Feb. 22 obituaries

Raymond

Barkley “Ray” Cahoon, 86

Raymond Barkley “Ray” Cahoon, 86, of Fairview, TN, passed away on Febru­ary 9, 2025. He was born on February 10, 1938, at Col­bert County Hospital (now Helen Keller Hospital) in Sheffield, AL, to John Ray­mond and Mildred (Holland) Cahoon. He attended Desh­ler High School in Tuscum­bia, AL, and the University of Alabama before moving to Florence State College (UNA) and receiving his Certified Financial Planner designation from the Col­lege of Financial Planning.

Ray spent his life in ser­vice of God, his country and his family. He was a member of Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Tuscumbia and served as song leader. He was also a member of the 20th Special Forces, 1st Special Forces group, and earned the ranking of Sergeant Major.

On July 13, 1963, Ray married Patricia Ingram and welcomed two children, John and Kathryn. The fam­ily lived in Memphis before moving back to Tuscum­bia, where Ray served two terms as mayor of Tuscum­bia and as a member of Ci­vitan since 1971. He ended his career working as the commercial manager for Brandon Company, cover­ing much of the southeast.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his son, two grandsons, Samuel and Beck, his sister, Nancy Jane Richardson; and broth­er-in-law, Milton Myhan.

Ray is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Kathy and son-in-law Scott Meert, of Fairview, TN, his grandchil­dren Josh Cahoon and Emma Meert, his great-grandchil­dren Darby and Brynleigh Cahoon, his sister Ann My­han, brothers-in-law Jimmy Richardson and Al Willis, and sister-in-law Karen (Ingram) Willis. He is also survived by his nephews David and Mark Myhan, Zak Willis, J.B. Richardson and nieces Amy Christo­pher and Allison Blevins.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, making sure to share as many dad jokes as he could with whomever he came in contact. He en­joyed fishing, Alabama football, and spending time with friends and family. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 10-12 on Friday, Febru­ary 14th, at Tuscumbia’s Fourth Avenue Church of Christ. Funeral service will begin immediately after, with a military graveside to follow. Donations can be made to the Tunnel to Tow­ers Foundation, a non-profit that serves America’s he­roes, a cause that was close to his heart. www.t2t.org.

Danny Wayne Benson, 74

Danny Wayne Benson 74, of Florence, passed away Tuesday February 11, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, February 14, 2025 from Noon until 2:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Homes, Central Heights. The funer­al will immediately follow with Larry Burbank offi­ciating. Burial will be at Bumpass Creek Cemetery.

He was a member of Bumpass Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Danny was known for muscle diving and being a park ranger at Brush Creek Park. He is preceded in death by his first wife Patsy Benson; parents, Bill and Mervee Benson; brother, Jack Ben­son; son, Vernon Carter Jr.

Danny is survived by his wife Edna Carter Benson; children, Daniel Benson (Jennifer), Kimberly Benson Young, Bobby Seat, Edna Mae Kitchen, Ann Carter Francis, and Cody Pickens; brothers, Raymond Benson( Peggy), Sammy Benson; sis­ters, Ruth Lewis (Hubert) and Linda Russell (James); grandchildren, Kayla Ben­son, Andrea Benson, Haley Morris, Jaycee Mack, Jor­dan Taylor, Jayden Taylor, Taylor Bevis, Abby Smith, David Young, Kendal Var­den, Josh Varden, Bobby Newton, Elizabeth Fran­cis, Daniel Quin, Valerie Baster, Grant Baster, Char­lie Barrier, Lyric Pickens, Lilo Pickens, and Samatha Pickens; great-grandchil­dren, Stormy Bevis, Preston Bevis, Lincoln Smith, Jax Young, and one on the way, Liam Young, Lilah Caper­ton, S.J. Caperton, and Ali­ana Caperton; special great granddaughter, Ella Butler; host of nieces and nephews,

Pallbearers will be Jayden Taylor, Bobby New­ton, Cody Pickens, Don­ald Kitchen, Nate Kitchen, Cadin England, and Spen­cer Patterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Benson and David Young.

Sarah Garner, 83

Sarah Garner, 83, of Tus­cumbia, AL, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Feb­ruary 11, 2025, at the North Alabama Medical Center.

Sarah was born in Flor­ence, AL and moved to Tus­cumbia when she married John Arggie Garner, her hus­band of 66 years. Sarah was a dedicated wife and mother. She and her husband raised two sons, John A. Garner of Montgomery, AL and James W. Garner of Ridgeland, MS.

Sarah was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. Her kind spirit bless­ed all those around her. She was a faithful Christian and active member of Hampton Heights Baptist Church. Sarah was an excellent seamstress, making beauti­ful clothing for her family for generations. She espe­cially enjoyed creating one-of-a-kind garments for her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook whose holi­day delicacies were enjoyed by all. Her giving nature was a blessing to family, friends, and people in gener­al. She worked diligently in all endeavors from home to church to community. Sarah unselfishly shared her gifts of creativity and generosity with everyone. She enjoyed gardening, cultivating vi­brant blooms passed on from earlier generations. Sarah enjoyed the world around her, delighting in the wildlife and birds that frequented her backyard. She liked to shop, especially with her sisters.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Lentz; her hus­band, John Arggie Garner; her sister, Susan Sides; and her great-grandson, Jere­my Chad Smith, Jr (SJ).

Survivors include her sons, John A. Garner (Pam), James W. Garner (Joey); his grandchildren Kelsey Smith (Chad); Kathryn Garner, Claire Garner, Jessica Gar­ner, Joseph Garner (Cara), and John Garner (Maggie); his great grandchildren, Liza Smith and Shepherd Smith; brother Mike Lentz (Beth); sister, Nell Patterson (Otis, deceased); and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Garner, John Garner, Jessica Garner, Kelsey Smith, Claire Garner, and Mike Lentz.

Visitation will be Feb­ruary 14, from 12:30-2:00 pm at Hampton Heights Baptist Church, Tuscum­bia. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Bro. Jere­my Sanderson officiating. Interment will be in Don­ley Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Memorials may be made to Hampton Heights Baptist Church.

Richard “Rickey” Bryan

Hannah, 70

Richard Bryan Hannah, 70, Leighton, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, February 16, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Morri­son Funeral Home, Tuscum­bia. A memorial service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Chad Holder officiating.

Ricky spent thirty-one years in education, serving twenty-six of those years as Ag Teacher at Colbert Coun­ty High School. He and Jim­my Lockett founded Whole Hog Express. Ricky was a big Mississippi State Bull­dog fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Jo Hannah; broth­er, Bill Hannah; and daugh­ter, Mary Catherine Hannah.

Ricky is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Susan Kidd Hannah; son Toby Hannah (Sarhonda); siblings, Patti Hannah, Scot­ty Hannah (Jan), and Karen Thompson (Gary); stepson, Blake Baird; grandchil­dren, Kaitlyn Hannah, Tay­lor Hannah, Makayla Slate, and Brodie Slate; friends, Jose Peralta, Billy Hud­son, and Mark Berryman; and a host of nieces, neph­ews, relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to your favorite charity.

Ronald Gene Bowling, 84

Ronald Gene Bowling, 84, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Thursday, Feb­ruary 13, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, February 16, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A memorial service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Shane Swinney and Phillip Jhin officiating.

Ronald Gene was a mem­ber of Launch Point Church, Tuscumbia, and a retired Police Chief of Muscle Shoals. He was preced­ed in death by his parents, Ruby and Louise Bowling.

Ronald Gene is survived by his children, Ronnie Bowling (Kellie) and Dee­dra Bowling; sister, Glenda Thornton; grandchildren, Lauren Sams (Blake) and Ryan Bowling; great-grand­children, Ryder Bowling and Brianna Sams; nephew, Phillip Jhin; niece, Melo­dy Pendergrass; and special friend, Faye Pendergrass.

Reba Gayle

Willis

Franks, 76

Reba Gayle Willis Franks, 76, Tuscumbia, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 13, at Vandiver Hollow Cemetery, Tuscum­bia, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Reba was a native and lifelong resident of Colbert County and a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. She retired from Deshler High School as a Lunch Lady. She was preceded in death by her husbands, J.W. Brown and J.R. Franks; fa­ther, Daniel Willis; son, James David Brown; and nephew, Daryl Sizemore.

Reba is survived by her daughter, Susan Flannigan (Joel); mother, Melvina Wil­lis, sister, Deborah Ivey; granddaughter, Amanda Wells (Randy); great-grand­children, Mackenzie, Sa­vannah, and Landon Wells; nephew, Brent Sizemore (Trina); great-nephew, Trent Sizemore; and great-niece, Addie Sizemore.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Wootena Fagan Hudson, 94

Mrs. Wootena Fagan Hud­son, 94, died at her home on February 13, 2025, sur­rounded by her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 18, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M at First Baptist Church of Tuscum­bia. The funeral service will follow at noon with Dr. Dennis Conner officiating. The interment will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Her children survive her: Dorothy Helen Hudson, Muscle Shoals; Billy Hugh Hudson, Jr., Muscle Shoals; Harold Fagan Hudson, wife, Amy, Homewood; and Ju­lia Beth Phillips, husband, Alan, Pelham. Grandchil­dren, Tena Elisabeth Davis, husband Todd; Mary Jessi­ca Stacey, husband Jeremy; Nicholas Hugh Hudson, wife Lindsey; Jacob Bradley Hudson, John Fagan Hudson, wife Ashley, Emma Had­dock Hudson, Kyle Hudson Phillips; her great-grand­children; Ella Caroline Da­vis, Hudson Earl Davis, Jack Hugh Stacey, Max Donavan Stacey, Mackenna Joan Hudson, Colin Hugh Hudson, and three nephews.

Mrs. Hudson was pre­ceded in death by her hus­band, Coach Billy Hugh Hudson, Sr.; parents, John and Helen Fagan; daughter-in-law, Sherry Cox Hud­son; great-granddaughter, Mary Alice Stacey; three brothers, and one sister.

Mrs. Hudson graduated from Jacksonville State Uni­versity and the University of North Alabama, earning a B.S., M.Ed., and Ed.S. She began her teaching career at 21, teaching music and English; after 41 years in education, she retired from Muscle Shoals Schools. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Hudson was appointed to complete her husband’s term on the Colbert County Board of Education and was elected to a second term. Mrs. Hudson was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia, serv­ing on many committees, teaching Sunday School, coordinating the Christ­mas Shoebox Ministry, and actively participating in children’s ministries. Mrs. Hudson’s Meals on Wheels friends looked forward to her visits because they enjoyed the food and her friendship.

John Hudson, Kyle Phillips, Nicholas Hud­son, Jacob Hudson, Hud­son Davis, and Alan Phil­lips will be pallbearers.

Thank you to JoAnn Emory, Sandra Wesson, Brenda Hudson, Bren­da Laster, Joyce Love­lady, and Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for your special love and care.

Barbara Ann

Flanagan, 89

Barbara Ann Flanagan, 89, of Sheffield, AL passed away on February 14, 2025. A visitation will be on Tues­day, February 18, 2025 from 10- 10 :45 a.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a graveside service to fol­low at 11 a.m. in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Marty Evans will be officiating.

She was a member of East Colbert Church of Christ.

She is preceded in death by husband, Nathan Flanagan; father, Clyde Kimbrough; mother, Louise Owens; sis­ter, Nell Peebles; brother, Kenneth Kimbrough; and grandson, Jason Lewis.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Greg Flanagan (Linda) Steve Flanagan (Pam), and Tim Flanagan (Stacey); daughter, Melis­sa Hacker (Shawn); sev­en grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren.

Special thanks to the staff at The Neighborhood Assist­ed Living, Centerwell Home Health and Brothers Keeper.

Regina Char Roberts McAnally, 71

Regina Char Roberts was born December 2, 1953, and died as Regina Char McAnally 71 years later on February 13, 2025. She was married to Steve McAnally for 51 years. They were blessed to be the parents of three children: Justin of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Melissa of Willow Spring, North Carolina, and Na­than and his wife Katie of Holly Springs, North Car­olina. Six grandchildren include: Ivy, Bailey, Tinz­ley, Max, Rory, and Quinn.

Regina was preceded in death by her father and moth­er, Charles and Avo Roberts of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. She was proud to be of both Irish and Cherokee Indian descent. Her grandparents, all deceased, were Johnnie and Viola Roberts, and W.F. (Wil) and Callie McMullins.

Steve and Regina were members of Cary Church of Christ in Cary, North Car­olina. Regina was baptized by Brother George Mar­shall on February 14, 1968. She attended 12 years of school at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, Ala­bama. She then received an Associate’s Degree from Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee.

Regina worked as a Sec­retary/Bookkeeper for High­land Park Church of Christ in Muscle Shoals and was a Laboratory Secretary at Shoals Hospital in Sheffield, Alabama. Her last job was at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (now called ECU Health Medical Center) in Greenville, North Caroli­na, where she worked for 14 years, first in Cytolo­gy and then as an Admin­istrative Secretary to the Laboratory Director in the Department of Pathology.

She was a proud mem­ber of the daughters of the American Revolution. She loved animals all her life.

Visitation will be held at Colbert Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel. Service will be on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. in Chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Elizabeth Elaine Walker Stanley, 74

Elizabeth Elaine Walker Stanley, 74, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Friday, Feb­ruary 14, 2025. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Margerum Commu­nity Church in Cherokee.

Elizabeth was a lifelong resident of Colbert County. She loved and appreciated her church family at Mar­gerum Community Church. She was a very talented singer and always enjoyed singing at church. She was preceded in death by her par­ents, Bill and Mary Walker.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Kil­patrick and her husband, Roger; grandchildren, Sean Kilpatrick and Sara Mur­phree and her husband, Cody; great grandchildren, Bently and Scout Murphree; and brother, Joe William Walker and his wife, Vir­ginia of Iuka, MS; niece, Jessica Powell and husband, Justin; great niece, Emilee; and great nephew, Chandler.

Homer “Gene” Eugene Wood

Homer “Gene” Eugene Wood left this life to his home in heaven on Satur­day, February 15, 2025. The memorial visitation will be Tuesday, February 18, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., at Stony Point church of Christ. The memorial service will im­mediately follow at the church with Brad Adcock and Aaron Wood officiating.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Velda Wood of Granby, MO, and one son, Adam Eugene Wood. He is survived by his wife Cindy, three children Julie Lynn Brack (David), Jennifer Elizabeth Berry (Jonathan), and Aaron Eu­gene Wood (Katie); his be­loved grandchildren SFC Ryan Alexander Brack (Va­nessa), Lakin Alyse Monroe (Sgt. Josh), Reed Thomas Brack (Samm), Scout Hol­land Wood, Olivia Rose Wood, Ava Faith Wood, and Savannah Elizabeth Wood; and his beloved great-grand­children Luna Ann Brack, Jameson Homer Brack, Jax­son Leon Wells-Monroe, Mayer Thomas Brack, and Carson Edward Monroe. He is also survived by two sisters Judy Dorris (Jer­ry-deceased) and Mary Jane Flint (Barry) and many oth­er nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Gene was born on Sep­tember 2nd, 1946, in Gran­by, Missouri, raised on a dairy farm, where he began preaching the gospel, with his first sermon at the age of 16 to his cows. He faith­fully preached the gospel for over 50 years in Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, California, and Alabama.

Gene was lovingly known as Papa. He and Cindy were married for 53 years, and he told her daily she was the love of his life. He was a lover of truth and devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Christ. Also dear to him was Cobblestone Cottage, their family business of 30+ years. He was a master tinsmith and woodworker, loved sailing, gardening, and was an avid reader with an extensive library of mostly religious books. His greatest joy was spending time with family. He is rejoicing now with his many family and friends and those he brought to Christ, and his family looks forward to the day they reunite with him in heaven.

In lieu of flowers me­morials may be made to Mars Hill Bible School.