JOHN DARRELL RADAVSKY
Mr. John Darrell Radavsky, 67, of Opelika was called home on Aug. 1, 2024. He was born Aug. 8, 1956, to Carol and John J. Radavsky in Baltimore, Maryland.
John never left you without a smile or laugh. He was a talented musician who loved to sing and play guitar for everyone. He loved sharing his musical passion, as he taught countless youths to play guitar and loved to play music for his Sunday School Class. In addition to music, he was an avid sports fan, cheering on Penn State, Auburn and Navy Football every Saturday.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served for 7 years. He spent most of those years on the USS America, USS Independence and USS Nimitz aircraft carriers at sea. He attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. John retired from the Mapping and Appraisal Department at the Jackson County Courthouse in Scottsboro, Alabama. Following his retirement in 2021, he moved to Opelika to be with his daughters and grandchildren. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Opelika.
John is survived by his wife, Ann Bramlett Radavsky; daughters Whitney (Hendrix) Storey and Blair (Jordan) Harris; grandchildren, Hendrix, Amelia, Wyatt and Eoin; sisters ,Cindy (William) Huckaby and Wendy Hubbert; and niece, Ashley Guffey. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His celebration of life will be on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the First Methodist Church of Opelika or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
PHILLIP WAYNE KELLEY
Phillip Wayne Kelley was born in West Point, Georgia, on Aug. 8, 1944, and passed away on July 31, 2024, at home with Hospice Care.
Wayne’s family moved to Alexander City when he was in sixth grade. In high school (Benjamin Russell High) he was on the wrestling team. He loved the sport and was quite good at it. His family moved to Montgomery his senior year of high school, which he was not happy about. Wayne graduated from R.E. Lee High School in 1962. He went to Troy State for a year then to Auburn University. He never graduated but apparently liked college… he went for years!
He loved to swim and became a lifeguard and worked at Prather’s Lake, Chewacla State Park and Panama City Beach. Wayne lived a full life and lived it his way. He loved nature, flowers, sunsets, full moons, animals, music and playing the guitar. His passion was sailing on his beloved boat “Miss Susie” at Lake Martin.
Wayne worked as a surveyor, upholsterer and caregiver for his mother-in-law and father-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Florence and Phillip Kelley; sister, June White; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Con Leo and Dorothy Keeney; and his beloved German Shepherd, Boo Kelley.
He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Domitia Keeney Kelley; his beautiful cat, Angel; sister, Duane Best (Tom); brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Brian and Patie Keeney and Sal and Amy Keeney; eight nieces and nephews; and best friend, Marty Bains.
A special appreciation to his caregivers, Lou Wilborn and Evelyn Philpot, Compassus Hospice, Dory Trinka, Beth Shirley and Jill Davis.
Wayne served in the Army (1966-1970) and was a Vietnam Veteran. He passed away from Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia Disease and its complications. Private services will be held at a later date.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
If you can, please donate to your local Humane Society or to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research 1-800-708-7644 or email: donations@michaeljfox.org
AUDIS BURTON “SPEEDY” SPEED
Audis Burton “Speedy” Speed, 73, passed away on Aug. 4, 2024, in LaFayette, Alabama. Born on June 4, 1951, in Mobile, Speedy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend known for his jovial nature and love for life.
Speedy attended Opelika High School and was known for his hardworking ethics, which he dedicated to providing for his family. He shared a deep bond with his family, often seen picking his sons up from school to enjoy afternoons fishing, a hobby that brought him immense joy throughout his life. Speedy’s love for animals was equally evident, with a particular fondness for cats and dogs, which filled his home with warmth and companionship.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Denise Speed; sons, Robert Harold Speed (Kristin) and Andrew Lee Speed (Dana); grandchildren, Robert Harold Speed II, Chloe Gabrielle Speed, Wyatt Kirby Speed, Ethan Cole Speed and Emerson Carol Speed; and great-granddaughter, Lily Grace Speed. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Randy and Debra Sheppard, and sister-in-law, Robbie Teachworth.
Speedy was preceded in death by his mother, Zannie Myra Napp Wilson; stepfather, Bruce Wilson; and grandparents, Mildred L. Napp and Austin L. Napp.
The family invites friends and loved ones to gather in remembrance at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 2 to 3:45 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m.
DOROTHY JEAN HUDMON BARNETT
Dorothy Jean Hudmon Barnett was born to Lewis and Frances Hudmon on March 1, 1954, in Fort Benning, Georgia. She passed away quietly on July 30, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family.
Dottie was a beacon of strength and a source of abundant love to her family and friends. Even through tragic events in her life, Dottie held her family up and together.
She loved to travel, especially beach trips. She enjoyed gardening and spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren.
She called everyone “Baby” and made certain you knew just how much you were loved.
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James Hudmon and Albert Ducasse; her daughter, Dorothy Gayle Hill; and her husband, Osa Lee Barnett Jr.
She is survived by her children, Jeanna (Gerald) Ward of Phenix City, Scott (Gracie) Barnett and Troy Barnett, all of Iron Station, N.C., and Osa (Elaina) Hill of Fort Mitchell; grandchildren Joe and Justin Barnett, Tori Alvarato and her three daughters, Micaela Marie Contreras, Emily Elaine Contreras and Abigail Contreras; two greatgranddaughters, Penelope Grace Miller and Phoebe Gayle Hill; and two sisters, Patty Corley and Terri McLain, both of Opelika, along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Dottie will be missed by those whose hearts she held so dear and whose lives were made better by her presence.
Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Clubhouse of Rock Island Ridges at Riverchase Apartments at 2 p.m. ET.
GARY RAY OLDS
Gary Ray Olds passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 2 at the age of 72. He was a much-loved husband, father, pawpaw and great papaw. He will remain forever in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved him.
Gary was born May 1, 1952, in Columbus, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Barbara Olds, and a grandson, Jacob Dwight Dailey.
Gary married Marjorie Nell Jacobs on May 22, 1980, in Phenix City.
He loved being an ironworker for more than 44 years and crane operator for 30 of those years. Being up high in the sky was his favorite place to be. After retirement, Gary moved on to his next love of family, cooking, woodworking, fishing and anything that included time with his wife.
In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, Gary is survived by a sister, Gail Goodman; son and daughters, Jimmy Dailey (Norma), Kristie Stanfield (Keith) and Katey Olds (Alan); six grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob, P.J., William, Amber and Sammy; 10 great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Kaidence, Avery, Ashlynn, Josie, Jayden, Abel, Layton, Tresyn and Jr.
A memorial service was held Aug. 6 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
WILLIAM ALLEN BROWN JR.
William Allen Brown Jr. was born Aug. 7, 1961, to William Allen Brown Sr. and Bobbie Brown. He departed this life to his heavenly home on July 29, 2024.
In addition to his parents, Allen is survived by his wife, April Brown; three sons, Kenneth Brown (Amanda), Kelton Brown and Kyle Brown; two stepdaughters, Brooke Huskey and Kaci Clay; the mother of his children and friend Karen Brown; brother, Darren Brown (Stephanie); sister, Kim Bledsoe; six grandchildren, Ethan, Selena, Britney, Chloe, Rayleigh and Emerlee, and several nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of Opelika High School and Southern Union State Community College, where he received a certificate in Industrial Electricity. For much of his life he worked at Brown’s Tool and Mold and then later at the WalMart Distribution Center, where he was a supervisor. Allen enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Allen was most proud of his walk with our Lord and Savior.
A service was held Aug. 2 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.
EUNICE D. MCDANIEL
Eunice Kathleen McDaniel was born December 5, 1938 and passed away July 29, 2024. Eunice joined her husband, Julian McDaniel, her mother and father, Ruth and Sidney Dennis, her brothers, Dewey (Gertrude) Dennis and Charles Dennis, her sister and brother-in-law, Flo (Jim) Burroughs, and her son-in-law, Donny Marshall, in Heaven on July 29, 2024.
Eunice was born in Friendship, Alabama and was a strong follower of God. She led a beautiful loving life filled with many important and interesting stories. Eunice worked at Auburn High School feeding the youth until she retired. She was the strongest person you’d know until the very end. No matter the situation Eunice was there to support her many loved ones by holding their hand, offering prayer, smiles, love and playful spankings for every occasion. Eunice through every battle she faced was always so reassuring and grateful for the love she had. She brought so many smiles to people through different walks of life and wouldn’t wish ill intentions to anyone, even the people she disagreed with. She had an extensive list of friends and family, far too big to comprehend. Although her family and friends have much grief regarding the passing of such an amazing sweet soul, Heaven is definitely rejoicing as she returns home.
She is survived by her two beautiful daughters Diana Marshall and Janice (Chuck) Price who could talk for days about the pure loving mother she was till the very end. She also had 8 grandchildren that came over, had sleepovers, playful memories, and wonderful dinners. These grandchildren are Shanon, Anita, Sherri, and Donald Marshall from Diana. From Janice she is survived by Carly (Drew) Langley, Charlene Wynette, Kathleen Price, and Jamie (Alison) Price. She’s also survived by 18 great grandchildren, one great- great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews .
She helped this family grow and blossom into the wonderful group they are, and for that we are all grateful. We pray that her journey home is filled with love, kisses and blessings unimaginable as she joins the Lord again.
A funeral service was held Aug. 6 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Internment at Garden Hills Cemetery.
FRED ADAIR STEARNS
Fred Adair “Señior” Stearns, 84, passed away July 30 surrounded by his friends and family. He was a much-beloved husband, educator, parent and grandfather whose memory will remain eternal in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.
Fred was born April 24, 1940, in Montgomery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Regina Stearns, and six brothers, George Berry, Cecil Ray, Thomas Harold, James Howard, Sam Britton and Carl Foster Stearns.
Fred married Janeth Parker Meadows on Feb. 6, 1976. They loved to travel and spend time with their friends, but they are most fondly remembered for their excellent hospitality. As hosts, they were always warm and inviting and would always make their hearth and home available for innumerable family gatherings. Fred loved to spend as much time as possible with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife of 48 years, he is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Todd Stearns (Sharon) and Bradford Lee Stearns; stepdaughter, Catherine Harris (Sammy); and stepsons James Carl Meadows and Robert McCloud Meadows (Celie). He was known affectionately as “Papa Fred” to his eight grandchildren, Spencer, J.T., Rachel, Francie, James, Liz, Carly and Courtney, and eight great-grandchildren.
Fred attended Howard College/Samford University, and earned a Master’s of Education from Auburn University. Fred also served in the Alabama Air National Guard as an enlisted intelligence analyst. He was a regularly attending member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Fred devoted his career to education. As a teacher of the Spanish language, Fred taught at Andalusia High School and Opelika High School for over 30 years. After retiring from Opelika, he taught at Lee Scott Academy. Over his long and storied career, his students knew him as their beloved “Señior Stearns.”
Fred was an avid golfer who loved his time on the green. For Fred, it wasn’t just about the game, it was about the time spent with his friends. He was a fan of the University of Alabama football team and a collector of Spanish cultural items and Case knives. He took great pride in his immaculately kept yard and garden. Fred was a well-read and studied intellectual. He had a vast wealth of knowledge in various subjects and was an excellent conversationalist. He would always refer to his beloved wife, Janeth, as his angel. He was always grateful and friendly toward his devoted caregivers and family.
A memorial service was held in the chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Aug. 3. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.
ALFRED “JIM” SCULLY
Alfred “Jim” Scully was born on June 24, 1947, and passed away on Aug. 2, 2024, at the age of 77.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Opelika.
