Nov. 16 obituaries
Jimmy Tatum, 80
Jimmy Tatum, 80, Sheffield, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Visitation will be Thursday, November 14, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Frank Mills officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Jimmy loved music. He was a talented musician and enjoyed playing and singing Country music. Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his son, Wayne; and his parents, Thomas and Helen Tatum.
He is survived by his daughter, Judy Shelton (Curtis), stepdaughters, Phyllis Thomas (Mike) and Connie Dawson (Marty); brothers, Tillman (Lee), Tex (Joyce), and Glenn (Betty); fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and Alexah Gattis (Tyler).
The family offers special thanks to the Fourth Floor staff at North Alabama Medical Center, and to Dr. Bob Mann.
“Daddy will be missed by everybody. He loved everybody and was loved by all that knew him. Go rest in peace, Daddy. We love you. Judy, Phyllis, Connie, and Alexah.”
Justin Heath
Jefferys, 44
Justin Heath Jefferys, 44, of Lawrenceburg, TN, a cherished individual known for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, left us suddenly on November 9, 2024. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, at 3:00 PM with Ronnie Martin officiating and burial following at Shoals Memorial Gardens in Tuscumbia, AL.
Born on December 13, 1979, in Tuscumbia, AL he started and ended each day with a smile on his face. The lives of those that had the privilege of knowing Justin were greatly enriched by his presence. He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Welker, and step-dad, Richard Welker; father, Paul Jefferys (Patti); and sister, Tatum Jefferys.
Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willard Edward and Dojuanna Jo Strange, and Luther and Roxie Jefferys.
Pallbearers are Eric Martin, Matthew Moss, Andrew Fields, Anthony Gutierrez, Jackie Whitehead, and Greg “Bubba” Whitehead, Jr., with Tinker Boyd as honorary pallbearer.
See you later alligator…
Kathy Theresa Wakefield, 62
Kathy Theresa Wakefield, 62, of Florence, passed away Thursday November 7, 2024.Visitation will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from Noon until 1:00 P.M. at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. A graveside service will be held beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Memory Gardens of Hardin County in Savannah, TN with Chris Moran officiating . Interment will follow.
Kathy was a loving mother, amazing cook, loved the outdoors and gardening, never gave up through her fight with cancer. She was a member of Mars Hill Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Hazel Himel; husband, Troy Wakefield.
She is survived by her son, Jonathan Wakefield; brothers, Barry Himel and Wayne Himel; sisters, Gwendolyn Hinkel, Diane Wilson, and Wanda Newman; her two beloved cats, Nova and Sophie; loving friend and caretaker, William “Bill” Frey.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to breast cancer research foundation of Alabama
Steve D.
Anderson, 62
Steve D. Anderson passed away on November 10, 2024 after a battle with cancer. He was 62 years old. Steve was born on January 6, 1962 in LaFollette, Tennessee.
Steve was raised to be independent and care for his loved ones, which served his family well. He had a very strong work ethic.
Steve loved his family. He was a dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather (PawPaw). He was proud of the hard work he did to provide for his family. Steve worked road construction with his daddy. He was an expert lumberjack and he ran a mean chainsaw. Steve was a self-taught woodworker. He made cabinets and built an awesome deck.
In October 1990, Steve began his 33 year career at Norfolk Southern Railroad. He started as a conductor and later worked as a yard master. He worked and became a dedicated and skilled locomotive engineer. Steve shined at his job. He was well respected, experienced, and always ready to tell a story. Steve never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He loved making people smile and laugh.
Steve was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of their children, Melissa (Lisa) Gail Sumrall Anderson and his parents Frank and Sally Anderson.
Steve’s memory will never be forgotten by his wife Tracy Terry Anderson; their children Heather Quillen (Ronnie), Emily Oliver, and Seth Anderson (Stacy); grandchildren Melissa, Haley, Ella, Barrett, Josie, Easton, and Cooper; and siblings John Anderson (Sandra), Susie Anderson, Jill Janes (Jessie) , and
many nieces and nephews.
Steve was a friend to all, including animals. Some of his most beloved pets included: Joe, Sammie, Willie, and Tessa.
Steve had a powerful and unique testimony. His words were from the heart. He loved the Lord and knew him as his savior. He attended church at Cherokee First Baptist Church. When Steve was called to work, whatever time it was, he always said, “Here we go!” We know he said that to Jesus when He called him home.
Pallbearers will be Seth Anderson, Ronnie Quillen, Drew McWilliams, Blake McWilliams, Michael Dunn, Joshua Terry, David Anderson, and John Schlosser. Honorary pallbearers will be John Anderson, Jim Ellison, and Carlton McCarthy.
Special thanks to his family, friends, and neighbors as well as People’s Drug and FBCC. Steve’s family is grateful to Vanderbilt Medical Center, especially the IR department.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Vanderbilt Medical Center in memory of Steve Anderson to the Interventional Radiology Department at https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/give/246900/#!/donation/checkout.
It was extremely important to Steve that the research to fight Cholangiocarcinoma be continued for other’s benefit.
William Harold Moore, 87
William Harold Moore, age 87, of Tuscumbia, died Saturday, November 9, 2024. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, November 13, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Jeremy Sanderson, Wade Hunt, and Justin Taylor will officiate. Interment will follow in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
A lifelong Shoals area native, Mr. Moore was born on September 8, 1937, in Sheffield to the late James Henry and Lula Mae Hill Moore. He retired from Gerrard Steel. Mr. Moore was a dealer at Antiques Unlimited and he loved yard sales. In addition to his aforementioned parents, Mr. Moore was also preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hill Moore; son-in-law, William Adkins Jr.; and siblings, Louise Paine, Opal Goodman, Lorene Pitts, Janie Howard, James Moore, Howard Moore, and Mac A. Moore.
Those left behind to cherish his memory the most include his children, Wanda Adkins and Anthony Moore (Kim), Siblings, Jimmy Moore (Pat), Bobby Moore, and Jody Byrd; grandchildren, Dusty Adkins (Amanda), Beth Taylor (Justin), Jaime Adkins, Jessica Adkins, and Ben Moore (Ashley); great grandsons, Hayden Adkins, Camden Adkins, and Bryant Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews that were more like his own kids.
Pallbearers include Dusty Adkins, Doug Moore, Justin Taylor, Ben Moore, Hayden Adkins, and Camden Adkins. Bryant Moore will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and compassionate care exhibited by Amedisys Home Health and Hospice, the nursing staff of Helen Keller Hospital ICU, PCU, and third floor; as well as Dr. Kenneth Rose.
Margaret Sue Daniel, 77
Margaret Sue Daniel, 77, of Waterloo, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 at Morrison Funeral Home in Florence. A graveside service will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Gravely Springs Cemetery.
Margaret was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. She worked for the Lauderdale County School System as a Physical Education Aide for many years and was a member of Gravely Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Daniel; parents, R.P. and Lelia Clemmons; and brothers, David Glenn Clemmons and Harold Clemmons.
Margaret is survived by her son, Greg Daniel (Kelli); sister, Sandra Sharp; grandchildren, Mykell Kidder (Zach), Kaden Daniel, and Kai Daniel; and great Granddaughter, Kasielle Kidder.
Pallbearers will be Kaden Daniel, Kai Daniel, Russ Clemmons, Cody Watson, Carl Witt and Zach Kidder. Honorary pallbearer are Jackson Watson and Larry Clemmons.
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Arnold Junior Green, 80
Arnold Junior Green 80, of Florence, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024. There will be no services held at this time.
He was a lifelong resident of Florence. Arnold is preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Cecil Green; daughters, Patricia and Melissa Green; brothers, Grady and Dannie Green; nephews, Dannie Earl and Eddie Green.
Arnold is survived by his daughter, Rachel Wood (K.D.); brother, Joe Green; Granddaughter, Kendall Wood; nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank the staff, nurses, and his friends at the Glenwood Center for taking care of him..
Diannah Phillips Holcombe, 74
Diannah Phillips Holcombe, 74, of Waterloo, passed away, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2024 from Noon until 2:00PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will immediately follow with Brother Earl Rich officiating. Interment will be at Fords Mill Cemetery.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Earline Phillips; sister, Sheilia Turnbow.
Diannah is survived by her husband, Steven Holcombe; Son, Ronnie Holcombe; sisters, Carlyon White, Teresia Duboise, and Barbara Cameron; 2 grandchildren; 9 great- grandchildren; 1 great – great- grandchild.
Pallbearers will be Eric Holcombe, Draven Holcombe, Kaiden Holcombe, Raylan Rhodes, Derrick Holcombe, and Lynn Ritter.
The family would like to thank Enhabit Health and all those who expressed thoughts and prayers through this trying time may God bless you all.
Robert Stephen “Bob” Milstead, 76
Robert Stephen “Bob” Milstead, 76, Sheffield, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, November 8, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Chris Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield, with Masonic Rites.
Bob was a member of Bridgeway Baptist Church, Elks Lodge 2860, and was a Master Mason 32nd degree with Masons Lodge Sheffield No. 503. He was an avid Alabama enthusiast. Bob was a great fan of music and enjoyed attending performances featuring local musicians. He was preceded in death by his father, Myron; mother, Louise; step-mother, Elsie; and brother George.
Bob is survived by his step-daughter, Rebekah Moore (Dennis); Rebekah’s daughters, Molli White (Hunter), Dakota Moore (Harley), and Zoyee Sanchez (Guillermo); and Molli’s daughter, Sawyer Rae White, all of whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by his nephew, Tommy Milstead; and niece Shari Carroll.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Milstead, Clay Carroll, Wesley Slay, Mark Slay, Brandon Slay, and Johnny Lee.
The family offers special thanks to Gloria and the staff at Box Car Café.
Ralph “Eddie” Nunley, 50
Ralph “Eddie” Nunley, 60, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024. A visitation will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00-1:00 at Morrison Funeral Home in Cherokee with a graveside service following at 1:30 p.m. in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Cherokee. Kenny Ford will officiate the service.
Eddie was a lifelong resident of Colbert County. He was a member of the West Colbert Sportsmen’s Club and also enjoyed drag racing.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Nunley and mother, Zora Irvin.
Eddie is survived by his wife of twenty years, Martha “Sissy” Simpson Nunley; children, Joshua Nunley (Anna), Anna Foster (Mark), and Bailey Bracken (Zack); grandchildren, Courtney, Lilah, Luke, Savanna, and Colt; and sisters, Janie Cain (Cecil), Melissa Nunley, and Vicki Nunley.
Pallbearers will be Zack Bracken, Mark Foster, Garron Green, Marlon Hamm, Larry McGee, and Doug Handley.
The family expresses special thanks to Kenny and LaGail Ford, and Deda Minor for the care and compassion they have shown our family.
Barbara
Underwood Young, 72
Barbara Underwood Young, 72, Florence, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 13, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Leighton Baptist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow at the church with Mark Mayfield officiating.
Since its opening, Barbara worked at Marriott Shoals Spa. She loved her work as a massage therapist and felt it was her calling and a ministry. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Alma Underwood; son-in-law, Christian Caracciolo; siblings, Alice Jo Duke (“Buck”), Billy Underwood, Jerry Don Underwood, and Ed Underwood (Carol).
Barbara is survived by her children, Natalie Caracciolo, Tyler Young (Abbie Hyche), and Anna Burden (Wesley); brother, Wayne Underwood (Rita); grandchildren, Olive Caracciolo, Kiley Grace Burden, and Nash Burden; and sisters-in-law, Mary Alice Underwood and Anne Underwood.
The family offers special thanks for the years of love and dedication from Mattie Leigh Madden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crestwood ALS Care Clinic.
Mike Simmons, 72
Mike Simmons, 72, of Leighton, AL passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 after a brief illness. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Corey Cochran and Charles Simmons will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Mike married Debra in 1978 and raised two children, Brad and Kelly. Throughout their marriage, they remained dedicated members of Hatton Baptist Church, where he served as an Elder. Mike was true to his faith and was devoted to helping others in a humble manner.
Mike was a 1970 graduate of Colbert County High School and Florence State University. He committed his entire working career to Simmons Tire Co., which was started by his father in 1965.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mildred Simmons; grandparents, Grady and Lillie Simmons, Bruce and Hazel McGregor; infant sister, Pat Simmons; mother-in-law, Marie Bailey; and sister-in-law, Bev Bullough.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Bailey Simmons of Leighton, AL; son, Brad Simmons (Jamie); daughter, Kelly Horner (Quinton); grandchildren, Corinne, Riley and Jonathan Simmons, Bailey and Felix Horner; brother, Keith Simmons; father-in-law, Eddy Bailey; brothers-in-law, Roger Bullough and Chris Bailey (Cindy); nephews, Chase Bailey, Drew and Alex Bullough, Chandler (Sara Grace) and Ramsey Simmons; niece, Pam Scheske; great nieces and great nephews, Stella and Betty Simmons, Noah and Jude Scheske.
Pallbearers will be Chandler Simmons, Ramsey Simmons, Scott Hatton, Jon Holt, Brent South, Jerrad Woods, and Jarrod Johnson.
A special thank you to Ashley Petrey, Farron Trumbly and Dominique Borstler for their special care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alabama Baptist Children’s Home or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thomas E. Bogue, 82
Thomas E. Bogue, 82, Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. No services will be held at this time.
Thomas was an auto mechanic, and also spent time farming. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Bogue; and parents, Owen and Willie Mae Bogue.
Thomas is survived by his children, Tamela Mitchell (Jimmy) and Tommy Bogue; brother, Ralph Bogue; granddaughter, Ashley Bogue; and several great-grandchildren.
Verna Penick, 90
Verna Penick, 90, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Saturday, November 09, 2024. Visitation will be Monday, November 11, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Timothy Akers will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Penick attended both Hazelwood High School and Normal Business School.
After completing her training, she worked in the medical field throughout the Shoals area. She was a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church, member of the Helen Keller Garden Club, and a member of the LaGrange Historical Society. A lady of many talents, Mrs. Penick was a Master Porcelain Painter, creating beautiful, life-like dolls. Her works, which have received numerous awards, are displayed in local museums and in places of honor across the United States. She was also a talented decorator. Her home was her castle, and she enjoyed designing and creating a lovely home for her family. Though she thoroughly enjoyed traveling and fishing, Mrs. Penick’s greatest love was being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Ruby Witt; husband, Roy N. Penick; brothers, James Aaron Witt, John W. Witt, Mike Witt, and Dwight Witt; and sister, Christine South.
She is survived by her daughters, Angela Retherford (Joel), Gloria Rhodes (Dennis), and Lisa Akers; sister, Linda Rains; brother, Alton Witt; grandchildren, Joel P. Retherford (Tonya), Allison Brewer (Luke), April Lewey (Joanna), Clint Lewey, Trevor Rhodes (Katie), Shanie Wilbanks (Jacob), Chip Wicker (Melanie), Adam Wicker (Melanie), Evan Akers, Jeremiah Akers (Beatriz), and Ethan Akers (Kristin); 17 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Joel P. Retherford, Chip Wicker, Adam Wicker, Trevor Rhodes, Jeremiah Akers, Cullen Wicker, Bart Witt, and Jimmy Witt. Honorary pallbearers will be Ethan Akers, Evan Akers, and Clint Lewey.
If you would like to donation, you can do so at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Billy Joe
Ricketts, 92
Billy Joe Ricketts, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Tennessee, he was born to the late Elbert Lee Ricketts and Carrie Lee Ricketts.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose unwavering faith in the Lord inspired all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura Frances Hollis Ricketts; his brother, James Malcolm Ricketts; and his sister, Madlin Louise Ricketts Eaves, all of whom he cherished deeply.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janice “Jan” Honeycutt Ricketts; sons, Thomas Keith Ricketts and wife, Alexia, James Kurt Ricketts and wife, Carolyn; daughter, Karen Ricketts Griffin and husband, Paul; grandchildren, Conner, Laura, and Emily; and six great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his brother, Elbert DeVaughn Ricketts, and wife, Dora.
In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind four stepchildren, Craig and wife, Lisa, Cathy, Timmy and wife, Diane, and Teresa and husband, Dee; along with step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Papa Bill”.
Master Chief Ricketts proudly served his country for thirty- two years in the United States Navy, a testament to his dedication and honor.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5th at Piney Grove Chapel Baptist Church, 4440-A Piney Grove Rd. Angier, NC 27501. The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:45 am prior to the service at the church.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, November 8th at Shackelford Funeral Directors at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Waynesboro, TN with Jason Ricketts officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 11:30 am prior to the service at the funeral home, Bill will be laid to rest with full Navy Funeral Honors and Masonic Rites at Memorial Gardens of Wayne County in Waynesboro, TN.
Bill’s legacy of love, faith, and service will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
