Obituaries week of July 5
Cecil Miles Eubanks
Somerville
Cecil Miles Eubanks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at his residence in Somerville. He was 64 years old.
Cecil was born on April 8, 1959, in Morgan County, Alabama, to the late Miles Lee Eubanks and Ruby Lee Davis Eubanks. He dedicated many years of his life to Wolverine Tube, where he worked as a Furnace Operator before his retirement. Cecil had a passion for carpentry and took great pleasure in building birdhouses. He also enjoyed indulging in the peaceful art of crappy fishing, cheering for Alabama Football, and following wrestling.
Cecil was a devoted family man and cherished spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. He created countless beautiful memories with them and showered them with love. His kind and caring nature endeared him to all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Eubanks, and his brother, Curtis Eubanks. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Surviving Cecil is his loving wife, Becki Eubanks, who stood by his side throughout their journey together. He is also survived by his sons, Daniel Eubanks (Shannon) and David Eubanks (Ashley), as well as his stepson, Logan Borden. Cecil’s sister, Dorothy Byford, mourns his loss alongside the rest of the family.
Cecil’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his grandchildren: Lawson Eubanks, Delaney Borden, Huddy Borden, Isiah Bush, and Carlie Barber. He was also blessed to have two great-grandchildren, Bentlee Barber and Kylie Barber, who brought immense joy into his life.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Cecil Miles Eubanks will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Peck Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Steve Barber will officiate the service, with Peck Funeral Home directing. Following the service, Cecil will be laid to rest in New Friendship Cemetery.
Gary James Chambers
Decatur
Gary James Chambers, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at his residence in Decatur. He was 76 years old.
Gary was born on June 17, 1947, in Broome County, New York, to Edward Thomas Chambers, Sr. and Wilma Rose Duke Chambers. He was raised in Cullman County, Alabama, where he spent his formative years. Gary found the love of his life in Shirley, and they shared 29 beautiful years together. He held his family close to his heart and loved them deeply.
Gary was an avid turkey hunter and found solace and joy in spending time in the great outdoors. However, his true passion was fishing. Whether casting his line in a peaceful lake or flowing river, he found serenity and contentment in the sport. For an impressive 52 years, Gary was a proud member of the Sumiton Good Buddies Hunting Club. Professionally, he worked as a maintenance worker for Key & Associates.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his son Rex Allen Chambers, and his sister Vikie Jean Chambers. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Surviving Gary is his beloved wife, Shirley Chambers, who shared in his joys and supported him throughout their life together. He is also survived by his son, Todd Whitworth, and his daughter, Mandy Chambers Burdine (Ryan). Gary’s brother, Edward Tommy Chambers, Jr. (Linda Kay), and his sister, Lisa Chambers Moses (Jim), grieve his loss alongside the rest of the family.
Gary’s memory will be forever cherished by his grandchildren, Jennifer Chambers Boike (Alex), Kathryn Burdine, and Olivia Burdine. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members who will hold him dear in their hearts.
At this time, no services have been scheduled.
Richard Wayne Coots
Falkville
Richard Wayne Coots, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the community, passed away on June 26, 2023, at the age of 77. He was born on August 29, 1945, in Cullman County to William Richard “Boss” Coots and Annie Lorene Handley Coots.
Richard was the owner and operator of Coots Transportation for 34 years, dedicating his life to serving others through his business. He was a devoted Southern Baptist and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Falkville, where he faithfully served as a Deacon for many years. Richard’s commitment to his faith and his church community was evident in his selfless acts of kindness and service.
Beyond his professional and religious endeavors, Richard had a passion for genealogy. He enjoyed tracing his family’s history and understanding his roots. However, his true source of joy and fulfillment came from his deep love for the Lord and his family. Richard was a loving husband, married to the love of his life, Patsy, for an incredible 55 years. Their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Richard Wayne Coots is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy Coots, who stood by his side through thick and thin. He is also survived by his son, Todd Coots, and his wife Courtney; his daughters, Tina Tapscott and her husband Stacy, and Trisha Currie and her husband David; his brother, Wade Coots, and his wife Margaret; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Olivia Tapscott, Emma Tapscott, and Piper Coots.
The funeral service to honor and celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Falkville, with Bro. Stephen Cannon and Bro. David Currie officiating. Prior to the service, Richard’s body will lie in state at the church for one hour. Burial will take place in Ebenezer Cemetery in Cullman County. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home.
The pallbearers for the service were Carl Hicks, Greg Coots, Cole Hicks, Chad Halbrooks, Cade Holmes, and Drew Lawrimore.
Betty Jean Hawkins
Decatur
Betty Jean Cowan Hawkins, a beloved member of the Decatur community, was born on May 1, 1938, in rural Morgan County. On June 25, 2023, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loved ones, she peacefully passed away and went home to be with her Lord and Savior.
Betty graduated from Decatur High School in 1956. She was married to Wendell J. Hawkins for over 54 years, and together they raised four boys. Betty’s memory will forever be cherished by her two sons, Wendell Keith Hawkins of Vinemont and Robert Kendall Hawkins of Guntersville. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Nikki Hawkins, widow of Kerry, of Decatur. Betty held a special place in her heart for her six wonderful granddaughters: Brittany Orschel, Meghan Golson (Drew), Lacey Hawkins, Savannah Welborn (Jason), and Kirsten Al-Jabsheh (Caleb). Additionally, she adored her seven great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Jude, Jackson, Amelia, Hamilton, Samuel, and Rosemary. Betty is survived by her brothers, Donnie Cowan (Bonnie) of Decatur and Jerry Cowan (Young) of Madison, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Wendell J. Hawkins of Decatur; her sons, Kerry Todd Hawkins of Decatur and Ronald Ray Cowan of Decatur; her parents, Robert Algie and Gladys Cowan of Decatur; her brother, Ray Cowan of Decatur; and her sister, Elsie Evans of Decatur.
Betty began her career at Carl’s Grocery before co-owning and operating Hawkins Gulf, a service station, alongside her husband for many years. Later on, she worked as a bookkeeper and retired from Gobble-Fite Lumber Company. A devoted member of the Church of Christ, Betty had a deep love for the Lord. She possessed a welcoming spirit and opened her home to many throughout her life, where she delighted them with her cooking and spunky personality. Betty had a passion for gospel hymns, dancing, playing cards, winning at Bingo, and sharing her unmatched humor with everyone around her. She and Wendell enjoyed camping together for many years, whether it be at their Tennessee River cabin, Point Mallard Campgrounds, or Mountain Lakes Resort in Guntersville. They cherished these moments and passed on their love for camping to their children and grandchildren whenever possible. In her final years, Betty resided at City Center Village, where she formed lasting friendships.
A celebration of Betty’s life was held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Peck Funeral Home, with Brother Mark Hastings officiating. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers were Jason Cowan, Jeremy Cowan, Robbie Cowan, Drew Cowan, Hunter Cowan and Scott Hogan.
Zachary Lee Moore
Huntsville
Zachary Lee Moore, a beloved member of the Huntsville community, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born on July 12, 1975, in Jefferson County, to David Sherrill Moore and Nan Collier Moore. Zachary was employed as a forklift truck operator at Huntsville Hospital prior to his passing.
Zachary’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he loved them dearly. He was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. His son, Mason, held a special place in his heart, and he cherished every moment spent with him. Zachary possessed a keen intellect and was a journeyman electrician by trade. He had a deep passion for music, particularly Rap and Classic Rock genres. He found solace and inspiration in the power of music. Additionally, Zachary was an unwavering underdog fan, always cheering for the team or individual who faced challenges. His genuine enthusiasm and support uplifted those around him.
Zachary was preceded in death by his father, David Sherrill Moore. He is survived by his loving wife, Tina Jones Moore; his adored son, Mason Cole Moore; his mother, Nan Collier Moore; his brothers, Ben Moore and Tim Moore; and his grandmother, Eloise Jones.