Obituaries Aug. 3 – 10

Wayne Key

Decatur

Wayne Key, 81, of Decatur, passed awayAug. 1. He was born Dec. 6, 1938, in Lawrence County, the son of Joseph Kyle Key and Carrie Lillian Terry Key.  

Mr. Key is survived by his wife, Karen Puckett Key; son, Rand W. Key; daughter, Missey Key Nichols; and granddaughter Meredith Lee Nichols. 

He is also survived by a stepdaughter, Tina Bowling Eddy (Glenn); step-grandchildren Haley Halbrooks Moody (Michael) and Landon Eddy; and a step-great-grandchild, Morgan Moody.  

In addition, he is survived by two brothers, Jimmy Key (Phyllis) and Johnny Key (Rose); sister Ann Britnell (Doug); and several nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Key was a successful real estate developer and will be missed by his family and friends.  

There was a private family graveside burial. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley. The family extends thanks to his many special caregivers. 

 

Charles “Charlie” Wayne Wilson Sr. 

Decatur 

Charles “Charlie” Wayne Wilson Sr., 82, of Decatur passed away Aug. 1 at his residence.  

He was born Jan. 12, 1938, in Baldwin County to Robert Brewster Wilson and Addie Lee Dunn Wilson. He was the service manager for Goodyear Service Store. He was a Baptist.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters. Charlie was loved by everyone. 

No services are planned. Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

Survivors include two sons, Charles “Wayne” Wilson Jr. and Robert “Paul” Wilson, and three daughters, “Vicky” Ramona Wilson, “Gena” Marie Cooper and Shelia “Elaine” Wilson. 

 

Donnie Max Woods 

Falkville 

graveside funeral service and interment for Donnie Max Woods, 69, were held Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. at Childers Cemetery with Bro. Stephen Cannon officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.  

Mr. Woods died Aug. 2 at his residence. He was born Feb. 13, 1951, in Morgan County to Casper Lebron Woods and Margaret Onzelle Mardis Woods. He was employed as a pipefitter and welder for Brown and Root and for S&F Sign Company prior to his retirement.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Joni Renee Woods; and a brother, David Woods. 

Survivors include his wifeJanet Woodstwo sonsJohn Blackwood (Tabatha) and Jeremy D. Blackwood (Beth)two daughtersMichelle Reeves (Kerry) and Jana Kirkpatrickone sisterRonna Gail Halbrooks; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

Pallbearers were Paxton Reeves, Asher Kirkpatrick, Brett Blackwood, Collin Blackwood, Trevor Blackwood, Ken Brown and David Halbrooks. 

 

James Wesley Watson 

Falkville 

graveside funeral service and interment for James Wesley Watson, 85, were held Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. at Falkville City Cemetery with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. 

Mr. Watson died July 31 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born May 3, 1935, to Adrian Wesley Watson and Laura Iddea Smith Watson. He was a self-employed logger and blacksmith prior to retiring. 

Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Robert Thomas Watson. 

 

Martha Sue Pridmore Shelton 

Eva 

Funeral service for Martha Sue Pridmore Shelton, 75, was Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Reeves, Bro. Jack Bailey and Geoff Halbrooks officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Oden Ridge Cemetery. 

Mrs. Shelton died Aug. 2. She was born Sept. 23, 1944, in Morgan County to Gordon Pridmore Sr. and Clarie Christine (Briscoe) Pridmore.  

Mrs. Shelton was a member of the Grace Point Baptist Church in Florette. She was employed by the Decatur City School System in the custodial department prior to her retirement.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Shelton; her parents; and her siblings, Gordon Corkey” Pridmore, Henry Roland Pridmore and Mary Grave Henry. 

Survivors include two brothers, Donnie Neal “Don” Pridmore and Danny Hue “Butch” Pridmorebrother-in-law Hoyt Henry; numerous nieces and nephews and greatnieces and nephews; and a host of friends. 

Pallbearers were Carl Tucker, Garrett Tucker, Braydon Tucker, Will Catoe, Justin Hosey and Matthew Bentley. 

 

Sue Presley Gittins 

Bowling Green, Kentucky 

Sue Presley Gittins passed awaAug. 3 in Bowling Green, Ky., at the age of 78.  

Born July 10, 1942, in Falkville, Sue was preceded in death by her husband Fred Gittins Sr. in 2010.  

Survivors include her son, Fred Gittins Jr., of Indiana; daughter Cyndie Gittins Hale and her husband Stacy Hale of Rockwell, N.C.; and grandchildren Madison and Brady Hale, also of Rockwell, N.C. 

Sue enjoyed spending time with her family, often splitting time between Indiana and North Carolina. She was also fond of tending to the flowers in her garden and doing arts and crafts, and she had a lifetime love of animals. 

Sue was a devoted wife, mother, Nana and best friend to those who knew her. Rarely found without a smile on her face, Sue had an infectious personality and loved helping those who knew her. 

A memorial gathering is being planned for a future date.  

Please keep the Gittins and Hale families in your prayers. 

 

Anne Nelson Elsea 

Trussville 

Anne Nelson Elsea, 85, died Aug. 4 at St. Vincent’s Hospital East.  

funeral service was held Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. A. Ray Lee officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Herring Cemetery. 

She was born Sept. 29, 1934, in Morgan County to Wayne Nelson and Tina Osborn Nelson. 

Anne is survived by one sonDr. Steve Boger (Jan), Trussvilletwo daughtersTeresa McDonald, Trussville, and Sherri Hopkins, Jacksonville, Fla.; one sisterSandra Wiley, Hartselle; sister-in-law Wanda Elsea, Slagler Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren, Justin Cowart, North Carolina, Mark Boger, Birmingham, Jeremy Rogers, Decatur, Dr. Allison Walker, Dothan, and Luke Rogers, Atlanta; nine greatgrandchildrenSydney Cowart Grey, Atlanta, Ava Rogers, Decatur, Marley Rogers, Decatur, Nolan Boger, Birmingham, Ian Boger, Birmingham, Kaley Beth Walker, Dothan, Riley Walker, Dothan, Catherine Walker, Dothan, and Paine Cowart, Atlanta; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald N. Elsea; her parents; and a brother. 

She was employed as a secretary and customer service representative for Nordson Corporation prior to her retirement.  

Anne enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling, playing the piano, watching TV and getting together with her family and friends. Anne had lived in the Atlanta area for a number of years before moving back to be close to her family. 

 

Aklin M. Lemmond 

Somerville 

graveside funeral service and interment for Aklin M. Lemmond, 87, were held Aug. 8 at noon at Valhermoso Holiness Cemetery with Bro. Tim Patrick and Bro. Gerald Case officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.  

Mr. Lemmond died Aug. 5 at Regency Healthcare & Rehab Center. He was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Morgan County to Hercey Cameron Lemmond and Rosa Frances Lemmond Bradford. He was employed by General Motors as a tool and die machinist prior to retiring.  

He was a member of Somerville No. 721 of F & AM of the Grand Lodge of Alabama. He was also a member of the Center Springs Methodist Church.  

Preceding him in death were his wife, Sarah B. Stapler Lemmond; three brothersWilliam, Everett and
Bruce Lemmond; and three sisters, Bernice Turney, Gertrude Sivley and Easter Hardy. 

Survivors include one sonVictor Lemmond (Velisa)one daughterSherry Ringgold (Jimmy)four grandchildrenChandlin Ringgold, Lauren McDearmond, Victor Lemmond II and Victoria Lemmond; and two great-grandchildrenSawyer McDearmond and Ryland McDearmond. 

Pallbearers were Larry Lemmond, Aaron Crowe, Orbin Dempsey, Chandlin Ringgold, Eddie Lones and Tim Brown. 

 

Brenda Loise Lovelady 

Hartselle 

Funeral service for Brenda Loise Lovelady, 67, was Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro Doug Bates officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Etha Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Ms. Lovelady died Aug. 5 at Huntsville Hospital. She was born Oct. 15, 1952, in Marshell County to Alvin Dewitt Widner and Doshie Savannah Leeth Widner. She was employed with Copeland Corporation as
factory worker prior to her retirement.  

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Survivors include a sonTerry Lovelady; two daughtersRenia Clay (Brian) and Sabrina Hendrix (Dewayne); two brothers, Alvin Widner and Eddy Widner (Lisa)two sistersSandra Dickerson and Joyce Screws; six grandchildrenCody Clay (Christi), Tiffany Johns (Josh), Natasha Hendrix, Amber Hendrix, Dylan Lovelady and Kenneth Lovelady; and eight great-grandchildren. 

Pallbearers were Josh Johns, Thomas Dickerson, Kris Dodd, Noah Brown, Jack Kemp and Anthony Gorecki. 

 

Charles Lewis Thompson 

Hartselle 

Charles Lewis Thompson (Charlie) passed away at home in Hartselle, with his wife Joyce Strickland Thompson by his side, Aug. 6. He was 92. 

Charlie was well known in the area as a huge Alabama fan and a patriot of the United States of America. Most people knew the house on Lane Road where more than 50 American flags were flying on Fourth of July, Memorial Day or any other day he deemed special enough to display them all. People also knew him for his car that had Alabama stickers placed in all places that were determined safe by Alabama law enforcement agencies. 

Charlie never met a stranger. He loved to visit his friends who were shut-ins due to illness or any other place, as long as he didn’t have to fly. He worked 35 years in the cataloging division of the civilian staff at Redstone Arsenal. For many years after he retired, he made sure his cataloging colleagues kept in touch by holding a luncheon every other month. 

He went to school in Neel. He kept in touch with all of his classmates with luncheons, dinners and holiday celebrations he organized and held often. He was a devout Christian, a veteran of the United States Army and family man. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clinton Lewis Thompson and Mary Sue Brasseale Thompson, and sister, Betty Thompson Borden. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Strickland Thompsontwo sistersPeggy Thompson Lindsey and Dorothy (Dot) Thompson Burgessfour childrenCharlotte Thompson Roberts, Jeanne Thompson Evans (Scott), Janet Marie Thompson Pierce (Jim) and Jeffery Lewis Thompson (Leslie)two stepchildrenMelissa Carnes Swann (Allen) and Timothy Carnes; four grandchildren, Prentiss Zachery (Zac) Roberts, Kelly (Kel) Mitchell Roberts, Saxon Bond Thompson and Andy White; six step-grandchildren, Austin Swann, Andra Swann, Arieona Swann, Jessica Bailey, Justin Carnes and Cecillia Carnes; six great grandchildren, Kayden, Reagan Grace, Makaila, Cade, Ava and Anna; one step-great-grandchild, Aleigha; and nieces and nephews too numerous to name. 

Pallbearers were Zac Roberts, Kel Roberts, Andy White, Saxon Thompson, Gary Burgess, Rex Lindsey and Cain Guillion. 

The memorial service was held Aug. 8 at noon at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle and was followed by a short graveside service at Johnson Chapel in Danville. 

Charlie requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels or Southern Care Hospice in lieu of flowers. 

 

Mary “Sis” Grady Tinch
Laceys Spring 

graveside funeral service and interment for Mary “Sis” Grady Tinch, 84, were held Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church with Bro. John Tucker and Bro. Danny Pitts officiating and Peck Funeral Home
directing. 

Mrs. Tinch died Aug. 6 at her residence. She was born May 24, 1936, in Morgan County to Homer Lee Handley and Mattie Lou Skinner Handley. She was a homemaker for her family and a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.  

Preceding her in death were two husbands, William “Boots” Grady and Clifford Tinch; a grandchildDevin Grady; and her parents. 

Survivors include one sonBrad Grady (Angela)two daughtersReba Grady (Gary) and Deborah Yates (David)two grandchildren, Lynne Mathews and Blake Gradyand two great-grandchildrenCheyenne Mathews and Katrina Mathews. 

Pallbearers were Wade Brindley, Billy Brindley, Brad Grady and Blake Grady. 

 

William “Bill” H Evans Jr. 

Hartselle 

Funeral service for William “Bill” H. Evans Jr., 83, was Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at Hartselle Tabernacle with the Rev. Mike Pope officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Hartselle City Cemetery. 

Mr. Evans dieAug. 5 at Summerford Nursing Home. He was born March 4, 1937, in Hartselle to William H. Evans Sr. And Willie Mae Hodges Evans. He graduated from Morgan County High School and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University (API). He was employed by NASA as an engineer, where he contributed to the Apollo (Skylab) missions and retired after over 40 years of service.  

He married his childhood sweetheart from fourth grade, and they were married 57 years.  

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He devoted much of his life to community service, coaching baseball and filming Hartselle High School football games for more than 50 years. He was devoted to his family, church and community. 

Contributions in his honor can be made to Hartselle Camp Meeting at P.O. Box 163, Hartselle, AL 35640. 

Survivors include two sonsWilliam H. Evans III and David Wesley Evans (Missy)two daughters, Julie Evans Martz (Garrett) and Mariann Evans Parker (Shannon); 11 grandchildrenBlake Martz, Katelyn Martz Johnson, Matthew Martz, Hannah Martz, Austin Parker, Addison Parker, Mary Kathryn Evans Parrott, Nathan Evans, Sadie Evans, Millie Evans and Wesley Evans. 

Pallbearers were his grandsons. 

 

Lillian June Kilpatric 

Hartselle 

Funeral service for Lillian June Kilpatric, 81, was Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Eaton officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Herring Cemetery. 

Mrs. Kilpatric died Aug. 6 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. 

She was born Nov. 25, 1938, in Morgan County to Clyde Livingston Taylor and Oma Lillian Harris Taylor. She was employed by the Department of the Army for finance analysis prior to her retirement. 

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Marvin Taylor. 

Survivors include her husbandRobert Kilpatrictwo sonsStephen Kilpatric and Mike Kilpatrictwo brothersClyde Taylor (Jeanette) and Jackie Taylor (Linda White)two sistersGeraldine Griffith and Darlene Wright (Jerry)one grandchildKayla Kilpatricand her best friendMary Helms. 

Pallbearers were Jody Wynn, Scott Abbott, Roy Griffith, Chris Ryan, Tyler Dodd and Andrew Dodd. 

 

James Thomas “Tommy” Smith 

Hartselle 

private funeral service and interment for James Thomas “Tommy” Smith, 82, were held by his family at the graveside at Hartselle Memory Gardens with Greg Fry officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. 

Mr. Smith died Aug. 6 at his residence. He was born Nov. 13, 1937, in Morgan County to Lewis Shirley Smith and Myrtle Christine Chenault Smith. He was a truck driver employed by Baggett Transportation and Gordon Transport for 30 plus years and was a local business owner prior to his retirement.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Smith. 

Survivors include his wifeFaye Breedlove Smithone sonCullen Smith (Greg Fry)two daughtersBeth McCaghren (Ronnie) and Renee McCaghren (George)two sistersShirley Long (Don) and Sandra Hall (Jerry); six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 

Pallbearers were family members. 

 

Sandy Ray Welborn 

Falkville 

Funeral service for Sandy Ray Welborn, 68, of Falkville, was Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Malcolm Carter II officiating. Burial was at the Oak Ridge Cemetery.  

Mr. Welborn died Aug. 7 at UAB Hospital. He was born Aug. 31, 1951, in Etowah County to John Willard Welborn and Violene Walker Welborn (Keeling).  

Mr. Welborn was previously employed by Wolverine. He was a family man who loved his wife and enjoyed spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law and his grandchildren. He also loved to fish, hunt and garden.  

Mr. Welborn was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ronnie Lee Welborn and Larry Joe Keeling. 

Survivors include his wife of 50 yearsJudy Sandlin Welbornthree daughtersMissy Fagan (Brad)Stacey Cannady (Jeremy) and Julie Weatherby (Jonathan)one brotherDanny Welborn (Sheila)grandchildren 

Emma, Luke, Bess and Lily Cannady, Maddie and Sophie Weatherby and Austin Wiley; and stepgrandchildren Seth Fagan, Lara Thompson (Tyler) and Lexi Langston (Holden). 

Pallbearers were Jeremy Cannady, Brad Fagan, Jonathan Weatherby, John Welborn, Mark Walker and Stuart Siniard. 

 

James Truman Russell 

Hartselle 

James Truman (Jimmy) Russell passed away Aug. 4 at the age of 74. A lifelong resident of Hartselle and Morgan County, he was born in the Cedar Cove community to Emmett Russell and Lois Segars Russell.  

A 1963 graduate of Morgan County High School, he married his school sweetheart Peggy Sue Morris in 1967.  

His life’s vocation began in the printing division of the Hartselle Enquirer in 1964. He later became a partner in Enquirer Printing, where he worked for 22 years. He was employed by Hutto Printing in Decatur for 23 years. Not inclined to spend his retirement in a rocking chair, he worked part time for Decatur Printing until 2015. 

While Jimmy’s dark hair never greyed with age, leading to much speculation amongst his friends, there was no mistaking that his thumb was green by nature. His idea of a “good vacation” was a week in his garden, tending the large vegetable plot, fruit trees and muscadine vines and greenhouse filled with plants. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at Smith Lake. He had knack for tinkering with broken items; if they could not be fixed, he would find a way to repurpose them.  

All who knew Jimmy remember him for his sense of humor and the great pleasure he took in cracking jokes and making people laugh. Like his Russell forebearers, he was kind-hearted and always a friend to those in need.  

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Lois Russell; his brother, Byron Russell; and his beloved dogs Roscoe and Pepper.  

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter, Nikki Russell, and son Thomas Jason (TJ) Russell; sister Linda Harvey; nieces Debra Schubert, Roxanne Pritchard and Melissa Harris Estes; and special namesake nephew, James Russell.  

In light of the current pandemic, a private graveside service was held Aug. 7 at Hartselle City Cemetery, with Peck Funeral Home directing and Phillip Hines officiating. 

Memorial donations may be made to the historic Russell Cemetery fund, c/o Linda Kelso, 2030 Pines Road, Somerville, AL 35670. 

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