May 31 obituaries
Richard Edward Kuykendall, 75
Richard Edward Kuykendall, 75, of Tuscumbia, AL, passed away on Thursday May 22, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 1-3 at Colbert Memorial Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Leighton; AL. Greg Beasley will be officiating the service.
Richard was a proud 47-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 320. He loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren. He cherished every chance to watch his grandchildren grow, laugh, and play. Their joy was his pride. An outdoorsman at heart, Richard spent much of his time riding through pastures and checking on his cows.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Opal Kuykendall; paternal grandparents, Walter and Cora Kuykendall; maternal grandparents, W.A. and Dezz Thorn.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Kuykendall; sons, Kenric Crosswhite, Corey Kuykendall (Dusty), and Todd Kuykendall; grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, and Rylee; Siblings, Jimmy Kuykendall (Cathy), Harold Kuykendall (Marie), and Janeice Gober (Robert); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be William Kuykendall, Nathan Kuykendall, Adam Uhlman, Jeremy Palmer, Zack McCorkle, Lance Uhlman, Jay Mayfield and Kevin Counts.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rylee Kuykendall, Jakob Palmer, and Levi McCorkle.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Valley Grove Baptist Church in his memory, where he was a faithful member since 1975.
A special thanks to North Alabama Hospice and his niece, Janine Mayfield.
William Gordan Green, 83
William Gordan Green, age 83, passed away Friday May, 23,2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 with service to follow at 11:00am. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Officiating will be Michael South and Marty Evans.
Gordan was preceded in death by his parents; Earnest (Dude) Green and Nora Duncan Green. Wife: Patricia Green. Brother, Columbus Green, sister Mary Ellidge.
Survived by Son; Ricky Pounders (Kathy). Pallbearers will be; Marty Evans, Greg Smith, Bob Burnell, Ricky Lyell, Kent Woods and Brent Wear. Honorary pallbearers will Roy Peden.
Harold Walker Vess, 91
Harold Walker Vess, 91, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow in the chapel. Greg Pace and Monty Franklin will be officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.
Billy Ray
Dawson, 69
Billy Ray Dawson, 69, of Booneville, MS passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 12-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Bro. David Krech and Bro. Truman Sutton will be officiating.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pride Louie Dawson and Grace Campbell Dawson; brothers; Louie Dawson and Junior Dawson; sisters, Betty Fleming, Cathy Dawson, and Audrey “Tootsie” Carey, and a baby sister, Mary Gail; and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Joanna Dawson; children, Houston DeWitt Dawson, Josie Grace Dawson, Alexa- Rae Dawson, and Willie Dickerson; sisters, Lois Ann Holt and Joyce Ayers (Jerry); brother, Joey Dawson; aunt Ruby; numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Honorary Pallbearers are Clay Barnett, Harold Kimbrough, Trey Kimbrough, Maylon Boatwright, Jackie Watson, Ronnie Nelson, Jimmy Looney, Gerald Murray, Tyrone Lowery, David Butler, Skip Butler, Steve Chilton, Carl Overton, L.C. Lenz, Buzz Michael, Jerry Logan, Larry Downs, Terry Woodring, John Albright, and Keith Michael.
Billy loved his family and friends dearly. He loved spending time talking and laughing about old times. Billy was an avid outdoorsman who loved working with heavy equipment and making moonshine at Dawson’s Distillery. His greatest blessing in life were his children.
Special thanks to Billys niece, Lisa Vines for the love and care during his illness.
Ralph Wilson Rutland, 84
Ralph Wilson Rutland, 84, Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Funeral Service will be Friday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee with John McMath officiating.
Ralph was a member of Mount Hester Community Church, Cherokee, and retired from Nichols Wire. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Laverne Rutland; brothers, Gerald Rutland and Warren Rutland.
He is survived by his loving wife, Veda Rutland: children, Monica Remkus (Kirk) and Mark Rutland (Candi); grandchildren, Brett Remkus, Tyler Remkus (Heather), Janice Wood (Cody), Caylee Parker (Will) and Beau Rutland; great-grandchildren, Leroy Remkus, Margie Lou Remkus, Grant Remkus and River Wood; Sisters-in-law, Elaine Rutland and Patricia Rutland.
Pallbearers will be Beau Rutland, Will Parker, Cody Wood, Dustin Willis, Jackson Sarapin and Taylor Keenum.
The family expresses deep appreciation to all our friends and family who have offered love, prayers, support, meals and multiple acts of kindness with special thanks to Dwala Keenum, Marylea Remkus and all the doctors, nurses and staff at Helen Keller Hospital.
Johnny Earl Caldwell, 56
Johnny Earl Caldwell, 56, Leighton, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025. No services will be held at this time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bailey and Rosie Caldwell; brothers, Ricky and Duck Caldwell; and sisters, Kathy Edmondson, Sarah English, Dorothy Peden, and Connie Jeffreys.
Johnny is survived by his brothers, Larry Caldwell, Ronnie Caldwell, and Jerry Caldwell; sisters, Patsy Skipworth, Denise Shooks, and Sherry Corsby; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Johnny is dearly loved and will be missed.
Wanda Sue Hart, 79
Wanda Sue Hart “Ma Wanda”, 79, of Waterloo, passed away, Thursday, May 22, 2025, visitation will be, Saturday, May 24, 2025 from noon until 2:00 P.M. at Oak Grove Pentecostal Church. The funeral will follow with Paul Holloway Jr., and Shawn Overholser officiating. Burial will be at the adjoining cemetery.
Ma Wanda was a former employee of Tee Jays Manufacturing. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a former member of Oak Grove Pentecostal Church and current member of Lighthouse Apostolic Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Hart; parents, Arthur “Dick” Smith and Verdie Mae Smith; sister, Hilda Smith.
Ma Wanda is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Olive (Chris), Hanna Smith, (Billy); grandsons, Jordan Hart (Kayla), Jeff Wood (Mindy), Dylan Wood (Jennifer); great grandchildren, Elissa Maxwell, Liam Rickard, Anthony Braxton, and Savannah Wood, Dee and Gracie Sutton; sisters, Evelyn Gentry, Margie Russell, Kay Wood; brothers, Leon Smith, Travis Smith, and Ricky Smith.
Pallbearers will be Jason Wood, Charles Smith, Michael Smith, Dusty Smith, Chris Bevis and Jared Bevis.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Gentry, Blair Hale, Mason Hale, Juan Galarza, and Dustin Smith.
Ruby
Greene, 88
Ruby Greene, 88 of Tuscumbia, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Her graveside service will be Thursday, May 22nd at 11:00 am at Colbert Memorial Gardens with Kevin Massey officiating.
Ruby was a graduate of Red Bay High School class of 1954. She was retired from Colbert County DHR after 30 plus years of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orb and Alta Petree; her husband, Blaine Greene; her only child, Tobin Greene; and her brother, Trilles Petree (Willodean); and her brother-in-law, Howard Massey.
Ruby is survived by her sister, Shirley Massey; brothers, Homer Petree (Ida), and Hollis Petree (Patricia); a special niece, her caregiver for the last 10 years Kay Lockridge; and a host of nieces and nephews; and her beloved pet, Roscoe.
Pallbearers will be Clint Henson, Mike Petree, Drake Massey, T.J. LeMay, Les Lockridge, and Dwayne Petree.
Many thanks to her niece Dneise for her care of her aunt. Also thanks to Gentiva Hospice and her caregivers Faye, Carol, Danielle, Emmy, and Kaleigh.
Margaret Ann Hemric, 83
Margaret Ann Hemric, 83, of Florence passed away, Saturday, May 24, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, May 31, 2025 from Noon until 2:00PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral will follow with Reggie Bruce officiating. Burial will be at Canaan Cemetery.
Margaret was a Member of Evergreen Church and was retired from the State of Michigan where she was a secretary for social services.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Odell Hemric; parents, Verta and Dalton Woods; brothers, Berlin Woods, Duel Woods, Reece Woods, Gerald Woods; sisters, Wynoka Irons, Louise Smith, Linda Rhinehart.
Margaret is survived by her son, Steven Hemric; granddaughter, Mali Hemric, daughter-in-law, Joy Teh; brother, Dalton Woods, Jr.; sisters, Vella Maw Ezekiel, Laura Bowers, Sylvia Steinhauser, and Cathy Olivo.
Pallbearers will be Dalton Woods Jr, Steven Hemric, James Booth, Angeli Olivo, Jackson Freeman, and Chance Borden.
Marjorie Daughety, 101
Marjorie Daughety, known to most as Mama D, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the age of 101. Mama D never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home. She was a beloved mother and grandmother to her family and friends alike.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 25 at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The service will start at 2:30 pm in the chapel with burial following in Sheffield Oakwood Cemetery.
Mama D was a longtime resident of Muscle Shoals, AL, where she was a member of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church, active in the XYZ club, volunteered countless hours at Helen Keller Hospital, and was well-known across the tri-cities as a seamstress. Certainly, there are people to this day who remember getting their clothes, formal dresses, cheerleading uniforms, letterman jackets, and more from the sweet lady at 509 W. Pasadena Avenue.
Her home was a haven filled with family, friends, and laughter. On most days, the driveway would be overflowing with cars, and we would be shoulder to shoulder at the table set up for a day of Hand & Foot or Rummikub.
Mama D was a strong woman with a kind soul. She touched so many people in her life, and we will all cherish the unconditional love and kindness she bestowed upon us. She was so proud of her family, and we will honor her memory by striving to be the best versions of ourselves.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Daughety; her brother, Sonny Camadello; her sister, Helen Edwards; and her daughters, Charlotte Clark and Peggy Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Margie Ann (Wayne) Bendall, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Brittany
Nashaye Liles Summerhill, 34
Brittany Nashaye Liles Summerhill, age 34, of Birmingham, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025. Visitation was Wednesday, May 21st from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. Celebration of life follow at 4:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Brother Chip Henley officiating.
She was preceded in death by her son, C.J Jones.
Survivors are her parents, Chris and Kathy Liles; paternal grandparents, Paul and Shannon Liles; children, Dakota Jones, Jasmine Liles, and Kamari Summerhill; sister, Sarah Liles; aunt, Laura Crowden; uncle, Shane Liles; several cousins. Brittany was a member of South Highland Freewill Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals.
Dominic
Anthony
Berardi, Jr.
Dominic Anthony Berardi Jr., beloved infant son of Dominic and Adrienne Berardi, was born on May 20, 2025, at 9:39 a.m. and passed peacefully in his parents’ arms at approximately 9:54 a.m. Though his time on Earth was brief, he filled every second with love, strength, and a beautiful spirit that touched everyone who knew of him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 25, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. A funeral service will follow immediately in the chapel, with Pastor Joe Collins, and Marianne Cabrera officiating.
Dominic was so strong and active, always full of life even before he was born. He loved to make his presence known—waking his mommy every morning and playfully eluding the nurses during ultrasound checkups. He had his daddy’s hands and feet and his mommy’s boundless energy. Every minute we had with him was a precious gift. Though he was only here for a short time, Dominic was too perfect for this world. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.
In addition to his loving parents, Dominic is survived by his grandparents, Ronald and Susan Berardi, and Henry and Myriam Cabrera.
He now rests in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by eternal peace and love.
Demarkius
Kentrell Carter
Demarkius Kentrell Carter, infant son of Brianna Flowers and Demarkius Carter, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A private service will be held for the family.
Demarkius was preceded in death by his grandfather, Papa Jack Flowers, who, we know, welcomed him with open arms and is watching over him now.
Along with his parents, Demarkius is survived by his sister, Nylah Carter; grandparents, Keisha “GiGi” Friar, Brian “Pappy B” Flowers, and Phillette Hampton; great-grandparents, Deborah Burbank and Brenda Flowers; aunt, Payton Flowers; uncles, Dyllan Flowers, Corey Hampton, and Deondre Hampton; and great-aunt, Jessica Mangum.
Pallbearers will be Dyllan Flowers and Jase Burbank.
Daniel Steven Nichols, 42
Family and Friends,
Friday, May 23, 2025, our son, Daniel Steven Nichols, passed away. After a long battle with kidney and liver issues, God has finally called him home to rest with our Lord in peace. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this loss.
At Daniel’s request, he will be cremated and his ashes interment will be at the Sturdivant family farm in a private ceremony. He did not want a public funeral.
Any small token of flowers or gifts, please give to your local church congregation in his honor and memory. Online condolences may be left at morrisonfuneralhomes.com.
Daniel was a brilliant musician and mathematician, and he had a beautiful mind. He was very proud of his work on the last few Space Shuttles, the Navy Ship projects, and his support for a project with the Navy Seals. He was very proud of his work with the ARIS 1-X Rocket program.
He will be missed.
May God bless you all.
Randy and Pam Nichols
Whitman Phillip Goins, 57
Whitman Phillip Goins, 67, of Lutts, TN, formerly of Tuscumbia, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
Shannon “Shane” Lee, 55
Shannon “Shane” Lee, 55, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
