MALCOLM FREDERICK MCGINNESS
Malcolm Frederick McGinness was born on April 7, 1942, in Skidmore, Missouri, to Lane and Wilma McGinness. He passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 82.
Malcolm was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Berlin Crisis in Germany. He also played in the Army marching band. He then attended Berklee College of Music and later earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri. Malcolm was a licensed professional engineer and served as a member of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration and Refrigeration Engineers Technicians Association. Malcolm was a member of the design and installation team that installed the first spiral freezer used in freezing McDonald’s sausage patties. Malcolm had a passion for education and lectured Thermodynamics at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He was an active Dream Team member at Church of the Highlands and enjoyed sharing his faith with his family and friends. Malcolm was a musician who studied the trumpet and the trombone. He had a love for jazz and played in local jazz bands for many decades. Malcolm enjoyed attending sporting events and spending time with family. He celebrated life daily adding joy and laughter to any occasion.
Malcolm is preceded in death by his parents, brother Logan, and daughter Lisa Marie.
Malcolm is survived by his beloved wife Janet McGinness; brother Francis McGinness; son Kelly West; daughter Lisa West; son Matthew (Brittney) McGinness; and daughter Holly (Adam) Pailet; grandchildren Ashley, Racheal, Rebecca, Joshua, Jacob, Jadon, Benjamin, Ezra, Asher and Mollie; and great-grandchildren Zachary, Evan, Alijah, Fynn, Penelope and Theodore.
A memorial service to be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 3 p.m. CST at Sweet Home Methodist Church located at 1175 County Road 105 in LaFayette, Alabama.
Flowers or donations may be sent to 2410 Furlong Trail, Auburn, AL 36830.
CESAR BARRIOS GABRIEL
Cesar was born in Guatemala and he died at Piedmont Regional Hospital of Columbus. He is survived by his sister Veatriz and other family members. He will be missed by many friends and family, especially his best friend Gustavo Ramos Ramirez of Opelika. Cesar was a hard worker and loved to listen to music and hang with his friends.
A viewing will be held for Cesar in the Chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Saturday, July 20 from at 4 to 8 p.m.
LINDA GREGORY SANDERS
Linda Gregory Sanders, affectionately known as “May May,” passed away on July 9, 2024, in Auburn at the age of 77 after a valiant 5-month battle with glioblastoma. Born on July 8, 1947, in Havana, Florida, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother who cherished her family deeply.
Linda graduated from Havana High School in 1965 and continued her education at Emory at Oxford. She dedicated many years as a teacher’s aide and loving homemaker, nurturing not only her own children but also the many students she encountered.
She was a devoted member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Villa Rica, Georgia. She cherished the many friendships she made as a member of the Heaven Bound Life Group. Linda found great joy in reading, walking, planting flowers and spending time outdoors. Her back porch was her happy place, where she spent many hours bird watching and reading books.
Linda is survived by her loving children, Joe Sanders (Kristi), Amy Odom (Cary), Julie White (John); grandchildren, Shelby (Scotty) Easter, Marlee Odom (fiancé Ethan Fisher), Laney and Aubrey Odom, Tyler, Jake, Luke and Megan White, and Madelyn and Cooper Taylor; great-granddaughter, Corinne “Coco” Easter; and sisters, Jane Worley and Martha O’Brien. Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Sanders, and her parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Gregory.
Services will be held at Ephesus Baptist Church (8445 Ephesus Church Road, Villa Rica, GA 30180) on Friday, July 19, with friends and family gathering at 10:30 a.m. followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ephesus Baptist Church College & Youth ministries.
Frederick Dean Funeral home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
GERALD (JERRY) COUGHLIN
Gerald Joseph (Jerry) Coughlin, 91 of Opelika, passed away July 6, 2024, at his home following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born Nov. 14, 1932, in Montgomery, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Michael Coughlin and Agnes Catherine Weiers; his son, Gregory Alan Coughlin; and brother Donnie Coughlin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Federer Coughlin; children, Dan (Wendi) Coughlin of Santa Cruz, California, Jeanie Coughlin of Minneapolis, Kari (Larry) Heber of Canton, Georgia, and Tracie (Brian) Elrod of Auburn; brothers, Robert, Jim and Roger; and six grandchildren whom he adored, Madison Elrod (Jake) Sandlin, Savannah Elrod, Lawrence Heber, Elizabeth Heber, Antonia Coughlin and Robert Coughlin.
Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea from 1953-54 in the 3rd Infantry Division, Scout Dog Platoon, patrolling the DMZ with his scout dog “Big King.” He then served in Japan from 1954-55 in the 519th Military Police Accident Investigations in Tokyo. After the military, he attended the University of Minnesota, then enjoyed a career in the manufacturing industry, beginning as an accountant and successfully retiring as president and CEO of a group of manufacturing companies.
Jerry was a gentleman with an even gentler spirit, a pondering and thoughtful mind and an unwavering faith in Our Lord and Savior. As an Irishman, he was quick to listen and slow to speak but a storyteller at heart with a dry sense of humor. He would share many fond and witty memories of life with children, grandchildren and the 40 years he and Jane shared together. Along with being a loving husband, son, brother, father and “Pops,” he was a man with many passions. Throughout his life and particularly in retirement, he and Jane shared hobbies of golf, exploring new places through travel, and photography. His love of golf was rewarded with two hole-in-ones, which were often reminisced. He had a curious mind and was an avid reader of historical nonfiction and poetry. He enjoyed creating poems inspired by his own experiences and the people he loved.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 11 a.m., Father Micheal Farmer officiating.
BARBARA LEE KRIEL
Barbara was born in Joliet, Illinois, and raised in Wilmington. She was a well-loved and adventurous young woman, being voted high school homecoming queen and earning the title as the youngest female licensed pilot in the state of Illinois.
She settled in Opelika in 1984 with her two children and lived and served in that community. There she established a legacy of love, support, caring that will be remembered for generations. She extended her love to animals in need, adopting countless dogs and cats over the years. She was sharp-minded and opinionated and was not afraid to share her beliefs. Yet she was kind and loving at the same time.
She was a registered nurse for 40-plus years. She said her favorite unit was obstetrics because it was so full of joy. She also was a kind and caring special education teacher who gave a silver dollar to every one of her students at their high school graduation.
After retirement, she continued to contribute to our community. She volunteered her time to the Lee County Adult Literacy Coalition and ran into her students when she was out and about. She was a driver for the elderly, taking folks to their hair appointments and shopping. She joked that she was the old-people Uber driver. For as long as we can remember she packed shoe boxes at Christmastime for Lee County inmates. Her life was full of love and giving to others.
Barbara leaves behind two children, Shelaine (Mac) and Brian (Amanda); eight grandchildren, Christopher, Alexanndria, Victoria, Brandon, Grace, Harrison, Andrew and Virginia; three great grandchildren, Jeremiah, Drue and Erin; her brother Mike; nephews Mikey and Jon and niece Michelle. She was preceded in death by father and mother, John and Miriam Gall and brother, John.
A memorial service was held July 13 at Foundry Opelika church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Foundry Opelika church or Woof Avenue Rescue,1027 Opelika Road, Auburn, AL 36830.
BENJAMIN DAVID SWINEY
Benjamin David Swiney was born Aug. 12, 1942, and passed away July 8, 2024.
A visitation was held on July 11 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
BARBARA D. WILSON
Barbara D. Wilson passed away at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika on July 13, 2024, after a long illness.
She was a wife and mother, and she loved her family and adored all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Barbara was born in Andalusia and graduated from Andalusia High School. She lived all over the country to include Kentucky, Georgia, Oklahoma, Indiana and Maryland.
She was a beloved elementary school teacher and taught for many years in the Auburn public school system. Barbara was also involved in numerous volunteer activities and was an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization and loved her PEO sisters.
Her husband, Stanley Wilson, and parents, Dee Sapp and Robert Duggan, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons, Mike Wilson (Robbi Watnik) and Dan Wilson (Lisa); grandchildren Blake Wilson (Samantha), Sofia Watnik, Allison Wilson and Ian Wilson; and great-grandchildren Nora Stolte, Ian Stolte and Tristan Wilson.
The family thanks her many caregivers and friends who made her life more comfortable in her last years.
A funeral was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika at July 17.
MARGARET WYLENE FREEMAN
Margaret Wylene Hamilton Freeman, 92, passed peacefully from this life on July 8, 2024. She was born Jan. 25, 1932, attended Opelika High School and graduated from Louisiana State University at Alexandria School of Nursing in 1979 as a registered nurse. She worked many years at Pinecrest Development School until her retirement in 1995.
She was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church of Opelika and an associate member of Good News United Methodist of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Margaret married Kelly Freeman on July 23, 1949, and together they raised three children. During their marriage, they lived in Opelika, Columbus, Birmingham, Sterling, Virginia, and Pineville, Louisiana, before retiring in Destin, where they resided happily for 26 years.
Margaret and Kelly were lifelong Auburn Tigers fans and enjoyed many years of tailgating during home football games and attending bowl games. They loved traveling and took many trips both domestic and abroad. They particularly loved exploring the country in their motor home, trips which they frequently shared with friends and family, especially their grandchildren. Margaret also enjoyed reading, good movies, mission trips and family gatherings.
Margaret was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and beloved friend who loved unconditionally. She enjoyed spending time with her family, entertaining friends, serving God and others.
In addition to her husband of 72 years, Margaret was preceded in death by her father, L.B. Hamilton; grandmother, Frances Hamilton; father- and mother-in law, Lonnie and Bernice Freeman; sister, Geraldine Edmundson; brothers-in-law Wayne Freeman, Dennis Freeman and Earnest Paschal; sisters-in-law, Lillian Paschal and Shirley Downs; daughter-in-law, Beverly Freeman; and grandson, William Eric Freeman.
Those left to cherish her memory include sons, Kelly Keith Freeman Jr. of Toney and Richard Freeman (Sherry) of Pineville, Louisiana; daughter, Vicki Allen (Kent) of Pineville; grandchildren, Kelly Keith Freeman III (Pam), Pamela O’Keefe (Brian), Jay Freeman (Margarita), Tracey DuBois (Doug), Kerriann Goucher, Jeremy Freeman, Ross Freeman (Katie), Kelli Haase, Christopher Allen and Sean Allen; 19 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brother-in-law, William Freeman, and sisters-in-law ,Sharon Freeman and Carolyn Howard.
Funeral services were held on July 13 at Hopewell United Methodist Church. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family would like to extend special thanks to all the dedicated nurses, aides and staff members at Brookdale, Alexandria Memory Care and Compassionate Care Hospice, especially to Allison, her hospice nurse for two and a half years, for the love and care Margaret received during her residency.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Hopewell United Methodist Church of Opelika; Red Bird Mission, Alzheimer’s Association or the organization or charity of your choice.
PHILLIP EUGENE TRAYLOR
Phillip Eugene Traylor passed away July 11 following a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Just nine months ago he lost his father, Gene Traylor, who had always been a guiding presence in his life. In 2014 he lost his precious mother-in-law, Helen Pattillo. Phillip is survived by Maria, his wife of 32 years, and their three sons, Brent (Kaitlyn), Justin (Michaela) and Noah; three adored grandchildren, Scarlett, Colton and Eilah Traylor mother, Betty Traylor; sister, Tommie Jo (Tim) Griswold; father-in-law, Al Pattillo (Sue); and brother-in-law, Rusty Pattillo (Pam). In addition, Phillip leaves behind much-loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Others who were very important to him include life-long friends, church friends from Opelika First Baptist, current and former coworkers and special friends who shared his passion for pickleball.
Phillip was a talented athlete who loved watching and playing sports. He lettered in basketball and baseball at Opelika High School, where he graduated in 1979. He attended Chattahooche Valley Community College on a baseball scholarship. He was also an avid hunter. Last October he brought down a 10-point deer with a bow and arrow which was included in the Pope and Young State and National Record Book.
Phillip worked for 23 years at Uniroyal. When the plant closed, he attended Southern Union State Community College and earned an associate degree in heating and air conditioning, which eventually led to his job at Woodruff Property Management. He enjoyed his work the camaraderie of his coworkers there.
Ever the workaholic, Phillip stayed busy even in his spare time. He worked diligently to maintain hunting land. He turned downed hardwood into firewood. He designed and constructed, with his sons’ help, a covered deck in his backyard, complete with a stone fireplace he built himself. Near the deck is a large flower bed Phillip planted in an old fishing boat as an Easter surprise for Maria. Despite undergoing chemo and managing his illness, Phillp planted a vegetable garden. When he was no longer able to work in the garden, he helped string the green beans he had planted and watched grow.
As Phillip’s life was coming to a close, a veritable parade of friends and relatives came to visit. He took great comfort from their prayers, love and affection. The family is extremely grateful for the many acts of kindness they have been shown. Phillip’s life was cut short, but his was a life well-lived. The world is a better place because he was in it.
A memorial service for Mr. Traylor was held July 16 at First Baptist Church of Opelika, followed by a graveside service at Garden Hill Cemetery, led by Rev. Cade Farris. Pall Bearers included Kenny Harbison, Kerry Harbison, Kelvin Harbison, Casey Slaton, Keith Mitchell, Stewart Mullins, Don Pritchett and Eddie Walker. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
