitchell, Mary Niall Mitchell and their spouses, as well as his great nephew William Louis Pult and his most recent house cat, Peachy II. He is remembered by many extended family, neighbors, and friends, particularly his dear friends in Dothan at the Cardiac Rehab Clinic of Flowers Hospital and Mom’s Kitchen.
Dickie will be buried in a family service in Macon, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to Wiregrass Pets Rescue & Adoption in Dothan would be appreciated.
Mr. Billy Frank Baxley of Dothan passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at the age of 94.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 3 P.M. Saturday, March 7, 2026. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church Building Fund, 2400 Forrester Rd., Dothan, AL 36301.
Mr. Baxley was born June 6, 1931, in Alabama to the late Curtis Lee and Thelma Carraway Baxley. He was a member of Grandview Baptist Church.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Foye Reeves Baxley, daughter, Beth Brannon, son, Alan Baxley, sister, Shirley Phares, brother, Jimmy Baxley, and brother-in-law, George McNeill.
He is survived by his daughters, Cassandra Canady (Don), Robin Taylor (Donald Ray), son-in-law, Charlie Brannon, sisters-in-law, Betty Baxley, Faye Reeves McNeill, brother, Jerome Baxley (Dianne), grandchildren, Julie Flint, Jeremy Brannon (Amber), Evan Canady (Kate), Aubree McKnight (Clayton), Paul Baxley, Ana Kight (Matt), Lindsey Barton (Dustin), Daniel Taylor, and 16 great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their care and support and to his special sitters, LeAnn, April, and Pamela.
Sister Mary Bell “May Bell” Jones, age 88, was born on December 4, 1937, to the late Sol Berry and Katie Bell Berry. She was the devoted wife of the late Willie Nelson Jones. Sister Mary Bell peacefully departed this life on February 24, 2026.
Mary Bell gave her life to God at an early age and stood firmly on His Word until her passing. Her faith was her foundation, and she lived her life as a testimony of strength, love, and devotion to Christ.
She was a dedicated worker throughout her life. Mary Bell worked at Ansell until her retirement. After retiring, she continued serving others by working at First Baptist Church and later as a Foster Grandparent at Jerry Lee Faine, where she lovingly poured into the lives of countless children until her health no longer permitted her to continue. She loved “her kids,” and they loved her dearly.
Mary Bell faithfully served as Chaplain of the Ruth Walker Matrons and was a member of the St. Mary’s District Matrons. She was also a member of the Elks Club. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing bingo and cooking for others, always finding joy in bringing people together through food and fellowship.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Nelson Jones; two daughters, Elaine Crook and Marilyn Edwards; one son, Dezario Jones; one granddaughter, Tika Jones; four brothers, Jim Berry, Barney Berry, Cleveland Berry, and John Ed Berry; and four sisters, Inez Pierce, Annie Malone, Mamie Dennard, and Gertrude Sanders.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory: two sons, Ricky (Mavis) Jones and James (Jammie) Rich; two daughters, Rochelle (Anthony) Brown and Jill (Henry) Williams; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Sue Larve.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 370 Chickasaw Street, Dothan, Alabama, with Reverend Brandon Marshall officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home, 965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Niva Faye Bryant Peak, a resident of Newville, Alabama, died Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her home. She was 88 years old. In keeping with the wishes of the family, there will be no public services for Mrs. Peak at this time. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Peak was born March 21, 1937 in Union Grove, Alabama to the late Hobson Bryant and Mary Magnolia Clayton Bryant. She grew up in Cullman, Alabama where she met and married Glen Peak. They moved to Ozark to raise their family. Mrs. Peak worked at the Echo Country Store. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her fur-baby, cooking, nature and helping others in the community. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Peak; her son, Russell Peak; and her sister, Nina Smith. Survivors include three daughters, Sherry Golson (Chris), Jennifer Keller (Randy), and Tammy Garner (Mike); one brother, Verlon Bryant (Corky); five grandchildren, Jamie Peak, Stacie Hall, Josh Dykes, Clay Golson and Bryant Keller; two great grandchildren, Isabella and Addison; her special fur-baby, KitKat; and special friends and caregivers, Jill and Margie. The family would like to express a special thanks to Southern Care Hospice for the love and support they gave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Southern Care Hospice, 2576 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 2, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
