PRISCILLA BRANCH MCCLENDON
On Jan. 28, Priscilla Branch McClendon (affectionately known as Boo), 79, peacefully passed away in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She was born on Jan. 4, 1946, in Montgomery, where she grew up. Priscilla attended Auburn University and enjoyed watching Auburn sports. She was an avid tennis player and a lover of all animals. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mildred Branch and her husband, Raymond McClendon. She is survived by her son, Glenn McClendon III (Trey), his wife, Ashley and their daughter Mary Glen; another son, Branch McClendon and his children Jensen and Levi; and a daughter Mandy McClendon and her son Mason Dewberry.
DR. PIERRE LAURENT CLOTHIAUX
Dr. Pierre Laurent Clothiaux, 68, died of natural causes at his home in Springfield, Missouri, on Feb. 18, 2025.
Pierre was born on Aug. 28, 1956, in Pennsylvania, the first child of Clara and Eugene J. Clothiaux. He dreamed of being a doctor from a young age and never lost sight of that dream. As the eldest, he was often given responsibility for a boisterous gang of siblings and learned how to flourish in the midst of chaos. He graduated with honors from Auburn High School in 1974 and with honors in chemistry from Auburn University in 1978. During his undergraduate years, he worked in the office of Dr. Ray Godsil, an orthopedic surgeon who was his first mentor, wheeling patients in and out of the office, removing casts and soaking up everything he could about the profession.
He married the love of his life, Kaye Mullins, in 1979, and together they moved to Birmingham where he attended UAB medical school and was a member of AOA. He completed his residency in orthopedics at the Mayo Clinic while concurrently completing a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. During his time at the Mayo Clinic, he was awarded the prestigious Coventry award for his clinical research in orthopedics. Following his residency, Pierre completed a fellowship at Harvard University. After finishing formal training, Pierre worked as an orthopedic surgeon in Auburn-Opelika prior to moving to Springfield, Missouri, where he would spend most of his 40-year career. He was, in fact, still working as a surgeon at Cox Health’s Ferrell Duncan Clinic at the time of his death.
Pierre forged strong bonds with colleagues and offered 24/7 support to his wide net of family and friends. His poise and expertise were the gifts he shared with the world, and he always offered them with a generous heart.
Pierre had a passion for historical preservation and was especially captivated by the clever, elegant architectural designs of heritage homes and gardens in the South. He also had a DIY spirit and loved to problem solve and fix things himself.
In their nearly 50 years as a couple, Pierre and Kaye had three children together. Pierre was devoted to them and celebrated each for their unique gifts. He cherished Kaye to his last breath and would credit her for all his personal successes, which were many.
In addition to his wife, Pierre is survived by his three adult children, Claire (Wood) Neely, Philip Clothiaux and Caroline (Joe) DeBartolo; grandchildren, Irene and Martin Neely; mother, Clara Clothiaux; siblings Ana-Aegi Clothiaux, Eugene E. Clothiaux, Monica Clothiaux and Jeanne Clothiaux (Mark Solomon); mother-in-law, Joan Mullins; brothers-in-law, Stewart Mullins and Russell (Jamie) Mullins; and sisters-in-law, Pat Mullins and Mary Styslinger-Clothiaux. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother ,John Clothiaux; father-in-law, Stanley Mullins; and sister-in-law, Ginger Mullins.
A service will be Friday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn, followed by interment at Town Creek Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
DR. OSCAR HILT TATUM JR.
Dr. Oscar Hilt Tatum Jr., a pioneering figure in implant dentistry, passed away on Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on April 22, 1934, Dr. Tatum’s innovative contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of dental surgery.
After attending Opelika High School, he earned his dental degree from Emory University in 1957. He then embarked on a lifelong career that would revolutionize dental implantology. He was the first clinician to perform a sinus lift procedure, a groundbreaking technique that has since become a standard practice in dental surgeries. He secured a U.S. patent for the sinus lift method in 1998. He also designed the first two-stage titanium root form system in the USA in 1978, the Vascularized Osteotomy Concept in 1982 and was the originator of “NIRISAB” Concept in 2003.
Dr. Tatum’s passion for education was evident through his over 2000 podium presentations around the world and his numerous faculty appointments across the U.S. Notably, he dedicated 25 years to teaching at The Lille University School of Medicine in France. His leadership roles included serving as president of both the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Board of Oral Implantology. In recognition of his significant contributions, French President Jacques Chirac awarded him The French Legion of Honor in 2003. Dr. Tatum’s unwavering commitment to patient care, innovative spirit and dedication to education will continue to inspire future generations in the field of dentistry.
He was born in Opelika on April 22,1934. He attended Opelika High School, Auburn University and Emory University Dental School. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Social Fraternity, a past president of the Opelika Rotary Club and a member of the St. Petersburg, Florida, and Les Andelys, France, Rotary Clubs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Oscar Hilt Tatum and Corinne Smith Tatum of Opelika; sons, Dr. Oscar Hilt Tatum III and Thomas A. Tatum; and grandson, Jean Muel. He is survived by his beloved Roswitha who has been by his side for 37 years; his children, Corinne Tatum Hurst (Jimmy), Dr. Jim Tatum (Dottie), Caroline Tatum Pugh (Michael) and Martine Barbareau; daughter-in-law, Scarlett Stutts Tatum; grandchildren, James B. Hurst Jr., Oscar Hilt Tatum IV (Sarah), Ashley Hurst Underwood (Phil), Lauren Tatum Capra (Dr. Chaz), Dr. Victoria Pugh Keir (Dr. Graham), Cara Pugh Keys (Greg), Davis Tatum, Hannah Tatum McDonald (Jared), Rachel Marshall (Rob), Tatum Pugh, Emma Tatum, Nora Tatum, Mallory Tatum and Jules Muel (Samia); and 11 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the organization of your choice or to the Alabama Implant Study Group in memory of Dr. Tatum: Alabama Implant Study Group, c/o AISG/Lara Hendrickson 1384 460th St, Twin Valley, MN 56584.
Graveside visitation will be held March 1 at 2 p.m. at Garden Hill Cemetery (1216 Frederick Road, Opelika), with a service following at 3 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the Chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, which is assisting the family with arrangements.
CAROL VIRGINIA “GINGER” SMITH
Carol Virginia “Ginger” Smith, 89, passed away Feb. 18, 2025, at South Haven Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham. Born in Little Texas, Alabama, she was a lifelong resident of Lee and Macon counties and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Harrison Smith and Katie Mable Jinks Smith, and 13 older siblings.
Carol is survived by her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Smith (James) of Warrior and Margaret Smith (Cecil) of Little Texas, and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A service was held Feb. 22 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with interment at Little Texas Cemetery. Pastor Thad Endicott officiated.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of ExpectCare Hospice Services of Birmingham for their kind and compassionate care.
GENE DOUGLAS ERNST
Gene Douglas Ernst, 62, of Opelika passed away Feb. 17, 2025. Born in Logan, Utah, on Oct. 10, 1962, Gene spent his life in the Auburn-Opelika area, where he built a legacy through his work, passions and love for his family.
A graduate of Auburn High School, Gene dedicated his career to his craft as a master electrician. Over the years, he became a well-known figure in the community, wiring what many believe to be half of Auburn. His skill and dedication to his work left a lasting mark on the city he called home
Gene had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, camping or enjoying time on Lake Martin and at the beach, he found joy in nature and shared that passion with those around him. He was also a devoted dog lover, always finding companionship in his four-legged friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Ernst, and his sister, Patricia “Patti” Ernst. He is survived by his life-long partner, Beverly Ernst; his children, Christopher Collins (Jennifer Joseph), Sarah Schaper (William Schaper) and Matthew Ernst; and his sister and brother and their families.
A service to honor Gene’s life was held Feb. 21, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s honor to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or CARE Humane Society.
GEORGE FRANCIS “FRANK” BROGDON
George Francis “Frank” Brogdon was born in Pennsylvania and was part of an Army family, which landed him in Columbus, Georgia. Most will remember him from a bowling alley, whether it was in Columbus, Auburn, Fort Walton Beach or a bowling tournament.
He was passionate about that sport and was passionate about his job, his friends and Auburn sports. Most of all, he was passionate about his family. He loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren, and they certainly loved him. He was a provider and the backbone to the family.
Frank spent the last 25 years driving 18-wheelers, which was exactly what he wanted to be when “he grew up.” He drove across the United States as well as locally. For the past two years, he enjoyed his time as a truck driving instructor at Premium Truck Driving Academy in Valley.
Frank is survived by his wife of 20 years, Leigh Anne; sons, Richard (Erin) Brogdon, Kevin Brogdon, Andrew (Rebecca) Langley and Logan (Meredith) Browning; daughter (and the apple of his eye), Lauren (Jud) Delong; mother, Ellen Brogdon; grandchildren, Madelynn, Hudson, Tatum, Braxton, Grayson, Gunner, Blakely, Kynlee, Kyndall, Kaydence, Kamryn, Karsyn, Emma and Jonathon. He was always so proud of them and was a loving and caring “PopPop.” He is also survived by his bowling family, as well as many close and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Brogdon; father, Richard D. Brogdon; and sister, Judith Lynn Burdeshaw.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
CARRIE WELLS HORNE
Carrie Mache Wells Horne, 51, of the Auburn-Opelika area, passed away on Feb. 12, 2025. She was born to John W. Wells Sr. and Peggy Wells on Nov. 23, 1973, in Columbus, Georgia.
Carrie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, but her biggest joy was being a CiCi to Alyx. Many know Carrie from her work at Auburn Pediatrics and Allergy, Asthma and Immunology of East Alabama. Carrie loved her Auburn High School Tigers and Auburn University Tigers. In the Fall, you could find her at Duck Sanford field most Friday nights, and Saturdays were for watching Auburn. Her favorite was basketball season, when she never missed watching a men’s game. Carrie also loved spending time with her family and friends at the lake and the annual Wells Family beach trips. Carrie was very talented with her embroidery work, cooking and anything she put her mind to. She will be greatly missed by so many.
She was predeceased by her father. She is survived by members of her loving family: children, Allison Sanders (Logan) and Madison Horne (Shelby Gulledge) both of Auburn; grandchild, Alyx Justus Sanders; mother, Peggy Baker Wells of Seale; siblings, Joël Marie Wells Johnston (Jimmy) of Smiths Station and John Wesley Wells II (Wendy) of Auburn; and nieces, Ansley McCall Wells and Katelyn Olivia Johnston, both of Auburn.
A celebration of life was held Feb. 18, at Church of the Highlands East Campus in Auburn. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wreaths Across America, a cause dear to our hearts and Carrie’s.
