Obituaries (01/24/24)
Mary Dathnia Wilbanks
Somerville
Funeral service for Mary Dathnia Wilbanks, 85, will be Sunday, January 21,
2024 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Josh Wilbanks
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Friendship
(South of Danville.)
Mrs. Wilbanks died on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at her residence. She was
born May 15, 1938, in Morgan County, to Albert Jackson Jones and Mary
Elizabeth Foster Jones. She was married for 50 years, to the love of her life,
O.J. Wilbanks.
She loved her family dearly and her grandchildren, great grandchildren and
great-great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She loved
playing games, playing Rook, Alabama football, traveling in the mountains
and family vacations. She was an administrative worker for Wilbanks Auto
Trim, prior to her retirement.
Preceding her in death were her husband, O.J. Wilbanks, her parents, a son,
Jimmy Wilbanks and daughter-in-law, Debbie Wilbanks.
Survivors include sons Ricky Wilbanks (Linda) and Edward Wilbanks (Carol); daughters – Sandy Drake (Darrell) and Carol Smith (Gene); 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Scotty Drake, Brandon Drake, Matthew Smith, Andrew
Smith, Brian Wilbanks and Jeremy Wilbanks.
Manuel Darwin Nickens
Hartselle
Manuel Darwin Nickens died on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Decatur Morgan
Hospital. He was born Tuesday, March 26, 1968, to Ronnie James Nickens and
Daisy Dawn Wisener Cockrell. He loved to sing and dance, loved Alabama
Football and being the center of attention. He had a good sense of humor and
loved making other laugh. He worked as a carpenter, prior to his passing.
He was preceded by his father.
Survivors include daughters Jasmine Nickens (Brandon Bozzell) and Katrina Nickens (Zachary Ausban); son Devon Nickens (Brianna); Mother – Daisy Dawn Wisener Cockrell and Ex-girlfriend – Chrissy Baker.
James Warren “J.W.” Brown
Laceys Spring
Funeral service for James Warren “J.W.” Brown, 74, will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Valhermoso Holiness Church with Bro. Tim Patrick officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Valhermoso Holiness Cemetery in the Brown Family Section.
Mr. Brown died on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his residence. He was born
March 16, 1949 in Morgan County to William Earl Brown and Millie Sasser
Brown.
Mr. Brown went to school at Cotaco and attended Calhoun. He was the owner
and manager of J.W. Brown Auto Parts and Repair, prior to his passing. His
hobbies included hunting and fishing. He was the primary caregiver for his
paralyzed son since 2012 until Alzheimer’s prevented it. He was a member of
the Valhermoso Holiness Church and was preceded in death by his parents and
a sister, Mishey Robinson.
Survivors include his wife Gloria Simpson Brown; sons Andrew James Brown and Cash Brown; daughter – Leslie Brown Malone (Max); three grandchildren Brad Malone (LaShae), Megan Max Malone and Lacee Kasyan (Tim); seven great grandchildren Lena Kasyan, Mary-Ann Kasyan, Thomas Kasyan; Case Bradford Malone; Braden Max Malone, Grayson Reed Malone and Colt Ace Malone; sister Patricia Malone (Larry.)
Pallbearers will be Eddie Lones, Warren Wilson, Victor Lemmond, Cecil Joe
“Joey” Brown II, A.K. Lafarlet and George Eason.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary Blackwood and Walter Wilson.
Peyton Speegle
Hartselle
Peyton Evan Speegle died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at his residence. He was born September 25, 1990, in Morgan County to Jeffrey and Lisa Shaw Speegle. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama and was a big Alabama football fan and loved his dogs. Mr. Speegle was employed by FedEx as an IT Technician and software engineer.
Mr. Speegle was preceded in death by his grandparents, George Shaw and Erskin Speegle. There will be a memorial service at a later date.
Survivors include parents Jeff and Lisa Shaw Speegle; brother Carson Ryne Speegle (Megan); grandmother Demaris Johnson; and grandmother Marie Speegle.
Handsome Harley Hopp
Hartselle
Handsome Harley Hopp (Harley John Hopp) of Hartselle, AL passed away January
13, 2024 at the age of 75.
Harley was born in Pontiac/Waterford Township, Michigan December 13, 1948.
He grew up with his parents and 5 siblings. As a child he was a rambunctious
daredevil. When he was a young adult he worked hard and played harder. His
sister Sharon tells stories of how he loved to dance, Harley moved to
Alabama in the late 70’s and immediately fell in love with the outdoor
environment. He became a quick study and learned all about the wildlife and
cave systems in North Alabama. He was a master of many trades from managing
livestock, manufacturing furniture to finally settling in with the City of
Hartselle where he worked for their Parks and Recreation Department until
his retirement. Through the years Harley met and grew closer to his new
Alabama family. He extended his love and grace to anyone in need by giving
them a place to live, groceries, vehicles, a hug, a listening ear and
friendship that would last an eternity. He became a mentor to several young
men. As they worked alongside him through Parks and Rec. they each gleaned
stories, experiences, and knowledge that would help shape them into
husbands, fathers, teachers, coaches, friends and most importantly, Godly
men that they are today.
He was a jokester to say the least and never missed an opportunity to play a
trick whenever he could. Some were even lucky enough to be the recipient of
his ornately hand decorated cookie and cupcakes that were an original and
very special personal recipe. Harley would often pass out nuts that were the
hybrid product of him successfully crossing a hazelnut tree with a rubber
plant. When Harley wasn’t at work he spent his time with friends and on his
farm taking care of the menagerie of different animals. Harley’s home became
a personal empire that housed his unique collection of treasures. If you
needed it or had never seen it, you can guarantee Harley had at least 2 no
matter what it was.
Harley Hopp was known and loved by many and will leave an immeasurable void
on this earth that will never be filled. Although he had no blood relations
here in Alabama he was called Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Pops, Grandpaw and
certainly FRIEND by everyone that knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Friday, January 26, 2024
at 6:00 PM at Sparkman Civic Center in Hartselle, Alabama where we welcome
everyone to share memories that they have of Harley. At a later date,
Harley’s ashes will be returned to Michigan and laid to rest at a family
orchard where he spent time during his childhood.
Fay Parker Mason
Athens
Mrs. Fay Parker Mason died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at her residence.
She was born November 28, 1941, in Morgan County, to Robert Parker and Lucy
Moore Parker.
She attended Barnetts Chapel Pentacostal Church and was a special person
that loved making people happy and loved everybody no matter what the
situation was. She loved her family dearly and will be missed.
Preceding her in death were her husbadn, Howell Johan Mason, her paretns, a
brother, Robert “Buddy” Parker and three sisters, Maryann Allen, Olene
Dudley and Peggy (Vickie) Davis.
Survivors include sons – Bobby Mason, Mark Mason (Velta), Tommy Mason, Mike Mason and David Mason; daughters Martha White and Tina Poindexter; sisters Jeanette Eaves and Bettie Patterson; 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Wayne Holloway
Hartselle
Funeral service for Wayne Holloway, 80, will be Saturday, January 20, 2024
at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tom Campbell officiating
and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Johnson Chapel
Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 2:00 PM to
3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Holloway died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Decatur Morgan Hospital.
He was born November 19, 1943, in Morgan County, to Douglas Holloway and
Estie Irene Roberts Holloway. He was employed by Local Union 78 of
Birmingham for more than 40 years, as an Industrial Insulation worker, prior
to his retirement. He was a Baptist. He enjoyed fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donnie Holloway.
Survivors include his wife Peggy Payne Holloway; sons Robby Holloway (Belynda) and Richie Holloway; sisters Catherine Gardner, Ann Raley and Pam Self (Jerry); grandchild Dr. Alec Holloway.
Pallbearers will be Bill Raley, Jim Raley, Ricky Gardner, Mike Holloway and
Jason Self.
Jeffery L. Davis
FALKVILLE
Funeral service for Jeffery L. Davis, 66, will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at New Life Church with Bro. Phillip Hardin, Bro. Milan Dekich and Bro. Tony Johnson officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, from noon to 2:00 p.m., at New Life Church. The family encourages you to “come as you are”.
Mr. Davis died on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born Sunday, May 5, 1957, in Limestone County to Lyndal “Red” Davis and Rachel Ann Hastings Davis.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents and a stepfather, Bart Hahn.
He was a dedicated truck driver, a loving father and husband. He was a friend of Bill W. for over 20 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Clearview Cancer Institute.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Davis; son, Tige Davis (Christy); daughter, Anna Davis Boger (Shannon); son, Andy Davis (Victoria); son, Jimmy Davis (Briana); son, Danny Davis; brother, Dion Hahn; brother, James Davi; sister, Melanie White (Stan); sister, Terry Brown (Butch); six grandchildren, Caitlin, Rachel, Peyton, Shane Brylee and Shelby; seven great grandchildren, Ayden, Timothy, Gracelyn, Willow, Hensley, Waylon and Hagen; and stepmother, Hazel Hurd.
Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons.
David Brown
HARTSELLE
David Brown, 44 years of age, from Hartselle, Alabama, passed from this life on Monday, January 15,2024 at Huntsville Hospital.
David was born June 9, 1979, in Decatur, Alabama, to Jimmy and Pam Brown. He was their only child.
David was a member of Hartselle Church of Christ on Sparkman Street, where he was active in the Lads to Leaders program and had a special place in his heart for Talmage Reynolds, who was his mentor and friend. During their times together they studied the Bible, and he was baptized by Talmage.
After graduating from Hartselle High School in 1997, he started a career by studying at Wallace State Community College with an associate degree in respiratory therapy and went to work at Huntsville Hospital. During his 20-year employment he loved his job and was very dedicated to his patient care.
His work family was very important to him. He loved them all.
In 2004, David joined the Army Reserves with the 75th Combat Support Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During is time of service he ranked SGT and was called for active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX. His time served lasted until 2010 when he was Honorably Discharged with AMCOM Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He remained tried and true and was always proud of his service to the Army Military.
As proud as he was for his service to the Military, he was married and had two boys, Braeden and Paxton and was even prouder of them. He loved them so much! He loved going hunting and fishing with his Dad when growing up and carried that love by enjoying many outings with his boys, fishing every year. As his boys grew older, his favorite thing was going out to eat with them so he could have that one on one connection. He loved Alabama Football … ROLL TIDE…. and loved taking his boys to football and basketball games.
David loved all his grandparents and they loved him. He is survived by so many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends that were so important to him.
He is also survived by his parents, Jimmy and Pam Brown and his two sons, Braeden and Paxton Brown.
Funeral Services will be held at Hartselle Church of Christ on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at noon. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time. His body will lie in state for two hours prior to the service at the church.
Pallbearers will be Jason Patrick, Jeff Summerford, Jason Preuitt, Chad Jolley, Brad Vail and Will Kimbrough.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances of David can be made to: Epilepsy Foundation Alabama http://www.epilepsy.com/local/alabama or to Hartselle Church of Christ Building Fund, 700 Sparkman Street SW, Hartselle, AL 35640.
Jack B. Garnett
Falkville
Jack Benjamin Garnett, age 66, of Falkville passed away at home on January
18, 2024. He was born on February 4, 1957.
Mr. Garnett is survived by his mother, Dorothy Garnett:, two sisters Jean
Cox and Judy Johnson (Mike), one brother, Rusty Garnett, several nieces
and nephews; numerous cousins and his faithful canine companion, Girl.
He is preceded in death by his father, Hillard Garnett; brother, Jerry
Garnett; and brother-in-law, Billy Cox.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 21st, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at
Peck Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be January 21st at 11: 00 AM at
Peck Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Herring Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brian Johnson, Chris Cox, Chris Garnett, Rusty Garnett,
Brent Garnett and Rachel Garnett.
Jeremy Lee Williams
Hartselle
Jeremy Lee Williams, 16 years old, passed during the early morning of
January 20th, 2024 with his family surrounding him. Jeremy was born February
12, 2007 to Ashlyn Speegle and he was the oldest of her two children.
Jeremy attended Austin High School in Decatur Alabama. Jeremy was a proud
member of his school and was rarely found not wearing an Austin High School
sweat shirt. Jeremy was on the wrestling team at Austin High School and
loved his teammates. He balanced his athletic side with his young adult side
very well, as he worked at Wendy’s and was a student athlete.
He was very well mannered and mature and was never caught not saying “yes
ma’am or yes sir”. He loved hanging out with his friends, cooking, and
playing video games. He was a cherished member in the culinary class at
Austin High School, as he loved cooking as much as he did eating. Jeremy
aspired to be a chef and open a food truck business with his best friend.
He enjoyed time around his family and was always bringing joy to everyone
with his sweet smile and goofy jokes. He was known to be so loving and kind
hearted and would do anything for anyone. He had a servant heart and always
strived to help wherever he could. His famous phrase “you good,” brought
comfort and support to those around him. Words alone can not grasp how great
of a person Jeremy Lee Williams was. He was simply amazing. His sweet soul
changed many lives and he will forever be remember in the highest regard.
He is survived by his parents, Ashlyn Speegle and Michael Speegle. His
sister Abigail Speegle. His aunt and uncle, Amanda (Mae mae) Jackson and
Joshua Jackson. Bonus sisters Kenzie Price and Sophia Jackson. Cousins
Kaden Smith and Mason Smith. Grandfather, Danny Willbanks. He is loved and
remembered by many more family members and several of friends that he
considered family.
“You taught me to be strong and resilient, as if you knew I’d need that
strength when you left me unexpectedly.”
Lynda “Susie” Suzanne Gerstman
Falkville
A Celebration of Life service for Lynda Suzanne “Susie” Gerstman age 58 of
Falkville will be Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00pm at Bell Springs
Baptist Church with Brother Roger Ammons officiating and Peck Funeral Home
directing.
Susie, who was born April 19, 1965, in Morgan County to Milton Thomas Smith
Sr. and Linda Sue Newton Smith. She loved to write poetry, enjoyed singing,
spending time in prayer and reading and studying God’s Word. She was
preceded in death by her father and a brother, Michael David Smith.
She is survived by daughters Nicole Orr; Lena Barber and Tisha Smith; Mother Linda Newton Smith; two brothers Milton Thomas Smith Jr. And Gregory Wayne Smith; two sisters Lisa Sain and Amanda Smith Knott; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews who thought the world of her.
Kenneth “Kenny” Reeves
Decatur
Memorial Funeral service for Kenneth “Kenny” Reeves, 69, will be Saturday,
January 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael
Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be
Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Reeves died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his residence. He was born
August 23, 1954, in Stuttgart, Germany, to Guy S. Reeves and Margaret C.
McCormick Reeves.
Kenny loved to fish and loved Alabama football. He was a foosball champion
that held two world titles on two different companies’ tables. Mr. Reeves
was a loving brother and adored his nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his mother: Margaret McCormick Lott and his
brother, Daniel A. Sharpe.
Survivors include his father, David Lott; brothers James H. Sharp, Michael Lott (Tammy), Eric Lott, Christopher Lott (Shannon) Berry R. Reeves (Lucy); sister Deborah Allen (Larry) and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
