Aug. 16 obituaries

Larry Wayne McAnally, 77

Larry Wayne McAnally, a beloved member of the Tuscumbia community and a cherished family man, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Gulf­port, Mississippi, surround­ed by his loving family. Born on January 20, 1948, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Larry lived a life dedicat­ed to service and family.

Larry served with honor in the United States Air Force for twenty years, during which he was stationed across the United States and overseas in England. His commitment to duty also included a tour in the Viet­nam War, reflecting not only his bravery but also his pro­found sense of responsibility toward his country. Follow­ing his military career, Larry continued to serve his com­munity as the Police Chief of Tuscumbia, where he became a respected figure known for his unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of its residents.

After retirement, Lar­ry moved to the United States Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia McAnally, his par­ents, Henry and Georgia McAnally, and his broth­er, Timothy McAnally.

Larry was deeply proud of his role as a family man. He loved his family dearly, and his legacy is carried on by his children, Shannon Laster (Britt), Jason James (Angela), and Jeff James (Krystal). Larry was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Cobin Last­er, Dathan Laster, Connor Laster, Logan James, Lil­ly James, and Ava James, who brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He is survived by his siblings, Beverly Tryon (Michael), Joe McAnally, and Brett McAnally (Kathy),. Larry’s life was enriched by the love of his family and friends, and he will be profound­ly missed by all who had the privilege to know him

Larry was a devoted man of the Baptist faith, draw­ing strength and guidance from his beliefs through­out his life. He is remem­bered for his strong moral character and the kindness he showed to others.

As we remember Larry Wayne McAnally, we cele­brate a life lived with cour­age, commitment, and an unwavering love for family. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in others.

A memorial service will be held later at Mor­rison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, Alabama with full military honors.

Riemann Family Funer­al Home, Long Beach is serving the family locally.

Linda Gail

Bond, 77

Linda Gail Bond, 77, Sheffield, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025. Visitation will be Thurs­day, August 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A grave­side service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Shef­field, beginning at 12:30 p.m. with Scotty Brackin and Lee Clark officiating.

Linda was a lifelong res­ident of Sheffield. She en­joyed flowers and creating beautiful arrangements. But her greatest love was spending time with family, especially her grandchil­dren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Char­lie and Gloria Mitchell; and grandchild, Jesse Martin.

Linda is survived by her partner of fourteen years, Ronnie Clark; chil­dren, Steve Elliott (Cin­dy Howard), Lee Ann Brackin (Scotty), and Tam­my Martin (Jeff); sister, Brenda Webster; grand­children, Tyler Elliott, Lau­rie George, Hope Gann, Blake Brackin, and Bayne Brackin; and great-grand­children, Jude, Temper­ance, Lilath, Allie, Holden, Graylin, Karter, and Atlas.

The family offers spe­cial thanks to Alabama Hospice of the Shoals.

Raymond Lee O’Connor, 86

Raymond Lee O’Connor, 86, Sheffield, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, August 9, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morri­son Funeral Home, Tuscum­bia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Richard Parker officiating. Interment will be in Oak­wood Cemetery, Sheffield.

Raymond was born and raised in Western Kentucky. He was a faithful member and deacon at York Terrace Baptist Church, Sheffield, and in his latter years also served the Lord as a mem­ber of Hook Street Baptist Church, Tuscumbia. He re­tired from Reynolds Met­als after thirty-six years of service. Raymond was pre­ceded in death by his wife, Betty Henry O’Conner.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Shirley (Robert), Denise Lackey (Paul), and David O’Conner (Stephanie); grandchildren, Bobby Shirley, Molly Wil­son, Hannah Kuhr, Samu­el Lackey, Will O’Conner, and Victoria Bruce; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family offers spe­cial thanks to Danny Tip­pett for the compassionate care given to Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate.

Vera Burns

Willingham, 78

Vera Burns Willingham, 78, Tuscumbia, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, August 10, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Mor­rison Funeral Home, Tus­cumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chap­el with Ed White officiat­ing. Interment will be in Guy Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Vera was a member of River Road Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rog­er Dale Willingham; moth­er, Naomi Burns Stegall; and brother, Wayne Burns.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Tabitha; numerous other children, grandchil­dren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; broth­ers, Melvin Burns (Sharon) and William Burns (Joanie); and sister, Wanda Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to Childhaven Orphanage, PO Box 2070 Cullman, AL 35056; or Kids to Love, kidstolove.org/donate..

Sandra Vandiver Quillen, 71

Sandra Vandiver Quil­len, 71, of Gulf Shores, AL, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, surround­ed by family. Visitation will be held 12:00 -2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Bethsaida Bap­tist Church, Russellville, AL, with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Rev. Bobby Amos will officiate.

Sandra was a native of Leighton but lived in Florence for most of her life. In 2011 she moved to Gulf Shores to be with her daughter, April, son-in-law, Baylor, and granddaughter, Marley Singleton. Sandra had a long career in bank­ing, retiring from Southtrust at the height of her career.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Er­nest & Jean Vandiver; and brother, Junior Vandiver.

Survivors include daugh­ter, April Singleton (Bay­lor) of Foley, AL; sister, Joyce Clement (Raymond), of Russellville; sister-in-law, Carolyn Vandiver of Leighton; and brother, Phil­lip Vandiver (Angela) of Leighton. Sandra had one granddaughter and numer­ous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Mary Ann Givens, Cathy Miller & Maggie for their compas­sionate support, and to ev­eryone who participated in her care over the years. To all the staff at Ascension Sa­cred Heart, Pensacola, FL, including the 4th floor staff, ICU and Hospice Team, we are in awe of your compas­sion, kindness and empathy.

Pallbearers will be Gary Quinn, Jeffery Jackson, Tim Vandiver, Brent Vandiver, Jerrod Jackson, and Clint Vandiver. Phillip Vandiv­er, Raymond Clement and Camden Vandiver will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Chadwick Paul “Chicken”

Walker, 47

Chadwick Paul “Chicken” Walker, 47, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away on Thurs­day, August 7, 2025. Visita­tion will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Colbert Memorial Chap­el. A funeral service will be at the Cowboy Church of Colbert County on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 2 pm. Bro. Truman Sutton will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

He was a member of IBEW Local 558 for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randy Walker.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Walker; sister, Olivia Ball (Matt); nephew, Hayden Ball and Garrett Ball; niece, Kins­ley Ball; aunt, Delores Vickers; and a host of cousins and close friends.

Pallbearers will be Matt Ball, Hayden Ball, Dar­ren Walker., Chris Pate, Bradley Peden, and Gerald Hamm. Honorary pallbear­ers will be Shane Bobo, Jacob Pate, Chad Mc­Calpin, and Danny Cottrell.

Special thanks to his IBEW coworkers at Nucor Steel, Doctors, nurses and staff at Decatur General Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, do­nations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Chad would have rath­er people help children than purchase flowers.

Glenn

Stewart, 78

Glenn Stewart, 78, of Tus­cumbia, AL, passed away on August 5, 2025. Visita­tion will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 12- 2 pm with a service to follow at Colbert Memorial Chap­el. Burial will be in Glen­dale Cemetery. Troy Tan­nerhill will be officiating.

Glenn served for many years as a preacher, sharing the Word of God with pas­sion and humility. A true outdoors man, he spent his days doing what he loved most; fishing, camping, and tending to his garden. Glenn’s legacy is one of simplicity, generosity, and love — for nature, for oth­ers, and for a life well-lived.

He is preceded in death by his parents, T.C. Stewart and Beatrice Simmons Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Hazel Stew­art; son, Rodney Stewart (Yvonne); daughter, Sta­cie Clifton (Mitch); broth­er, John Stewart (Carole); grandchildren, Chase Stew­art, Nathan Stewart, Car­ley Clifton, Emma Clif­ton; great-grandchildren, Maci Kate Stewart, Gunner Stewart, John Luke Stew­art, and Samuel Boivin.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Stewart, John Stewart, Nathan Stew­art, Wayland Jerrell, Kev­in Hubbard, Tom Sartin.

George Michael Martin, 69

George Michael (Mike) Martin of Sheffield passed away on August 8, 2025. Born in Rockwood, Tennes­see, he grew up in Florence but resided in Sheffield on the bluff with his wife Kristie.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Kathryn Mar­tin and Raymond Martin, and brother, Lyn Martin.

He is survived by his de­voted wife Kristie, son, Brett Martin (Meghan); daughter, Katie Hanback (Bronson), and grandsons Brockton Hanback, Brecken Hanback, and Ian Martin, all whom he adored and spoiled endlessly.

Mike did more in a lifetime than most could do in sever­al. From working on water coolers, to running a rental car business to successful mattress sales operations, even with a brief stint as an oyster shucker, he was good at what he did. Throughout different parts of his life he was a little league baseball coach, a backpacker, a golf­er, and a boater. Along the way he made lots of friends and had stories that none of us can tell the way he could. Mike was very generous and loved helping people, but more often than not, he did it quietly and didn’t want to be noticed for it. We should all strive to live and give like our Mikey did. He liked good food and good music and epitomized the pura vida (good life) lifestyle. He al­ways had advice on what to use in your marinade, how to smoke the perfect butt and what song you need­ed to listen to next. In later years he enjoyed sitting on his deck, with a good cock­tail, watching a Sheffield sunset on the bluff, while overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River with Kris­tie. He loved watching foot­ball, baseball and golf, and he always ensured to record the Braves game for later.

Even when he was dealing with his illness towards the end, he never stopped find­ing a way to make things funny. Mike insisted over and over that he didn’t want sadness and tears after his passing. He wanted fun sto­ries and happy memories, and his family will ensure that his goodness, his gen­erosity and his zeal for life will continue to be cele­brated for years to come.

The family will be holding a private memorial service.

The family would like to thank the caring and com­passionate staff at Enhab­it Hospice and family and friends who have shown us so much support and love over these past few months. Our gratitude is immense.

In lieu of flowers, do­nations may be made to The Friends of the Shef­field Public Library.

Gloria V.

McCrory, 80

Gloria V. McCrory age 80, of Tuscumbia, Alabama passed away on Saturday August 9, 2025. A private service will be held for the family with burial in Col­bert Memorial Gardens.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents; Wallace and Edna Smallwood, sister, Edna Delores McBrayer.

Survivors include hus­band; Will T. McCrory Jr. son, Tommy McCrory, daughter, Christy Burns (John), brother, O’Ne­al Smallwood. Grand­children, Halle, Santana, Gabe, Emory and Lindsey.

 

Brian Glenn

Harrison, 48

Brian Glenn Harrison was born January 2, 1977 to Brian and Pat (Pricilla) Wood Harrison. He passed away, Saturday August 9, 2025 at the age of 48. Vis­itation will be Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from Noon until 2:00 PM at Morri­son Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will immediately follow with Brother Larry Bur­bank officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Glenn was a 1995 gradu­ate of Waterloo High School where he played all sports. He was an avid sports fa­natic and die- hard Alabama Football fan. Roll Tide!!! Glenn worked at Donald­son Brothers flooring. He liked working on cars and camping. He aspired to live a van life. Glenn loved his daughter Remington, his fiancé Christy Dawson and children, Trey, An­gel, and Logan very much.

He is preceded in death by his parents , Pat (Pricilla) and Brian Harrison; grandpar­ents, John G and Jean Wood, Arther Harrison and Annette White; uncle Eric Wood.

Glenn is survived by his daughter, Remington; fiancé, Christy Dawson; children, Trey, Angel, and Logan; aunts, Jodie Wood, Amy Wood, and Brittney Krieger; uncle, Bruce Harri­son; and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers will be Tim Woods, Drake Woods, Jonathan Dawson, James Dawson, Cory Jones, and Parker Balentine.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dusty Wood, Greg Liles, and Alex Woods.

Wally Ernest Rickard, 82

Wally Ernest Rickard 82 of Cherokee, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025.

Mr. Rickard was preced­ed in death by his parents, Katherine Louise Hargett Rickard and Charles Ernest Rickard. He was retired from the U.S. Navy and the Alabama National Guard. He also retired from Ten­nessee Valley Authority.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Rickard of Cherokee; daughters, Susan Wilz (Ted) of Yorktown, VA and Kathy Velazquez (Rey) of Miami, FL; sis­ter, Bettye Fowler (George) of Frisco, TX; and grand­children, Ally Velazquez, Isabella Velazquez, Luke Wilz, Emma Velazquez, and Rey Velazquez.

Billie Jo Scogin

Raley, 84

Billie Jo Raley, 84, of Muscle Shoals, AL died on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 1-2 pm at East Colbert Church of Christ with a service to follow. Michael South will be of­ficiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

She was a member of East Colbert Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; hus­band, David Raley; daugh­ter, LeAnna Burcham; and brother, Harold Scogin.

She is survived by her grandson, Roy Burcham (Lindsey); granddaughter, Anna Burcham; great grand­children, Ruby Malone, Liam Malone, Ty Malone, Sawyer Rose Wilbanks, Haven Bur­cham, and Posey Dawson.

Pallbearers will be Roy Burcham, Jordan Davis, Matt Bowling, Roy Peden, Steven Wilbanks, and Ansel Smith.

Melanie Russ Holst, 75

Melanie Russ Holst passed away peacefully August 10, 2025, in Hunts­ville, Alabama, at the age of 75. Melanie was born and raised in Vernon, Flor­ida, graduating from Ver­non High School in 1967. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1982 and a Master’s De­gree in Counseling in 1997, both from the University of North Alabama (UNA).

Her professional career spanned a variety of roles, beginning as a secretary in the metallurgy department at the University of Flor­ida. She later worked in the administrative offices of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Govern­ments (NACOLG) in Mus­cle Shoals, followed by several years as secretary to the mayor of Florence, Alabama. She also worked in the human resources de­partment at the University of North Alabama. In the later years of her career, she was a dedicated social worker and counselor, serv­ing primarily at Riverbend Center for Mental Health and Freedom House Recov­ery in Northwest Alabama.

Melanie had an impact on so many people’s lives through her work and dedi­cation to helping those in re­covery. She was very vocal about her belief in AA, NA, and Al-Anon and working these programs step by step. Melanie often found herself on the right side of history, protesting injustices and working to help the margin­alized in our communities. There also weren’t many oc­casions where she missed out on an opportunity to share those opinions and beliefs with you. She was passion­ate and firm in those beliefs.

Along with being a fan of UNA band and athletics, Melanie was a lifelong sup­porter of the University of Florida Gators. In addition to her love of baseball and football, she played the pia­no and enjoyed music of all types. There were few occa­sions when Melanie couldn’t find a song to fit the moment.

Melanie was predeceased by her parents, James F. Russ, Jr., and Minnie Lee Wells Russ, her sister Janet Russ Lang, and her daugh­ter, Emily Peele Turner.

She is survived by her son Benjamin Alan Armstrong and his wife Jessica; her sisters, Anita Russ Flammia and husband Pat, and Nancy Russ Schimmer and husband Richard, her brother, Thom­as A. Russ and wife Mari­gold; and her grandchildren, John Thomas, Isabella, Brock, and Davis; as well as nieces and nephews and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service is planned at a later date.

If you choose to honor Melanie’s life with a dona­tion, please donate to the Brain Research Foundation (https://www.thebrf.org/), or to a charity of your choosing.

Brenda Kaye Hogue, 74

Brenda Kaye Hogue, 74 of Florence, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, August 15, 2025 from Noon until 2:00 PM at Morri­son Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will follow in the funer­al home chapel with Mike Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Central Heights Community Cemetery.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bud May; mother, Etta Parrish; sisters, Patsy Canfield and Betty Hill; brothers, Larry Hill, Charles Hill, Arlon Hill, Deard Hill, and Hansel Hill.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 59 years, Wes­ley Earl Hogue, Sr.; chil­dren, Wesley Earl Hogue, Jr. (Pam), Telina Thompson and Jenny Parrish (Todd); grandchildren, Jennifer Eze­kiel (Derek), Allison Bates (Jamie), Grayson Thomp­son, Brennan Parrish, and Brycen Parrish.; great grandchildren, Kenley Fred­erick, Olivia Bates, Sutton Ezekiel, and Cooper Bates.

Pallbearers will be Der­ek Ezekiel, Jamie Bates, Brycen Parrish, Bren­nan Parrish, Todd Par­rish, and Ty Thompson.