MERLE MILNER
Merle Ferguson Milner, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away Sept. 4, 2025, at 93 years young. She was born on March 30, 1932, in Tallassee, Alabama, to Gordon and Mattie Ferguson.
Merle dedicated her life to her family and will always be remembered for her warm heart, unselfishness, warm hugs no matter how long she had known you and her sense of humor. She enjoyed cooking for her family and gardening. Merle attended elementary school at Pepperell and graduated high school at Beauregard in 1950. She worked as the secretary to the president of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, before becoming a full-time homemaker.
She is survived by her children Lori (Mike) Howell, Carol (James) Erlandson, Steven (Sabrina) Milner; her grandchildren Josie Howell, Eli Howell, Jacob Erlandson, Emily Erlandson, Matthew Milner, Wade Milner, Nathan Ragucci, Elisha Milner Busby and seven great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Holland “Beaty” Milner Jr. and parents Gordon and Mattie Ferguson.
Services were held Sunday, Sept. 7, with graveside services at in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.
DONNA HOLDER STARR
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donna Holder Starr on Sept. 1, 2025, in Auburn. Donna had a vibrant personality and a joyful spirit that touched many.
Donna is survived by her son, Jackson Starr; mother, Rose Holder; sister, Kathy Stutsman (Sam); and nephews, Zack and Luke Stutsman. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilson Holder; and grandparents, Leroy and Dorothy Holder, and Burley and Emma Burton.
Donna’s love for her son was unwavering, and she always liked to share her pride in him with others. They had a special bond that will remain and, hopefully, be a comfort to Jackson in the coming days.
Donna had a career in fashion merchandising and spent many years as a buyer for different retail stores as well as owning her own boutique for several years. Donna enjoyed being with friends, and she always brought a smile and laughter to any gathering.
Donna’s spirit lives on through her son and in the hearts of friends and family. Donna, may you fly home now without burdens or pain and find peace. We will carry your memory and your love with us.
A graveside service was held Sept. 8 at Town Creek Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
BOBBY JACK “BJ” DILLARD
Bobby Jack “BJ” Dillard, age 93, of Auburn passed away on Aug. 30, 2025.
He was born July 19, 1932, to O. Bert and Eunice Dillard.
He married the love of his life, Susan L. Dillard, on Jan. 29, 1972. She preceded him in death on Jan. 3, 2011.
Bobby Jack was one of the very first motorcycle officers at Auburn Police Department. From the APD, he went on to become a Lee County Deputy Sheriff where he retired as sergeant in 1993. He lived a full life enjoying Auburn football, southern home cooking and spending time with his beloved family.
He is survived by his daughter, Shay Dillard Tolson; granddaughter, Hannah Nicole Gembel (Reece); great-granddaughter, Magnolia Jordan Gembel; and great-grandson, Braxton Alexander Gembel.
Bobby Jack will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
THOMAS GEORGE PADGETT
After a long illness, Thomas George Padgett passed at the age of 74 on Sept. 2, 2025.
He is survived by his sons Chester (Keisha) Padgett, David (Marie) Padgett and Shea Templeton; siblings, Hamp (Teresa) Padgett, Ronnie Padgett, William Presley and Debra (Mike) Ward; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruby Padgett; mother, Loutee Harris; and siblings, Donnie (Kathy) Rider, Eloris (Wayne) Carter and Ricky Harris.
Thomas George Padgett lived a long life filled with his love of cars, Alabama football and wheeling and dealing.
A graveside funeral service was held Sept. 8 at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
MICHAEL AARON MURPHY
Michael Aaron Murphy, 76, of Salem passed away Sept. 3, 2025, after a brief illness.
Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a sheet metal worker/welder by trade. After retiring from his sheet metal trade, his passion became filming and producing his TV show “Kids Hooked on the Outdoors.” He found joy in spending time with family, hunting, fishing and dirt track racing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maybel Murphy, and brothers, Edward Murphy Jr. and Steve Murphy.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Murphy; children, Angie Saylor (Phillip), Amy Starling (Michael), Allie Howard (Andy) and Josh Nelson (Diana); grandchildren, CJ Murphy, Codi Sturkie, Colton Sturkie, Morgan Hammock, Dalton Starling, Phillip Saylor, Lane Star-ling, Hannah Doggett, Jonathan Howard, Jordan Saylor, Adam Saylor, Lauren Doggett and James Howard; 25 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Murphy; nieces, Kristie Chaffin and Kerri Woodall; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sept. 6 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
MARY ELIZABETH NIX
Mary Elizabeth Nix passed away Sept. 2, 2025 at 98 years young. She was born on Jan. 13, 1927, in Opelika, to Carl and Mandy Henderson.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Fred Nix, Sr. in 2016, they had been married for 72 years; son, Benjamin Fred Nix Jr.; brother, Mack Henderson; and very special son-in-law, Larry Justice.
She leaves two daughters, Linda Justice and Sharon (Jack) Ogburn; grandchildren, Gene (Tabatha) Smith, Jack Ogburn lll, Robert Nix, Russell (Polly) Nix and Mandy Nix; great-grandchildren McCall (Hagen) Ware and Dalton Smith; and one great-great grandson, Harlen Ware.
Services were held Thursday, Sept. 4, with graveside services at 11 a.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery.
JULIA MYNATT BRINKERHOFF
Julia Mynatt Brinkerhoff — beloved wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother — died Sept. 4, 2025, in Auburn. Julia was born on Sept. 11, 1932, to Carl and Lillian Mynatt. She graduated from Dumont High School in 1950, and soon after married her high school sweetheart, Herbert Norman Brinkerhoff, on March 8, 1952. What started as a high school romance evolved into a deep companionship that flourished for 72 years.
Known as “Judy” to Herb and “Sugie” to her grandchildren, Julia was fiercely devoted to her family. Her sons, John Charles Brinkerhoff Sr. and James Sanford Brinkerhoff, were born in Jacksonville, Florida, during the start of Herb’s career at Nabisco. The family moved frequently up and down the eastern seaboard as Herb climbed Nabisco’s corporate ladder. Julia was a source of love, understanding and compassion as her children grew. Throughout all the joys and turbulence of daily life, Julia was the family’s anchor — the one who kept everyone grounded, meals on the table and the boys off to school. In their retirement years, Julia and Herb loved hosting their grandchildren at their home in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina. She spoiled them with cold root beers, home cooked meals, arts and crafts projects, shopping sprees, boxes of Snickers bars, beach trips and the girls with fingernail paintings. They later moved to Auburn, to be closer to their immediate family.
Alongside the humans in her family, Julia cherished her pets. They always kept dogs, from their first dog Denny, a cocker spaniel, to their most recent miniature schnauzer, Pepper. She got tickled pink watching silly dog videos or admiring cute pictures of her many “great-granddogs.”
Julia invested fully in her community, wherever she lived — from participating in book clubs to volunteering at nursing homes to attending church services on Sundays and Wednesdays. She and Herb were charter members of the Grand Strand Church of Christ in South Carolina. Since moving to Auburn, they were members of the Auburn Church of Christ. Julia was a cancer survivor of six years.
Julia is survived by her son John Sr. (Fresia Vega); daughters-in-law Nan and Mary; grandchildren Samuel, Joshua (Sara), Amy (Johnny Pak), John Jr. (Leigh), Anna (Jason Bramburger), Rebekah (Dan Ferm), Ben (Marybeth); and great-grandchildren Ellie Baker, Naomi James, Livy Ann, Teddy James, Jesse William and Margaret Julia. She is predeceased by her husband, Herb; her parents; and her son, Jim — whom she called “Sandy.”
There was a graveside service at Town Creek Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10. the Rev. Charles Magby officiating.
Memorial donations can be made to College Ministry Apprenticeship, Campus View Church of Christ, 1360 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30605 or Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 432 Maple St., Opelika, AL 36801.
JUDY KATHERING WIGGINS
Judy Katherine Wiggins passed away at her home on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. She was 76 years old.
Judy was born in Georgiana, Alabama. She was a member of Lakeside Church Of God. Judy had a home daycare for over 40 years and a had a real love for children. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was an avid Auburn Football fan…. WAR Eagle!
Judy was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Doyle Wiggins; parents, Wesley and Julia Nichols; sister, Marylou Burkett; brothers, Joe and Jack Nichols.
She is survived by her children; Terri Bates (Craig), Travis Wiggins; grandchildren, Caitlin Bates (Fiancé Gunner Magnuson), Josh Wiggins, Baylee Bates, Paul Carson and MacKenzie Wiggins; great-granddaughter, Rory Wiggins; sister, Dorothy Wagnon and brother, Sherrill Nichols.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with a service following at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel with Brother Vance McCollum officiating.
Interment was at 12:30 p.m. CST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
