The Obituary Section

Ssg Nick Gavalas

, Alabama

Staff Sergeant Nick Gavalas a native of Birmingham Alabama and a brave member of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II has been officially accounted for more than eight decades after making the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. Born on March 13 1923 in Birmingham Jefferson County Alabama Nick was the son of George N. Gavalas and Theodora T. Gavalas. He graduated from Ramsey High School in 1940 and later worked for the George Gavalas Produce Company before answering the call to military service. On January 20 1943 Nick entered the United States Army at Fort McClellan Alabama. He served as a Staff Sergeant and armorergunner with the 718th Bombardment Squadron 449th Bombardment Group Heavy during World War II. On January 30 1944 Staff Sergeant Gavalas was aboard a B24 Liberator bomber participating in a mission against enemy targets near Udine Italy. Following the bombing…

— Read Full Obituary —

Orise Terry Gandy

, Alabama

Orise devoted much of her life to caring for others serving as a Registered Nurse and operating a boarding home for 30 years. Her compassion and dedication to helping those around her were reflected not only in her professional life but also in the many lives she touched along the way. A woman who appreciated lifes simple pleasures Orise found happiness in the beauty of the outdoors and the satisfaction of working with her hands. Green was her favorite color a fitting reflection of her love for nature. While she enjoyed the company of others she was just as content spending a peaceful day in the comfort of her own home rather than getting dressed up for an outing. Orise had a wonderful sense of humor and a special gift for making those around her laugh with her quick wit and unforgettable jokes. Above all she loved her family dearly…

— Read Full Obituary —

Robert "Bob" Gerald Cannon Jr.

, Alabama

October 12, 2026

ROBERT BOB GERALD CANNON JR. age 57 of Pinson passed away on Tuesday October 13 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Marileen Cannon and sister Elizabeth Cannon. He is survived by his sisters Dawn Gray Roger Janice Carpenter Rodney Sandra Leach Bill and Marijean Ballard Jason brother William Cannon Pamela and several nieces nephews and cousins. Bob grew up in Archbold Ohio and was a member of the Boy Scouts. He faithfully took care of his parents for over 20 years. His family will have a memorial service at a later date.

— Read Full Obituary —

Dr. Francis Michael Connery

, Alabama

October 8, 2026

Francis Michael Connery MD affectionately known as Frank Doc or Chum passed away peacefully on October 9 2026 following yearslong illness with vascular dementia. He was born on March 10 1940 in Salem Massachusetts where he spent his formative years. He lived a life marked by faith service devotion to family and care for others. He spent the last six years of his life at the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City Alabama. The family is very grateful for the wonderful care he received at the VA especially from Dr. Harold Simon Chief Honcho Nurse Jan Horton and the many caregivers and activity directors. He was the son of Francis Stephen Connery and Elanor Smith Connery. He attended St. Johns Preparatory School in Danvers Massachusetts graduated magna cum laude both from Tufts University 1961 and from Loyola University Chicagos Stritch School of Medicine 1965. He completed…

— Read Full Obituary —

Grady Whitfield Gibbons

, Alabama

Grady was born in Birmingham Alabama on June 28 1940 to Henry Grady and Carolyn Klaus Gibbons. He graduated from Ensley High School in 1958. He attended the University of Alabama before enlisting in the Air Force in 1961. He proudly served his country during the Cold War while stationed in France. He was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1961 shortly before joining the Air Force Grady married his high school sweetheart Mary Anne Bates. After the military he continued his education at Howard College in Birmingham and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. He began his career at Blachs Department Store in downtown Birmingham. He later worked for Alabama Gas Company until his retirement. During his years at Alagasco he was an active volunteer with Junior Achievement and the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of…

— Read Full Obituary —

Lucille "Cille" Spader

, Alabama

She is survived by her three children Kathy Spader Carpenter Joan Spader Riosa both of Birmingham and James Spader III Kendall of Atlanta as well as 9 grandchildren Ashley Carpenter Bazemore Tom Kelly Carpenter Webb Ezell Tracy Carpenter Colley Clay Courtney Carpenter Andre John Michelle Riosa Reis Mitch Michael Riosa Krista Virginia Spader Woods Nathan Jessica Spader Jones James Spader III Allyson and 17 great grandchildren. Cille was born in Atlanta GA in 1932 and lived there until 1954 when she moved to Birmingham. She was a loving devoted mother wife and friend. She was an avid golfer for many years bridge player loved Alabama football and was always the first person to bring food to anyone in need. As a member of the Church of Ascension in Vestavia since 1956 she had been Altar Chairman as well as Secretary to the Ladies Association. Her other activities included being President…

— Read Full Obituary —