Aug. 30 obituaries

George Edward Patton, Sr., 80

George Edward Patton, Sr., known to just about ev­eryone as “The General,” passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 80 — and you can bet he did it with the same grit, style, and good humor he carried every day.

Born to the late Audrey Helen Patton and Willard Douglas Patton in Tuscum­bia, Alabama, on August 31, 1944, George grew up loving football, competi­tion, and a good laugh. A proud graduate of Deshler High School, he went on to play football at the Uni­versity of Georgia, where his career truly took off.

At UGA, George became a two-time All-American de­fensive tackle, earned spots in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, UGA’s Circle of Hon­or, the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame, and was nominated to the College Football Hall of Fame — and even enjoyed a brief NFL career. “Brief” because, as George would joke, he was smart enough to know there was more to life than tackling for a liv­ing. He later earned a place in the Colbert County Hall of Fame, a hometown honor that meant the world to him.

After football, George put his competitive drive to work as an executive for John H. Harland. But the truth is, his favorite “exec­utive meetings” took place on the golf course, out fish­ing, or in a friendly game of poker with his buddies. Those who knew him best will tell you his real hall-of-fame moments happened in everyday life — with his quick wit, big heart, and the way he made you feel like you were part of his team.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Houston Patton; and his siblings Betty Sue, Hus­ton, James, and Billy Bob. He leaves behind his loving sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Bobby Nesbitt; his son, George Edward Pat­ton, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Anita Holton Patton; and his three biggest cheerleaders, his grandchildren: Carter Nance Patton, Ryan Edward Patton, and Mary Wade Pat­ton. His last 25 years were made brighter by the com­panionship of Sandra King.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Satur­day, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s name to Mountain Park United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

George’s life was full of wins — not just on the field, but in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and les­sons in living life full tilt.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wages­funeralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snell­ville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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Anita Jo Curry McCaig, 84

Anita Jo (Curry) Mc­Caig, age 84 of Tuscumbia, Alabama, peacefully en­tered into eternal life sur­rounded by family Monday evening, August 18, 2025.

Born on August 16, 1941, in Albion, Illinois, Jo built her life around what mat­tered most to her; faith, fam­ily, and love. She was a de­voted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. Her heart was al­ways open to anyone in need of encouragement, a prayer, or simply a listening ear.

Jo’s faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She was a founding mem­ber of Hampton Heights Baptist Church, where she spent many years worship­ing, teaching, and serving as choir director. Wheth­er through singing hymns, such as, Beulah Land and The Lilly of the Valley, or volunteering with her church family, Jo lived out her beliefs openly with unwavering devotion to God and the community.

Jo had a special bond with her Daddy and Momma, Verdane & Vivian Curry. We know they are celebrat­ing their heavenly reunion along with Jo’s big sister, Verdana. Nothing in this world brought her more joy than family gatherings, hol­idays filled with laughter, or simple afternoons spent together over a cup of hot tea- extra milk & sugar. Her children and grandchildren will always remember the warmth of her hugs, her words of wisdom, and the example she set of a life rooted in love and faith.

She is survived by many who will continue to honor her legacy by carrying for­ward her values of kindness, faith, and family devotion. Children: Lannie (Tina) McCaig, Alan (Darlene) McCaig, Sherri (Thomas) Garrett, Stevie (Mary Jon) McCaig; grandchildren: Mandy (Josh) Smith, April (Matt) Treiber, Seth (Chel­sea) McCaig, Joshua Mc­Caig, Lane (David) McCaig, Jordan (Audrey) McCaig, Amy Jo (Brady) Johnson, Belle (John) Garrett; great grandchildren: Emily, Co­leton, Rowan, Indie, Arlo, Everett, Nash & River; Sib­lings: Micki (Dale) McWil­liams, Debbie (Tommy) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents Ver­dane & Vivian Curry and her sister and brother-in-law Red & Verdana Weaver.

A service to celebrate Jo’s life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at Hampton Heights Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to join in worship, remem­brance, and thanksgiving for her life. In lieu of flow­ers, donations may be made to Hampton Heights Bap­tist Church in her memory.

Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the love she gave, the faith she modeled, and the fami­ly she so dearly treasured.

Kenneth Lane Aday, 78

Kenneth passed at home surrounded by loved ones in Madison County, AL. Visitation will be Satur­day, August 23, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral service im­mediately following in the funeral home chapel with Greg Beasley officiating. Burial will follow in Oak­wood Cemetery in Sheffield.

Kenneth was born at Col­bert County Hospital in Sheffield, Alabama on De­cember 22, 1946, to John “Johnny” Pilkinton Aday of Maury County, Tennessee and Lela Victoria Chaney of Colbert County, Alabama.

It is difficult to sum­marize the life of such an extraordinary man with an extraordinary life.

Kenneth grew up in Col­bert County, Alabama and as child he began working in agriculture. He was a carpenter’s apprentice and became a master carpenter. Building and being creative with woodworking was his hobby. He learned how to fix anything and build ev­erything, including his first home in Killen, Alabama. In his youth he had the op­portunity to frequently trav­el with his mother and visit family in Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisi­ana. He grew up with leg­endary vocalist Percy Sledge in Leighton, Alabama and they were close friends.

In 1966 Kenneth became a soldier in the Army during the Vietnam War and bravely served the United States. He was Specialist 4th Class and served for two years, eleven months and twenty-seven days during the most brutal war in American history. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars and Sharpshooter Badge.

Kenneth met his wife Rita Hawkins in 1969, and it was love at first sight. They were married in Colbert County, Alabama in 1970.

Kenneth was the Police Chief of Killen, Alabama from 1971 to 1976 and he worked diligently serving the citizens of Killen. During this time, he was blessed to meet lawman Buford Pusser and legendary country vo­calist George Jones. While serving the citizens of Al­abama he assisted in res­cue and recovery during the 1974 Super Outbreak and other natural disasters. He earned an Associates of Science from Northwest Al­abama State Junior College and a B.A. from the Univer­sity of Montevallo. In 1981 Kenneth was selected and recognized by Outstanding Young Men of America for outstanding professional achievement, superior lead­ership ability, and excep­tional service to community. For decades Kenneth worked in management of manufac­turing and in the plastics industry in Atlanta, Ga.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his father, John­ny Aday; mother, Lela Chaney; brother, Ronnie Glenn Aday; sister, Nancy Evlynn Pitts Boothe; cous­in and best friend, Milton Chaney; and his beloved in-laws, Ralph Hawkins and Trilby Bartley Hawkins.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife Rita Hawkins Aday; son, Mat­thew Aday (Amy Smith Aday); daughter, Jessica Aday Hutto (David Hut­to); and grandchildren, Eli Aday, Finn Hutto, and Lar­kin Hutto; Sister, Deborah Aday Stark (Ray Stark); brother, Ricky Robinette; sister, Callie Perry; and sister, Julie Pitts Simbeck.

Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to VUMC Department of Psychiatry MEND Clinic www.give.vanderbilt.org.

Nina Rose

Caswell

Belk, 80

Nina Rose Caswell Belk, 80, of Florence, went home to be with her Lord on Fri­day, August 22, 2025. Visi­tation will be Friday, August 29, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church, Florence, AL. The funeral service will immediately follow in the church sanctu­ary with Brother Tom Sibley officiating. Interment will be at Ford’s Mill Cemetery.

Nina was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church and volunteered at Helen Keller Memorial Hospital and Shoals Hospi­tal. Family was the biggest part of Nina’s life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. Nina loved antique cars and rac­ing and is still looking for that “million dollars.”

Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Wil­liam Belk; father, Ben Cas­well; and mother, Mary Dow Brown (Henry).

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Jensen (Ken) and Danyelle Teske; bonus children, Rocky Teske (Shaunna) and Oake McLemore (Travis); sister, Linda Hayden; grandchil­dren, Darla Jensen, Shel­by Herban, Austin Herban, Collin Herban (Candice), TJ Jensen, and Kandy Jensen; bonus grandchil­dren, Will, Lane, and Cam Teske and Kaela Jackson; great-grandchildren, De­ven Reeves, David Tuck­er, and Mark “Andy” Her­ban; nephews TJ Hayden and Ben Hayden (Katie); great-nieces and nephews, Addison Hayden, Sarah, Kimber, and George Barrett.

Family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers me­morials may be made to the Family Life Center at Liberty Baptist Church.

The family expresses spe­cial thanks to the Morales Family and her church fami­ly at Liberty Baptist Church. Also, to Affinity Hospice, especially Katie Holt.

Emma Vernette Arnold, 98

Emma Vernette Arnold, 98, of Florence, passed away, Saturday, August 23, 2025.Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Morrison Funer­al Home, Central Heights. The funeral will follow with Tim Wright, James Senn, and Ellis Coats officiating. Burial will be at Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery.

Emma was a member of Oakland Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her husband, John H. Arnold; parents, R.C. and Minnie Etta Rogers; in­fant son, Ronald Arnold; 25 brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her children, Linda Arnold, John Arnold (Sharon), and Barbara Thomas; grand­children, Lane Holt (Tony), Donna Thomas, Wesley Arnold (Amanda), Ha­ley Tomberlin (Jonathan); 8 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Joe Maxwell, Jim Mc­Peters, Steve Woods, Ronnie Stamps, Mike Hamm, and Hugh Thomas.

Mary Magdalene Fuller, 86

Mary Magdalene Fuller, 86, Cherokee, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. A graveside service will be held Monday, Au­gust 25, at Colbert Memo­rial Gardens, Tuscumbia, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Chris Stokes officiating.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Sam­uel Gordon Fuller; sisters, Evelyn Sheffield and Helen Fuller; brother, Ellis O’Neal Waldrep; and parents, Ellis and Connie Mae Waldrep.

She is survived by her children, Darlene (Steve), Dwain (Denise), and Ja­mie (Reid); and grand­children, Matthew, My­randa, Tyler, and Peyton.

Pallbearers will be Steve Johnson, Tommy Hamm, Matthew Full­er, and Tyler Johnson.

Mrs. Fuller was a life­long resident of Cherokee, AL. She was a homemaker and mother of three chil­dren. She loved garden­ing and flowers. Gordon and Mag were insepara­ble throughout their lives.

Special thanks to La­Donna and Tommy Hamm for their kindness and lov­ing care. Much love to her lifelong friend Shirley Swader. Thank you to Am­edysis Hospice for your loving care and provid­ing peace in her last days.

Lanny Layne Carruthers, 47

Lanny Layne Carruthers, 47, Sheffield, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Visitation will be Fri­day, August 29, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Ceme­tery, Tuscumbia, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Bob­by Williams officiating.

Lanny graduated with the Muscle Shoals High School Class of 1996. He went on to graduate from Auburn University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau, Alpha Lambda Chapter and later served as Vice-Presi­dent of Alumni Relations. He was the 2001 Boyd Award recipient for the Best Nationally. Lanny was pre­ceded in death by his moth­er, Mollie Faye Carruthers; brother, Frankie Wayne Car­ruthers; grandfather, Bermon Malone; grandparents, Clar­ence and Christine Hamm; and uncle, Jim Malone.

He is survived by his father, Wayne Carruthers (Audra); brothers, Tobey Carruthers (April) and Braxton Carruthers (Anna­bel); sister, Chelsea Car­ruthers; grandmother, Mol­lie Malone (Ellis); niece, Mackenzie Carruthers; and several aunts and uncles.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family offers special thanks to the Lake Gas­ton, NC, community for their love and support of Lanny during the thirteen years that he spent there.

Odie B.

Grissom, 86

Odie B. Grissom, 86, of Leighton, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025. There will be a pri­vate service for the family.

Odie B was a native and lifelong resident of Colbert County. He was retired from Ford and General Motors and was an avid antique gasoline engine enthusiast and col­lector. He enjoyed antique tractor and engine shows.

Odie B was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Nina B. Grissom; daugh­ter, Lyzinda Rene Grissom; son, Johnny Grissom; broth­er, Lonnie Grissom, Jr.; and sister, Ruth Johnson.

He is survived by his lov­ing wife of 66 years, Mae Grissom; children, Bry­an Grissom (Lisa), Kevin Grissom (Alyson), Paige Underwood (Derrick), and Emyline Grissom; grand­children, Langleigh Grissom (Allie), Nicholas Grissom, Clint Grissom, Britney Cole (Rodney), Justin Grissom, Matthew Grissom, Anna Grissom, Damon Under­wood (Anna Grace), Chyl­sea Underwood, and Devin Underwood; and great grandchildren, Alydia Un­derwood, Oakley Under­wood, Mia Rae Underwood, Brylie Cole, Nate Gris­som, and Riley Grissom.

Pallbearers are Jus­tin Grissom, Damon Underwood, Devin Un­derwood, Langleigh Gris­som, Matthew Grissom, and Nicholas Grissom.

Claude Alan “Mac”

Machtolff, 33

Claude Alan “Mac” Machtolff, 33, Florence, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, August 29, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A graveside service will follow at Oak­wood Cemetery, Sheffield, beginning at 1:30 p.m. with Chad Holder officiating..