Obituaries (06/05/24)
Kenneth Prescott Moore
Falkville
Mr. Kenneth Prescott Moore, 63, passed away at Falkville Healthcare and Rehab on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Born to James and Harriet Holmes Moore on October 10, 1960, in Jefferson County, Alabama, he enjoyed fishing and doing odd jobs in construction for his family. As the youngest of 12 children, he loved to joke with his siblings. A happy, down-to-earth soul, he will be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. Survivors include Gary Wayne Moore, Joe Grant Moore, Roger Brent Moore, Sheila Kay Collins, Donnis Fay Bell, and Sherry M. Brewer. There are no services to announce at this time. Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Janice Vinson
Falkville
A funeral service for Janice Vinson, 77, of Falkville, was held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 26, 2024, at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Milan Dekich officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Born on March 5, 1947, to James and Peggy Brown, she died at her residence on Saturday, May 25, 2024. A loving mother and grandmother, Janice enjoyed fishing, gardening, and crafts, especially playing with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was very proud of her granddaughters and was known for her excellent cooking, especially her biscuits. Preceded in death by her husband Raymond Vinson, her brother Mike Brown, her parents, her sister-in-law Mary Jane Brown, and her nephew Scott Brown, she is survived by her son Kenny Vinson, two grandchildren Kayla “Sugarbear” Graham (Colton) and Lainy “Honeybear” Vinson (Brannon), and three great-grandchildren Quinton Graham, C.J. Graham, and Harper Garrison. Her beloved dog Kompton also survives her. Pallbearers will be Greg Miller, John David Briant, Colton Graham, Brannon Garrison, Derrick Griffie, and Glenn Byrd.
Frank Morris
Falkville
Frank Morris, 90, of Falkville, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Falkville Health Care. Born February 13, 1934, in Morgan County, AL, to Roy Morris and Florence Thelma Murphy Morris, he was a farmer who owned Grade B and later Grade A Dairy (Meadow Gold Dairy). A Protestant and member of Piney Grove Christian Church, Frank was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife Ethel Mae Morris, and brother Ernest Morris. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. Special thanks to Falkville Nursing Home staff and Southern Care Hospice. Survivors include his sisters Katherine Ray Russell and Jo Helen Wilson. Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Martha Asherbranner
Falkville
The funeral service for Martha Asherbranner, 90, of Falkville, was held Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Greg Compton officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Born April 16, 1934, in Speake, Alabama to Joseph Shaw and Martha Emily Marm Vest Shaw, she died on Friday, May 24, 2024, at her home. She loved flowers, gardening, and going to the Senior Center. Preceded in death by her husband Ray Asherbranner and grandson Matthew Asherbranner, she is survived by two sons Ronald Asherbranner (Jenny) and Phillip Asherbranner (Wilma), one daughter Pamela MacDonald (John), five grandchildren Melinda Haynes (J.P.), Alex Asherbranner, Julie Asherbranner, Nathaniel MacDonald, and Emily MacDonald, and three great-grandchildren Carson Haynes, Luke Asherbranner, and Avery Haynes. Pallbearers will be Nathaniel MacDonald, Willard Asherbranner, J.P. Haynes, Kevin Mashburn, Leon Asherbranner, and Larry Orr.
Clarence Cagle
Hartselle
Clarence Cagle, 73, of Hartselle, was born on July 25, 1950, in Lawrence County to Ed and Rosie Reed Cagle. The fourth of five children, he loved making his family laugh. In June 1976, he met Sandy Turney, and they married six weeks later on July 16, 1976. They welcomed a son, Keith Allen Cagle, in January 1978. Clarence loved his family, God, and his grandkids. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Bob and Billy Cagle, he passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steve Barber and Sister Judy Lyles officiating. Burial will be in Turney Family Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. Survivors include his wife of 47 years Sandy Cagle, son Keith Cagle (Lashae), two sisters Helen Wimberly and Mary Cagle, and six grandchildren Nathan Cagle (Loryn), Makala Cagle, Clay Turney (Jenny), Brody Turney (Brittney), Lizzie Turney and Kaiden Turney. Pallbearers will be Keith Cagle, Nathan Cagle, Darryl Turney, Clay Turney, Brody Turney, Kelly Wimberly, and Peety Watkins. The family thanks the doctors and nurses who cared for Clarence.
Elmer Edward ‘Ed’ Pruitt
Hartselle
Elmer Edward ‘Ed’ Pruitt passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, after a long and full life.
He will be remembered as a beloved father and grandfather, a friend to many, and for his easy laugh and contagious positive outlook.
“Ed” was born November 24, 1931, in Elmore County, Alabama, the only child of George Edward Pruitt and Pearl Lelabell Blankenship Pruitt. He graduated from West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1949. His youth was a happy mix of farm boy and big city teenager. After high school, he enrolled at the Alabama Polytechnical College at Auburn, Alabama to study business administration.
Mr. Pruitt joined the U.S. Army and participated in the post-Korean War effort in Seoul, Korea. He treasured his time in the service of his country throughout his life.
While he was in the Army, Ed and Dorothy Ann Clem, of Fairfield, Alabama, were married. After he left the Army, they returned to Auburn. He graduated from the newly named Auburn University in 1960. Through happy accident, Ed and Dot moved with their two daughters to Hartselle, Alabama in 1966, where the young family quickly found a home among new friends and the First Methodist Church of Hartselle, where he and Dot worshipped and served throughout their married life.
Ed held a variety of corporate sales jobs until he joined Morton Thiokol at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He retired from there after a long career as a procurement officer. He went on to join Ken Chapman and Associates, where he served as vice chairman of the board of directors for eighteen years. And, he enjoyed a long retirement period with family, his church, and his friends.
Elmer Edward Pruitt was preceded in death by his wife, Dot, and his parents. He is survived by two daughters; Rhonda Chapman (Ken) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Penny Sparkman (Randy) of Hartselle, Alabama and by grandchildren; Katie Sparkman of Hartselle and Jeremiah Chapman (Laurin) of Fairhope, Alabama, and adopted grandchildren; Lorena Cabral of Atlanta, Georgia and Rahel Kim Choi (John) of Boston, Massachusetts.
A graveside service for Mr. Pruitt will be scheduled at a later date with Peck Funeral Home assisting the family.
Steve Foote
A visitation service for Steve Foote, 67, was held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Peck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Born April 16, 1957, in Morgan County, to Willie B. Foote and Katherine Delilah Speegle Foote, he passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2024, at his residence. A loving husband and father, he was a passionate Alabama football fan and loved his dog, Sadie Mae. He retired from the Sheetmetal Workers Local #48. Preceded in death by his parents, survivors include his wife Christine McNeely Foote, sons William Foote and Joseph McNeely (Morgan), daughter Lesley Miller (Cameron), brother Norman Foote (Monda), and four grandchildren Emma Miller, Miller McNeely, Anita McNeely and Layla McNeely. Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Michael Owen Tull
Michael Owen Tull, 74, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at UAB Hospital. Born August 31, 1949, in Morgan County to Charles Edward Tull and Betty Jo Orr Tull, he was preceded in death by his parents. Michael was a member of First Methodist Church in Decatur and served in the U.S. Army for over 22 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class. After retirement, he worked at Steak Out in Decatur and enjoyed reading, amassing a collection of over 11,000 books, particularly on military history. He also collected military paraphernalia. Survivors include his brother Joseph E. Tull. No services are scheduled at this time. Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Horace Ray Simmons
Hartselle
Horace Ray Simmons, 72, of Hartselle, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at his residence. The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hal Daigre officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial followed in Center Cemetery. Born on July 15, 1951, in Morgan County to Edwin Justin Simmons and Minnie Pearl Sparks Simmons, he worked as a mechanic and in auto body repair at Cummins Auto Sales before retiring. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife, spending time with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He had a deep faith in the Lord and had accepted Jesus into his heart.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas, James, and Robert Simmons; his sisters Hattie Mae Simmons, Lottie McCormick, and Ruby Moore; and his grandson Zachary Walls.
Horace Ray Simmons is survived by his wife Rhonda Gail Simmons; his sons Mitchell Simmons (Tammy), Bobby Simmons, and Craig Legg (Christa); his daughters Loretta Walls (David) and Rachel Jordan (Mike); and his brother Ottis Couch. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of North Alabama for their wonderful care.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Simmons, Robert Simmons, Bentley Stidham, Logan Jordan, Paul Roberts, Tim Simmons, and Paul Douglas Barber.
Betty Ann (Motes) Little
Betty Ann (Motes) Little, 78, of Pinellas Park, FL, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Betty Ann was born on June 12, 1945, in Decatur, AL, to Andrew Jackson Motes and Ruth Irene (Armstrong) Motes. Betty Ann, a woman of remarkable achievements, embarked on a journey of education at Decatur City schools, culminating in her graduation from Decatur High School. Her youth was marked by adventurous travels to Greece and Europe. Upon her return to the States, she was dedicated to caring for her mother. She had a successful career in bank management, despite her advice to her family against it. Her retirement in the late 80s was followed by a diagnosis of MS, but her spirit was not dampened. She continued to bring joy and laughter to her family, even when she harassed them by yelling for her Gators, making their happiness her life’s mission.
Many can say so much about Betty Ann. What is universally acknowledged is her remarkable resilience, always smiling through the pain and consistently showing love to those she cared about.
Betty Ann is preceded in death by her parents; seven siblings, A. J. Jr., Lewis Calvin, Rose Emma, A.D. Motes, Lois Hill, Faye Johnson, John Motes, and Fred Motes; and one great-granddaughter, Alexcia Shian. She is survived by her two daughters, Andrea Pender (husband Greg Pender) and Jessica Little; her three grandchildren, Autumn Terzopoulos (husband Brian Stauner), Brandon Little, and Amber Terry (husband Justin Zelhart); foster grandson Joseph Reisman; and Kimberly Pender and Jennifer Pender; and 12 great-grandchildren: Dakota, Magnus, Tex, Ashliee, Sethe, Kaden, Brantley, Coltin, Kayla, Courtney, Brittaney, and Dylan; and four great-great-grandchildren. One sister, Linda Stewart, also survives Betty Ann and many nieces and nephews.
The family humbly requests that, in lieu of flowers, you consider sending plants, blankets, or making a memorial donation to one of the following charities or one of your choice: Ronald McDonald House, the Prayers for Kayleigh Foundation or NEC Society.
The visitation service was held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, AL. We encourage you to join us in celebrating Betty Ann’s life at a memorial service that will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, AL, at 3 PM. This service will be officiated by Rev. T. Chris Hill, Betty Ann’s nephew, and additional speakers will be her grandchildren Autumn Terzopoulos, Brandon Little, and great-grandson Tex. Drawing by great-grandson Magnus.
Pallbearers will be Greg Pender, Justin Zelhart, Tex Hanners, Brandon Little, Sethe Boyajean, and Magnus Hanners. A graveside service and burial will follow at New Center Cemetery in Hartselle, Alabama. Family and friends are invited to gather after the services at 1965 Co Rd 358, Trinity, AL, 35673. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated home caregivers who made it possible for Betty Ann to live out her life in the comfort of her home. Niesha, Felicia, Rosalyn, Dorothy, and Shan, your care and support were invaluable.
Virginia L. Terry
Funeral service for Virginia L. Terry, 83, was held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Wayne Turner and Geoff Halbrooks officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, May 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home. Mrs. Terry passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at her residence. She was born on March 18, 1941, in Lawrence County to Samuel Henry Lowery and Wilma Mae (Hill) Lowery.
She was employed by Copeland Corporation and Prestolite as a factory worker, prior to her retirement, and was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church, where she loved being a Sunday School teacher of children for many years. She had many friends, enjoyed going to eat at Mildred’s Restaurant with her brother and sister, and attending the Speake Senior Center with her friends, when she was able to go. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Terry, and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Teresa Terry Reeves; brother, David H. Lowery; sister, Deborah Lowery Hornbuckle (David); and two grandchildren, Brandon and Nathaniel Reeves.
Pallbearers will be Robert Lowery, Thomas Lowery, Chris Hornbuckle, Jared Hornbuckle, Colt Callahan, and Brent Hendrix.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Hospice of North Alabama for their care.
Benjamin “Marty” Childers
Decatur
A funeral service for Benjamin “Marty” Childers, 43, was held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 3:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Steven-Foote Smith officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow in Lawrence Cove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on the same day at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Childers passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was born on July 18, 1980, in Morgan County to Benny Hugh Childers and Sheila Bowen Childers. Marty attended Brewer High School and graduated from Hartselle High School before completing the Decatur Developmental Program in 2001. He was active in basketball, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and excelled in the Special Olympics, earning Silver and Gold medals in swimming and equestrian events. He also held an Orange Belt in Karate and had a deep love for animals.
His family extends special thanks to Hospice of North Alabama.
Survivors include his father, Benny Hugh Childers; his mother, Sheila Bowen Childers; his brothers, Brent Childers and Ethan Childers; his sister, Emma Childers; his nephew, Weston Otwell; his niece, Adalynne Childers; and his grandmother, Gail Childers. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Marty was preceded in death by his grandparents, Birlen Childers, Charles Bowen, and Louise Bowen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Decatur/Morgan County Special Olympics.
Jessie L. Wright, Sr.
Hartselle
A funeral service for Jessie L. Wright, Sr., 76, was held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff Griffith officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow in Johnson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Wright passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at his residence. He was born on February 17, 1948, in Morgan County to Walter Samuel Wright and Mary Jane Garrison Wright. Jessie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a retired U.S. Army veteran with 21 years of service, including during the Vietnam War, and later retired from Civil Service. He loved music, played in the “Sounds of Glory” Gospel band, recorded music, and enjoyed sharing his faith and reading the Bible.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother, Virgil Wright; a sister, Barbara Norwood; and grandchildren, Brandie Wright and Joshua Wright.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Powell Wright; his sons, Jessie L. Wright II and Scott A. Wright; his sisters, Martha Rhea Dyer, Gloria Ann Russell, and Helen June Johnson; his grandchildren, Courtney Hester, Taylor Cowart, and Cassidy Wright; and his great-grandchildren, with three currently and one on the way. Pallbearers will be Victor Lamb, Jake Cowart, Jerry Dale Summerford, and other family and friends.
Thomas “Tommy” Arthur Adams
Somerville
A funeral service for Thomas “Tommy” Arthur Adams, 62, was held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Equator Black officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow in Center Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on the same day at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Adams passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born on March 12, 1962, in Richlands, Virginia, to James Joseph Adams and Erie Frances Mitchell Adams. Tommy was employed by Sonoco (Baker Wood Reels) in manufacturing wood reels and was a loving father, grandfather, and brother.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a daughter, Christy Lee Adams Vinson, and three sisters, Joyce Connors, Rebecca Gail Adams, and Brenda Burress.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Wilhoite Adams; his son, Thomas Arthur Adams II (Jerrica); his daughter, Rose Marie Freeman (Shannon); his brothers, Jerry Adams (Patty) and David Adams (Jennifer); his sisters, Anne Whitt (Victor) and Kathy Mitchell (Randy); and his grandchildren, Hunter Ingersoll, Eric Adams, Alexsis Adams, Angel Adams, Austin Vinson, Dalton Adams, Addie Adams, Allie Adams, and Jeremiah Freeman. Pallbearers will be Hunter Ingersoll, Eric Adams, Bodie Adams, Donovan Case, Victor Whitt and Nick King.
Donna Hogan Smith
Danville
Funeral service for Donna Hogan Smith, 64, was held Monday, June 3, 2024, at
1:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe David Bailey and Bro. Greg
Compton officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in
Andrews Chapel Cemetery.
Mrs. Smith passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Cullman Regional Medical
Center. She was born July 29, 1959, in Morgan County, to Billy Frank Hogan
and Helen Doyle Hogan Adair.
She was a beloved wife, momma and Nonna, and was employed by Bank
Independent as a teller, prior to her passing. She was a member of Danville
Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her family whole-heartedly. She was preceded in
death by her father. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband, Johnny Smith; son, Jacob Smith (Tara); daughters, Brandi McCleskey (Lance) and Kayla Smith; mother, Helen Doyle Hogan Adair; brothers, David Hogan and Derek Hogan (Kim); sisters, Debbie Bell (Emmett), Daina Horton and Darla Kelsoe; grandchildren, Karlie McCleskey, Dylan McCleskey, Houston “Hooty” McCleskey, Evan Smith and Eason Smith.
Pallbearers will be Terry Joe Crow, Garrett Kelsoe, Jeff Summerford, Blake
Randolph, Eric Smith and Jessie Holt.
