F.L. “BUBBA” COPELAND JR.
F. L. “Bubba” Copeland, Jr., 49, of Smiths Station, passed away on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
The family received friends on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Phenix Cit with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Wooten officiating. A private interment will follow.
Bubba was born May 27, 1974, in Columbus, Georgia, son of Fred L. Copeland Sr. and Cora Annell Flowers Green. Bubba owned and operated the Country Market in Salem. Additionally, he was senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Phenix City, where he attended and worshiped for more than three decades.
Bubba’s first foray into politics was when he successfully ran for the Lee County School Board’s District 5 seat, a position he held over the course of two terms from 2008 to 2016.
In 2016, Bubba was elected as mayor of his beloved hometown and city of Smiths Station. During his tenure as mayor, he helped guide the city through a period of tremendous growth and development, and earn its place as one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Alabama.
But above all, beyond serving his church, city and community, Bubba loved spending time with his family and serving his community.
He is survived by his loving wife Angela Simpson Copeland of Smiths Station; his mother, Cora Annell Flowers Green (Hershal) of Phenix City; his father Fred L. Copeland Sr. (Cheryl) of Valley; son Carter L. Copeland of Smiths Station; two daughters AbbyKate Elizabeth Dawson and Ally Catherine Dawson, both of Smiths Station; three sisters Kimberlee Copeland Funk (Stephen) of Smiths Station, Terri Register (Noel) of Fountain, Florida and Ginger Green of Smiths Station; two brothers,Mike Green(Mardelle) of Smiths Station and Bill Green (Brandy) of Waverly Hall, Gerogia; in-laws Tim and Pam Simpson of Hatchechubbee, Alabama; brother-in-law Jonathan Simpson (Bridgette) of Hatchechubbee; two nieces Brinklee Cope Funk and Everly Blake Simpson; nephew Ezekiel Ray Simpson and cousin Jason Flowers; as well as many extended family, church family and extremely close friends.
Pall bearers will be Jason Flowers, Jeff Smith, Ed Adams, Jonathan Simpson, Stephen Funk and Allen Belcher. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 2608 Summerville Road, Phenix City, AL 36867 or PAWS at www.pawshumane.org .
PRESTON “GLENN” JACKSON
Preston “Glenn” Jackson was born August 20, 1978, in Opelika, and died on Oct. 31, 2023.
Glenn was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Otis and Marcel Lynn, and Ellen Jackson. He is survived by his loving parents, Donnie and Denise Jackson; brother and sister-in-law, PJ and Jamie Jackson; and nieces and nephew, Haley, Andrew and Emma. Also surviving him are aunts and uncles, Christine Stillwell, Cecil and Janet Rogers, Debbie Palmer and Randy and Darlene Armstrong.
A memorial service was held on Monday, Nov. 6, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with Rev. Cecil Rogers officiating.
KEVIN ANN MORRIS
Kevin Ann Morris, 83, of Millbrook, Alabama, passed on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, following a short illness.
Kevin was a mother of two sons, grandmother to eight, great grandmother to fourteen and friend to everyone she met. She was a cancer survivor. Kevin was a faithful member of Robinson Springs Church where she attended a weekly Bible study. Kevin was an active participant in the Loaves and Fishes Ministry as well as serving at W.E.L.C.O.M.E. food pantry. She loved spending time with family and friends and serving her community.
Kevin is predeceased by her husband, James Alton (Bubba) Morris, and survived by her brother, Dallas Thomas Watson, sister, Joette Watson Williams (Norman), two sons, Warren Kyle Morris (Lynn) and Richard D. Morris (Sue), grandchildren, Sarah Morris Gilewicz (Alex), Austin Cole Morris (Emily), Brian Donnelly Griffith, Ashley Wilcox (Jeff), James Robert Griffith (Lindsey), Emily Wimbley (Alphonso), Melissa Massey (DJ) and Sam Waters (Candace).
A graveside service was held Saturday, Nov. 4, in LaFayette City Cemetery, with Pastor Janice Kratz officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a contribution be made to the Robinson Springs Church Loaves and Fishes Ministries.
DENNIS “DENNY” CAMPBELL
Dennis James Campbell passed away Nov. 3, 2023, at the age of 71.
Dennis (Denny) was born on April 25, 1952, in Warren, Michigan, on the Campbell family farm. He was the sixth of 14 children born to Raymond & Ethel Campbell. He received his early education at St Lawrence Catholic School in Utica, Michigan, graduating in 1970. Dennis continued his education at Michigan State University, culminating in a Ph.D. from Auburn University in 2002 with a focus on rehabilitation and special education.
Dennis was an amazing person who developed lifelong friendships wherever he went and spent his entire career working with organizations with a mission and vision of helping others. Most notably he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. His first job in Chicago mentoring troubled teens at a half-way house was the start of his incredible journey. When he got tired of the northern climate, he made his way to Alabama where he started out as a handyman. In 2001, Dennis and family moved to Arkansas, where he continued his journey as an Associate Professor at Arkansas State University, teaching special education. His career also took him back to Alabama and teaching at the University of South Alabama, where he specialized in programs to support special needs. Dennis retired in 2019 and settled with his family in Auburn, where he enjoyed woodworking, entertaining and quality family time.
Dennis married Sharon (Shari) Huffman on April 14,1990, and their marriage was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amy and Kelly, who were the pride and joy of Dennis’s world. Dennis was devoted to the loving family that surrounded him, generously giving and supportive at every turn. The entire family is actively involved with the 5p Minus Society where their contributions are limitless. The annual conference was always a highlight of their year and Dennis worked tirelessly to maximize the quality of life for those with Cri du Chat Syndrome.
In addition to his wife and daughters, also surviving are siblings Lois Campbell, Marilyn (Mike) Smith, Ray (Shelley) Campbell, Janet (Denny) Stark, Charlene (Gary) Kogelmann, Roger (Shirley) Campbell, Allan (Pam) Campbell, Bill (Sandra) Campbell, Annette (Ray) Marcath, Paulette (Ike) Miller, Joe (Michele) Campbell, father-in-law Dale Huffman and long-time companion Blanche McElfresh, in-laws Randy (Lisa Mina) Huffman and Emily (Mike) Waldrop. Dennis is also the proud uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, mother-in-law JoAnn Huffman, brother Gary and sister Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to 5pminus.org.
RHONDA DALE HAMBY
Rhonda Dale Hamby, 62, of Opelika passed away at EAMC on Oct. 29, 2023. She was born on July 26, 1961, in Tallassee, Alabama.
Rhonda was known for her warm and friendly nature; she never met a stranger. She had a special ability to make everyone around her feel welcome and loved. Her infectious personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Rhonda is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Hamby, and their children: Stephen Hamby (Becky), Arron Hamby (Valerie), Tammy Hamby and Rebecca Hamby. She also leaves behind her brother, Eddie Clayton (Lisa), three grandchildren: Olivia, Lillie, and Greyson, 11 brothers-in-law, 11 sisters-in-law, and two cherished aunts, Debbie Harper and Joyce Lindsey, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rhonda’s parents, Martha Lindsey and Donald Clayton, preceded her in death. Their memories will forever be cherished by Rhonda’s family.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Chapel.
A Graveside service was held Friday, Nov. 3 at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
ERCIL MELVIN HOLT
Ercil Melvin Holt passed away at his residence on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. He was 79.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Holt, and sisters, Betty Jean Whatley, Shirley Phillips and Barbara Downing.
He is survived by his son, James Holt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Sunday, Nov. 5, in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. Interment followed at Holt Family Cemetery.
PHILLIP D. GARRETT
Phillip was the fourth of five boys born to Lester and Naomi Noxfinger Garrett in Early, Iowa. At the age of 12, his family moved to Missouri. Phil had many interests and talents. At various times in his life, he was a farmer, an owner of a gas station with his brother, a union carpenter, an army military policeman and a veterinarian. Under the GI Bill, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and then graduated from the University of Missouri Veterinary College. He worked in private practice, worked as a meat inspector for the USDA and taught anatomy at both the University of Missouri and Auburn University. A self-taught artist from an early age, he created medical illustrations and painted watercolors. In the 1970s, he volunteered in an economic development project on Mactan Island in the Philippines, and in retirement he volunteered with Presbyterian Community Ministry, Habitat for Humanity and Community Market.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, his son, Jim (Betsy), grandchildren Isaac and Frances, and many nieces and nephews. His son, Michael, and his brothers preceded him in death.
A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to his two favorite charities: Presbyterian Community Ministry, 143 E. Thach Ave, Auburn, AL 36830; or Habitat for Humanity, 605 2nd Ave. Opelika, AL 36801.