The Obituary Section

Daniel "Boone " Davis

, Alabama

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel "Boone" Lee Davis who left us peacefully on August 13 2026 surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on August 26 1948 in Opelika Alabama Boone was a beloved husband father grandfather and friend to many. His life was a tapestry of courage kindness and dedication leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Boone was the cherished son of the late John Davis Sr. and Annie Ruth Herring Cherry. He grew up in a nurturing home where he learned the values of integrity and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. Boone bravely served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Infantry during the Vietnam War an experience that shaped his character and deepened his appreciation for life. Boone was known for his adventurous spirit and his love for the…

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Sr. James Wilkes

, Alabama

James Dorsey J.D.Wilkes Sr.94 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the morning of August 7 2026 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika Alabama. J.D. was born on February 24 1932 in Olanta South Carolina and was the son of the late Herman Allen Wilkes and the late Florence Windham Wilkes. He was a graduate of Sumter High School and later joined the United States Air Force serving from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. After retirement he enjoyed being the captain of his 75X16 houseboat and living aboard for fifteen years with his wife and two daughters traveling around the Southern and some Midwestern states. In his later years he enjoyed traveling the country for fifteen years in his fifth wheel with his wife. J.D.s faith in God and his love and devotion to his family sustained him. He…

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Donine Cooper

, Alabama

A graveside service wil be held in Town Creek Cemetery on Wednesday August 12 2026 beginning at 400 PM CST. A visitation will be held at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home from at 200330 PM CST.

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Juanita "Nita" Smoke Hornsby

, Alabama

August 3, 2026

Juanita Marie Smoke Hornsby known throughout her life as Nita passed away on August 4 2026 at the age of 73. She was born in Auburn Alabama on March 30 1953 and lived there with her family her entire life. For more than a year Nita fought Acute Myeloid Leukemia with strength and determination and she passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Nita was preceded in death by her husband Ray Longshore of Cherokee County Alabama her father Dr. Herbert Lamar Smoke of Dallas County Alabama and her mother Frances Rebecca Payne Smoke of Shelby County Alabama. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory including her son Ross Hornsby her daughter Kimberly Recktenwald her sister Kay Webster her stepson Cody Longshore Mallory her stepdaughter Jill Wardlow Jeremy and her grandchildren Lucy Recktenwald and Ethan Recktenwald. She is also survived by her nieces nephews cousins…

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Diane Estes

, Alabama

August 8, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life welllived that we announce the passing of Mary Diane Estes who departed this life on August 9 2026 at the age of 77. Born on August 28 1948 in Alex City Alabama Diane was a beacon of love and kindness whose legacy will be cherished by all who knew her. Diane was the cherished daughter of Charles and Minnie Buchanan who preceded her in death along with her dear brothers Wayne and Charles Buchanan her sister Peggy brothersinlaw Eddie Daniel and Freddie Brantley her greatgrandson Hudson Hamby and her beloved pet Dixie. Though she has now joined them her spirit remains in the hearts of those she loved. Dianes life was a testament to the power of family and community. She leaves behind her loving partner Tenneson Estes whose steadfast support was a source of great comfort and joy.…

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Johnny Watkins

, Alabama

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnny Watkins a beloved husband father grandfather and greatgrandfather. Johnny departed this world peacefully on August 6 2026 surrounded by his loving family in Alabama where his remarkable journey began on April 21 1944. Johnny was born to Estell and Victor Watkins where he grew up alongside his four siblings. From an early age he exhibited a deep sense of duty and dedication qualities that would define his life and leave an indelible mark on those he encountered. In his youth Johnny answered the call to serve his country with honor and distinction. He joined the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Throughout his military career he earned numerous accolades including the National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Good Conduct Medal Navy Unit Commendation and Rifle Marksmanship Badge. Johnnys service…

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Jr. James "Jim" Bright

, Alabama

Jim was born on August 14 1945 in Chattanooga Tennessee to James R. Bright Sr. and Margaret Dunn Bright. Jim is survived by his children Patrick Bright Anna of LaGrange Georgia Meegan Newton Daniel of Birmingham Alabama and Kathleen Bright K.C. of Birmingham Alabama. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Sullivan Bright Harper Bright Joseph Newton and Harrison Newton as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Jim dedicated more than 40 years of his life to General Motors. Outside of work he was known for his quick wit his easygoing nature and his ability to make friends wherever he went. Jim never met a stranger and always seemed to have a joke ready to share. He loved to travel enjoyed playing golf and most of all cherished the time spent with family and friends. He was married to Maureen Bright for 45 years and together…

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Jim V. Lord

, Alabama

Jim V. Lord age 81 passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday August 4 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 11 1944 in Andalusia Alabama Jim was the son of J.V. and Palis Lord who preceded him in death. A dedicated public servant Jim devoted his entire professional career to law enforcement. He proudly served with the Auburn Police Department before continuing his service with the State of Alabama Department of Probation and Parole where he worked faithfully until retirement. Jims commitment to protecting and serving others earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. Outside of his career Jim enjoyed the things that brought him joy and peace cheering on Auburn football spending time at Lake Martin and making trips to Gulf Shores. However nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a devoted husband father grandfather greatgrandfather brother…

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Georgia Gardner

, Alabama

August 11, 2026

Georgia Rooks Gardner 89 of Auburn Alabama passed away on August 12 2026. A devoted wife mother grandmother greatgrandmother sister and friend Georgia lived a life firmly grounded in her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Georgia was born on March 1 1937 in Chattahoochee Florida. She married Davis Lane Gardner of Chipley Florida in 1955. Georgia and Dave resided in Fort Walton Beach Florida for about 40 years where they worked and raised their family until retirement. Georgia was an administrative assistant at First Baptist Church Fort Walton Beach for about 20 years during that time. In 1995 due to their love of Auburn and Lake Martin they moved to Auburn Alabama and enjoyed the community of friends they developed there. They were active members of First Baptist Church of Opelika Alabama for many years. Georgia is survived by her daughter Cindy Golden Bill and by her…

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Nancy Elaine Trant Buckelew

, Alabama

Funeral services will be held at 230 P.M. on Saturday August 08 2026 at Pilgram Home Baptist Church in Wicksburg Alabama with Searcy Funeral Home Crematory directing and Allen Singley and Buddy Hood officiating. Visitation will begin at 130 P.M until service time. Nancy found her greatest joy in spending time with her family especially her beloved grandchildren who were the center of her world. She also loved relaxing at the beach where she found peace and happiness. A devoted member of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Nancy faithfully taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School touching the lives of many children through her kindness and faith. An avid reader she rarely went anywhere without a book in hand during her younger years finding both enjoyment and inspiration in the pages she read. Nancy will be remembered for her loving heart steadfast faith and the deep love she shared with her…

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