Obituaries

James Griggs Zachry, III, 83, died on December 29, 2023. Griggs was born March 2, 1940 in West Point, the son of James Griggs Zachry, Jr. and Marjorie Davidson Zachry. Griggs was a life-long 5th generation member of West Point First United Methodist Church. A graduate of West Point High School, he was also a graduate of Marion Institute, and Auburn University. Griggs was the owner/operator of Zachry Marine in West Point for 29 years. After closing the store, he became the owner/operator of Zachry Construction of West Point. Griggs is survived by his wife, Helen Ferguson Zachry, his sons—Scott Hamilton (Kelli) Zachry and Miles Davidson (Hollie) Zachry; his grandchildren—Scott Hamilton (Zach) Zachry, Jr., Miles Davidson Zachry, Jr., Sarah Helen Zachry, Brooks Sharpe Zachry and Colten Lee Zachry; his sister—Martha Zachry (Chauncey) Lever. There will be a private burial in Marseille Cemetery, West Point Saturday, January 6 followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 o’clock in the Sanc...

Lynda Langley Burton, 81, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2023. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, LaFayette, Alabama, on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The visitation will begin at 2:00 PM followed immediately by the funeral at 3:00 PM. Lynda was born on October 25, 1942, to Lessie (Bishop) and George Veazey Langley in LaFayette, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Jack Langley; and one sister, Helen Calhoun. She is survived by three children; Camille Burton Mentzer (John), Charles Burton (Allison), and Celeste Burton, five grandchildren; Brittany Burton NesSmith (Dillon), Brooke Burton, Jake Burton, and Reagan and Riley Mentzer, and one great-granddaughter; Charlee Brooke NesSmith. Lynda was a 1960 graduate of LaFayette High School and a 1964 graduate of Agnes Scott College with a Bachelor of Arts major in Education and a minor in French. After graduating, she returned to LaFayette, married Charles Finney (Buddy) Burton on Ju...

Mr. Earnest Tucker, 78, of Lanett died Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Vines Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 p.m. (CST). Interment will be in the Standing Rock Cemetery, Penton. The remains will lie in state at the chapel from 12:00 p.m. (CST) until the funeral hour. Public viewing will be Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST) at Vines Funeral Home. Mr. Tucker is survived by four daughters: Sarah Ballard and Nicole Ballard both of Lanett, Angela Ballard and Barbara Griffin both of Atlanta GA; two sons: Rodney Ballard and James Ballard both of Atlanta, GA: one sister: Maggie Tucker, Atlanta, GA; one brother: Collie (Cynthia) Tucker, Atlanta, GA; four sisters-in-law: Mae V. Ballard and Brenda Ballard both of Five Points, Linda (Frank) Ware of Opelika and Mozell Johnson, Atlanta, GA; two brothers-in-law: Alf Ballard, Five Points and Charlie Joe (Annie) Ballard, Atlanta, GA; eleven grandchildre...

Mr. Allen Burton, 64 of Lafayette, AL passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Public Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 2:00 PM CST until 7:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel, Lafayette, AL. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, 12:00 PM CST at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Lafayette, AL. Reverend Gary Dixon, Pastor/Officiating Interment will follow at Pine Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lafayette, AL. He leaves to cherish his memories: father, Herbert Burton (Mattie) of Lafayette, AL; daughter, Jovan James of Phenix City, AL; grandchildren, Tyree Dardy of Phenix City, AL and Lajada Dardy of Auburn, AL; great grandchild, Maliyah Dardy of Lagrange, GA; brothers, Ricky Heard of Lafayette, AL and Stanley Heard (Lisa) of Five Points, AL; sisters, Cynthia Story and Gwendolyn (John) Bailey both of Lafayette, AL, Angela Dial of Valley, AL, Pamela Burton of Marietta, GA, and LaWendy (Demetrius) Willis of Auburn, AL; devoted c...

Laura Ann Hawkins (Willadene Thomas), 80 years old, passed away in Selma, Alabama on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 after a brief illness. Laura Ann (named Willadene at birth), was born on August 27, 1943 in LaFayette, Alabama. She married right after graduating from LaFayette High School and raised four daughters. She lived most of her life in Selma, Alabama and babysat several of her grandchildren at her house on Lapsley Street as they were growing up. She always looked younger than her years, was an amazing cook, avid gardener, played the organ and the piano and she loved her dog, Max. Laura was an active member for some years at Elkdale Baptist Church as well as Barrett Road Methodist Church and had fond memories of teaching Sunday School, serving at Emmaus retreats and hosting a prayer group that met at her house for a time. She lived in Prattville after marrying Larry Hawkins but returned to Selma after his passing. Laura is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wayne Hawkins, h...

Ms. La’Angel Renae Ellis Wright, 43 of Lafayette, AL passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 11:00 AM CST until 6:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel, Lafayette, AL. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, 1:00 PM CST at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Lafayette, AL. Pastor Gary Dixon, Officiating. Pastor Douglas Jones, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery. Celebrating her precious memories are: six children, Ma’Ryan Wright of Phenix City, AL, DeAnthony (Yosaianna) Wright of Lanett, AL, Davion Wright and Javion Wright of Lafayette, AL, Myshawn (Mercedes) Wright of Opelika, AL, and Makila Wright of Lafayette, AL; her loving mother, Janice Satterwhite of Lafayette, AL; sister, Keanna Satterwhite (David); nine grandchildren, including her 1st born grandchild, Kensley Wright of Phenix City, AL; two great aunts, Josephine Avery and Shirley (Nick) Hughley both of ...

  Joe R. "Buddy" Cofield, a cherished pillar of the Beulah community, passed away peacefully at his residence in Beulah, Alabama, on December 27, 2023, at the age of 77. Born on February 2, 1946, in Valley, Alabama, Buddy was a beacon of wisdom and experience to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Cofield, and his devoted children, Christy Abernathy (Jason), Angie Craft (Lee), David Cauley (Meagan), and Dylan Cauley. His legacy continues through his adoring grandchildren, Ryan Bond (Olivia), Payton Still (Cam), Carlee Craft, Shelby Craft, Brie Craft, Ansley Moon (Dalton), and Michael Abernathy (Kelsey), as well as his cherished great-grandchildren, Luke Gullatt, Lilly Gullatt, Parker Abernathy, and Gracie Abernathy. He also leaves behind his sister, Martha Marie Hulburt (Wayne), his niece, Julie King, and his special friends, the Dubose family. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Joe R. Cofield, Sr. and Evelyn Cofield...

Willie Edward Crawford of the Springvilla community, Opelika, Alabama was born in Tuscaloosa County on July 21, 1945, and passed away at home on December 13, 2023. He was 78 years old. He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam era. He retired from Uniroyal Goodrich after 24 years of employment. He was an award-winning photographer that loved nature and riding his Harley Davidson. His favorite subjects to photograph were beach sunsets, covered bridges, and community events throughout the Auburn/Opelika area. Despite being a busy wedding photographer, he prioritized serving on the broadcast team at First Baptist Church of Opelika for 30 years. Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Corentha Hysaw Crawford; parents William Crawford, Sr. (Bud), and Ruby Burroughs Crawford; brothers David Crawford and William Crawford, Jr. (Bill), and sisters Selena Marcum and Helen Harpe. Willie is survived by his daughter, Marie Peacock (William); grandchildren, Cody Peacock (Bethany), Du...

We come together today to celebrate the life of Donna Maria "Blu" Williams, a beacon of love and generosity who left us on December 22, 2023. Donna graced this world with her presence on January 9, 1949, in West Point, Georgia, and departed from Opelika, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, care, and unforgettable memories. Donna’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Betty Louise Keeble Williams and Robert Burton Sherrer, and she grew up under the loving guidance of her step-father, Herman L. Williams. Her early years in Georgia were filled with the simple joys of life that she would carry into her later years as a nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Donna’s life was one of selfless devotion to her family. She is survived by her sons, Robby Bettis of Lanett, Alabama, and Brad Siggers (Nicki) of Valley, Alabama. Her love and legacy continue to shine through her grandchildren, Justin Bettis of Lanett, Brandon Siggers of Valley, and Kody Kent (Liz...

Ms. Marie Phillips, 75 of Lafayette, AL passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 2:00 PM CST until 6:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel, Lafayette, AL. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 12:00 PM CST at Friendship #1 Baptist Church, Lafayette, AL. Reverend Cornelius Reese, Pastor/Officiating Interment will follow in Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery. She leave to cherish her memories: two loving and devoted daughters, Brenda Phillips of Auburn, AL and Janet Phillips of Lafayette, AL; four sisters, Mae Emma Vines of Lafayette, AL, Linda Burnett of Tallassee, AL, Doris Faye Brown (Willie) of Valley, AL, and Debra Phillips of Lanett, AL; three brothers, L.C. Combs of Valley, AL, Bobby Phillips and David Phillips both of Lafayette, AL; a special aunt, Emma Ree Hughley of Lafayette, AL; six grandchildren, Vanity, Ebony, Carlton, Corderra, Candace, and Stephen; thirteen great grandchildre...

William R. "Ron" Wagner passed away peacefully due to natural causes on December 26, 2023, in LaFayette, Alabama. Born on February 20, 1952, in Fort Riley, Kansas, Ron's journey through life was marked by his loving nature, intelligence, and analytical mind. Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army, a testament to his dedication and patriotism. Following his military service, he pursued further education at Opelika Tech, where he earned certificates in both computer science and electronics. His expertise led him to a fulfilling career with Micro Services, where as a computer technician, he played a pivotal role in designing, building, and implementing networks for textile mills. His work not only showcased his technical skills but also his ability to connect with people, a trait that made him a beloved figure in his professional community. Beyond his professional achievements, Ron was a man of diverse interests and hobbies. His passion for life was evident...

James Robert "Rob" Barber passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at his residence after a brief illness with COPD. Rob was employed with Seawonewa in LaGrange, Georgia.  Rob attended Lanett City Schools. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence A. Barber.  Rob is survived by his children, Carli Hughes, Auburn, Alabama, Tent Barber, Lanett, Cody Barber, Wetumpka. He is survived by his six grandchildren, Miley Simmons, Mason Simmons, Tanner Simmons, Maverick Barber, Leland Barber, and Brenton Barber. His mother Marian Barber Lance, Lanett. A brother and a sister-in-law, Jeff Barber and his wife, Lydia of Daphne, Alabama. A sister and a brother-in-law, Amy Bailey and Russ Bailey, Lanett.  Rob is also survived by his fiancé, Debby Chandler, Valley. Rob and Debby spent many happy years together.  Rob loved to hunt and fish and spend time in the woods. He had many mounted deer heads and fish plaques on display in his home that he loved telling his friends about....

Evelyn “Marie” Hall of Warner Robins, Georgia, born in Lanett, Alabama, passed away at the age of 84 on December 19th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Onice and N. and Clemmie E. Foster; and her husband, Rodney L. Hall. She is survived by a daughter and a son.  A celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, at 2:00 PM (EST) at the graveside in Langdale Cemetery. Please visit Marie’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Marie, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.

Mr. JW Strickland, 86, of Cusseta passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Valley Park Manor. JW was born on August 3, 1937, to the late Joseph Warner Strickland and Valera Johnson Strickland in Chambers County, Al. He started working for West Point Pepperell at the age of 16 where he worked his whole life and he also did carpentry work on the side building and remodeling many houses with Mr. Cecil Roberts. After retirement he loved working outside, playing with his bird, feeding his fish and playing with his dog. He loved antique cars and going to car shows with cars that he owned and built. He was a collector of all items and he took great pride in growing things and loved being outside. He was a member of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church. JW was preceded in death by his wife Gaynell Teel Strickland, his sister Warner Mae Kelly and his brother Marshall “Uncle Ba” Strickland. He is survived by the mother of his children Patricia Brown Strickland. His four children Alice McCloskey, Jim...

We come together today to celebrate the life of Michael "Mike" Senkbeil, a man whose kindness and friendly spirit touched the lives of many. Born on November 17, 1965, in Sylvester, Georgia, Mike's journey through life was one marked by joy, compassion, and an unwavering sense of community. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his passing on December 21, 2023, at his residence in Cusseta, Alabama. Mike was a beacon of light to his family, including his beloved fiancée, Suellen Thomas; his devoted mother, Margie Shepperd; his cherished children, Ian and Beau Senkbeil, and Cameron and Courtney Thomas; and his brother, Eddie Senkbeil, along with his wife, Linda. Each family member was a testament to the love and care that Mike so freely gave. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Gene Senkbeil and his stepfather, Charles Shepperd.  An avid enthusiast of the skies, Mike found solace and excitement in building and flying R/C airplanes. His hands were skilled, and h...

We gather here today to celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose laughter and love echoed through the hearts of all who knew him, Brother Clarence Booker. Born on the 25th of May 1933, in the humble town of Smiths Station, Alabama, Clarence was a towering man of joy and kindness throughout his 90 years on this Earth. On the 20th of December 2023, in the peaceful town of Lanett, Alabama, Clarence was called home by the Lord, leaving this world as he lived in it, with grace and surrounded by love, succumbing to the natural passage of time. Clarence was a man of the soil and the water, finding solace in the rhythm of the garden and the gentle tug of a fish on the line. His hands, though weathered from work, were always extended in friendship and aid. He was the founder and dedicated operator of Booker Septic Tank Service for over six decades, a testament to his unwavering commitment to a job well done. Clarence's work ethic was not merely a trait but a testament to his character, ...

Mr. Conway Webb, 73 of Waverly, AL passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 11:00 AM CST until 6:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel, Lafayette, AL. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, 11:00 AM CST at Mt. Pelia Missionary Baptist Church, Camp Hill, AL. Reverend Otis Tyner, Pastor Interment will follow in church cemetery. Memories will forever be cherished by: daughters, Felicia (Michael Sr.) Foster of Auburn, AL and Latoria Beavers of Opelika, AL; son, Howard (Tammie) Webb of Camp Hill, AL; grandchildren, Andrew (Chantel) Finley of Camp Hill, AL, Jerrell (Briana) Webb of Opelika, AL, Michael Foster, Jr. of Auburn, AL, Tiara Webb of Auburn, AL, Da’Mivion Beavers, Ta’Hyra Minnifield, and Le’Gacie Cooper all of Opelika, AL; great grandchildren, Stacy Presley, Kiyan Webb, and Alaysia Finley; brothers, Ernest (Mary) Webb of Waverly, AL, Eddie (Margaret) Webb of Phenix City, AL, and ...

Edward Eugene "Gene" Williams, known affectionately as Gene to his friends and family, passed away peacefully due to a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on December 18, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. Born on May 24, 1946, in Alexander City, Alabama, Gene's journey through life was marked by an unwavering faith, a deep love for his family, and a generous spirit that touched the lives of many. Gene leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, exemplified by his loving wife of 42 years, Marilyn Parrish Williams. Together, they built a life filled with joy and cherished memories. He was a proud father to his daughters, Rhonda Crenshaw (Wayne), Shannon Hawkins, Kea Hawkins (Mitchell), and his sons, Eric Williams (Darlene), Tim Williams (Laura), Taylor Williams (Beth). His daughter-in-law, Christy Hawkins, held a special place in his heart. Gene's brother, Eulous Williams, and his very special friend, Kerry Ledbetter, will also feel the absence of his warm pre...

George Ledford Waller, Jr., affectionately known as George, passed away on December 17, 2023, at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. Born on April 21, 1949, in Opelika, George's journey through life was marked by kindness, friendliness, and thoughtfulness, traits that endeared him to all who knew him. George's legacy is one of love and commitment, particularly to his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 44 years, Donna Waller, and their children, George L. Waller, III (Rachael), Melanie Norgard, Tracy Bennett (Terrance), and Jeremy Waller. His role as a grandfather to Ashley, Courtney, Hayden, Dylan, Bryson, and Garrett was one he embraced with joy and pride. George is also survived by his sister, Barbara Blankenship, and niece, Carrie Blankenship, along with a circle of friends and acquaintances who will miss him dearly, including his cherished friend, Chris Kidder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edra Mae Fincher Waller and George L. Waller, ...

My little "Billy" gained his wings on the night of December 15th, 2023. He is now free and flying with our daughter, Suzanne.   Willie Owen Falkenberry, Jr. was born on September 23rd, 1942, in Vredenburgh, Alabama.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Owen Falkenberry, Sr. and Eunice Falkenberry of Tunnel Springs, Alabama, and a daughter, Suzanne Falkenberry Stillwell.  Billy leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Howton Falkenberry, daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Falkenberry Fernandez and Conrad, son and daughter-in-law, Tommy Falkenberry and Stephanie, son-in-law, Don Stillwell, eight grandchildren, 1 great grandchild.  Billy was employed by West Point Pepperell for 30 plus years, where he served as a VP of Human Resources. He later worked in Human Resources for several companies in North Carolina, Cartersville, Chickamauga, and LaFayette.  He possessed a strong work ethic and loved his job and his employees.  Raised in the Episcopal...

Mrs. Mary Eunice Evans, a resident of Lanett, AL, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Lanett. Funeral Services and survivors to be announced by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.

Robert Charles Scott, known to those closest to him as "Buck, passed away peacefully at his home in Five Points, Alabama, on December 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 10, 1938, in Opelika, Alabama, and throughout his 85 years, he cultivated a life rich in family, work, and passion. A devoted family man, Robert leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He is survived by his appreciative sons, Michael "Bud" Scott (Jessica) and Greg Scott (Leta); his cherished daughters, Amanda Rutland (Jason) and Brandy Byess (Joey); and his caring sister, Sandra Kirk (Roy). His spirit will live on in the laughter and memories shared with his grandchildren, Sydney, Scarlett, and Sterling Scott; Easton Byess; Kaleigh Raines (Matt); and Kole Rutland, whom he adored and remained heavily involved with throughout his life. Also, he was proceeded in death by beloved son, Michael C. Scott whom he loved and cherished. Robert was a well-respected union pipe fitte...

Jamie Barrett, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, left this world on December 17, 2023, at the age of 41. Born on May 31, 1982, in Langdale, Alabama, Jamie's life was a testament to the love and laughter he brought into the lives of all who knew him. He passed away surrounded by love in Lanett, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of joy and kindness. Jamie is survived by his loving wife, Brandy Barrett, his two children, Jessica and Joseph Barrett, who were the pride and joy of his life. He was a devoted son to his parents, Jerry Barrett and Paula Taunton, and a supportive brother to Dillion Sherrill. His uncle Frank (Melissa) Taunton and Stephen (Donna) Taunton, along with his in-laws, Caroline and Jackie Goggins, will fondly remember Jamie's generous spirit. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephew, Chasey Halsey, Haylee Halsey, Bentley Guffey, and his loving cousins, Regina (Drew) Creamer, and Lee Coleman. Jamie was preceded in death by his belo...