Obituaries (02/21/24)
Ricky Lee Hand
Falkville
Ricky Lee Hand, 70, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024. He was born
June 6, 1953, in Morgan County, to Ray Malcolm Hand and Mary Lucielle Powell
Hand.
He was employed by 3M Company for 18 years as a chemical operator and also
with the Morgan County Commission Office for 10 years as a groundskeeper,
prior to his retirement. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather
and will be missed. His parents preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Mary Gail Smith Hand; son, Michael Heath Hand; daughter, Heather Hand Holzer; four granddaughters, Erica Hand (honorary daughter), Desdy Hand, Brianna Borden and Kristen Borden; grandson, Brady Hans Holzer; two great-great grandchildren, Jordan Ryan and Rosaleigh Ryan.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Candy-Tyler S. Tyler
Hartselle
Candy-Tyler Stephenson Tyler, 76 of Hartselle, passed away on February 11, 2024 at her
home surrounded by family. Candy-Tyler was born on February 12, 1947, to Charles Floyd Stephenson and Goldie Moore
Stephenson.
She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Tyler McClung (Keith), grandchildren
Chelsea McClung Moore (Derrick), Chance McClung, Chase McClung (Lyndee);
Chris McClung and eight great-grandchildren.
Candy-Tyler was known for her unwavering support of her military husband Dennis
‘Toby’ Tyler. She was a legal secretary at the various bases they were
stationed at. She also enjoyed ceramics, painting, arranging flowers &
quilting.
A graveside service will be held February 19 at 11:30 at Moss Chapel Church.
Casey Wilhoite Hopper
Somerville
Funeral service for Casey Wilhoite Hopper, 38, will be Thursday, February
15, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Edward King
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Center
Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 6:00
PM to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hopper passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Hospice Family Care.
She was born July 26, 1985, in Morgan County, to Danny Wilhoite and Debra
Barnett Wilhoite. She was a loving, caring wife and mother and was a
wonderful homemaker for her family.
Survivors include her husband, Derrick Hopper; sons, Braylen Wilhoite and Waylon Hopper; parents, Danny Wilhoite and Debra Barnett Wilhoite; brother, Dusty Wilhoite.
Pallbearers will be Lynn Loflin, Colton Loflin, Dustin Dunkin and Raylen
Barnett.
James Roland Burgess
Hartselle
A private family visitation was held for James Roland Burgess on Thursday,
February 15, 2024, at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. James Roland Burgess, 86, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at
Elk River Health and Nursing Facility. He was born May 13, 1937, in Morgan
County, to William Roy Burgess and Ethel Lee Whitten Burgess.
Mr. Burgess loved farming and was always finding a way to stay busy. He was
a veteran of the U.S. Army and he never met a stranger. He was a
self-employed mechanic and was very good at what he did.
Survivors include his wife, Josephine Sims Burgess; son, Chris Burgess (Lisa); daughter, Lynne Burgess Widener (Mark); brother, Marion Burgess; grandchildren, Emily Reeves (Steve), Erin Huddleston (Ron), Ethan Widener (Lauren) and Jacob Burgess; nine great-grandchildren.
Richard-Hensley Allen Hensley
Decatur
Richard-Hensley Allen Hensley, 84, of Decatur, Alabama passed away peacefully at his
residence surrounded by family on February 13, 2024. A Visitation for Mr. Hensley will be on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home. Graveside will be in Hartselle City Cemetery following the visitation.
Richard-Hensley was born on January 29, 1940, in Seaford, Delaware to Roy E. & Opal G.
Hensley. He obtained at a very young age a bachelor’s degree in chemical
engineering from Clemson University in South Carolina. He later obtained a
masters degree in Chemistry from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana and additional post graduate education from the University of
Houston.
Richard-Hensley worked many years in the chemical and petroleum industry primarily
comprising of 25 years with Dow Chemical in the Southwestern United States
and Mexico.
Richard-Hensley is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Sue Rodriquez
Hensley of Angleton, Texas, his stepson Charles L (Chet) Murphree, Jr. and
his step granddaughters Kendall Murphree and Kelsey Murphree.
Richard-Hensley is survived by his wife Ann Sample Hensley, stepson Van Murphree,
stepson Atlee Murphree, stepdaughter Lila Murphree and spouse Cindy Small,
step daughter in law Lisa Murphree, brother Roy D. Hensley and step
granddaughter Carly Murphree.
Richard-Hensley was an avid hunter and sportsman and a proud fan of both Clemson
University and LSU. Richard-Hensley spent many of his later years traveling the
world fishing in South America and Mexico and big game hunting in Africa and
throughout North America. He maintained a separate building to display his
large collection of hunting trophies he acquired.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Valley.
Linda Faye Riickert Dobbs
Hartselle
Funeral service for Linda Faye Riickert Dobbs, 79, will be Wednesday,
February 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy
Watson officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in
Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Dobbs died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at her residence. She was born September 4, 1944, in Kentucky, to William Taft Riickert and Goldia Lee
Jefferson Riickert.
She loved her family, friends and her church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing
and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Assemblies of God
Church and worked with the Missionettes teaching the Daisy class for many
years.
He was preceded in death by her parents, William and Goldia Riickert and
brothers, William Eugene Riickert, Ivan Riickert and Gary Riickert.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, James Claude Dobbs; daughter, Shannon Parker (Keith); granddaughter, Emily Parker; siblings, Freddy Riickerts (Velma), Carolyn Shaw (John), many brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob Watkins, Sr.
Hartselle
Bob Watkins, Sr. 76, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his residence.
He was born February 22, 1947, in Texas, to Anthony Martin Watkins and
Elsie Pierce Watkins.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and loved serving his country. He
was the youngest of 10 Children. He loved day trips, fishing and spending
time with his family. His parents, one son, Shane Nathaniel Watkins and
seven of his siblings, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy Watkins; sons Robert Watkins, Jr. (Linda) and Benjamin Watkins (Grace); more than a stepson, Thomas Szymborski, Jr. (Erin); daughter Yvonne Mote (Robert); sisters, Marilyn and Carole; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Richard-Hensley “Dick” Johnson
Hartselle
Funeral service for Richard-Hensley “Dick” Johnson, 85, will be Saturday, February
17, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Allen Johnson
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Halltown
Cemetery.
Mr. Johnson died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his residence. He was
born June 6, 1938, in Illinois, to George Allen Johnson and Shirley Lucille
Condit Johnson.
He was employed as a warehouse supervisor and manager for Bel Cheese
Company, prior to his retirement. He liked dairy farming, racing motorcycles
in his younger days, loved his Lord and his family and was loved by many. He
enjoyed forging with a group of friends in Cullman. He was married to the
love of his life for 61 years.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a daughter, Giselle Elaine Johnson
Sutton and a grandson, Adam Sutton.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Jean Gassaway Johnson; son, Richard-Hensley Allen Johnson, Jr.; daughter, Richelle Sandlin; grandchildren, Seth Johnson and Katie Johnson; many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
David Watson
Hartselle
David Watson, 53, died at his home in Hartselle on February 17, 2024, of complications from a brain tumor. He is survived by his mother Carolyn Watson, sisters, Nicole Britt and Karen Barnett (Doyle), niece, Whitley Hood, nephews, Jackson Britt, Nat Britt and Daniel Barnett.
David was born in 1970 in Hartselle and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Hartselle High in 1989 and earned degrees from the University of Alabama. His college years were marked by meaningful friendships, love of Alabama football, and … To his lasting sorrow, David’s father Jerry Watson passed away because of aggressive leukemia in 1999. His college career was interrupted in 1996 with a devastating diagnosis of a brain tumor when he was just 26. However, this proved to be a temporary setback and despite extensive surgery and treatment, he made a full recovery and went on to graduate with a degree in social work.
David’s life was marked by profound love for and devotion to his family. He was generous and always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was especially close to his grandmother, Mary Watson. For many years they lived together in the little brick house on Broadway, filling it with laughter, art projects, and a fair bit of clutter. David and his grandmother loved adventures and visiting family in other states.
David’s mother, Carolyn and his Great-Aunt, Betty Clements, later joined the household. Several beloved dogs also shared their happy home over the years, as David was always a dog lover.
As a dog person, it was only natural that David found his niche, as a bather, at PetSmart. He was beloved by his coworkers and his human and furry clients. He was also devoted to his nieces, nephews, and especially his great nieces and nephews. Spending time with his babies gave him great joy.
As Grandmother Watson’s health declined, David, along with Aunt Betty, devoted himself to caring for her needs until she passed away in their home in September 2021.
David will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His quirky sense of humor and love for others was a blessing to all in his orbit.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 6PM in the chapel at Peck Funeral Home. No visitation is scheduled.
Delton Lee Garrison
Laceys Spring
Funeral service for Delton Lee Garrison, 51, will be Sunday, February 18,
2024 at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Paul Ward officiating
and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery at
Upshaw.
Mr. Garrison died on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at his residence. He was
born October 10, 1972, in Morgan County, to Doyle Dobbins and Virginia
Westmoreland Garrison.
He was employed with Mark Nix, working in construction and landscaping,
prior to his passing. His father preceded him in death.
Survivors include his mother Virginia Westmoreland Garrison; sister, Ariel Garrison; grandchildren, Larkyn Prince, Wrenley Pearson and Joseph Pearson
Pallbearers will be Chris Johnson, Jerry Matice, Eric Snipes and Mark Nix.
Charlie Wayne Prater
Danville
Funeral service for Charlie Wayne Prater, 80, will be Saturday, February 17,
2024 at 11:00 AM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Rex Riddle and Bro.
Wayne Bumgart officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in
Alexander Welborn Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, February 17, 2024
from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Prater died on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at his residence. He was
born May 24, 1943, in Morgan County, to Leonard Prater and Katie Pauline
Sanford Prater.
He was a retired pipefitter, prior to his retirement. He was a member of
Pinhook Church, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great
grandfather. He enjoyed Alabama Football, was a member of Lawrence County
Sports Hall of Fame and founding member of Speake High School Sports Museum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son- Timothy Wayne Prater, a
daughter- Anita Lacy and a sister- Ruby Powell.
Survivors include his wife of more than 62 years, Dorothy Melson Prater; son, Jamie Charles Prater (Jill); daughter, Sarena White (Johnny); son-in-law, Lynn Lacy; sisters, Dorothy Powell and JoAnn Steel; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Drew Prater, Cody Bowers, Jacob White, Coynis Smith,
Paul Prater and Sandy Sanford.
Don Keith Haynes
HARTSELLE — Funeral service for Don Keith Haynes, 63, will be Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bobby Ray Halbrooks officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Hartselle City Cemetery. Mr. Haynes died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born June 14, 1960, in Morgan County, to Milton Alford Haynes and Helen Tyler Haynes. He passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour.
He was employed by Durcoat Chemical Company in the Warehouse, prior to his passing. He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Tyler Haynes; sister, Teresa Haynes; special friend, Rhonda Penney
Pallbearers will be Leamon Woods, Ricky Tapscott, Ricky Story, family and friends.
Duke-Griffith Griffith
Dandridge, Tenn.
A funeral service for Duke-Griffith Griffith, 64, of Dandridge, Tenn., will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Peck Funeral Home with Kathy Griffith officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be at Hartselle City Cemetery.
Mr. Griffith died on February 15, 2024, at his residence. He was born on October 15, 1959, to Robert and Helen Griffith in Morgan County, Alabama.
Duke-Griffith Griffith was a loving husband and father. He loved Alabama football, deep sea fishing, and never met a stranger. Mr. Griffith loved to travel with his family, cooking for his family, listening to music, watching old movies and playing drums.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Wynn Griffith.
Survivors Include his wife, Donna Griffith; four sons, Corby Griffith (Candace); Glynn Griffith (Laken), Travis Griffith, and Logan Griffith; two stepdaughters, Kirsten Beasley (Jarod) and Cheyenne Lovell (Andrew); two brothers, Dennis Griffith (Joanne) and Warren Griffith (Kathy); one Sister, Hellen Sides (Roger); six grandchildren, Canaan, Winry, Sammy, Arwynn, McKenna and Kinsley Griffith.
Pallbearers will be Corby Griffith, Glynn Griffith, Travis Griffith, Logan Griffith, Keith Jennings and Jim Hill.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jonathan Griffith and Kyle Tucker.
