Dec. 13 obituaries

James Wesley Smith, 67

Jim Smith, 67, of Water­loo passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Morrison Funer­al Home, Central Heights, the funeral will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with David Dowdy officiating. Interment will be at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery, Waterloo, AL.

Jim was self-em­ployed and an employ­ee of Tri-States Feed.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his daughter Megan Renee Smith; his parents, James Richard Smith and Peg­gy Jean Williams Smith; his grandparents, Roy and Marie Williams and Arthur and Viola Smith.

Jim is survived by his aunt, Cathy Williams Win­born of Helena, AL and her family, Wesley Winborn and wife Kaitlin and their daughters, Cora Jeanmarie and Clara Rose Winborn of Hoover, AL; his former wife and best friend, Cheryl Smith of Savannah, TN and her children, James Lavka and Carina Edwards ; Cher­yl’s grandchildren whom he loved like his own Jaden, Willow and MacKayla Ed­wards and Landon Lavka.

Because of Jim’s outgo­ing personality he will be greatly missed by a host of friends and relatives, es­pecially his many custom­ers at the feed store where he was often affectionally referred to as Pack Rat.

Pallbearers will be Boone Fullwood, Cody White, James Lavka, James Putman, Gary Robert­son, and Wesley Winborn.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dwight Barnett for his friendship

Donnie “Buster” Bevis, 91

Donnie “Buster” Bev­is, 91, of Florence, passed away, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Church of Christ at Macedonia. The funeral will be held Wednesday De­cember 10, at the church at 2:00 PM with James Senn officiating. Burial will be at the adjoining cemetery.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was retired from AT&T. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Maymie Bevis; brother, James Bevis; sisters, Elaine Hill, Shirley Swicegood; sister-in-law, Mary Bevis; brother-in-law, A.W. Martin; nephews, Don­nie and Ronnie Hanback.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ma­rie Bevis; sister, Faye Mar­tin; sisters-in-law, Kathy Jones, Jean Manns; broth­er- in-law, Gerald Swice­good; nephews, Sidney Bevis (Susan), Larry Hill ( Charlotte), Greg Hill, Bil­ly Wayne Hanback, Randy Hanback, and Jamey Swice­good (Jennifer) ; niece, Tracy Murphy (Mark), Lori Larkin (Scott), Carol Han­back, Susie Hanback Mitch­ell, and Amy Broadfoot (Kevin); host of great niec­es and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Sidney Bevis, Larry Hill, Greg Hill, Billy Hanback, Tyson Har­away, and Eddie Burchell.

Honorary pallbear­ers will be, Tim Wright, Rod Balentine, Gerald Swicegood, Mark Mur­phy, and Cleve Miles.

Special thanks to Mitchell Hollingsworth and Gentiva Hospice.

In Lieu of Flowers do­nations may be made to the Church of Christ at Macedonia or the cemetery fund at 2931 County Road 158 Florence, AL 35633.

Emil Charles Chiado, Jr., 98

Emil Charles Chiado, Jr., 98, of Muscle Shoals, AL died on December 5, 2025. There will be a graveside service on Friday, Decem­ber 12, 2025 at 11 am in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Domminica Chiado; and wife, Robbie Chiado.

He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Shirah, Susan Patterson, and Mi­chelle Medlin; grandchil­dren, Adrian, Daniel, Chris­topher, Jason, and Deidra.

When he was 18, he was drafted and went to Pearl Harbor then went to Doug­las. In 1974 worked for Fruehauf, then in 1963 he moved to Decatur in 1975 and he left Hunter. In 1990 he retired. He was Vice Pres­ident of Metal Exchange.

Mary “Ruth” Hyde, 91

Mary “Ruth” Hyde, born to her parents on May 14, 1934, in Ohatchee, Alabama, as Mary Barksdale, passed away on December 5, 2025.

She had lived in Tuscum­bia, Alabama for 45 years and was employed as a gro­cery store clerk at Foodland, formerly Consumer Grocery in Muscle Shoals for over ten years. She was reliable and proud of taking a no-non­sense approach to life.

She was married 55 years to her husband Ray­mond Hyde until his death in 2008. She is survived by her three children: Kathy Hyde Spurgeon and her hus­band Todd, children Jacob and Celena; Ricky Hyde and children Alex, Kris­ten, Shawn, Angie; Ronnie Hyde and his son Jonathan. Numerous great grandchil­dren and her brother Ralph Barksdale also survive her.

She was predeceased by both parents, Mirtie and Hen­ry Barksdale; husband Ray­mond Hyde; other siblings.

Visitation will be Tues­day, December 9th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Col­bert Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Mary lived a persevering life, one of routine, steadfast strength that always seemed to accompany her through the years. She will be re­membered for these simple ways in which she showed up and worked through her life. Her Christian faith was core to who she was, and she looked forward with gladness to that day when she would find herself in the arms of Jesus. Pallbear­ers will be Hunter Land­ers, great grandson, Jerald Barksdale, Nephew, Greg Kennedy grandson, Wesley Killen, great nephew, Wen­dall James grandson and Todd Spurgeon son in law.

Tommy Gene Wyatt, 83

Tommy Gene Wyatt, of Littleville, Alabama, passed away on December 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Tommy was born on May 12, 1942, and through­out his life he was known for his big heart, strong work ethic, and his deep love for family, friends, and faith. He and his devoted wife, Don­na Wyatt, were blessed to share 43 years of marriage.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Grace Wyatt, and his lifelong best friend he loved as a brother, Sammy Stults.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Wyatt; his children, David Wyatt, Angela (Chris) Williams, John (Teresa) Wyatt, and Kody (Morgan) Wyatt.

His grandchildren—each one a source of great pride—include Noah Williams, Ben (Reilly) Williams, Tate Wy­att, Hunter (Ashley) Wy­att, Paige (Jamie) Thrasher, and Josh Harrison; as well as his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Sophia, Olivia, Lyn­lie, Blakeleigh, and Natalie; and a special friend Regi­na Peppers, Barbara Stults, and the loving members of the Littleville Church of Christ, each of whom held a meaningful place in his life.

Tommy was a beloved member of the Littleville Church of Christ, where he found fellowship, faith, and community. He worked faithfully for Reynolds and later Wise Alloys, re­tiring after an impressive 42 years of dedicated ser­vice, earning the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside him.

In his younger years, Tom­my played football at UNA, where his talent and deter­mination led to him being in­ducted into the Hall of Fame.

A man of many passions, Tommy loved drag racing cars, cheering on Alabama football, and spending time hunting and fishing. He shared countless adventures with family and friends, creating memories that will forever be treasured.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Wyatt, Noah Wil­liams, Ben Williams, Josh Harrison, Jamie Thrash­er, and Lee McCalpin.

Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Littleville Church of Christ, a reflec­tion of the strong bonds and Christian brotherhood Tommy valued so deeply.

Visitation will be Sun­day, December 7, 2025 from 1-2pm at Colbert Memori­al Chapel with a service to follow in the chapel. Buri­al will be held in Colbert Memorial Gardens. The service will be officiat­ed by Gerald Pennington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Colbert County Animal Shelter, honoring Tommy’s compas­sion and love for animals.

Tommy leaves behind a legacy of love, loyal­ty, faith, and strength. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and all who were blessed to know him.brief illness. Visitation will

Robert Wesley Garrett, Sr., 62

Robert Wesley Garrett, Sr., 62, of Conroe, TX, passed away on November 19, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11 am-1pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 1 pm in the chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Robert, lovingly known as “Buddy,” was the heart of his family and a friend to everyone who knew him. He treasured traveling and discovering new places, but nothing meant more to him than gathering with the peo­ple he loved. Buddy proudly spent 23 years with McKes­son Pharmaceuticals, where he built lasting friendships and was admired for his dedication and steady, de­pendable nature. A lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan, he never passed up a chance to cheer on BAMA. Above all, Buddy will be remem­bered for his gentle spirit and the way he made oth­ers feel valued and loved. His presence brought com­fort, laughter, and joy, and he leaves behind memories that his family and friends will hold close forever.

He is preceded in death by his father John­ny Monroe Garrett, Sr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Bernadine Lynn Garrett; children, Robert W. Gar­rett, Jr. and Joseph M. Garrett; mother, Maggie Frances Percle; stepfa­ther, Lionel (Jake) Percle; brothers, Johnny Garrett, Jr. (Debbie) and Daren Gar­rett (Tammy); Sister, Misty Garrett (George.) He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Kev­in Catlin, DJ Fisher, Mat­thew McDonald, Terry McDonald, TJ McDon­ald, and Lane Morgan.

Michael Bradley Holt, 67

Michael “Mikey” Bradley Holt, Age, 67 of Muscle Shoals, AL, passed away peaceful­ly on December 1, 2025.

Mikey as he was affection­ately called by family and friends was born September 4, 1958. He is the son of the late Marvin Jean Strange Holt and Roy Eugene Holt.

Mikey graduated from Muscle Shoals High School. He worked at Robbins Tire and Rubber for a number of years, then retired af­ter 30 years working for Lewis Electric, where he enjoyed his job as a de­livery driver and loved the employees as family.

Mikey is survived by his wife, Kim Culpepper Holt, his three brothers, Wayne (Lynn), Rusty (Rita), and Marty (Kay) Holt, nieces and nephews and his wife’s sister, Robin (Keith) Rainey. He is also survived by Juani­ta Robinson, a very dear aunt and Jerry Strange, a very spe­cial uncle and several cous­ins whom he loved dearly.

Mikey loved bowling. He bowled in a men’s league, and enjoyed talking about his “300” game. For sever­al years, he was awarded for being the highest fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Club. In his younger years, Mikey enjoyed karate. Mikey never met a stranger, had a gift for remembering peo­ple’s names and was a very loving person. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

Visitation will be held at Colbert Memorial Gardens on Friday from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. with the celebration of life immediately follow­ing in the chapel. Burial will be at Colbert Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family is so apprecia­tive for the wonderful med­ical care and compassion exhibited from Keller ICU, Keller Palliative and Keller Landing Nursing Home.

Dan Joseph

Mellott, 59

Dan Joseph Mellott 11/20/1966 – 12/1/2025 Cel­ebration of life services will be held at Colbert Memorial Gardens in Tuscumbia, Ala­bama, on Friday, December 5th, with visitation at 9:00 am and funeral following at 10:00 am. In lieu of flow­ers, please make donations to Arc of the Shoals. Dan Joseph Mellott was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on November 20, 1966. His childhood was spent hap­pily in Bellaire, Ohio, with family and friends in abun­dance. Dan was a student at the School of Hope where he learned to swim, play basketball, and even later worked in their vocational program. Always the prank­ster, Dan learned early how to manipulate his family, get into mischief, and always hold himself blameless. We loved that about him. In 1988, Dan and his mom relo­cated to Sheffield, Alabama, and added to their extended family with Cindy’s mar­riage to Tom Mussard. Dan quickly became a very vocal fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Atlanta Braves, and whoever was currently at the top of the NASCAR circuit. Dan attended school at Hope Haven for many years, also working in their programs, including his role as a server at The Right Track Restau­rant in Sheffield. Dan’s con­stant smile and big personal­ity earned him many friends and happy life experiences. Dan loved church and was part of a few Shoals area congregations through the years – York Terrace Baptist Church, Valley Grove Bap­tist Church, Abundant Grace Church, and Launchpoint Church. His stirring rendi­tion of Jesus Loves Me nev­er left a dry eye in the house. His love was pure and self­less. Knowing Dan made you a better person in gener­al. There is a big Dan-sized hole in the hearts of many with Dan’s departure from us. His family and friends are comforted knowing that he lives on with Jesus and loved ones lost in years past. Dan is preceded in death by grandparents Harold and Fran Mellott, Elzie and Ra­mona Loeffler; mother, Cyn­thia Ann Mussard; infant sister, Jamie Sue Mellott; sister-in-law, Tina Mellott; stepfather, Tom Mussard.

Dan is survived by father, Dan Francis Mellott (Kar­en); aunts, Chris DuPont and Marj Scarberry; uncle Har­old Ronald Mellott (Rita); brother, Ronald James Mel­lott (Kelly); stepsister, Jen­nifer Mussard; stepbrother, Michael Mussard; numer­ous special cousins back home in the Ohio Valley; nieces, Baylee Bush (El­liott), Krysten Kretzsch­mar (Cameron), Morgan Massey-Norton (Nick); nephews, Canon Mellott (Ashley), William Massey (Lakin); and all the grand nieces & nephews for whom he performed countless sock puppet shows – Sloane & Sterling, Gemma Lee, Jon Owen, & Jane Thomas, Eric & Jenny, Josie & Barrett.

The family wishes to thank so many folks, but es­pecially the wonderful staff at Cottage of the Shoals for their love and care of Dan for the last two years. And as Dan would say, “DONE!”

Gene Moore, 79

Gene Moore, 79, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Monday, Decem­ber 1, 2025. Visitation will be Monday, December 8, 2025, from 12-2 pm at Colbert Memorial Chap­el with a memorial service to follow. Inurnment will be in Shoals Memorial.

He was a decorated Viet­nam Veteran serving in the Marine Corps for many years.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.W. Moore; sons, Brian and Gene Moore Jr.; brothers, Wayne Moore, Thomas Hairrell, Eugene Cole, and Larry Cole; sister, Faye Davis; and grandson, Brandon Keith Pendergrass.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rose Ma­rie Moore; mother, Bessie Hairrell; daughters, Mary Pendergrass and Sabrina Chaney; son, Johnny Rid­dle (Jessica); siblings, Bill Moore (Debbie), Nancy Hester (Van), Judy Holland (Donald), and Debbie Ev­ans (Kenneth); grandchil­dren, Bradley Pendergrass, Brittany Lindley (Chris), and numerous of other grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; special friends, Theresa Scruggs and Slick Dickerson.

 

Paul

Andujar, Jr., 83

Paul Andujar, Jr., 83, of Florence, AL died on Friday, December 5, 2025. There will not be any services at this time.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Adujar; son, Jeff Andujar; stepson, Alan Kennedy; daughter, Natalie Searcy; step daughters, Mi­chele Aycock and Tonja Herring; brother, Harry An­dujar; grandchildren, Sara Beth Cooper, Jacob Andujar, Aidan Aycock, Michaela Ra­gan, Garret Green, SadieK­ennedy, Owen Kennedy, and Anna Ruth Kennedy; great grandchildren, Linkon Keith Andujar, Hazel Grace Andujar, PJ Paul Andu­jar, Jr., and Adalyn Ragan.

Evie Blair Smith

Evie Blair Smith, infant daughter of Daniel and Sa­mantha Smith, went to be with Jesus on December 2, 2025. There will be a pri­vate service for the family.

Evie was preceded in death by her grand­father, Mike Smith and great grandmother, Vir­ginia Ann “Gin” Pate.

She is survived by her parents Daniel and Saman­tha Smith; brother, Mad­dox Smith; sister, Maelee Smith; grandparents, David and Teresa Pate, Allen and Julie Montgomery, Deborah Smith, and David Green; great grandfather, Paul Pate; aunt and uncles, Ally Senk­beil (Matt) and David Smith.

James Matthew Blunt

James Matthew Blunt, infant son of Charles and Amanda Kimbrough Blunt, was born Monday, Decem­ber 1, 2025, and passed away on Thursday, De­cember 4, 2025. Visitation will be Monday, December 8, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Grace Life Church of the Shoals. The funeral service will immediately follow in the church chap­el with Dr. Tim Seal offici­ating. A private interment will be at Highland Baptist Cemetery in Dennis, MS.

James was preced­ed in death by his great-grandfathers, Dan­ny Garrison, Jimmy Kim­brough, and Troy Lovell.

In addition to his par­ents, James is survived by his grandparents, Mark and Kristy Blunt and Troy and Angel Kimbrough; great-grandparents, Phillip and Barbara Blunt, Lin­da Garrison, Carol Kim­brough, and Jeannie and Eric Robertson; great-great-grandmother, Elois Mobley; aunt, Kaci Royster (Dylan); and uncles, Jimmy Dale Kimbrough and Ben Blunt (Ally); and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Betty Sue “Kym” Ingram, 84

Betty Sue “Kym” In­gram, 84 of Florence, passed away Thursday, De­cember 4, 2025. A memo­rial service will be sched­uled in February of 2026.

Kym was a retired so­cial worker having worked in Alaska, Florida, and California. She was pre­ceded in death by her hus­band, Richard Ingram; parents, Dudley and Mary Roberts; son, Richard In­gram, Jr; and great grand­son, Damon McNamara.

She is survived by her daughter, Dallas Mojica and husband, Gerald; sis­ter, Dallas Huth; grandchil­dren, Ashley Murphy, David Chastain, Charlie Shimkus, Arielle Mojica, and Aman­da Tello; and a host of great grandchildren, niec­es, nephews, and cousins.