DR. ROBERT PHILO CHAMBERS
Dr. Robert Philo Chambers, “Bob”, age 90 of Auburn, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Chambers; his daughter, Debbie Chambers; his parents, Margaret and Philo Chambers; and his sister, Barbara Solitaire. He is urvived by his four children: Cliff (Joan) Chambers, Cheryl (Joe) Poole, Ruth (Wendell) Dallas and Rachel (Shelton) Whittington; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Bob was a beloved longtime resident of Auburn and a dedicated leader in the field of chemical engineering. He was a remarkable father, a great mentor and had an exceptional sense of humor. He shared not only laughter and love, but years of wisdom. Bob served as head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University from 1976 to 2003. After stepping down, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his lasting impact on the university.
Prior to his years at Auburn, Bob was a valued faculty member at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he served from 1965 to 1976, first as an assistant professor and later as a full professor. He built his career with a deep commitment to teaching, research and service.
Bob earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of California. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for the genuine care he showed to his students, family and community.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at AUMC Chapel in Auburn, on March 28 at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com.
Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Heritage Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Raymond Jason Adcock
Raymond Jason Adcock, 57, passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Locklar, Scott and Earnest Daniel Adcock.
Jason is survived by his wife, Amanda Adcock; son, Caleb Adcock; brother, Jonathan Adcock (Ashley); sister, Piper Gilley (Chris), as well as numerous family member and friends.
Whether on the course, at work or at home, he gave his all. Golf was his passion, but family was his heart. His drive, kindness and loyalty touched everyone who knew him, and his memory will always be a source of strength and inspiration.
A Memorial Service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. with Pastor Darren White officiating.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard D Lane
Richard Donald Lane of Auburn, Alabama was born Oct. 25, 1941, in Patchogue, New York to the late Gilda and Donald Lane, and was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Bethany House on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. He was 84 years old.
Dick graduated in 1959 from Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, NY. He graduated from Auburn University in 1963, and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1966. Following law school, he served as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Marine Corps including a two-year tour in Vietnam. After leaving active duty, he worked in the state attorney’s office in Clearwater, Florida.
Dick returned to Auburn in 1972 and opened his own law practice on Ross Street. While practicing law, he served as the Auburn Municipal Judge as well as the Camp Hill Municipal Judge. He ran for and was elected as a District Court Judge of Lee County in 1984. He served three terms as District Court Judge and then became the Family Court Judge of the 37th Judicial Circuit of Alabama until his retirement in 2011. He started several programs during his years in the judicial system that benefited area youth. A program that he was particularly proud of was the Character in Action program that recognized outstanding acts and character traits of young people in our community. Dick was also involved in numerous organizations in his community which included the March of Dimes, Gideons International and Lions Club.
Upon retirement, Dick followed a calling the Lord had long laid on his heart and attended seminary through Lakeview Baptist Church’s program under the direction of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He received a Master of Education degree and became an ordained minister.
He loved his church, Lakeview Baptist, in Auburn, where he served as a deacon, taught a youth Sunday School class, sang in the choir and facilitated classes in the college department. He eventually served as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nana, Aunt Peggy Waller Yarbrough and Cousin Guy Waller.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandy Lane; two sons, Mark DeGrange (Lisa) and David Lane (Jenny); grandchildren, Thomas DeGrange (Hayden), Hannah DeGrange Fairley (Keegan), Abbey Lane (A.J. Johnson) and Palmer Lane; great-grandson, Raife DeGrange; cousins, Jonelle (Tim) McClanahan, Margie (Chuck) Rush and numerous relatives in New York.
His love for God was the most important thing in his life. He passed this love onto his family and reflected it to every person he met.
His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on they own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.”
Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 26,
A Celebration of Life was at Lakeview Baptist Church Feb. 27, with the Rev. Al Jackson officiating.
Flowers will be accepted and memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, the Lee County Child Advocacy Center or Lakeview Baptist Church Benevolent Fund.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Lou Norred
Mary Lou Norred of Opelika, Alabama passed away at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. She was 88 years old.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Norred; daughter, Linda Hawkins; sons, Terry Buckner, Perry Stringfellow and Jamie Norred.
Mary Lou is survived by her children; Nola Coshatt (Whitey), Ronnie Buckner, JoAnn Childs (Gillis), Cathy McDonald and Randy Aston; nineteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Monday, March 2, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. with a service following at 2 p.m. in the Chapel with Reverend Ronnie Tielking officiating. Interment as at Garden Hill Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Deborah Ann Shotts McMahan
Deborah was the widow of Harold McMahan (Mac).
She is survived by her son Matt McMahan; her siblings Lynda Shotts Kelly, Mike Shotts and Cindy Shotts Estes (Eugie); nieces Susan Kelly Arvelo (Louie), Misty Edwards (Andy) and Sandy Phelps (Matt); nephews, Mitch Kelly (Rebecca) and Pat Kelly, great-nephews Enrique Arvelo, Logan Phelps and Wyatt Edwards; and great niece, Avery Phelps.
Deborah was born in John Hodges Drake Hospital located on the campus of Auburn University. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1959 and Auburn University in 1965. She was a teacher for many years in Jonesboro, Georgia. She and Mac returned to Auburn and operated “Mr. Friendly’s” convenience store on Wire Road.
Graveside service was held Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Auburn Memorial Park Samford Ave. in Auburn.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Mary Lou Norred
REAPEATED
01/15/1938 – 02/24/2026
Mary Lou Norred of Opelika passed away at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. She was 88 years old.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Norred; daughter, Linda Hawkins; sons, Terry Buckner, Perry Stringfellow and Jamie Norred.
Mary Lou is survived by her children; Nola Coshatt (Whitey), Ronnie Buckner, JoAnn Childs (Gillis), Cathy McDonald and Randy Aston; 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Monday, March 2, with the service following in the Chapel. The Rev. Ronnie Tielking officiated. Interment was at Garden Hill Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Leland Charles “Charlie” Wood
Leland Charles “Charlie” Wood passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 70 in Auburn, AL. His passing on Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder both of human frailty and redemption, themes that shaped Charlie’s life where he was marked as Christ’s own forever.
Born to Judith Arbogast Wood and Paul Alan Wood, Ph.D., Charlie was the eldest of four children. He is survived by his brother Brian Wood with his wife Heather, his sister Paula Brown, Ph.D with her husband Ralph, Ph.D., and his sister Wendy Smith, all of whom shared with him a lifetime of family history and wonderful memories. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Paul Smith, Rachel Smith, Zoe Brown, Ashby Brown, Sabrina Wood, Cameron Wood, and Hamish Wood.
Born in Tucson Arizona, Charlie attended public schools in Texas and Australia, graduating from Auburn High School in Auburn. At Auburn University, Charlie received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology as well as a master’s degree in poultry science. He also completed graduate coursework in history at Auburn University, Montgomery. Those who knew him were impressed by Charlie’s detailed knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings as well as by his encyclopedic understanding of World War II German aircraft and tanks.
Through intelligence and sheer determination, for decades Charlie served as the sole breadwinner for his large family, providing for a wife and nine children. An ever-loyal husband for close to forty years, he was known for his optimism, relentless good spirits, and tireless work ethic. At the Alabama State laboratory in Montgomery, where he worked for many years, Charlie helped to protect the public from contagious diseases such as rabies. While working full-time, he often took on extra work, including serving as a popular microbiology lab instructor at Auburn University, Montgomery. During difficult days, he even worked as a janitor and donated blood on weekends to help make ends meet. Indeed, Charlie was not too proud to take any job to put food on his family’s table.
Charlie gave unstintingly of himself to his loved ones and took joy in each one of them. He had many hobbies as well, enjoying his time as an amateur blacksmith and in exposing his home-schooled children to culture and science at the “Rock Show” at Montgomery, AL. At heart, Charlie proved himself to be a generous, loyal, trusting, and self-sacrificing man. He is survived by his children Tristan Wood, Natasha Wood Ellis and husband, Kevin, Taylor Matthew Wood, Samuel Wood, Keenan Wood, Tia Wood, Nicholas Wood, Nadia Wood and Jack Wood, Though he will be greatly missed by those who loved him, we may take comfort in the knowledge that the same devotion, sacrific and eloyalty he showed on earth will be met with mercy and welcome beyond in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Randall Gibson Randall Craig Gibson, 59, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on February 25, 2026, at 1:17 PM. Born on August 6, 1966, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley, Alabama to Janice Marie Kilgore and Charles Douglas Gibson, Randall grew up to live a life defined by dedication to his family, career, and country.
Randall proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1994. During his military service, he participated courageously in Operation Desert Storm and was stationed in Saudi Arabia, England, and Croatia. His service reflected his unwavering commitment to protecting his nation and supporting those around him. It was here, in the military, that he found his passion for taking care of others.
Following his military career, Randall pursued a path in healthcare. He earned his EMS certification from Southern Union State Community College, later his Nursing Degree, and devoted three decades to East Alabama Medical Center. Throughout his career, he held numerous roles including Radiologist, Paramedic, ICU Nurse, and ultimately House Supervisor. His compassionate care and professional expertise left a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients.
In his personal life, Randall enjoyed hobbies that showcased his creativity and hands-on nature. He found joy riding his motorcycle on open roads, working meticulously on old cars, and crafting through woodworking projects. He loved to give and would always be crafting a new woodworking piece to bring someone else joy, just like it did for him.
A man of faith throughout his life, Randall drew strength from his Christian beliefs. He was a devoted father to Tommy (Tiffani) Gibson, Travis (Lauren) Gibson, and Haylie (Logan Williford) Gibson. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Delaine) Gibson and his wife Caron Gibson and his grandchildren Kason James Gibson, Kayler Craig Gibson, and Oliver Anthony Gibson. Randall was predeceased by his parents, Janice Marie Kilgore, Charles Douglas Gibson, and stepfather Tommy Eugene Russell.
Randall’s legacy is one of service—to his country through military duty, to his community through healthcare work, and to those he cherished as a father, brother, and husband. May the memory of Randall Gibson bring comfort to all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on March 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home at 1500 Fredrick Rd., followed by a service honoring him.
Robyn Kirkley
Robyn Ranee Kirkley made Lanett, Alabama, her home, where she graduated from Lanett High School before earning her degree in Occupational Therapy from UAB. As an Occupational Therapist, she was known for her tender care and unwavering dedication. She saw the person beyond the diagnosis, often creating handmade solutions when resources fell short and treating each individual with dignity, warmth, and genuine love. Patients and families treasured her because they knew she truly cared – and it was with that same grace and deep faith that she faced her own journey with cancer.
Surrounded by her loving family, Robyn entered her eternal home Thursday, February 26, 2026. A beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was known for her gentle spirit and steadfast trust in the Lord she loved. She lived with a rare kindness that made strangers feel like friends, family feel fiercely loved, and even the smallest creature feel sate in her care.
A celebration of Robyn’s life will be held at Parkway Baptist Church Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at Parkway Baptist Church Sunday, March 1, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.
Robyn was the devoted wife of Ken Kirkley of Auburn, Alabama. ll1eir marriage reflected commitment, faith, and enduring love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Tillie Gagne, and her mother-in-law, Ann Kirkley.
She leaves behind those who will forever carry her memory in their hearts: her son, Daniel; her daughter, Lakin; her beloved grandson, Brody; her sisters, Lisa Gagne-Runyan and Susanne Hull-Henderson; her sister-in-law, Kerri Ann Kirkley Needham; her nephew, Cole; and many cherished cousins who loved her dearly.
Though her absence leaves a deep ache, we hold tightly to the promise of eternal life and the assurance that this goodbye is not forever. Because of her faith in Christ, we trust that she now rests in perfect peace.
Her faith shaped her life, her compassion marked her path, and her steadfast love leaves a legacy that will endure in every heart she touched.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the causes that were closest to Robyn’s heart, the family welcomes donations to the following organizations:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Donations may be made online at www.stjude.org Mailing address: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Phone: 1-800-822-6344
New Hope Rescue, a local animal rescue serving the Auburn area. Robyn believed deeply in their mission to care for the most helpless of God’s creatures.
Email: nhrescueinc@gmail.com Phone:(256) 825-6737
