Feb. 28 obituaries

Terrence Gene Pace, 63

Terrence Gene “Ter­ry” Pace, 63, of Sheffield, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Visi­tation will be Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Fu­neral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will be Thursday, February 19, at the Ritz Theater, Sheffield, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Lisa Rickman officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the theater. Interment will be in Oak­wood Cemetery, Sheffield.

Terry was a talented writ­er, musician, historian, and actor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Pace; paternal grandparents, Luther and Flossie Pace; and maternal grandparents, John and Gertrude Cassimus.

Terry is survived by his wife, Anita Pace; chil­dren, Forrest Pace and Alexandra Pace; father, Ronald Pace (Betty); and brother, Cass Pace.

Pallbearers will be Gary Baker, Kelvin Hol­ly, Jay Johnson, Steifon Passmore, Jerry Phillips, and Steve Richerson.

In lieu of flowers, con­tributions may be made to the John Cassimus Schol­arship at the University of North Alabama, UNA.edu/give (designation: cassi­mus), or the UNA Foun­dation, UNA Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632 (memo line: cassimus scholarship.

The family gratefully acknowledges the com­passionate care and sup­port of the staff of Ame­disys Hospice; and his devoted friends, Jayne Jackson and Tonya Holly.

Lou V. Ashlyn Wiseman, 88

Lou V. Ashlyn “Lou Lou” Wiseman, 88, of Cherokee, AL, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026. A me­morial service will be held at Family Life Church, Killen, AL on March 8, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Lou was known for her spunky personality, love of dance and music, flare for life, and love of the spot­light. She loved her family and had a special place in her heart for her animals. She had never met a strang­er and if you had a minute or even if you didn’t, she was going to talk to you. She will be remembered for her laugh, smile, and dressing to the nines from hats to shoes.

She is survived by her sister, Mildred McCord; daughter, Clemmie D. Conley; granddaughter, Ronda Henley (Jason); great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn Robinson (Nick), Kristan King, and Kait­lyn Henley; and the love of her life, Jess Thomason.

James

“Wirehair”

Farris, 81

It is with the utmost sad­ness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” “Wirehair” Farris, 81, on Monday, February 16, 2026. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.

Jim was born on Decem­ber 12, 1944, in Sheffield, Alabama, to Aubrey and Minnie Summers Farris. He was a 1964 graduate of Shef­field High School and enlist­ed in the U.S. Army in 1965, serving during the Viet Nam War until 1968. Jim was a member of the IBEW Lo­cal 558 for fifty-five years and was a lifelong, die­hard fan, if ever there was one, of the NY Yankees.

Jim is survived by his adoring wife of forty years, Rhona Fligel Farris; daugh­ter, Kelly Thompson (Bri­an); stepdaughter, Robin Flaum (Matt); stepson, Ran­dy Flaum (Jessica); broth­ers, Randy Farris (Cindy) and Douglas Farris (Cathy); sisters, Linda Maples (Blan­ton) and Cathy Farris; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Jonathan Thompson (Hannah), Jor­dan Thompson Hoerl (An­thony), Jake Thompson, Alexander Flaum, Addison Flaum, Camille Flaum; and great-granddaugh­ter, Jessie Rae Thomp­son, all of whom were his absolute pride and joy.

Along with his par­ents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Steve Farris; and sisters, Ramona Whitlock, Gayle Askew, and Martha Dean.

The family wishes to thank the NAMC cardiac care unit for their excel­lent care and compassion for Jim and his family.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Roger Lee Burns, 63

Roger Lee Burns, 63, of Sheffield, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Colbert Heights. The fu­neral service will immedi­ately follow at the church with Seth Hood officiating. Interment will be in Oak­wood Cemetery, Sheffield.

Roger was a member of First Baptist Church, Col­bert Heights. He enjoyed fishing and was a fan of Au­burn Athletics and the Atlan­ta Braves. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Burns; and brother, Carlos Burns.

Roger is survived by his wife, Cara Burns; chil­dren, Atticus Burns and Morgan Burns; and broth­ers, Tony Burns (Vicki), Donnie Burns (Gloria), and Curtis Burns (Tracie).

Pallbearers will be Shan­non McGregory, John Webb, Kirk Wallace, Jo­nas Bailey, Jason Bai­ley, and Kenny Aycock.

Ronald David Vernon, 72

Ronald David Vernon, 72, of Muscle Shoals, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, February 21, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Ronnie Poag. Interment will be at Oak­wood Cemetery, Sheffield.

Ronald was a veteran Staff Sgt. of the Alabama Army National Guard, 115th Sig­nal Battalion and an electri­cian with the IBEW 558. He was also an avid Alabama Fan and was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Vernon Sr. and Vera Vernon.

Ronald is survived by his children, Daniel Todd (Amanda) and Deanna Pet­ty; brother, Ramon Vernon; grandchildren, Matthew Todd (Donia), Addison Todd, Nathan Todd, Kate­lyn Todd (Marty), Brook­lyn Petty, and Tyson Petty; great-grandchildren, Athe­na Todd, and Bradley and Paisley Robertson; and a host of cousins and friends.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honor­ary pallbearers are members of the 115th Signal Battalion.

Virginia

McDonald

Lindsey, 87

Virginia McDonald Lind­sey, 87, of Florence, passed away, Wednesday, Febru­ary 18, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 from Noon un­til 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Church of Christ. The funer­al will immediately follow.

She was a member of Cor­nerstone Church of Christ and a Registered Nurse and Health Occupation teach­er. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, William Ervin and Pau­line McDonald; husband, Charles Lindsey; brothers, William, Joe, Dan, Bob­by and Johnny McDonald.

Virginia is survived by her children Debra Brooks, (Dennis), Chuck Lindsey (Lisa), and Brian Lindsey (Rebecca); brothers, Tom­my McDonald (Margo); sister-in-law, Mary McDon­ald; grandchildren, Matt Brooks (Mitzi) Leann Bur­gess (Dan), Drew Brooks (Monika), Danielle Willcutt (Brandon), Garrett Lindsey, Travis Lindsey (Victoria), Thomas Lindsey (Megan), Austin Sockwell (Mary Emily), Braden Sockwell (Emily); great-grandchil­dren, Sydney Brooks, Will Brooks, Paisley Brooks, Ava Burgess, Sam Burgess, Finn Burgess, Nora Burgess, Abi­gail Brooks, Ella Jo Brooks, Catherine Brooks, Rowan Willcutt, River Willcutt, Harper Lindsey, Summit Lindsey, and Wyatt Sockwell.

Special thanks to Stepha­nie Britnell, Ashley Parker and Hospice of North Al­abama for their wonderful and loving care for our mom.

Pallbearers will be Matt Brooks, Drew Brooks, Travis Lindsey, Thomas Lindsey, Garrett Lindsey, Brandon Willcutt, Dan Burgess, Austin Sockwell, and Braden Sockwell.

Gloria “Jean” Smith, 84

Gloria “Jean” Smith, age 84 of Russellville, passed away peacefully at Mitch­ell Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehab on 20 Feb 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray­mond Howard Smith, only child Rickey Dale Smith (Penny). Parents Oscar and Evelyn Garrison, sis­ter Cora Thorn Odom, brothers Billie Joe Garri­son and James L. Garrison.

She leaves to cherish her memories, grandsons Josh Smith and Nick Smith. And Great grandson Aidem Smith. Brothers; Robert, Charles, Hershel, Kermit and sister Sherry Marbut. And a host of nephews and nieces.

We would like to thank the nurses and staff of Mitchell Hollingsworth for their great care during her last days.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Iva Jane

Bates, 82

Iva Jane Bates, 82, of Florence, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, the same hour and six years to the day that her beloved husband Gerald passed away. Visitation will be Monday, February 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Mor­rison Funeral Home, Tus­cumbia. The funeral service will be Tuesday, February 24, at 2 p.m. in the funer­al home chapel. There will be no graveside service.

Jane was a native of Col­bert County. She was a lov­ing and devoted wife, moth­er, and grandmother. Jane loved attending church and singing gospel music, espe­cially with her brother, Lar­ry. She also loved reading, family reunions, camping, playing cards, and especial­ly loved spending time with family. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, son, parents, and siblings.

She is survived by her children, Dena Parrish (Andy), Tammy Balderas, and Jeremy Bates (Mindy); brother, Larry Davis (Lin­da); grandchildren, Brooke Ross (Bobby), Hannah Davis (Kyle), Marisa Par­rish, Tori Balderas, Brandi Stricklin (Toby), and Ma­ria Earnhardt (Kandalyn); great-grandchildren, Rae­gan, Aubrie, Trey, and Ava Claire; a host of nieces and nephews; and Sophia Bates her beloved grand-dog.

Larry Ray

Simpson, 64

Larry Ray Simpson, age 64, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, passed away on Friday February 20, 2026, after a sudden illness. No services are scheduled currently.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carel Dean Simpson and Doris Simpson; brothers, Jerry Taylor and Jimmy Simp­son; sisters, Sherry Gooch and Carolyn Simpson.

Larry is survived by his son, Daniel Simpson (Eryn), Ricky Simpson (Brodi), and Stephen Simpson; Grand­children, Lily Hutchens, Lukas Simpson, Silas Simp­son, and Maverick Simp­son; great-grandchildren, Brantley Hutchens, Malarie Hutchens, and Layah Hutch­ens; brother, Timothy Simp­son; sister-in-laws, Jamie Taylor and Connie Simpson.

The family will have a private memorial later.

Charles Edwin Beck, 88

Charles Edwin Beck, 88, of Sheffield, passed away on Friday, Febru­ary 20, 2026. A grave­side service will be held on Sunday, February 22, at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Larry Kilpatrick officiating.

Charles was a member of Tuscumbia Church of Christ and retired from Reynolds Alloys. He was a former Chairman of the Board at Helen Keller Me­morial Hospital. Charles was an avid cyclist and runner, but his favorite pastime was keeping his lawn immaculate. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vora Beck; son, Charles Edwin Beck, Jr.; brother, James Walker Beck; sister, Nina Beck Phillips; and son-in-law, Tim Mauldin.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of for­ty-four years, Virginia Beck; daughter, Cindy Bain (Joey); stepdaugh­ters, Sondra Landers (Stan) and Suzanne Maul­din; grandchildren, Adam Bain (Christina), Grace Bain, Emma Mauldin, Braden Mauldin, Sam Burleson, and Jenni Akins; great-grandchildren, Hen­ry Bain, Taegen Burleson, Jaycee Burleson, Cleeten Burleson, Amos Akins, Faris Akins, and Rowan Akins; and special niece, Susan Phillips Hammond.

Pallbearers will be Adam Bain, Sam Burleson, Braden Maul­din, Joey Bain, Stan Land­ers, and Taegen Burleson.

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

The family express­es special thanks to the staff of The Summit at Mitchell Hollingsworth, and to Dr. Aaron Joiner.

Barbara Ann Gable, 83

Barbara Ann Gable, 83, of Florence, passed from this life surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, February 20, 2026. Her Celebration of Life will be on Thurs­day, February 26, at Launch Point Church in Tuscumbia, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Shane Swinney officiating.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Gable; and mother, Marjorie Schall.

She is survived by her sister, Anita Fonash (Bob); five children, Anthony Le­one, Gary Gable (Barbette), James “Jimmy” Gable (Amy), Dina Baskins (Jona­than), and Victoria Chastain (Peter); sixteen grand­children, Anthony Leone III, Gary Gable Jr., Jamey Gable, Autumn Gable, Al­exander Gable, Austin Ga­ble (Cydney), J. J. Sexton (Amie), Elivia Sexton, El­yssa Goodwin (Tyler), Jaida Goodwin, Makenzie Crowe, Andrew Neri, Maddox Thigpen, Anna Kate Thig­pen, Kaydence Chastain, and Emma Chastain; eight great-grandchildren, Lil­lie Gable, Eli Gable, Tura Gable, Jude Gable, Ryla Gable, Aiden Berg, Averlie Sexton, and Falynn Baskins.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Flor­ence Rehabilitation and Wellness, and to the ICU staff at Helen Keller Hos­pital for their exception­al care and compassion.

Ida Leighton Gargis, 90

Ida Leighton “Leigh” Gar­gis, 90, of Sheffield, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born on March 9, 1935, in Vicksburg, Missis­sippi. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Febru­ary 24, at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church, Tuscumbia, Alabama. The funeral service will im­mediately follow at the church. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Leigh was preceded in death by her loving husband of forty-one years, Luther O’Neal Gargis; her par­ents, Luke Francis Koestler and Julia Binnier Koestler; sister, Margaret “Margie” Burdick; son-in-law, Ray­mond Devaney; and grand­sons, Jared Matthew Moth­ershed and Larry Gargis.

She is survived by her children, Matthew J. Moth­ershed (Cathy), Annie M. Cole (Bubba), John C. Mothershed (Suzanne), Barbara Devaney, Roger Gargis (Jan), Ricky Gar­gis (Jane), and John Gargis (Anita); grandchildren, Jes­sica Lier (Zack), Hannah Mears (Kirk), Whitney Mar­shall (Michael), Zach Cole, Malachi Cole (Liz), Emily Dread (Jalen), Sara Todd (Rusty), Eden Mothershed, Brooks Canup (Danielle), Brylee Heathcock (Col­by), Shaw Gargis (Amy), Morgan Gargis, Josh Gar­gis (Brandy), Chris Dev­aney, Stacie Smallwood (Jeff), Corey Gargis (Ash­ley), Brad Hulsey (Ange­la); as well as numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Some of Leigh’s fondest memories were her years living in the Village com­munity where she reared her family. She enjoyed her fif­ty-three year career with the Carter Oil Company family and considered it a voca­tion that brought her great pleasure. Leigh loved her family and lived in antici­pation of gatherings, espe­cially holidays. The Desh­ler Football Quarterback Club brought many years of enjoyment with friends as she served her special oatmeal cookies to the team week after week. Leigh was generous, funny, and had a strong work ethic. She was a light to all around her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark McIlwain, Dr. Jack McLendon, Victo­ria Hodges, Joyous Hodg­es, Machelle Williams, Andrea Prince, Miranda Carlisle, and Daniel Free­man for their kindness and loving care for our mom.

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

Valerie Jean Aycock, 66

Valerie Aycock passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, creativi­ty, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished most.

Valerie had a special gift for sewing. With pa­tient hands and a creative spirit, she stitched togeth­er not only beautiful quilts and garments, but also countless memories for her family. Every thread she wove was a reflection of her love — love that will continue to wrap around her children and grand­children for years to come.

Above all, Valerie was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother. Her sons, Josh and Matthew, were the pride and joy of her life. She poured her heart into raising them, guiding them with strength, faith, and unconditional love. She celebrated their victories, stood beside them through challenges, and never missed an opportunity to remind them how proud she was. The bond she shared with her boys was steady, tender, and unbreakable.

As much as she loved her sons, her heart only grew larger with the arrival of her grandchildren. Valerie treasured every moment spent with them. Whether she was sewing something special just for them, shar­ing stories, or simply enjoy­ing their laughter, her heart was fullest when her family was near. She was their big­gest encourager, their steady comfort, and their safe place.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Eva Smith.

Valerie leaves behind her devoted husband of 47 years, Byron Aycock; her loving sons, Josh Aycock (Ashton) and Matthew Aycock; her brother, Wil­liam Smith (Sandra); her sisters, Susan Doom and Dora Smith; and her be­loved grandchildren, Lexa Aycock, Judah Aycock, and James Aycock. Each of them carries forward her kindness, strength, and gentle spirit.

Pallbearers will be An­thony Sparks, Brandon Sharp, Kenneth Aycock, Mike Hester, Randy Wil­son, Robert Austin, Sammy Horton, and William Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Allen, Ray Counts, and Randy Waldrep.

Valerie will be remem­bered for her tender heart, her creative hands, and the deep love she had for her family. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely will remain forever stitched into the hearts of those who knew her.

Visitation will be Wednes­day, February 25th, 2026 from 11am-1pm at Colbert Memorial with the funer­al immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to Val­ley Grove Baptist Church and/or St. Jude Chil­dren’s Research Hospital.

Charles Clinton Campbell, 74

Charles Clinton Camp­bell, a man whose life was defined by the steady rhythm of a guitar and the deep love of his family, passed away leaving behind a legacy of music and devo­tion. Born on May 5, 1951, Charles walked through life with a song in his heart and a kind word for those he met.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 23rd, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Williams Funer­al Home of Florence. The service will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Hard Shell Cemetery in Town Creek, Alabama.

Family and Heritage

Charles was the son of the late Clinton and Glad­ys Campbell. He joins his beloved wife, Sha­ron Campbell, in eternal rest, along with his broth­er, David McGee, and his sister, Inez McClain.

He is survived by his lov­ing sister, Brenda Frost (Ed­die Wiley), who will cher­ish the memories of their years growing up together.

A Devoted Father and Grandfather

Charles’s pride and joy were his children. His mem­ory will be kept alive by:

*Tracy (Allen) Nelms of Wakefield, KS

*Cathy Frederick of Tuscumbia, AL

*Charlie (Dawn) Camp­bell of Trinity, AL

He now reunites with his children who preceded him in death: Johnny Taylor, David Taylor, and Rhon­da Posey. Charles was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to many, each of whom carried a piece of his spirit forward.

A Life Set to Music

If you knew Charles, you knew his love for Country and Western music. From a very young age, he found his voice through the strings of a guitar. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a “jam session”—sitting in a circle with friends and family, let­ting the music fill the room.

Perhaps his greatest mu­sical achievement was pass­ing that passion down to his son, Charlie. The bond they shared over their guitars was a source of immense pride for him, ensuring that the melodies he loved will continue to be played for generations to come.

“A song ends, but the melody lingers on.”

Charles will be remem­bered for his gentle soul, his pickin’ skills, and the quiet strength he offered his fami­ly. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the plea­sure of hearing him play.

Gary Reece Gandy, 77

Gary Reece Gandy, 77, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Mon­day, February 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Gan­dy; mother, Effie Gandy; step mother, Bessie Gandy; brothers, Thomas Earl Gan­dy and Glen Gandy; and brother-in-law, Joe Brocato.

He is survived by his lov­ing wife, Norma Gandy; chil­dren, Jason Gandy (Amy) and Amy Morris (Mitch); grandchildren, Clark Gan­dy, Reece Gandy, Abby Morris, and Henry Morris; sister, Shirley Brocato; and sister-in-law, Sue Gandy.

Gary served his coun­try as a marine in the U.S. Marine Corp earn­ing the rank of sergeant.

He was devoted to his family, friends, and neigh­bors. He was a Christian and a faithful member of the Highland Park Church of Christ congregation.

At his request there will be no visitation. On Feb­ruary 26, a private family graveside service will be conducted by Ben Hayes.

A special thank you to Dr. Vacik and Helen Keller Hospital Emergency De­partment. Thank you to ev­eryone who visited, wrote letters, shared memories, and called Gary during this time.

Barbara Ellen Appiarius, 40

Barbara Ellen Appiarius, 40, of Florence, AL passed away, Sunday, February 15, 2026. Visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will follow. Burial will be at Hendrix Chapel Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Francis Ramey and son, Anthony White.

Barbara is survived by her son, Michael Ashton White; granddaughter, Lilith Marie White; dad, Raymond Ap­piarius, Sr.; brother, Ray­mond Appiarius, Jr.; sister, Jennifer Sampieri (Justin).

Bessie

Speegle, 92

Bessie Speegle, 92, of Cherokee, AL died on Mon­day, February 23, 2026. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12-2 pm at Col­bert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 pm. Burial will be in Col­bert Memorial Gardens.