Obituaries week of Nov. 9

Hoyt E. Maples 

Valhermoso Springs 

Hoyt E. Maples, age 89, of Valhermoso Springs, Ala. passed away October 29, 2022, at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Home in Huntsville. He was preceded in death by his entire immediate family, his father, Oscar “Buck” Maples, mother, Lois Hopper Maples; two sisters, Ellion McMinemon and Joyce Blankenship, and one half-brother, Eldridge Hopper. Mr. Maples was born December 27, 1932, in a log cabin in the New Center community. He liked to say he was just like Abraham Lincoln because they were both born in a log cabin. Mr. Maples later moved to a large farm and grew up a farm boy. His first nine years of schooling were spent in the old Plainview School, and then went to Morgan County High School in Hartselle. In the eleventh grade he joined the Hartselle National Guard, was mobilized and had basic training at Fort Campbell, KY, as part of the 1343rd Engineer-Combat Battalion. On his eighteenth birthday in 1951, he shipped out of Seattle, Washington for Korea. He returned to the United States in February 1952 after serving thirteen months. In November of1952, Mr. Maples married Dorothy “Dot” Self, and they would have celebrated their seventieth anniversary on November 2, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Self Maples; three children, H. Michael Maples (Valerie) of Tullahoma, Tenn., Constance “Connie” Maples of Cullman County, Ala., and Matthew W. Maples of Valhermoso Springs, Ala.; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Maples played a special role in the NASA Space Program as an engineering designer working on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, volunteering as a test subject for the long duration flights. His hobbies were fishing, hunting and feeding wild birds. Due to the spread of Covid and illnesses of family members, there will be no service. The family extends thanks to all those who helped the family and especially to the wonderful, caring staff at “Tut” Fann during his illness. Your thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family with his cremation. 

Michelle Rae LaRoux
Huntsville 

A memorial service for Michelle Rae LaRoux, 46, was held Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Peck Funeral Home directing. Mrs. LaRoux passed away Monday, October 24, 2022 at UAB Hospital. She was born Sunday, May 23, 1976, in Morgan County to Randy Ellis Leverett and Patricia Smith Leverett. Michèlle Rae LaRoux was one of the most vivacious and openly enthusiastic people that someone could encounter. She had a special way of making friends feel accommodated and ‘had never met a stranger’ as she was very astute at evaluating peoples’ situations quickly. She was a lifelong musician, playing lead flute at Falkville High School, earning a music scholarship at UNA (while being a majorette), and later teaching herself how to play piano, organ and violin during her 30s and 40s. Michelle’s children were an essential part of her life and her being, and she did a wonderful job of raising her two own children, as well as several other’s children over the years.  She took the role of ‘Mimi’ happily and enjoyed the sunshine of her life, her granddaughter Reagan during the last
year.  She was literally a mother of many and will always be remembered for being so loving to them. Michèlle was currently working as president of Dependable Leasing, and was a legal aid when she was taken from us.  She had previously worked as a builder, interior designer, estimator and general contractor. She fought for the underdog, particularly those with mental health issues and easily duped by others. She was an advocate for judicial reform and wanted jails to require mental health reviews of inmates when they demonstrated problems coping.  She strongly opposed keeping animals, especially pets, in cages. We were all blessed to have her in our family as a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a friend. She was good to us all and we are better from knowing her. Survivors include husband, Robert Mark LaRoux; parents, Randy Ellis
Leverett and Patricia Smith Leverett; son, Andrew Styles (Sarah Sides); stepson, Vincent Ethan LaRoux; daughter, Natalee Michelle Witcher; brother, Jon Leverette (April); sister, Julie Coleman; grandchild, Reagan Styles; grandmother, Betty Ruth Lynn; nieces and nephews, Austin, Jordan, Ava and Adalynn Leverette.
 

Beverly C. Nelson
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and interment for Beverly C. Nelson, 81, was held
Friday, November 4, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Falkville City Cemetery with Bro. Joey Coots officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Nelson died Monday, October 31, 2022 at her residence. She was born July 19, 1941, in Morgan County, to Joe Carlos Clark and Dorthy Amelia Copeland Clark. She was the owner of D & S Machine Shop, prior to her retirement and also worked for Dollar General. She was a member of Piney Grove Christian Church. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Preceding her in death were her husband, Jimmy D. Nelson; her parents; a daughter, Deanna C. Nelson; and a sister and brother-in-law, Joann C. Coots and Lewis Coots. Survivors include daughter, Stacey Weeks (Scotty); grandchildren, Tyler Shelton, Trevor Shelton (Chasity), and Kaetlin McCulloch; great grandchild, Riley Salcido. Pallbearers were family and friends. 

Robert “Bob” Lee Rea
Decatur
Mr. Robert “Bob” Lee Rea passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at his
residence. He was born November 29, 1934, in Franklin County, to John Lee
Rea and Ollie Pearl Poss Rea. He was employed by U.S. Civil Service as a Data Processor, prior to his retirement. He also was a United States Veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Robert Poss; and a sister, Martha Fay Ogden. Survivors include wife, Alice Estelle Rea; sons, Michael Rea (Glenda) and John Thomas Rea; daughters, Linda Dianne Baker and Brenda Gail Poss; sister, Mary Nell Johnston (David); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. No services were scheduled at this time. 

Lucy Durham Morris 

Jacksonville 

Funeral services for Lucy Durham Morris, 86, of Jacksonville, Ala., was held Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 3 p.m. CST at First United Methodist Church in Roanoke. Burial followed at Cedarwood Cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 

Mrs. Morris passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, in Jacksonville, Ala. Survivors include daughters, Ann (Jim) Jones and Frances Morris, both of Jacksonville; sons, Wayne (Jan) Morris of Anniston and William (Jill) Morris of Roanoke; eight grandchildren, Stacy Morris, Bethany Tidwell, Sam Jones, Jacque McCumber, Britt Morris, Ashley Bass, Douglas Morris, and Heather Morris; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Mary Roberts (James) of Jacksonville. Pallbearers were Britt Morris, Sam Jones, Douglas Morris, Shane Everett, Jeremy Tidwell, Zac McCumber, Jordan Bass, and Josh Everett. Mrs. Morris was born in Hokes Bluff, AL, on May 9, 1936. She is the daughter of J. W. “Bill” and Vernon Stewart Durham. Mrs. Morris was a member of First United Methodist Church of Roanoke and worked as a teacher for the Roanoke City Schools. She was an active member of the Pilot Club, Jacksonville Garden Club, Joy Quilt Guild, United Methodist Women, and the Magnolia Garden Club of Roanoke. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hugh Lee Morris; and daughter, Alice Morris. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be made in Mrs. Lucy’s or her great-granddaughter, Emmery’s, honor at www.kif1a.org/get-involved/donate. Please include the following email so that the family can thank those who gave: w.britt.morris@gmail.com . Online condolences may be expressed at www.quattlebaumfuneralhome.com 

Kathy Anders Gandy
Falkville
Funeral service for Kathy Anders Gandy, 67, was held Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Harold Thompson and Bro. Chuck Worley officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Cook Cemetery. Mrs. Gandy passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Grandview Medical Center. She was born September 20, 1955, in Morgan County, to Perry DeWitt Anders and Mary Orthy Sandlin Anders. She was a homemaker for her family and a member of the Gandy’s Cove United Methodist Church. She had a gift of giving and service, loved to care for others, was active in her church and community but most active as being the family rock! She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed antiquing and gardening, loved her family heirlooms, was an excellent cook and had a passion for reading cookbooks and listening to Brenda Gantt. She also enjoyed communicating with a wide variety of friends on social media. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Kenneth Anders and a sister, Ann Anders Brown. Survivors include husband, Allen Gandy; sons, Chris Gandy (Mandy) and Charlie Gandy (Brittney); grandchildren, Skylar Gandy, Bron Gandy and Harper Gandy. Pallbearers were Rodney Byrd, Perry Byrd, Tim Brown, Luke Hester, Ted Alexander, Jordan Gandy and Lawson Alexander. 

James Edward Copeland
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and interment for James Edward Copeland, 83, was held Monday, November 7, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery with Bro. Randy Copeland officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mr. Copeland died Thursday, November 3, 2022 at his residence.  He was born February 21, 1939, in Etowah County, to Clarence Collier Copeland and Gladys Leake Copeland. He was retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant, had worked for the Calhoun Community College as campus police and was a Mason in the Glencoe Lodge. He enjoyed Alabama Football and telling tall tales about his life. Preceding him in death were his wife, Vickie Anne Copeland and his parents. Survivors include children, Jill Copeland (Curtis Podhora), Michael Copeland (Addie), Jonathon Hedden (Kim), Valarie Thornton (Jay), and Andrew Hedden (Samantha); six grandchildren. Pallbearers were Curtis Podhora, Alex Copeland, Michael Copeland, Jonathon Hedden, Andrew Hedden and Robbie Copeland. In lieu of flowers family requests that memorial donations be made to Comfort Care Hospice. 

Larry Don McMurry
Decatur
Funeral service for Larry Don McMurry, 68, was held Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Smith officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was held in Bethel Methodist Cemetery. Mr. McMurry died on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at his residence. He was born April 7, 1954, in Morgan County, to Jay Junior McMurry and Flossy Moore McMurry. He was employed by Duracoat MFG, prior to his retirement. He was a loving brother, uncle and stepfather. He served four years in the United States Air Force, enjoyed fishing and Alabama football. Preceding him in death were his parents and a stepdaughter, Kasey Long. Survivors include stepson, Keith Long; sister, Linda Eddy; brothers, David McMurry (Kelly) and Bobby McMurry (Janice); nephew, Michael McMurry (Jessica) and Bobby McMurry, Jr. (Mallory); nieces, Amy Henderson (Kyle) and Michelle Eddy (Scott), Cissy Wilhite (Ronnie) and Kandy Goodno. Pallbearers were Michael McMurry, Kyle Henderson, Don Hood, Glen Hollingsworth, Lee Hemming, and Jimmy McClanahan. 

Juanita Inez Goodner
Hartselle
Funeral service for Juanita Inez Goodner, 86, was held Monday, November 7,
2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Mrs. Goodner died Thursday, November 3, 2022 at her residence.  She was born December 1, 1935, in Morgan County, to Wilborn Lee Dudley and Maudie Bolden Dudley. She was a Baptist in her faith and loved her family with all her heart. She enjoyed shopping and going out to eat and loved her word search. She was employed by the Morgan County School System working in the cafeteria, prior to her retirement. Preceding her in death were her husband, William Andrew Goodner; her sons, William David and Danny Andrew Goodner; her parents, two brothers, Gene and Leon Dudley and a sister, Daisy Randolph. Survivors include daughter, Debbie Long (Michael); brother, Benny Dudley; sisters, Jenny Brown and Ethel Roland; grandchildren, Whitney Wilborn, Caleb Long (Kassie), Ashley Foster (Aaron), Lindsey St. John (Wesley); great grandchildren, Addie Juric, Lainey Wilborn, Kayden Long, Lizzie Long, Luca St. John, Savannah Gillespie, Teagan Meredith and Charleyanna Foster. Pallbearers were Jason Brown, Jason Wilborn, Caleb Long, Michael Long and Geoff Halbrooks. 

Elton D. Cooper 

Danville 

Elton D. Cooper, 82, of Danville, passed away November 5, 2022 at USA Health and Rehab, with his loving family present. He was born July 9, 1940 in Lawrence County, Ala. to Frank Cooper and Alta Holmes Cooper. Elton served in the U.S. Army, and was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He retired from 3M after 35 years in the film plant. He was a farmer and loved the outdoors. He was happiest in his woodworking shop, crafting many things with his skillful hands. Chances are if you look on a porch in Lawrence or Morgan County, you will see a porch swing or a piece of furniture he made. He built or repaired fences throughout the county. He built houses and additions to houses. He was known for his sense of humor and telling jokes. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin Cooper and Charles “Buddy” Cooper; sisters, Iola Cooper and Tiny Fay Cooper. He is survived by son, Michael Cooper (Diane), daughter, Mary Alice Espinosa (Steven); brothers, James Cooper and Felton Cooper; sisters, Bonnie Sanford, JoAnn Hastings, and Linda Gerth; grandchildren, John Cagle (Milea), Andrew Cagle, Anna Smith (Bradley), and Katie Cooper; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, November 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 11, at Friendship Baptist Church, south of Danville, with Rev. Mike Dawson officiating. Pallbearers will be John Cagle, Andrew Cagle, Bradley Smith, Nathan Mitchell, Albert Lee Hurley, and Rich Littrell. Honorary pallbearers are Bracy Cummings and Richard Batchelor. Special thanks to special caregivers at USA: Telisa, Pamela, Delores, Patty, Amelia and Linda. 

Johnston Wytch McCutcheon 

Somerville
Funeral service for Johnston Wytch McCutcheon, 89, was held Monday, November
7, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Eric Brown officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Cedar Springs Cemetery. Mr. McCutcheon died Friday, November 4, 2022 at Summerford Nursing Home. He was born Saturday, January 7, 1933, in Morgan County to John Cleveland McCutchen and Crucie Johnston McCutchen. His mother died on the day of his birth and he was raised by his uncle and aunt, O.T. Sharp and Lillie Johnston Sharp. Mr. Johnston graduated from Cotaco High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended API and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Auburn University in 1960 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. On April 9, 1960 he married Doris Ann Terrell. His engineering degree led to a long career with several engineering companies always focusing on space exploration. His greatest career accomplishment was managing a project on the space shuttle. He was recognized for this at Cape Canaveral and later in Washington, D.C. where he received an award. After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, his five grandchildren, and all things Auburn. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Troy McCutchen, Gloyce McCutchen, Merrill McCutchen, Lionel McCutchen, Huel Sharp, Tim Sharp, sisters, Alma Breeding, Bertha Sharp, Lottie McGee, Elizabeth Winton, and Monte Rea Breeding. Survivors include wife, Doris Ann Terrell McCutcheon; sons, Dr. Mike McCutcheon (Robin) and Donald McCutcheon; daughter, Melanie McCutcheon Warner (Brent); grandchildren include, Grant Warner (Sara), Lillie Beth Warner, Annilynn Warner, Johnston Michael McCutcheon, and Elizabeth McCutcheon Hurst (Riley); many nieces, nephews and special friend and caregiver Saundra Thomas Clark. Pallbearers were Grant Warner, Johnston McCutcheon, Riley Hurst, Danny McGee, Cole Sharp and Steve Edmonson.