May 16 obituaries
Rebecca Sprague
Austin, 87
Rebecca Sprague Austin, 87, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on May 6, 2026. A service will begin at 11 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Grace Life Church of the Shoals. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
She was a member of Grace Life Church of the Shoals. Rebecca was a homemaker and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil D. Sprague and Lela Sprague; husband, Ernest W. Austin; daughter, Rebecca Austin Pitts; grandson, Jo Arthur McDonald; and her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her sons, Peter Gerald Austin (Darlene), Willard Mark Austin, and Fred Jackson Austin (Marcia); daughters, Patricia Ann Austin Foust and Amanda Jo Austin McDonald; grandchildren, Jacob Sims, Ben Foust, Daniel Foust, Bethany Austin Cole, Chase Austin, Brent Austin, Kali Austin Myrick, Cody Pitts, Erin Anantwar, and Caitlin Hobbs; great grandchildren, Grace Sims, Kaylyn Stewart, Ezra Myrick, Maisy Myrick, Elijah Austin, and Alexis Austin.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
Special thanks to the nurses and staff with Aveanna Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anchored In Truth Ministries at Grace Life Church of the Shoals.
Larry Allen
Hunt, 75
Mr. Larry Hunt, 75, a resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, formerly of Coshocton, Ohio, died in Florence, Alabama, after a prolonged illness.
He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, to Louise and Lewis Hunt, where his father, a decorated Korean War veteran, was stationed. He spent most of his childhood in and around Coshocton, Ohio, graduating from River View High School. Following in his father’s footsteps, he drove trucks professionally, and he enjoyed being on the road. He had a long career as a skilled paper mill technician until his retirement, working for the same company as his father and brother. He enjoyed fishing, or getting ready to go fishing, college basketball, classic comedy, and good food.
He was a devoted son to his mother and father, and he enjoyed close relationships with his two younger brothers. He was a father to three daughters, and he loved and cared for them till the end of his days. He followed them to Alabama in his later years, in order to be an involved father and grandfather. He was devoted to his faith, and prayed for his family daily.
He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, his mother, and two infant grandsons, all of whom he deeply loved.
He is survived by his father, his brother, three daughters, and five grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest on May 11, 2026, in Colbert Memorial Gardens in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He will be buried close to one of his beloved grandsons, following a private service.
Dickey Gene Lesley, 81
Dickey Gene Lesley, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lee County, Mississippi, and was raised in the Shoals area where he spent most of his life.
Dickey was married to his beloved wife, Kay Lesley, for 40 years. He was a faithful member of Muscle Shoals Baptist Church. He dedicated 42 years of service to the city of Muscle Shoals as a firefighter, ultimately retiring with the rank of Fire Chief. Dickey took great pride in serving his community and caring for the people of the Shoals.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alma Lesley; brothers, James Lesley and Bobby Lesley; sisters, Betty Crittenden, Gwen Curtis, and Maxine Bundy; and his grandson, Brandon Aycock.
Dickey had a deep love for Southern Gospel music, especially the group The Happy Goodman Family.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Lesley of Muscle Shoals; sons, Richard Lesley (Misty) of Sheffield and Jeff Aycock (Tonya) of Muscle Shoals; daughter, Amy Keeton (Ricky) of Muscle Shoals; brother, Dean Lesley (Judy); and sister, Jenny Davis. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private memorial service.
Dickey will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his dedication to his community, and his deep love for his family. His legacy of kindness, strength, and faith will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Bessie Pauline Hooper
Hairrell, 102
Bessie Pauline Hooper Hairrell, 102, of Sheffield, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 surrounded by those she loved. There will be a visitation for Bessie on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 12:00-1:00 at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia followed by a graveside at 1:30 in Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield with Steve Williams officiating.
Bessie was a native and lifelong resident of Sheffield.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hairrell; children, Gene Moore, Wayne Moore, Thomas Hairrell, and Anita Faye Davis.
Bessie is survived by her children, Bill Moore (Debbie) and Judy Hollins (Donald); and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Jerry Wayne Gann, 78
Jerry Wayne Gann, age 78, of Leighton, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Jerry was a man who lived life to the fullest, never met a stranger, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. There will be a visitation on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Edward Riner will officiate the service and burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Quindle and Sue Gann, and his grandson, Christian Blaine Gann.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patti Gann; his children, Todd (Brandye) Gann, Chad (Nikki) Gann, and Leann (Joey) Patterson; his grandchildren, Lexie (Micah) Estave, Cole Gann, Ashlee Gann, Cody Gann, Ty Patterson, and Tag Patterson; and his brother, Wade (Martha Faye) Gann.
Jerry had a deep love for cutting horses and was a proud lifetime member of the National Cutting Horse Association, where he also served as an NCHA 4A judge. He enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles, and going to antique car shows, always finding joy in adventure and the outdoors. Jerry attended Spring Valley Church of Christ. Above all else, Jerry loved his family dearly and treasured every moment spent with them.
He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, kind heart, and the way he could make a friend anywhere he went. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.
The family would like to express our gratitude for the excellent care provided by Gentiva Hospice staff as well as Ms. Keya Mitchell and Ms. Brenda Crockett.
Willie Edward Coman, 72
Mr. Willie Edward Coman entered his earthly life on March 1, 1954, in Iuka, MS born to the late Walter “Jonas” Coman and Elsie Kelt Johnson.
Willie left his earthly life behind on May 6, 2026, at Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, AL. Willie, better known by his family and friends as “Sonny Boy” attended school in Cherokee, AL and Iuka, MS where he was on the football team. Willie was a faith-filled man and, for many years, was a member of Jones Chapel CME Church in Iuka.
Willie is not only loved and cherished by his biological family, but also the family he was a part of at Northeast MS Medical Center (Iuka Hospital) where he was employed for over 30 years. Willie was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; James “Boonie” Johnson and Raymond Earl Johnson; one sister, Lorene Beechum; and close brother-in-law, George Dean Rogers.
Left to cherish Sonny’s memories are his faithful wife of 48 years, Lucy A. Rogers Coman, one son; Kevin Randolph Seay of Milwaukee, WI; two grandsons, Orion and Sean Gill, both of Milwaukee, WI, four great- grandchildren; two sisters, Alene Brewer, Florence, Al; Marilyn Mitchell, Michigan City, IN; three brothers Billie Joe Shannon Shumpert, Chris Shannon Shumpert, and Sammie Shannon, all of Fulton, MS; two sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Jones and Annie P. Elliott, a special brother-in-law, Robert Brewer and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and great friends. Sonny had many who were like siblings to him, including Bryson Davis, Andrew Dilworth Jr., Myron Mitchell, Elsie and Stella Dilworth, Bobby Joe and Betty Shannon.
Charles Dozier Moseley, 68
Charles Dozier “Dozie” Moseley, 68, passed away on May 6, 2026, following an extended illness. Born on May 7, 1957, and raised in Sheffield, Dozie worked for many years at the family-owned business, Charlie’s Body Shop, until health complications led to a heart transplant in 1997. Through his strength and determination, he went on to survive nearly 29 years following the transplant.
Football was one of Dozie’s greatest passions throughout his life. As a member of the Sheffield Bulldogs, he helped lead his team to the state championship. He later shared that love for the game by coaching his sons in Brooks Youth League Football, positively impacting many young athletes along the way. A devoted fan, he also never missed an Alabama Crimson Tide football game.
Outside of football, Dozie loved karaoke, spending time with his family, and making memories with those he loved most. He was also a faithful member of Florence Boulevard Church of Christ. He will be remembered for his resilience, his love for others, and the joy he brought to the people around him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.D. and Bethel Moseley; his father, Charlie Moseley; and his mother, Charlene Lewis.
He is survived by wife, Stacey; children, daughter Shannon, sons Chad (Lindsey), and Mason; grandson, Charlie; sister, Pam; brother, Derek (Mary Gay); half-brother, Douglas McKee; half- sister, Trina Malone; nephews, Chandler and Ethan; niece, Emilee; and several other nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Jerry Brent Williams M.D., Davita Dialysis Center Dr. Hicks Boulevard, and Dr. David Brown.
Visitation services will be held at Elkins Funeral Home on Sunday, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Florence Boulevard Church of Christ on Monday, May 11, at 12:00 p.m., with graveside services to follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Chandler Moseley, Ethan Moseley, Chris Dickerson, Ricky Ellett, Jay Liles, and Ben Hamner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Transplant Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Pamala Dean Taylor, 67
Pamala Dean Taylor, 67, of Leighton, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Mark Mayfield officiating. Interment will be in Bethsaida Cemetery, Russellville.
Pamala was a member of Leighton Baptist Church. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Wayne and Martha Hacker; and brothers, Chris Hacker and Michael Hacker.
She is survived by her daughter, Amanda White (Todd); brothers, Timothy Hacker and Brian Hacker; and grandchildren, Taylor Beth White and Gavin Todd White.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Baby Bonds
Infant baby girl of Morgan Taylor Bonds and William Blake McWilliams passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Baby Bonds will be interred with her family in Mynot Cemetery in Cherokee. There will not be a service at this time.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Cruze Gadsden Bonds; uncle, Cyrus Walter Cornelius; and grandfather, James Paul McWilliams.
She is survived by her parents; sister, Cora Prezlee Bonds; grandparents, Tina McWilliams and Keith and Kim Bonds; special cousins, Sawyer Nelson Cornelius and Carolyne Nicole Cornelius; and numerous aunts, uncle, and cousins.
