Obituaries week of May 31

Patricia G. Borden
Falkville
Funeral service for Patricia G. Borden, 72, was held Monday, May 22, 2023, at
11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tony Johnson and Bro. Dennis
Shaddix officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.  Burial was held in Bell
Springs Cemetery. Ms. Borden died on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Cullman Regional Medical
Center.  She was born August 7, 1950, in Morgan County, to William A. Golden
and Martha Lorene James Golden. She was a homemaker for her family and enjoyed being in the company of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include
daughters, Angie Hand (Anthony) Bradford and Rebecca Hand (Brian) Harville; sisters, Janell Adair
and Linda Johnson. Pallbearers were Colton Maples, Ryan Bradford, Elijah Bradford, Joshua
Bradford, Matthew Hand and Toby Bradford. 

Hellen Johnson Wilbanks
Falkville
Funeral service for Hellen Johnson Wilbanks, 80, was held Wednesday, May 24,
2023, at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gordon Wilbanks, Bro.
Billy Wilbanks and Bro. Brian Wilbanks officiating and Peck Funeral Home
directing. Burial was held in Piney Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Wilbanks died Monday, May 22, 2023, at her residence.  She was born September 1, 1942, in Morgan County to Howard P. Johnson and Edna Anders Johnson. She was a homemaker for her family and loved to nurture many children. She was a member of the Hartselle Chapel Church and was the last of all her
siblings. Preceding her in death were her husband, James (Hoyt) Wilbanks;
her parents; a son, James Steven Wilbanks; and four brothers. Survivors include sons, David G. Wilbanks (Lana D.) and Bro. Brian Wilbanks (Georgann); daughter, Judy Wilbanks Cavender; grandchildren, Kristian LaShea Lindsey, James Wade Wilbanks, Dylan Wilbanks (Tori),
Audriana Wilbanks Reid (Nic) and Isabelle Wilbanks; great grandchildren, Ezekiel Smithson,
Ethan Wyatt Smithson, Haley McClendon, Madison McClendon, Isaac Wilbanks, Madelyn Wilbanks and T.J. Wilbanks. Pallbearers were Brian Wilbanks, Wade Wilbanks,
Dylan Wilbanks, Ezekiel Smithson, Wyatt Smithson and Nic Reid.

Janet Junkins
Falkville
A graveside funeral service and interment for Janet Junkins, 73, was held
Friday, May 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at Falkville City Cemetery with Peck Funeral
Home directing. Mrs. Junkins passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Decatur Morgan
Hospital. She was born on February 19, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio, to Ray and
Stella Chmiel. She was employed by Castner Knott and Dillard’s Stores as
Retail Security, prior to her retirement. She was a member of the
Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church and was a graduate of Austin High
School. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Matthew Chmiel.
Survivors include husband, Danny Junkins; nieces, Angie Stoner (Rob) and Laurie Croft (John.)
 

Thomas Dewayne Bennich 

Falkville
Funeral service for Thomas Dewayne Bennich, 61, was held Friday, May 26, 2023,
at 3 p.m. at Grace Point Baptist Church with Bro. Jack Bailey and Bro. Joe
David Bailey officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was held in
Key Cemetery. Dewayne, a loving husband, father, son, brother and respected member of the
Hartselle community, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2022. He leaves behind a
legacy of success, love and dedication to both his family and the community
he called home. Dewayne’s commitment to his business, and his passion for
cattle farming at Keystone Farms will forever be remembered. Born on
February 25, 1962, to Tom and Edith Bennich, Dewayne grew up in a loving
household.
From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic and learned the value of
perseverance and determination. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dewayne
took over the family business, and transformed it into a thriving enterprise
that served the Hartselle community for over six decades. He was a 1980
graduate of Morgan County High School and was a gifted athlete, playing in
all sports.
As the owner of B&G Tire, Dewayne earned the admiration and respect of his
customers and employees alike. He built lasting relationships, not only
through his service but also with his friendly personality. Dewayne’s
dedication to his work and commitment to customer satisfaction allowed him
to create a generational business that will be passed down to his son,
Keaton.
Beyond his business, Dewayne found joy in cattle farming. His ownership of
Keystone Farms in the Gandy’s Cove community brought him closer to nature
and allowed him to indulge in his love for farming. Dewayne worked
tirelessly to take care of the family farm with constant improvements over
the years.
As an active member of Gracepoint Baptist Church, Dewayne’s faith played a
central role in his life. He found guidance and a sense of community within
the walls of the church. Dewayne’s commitment to his faith was reflected in
his kindness, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in
need.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dewayne cherished his role as a
husband and father. He was blessed with the love and companionship of his
devoted wife, Carol, and together they shared an unbreakable bond. Their
union was a testament to love, understanding, and unwavering support,
creating a foundation of love and strength for their family.
Dewayne’s son, Keaton, was his pride and joy. He took every opportunity to
instill values and morals in his son. Their shared experiences, whether in
business or on the farm, created a strong bond between them.
Dewayne loved Keystone Farms, loved the outdoors and loved his dogs. He
enjoyed deer hunting and good conversations. He was known to some
affectionately as “Big D” because he lived and loved big and was always
willing to help others. He was also a huge Alabama fan.
Dewayne will be remembered as a man whose kindness touched the
lives of many. His work ethic, love for farming and his faith will continue
to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. While his absence
leaves a void, his memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will
live on in the Hartselle community. Preceding him in death were his father
and a brother, Darrell Bennich.
Survivors are his wife, Carol Hicks Bennich, his son, Austin Keaton Bennich;
his mother, Edith L. Bennich; mother-in-law, Martha Hicks; brother, Dan
Bennich (Christy); sister, Donna Rushen (Jim); sister-in-law, Susan Eddy
(Charlie); nieces, Mary Kate Eddy, Emma Bennich and Lauren Rushen and
nephews, Carson Eddy, Owen Bennich, Brandon, Brian and Jay Rushen.
Pallbearers were Kip Childers, Charles Sanders, Carl Tucker, David Wood,
Sammy Anders and K.J. Stinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in
Dewayne’s name to Key Cemetery, as a reflection of his giving nature and
commitment to community welfare. 

Paul W. Yancey
Eva
A graveside funeral service and interment for Paul W. Yancey, 68, was held
Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Rock Creek Cemetery with Peck Funeral
Home directing. Mr. Yancey died Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his residence.  He was born
November 4, 1954, in Morgan County, to Wesley Barrett Yancey and Dixie
Pauline Peete Yancey. He was employed by Averritt Express working in transportation, prior to his retirement. He loved to fish and spend time on the river. He enjoyed
spending time spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a granddaughter, Autumn Louise
Yancey. Survivors include wife, Rhonda Lynette (Weaver) Yancey; son, Wesley Yancey (Toni);
daughters, Audrie Cater (Marshall) and Alison Young (Wayne); brother, Randall Barrett Yancey;
fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren Pallbearers were family and friends.