ARITON…Mr. Ed Christian (a.k.a, CB handle, Fallen Angel), a resident of Ariton, died late Saturday afternoon, September 6, 2025, at his home. He was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Christian was a man who lived a full life, rich in experience and grounded in love. Born in Columbus, Indiana, he was the son of William Christian and Rosa Irene Futch Christian, both of whom instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience. He carried those values with him throughout his life, touching the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.
He spent many years in Bartow, Florida, where he built a life surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of everyday living. In 2007, he made the move to Ariton, Alabama—a place that quickly became home. He found peace in the quiet rhythms of small-town life and built new connections that meant the world to him.
Mr. Christian was no stranger to hard work. He spent much of his career as an over-the-road truck driver, logging countless miles across the country. He had a deep respect for the road and the stories it held, and he took pride in doing his job well. Later, he worked with the Dothan Eagle as a newspaper carrier, waking up before dawn to make sure folks got their morning paper. It wasn’t glamorous work, but he did it with dedication and a smile—because that’s just the kind of man he was. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a paratrooper.
One of the most tender parts of Mr. Christian’s life was his love for animals—especially dogs. He had a soft spot for strays and never turned one away. If a dog showed up at his door, it found a home. He believed every creature deserved love, and he gave it freely. His dogs weren’t just pets—they were family.
He also carried deep love and sorrow in his heart. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Larry Christian and Mary Fickle, by his brother, Alfred Christian, and his first two wives, Opal Hiatt and Martha Poer. Those losses were heavy, but he bore them with grace, keeping their memories alive in the stories he told and the quiet moments he spent reflecting.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-seven years, June Foster Christian, Ariton; his children, Becky Ross (Dink), North Vernon, Indiana, Donald Christian, Bradenton, Florida, Dennis Christian (Debbie), Columbus, Indiana, Roger Christian (Angie), Nancy Battin (Bill), all of Columbus, Indiana, Leslie Christine Christian, Russellville, Arkansas, Julie Powell, Ozark, Eva Marie Brogden, Brundidge, Kathleen Cass Christian, Panama City, Florida, Michael Scott Christian (Kayla), Ariton, and Richard Christian (Amber), Enterprise; a brother, Doyle Dewight Christian, Indiana; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
