Frank “Buddy”
deGraffenried
Frank M. deGraffenried IV passed away March 5, 2015 at his home in Notasulga, Alabama at the age of 60. He was born February 5, 1955 in Lee County, Alabama to Frank M. deGraffenried III and Delores Brooks deGraffenried Driscoll. Frank graduated Magna Cum Laude from Auburn University with a degree in Accounting, which he diligently pursued for 11 years while working full-time and raising his family. He served with the Auburn Police Department for 33 years. During this time he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico and was promoted through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Chief of Police, a position which he honorably held for 7 years prior to his retirement in 2010. Frank committed his time to many local and state boards on which he served with a genuine desire to make a difference. He was especially passionate about United Way of Lee County with which he volunteered for 24 years. Throughout his lifetime he shared a genuine love for others, never met a stranger and was known for giving the best hugs. He opened his home and heart to so many and left a lasting impression on all who had the opportunity to meet him.
His family was his life. He is predeceased by his parents and step-father Lelland Driscoll. He is survived by his wife, Jo deGraffenried; daughters Dawn (Joel) Jones, Kimberly (Eric) Oas; and Shannon (Hal) Carter; sisters Cheryl (Jerry) Sparks, Jan Hall, and Karen (Frank) Higgins; step-brothers Mike (Beth) Driscoll, Jerry (Pat) Driscoll, and David (Laurie) Driscoll; parents-in-law Gerry and Earl Digman; sisters-in-law Lesley Digman and Patricia (Scott) Boston. He had four grandchildren he loved more than anything in this world, Peyton and Julie Oas, Anna Jones, and Landon Martin. Frank also leaves behind a host of dearly-loved nieces, nephews, extended family, close friends, and Police and City of Auburn family.
A memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Auburn United Methodist Church. Dr. George Mathison and Rev. Charles Cummings officiated. Visitation will be held in the sanctuary prior to the service from 1:00-2:30pm. The family would like to express appreciation for the outpouring of love and support and for sharing with us how he touched so many lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the United Way of Lee County or the Lee County Humane Society.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Charles “Chuck”
Everette Bryant
Memorial service for Charles “Chuck” Everette Bryant of Auburn was Thursday, March 19 at 2PM at Cornerstone Church, 2123 Hamilton Rd, Auburn, AL. Rusty Hutson officiated. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
Mr. Bryant, who died Monday, March 16, 2015 at home, was born June 19, 1934, in Pemberton, West VA. He was a member of Roswell, GA United Methodist Church for 27 years, and Cornerstone Church for the past 7 years.
He is survived by his wife, Judith McConnaha Bryant of Auburn, his daughters, Nicole Bryant Truitt of Auburn, Susan Meinert of Auburn, his son, Bryan Brauns of Belton, TX, and 8 grandchildren. The family respectfully declines flowers, and asks that donations in Mr. Bryants’s name be made to either The Lee County Humane Society or The East Alabama Food Bank.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Benjamin (Ben)
Floyd Walker
Funeral service for Benjamin (Ben) Floyd Walker, 81, of Opelika was 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel. Reverend Ricky Thomeston is officiating.
Burial was held in Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday from 1-3 p.m. prior to the service at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
Mr. Walker passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Bethany House. He was born August 22, 1933 in Macon County, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents Opal and Doyle Whatley Walker, Sr.; brothers Thompson Whatley Walker and his wife Lucy, Doyle Whatley Walker, Jr.; and sister Sarah Frances Ingram and her husband Newt.
Survivors include his wife Mary Ann Walker; son Benjamin ”Derrick” Walker; brother Jack (Jannett) Walker of Prattville; sister-in-law Cordelia Walker of Opelika; nephews Troy (Shellie) Walker of Smiths, Rodney (Kim) Walker and their children Emily, and Molly Walker all of Opelika; nieces Hattie (Scott) Lett and their children Dr. Hunter Lett of Opelika, Lauren (Michael) Motley of Cookeville, TN, Nona (David) Parkman and their children Drew (Beth) Parkman along with their children Libby, and Kate Parkman, Angie (Tripp) Henderson along with their children Kayden and Camden Henderson ; special friends Brandon, Gabriel, and Austin Hodge; and a host of cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Pine Grove Church Building Fund, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Bethany House.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Lee Randal
McDonald
Lee Randal McDonald, of Auburn, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the age of 37.
Lee was born on May 25, 1977, in Birmingham. He was a graduate of Jemison High School and Auburn University. He also earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from the Auburn University James Harrison School of Pharmacy.
Lee was married to the former Sarah Beth Brooks of Dothan. They have two children, Sadie Burgin McDonald and Miller Lewis McDonald. Lee was a member of First Baptist Church in Opelika. He touched many lives as a pharmacist and was a part-owner of Lake Martin Pharmacy in Dadeville.
Lee will be remembered for his kind and loving spirit and an infectious personality that lit up a room. He was also a devoted husband and father. Lee was an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers and enjoyed attending Auburn University sporting events, and particularly enjoyed tailgating (at “The Corner”). However, his love for Auburn did not compare to his love for his wife and children.
Lee leaves behind his wife of 14 years and two children. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Owens Smith; step-father, William Robert Smith; father, Randal L. McDonald; stepmother, Judy McDonald; step-brothers, Jason Robert Smith, Michael Ryan Smith and Stuart Alan Smith, and a host of other family and friends.
A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church in Opelika on Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m., with interment at Town Creek Cemetery.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directed.