Jan. 17 obituaries

Marvin Lee

Willis, Sr., 87

Marvin Lee Willis, bet­ter known as “Buddy,” born March 18, 1938 in Sheffield, AL passed away at his home on January 7, 2026. Visita­tion will be held on Satur­day, January 10, 2026 from 1-3 pm at Colbert Memori­al Chapel with a service to follow at 3 pm in the chap­el. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Doug Jackson will be officiating.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Oscar Willis, his mother, Emma Lorene Halliburton Willis, brother George Willis, sisters Evelyn Dean Willis and Mae Allison, his firstborn son Mar­vin Lee Willis Jr. and grand­daughter Jessie Elaine Willis.

He is survived by his wife LaDelle Brooks Willis; his sons Phillip Willis, Collin Willis, Lance Willis (Lori), and Scott Johnston (Bridget) as well as his daughter Cher­yl Johnston Souther ( Will). Grandchildren Lee Willis, Jennifer Willis, Alex Willis (Sarah Grace), Breanna Wil­lis, Addi Willis, Maddilyn Willis, Garrett Willis, Cath­erine Willis, Dylan Johnston (Allie), Trey Johnston, Brady Johnston, and Carley Souther. Great-grandchildren Kane Willis, Justyce Willis, Jace Willis, Sylvie Willis, Jude Willis, Ocie Willis, Emory Risner, and Oakley Willis along with a host of nieces and nephews and the moth­er of his sons, Elaine Willis.

Buddy was born and raised in Cherokee, Alabama where he graduated and was a two-time high school football All-American. He was also inducted as a member of the Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a member of the Sheffield Masonic Lodge #503. He loved his family, football, as well as hunting and fishing. One of his favorite topics of conversation was playing football with his childhood friend, Jack Cochran. Jack and Les McCullough were two men that he dearly loved and looked up to. He enjoyed fishing with Ricky Wix and Darrell Miller. Buddy loved deer hunting and was a proud member of the Alabama Dog Hunter’s Association. He enjoyed spending time with Johnny Bivins, Terry Woods and other members of the hunting club community. He was saved later in his life and would tell his family that God has been good to him. He would tell his sons and grand­sons about the Lord and reg­ularly taught them many life lessons. He would begin his lesson with “well boys I know one thing “ and the talk would begin. Buddy was a very hard worker and enjoyed teaching those around him. He was an electrician by trade and a proud 65 plus year member of the IBEW 558. He loved watching the Atlanta Braves as well as his grandchildren playing any kind of ball. Buddy also enjoyed traveling with his wife, LaDelle and friends, Rita and Wade Coker and B.G. and Brenda Staggs.

Pallbearers will be Dylan Johnston, Trey Johnston, Brady Johnston, Garrett Wil­lis, Alex Willis, Lee Willis.

Honorary Pallbear­er will be Jack Cochran.

Special thanks extended to Dr. Robert Mann, Dr. John Baron, and Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for their loving care of Buddy and a special thank you to his nurse Sherry Cochran for her expertise and kindness during his illness.

He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Alma Ruth

Johnson, 91

Alma Ruth Johnson, 91, of Muscle Shoals, AL died on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11 am – 12 pm at Colbert Memori­al Chapel with a graveside service to follow at 12 pm in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ottis and Myrtle Yarbrough; husband, Billy Thomas Johnson; one brother, Rual Yarbrough; and one sister, Jean Tate.

She is survived by her son, Jeff Johnson (Nikki); broth­er, Adiran Yarbrough (Betty); grandchildren, Olivia Johnson Perdue (Trey), Mallory Grace Johnson (Terrell), and Olivia Catherine Adams, Ben Adams.

Pallbearers will be William Kirk, Joe Brazelton, Terry Pearson, Woodie Belk, Da­vid Isbell, and Ben Adams.

Dennis L. Hill, 79

Dennis L. Hill, of Chero­kee, Alabama, passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2026, at the age of 79, sur­rounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline Hill; his sons, Mi­chael Hill and his wife Tracy Hensen Hill, and Jason Hill and his wife Crystal Hill; his cherished grandchildren, Al­exander, Shelby, Nathanial, Sterling, and Henry Hill; and his great-grandson, Jeremy.

Dennis was raised in Fair­field, Illinois, by his uncle Lowell Arlie “Mike” Hill and Aunt Mabel Willis Hill. He served honorably in the United States Army as a med­ic during the Vietnam War and was proudly stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where he and Caroline welcomed their first son. Dennis was always proud of his service to his country and carried that pride with quiet humility throughout his life. After re­turning to the United States, he welcomed his second son.

Dennis earned a master’s degree in business with a minor in agriculture from Eastern Illinois University. Though he never bragged, he was a highly intelligent and forward-thinking man who was part of the original team involved in the devel­opment of corn ethanol. He owned and operated several businesses over the years, in­cluding The Handy Hammer.

Above all, Dennis loved his family deeply. His sons and grandchildren were the center of his world and his greatest source of pride. Dennis was known by all as a friendly, warm-hearted man who nev­er met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor, loved to joke, and brought laughter and joy into every room he en­tered. Even in difficult times, Dennis maintained a positive attitude and found reasons to smile. In his later years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories, laughing, and working on projects togeth­er. The memories of Dennis will forever be cherished by his family and friends, and he will be missed by all who knew him deeply. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Friends and family are in­vited to attend funeral ser­vices on January 9, 2026, at Morrison Funeral Home, 10865 US-72, Cherokee, Al­abama 35616. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. Dennis will be laid to rest in his hometown of Fairfield, Illinois. Friends and family are invited to the Graveside service at 10 am on 01/12/2026 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, Illinois.

Robert

Arnold, 85

Robert “Bob” Arnold, 85, of Muscle Shoals, AL died on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Arnold; son, Tim Arnold; daugh­ter, Pam Arnold Perkins; and sister, Susan Arnold.

He is survived by his son, Terry Arnold (Debra); brother, Bill Arnold (Sylvia); sister, Sonya Arnold; grandchil­dren, Tasha Hill (Joe), Taylor Arnold, and Zach Perkins.

Athel Hacker, 80

Athel (Ace) Hacker, 80, Leighton, AL, passed away on January 9, 2026. Ace was born in Belgreen, AL, and grew up in LaGrange, AL. He spent his early years working for his fa­ther as a logger during the day and rocking the stage at night by playing lead guitar and pro­viding vocals in the very pop­ular band “The Hacker Broth­ers.” Ace went on to become a very hardworking successful businessman by owning and operating his own business, Athel Hacker Trucking, LLC.

Music was always in his blood as he came from a long line of talented musicians. His love for music started at a very young age when one of his sis­ters showed him four chords on a guitar. His musical talent was not limited to only gui­tar as he also taught himself how to play piano and found that he had a natural God giv­en talent with his voice. Ace recorded a hit song, “Look Who’s Holding You Now” that debuted at number 18 on the country music chart in 1989 and stayed in the top 100 for 6 weeks. During his musical career, he also had the honor of playing for the Governors of Tennessee and Alabama.

He was a very loving, kind, giving man who loved his family and his loyal­ty to his family was un­matched. He was a strong Christian man and his faith in the gospel never wavered.

Ace is survived by his wife of 63 years, Legia Hack­er; Sons, Deion Hacker and Shawn Hacker (Melissa) and daughter, Misti Ashley (Rob­ert); Several very special grandchildren and great grand­children; one brother, and nu­merous nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Wal­ter and Alice Hacker, six brothers, and four sisters.

Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel, Tuscumbia, AL. The funer­al will be held on Wednes­day, January 14, 2026 at 1 pm. He will lie in state from 12 to 1 pm. Burial will fol­low at Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin Co, AL, with Jimmy Weath­ers officiating the services.

Pallbearers will be: Wil­liam Berry, Mike Ford, Da­mon Hacker, Danny Hacker, Lee Hacker, and Todd Rack­ley. Honorary pallbearers are: Henry Tutwiley, Douglas “Pug” Smith, Dewey Pace, Jerry Irons and Faron Faires.

Sarah Alice

Clingan

Black, 84

Sarah Alice Clingan Black, 84, of Tuscumbia, went home to be with her Lord on Mon­day, January 5, 2026. Vis­itation will be Wednesday, January 7, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home Cherokee. The funeral service will immediately fol­low at the funeral home with Scott Livingston officiating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park, Cherokee.

Alice was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Alice was a day care teacher at Mars Hill Bible School and a member of Val­dosta Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ho­mer Black; parents, William Hosie and Elora Clingan; brothers, Ivo Clingan, Lar­ry Clingan, Hubert Clingan, Ray Clingan, Junior Clingan, Lois Kingsley; sisters, Louise Wilson, Ruby Williams, Mil­dred Royce, Marie Kabitza.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Kendra Black Cook (Jason Cook) sister, Mar­tha Canida; grandchildren, Quinn, Pierce and Lucca Cook; Peggy Wilson and Car­men Conley, as well as nu­merous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Mitchell Hollingsworth’s station 4, Loretta, and, staff for the loving care shown to Mrs. Black. The family would also like to express deep gratitude to Misty Wil­son and Amanda Stanfield with Southern Care New Beacon Hospice of Florence.

Pallbearers will be Steve Vickery, Peyton Gargis, Rod­ney Hansen, Roy Coburn, Kenny Wilson, Jeff Wil­son, Jacky West. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Wil­liams, Stan Conley, Craig Conley and Chris Clingan.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Col­bert County Animal Shelter.

Kenneth Lester Saint, 71

Kenneth Lester Saint, 71, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Visitation will be Monday, January 12, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The fu­neral service will be Tuesday, January 13, in the funeral home chapel, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Jeff New­man officiating. Interment will be in Hopewell Church of Christ Cemetery, Leighton.

A man of strong Christian faith, Kenneth was a member and former deacon of Bear Creek Baptist Church, and a veteran of the US Marines. He loved bowling and playing golf with his friends, but his greatest loves were his kids and grandkids. Kenneth was preceded in death by his par­ents, Grady and Beulah Saint; brothers, Paul Saint, Roger Saint, Jimmy Saint, and Joe Saint; sisters, Vicky Jackson (Ronald), Linda Gunter, Jan­ice Kay Lindley (Ronnie), Carolyn Saint, and Ruby Wat­son; son-in-law, Chris Smith; grandson, Kyle Saint; neph­ews, Alex Wellman, Jason Smith, and James Riggs; in-laws, James Carl and Bernice Riggs; brothers-in-law, Leroy Gann and Harold Riggs; and sister-in-law, Linda Smith.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Novise Saint; children, Kenneth Saint (Brittney), Thomas Saint (Paige), David Saint (Tiffany), and Stacy Barrett (Todd); brother, Jeff Saint (Misty); grandchil­dren, Carrie Smith, Kendra Holt (Cody), Shelby Smith, Korey Saint (Keslie), Ethan Saint (Kendall), Tyler Smith (Alana), Ean Saint (Mary), and Kayleigh-Beth, Dylan, Layla Grace, McKenzie, and Kaylea Vinson; great-grand­children, Greyson, Jaycee Rae, Braylee Mae, Adeline, Brooks, and Weslynn; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ko­rey Saint, Ethan Saint, Tyler Smith, Ean Saint, Mark Rick­ard, and Andy Neugent. Cody Gann and Dylan Saint will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Henry L.

Tunks, 93

Henry L. Tunks, 93, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. Vis­itation will be Sunday from 1 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Morri­son Funeral Home, Chero­kee. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Gatus Cheatham offici­ating. The burial will follow at Harris Chapel Cemetery.

Henry was a native of Sweden, Kentucky and was a member of Harris Chap­el Baptist Church. He was a retired park ranger with the National Park Service after 35 years of service. Hen­ry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfa­ther and a great friend to all.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anna­belle Tunks; parents, Her­schel and Gladys Tunks; granddaughter, Anne Wil­liams Hoilman; and 6 siblings.

Henry is survived by his sons, Eddie Tunks and wife, Kathy and Jeff Tunks and wife, Karyn; daughter, Donna Tunks; 3 grandchil­dren; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchil­dren; and a host of niec­es, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jona­than Melton, Lachlan Tunks, Daniel Tunks, Ben Taylor, Craig Taylor, Kyler Hoilman, and Tanner Seal. Honorary pallbearer is Brent Taylor.

Charlene

Hudson

Riggs, 89

Charlene Hudson Riggs, 89, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A reception for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 14, from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral ser­vice will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Casey Hagle officiating. Interment will be in Oak­wood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Charlene was a member of Redemption Shoals. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Lee Riggs; parents, Grady and Oma Hud­son; stepmother, Corine Hud­son; brothers, Harold, Don, and Kenneth Hudson; step­sister, and Merilla Haydock.

Charlene is survived by her daughters, Michelle Cantrell (Jason), Marsha Cantrell (Je­rome), and MaLea Milstead (Tommy); grandchildren, Jon­athan Cantrell (Katie), Jessi­ca Cantrell Kennedy, Justin Cantrell (Presley), Lauren Cantrell Sherrill (Nathan), Thomas Milstead (Megan), and Anna Milstead; and great-grandchildren, Kath­erine and Michael Milstead, Jackson, William, and Josie Cantrell, and Molly Kennedy, Callum, and Collier Cantrell.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan and Justin Cantrell, Thom­as Milstead, Nathan Sherrill, Jim Riggs, and Matt Wright.

The family offers spe­cial thanks to the staff of Preferred Hospice, Na­keshia Shamar, Marcia Hulsey, and Lana Woods.

Dwight Earl

Kerby, 64

Dwight Earl Kerby, 64, of Sheffield passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Visitation will be Thursday, January 22, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Cowboy Church of Colbert County, Tuscumbia. A memorial service will immedi­ately follow at the church with Truman Sutton officiating.

A devoted Christian and faithful family man, Dwight was a member of the Cow­boy Church of Colbert Coun­ty. He was a veteran of the US Marines and a member of the Marine Corps League – Conley detachment #1477. Dwight was an expert marks­man, earning Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol badges. He was owner/operator of an over the road truck for thirty-nine years. Dwight was a mem­ber of PRCA, riding broncs and bulls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wil­liam Earl and Nancy Kather­ine Marie Vandiver Kerby.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Faye DeaLynn Ker­by; children, Cynthia Ker­by Pendley, Desiree Kerby Hanna (Stacey), Justin Kerby (Brandy), Ashley Turner, and Myrissa; brother, David Ker­by; sister, Deborah Dixon; grandchildren, Hailee Strick­land, Payton Pendley, Devin Elliott (Isach), Tyler Reaves, Andrew Manset, Cadence Ker­by, Jaxon Kerby, Isabel Turn­er, Eli Bradley, Libby Bradley, and Alex Moody; great-grand­children, Aurora Elliott and Aubrey Elliott; and in-laws, Mary Faye and Bill Inman.