GARY A. JERNIGAN
Gary A. Jernigan, 67, died on Aug. 13, 2026, from heart failure and pulmonary edema after being recently diagnosed with stage three multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.
Gary was born on Aug. 12, 1959, to the late Jerry and Nina Jernigan in Ozark, Alabama. As a child, Gary received Jesus as his Savior and was baptized as a public declaration of his faith. After high school, he served his country as a U.S. Marine. After discharge from the military, he began a long career as a police officer, first in Ozark, then in Montgomery, then at Auburn University, followed by the city of Auburn and finally with the city of Opelika. After retiring from public service, he started a lawn care business that thrived in the local area. One of the ways he honored his mother was frequently bringing his lawn care equipment to Ozark and caring for her lawn. He was often generous in giving time and resources to help his family and friends. He was an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. Hunting and fishing were two of his favorite hobbies.
Gary leaves behind a testimony of God’s amazing grace. In October 2024, Gary reunited with the love of his life, Theresa Kriel, after 45 years. He and Theresa enjoyed family time with her two daughters and two grandchildren. The two young grandchildren brought “Papa G” great joy. Attending All Christ Church together was a priority for them on Sundays.
Gary is survived by his children, Matthew Jernigan of Auburn and Jessica Jernigan of Birmingham; his siblings, Gayle Rogers of Montgomery, Cindy (Ian) McKelvey of Colorado Springs and Mark (Kelli) Jernigan of Ozark. Other survivors include aunts Janice (Larry) Black of Canada and Theresa Jernigan of Ariton, many cousins, three nieces, four nephews and his fiancé, Theresa Jablecki-Kriel.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to All Christ Church in Auburn or to the International Myeloma Foundation at donate.myeloma.org.
PERRY LENN STEELE
Perry Lenn Steele, 64, of Opelika, passed away on Aug. 27, 2026. Perry was born on May 31, 1962, in Tennessee to James and Martha Steele.
Perry had five children: Perry Hall, Katherine Cooper, Crystal Watson, Johnathan Hall and Robert Steele; and a brother, Mike Grogan. He is also survived by his wife, Angie Steele.
Perry Lenn Steele was a loving father, and he loved all of his children. He will be loved and missed dearly.
THERESA T. MCDONALD
Theresa T. McDonald, recently of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on Dec. 24, 1947, to John and Constance (Babock) Thornbury in Logan, West Virginia.
She grew up in Man, West Virginia, moving to Titusville, Florida, with her husband and son in 1985. After graduating from Man High School, West Virginia Institute of Technology and Marshall University, she had an extensive career teaching and retired from Astronaut High School in Titusville, Florida.
She married Daniel K. McDonald of Earling, West Virginia, in 1970 (d. 2017).
Theresa enjoyed all aspects of genealogy and researching her family tree. For many years, she was a volunteer at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.
She is survived by her son, John C. McDonald (Christine); her beloved grandsons, Benjamin and Ryan of Dracut, Massachusetts; her sister, Bertha (Thornbury) Hoskins (James) of Alexander City, Alabama; nephew, Alex Hoskins (Barbara); great nephew and niece, Barrett and Layla of Auburn; many first cousins and extended family as well as beloved friends in Florida and West Virginia.
Burial services will be planned in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Foundation (kidneyfund.org).
FREDDIE M. WRIGHT
Freddie M. Wright, of Beauregard, passed away on Aug. 27, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on Sept. 16, 1944.
Family and friends were invited to gather for visitation on Monday, Aug. 31, at the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Parlor. A funeral service followed at noon in the Chapel.
A private graveside service will be held later that day.
Services were entrusted to Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
LOWELL MITCHELL PARKS
Lowell Mitchell Parks, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2026. Born on Oct. 22, 1939, in Headland, Alabama, Lowell was the son of Bud and Myrtie Parks, both of whom preceded him in death.
Lowell spent his formative years in Alabama, where he graduated from Tuskegee High School. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Auburn University. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Frances, with whom he shared a devoted marriage of 66 years.
Throughout his career, Lowell was known for his unwavering dedication and work ethic. He spent 35 years serving the community through his work at AlaGasCo, where he was admired and respected by colleagues and clients alike.
Family was the cornerstone of Lowell’s life.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Frances, and their three daughters, Cathie Jordan (Steve), Debbie Hiett (Keith) and Vicki Maddox (Kevin). Lowell was a proud grandfather to Josh Jordan (Kathryn), Chris Hiett (Katy), Nicole Hiett,and Jon Maddox. His heart was further filled with joy by his great-grandchildren, Miles and Hayley Jordan, and Conner, Camden and Claire Hiett. Lowell’s sisters, Patsy Johnson (Carl) and Betty Sue Moore (Jim), along with numerous nieces and nephews, will also cherish his memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Spencer Cancer Center, located at 2501 Village Professional Center, in Opelika in honor of Lowell’s memory and his courageous battle.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in the Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Lowell was laid to rest in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.
SHIRLEY GRIGGS DISMUKES
Shirley Griggs Dismukes, 89, of Opelika, passed away on Aug. 30, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born on Feb. 9, 1937, to James C. Griggs and Lily Kilgore Griggs in Dothan, Alabama. Shirley was the youngest of five children. Her siblings included Evelyn Wicker, William Griggs, Hugo Griggs and Sara Elliott.
Shirley met and married the love of her life, Robert Lee Dismukes, at age 17. Robert was the Pastor of Hurtsboro Baptist Church until they moved to the Beauregard area in 1968, when he became the pastor at Providence Baptist Church, where he served until his death in 1983.
They lovingly raised two children, First Sgt. (USA, retired) Dr. David Kidron Dismukes and Susan Ashley Dismukes Schlenker.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Dismukes; sister, Evelyn Wicker; brothers, William and Hugo Griggs; and grandson, David Lee Schlenker.
Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, First Sgt. (USA, retired) Dr. David K. Dismukes (Barbara), Susan Schlenker and Fawzy Shorrosh, who was like a son to her; her sister, Sara Elliott; and her grandchildren: Blake Kidron Dismukes (Genie) of Columbia, South Carolina, MSG (USA, retired); Gilberto A. Roman of San Antonio Texas; Miriam J. Roman, of Opelika; Scott Schlenker (April) of Muncie, Indianna; Aaron Schlenker (Rose) of La Habra Heights, California; Kevin Schlenker of Houston, Texas; Christopher Schlenker (Lindsay Holley) of Madison, Indianna; and grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Matthew, Kinsley and Claire Dismukes, Petty Officer Third Class Katherine Rogers (USN), and Kailey, Matthew, Albi and Wolf Atzi Schlenker.
Shirley has many much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and other family members who are left behind to cherish her memory.
Shirley was a member of the Providence Baptist Church Encouragers Sunday School Class, where she had many lifelong friends.
Shirley was a kindergarten teacher at Providence Baptist Church for many years and served as the Daycare Director from 1983 to 1986. She then served as the hostess at Frederick Dean Funeral Home until her retirement after more than 30 years until her retirement.
Shirley never met a stranger and always introduced herself to new friends. She loved learning about new people and their lives, and she never forgot anything, which wasn’t always a good thing! Shirley had a wicked sense of humor but was a very private person about most things.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 5 to 7 pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus in Opelika. Burial will follow at the Dothan City Cemetery in Dothan, at approximately 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church on behalf of the family.
JACK LEONARD
Jack Leonard, of Opelika, passed away on Aug. 29, 2026 at the age of 81, Jack recently celebrated 61 years of marriage in love and companionship to Jewel Leonard. He was employed at West Point Pepperell/ Stevens for more than 40 years. He was born and raised in the community of Farmville.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents Emmett O’Neal Leonard and Thelma (Miles) Leonard; his daughter Ramona Gail Leonard; his brothers: James, John and Joe; and his sister Margret Jackson.
Jack is survived in death by his wife Jewel Saylor Leonard; his son Jack Everett Leonard Jr.; his daughter Barbra Jan Leonard; his granddaughters Christina Leonard, Laura Whetstone DuBois; and his great-grandchildren Katharine DuBois, Tirion DuBois and Liadrinn DuBois.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, beginning at noon at Ridge Road Baptist Church. Jack will lie in state for one hour at the church prior to his funeral service from 11 a.m. until noon.
Jack will then be laid to rest in Hephzibah Cemetery.
