Obituaries

Obituaries week of November 1, 2023

Darral Ray Walker

Mr. Darral Ray Walker, age 65, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023 at his home in Marrero, La.  He was a native of Atmore, Ala. and a resident of Marrero the last twenty-nine years. He was an avid fisherman; enjoyed building and remodeling houses. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan and New Orleans Saints Fan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Willard Walker; mother, Jewell White Amerson; step-father, Jessie Amerson and one son, Darral Ray Walker, Jr.

Mr. Walker is survived by his one daughter, Dianna Walker (Keith) Brooks, of Uriah, Ala.; two brothers, Keith (Kaylee) Amerson and Jody (Felicia) Amerson, all of Katy, Texas; two grandchildren, Natalie Brooks and Nathan Brooks and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Sister Helen Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 27, 2023 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.

Pallbearers will be friends of the family.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Alexander “AD” Owens Jr.

Mr. Alexander “AD” Owens, Jr., age 82, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

He became known as the passionate little league baseball coach. He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor and a role model who helped shape the character of countless young players. He was a brilliant mathematician who dedicated 37 years to serving his country through his work with the Department of Defense. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, and share his vast knowledge and experience.

Mr. Owens is survived by his loving wife of  fifty-six years, Emily Owens; two daughters, Anita Dienes (JP Dienes) and Maria Owens-Wicker (Brian Wicker); six grandchildren, AJ Dienes, Erica Dienes, Jayden Wicker, Abigail Wicker, Torey Morphew (Justin Morphew), Destiny Embry (Neal Embry); two great-grandchildren; beloved nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Petty Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10 a.m.

A celebration of life service will also be held at Angels Assisted Living Connerton in Land O’Lakes, Fla. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Jerry Edward Thomas

Mr. Jerry Edward Thomas, age 65, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023 in Bay Minette, Ala. He had resided in Atmore, Ala. for thirty years and has lived in Bay Minette for the past ten years. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, shooting pool and playing slots. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed sitting around listening to music and telling a good joke.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Thomas; mother, Delores Aline Broughton; and one brother, Daniel K. Thomas.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife Joal Linette Thomas of Rabun, Ala.; one son, Matthew Edward (Jan) Thomas of Atmore; one step-daughter, Cassie Gibbs of Brewton, Ala.; one sister, Cathy Thomas Hackney of Whitehouse Fork, Ala.; two nieces, Danielle and Jamie Thomas of Pensacola, Fla.; close friends, Bruce Bundy, Kathie Thompson Moore and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Thurl Pearson officiating. Burial will follow at Crossroads Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from Noon until service time at 1p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Edmond Nathan Knowles

Mr. Edmond Nathan Knowles, age 80, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023 at his home in Flomaton, Ala. He was born in Century, Fla. and lived most of his life in Flomaton. He was a faithful member of Little Escambia Baptist Church. He was a 1961 graduate of Flomaton High School and was very talented in each sport, especially baseball. He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid sports fan. He loved working with his hands, whether it was carpentry or mechanics. In 2005, after nearly four decades of saving, he cashed in his collection of 1,380,459 pennies, totaling $13,804.59, breaking the world record of the largest private penny collection. He was owner of Rebel station in Flomaton and renamed to Ed’s Service Station operating it for 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Luverne Morris Knowles; his parents, Edward Nathan Knowles and Doris Florine Blackwell Knowles; three brothers, Paul Knowles, Wayne Knowles, and Donald Knowles; daughter-in-law, Krystle Knowles and great-grandson, Evan Wolfe.

Mr. Knowles is survived by two sons, Larry Knowles and Marcus Knowles, both of Brewton, Ala.; two daughters, Debbie (Eddie) Simmons and Lisa Knowles, both of Flomaton; two brothers, Edward Knowles and Raybon Knowles; a sister, Jean Knowles; four grandchildren, Meredith Wolfe, Alayna Simmons, Nathan Knowles and Jack Knowles; three great-grandchildren, Scarlett Boutwell, Elias Wolfe and Oliver Harris, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Reverend Jonathan Hill and Reverend Larry Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Little Escambia Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Knowles, Brandon Knowles, Arness Knowles, Tommy Knowles, Timothy Knowles and Eddie Conway.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Knowles, Terry Knowles, William Blackwell, Buster Crapps, Darryl Fore, Mickey Powell and Andre Deslonde.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Humphrey Shuford

Mr. Humphrey Shuford, age 75, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 at his home. The family will receive friends Friday, November 3, 2023 from 3 until 5 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Dana Pettis Freeman

Mrs. Dana Pettis Freeman, age 55, passed away unpredictably Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Demopolis, Ala. She was born in Brewton, Ala. on August 16, 1968 to Woodrow and Shirley Pettis. She was an educator by profession. Master of Early Childhood Education graduate. She obtained her degree from the University of West Alabama. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Demopolis, Ala. She was best recognized for her vivacious spirit, distinctive personality, fervor for pedagogy, and ingenuity. She delighted in crafting

Mrs. Freeman is survived by her loving husband, Mark Freeman; her daughter, Kaitlyn (Tyler) Dunegan; her son, Billy Freeman; her precious granddaughter, Stella Dunegan; her parents; her sister, Lana (Wade) Loring; her brothers, Lee (Felicia) and Roger (Wendy) Pettis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Demopolis First United Methodist Church.

The family received friends prior to the worship service at 1 p.m.

Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Demopolis or a charity of your choosing in lieu of flowers.

Samuel David Ward

Mr. Samuel David Ward, age 56, of Atmore, Ala. passed away Friday, October 27, 2023.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 2 pm. at Cope-Keahey Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Bill Paschal and Rev. Randall Jernigan. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Mr. Ward is survived by his fiancé, Melissa Lowery of Atmore; son, Kasey Ward (Gracie Lassiter) of Excel, Ala.; daughters, Jennifer Bailey (Matthew) and Kelly Gates, both of Excel; sisters, Barbara Johnson of Evergreen, Ala. and Linda Crosby of Fla.; grandchildren, Kasen Ward, Kaiyah Ward, Adler Ward, Krisalyn Bailey, Kinsley Bailey, Kennedy Bailey, Breah Akins, Peyton Aikens, Wyatt Davis and Chloe Lundy; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jason Thompson, William Stuckey, Christian Porter, Taylor Hamrac, Chris Godwin and David Brooks.

Cope-Keahey Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Evergreen, Ala.