June 28 obituaries

Sara Ann

Morgan

Scogin, 86

Sara Ann Morgan Scogin, 86, Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. A graveside ser­vice will be held on Fri­day, June 20, at Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia, be­ginning at 2:00 p.m. with James Garnett officiating.

Sara was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Florence. She was a great mother, wife, sis­ter, grandmother, and aunt. She had the patience of Job and loved everyone like Je­sus did. Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Scogin; parents, Curtis and Marvelene Mor­gan; sister, Linda Olive, and brother, Buddy Fuller.

Sara is survived by her son, Terry Scogins; sis­ter-in-law, Becky Fuller; grandchildren, Christina and Chris House, and Andy Uhl­man; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Roslyn-lee; and several nieces and nephews.

The family offers special thanks to the staff of Pre­ferred Hospice, especial­ly Taylor, Nina, and Lana.

Betty Harland Oliver, 85

In Loving Memory of Betty Harland Oliver

Betty Harland Oliver passed away peacefully on June 19, surrounded by the family she loved so well. She was the heart of her home, a faithful friend, and a guiding light to all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Col. Gerald C. Ol­iver, U.S. Army Retired, and their children, Charles Phillip Oliver (Joyce) and Nicole Harland Fults (Greg­ory). She was lovingly known as “Mama Betty” to her grandchildren Trent Oliver (Katie), Heather Ol­iver Smith (Austin), Tylor Oliver (Jenny), and Mary­anne Fults Floyd (Ben), and to her great-grandchildren Samuel Oliver, Adalynn Oliver, Jay Smith, Hunter Smith, Mauldin Smith, and Harland Floyd. She also leaves behind her sister, Linda Gravlee, and many others who were blessed to be considered family. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Cindy Kerr, who became both a dear friend and compassion­ate caregiver in recent years.

Born to Nona and Leon­ard Harland, Betty lived a life filled with grace, joy, and purpose. As an Army wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was a true caregiver in every sense of the word. She had a gift for making people feel cel­ebrated and loved, wheth­er through a warm meal, a thoughtful note, or a big hug and a laugh. Her faith in God was steady and sure, and she served her commu­nity with humility and heart.

She never met a stranger, and her home was always open—filled with stories, laughter, and the comfort­ing smell of something cooking in the kitchen. Her love knew no bounds, and her legacy is written in the lives of those she nurtured, cheered on, and believed in.

Though our hearts are heavy, we know the reunion in heaven is a beautiful one. Betty is now surround­ed by the loved ones who went before her, and we rest in the peace of know­ing we will see her again.

A service celebrating Bet­ty’s life will be held at 11 a.m., June 23, at Morrison Funeral Home in Cherokee, with a graveside service to follow at Douthit Ceme­tery on Riverton Rose Trail in Cherokee, the place she called home for many years. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: CAR­INGPLACE OF THE SHOALS Adult Day Ser­vices, 216 Marengo Street, Suite i, Florence, AL 35630.

Gary Wayne

Farris, 58

Gary Wayne Farris, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away on July 3, 2018, at the age of 58.

Born in Tuscumbia, Gary was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, un­cle, attorney, and friend. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. During his time at the University of Al­abama, he served as the Edi­tor-In-Chief of the Alabama Law Review. He began his law career with Burr & For­man in Birmingham before establishing a new branch of the firm in Atlanta. Gary spent over 30 years working as an attorney where he was known for his dedication, work-ethic, and intelligence.

While Gary was devoted to his career, he was also a loving and passionate fam­ily-man. His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. While he earned many accolades throughout his life, his most cherished title was that of “Big Daddy.” Gary enjoyed being with family, watching Alabama football, and cracking open a cold Mountain Dew. Gary was preceded in death by his par­ents Betty and Gene Farris.

He is survived by his children, Chris Farris, Scott Farris, Emily Payne (Chris), and Amanda Bruce (Chad); grandchildren, Ella Farris, Addison Farris, Ol­ivia Payne, Jackson Payne, James Bruce, and Michael Bruce; and siblings, Patricia Bailey (Steve), John Farris (Nancy), and Sherry Farris.

A memorial event was hosted by family in Tuscumbia on June 21.

The family thanks the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for their courageous efforts to obtain justice for Gary. In Gary’s memory, donations can be made to the Cherokee County, Geor­gia, Family Violence Center (https://cfvc.org/donate/).

Royce “Roscoe” Andrew

Malone, 71

Royce “Roscoe” An­drew Malone was born March 3, 1954, to the late Leroy and Margaret Holi­day Malone of Cherokee, AL. On June 13, 2025, at the age of 71, the Lord called Royce home to rest.

He passed peacefully at his home in Sheffield, Alabama, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and daughters.

He was a devoted husband to Marilyn for 46 years, a loving father to his three cherished daughters—Pame­la, Kristi, and Adrienne—and a proud grandfather to his beloved grandson, Xza­vier. Royce dedicated his life to Christ at a young age and became a dedicat­ed and faithful member of Cherokee Church of Christ.

Royce was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and work ethic. He attended Cherokee Vocational High School and then joined the U.S. Army, where he served two years in Germany.

After returning from Ger­many, he began working as a laborer for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Bear Creek, AL, then trans­ferred to Browns Ferry, Ath­ens, AL, and then to Muscle Shoals, AL. After leaving TVA, he began working at LaRoche Industries in Cher­okee, AL. After retirement, he worked as a parking lot attendant at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital (ECM) in Florence, AL. He lat­er worked as an associate team member at Rural King in Muscle Shoals, AL. He had a natural talent for fix­ing things and took great pride in woodworking, tending the yard, and spend­ing time outdoors. Above all, he cherished moments shared with family and friends. He dedicated his life to his family, his church, and to helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Margaret Holiday Malone, Cherokee, AL, a brother James Allen Holiday, Chero­kee, AL, and daughter Kristi Lee Malone, Sheffield, AL.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife Marilyn Roberson Malone, Sheffield, AL; two beauti­ful and loving daughters, Pamela Malone, Herndon, VA, and Adrienne Malone, Madison, AL; two brothers, Leroy Roberts, Jamaica NY, and Michael Malone, Chero­kee, AL; five sisters Bonnie McAllister (Gene), St. Lou­is, MO, Loretta Pride (Wil­lie), Tuscumbia, AL, Leanna Coleman (Woodrow), Katy, TX, Kathleen Armstead (Larry), Sheffield, AL, Kath­erine Dennis Hawkins, Flor­ence, AL; one special uncle, James L. Holiday, Cherokee, AL; four sisters in law, In­ethy Pride, Nina Pride, and Martha Magee, all of Cher­okee, AL; Allean Thompson (Chasie), Huntsville, AL; and a charming and hand­some grandson, Xzavier Amaud Mastin, Sheffield, AL, and a host of other lov­ing relatives and friends.

Lance Robin Kimbrough, 54

Lance Robin Kimbrough, 54, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, June 19, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Old Brick Presbyterian Church, Muscle Shoals. The fu­neral service will immedi­ately follow at the church with Carl Malm officiat­ing. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.

Lance was a member, and served as Elder, at Old Brick Presbyterian Church, Muscle Shoals. He was a member of IBEW #558 and the West Colbert Hunting Club. Lance was a dedicated father and husband who al­ways provided for his fam­ily. He worked at Tennessee Valley Authority for over twenty-six years as a Se­nior Instrument Mechanic. Lance was a loyal employ­ee and enjoyed the lifelong friendships he made at work. He loved hunting, going to the woods, and enjoying God’s creations. Lance was deeply loved by so many people. He will be missed. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Joyce Kimbrough; and mother-in-law, Juliana Bowling.

Lance is survived by his wife, Heather Bowling Kim­brough; children, Claire Ju­liana Kimbrough and Mat­thew Robin Kimbrough; father, Jerry C. Kimbrough; sister, Dana Kimbrough Grace; father-in-law, Phillip Bowling; sister-in-law, Kate Bowling; and brother-in-law, John PL Bowing (Shelley).

Pallbearers will be Barry Bishop, Richard Hall, Lance Austin, Brad Brown, Roger Bradford, and Kevin Counts.

Lucy Marie

Ryan

Heidorn, 89

Lucy Ryan Heidorn, a long-time resident of Muscle Shoals, died on the morning of June 18, 2025, in North­port, AL at the age of 89. Lucy had relocated to North­port/Tuscaloosa in 2021 to be near family. She was born May 14, 1936, in Blount County, AL. She grew up in Sayre, Alabama, graduat­ing from Sayre Junior High and Corner High School, both in Jefferson County.

She held BS and MA de­grees from the University of North Alabama (Florence State University) in Flor­ence, AL where she majored in secondary education and English. She was a pas­sionate teacher of English in middle and high schools for 34 years, retiring from the Muscle Shoals School System in 1994. During re­tirement she was an adjunct instructor at UNA where she supervised interns and volunteered at Webster El­ementary in Muscle Shoals.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Hei­dorn; her parents, Paul Ryan and Marie Creel Aldridge; a brother, William Ryan; and a sister, Sara Ryan Black.

She is survived by her devoted son, David Earl Heidorn of Northport/Tuscaloosa and a broth­er, Jerry O. (Jimmy) Ryan of Burleson, TX. She was fortunate to have a few close and loyal friends and many “Creel” cousins.

She was a longtime mem­ber of First United Meth­odist Church of Muscle Shoals, where she sang alto in the choir, volunteered in the church office, and served on various boards and com­mittees. Later in life she be­came a member of Tuscum­bia First Methodist Church.

From her maternal Creel and Reid ancestors, she in­herited a love and talent for leading and singing Sa­cred Harp music, which she loved. She was an active member of a family of Sacred Harp singers and attended singings whenever possible.

Lucy was a life-time mem­ber of the Muscle Shoals Li­brary Board, a supporter of the Muscle Shoals Schools Foundation, UNA Founda­tion, and the Tennessee Val­ley Arts Center. She spent many hours reading and listening to classical music.

Visitation will be at Mor­rison Funeral Home in Tus­cumbia, AL from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, at Tri-Cities Memorial Gar­dens in Florence, AL pre­sided by Rev. Alan Beasley.

Pallbearers will be Dan­ny Creel, Ken Tate, Tony Pace, Chad Holden, Alan Spencer and Jo Bonner. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Foster, Larry Danley and members of the Ethel Gary Sunday School Class.

The family requests no flowers. In lieu there­of, donations can be made to the Muscle Shoals Schools Foundation-Hei­dorn Family Scholarship, the Friends of the Muscle Shoals Public Library and the Sacred Harp Musi­cal Heritage Association.

James Donald Schneider, 71

James Donald Schneider age 71 of Florence, passed away on June 16, 2025. Ser­vices will be held private. Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Eliz­abeth Schneider. And his two brothers John Schnei­der and Tom Schneider.

James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kris­tin Schneider. Two sons, Charles Schneider and Andrew J. Schneider. One sister, Susan Reib.

James is a member of the St. Michaels Catholic Church. He was the own­er of Schneider Autohaus for 16 years. Member of the Knights of Columbus. Served our country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Francis Lorraine McAnally, 92

Francis Lorraine McAnally, 92, of Flor­ence, AL died on Sunday, June 22, 2025. There will be a service held at a lat­er date. She was a member of Indian Springs Meth­odist Church in Glen, MS.

Bobby Franklin Rich, Jr., 61

Bobby Franklin Rich, Jr., 61, of Tuscumbia, AL, passed away on Friday June 20, 2025. A memo­rial service will be an­nounced at a later date.

Daniel Edward Durham, 49

Daniel Edward Durham, 49, of Falkville, passed away Saturday, June, 21, 2025. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July, 6, 2025 at Mt. Ta­bor Cemetery in Zip City.