DR. SAMMY ALBERT CAVES
Dr. Sammy Albert Caves, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, at Columbus Hospice. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Sammy was born Oct. 26, 1942, in Douglas, Georgia, to Albert and Lillie Batten Caves. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. He proceeded to earn a doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and then graduated in the first class from Medical College of Georgia in 1973. He was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. After practicing dentistry for three years, he returned to Augusta to complete his residency in orthodontics. Sammy spent over 40 years practicing orthodontics in Columbus and he loved spending time at his office caring for patients. He was a Damn Good Dawg and even requested his season tickets to be buried with him. Sammy enjoyed riding around the farm, taking care of his cows and horses and was never without his cup of coffee.
Sammy’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He loved nothing more than his wife, Pamela Shine Caves. He is survived by his eight children: Al Caves and his wife Michelle, Quin Johnson and her husband David, Amanda Bryan and her husband Bo, Whitni Waldrop, and her husband Mulford, Blake Caves, Alexander Caves, Batten Caves and Lillie Amelia Caves. He also adored his grandchildren: Tyler, Lindsey, Lucy, Bo, Thomas, Ford, Blakely, Mila and Pepper. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Caves, and his father-in-law Charles Shine (G Daddy).
As an orthodontist, Sammy’s comical and compassionate nature transformed smiles and hearts alike. His loyal staff are more like family and stayed by his side until the very end. He approached his work with a dedication to excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients. Though his soul has returned to heaven, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.
In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Carol Shine, his sisters Evelyn Flanders and her husband Thomas, Nadine Walker and her husband Jimmy and sister-in-law Barbara Caves. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, surrounded by love.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday May 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held Thursday May 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at their family home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sammy’s memory to Columbus Hospice or Trinity Episcopal Church.
DAVE SOLOMON MARIE SR.
Dave Solomon Marie Sr. was born in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, to the late Daniel Peter Marie Sr. and Thelma Louise Smith on Dec. 9, 1959. He passed away at his home in Valley, on May 11, 2024. He was 64 years old.
Dave’s family was from Louisiana, but he lived and worked with his own family in Alabama for many years. He dearly loved his family and friends.
He was self-employed and worked as a skilled construction carpenter but was also a trained Master Barber for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Corbet and Danny Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Angelena Marie; their children, Dave (Angel) Marie Jr., Peter (Hannah) Marie, and Rebekah (Richie) Jn-Batiste, and another daughter, Melanie, with her two children. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Bríanna, Robert, Joshua, Zach, Nick, R.J. and Remi; his dear sister-in-law, Berylyn; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and church family members.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. ET, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at sanctuary at Happy Valley Baptist Church in Lanett, with Pastor John Dale Samanie officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make donations to the Happy Valley Baptist Church Children’s Department.
REBECCA BUFORD KOON
Rebecca Buford Koon, age 82, of Auburn passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2024, after an extended illness.
Rebecca was born on Aug. 6, 1941, to James Ansel and Leita Tatum Buford in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She moved with her family to East Lansing, Michigan, during World War II for her father to serve on active duty with the Army training Michigan State cadets. Rebecca later moved with her family to Milltown, Alabama, and was taught in the first grade by her grandmother, Dove Riser Tatum. Rebecca served as student council president her freshman year of high school and was a proud graduate of the Chambers County High School Class of 1959.
Rebecca attended Auburn University (formerly known as API), where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi social sorority and served as chapter vice president. Rebecca graduated in 1962 in three years with a bachelor’s degree in education and was a member Phi Kappa Phi academic honorary. Rebecca, her mother Leita and her grandmother Dove were all proud education graduates from Auburn University.
Rebecca met her future husband, Joe Lewis Koon from Gordo, Alabama, while attending Auburn University and they were married on June 3, 1961. Rebecca and Joe moved to California after graduation, and Rebecca taught elementary school while Joe attended graduate school. After returning to Alabama, Rebecca taught school for several years in Pickens County until she started her family.
Rebecca returned to Auburn University to complete her master’s and doctorate degrees in education and joined the AU faculty. She later sold real estate in Auburn before retiring to care for her parents and her husband.
Rebecca actively raised her three children and attended all sporting, scouting, band and military events through the years. Rebecca was a kind and wise person with a well-developed sense of humor. She loved her family and particularly enjoyed her role as Grand Mommie.
Rebecca was a voracious reader and loved to learn new things. She enjoyed gardening, propagating wildflowers and native azaleas and spending time outdoors with her family camping and SCUBA diving. Later in life, Rebecca became a talented stone mason and completed beautiful stone projects at her home. Rebecca was a member of Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 45 years, Joe Koon. Rebecca is survived by her brother, Jim Buford (Betty) and her sister, Nancy Buford Robinson (George). Rebecca is also survived by her three children, Karen Koon O’Brien (John), David Lee Koon (Kelli) and Laura Ann Koon (Gail) as well as four grandchildren, Kelsey Faye O’Brien Pramik (Michal), John Keagen Bismark-O’Brien (Fine), Joe Clayton Koon (Carley) and Thomas Ansel O’Brien; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Lynn Koon. Rebecca is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the Chambers County High School Class of 1959 for their lifetime of friendship with Rebecca. The family also thanks Dr. Hiram Patel, Dr. Allan Schwadron and Dr. Mandy Reimer and their staffs for taking great care of Rebecca during her extended illness. The family expresses its deep appreciation to Willie Frank (Pama) Finley for teaching Rebecca the art of stone masonry and for his many years of help and friendship. The family also expresses deep appreciation to Sylvia Sims, for being Rebecca’s primary caregiver, and for her caregiver team including Karen, LaToya, Helen, Scocion and Shelia and for Rebecca’s other assistants, Deb and Avrie, which allowed Rebecca to live out her final years safely, well cared for and comfortable at home.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, with a memorial service following at noon.
Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to the Reach Program c/o Auburn First United Methodist Church, the East Alabama Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
LINDA HAND
Linda Hand, 71, of Valley, passed away at her home surrounded by her family after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Pell City on March 26,1953, to the late Gordon Gowers and Minnie Lou Perkins. She was the youngest of five siblings.
Mrs. Hand was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved her flowers and sharing cuttings with her family and friends. Her teacup chihuahua “Peanut” was by her side wherever she would be.
Mrs. Hand started her career in 1996 at Briggs & Stratton in Auburn, where she retired April 25, 2016 (the date and time she married her first husband) after 20 years, 7 months and 7 days of dedicated service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Gowers and Minnie Lou and Eugene (Bud) Perkins; grandparents, Duffy and Rebecca Macon; aunts and uncles, Leona Walker, Floyd “Pee Wee” and (Betty) Macon and Jack “Buck” Macon; her first husband, Bobby Lane “Weasel” Willis Sr.; infant grandson, Ethan Holcomb; and stepson, Johnny Hand.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Jimmy S. Hand; children, Debbie Charlene (Shawn) Reimann, Bobby Lane (Toni) Willis Jr. and Melinda Lou (Gary) Jones; stepchildren, Teresa (William) Dudley and Nancy (Roy) Bauernfeind; three brothers, J.L. James and Elbert Gowers; one sister, Nancy Burgess; 13 grandchildren, Andrea (Stephen) Bradshaw, Russell (Allison) Carmichael, Ellisa (Justin) Miller, Tabitha Golden (Josh Whisenant), Haley (Trevan) Cash, Dakota (Veronica) Atkins, Ryan (Haleigh) Jones, Casey Jones, Dalton (Chandler) Cook, BriAnna Smith, Josh Willis, Brian Simpson, Shane Dudley, Johnnylee and Summer; a host of great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren due August and September; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Roy Bauernfeind and Brother Russell Carmichael officiating. Burial will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.
LINDA MARLOW BANKSTON
Linda Marlow Bankston was born in the Lee County Hospital to the late R.C. Marlow and Evelyn Suits Marlow on Sept. 15, 1944. She passed away at Troy Health & Rehabilitation Center on May 12, 2024. She was 79 years old.
Linda was born and lived her life in Opelika. She called Beauregard her home and community for most of that time, moving there after marriage to her late husband, Oscar. She dearly loved her family, friends and church community.
She worked in the Opelika area early in life and was a full-time mom. She began working for Auburn University at the College of Agriculture in the 1980s. She worked various positions within the AU System and had a long career in the Department of Agronomy and Soils where she was able to make an impact on many students who passed through her doors. She was a proud member of Providence Baptist Church in Opelika.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar L. Bankston, and her sister, Judy Marlow Helms of Wetumpka.
She is survived by her sister, Marion Strom of Loganville, Georgia; her children, Michael Lee Bankston (Shannon) of Fairhope, Marcus Lee Bankston (Sheryl) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Lara Lea Bankston Jones (Josh) of Eufaula; and grandchildren, Broughton Hunter Jones, Brackin Lee Bankston, Bankston Lee Jones, Evans Montgomery Bankston, Lara Caytlin Jones, Cameron Lee Bankston and Gavin Paul Bankston.
A funeral service was held May 15 in the sanctuary at Providence Baptist Church (East Campus), with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
The family would like to especially thank the Troy Health and Rehab team for their dedication and love to provided Mrs. Bankston in the final years.
ERNA RAY SCOTT
Erna Ray Scott passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024. She was born on Nov. 16, 1932, in Columbus, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Ray and Stella Ray; husbands Leo Bullard and Walter Clyde Scott; and an endless number of close friends. She is survived by her sister, Jackie June Armstrong; brothers, Gerald Gordon Ray and Harold Herndon Ray; daughters, Sherry Walter (Jim), Sandra Spraggins (Travis) and Aurelia Benton (Mike); son, Ed Bullard (Jerri); five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was a devout member of Pepperrell United Methodist Church for years and crucial in her role in supporting the youth of the church. She loved bowling, traveling, a myriad of her favorite game shows and most of all having all her family over for the best cookouts ever.
Her strength and belief in God allowed the family to be blessed with her for almost 92 years. She was a loving and caring wife, mom, grandmother and great grandmother. The family would like to give a special thanks to her next-door neighbors, Donnie and Barbara Clark, as well as the Arbor Lakes nursing staff.
A graveside service was held May 15 at Garden Hills Cemetery, with Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisting.
JACQUELINE HUNT WHALEY
Jacqueline Hunt Whaley was born on Nov. 26, 1939, and passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 84.
A graveside service was held May 13 at Harmony Cemetery in Lanett.
GAYLE DORIS MEAGHER
Gayle Doris Meagher of Opelika passed away on May 9, 2024. She was 70 years old.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Catherine Doris, and her sister, Cathy Doris Ray.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Mark Meagher; daughters, Landra (Rod) Black and Katie (Tristan) Hobbs; granddaughters, Elisabeth Hobbs, Maisy and Rylee Black; grandsons, Paxton and Bowen Hobbs; and sister, Marie Harris.
Gayle loved Jesus, spending time with family, sewing, gardening, swinging on her porch swing and snuggling with her pup Sammy.
A graveside service was held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn on May 11, with Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held June 22 at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation toward providing prosthetic devices for handicapped children in North Africa at www.partnergiving.net/donate/1034610-001. For more information or alternative giving options, text or call (334) 849-0034.
KATHLEEN “AG” KRIETEMEYER
Kathleen (Ag) Ann Krietemeyer, 91, of Auburn, died May 7, 2024. She was born on Feb. 23, 1933, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Louis and Isabelle Lehmann.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William Krietemeyer and her sister, Betty Hinkle. She is survived by her son, Steve (Beth) Krietemeyer of Columbia, South Carolina; daughter, Amy Krietemeyer of Auburn; brothers, Donald (Mary) Lehmann and Robert (Nancy) Lehmann, both of Evansville, Indiana; and two grandchildren, Cole and Claire, both of Columbia, South Carolina.
Kathleen graduated from Reitz High School in Evansville, Indiana. Kathleen married Bill in her early 20’s and embraced the roll of homemaker, building the foundations of family as the address of the home moved from Indiana to Illinois to West Virginia to Alabama to Texas and finally returning to Auburn. Her love of music (she played clarinet and piano), she passed on to her children. Kathleen was a lifelong learner – always reading, enjoying community courses, and dabbling in crafts like quilting.
Throughout her life and even into her last days, she would amaze and entertain with her immense curiosity and often unfiltered observations. Most of all, she gave her children the gift of knowing they were loved unconditionally. She loved, was loved and will forever be missed until the time we are reunited.
A memorial service was held May 11 at Auburn United Methodist Church, with Dr. Cory Smith officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
CHARLES MILTON “MITT” WEISSINGER
Charles Milton “Mitt” Weissinger, 54, passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2024.
Born in Opelika, Mitt had fond memories and cherished relationships from his formative years. He graduated from Presbyterian College, where he spent some of his “glory days” and formed dear friendships. After college, he moved to metro Atlanta to embark on a banking career, finding his niche in Small Business Administration lending, eventually landing at Cadence Bank as a senior vice president, where he was proudly employed at the time of his passing.
Mitt was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He preferred a quiet life, working hard and spending time with loved ones. The love he had for his family could be seen in all he did.
His genuine interest in others, abundant charm, and amusing quirks made him delightful company for those privileged to be in it. Mitt was far better than most at articulating his affection for and pride in others. He lived out his Christian faith by loving his neighbors well, seeking kinship in even the most unlikely circumstances.
Mitt was preceded in death by his mother, Enid Loveless Weissinger, and his sister, Enid Weissinger Crutcher. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rebecca Greene Weissinger, and his children, Maysie, Wilson, and Evelyn; his father, Charles Hill Weissinger; his brother and sister-in-law Howard and Hayden Weissinger; his nephews, Hill and Payne Weissinger; his brother-in-law, Marshall Crutcher; as well as many other beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends.
Visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Roswell United Methodist Church (814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30075) beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST, with a Celebration of Life following at 2 p.m. in the chapel. A burial service for family and friends was held May 15 at Rosemere Cemetery, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one of these charities dear to the Weissinger family: The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
SAMMY O’NEAL SIMPSON
Sammy O’Neal Simpson, 86, of Opelika passed away May 8, 2024, at home. He was born on March 10, 1938, in LaFayette.
Sammy loved the Lord and reading his Bible. He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church for 44 years. He never met a stranger and brought joy and laughter to whomever he spoke.
He was preceded in death by his son, Sammy O’Neal Simpson II. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christine Simpson; his daughter, Simone Hill (Burt); grandchildren, Matt Middleton (Niki) and Lindsey Hayley (Reede); and great-grandchildren, Lucas, Jaxon, Maxwell, Austin and Riley.
A funeral service was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on May 11, with Rev. Al Jackson officiating. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
ROSOLYN JANE PAYNE
Rosolyn Jane Payne was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Sept. 6, 1940, and passed away on May 8, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert V. Williams and Rachel Crowder Williams.
Rosolyn grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1958. She received a B.A. degree in education from the University of Texas in 1961. She married her beloved husband, Victor, in 1962, and they remained married for 62 years. During that time, they traveled to many countries in Europe and South America. They ended up coming to Auburn when he was assigned to teach Air Force ROTC at Auburn University in 1968. Rosolyn taught fourth grade, first at Scott Academy and then at Lee-Scott Academy, for more than 25 years. She was a beloved teacher to more than 500 local children, taking them on memorable field trips and exposing them to events such as Christmas Around the World, featuring guest speakers from foreign countries while students brough a typical dessert from each country. Rosolyn got a number of letters from students who had graduated from Lee-Scott, including some in college, who wrote to say that she was the best teacher they ever had.
In addition to her teaching at Lee-Scott, Rosolyn taught a Sunday School class for older women for over 40 years.
She first started showing signs of dementia about 12 years ago, which gradually progressed to full-fledged Alzheimer’s disease. In the last few months, she acquired COVID, pneumonia and a blood infection. The family is very grateful for the excellent care provided by EAMC and Bethany House.
Rosolyn is survived by her husband, Victor W.E. Payne Jr.; her two wonderful daughters, Robin Broome (Maxwell) and Heather Judkins (James); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements for a private internment. A memorial service for all those who knew and loved her will be announced at a later date.
FLETCHER RAY KENNEY
Fletcher Ray Kenney of Auburn passed away at his home on May 6, 2024. He was 81 years old.
He loved Auburn football and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Fletcher Kenney and Lynese Kenney, his brother, Joe Kenney, and his sister, Linda Young.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Tidwell Kenney; sons, Steve Kenney and Scott Kenney; grandson, Tyler Kenney; great-granddaughter, Scarlette Reeves; nephew, Sonny (Debra) Chambers; nieces, Bernice Cullars, Jeanette Trantham and Judy (Jerry) Wilkes; and many loving other family members and friends.
A Funeral Service was held at Loachapoka Baptist Church on May 10, with Brother Billy Clark officiating. Interment followed at Loachapoka Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice & the nurses, Sara, Bel & Carla that took such wonderful care of Fletcher.
RICK RISSMAN
Richard Robert (Rick) Rissman, 70, of Opelika passed away on May 6, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center after a 47-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
He was born in Griffin, Georgia, on Dec. 22, 1953, to the late William Robert (Bob) and Jane Rissman. On Sept. 11, 1976, he married Sherri Nabors of Mableton, Georgia. They were married for 47 years at the time of his passing.
Rick loved the Lord with all of his heart and studied his scriptures daily. He was a member of Tenth Street Church of Christ in Opelika after many years worshipping at West Metro Church of Christ in Hiram, Georgia.
Rick graduated from Pebblebrook High School and Auburn University, then obtained his MBA from Georgia State University. He worked as a CPA and controller until the MS made him retire. He loved Auburn University and followed every sporting event possible. Auburn is the reason he and Sherri moved to Opelika four years ago and were so happy living here. He was also a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan. He often told the story that his mom got their family tickets to the very first Braves game when the team moved to Atlanta. That was just the start of attending many games.
A Celebration of Life was held at their community clubhouse on May 10.
In addition to his wife Sherri, he is survived by his sister, Gail Allen of Carrollton, Georgia, and his brother Bill Rissman (Trish) of McKinney, Texas, along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that you consider a donation to Tenth Street Church of Christ, PO Box 917, Opelika, AL 36803.
Rick and Sherri would like to especially thank all of the medical professionals, especially the nurses, caregivers and firefighters/EMTs that helped him and cared for him during his treatment for MS.
REGINA FROMHOLD
Regina Giordano Fromhold of Auburn was born to the late Mario and Caterina Giordano in Endicott, New York, on April 5, 1932, and passed away on April 17, 2024, at her home. She was 92 years old.
She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church of Auburn and was a loving wife and mother. Mrs. Fromhold earned a B.A. in biology and chemistry from Elmira College and an M.A. in zoology and physiology from Wellesley College. She was involved in the Music Club of Auburn, Perry Garden Club (Auburn), Woman’s Club of Auburn and served as president and as several department head positions. She wrote a history of the Woman’s Club and chaired the committee to work with the Alabama Historical Commission to have the Woman’s Club House, named for General James Henry Lane, listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
In addition to her parents, Regina was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Fromhold, and her brother Angelo Giordano and his wife Rose.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas Fromhold and wife Maria Emilia and Matthew Fromhold and wife Karen; granddaughter Kaitlin Fromhold; brother Louis Giordano and wife Josephine and their families.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s in Auburn at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21. At a later date, Mrs. Fromhold will be interred in the Columbarium at St. Bernard Abby in Cullman.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1100 N. College St., Auburn, AL 36830.
