Daniel John Mullins, known affectionately to many as “Danny,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born on February 28, 1946, in the Panama Canal Zone, Danny was the beloved son of the late Earl and Mary Mullins of Gamboa. The second of seven children, he spent a vibrant childhood playing among the jungles and the banks of the Canal. After graduating from Balboa High School in 1964 and attending Canal Zone College, Danny answered the call to service by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served with distinction for six years aboard the USS Enterprise and USS Hancock, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. Danny’s dedication to the Navy continued into his civilian career. He worked as a Fuels Management Specialist at the U.S. Navy Shipyard in Alameda, California, before eventually retiring from Naval Air Station in Pensacola after 25 years of committed service.
A man of many passions, Danny was happiest when around motorcycles, attending aviation shows, or traveling in his RV. He was known for his ability to make friends effortlessly. Beyond his hobbies, Danny was a man of immense character and compassion. He was a devoted son who cared for his parents until their passing and provided the same loving care for his elderly Uncle, John Mallia until his death. After retirement, Danny settled in Dothan, Alabama, where he remained an active and cherished member of the community.
He survives by his sons, Darren Mullins, Charles Mullins (Erica), his cherished grandchildren, Ariana and Amaya; and his siblings, Earl (Sue) Mullins, Clifford Mullins, Jim (Karen) Mullins, Kathleen Mullins (Beattie) Hendricks, and Joe (Debbie) Mullins. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Mullins and Robert Mullins.
A memorial service to honor Danny’s life and service will be held at 1:00 PM on February 7, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Highway, Dothan, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Dr. Nathan Lee Hodges, a resident of Ozark, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 2, 2026. He was 83 years old. Memorial services for Dr. Hodges will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2026, at The First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Meditation Garden, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary Friday from 12:30 pm until service time.
Nathan was born December 7, 1942 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges. He graduated from Wewahitchka High School in 1960. Following High School he attended Gulf Coast Community College and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He pastored churches in Dale, Houston and Coffee County, Alabama from 1962 to 1968. He then graduated from Troy State University with a double major – BS Degree in Psychology and History and then a Masters degree in Educational Administration. Between earning his BS Degree and getting his Masters degree he began his educational career as the principal at Midland City Elementary School. One little known fact is that during this time he also earned his solo pilot’s license, just one more certificate for the wall.
He liked to say “Just keep moving; just keep learning!” and that is exactly what he did. His next educational moves included time as principal of Ariton High School and then as the Associate Superintendent of Dale County Schools. In1976 he was elected as Superintendent of Education of the Dale County School system. During this time he was selected by the Alabama Jaycees as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Man for his distinguished service to his community, state and county. Realizing he needed and wanted to know more, Nathan moved his family to Auburn University. He kept his family with him every step of the way. After earning his doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University, Nathan became president of Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. This marked only the beginning of an extraordinary career in post secondary education.
Upon leaving Wallace he attended the University of Alabama Birmingham to begin a study in Hospital Administration and continued his studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This led him to University of New Mexico’s Children’s Hospital where he served in hospital administration. He ultimately returned to his roots and lifelong calling in education and attended the University of Texas in Block 49 in Community College Leadership. That journey led him to serve as President of Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina; Haywood Community College in Waynesville, North Carolina; and Southcentral Kentucky Technical and Community College in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where his leadership left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and communities alike.
Despite a lifetime of professional achievements, Dr. Hodges believed life was best lived in balance. He deeply valued time with friends and family and found happiness in the simple pleasures – caring for animals, the quiet focus of competition archery, and the peaceful rhythms of rural life. From the sloughs of the Dead Lakes to his farm in Alabama, he always found peace in the outdoors. Nature was not just a backdrop to his life, but a place where his gentle spirit thrived. He had a special softness and kindness toward animals, forming close bonds caring for pets of all kinds(from dogs and cats to cows and more); each one truly hitting the jackpot when they found their way into his care. Though his career was far-reaching in service, his heart remained rooted in his love for the Lord, his family, his friends, his pets, and his home on Route 2.
Nathan’s education, degrees, and career accomplishments were never about recognition or simply achievements; they were part of his calling to serve others. The people he encountered along the way shaped his life just as deeply as he shaped theirs. While he received many awards and honors throughout his career the most cherished and meaningful titles held closest to his heart were husband, dad, Pop Pop and friend.
Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges; and his sisters, Evelyn Hodges and Clara Hodges Caine. He is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Rebecca Elaine Sutton Hodges of Ozark; and his two children, Jeff Hodges (Dee) of Ozark, AL and Ginger Hodges Scarbrough (Kevin) of Enterprise, AL. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hayden Elizabeth Scarbrough; Judson Hayes Scarbrough (Zoe); Alexander Slater Hodges; Hannah Nicole Kelley (Michael); Grayson Michael Hodges; Cooper Sutton Hodges; and by one great grandchild, Westin Hayes Kelley. He is also survived by his brother Larry Von Hodges (Debbie) of Albertville, AL; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to honor with sincere appreciation, Lorine Gissendanner, who has been so loving and helpful throughout this past year and the community of medical professionals from Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, Ozark, AL. The family is also grateful for friends, community, and church family whose support, kindness and presence have meant so much during this time.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org
Mrs. Mary Leona Smith Pritchard of Zellwood, FL, formerly of Samson, AL, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was 91 years old.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 04, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Geneva, AL with Rev. Sonny Moore officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time for departure to the cemetery.
Mrs. Leona was born in Geneva County, AL on November 15, 1934, to the late Glen Harvey and Vester Mae Mitchell Smith. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and church family. Prior to her retirement, she worked in the sewing industry and textile mill. She was a very hard worker and one who could be depended on when someone needed help. Leona was a firm believer in saying what she meant and meaning what she said. She will be missed by those who knew her best and loved her.
She is survived by one sister, Hettie “Betty” D. Allen of Zellwood, FL; several special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Sybil Grinstead Webb
Sybil went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 in Dothan, Alabama at the age of 95. She was born July 20th, 1930, in Shamrock, Florida, to the late John Wesley and Lula Thomas Grinstead.
She graduated from Dixie County High School in 1948 and met her beloved Bill in the summer and they were married December 19th, 1948. She worked in the family business with him, Dixie Lily Milling Company, but her pride and joy was her family. Although an avid gardener and fisherwoman, Sybil’s greatest joy was her time spent with her family and friends. Whether it was offering advice, giving a listening ear, or lending a hand to help, she knew the most joy was found with others. Her greatest legacy was left in her many relationships.
Sybil was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bill, her daughters Sonya Webb and Karla Nelson, son Bill Webb, Jr., brother Don Grinstead, brother Wes Grinstead and his wife Dolores, sister Eloyse Evans and her husband Jake and their son Don, sister Evelyn Williams and her husband Shon and their daughter Linda Gossman, sister Marjorie Forrester and her husband George, and sister Shirley Albertson.Survivors include her son Wade Webb, granddaughter Jessica Roberts and her husband Josiah and their daughters Hannah and Lydia, grandson Jonathan Nelson and his wife Danna and their son Caleb, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Flowers Hospital, Sybil’s incredible physician, Dr. Paola Bass, Westside Terrace, Dayspring Hospice, and her many caregivers, friends, and family for all their excellent care in her last few years.
A private family memorial will be planned for a later date.
Raymond Riley Eddins, a faith-filled and gentle soul, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 31, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on March 8, 1941, in Monroe County, Alabama. Raymond was a man whose loving nature and warm spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. He was the cherished husband of Mary Clements Eddins for 53 glorious years, a proud father to his two daughters, Rachael Eddins Nichols and Mary Catherine Eddins, and an adoring grandfather to Isabelle and Lillian Nichols.
Raymond’s life was one of dedication and service, hallmarked by his strong Christian beliefs. It was at a church gathering that he met the love of his life, Mary, and together they built a family founded on love and faith. He was a pillar of strength and support to his two brothers, Fred and Paul Eddins, who will dearly miss him. Raymond walked through life with the lessons and memories of his late parents, Raymond H. Eddins and Bonnie Corhan Eddins, and his sister, Virginia Eddins Dunson, firmly in his heart.
Education was a significant aspect of Raymond’s life. He attended both Auburn University and the University of Alabama, where he gained the knowledge that would later contribute to his successful career. In 1977, Raymond moved to Dothan, Alabama, and began working with Sony Electronics, where he remained until his retirement in 2000. His work ethic and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on all his colleagues and associates.
Raymond’s interests and hobbies were as varied as they were engaging. He was a true renaissance man, with a passion for gardening, reading, photography, and tinkering with mechanical and electrical devices. His love for his family was evident in the care he took of his yard, his orchards, and in growing fruits and nuts for them to enjoy. He was an active member of the Genealogy Society, Civil Air Patrol, and a skilled Ham Radio Operator. Following his retirement, Raymond continued to give back to his community by volunteering at Hidden Lake School and with the Red Cross.
He was a longstanding member of the First Baptist Church of Dothan, where he not only found spiritual solace but also a community that shared his values and beliefs. His contribution to the church and its community was immeasurable, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Dothan, officiated by Rev. Byron Nichols. He will be laid to rest at 1 pm on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Union Cemetery in Frisco City, Alabama, alongside his parents. Raymond’s life story is one of love, dedication, and unwavering faith, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org).
MIDLAND CITY… David E. Jenkins, a resident of Midland City, Alabama, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home. He was 80.
Funeral services will be held 2;00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with Brother Jimmy Monk officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Headland, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Jenkins was born in Midland City, Alabama to the late John C. Jenkins and Rosie Walding Jenkins. David lived in Midland City, Alabama his whole life. He attended Dale County High School. He worked with the family business (Jenkins Masonry, Inc.) as a brick mason until his retirement. He was a founder and faithful member of the True Light Church of Jesus Christ Church in Midland City, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Jenkins, Martha Virginia Cunningham, and Sonya Jenkins Senn; his brothers, James Jenkins, Dan Jenkins, Bobby Jenkins, and Mitchell Jenkins.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Karen Johnson Jenkins; his sons, Wesley Grier Jenkins and John-David (J.D.) Burtz Jenkins; his sisters, Billie Ann Senn and Debra Kowal (Jeffrey); his sister-in-law, Margaret Jenkins; his grandchildren, Madison Jenkins, Graicy Jenkins, Aubrey Jenkins, and Bailey Jenkins; and his several nieces and nephews.
