Decatur Daily

Edward "Ed" E. Sturgeon, passed away on July 26, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on September 27, 1932 in Anderson to the late James and Iva (Hicks) Sturgeon. After graduating from school, Ed began working at Delco-Remy, Plant 16 and he worked there for 38 years. He was also a bus driver for the Anderson Community School Corporation and St. Mary's School for 32 years. He even worked as a plumber's assistant for Ginder Plumbing. Ed found his spiritual home at First Church of the Nazarene and was a faithful member for many years. In his spare time, he was a Red Coat at St. Vincent's Hospital and he enjoyed reading and watching westerns. Ed loved to travel and...

Donna Alexander Gray passed away peacefully at her home in Maryville, TN on Friday, June 24. She loved helping people and was a registered nurse for 42 years and worked as the school nurse at Heritage High School for 12 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Donald Alexander, her mother, Murleane Rutherford Alexander, and her niece Kay Ellen Gray. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Glen Tracy Gray and a very loved daughter, Leslie Elizabeth Gray of Knoxville, TN a brother, Gary Alexander of North Myrtle Beach, SC two nephews Zach Alexander of Charleston, SC and Ben Alexander of North Myrtle Beach, and a niece Kathryn Alexander of Lexington, SC. Also survived...

Denham, Gay Crawford Penn Gay Denham died at home on Sunday, April 17, 2022, after a long, committed life. She leaves behind countless individuals in her family, friends, church, and community. She was able to find meaningful relationships with all by taking a true interest in the people around her. Mrs. Denham, or "Miss" Gay as she was called by generations of friends and relations, was born on June 29, 1930, in Alabama. Gay's parents Richard Leldon Penn and Elsie Elizabeth Crawford Penn raised her along with her sister Mary Edna Penn and brother Richard Leldon Penn, Jr., in Decatur, Alabama. She graduated from Decatur High School, then obtained a degree from Alabama College for Women in...

Martha Haynes Rigel, 92 Martha Haynes Rigel of Lake Wales, Florida passed away February 2, 2022. Martha was born January 11, 1930 in Decatur, Alabama to the late Iverson and Udessie Haynes. She grew up in Decatur along with her 11 siblings and graduated from Decatur Senior High School in 1947. Martha married William Malcolm Rigel after he returned from WWII and they had six children. They pastored churches in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia. In each of their pastorates, Martha served as pianist, organist, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and women's ministry group leader. Martha and family moved to Lake Wales, Florida in 1968 to help found...

Mr. Mark Stephen 'Steve' McCulloch, age 70 of Covington, died Sunday, January 9, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucien and Ruby McCulloch. He is survived by his wife, Jean McCulloch; daughters and son-in-law, Margaret and Alan Preston, Holly Casteel; son, Mark McCulloch, Jr.; and grandchildren, Alexis Hill, Jay Casteel, Piper McCulloch, McKynley McCulloch. Mr. McCulloch was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and a commercial construction superintendent for Freese Johnson. He was a member, Lay Pastor, in the New Beginnings Sunday School Class, and on the Board of Trustees at Conyers First United Methodist Church. He established the Golf Cart Ministry and was a...

Robert M Pendergrass, age 60, of Seymour, Tennessee went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born on February 25, 1961 in Decatur, Alabama to Harry O. Pendergrass and E. Lee Rhodes. Robert graduated from Decatur High School in 1979, and went on to attend Auburn University where he received his Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Business and Economics, followed by receiving his Master's Degree in Agricultural Business and Economics. He worked for the University of Tennessee at the Agricultural Policy Analysis Center from 1992-1997 as a published research associate. Robert completed the truck driving training course with Transport Training Group on July 24, 1998, and...

Graveside Service for Derick Lavon Jones will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11:00 am, Sterrs Cemetery with the Reverend Daylan Woodall officiating. Public viewing will be held on Friday, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home. Derick LaVon Jones, 43 of Decatur, AL died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 29, 2021 while residing at home. Derick, also known as Little Man, was born in Decatur, AL at Decatur General Hospital. He was known as a gentle teddy bear whose laughter could light up a room. Derick graduated from Decatur High School where he played football and went on to attend Auburn University. He was an avid Auburn fan who often set his weekend routine to Auburn's game...

Graveside Service for Gwalonda "GiGi" Latet Kingston, 37 of Courtland, Alabama will be 11:00 am Thursday at Ebenezer Cemetery in Town Creek, Alabama. Public viewing will be Wednesday from 1:00 pm till 6:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home. "GG" was born on October 18, 1983 to Elder Billie and Evangelist Glenda Lucious Mason. She departed this life on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Huntsville Hospital. Gwalonda loved her children, parents, family, friends and classmates. She was a PROUD member of the Courtland High School Class of 2002. She loved her church, Cathedral Of Faith Church Of God In Christ where she served under her father and Pastor Elder Mason. She worked hard to take care of her...

Graveside Service for Mrs. Gladys Dobbins Smith, 82 of Decatur, Alabama will be 11:00 am Friday, August 27, 2021 at Sterrs Cemetery with the Reverend Dylan Woodall officiating. Public viewing will be Thursday from noon till 5:30 pm and the visitation from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to DNH/Lakeside High School Scholarship Fund 302 13th Ave NW-Decatur, AL 35601 Gladys was born in Morgan County, Alabama on September 20, 1938 to the late William and Myrtle Harris Dobbins. She departed this life August 18, 2021 at Decatur...

Mildred Napps Kalb, 100, of York, SC passed away on Monday, June 28, 2021 peacefully at her home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Trinity UMC in York, SC with the Reverend Eugene Feagin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Parlor. Burial will be private at Rose Hill cemetery. Mildred was born on September 25, 1920 in Trinity, AL. She was a daughter of the late Inman Napps and Pearl Lamon Napps and the widow of Samuel Kalb. She grew up in Decatur, AL and was the oldest member of Trinity United Methodist Church in York, SC. In spite of living in New York, Florida and S.C. for many years, she remained...

Melissa Amy Russell Yost passed into the arms of our Lord in the early hours of Sunday, June 27th after a long battle with cancer. Missy smiled her way into the world on November 18th, 1971. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Missy attended Decatur High School and was a member of The Grant Street Church of Christ. After high school, Missy attended her beloved Auburn University and was a member of Chi Omega sorority (As Missy would say with her beautiful smile and soft southern accent "WAR EAGLE!"). After leaving Auburn, Missy took her passion for singing, her bountiful energy, and joy onto the international stage by touring with Up With People. Once her tour ended, "MR" (as her Coloradan...

A Celebration of Life for Mother Mattie Lou Mason Davis, 101 of Hillsboro, Alabama was held at 3:00 pm Saturday, May 8, 2021 at David Temple "Word of Faith" P.B. Church with Bishop Curtis Foster officiating. Inhumation was in Foster-Davis Cemetery and Reynolds Funeral Home directed. Mother Davis was born July 11,1919 in Rome, Georgia to the late Mary Goans and John H. Mason. She relocated to Lawrence County as a very young child. She departed this life on Tuesday, May 4, in the comfort of her home. At an early age, she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior, and joined David Temple PB Church in Hillsboro. Her love for God and her Faith was exhibited in her service on the Mother's Board,...

Graveside Service celebrating the life of Mr. Erskin Leroy Matthews, 74 of Decatur, Alabama will be noon Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Calvary Memorial Gardens with the Reverend John Sanchious officiating and Bishop T.L. Hill eulogizing. Public viewing will be Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home. Erskin was born in Morgan County, Alabama on August 7, 1946 to the late Chester Matthews Sr. and Eunice Barker Matthews. He transitioned from this life on Monday April 26, 2021 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He accepted Christ in 1972 and attended Northside Apostolic Church currently Now Faith Church, where he was ordained as a deacon and continued to serve diligently...

Graveside Service celebrating the life of Mr. Jerell Devon Kearse, 31 of Decatur, Alabama will be noon Tuesday , April 13, 2021 at Decatur City Cemetery with the Reverend Earnest Little officiating and Reynolds Funeral Home directing. Jerell was born in North Carolina to John Wesley Kearse and Veronica Ann Wright. He walked into his eternal home at the age of 31 in Decatur, Alabama. Mr. Kearse was well known by many from Alabama to Michigan. Jerell was a overcomer of the many obstacles he faced in life. He was the strong driving force for his family and friends; a mentor to many and an example to those who knew him. Many lives have forever been changed by the love that Jerell gifted us...

Graveside service for Elder Woodrow "Buster" Johnson Jr, 55 of Decatur Alabama will be noon Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Calvary Memorial Gardens with Dr. G. Lynne Herring officiating. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home. Elder Johnson was born February, 12, 1966 in Decatur, Alabama to Woodrow Johnson Sr. and Elizabeth Bell Johnson. He departed this life on March 28, 2021 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. Woodrow accepted Christ at an early age and was an Elder of the church, Chairperson of the Men's Ministry, a member of the Sunday school, Bible Study, Men's choir and mass choir. Woodrow was a FAITHFUL member of Macedonia CP Church of America. Woodrow...

Paul Hugh Williams, of Charlotte, died on February 21, 2021 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and blindness. He was a deeply religious, kind, gentle person, devoted to his family and church. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 4, 1938, he graduated from high school in Arkansas, and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1960 with a co-op Chemical Engineering degree and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In 1960 Paul began a fulfilling 33-year long career with Celanese, starting as an engineer in the Charlotte pilot plant, and worked in many Celanese divisions and locations in the U.S. and England; and as President of Celanese Canada in...

A Celebration of Life for Bro. Marvin Gene Turney, 75 of Huntsville, Alabama will be noon Friday, January 22, 2021 at Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home with Bro. Barry Brackins officiating. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Inhumation will follow in Hartselle Memory Gardens with Reynolds Funeral Home directing. Public viewing will be Thursday from 1-5 at Reynolds Funeral Home.Bro. Turney passed away on January 10, 2021 at Huntsville Hospital. Marvin Gene Turney was born July 22, 1945 to the late Earnest Turney Sr. and the late Mary Turney in Hartselle, AL. He departed this life on January 10, 2021 at Huntsville, Hospital. Marvin attended Morgan County Training School in...

John Porter Vinson, went to be with Jesus and reunited with his parents, Porter and Bernice Vinson, on December 30, 2020. John was 66 years old. He spent 41 of those years loving his wife, Terry. John loved his girls, Jennifer and Lauren, as well as their husbands, his three grandchildren, and his grandson due in May. He will also be missed by his sisters, Martha and Mary, as well as their families. After earning a degree from Auburn University, John spent a vast majority of his career in various positions with Bell South and AT&T. If, however, you were to ask John what he did for a living, he would simply tell you that he "wrote emails". That's because John wasn't really driven...

Homegoing Service for Mrs. Mary Jones Turney, 79 of Huntsville, Alabama will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home with Bro. John E. Branch officiating. Inhumation will be in Hartselle Memory Gardens. Public viewing will be Saturday from 11-5 at Reynolds Funeral Home. Mary Jones Turney was born July 23, 1941 in Town Creek, AL to Albert Jones Sr. and Laura White Jones. She departed this life on September 29, 2020 at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama. Mary confessed Christ at an early age while growing up in Hartselle, Alabama. She was a faithful member of Pennylane Church of Christ and Northwest Church of Christ. She was a graduate of Morgan County Training...

Graveside service for Annie Pride Wherry, 72 of Decatur, AL will be 11:00 am Saturday, September 18, 2020 at Sterrs Cemetery with Elder O'Brien Wherry officiating. Public viewing will be Friday from noon till 6 at Reynolds Funeral Home. Annie the daughter of Charlie Pride and Gertrude Sykes Pride Napper sunrise was July 25, 1948 in Decatur, AL. Her sunset was September 16, 2020, in New Market, AL. Annie was a graduate of Lakeside High Class of 1965. She later completed Job Corp. and continued her education at Alabama A&M. Annie accepted Jesus Christ in 1976 and was baptized at St. Bartley PB Church under the pastorship of the Reverend V. Castle Steward and was currently under watch...

A virtual funeral service for Ralph Wesley Trine, 91, of Suwanee, Georgia will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Eternal Hills Funeral Home in Snellville, Georgia with Pastor Eric Hill officiating. A final graveside service for the family will also take place at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur, Alabama on Saturday, August 22, 2020. Ralph Trine died Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his home in Suwanee, Georgia. He was born on August 11, 1929 to Walter and Myma Trine in Greenport, New York. They lived on Shelter Island, New York. He was a loving father and husband. He was a government accountant for 39 years in Huntsville, Alabama. Prior to his career, Ralph served two years...