John Galey Howell

John Galey Howell

Decatur 

John Galey Howell, 85, of Decatur, passed away peacefully at his home May 25. He was born in Decatur, Ala. to Arthur George Howell and Sarah Elizabeth Patterson Howell. John graduated from Auburn University in 1960 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked with the Army Missile Command, Marshal Space Flight Center, SCI Systems and American Data Corporation. In 1970, he co-founded Universal Data Systems with Mark C. Smith. John lived life to the fullest, finding joy in most every moment. His loves were hunting, deep-sea and fresh-water fishing, farming, family, friends and dancing with his wife. Always quick with a smile and a laugh, he was blessed with the ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. We will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Arthur George Howell II, and his sister Sarah Elizabeth Howell Broom. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Pamela Clark Howell, his daughter, Susan (Buddy) Geortz, daughter, Karen Hilbun, step-daughter, Kim Dickens, grandchildren, Ben (Lisa) Goertz, Amy (Josh) Paul, Caleb Goertz, Jacob Goertz, Lily Hilbun, great-grandchildren, Theodore Goertz, Eleanor Goertz, Zeppelin Paul, Ember Paul, Saylor Paul and Cora Paul. Also survived by his beloved animals, dogs, Lulu, Freckles, and Dan, cats, Gus and Bill, and horse, Mack. The family would like to extend their special and loving thanks to Helen Blake and Susan Pinckley for their friendship, care and love. The family also thanks Hospice of the Valley. Funeral services were held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur May 28 at 11 a.m., visitation was at 10 a.m. in the library. Burial was at Hartselle City Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers were Buddy Goertz, Ben Goertz, Caleb Goertz, Jacob Goertz, Jamie Walker and Blake Gray. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Community Free Clinic or St. John’s Episcopal Church, both of Decatur, or to the charity of your choice. 

Sonja Little 

Hartselle 

Graveside service for Sonja Little, 80 of Hartselle, was held June 1 at 1 p.m. at Hartselle City Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. No visitation was planned. She was born November 18, 1941 in Morgan County to Willie McGehee Johnson and Kathleen Kay Rose Johnson. Mrs. Little passed away May 30, at Decatur-Morgan Hospital.  Survivors include husband, Billy C. Little of Hartselle; brother, Waymon (W.O.) Johnson of Hartselle; and one grandchild, Logan Garner.  

Ralph McClaine 

Hartselle 

A funeral service for Ralph McClaine, 73, of Hartselle, was held May 31 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral home with Pastor Rickey Clemons officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mr. McClaine died May 27 at his residence. He was born in Morgan County April 7, 1949 to J.C. and Hazel McClaine. Ralph was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He worked as a self-employed truck driver most of his life. Mr. McClaine loved driving his truck, and in his off time, he would make sure it stayed clean. He also coached baseball for five years and still has people that call him coach. Mr. McClaine was preceded in death by his dad and his granddaughter, Lilly Graham. Survivors include wife, Lanita McClaine; son, Heath McClaine (Jennifer); daughter, Tina McClaine (Paul); mother, Hazel McClaine and four grandchildren.  

Fred Jennings
Valhermoso Springs
A visitation for Mr. Fred Jennings was held May 31 at Peck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service was held June 1 at First Christian Church of Valhermoso Springs at
2 p.m. Interment was held at Valhermoso Springs Cemetery. Brother Mickey Johnson did the officiating. Jennings, 87, of Valhermoso Springs passed away May 29 at his residence. He was born to Will and Inez Bramlett Jennings March 1, 1935 in Morgan County. He was a machinist at Hembree Machine. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He was a Deacon at First Christian Church of Valhermoso Springs, loved gardening and was known as the “king of growing tomatoes and watermelon.” He also enjoyed woodworking, and was considered a tinkering specialist. He loved riding around and sightseeing, and was all about his family and loved watching his grandbabies playing in the yard. He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Peggy June Jennings; brothers, Wilbur Gene Jennings, Jimmy Jennings, Bibb Jennings, Bryant Jennings, Ted Jennings; a son, Michael Fred Jennings and granddaughter, Misty Jennings. He is survived by his son, Darrell Shane Jennings (Brenda Beeler); daughters, Tammy Diane Randolph (Keith) and Angela Christine Freeman (Danny); brother, Ronald Jennings; sister, Ann Dunaway; grandchildren, Somer Smith, April McDaniel, Nathan Fielder (Casey), Ashley Randolph, Drake Harris (Meagan), Mackenzie Nichols (Kyle), Tara Dingler (Bradley), Tyler Freeman (Savannah), Chris Jennings (Sabrina) and Chad Jennings; 29 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Drake Harris, Nathan Fielder, Kyle Nichols, Danny Freeman, Keith Randolph and Tyler Freeman served as pallbearers. 

Patsy C. Creel
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and interment for Patsy Creel, 79, was held June 6 at 2 p.m. at Bell Springs Cemetery with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Creel went to her heavenly home June 1 at her residence. She was born November 8, 1942, in Morgan County to William George Collum and Mamie Ruth (Fullilove) Collum. Patsy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She collected Mickey Mouse items and had a very large collection. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include husband of 61 years, Jerry Allen Creel; sons, Richard Creel (Melissa) and Brian Creel; grandchild, Christopher Creel;  special caregiver, Cindy Burgess.  Pallbearers were friends and family members. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Southern Care Hospice.

Sandra Sharp Pounders 

Decatur 

Memorial service for Sandra Sharp Pounders, 68, of Decatur, was held June 7 at the Beltline Church of Christ with Brother Danny Pettus and Brother Curtis Sampley officiating. Mrs. Pounders, who was born September 11, 1953 in Lauderdale County to James Wesley Sharp and Ruby Idella Martin Sharp, died June 3 at her home in Decatur. She was a faithful member of the Beltline Church of Christ for many years. She was actively involved in various children’s ministries over the years. She had a special gift for sending cards of encouragement to all she encountered in life. She enjoyed baking, cooking, knitting, tending her flower gardens and canning items from the garden. Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family, who she dearly loved. She is survived by her husband, Cecil T. Pounders; a son, Ilex Pounders (Sarah) of Nashville; a daughter, Holly Callahan (Eric) of Hartselle; 3 brothers, J.A. Sharp of Scottsboro, Roger Sharp of Wedowee and Albert Sharp of Florence; a sister, Marie Kiser of Muscle Shoals and a granddaughter, Aubri Pounders of Nashville. 

Patricia Ann Lemley
Decatur
A graveside funeral service and interment for Patricia Ann Lemley, 72, will
be held June 10 at 11 a.m. at Johnson Chapel Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Ms. Lemley died June 3 at River City Center. She was born March 10, 1950, in Lawrence County to Printis Kirby and Pauline Hill
Kirby. Ms. Lemley was a homemaker for her family and was a loving and giving mother
and grandmother, who loved God and her family. She also loved her little chihuahua “Princess.” She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Billy Kirby; a brother, Freeman “R.B.” Kirby; and two sisters, Wanda Kirby and Sandra Beasley and her husband, Sonny. Survivors include daughter, Nancy Thomas; sisters, Bonnie Lane and Pamela Beasley (Ricky); four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Elijah Bryant, Donques Thomas, Rick Beasley and Jason Beasley.
 

Mary Lucas Holmes
Falkville
Funeral service for Mary Lucas Holmes, 83, will be June 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Hooks, Bro. David Currie and Bro. Terry Nappier officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Piney Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Mrs. Holmes died June 4, at her residence. She was born
November 7, 1938, in Monroe County to Charles Ephany Lucas and Vivian Leona
Rhona Lucas. Mrs. Holmes retired as a school cafeteria manager for the Morgan County School System in Falkville. Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by her parents; son, Randy Holmes; daughter, Sandi Copeland and several brothers and sisters. She was a member of Piney Grove Church. Mrs. Holmes was a wonderful loving mother. She was always there for her children. Survivors include son, Freddie Holmes, Jr. (Grace); daughter, Debbie Lawrimore (Mike); seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers will be Luke Lawrimore, Drew Lawrimore, Jessica Lawrimore, Mandy Rowe, Ashley Holmes and Bryan Holmes. Alternate pallbearers will be Cash Lawrimore and Kai Lawrimore. The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice of Cullman for their kind and compassionate care of their mother. 

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