JAMES WESLEY THRIFT
Mr. James Wesley Thrift, 85, of Opelika passed away on May 3, 2025. He was born to Thomas Wesley and Ethel Thrift on Feb. 22, 1940.
A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Thursday, May 8, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held in the parlor from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to his service.
Mr. Thrift will be laid to rest in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery on Thursday, May 8, at 1:30 p.m. CST.
MARYLIN GAYLE MAXEY MEENACH
Gayle was born on May 6, 1932, in Boonville, Indiana. She had an older brother, Bill, to whom she was devoted, and she adored her daddy. They all became even closer after the tragedy of losing Gayle’s mother at a very young age.
Gayle’s childhood was full of wonderful memories of living on a farm with chickens, sheep, dogs, a turkey and a cow. She would churn butter for selling to neighbors and helped with the large vegetable and flower gardens. On Decoration Day she and her brother would sell silk poppies on the street corner to honor veterans. The poppy became her very favorite flower. Gayle also loved swimming and going to amusement parks. She loved music and became a wonderfully talented pianist.
Gayle went to Pikeville College in Kentucky to get a teaching degree. She helped support herself by playing the piano for all kinds of events at the college and church. Upon receiving her teaching certificate, she remained in Kentucky and taught third grade and was also the music teacher at the school.
Gayle married a fellow teacher, Leon Meenach, on Jan. 29, 1955. That summer, they both attended school at the University of Kentucky and were able to secure jobs in Lexington, where their first daughter was born. Over the next 5 years, two more daughters followed. While being a mother and homemaker, Gayle continued to teach piano lessons in the community.
In the summer of 1967, the family moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where they made lifelong friends and Gayle became involved with the music and choir at their church, Memorial Drive Presbyterian. Gayle worked substitute teaching, giving piano lessons, performing in variety programs at the elementary school and played beautifully in the DeKalb Community College Piano Ensemble for 15-plus years. Once the girls were all in high school, she became a teacher’s assistant for the Special Ed class at Sequoia High School in Doraville, Georgia. Gayle also traveled with Leon on business trips to Hawaii and San Diego, and the family enjoyed many vacation adventures together and trips to family reunions. Later in life, Gayle was thrilled to travel to Spain and Australia.
As their daughters made their own way in life, Gayle and Leon were soon blessed with three granddaughters and thoroughly enjoyed having three little girls in their lives again.
Upon retiring, Gayle and Leon moved to Locust Grove, Georgia, where they joined Jackson Presbyterian Church. Gayle sang in the choir and played piano for services. There was even a music producer from Nashville who came to record three separate CDs of her playing classical, romantic and Christmas music. Locust Grove is also where Gayle discovered her love of cats, as she fell hard for a wild cat named ‘Yellow’ that lived in the woods and shortly ended up living in the Meenach home. In 2022, Gayle moved to Opelika, where two of her daughters and a granddaughter live. Gayle became the proud great-grandmother of Everleigh, Addison and Drake.
In her sunset years, Gayle continued playing the piano and loved reading, playing scrabble, solving puzzles and having “dinner and a movie” nights. But by far, her very favorite thing was spending time with family and friends.
Family was Gayle’s heart. She is survived by her daughters Kathy, Jenny and Kim Meenach; granddaughters, Megan James, Kelsey Hearn and Tasha Lund; great-grandchildren, Everleigh, Addison and Drake Hearn; and many other beloved relatives.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 6, at 1 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 900 Second Ave. in Opelika. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions in Gayle’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org), BrightFocus Foundation (brightfocus.org) and American Cancer Society (cancer.org).
DR. RAY DICKENS
Dr. Ray Dickens of Auburn, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025. He was 88 years old and receiving excellent hospice care at the Compassus Auburn Bethany House, following complications during his fight with prostate cancer.
Dr. Dickens was born on June 24, 1936, in Alpena, Arkansas, to Fred Carson Dickens (1904-1973) and Osie Viola Clayborn Dickens (1910-1993). He was raised with and by his four sisters in Green Forest, Arkansas. Dr. Dickens is survived by one sister, Viola Aguire, and preceded in death by sisters Gladys Widner, Mary Hatch and Rena Wilson.
In 1954, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea from 1955 until 1956, repairing vehicles and driving tank transports. Following his military service, he worked with the Caterpillar Corporation as a machinist, until enrolling at the University of Arkansas, where he graduated in 1959 in Agronomy and Soils.
Before graduating he married Dolpha Lucille Bailey on March 17, 2057, and started a family in 1958 with the birth of their first daughter, Ava LuRay Kee. This birth was to be followed by his only son, Dale Fredric Dickens, and a younger sister, Angela Rene Jolley. Dr. Dickens then came to Auburn to finish both master’s and Ph.D. degrees at Auburn University, where he was hired first in extension and eventually rose to full professor in Turf Grass Agronomy, developing the institutions first turf grass research and outreach program. It was over this time that he enjoyed the cooperation and fellowship of his many friends in the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. He retired from Auburn University as a professor emeritus in 1995 and started his own consulting business, Dickens Turf.
Ray and Lucille participated in the Parent Teacher’s Association and enjoyed square dancing with the Auburn Allemander’s Square Dance Club. Ray was an accomplished hunter and fisherman and raised beagles and bird dogs. He was reticent to admit that his golfing could use improvement, but he enjoyed his “good walk spoiled” and his golf buddies.
After his first wife’s death in 2001, a lady from his hometown sent a heartfelt condolence card, which eventually led to a marriage to Margaret Smith. With this marriage, he multiplied his family to include a stepson, Joe Smith, and his wife Sherry, who have five children, Nathan (Tammi), Dustin (Maria), Emily Dail (Nick) and Ryan (Carley). In addition, Dr. Dickens is survived by granddaughters Crystal Kee Flowers, Anita Renee Jolley and Cari Jolley Gantt and grandsons James Kee of Auburn and Carlos Kee of Texas. Ray enjoyed his 17 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and other loved and loving relations. He was very fond of his son-in-law and hunting partner, Eddie Jolley, and his daughter-in law, Lynn Robertson Dickens. Sadly, his second wife, Margaret, passed on April 27, 2018, and Dr. Dickens continued to live alone in Harrison, Arkansas, until moving back to Auburn in 2023.
Over his life, Ray was a dedicated Christian, serving and attending services at Auburn Assembly of God, Grace United Methodist Church, West Auburn Baptist Church, Bear Creek Baptist Church and finally in Auburn at Lakeview Baptist Church. He enjoyed friendships at these churches and prayed for them daily. Dr. Dickens was also a member of the Gideons and distributed many bibles.
The funeral service was held Tuesday May 6, with burial following at Auburn’s Memorial Park Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
As an alternative to flowers, please consider a donation to Gideons International, www.gideons.org/donate as a fitting memorial.
The family thanks the kind ladies at Synergy HomeCare of East Alabama and all those who visited, prayed for and befriended their dad over the years. God bless you all.
MELVIN “DOUG” HICKS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Doug Hicks, who departed this life on May 4, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on Jan. 24, 1941, in Birmingham, Doug lived a life rich in service, community and love.
Doug began his professional journey at the Alabama Baptist WMU, where his dedication and commitment to helping others laid the foundation for a remarkable career. This path led him to the U.S. Postal Service, where he moved to Opelika in 1975. Over the years, Doug worked diligently in the finance department, ultimately rising to the esteemed position of Postmaster before his retirement. His contributions to the Postal Service were marked by integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to the community he served.
Even after retiring, Doug’s passion for service continued. He spent many years working at Carry’s and Grady’s Tire and Auto, where his friendly nature and willingness to lend a hand endeared him to many.
A dedicated member of the Opelika Lions Club for 50 years, Doug was a steadfast supporter of Opelika City Schools and Opelika Football, always cheering on the youth and fostering a spirit of community pride. His commitment to service extended to his faith as well; as a member of First Baptist Church Opelika, Doug served as a Sunday School teacher and shared his love of music as a member of the church choir. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his interactions with others and inspiring those around him.
Doug is survived by his loving family, who will forever treasure the memories of his warmth, wisdom and the countless ways he enriched their lives. His legacy of kindness, service and community spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial service to honor Doug’s life was held on May 7 at First Baptist Church Opelika. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Doug Hicks will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) MARK BROWN SR.
Christopher (Chris) Mark Brown Sr. was born Aug. 20,1966, in Opelika to Joe and Judy Brown. He passed away and went to his heavenly home on April 25, 2025.
He was a father, brother and friend. He was loved by all that knew him. He loved Jesus, his family, friends and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Judy Brown, and David Brown.
He is survived by his son, Christopher Brown; grandson, Brody Brown; brother, Paul (Kim) Brown; sister, Cindy Hollinger; several nieces, nephews and host of the other family and friends.
A celebration of life service was held May 3 at First Freewill Baptist Church in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JAMES FELTON LANGLEY
James Felton Langley, age 77, of LaFayette, passed away on April 28, 2025, at his home.
Felton was born on July 28, 1947, in Ridge Grove, Alabama, to Vann Henry Langley and Sara Rebecca Harmon Langley. He was a member of County Line Baptist Church and a 1965 graduate of LaFayette High School.
He retired as assistant fire chief from the Auburn Fire Department in 1989 after 25 years of service. He worked various part-time jobs after retirement.
He was an avid fisherman since he was a young boy. He fished The Red Man Tournament Trail, BFL Tournament Trail, OGS Tournaments, Senior 40 and Over, Bass Tournament Trail and many other smaller tournaments.
He enjoyed growing rooster spur pepper from seed and planting them to make pepper sauce to share with his many friends and family. He also grew many vegetables in his gardens to share.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, M.V. Langley. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Phyllis Cumbee Langley; sister, Ruth Goodman of Alpharetta, Georgia; sisters-in law, Sandra Langley of Columbus, Georgia, and Charline Hand of LaFayette; nephews, Stacey Welch, David Langley, Kevin Hand and Kenneth Hand; nieces, Farrah Willoughby and Deborah Slocumb; numerous great nieces and nephews and many extended family members.
A service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home May 1, with the Rev. Jimmy Allen officiating. Burial followed at LaFayette City Cemetery.
Donations may be made to your favorite charity.
DONNA RENEE CONE (COLE)
Donna Renee Cone (Cole), 64, of Cusseta, Georgia, died of terminal cancer at the home of her eldest daughter in Valley, Alabama, on April 27, 2025.
She was born in Bowdon, Georgia, in 1961 to Lula Beatrice Trussell (Brand) and Roy Curtis Huckeba. She worked the last 16 years at the Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Sheriff’s Department as the Deputy Director of 911.
She is survived by her children Amanda Michelle Holmes (Austin) (Donald Holmes), James Steven Cone and Brittany Renee Kreszta Cone (Jennifer Nelson); her grandchildren Jaden Lance Kuaiwi Austin (Katelynne Breanna Austin), Emily Rae Smith (Austin) (Lance Matthew Smith), Olivia Marie Holmes, Niam Drew Oliver; and her great-grandson Waylon Matthew Smith.
She is also survived by her Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Sheriff’s Department family Sheriff Hank Lynch, Director of 911 Amanda Beaver and deputies.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family is declining to hold a public memorial service at her request.
RANDY WAYNE MORGAN
Randy Wayne Morgan, 68, of LaFayette, Alabama, passed away May 2, 2025.
Randy was born March 17, 1957, in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, to parents, James and Louise Morgan.
Randy retired from Chambers County Commission in 2012 after 31 years of service. He was an avid Alabama fan and was well known for cooking fish, stew and BBQ and spending time in Tin Can Alley. He was a member of Solomon Lodge 74 in LaFayette. He was a member of Sandy Ridge Methodist Church in LaFayette.
Randy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Emmie Carr Morgan; two brothers James (Glenda) Morgan Jr. of Opelika, and Russell (Tanya) Morgan of Buckhead, Georgia; two sisters Faye (Don) Ford of Opelika, and Pam (Jeff) Hadaway of LaFayette; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents James and Louise Morgan.
A funeral service was held Monday, May 5, 2025 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Valley Haven School, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of choice in Randy’s honor.
WALTER MAC SMITH JR
Walter McDade “Mac” Smith Jr., passed away on April 28, 2025, in Opelika at the age of 81. Born on Nov. 19, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, Mac lived a vibrant and adventurous life that touched many.
Mac was the beloved husband of Ana Maria Smith and father to Karen Smith (Pam Del Nero), Connie Brush (Jesse) and Christina Morrow (Shannon). He was also stepfather to James Dress (Tara), Peter Dress (Todd Cain), Mary Ann Gonzalez (Frank), Patricia Dress-Gunter and Stephanie Nino (Ed). His family was central to his life, and he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren,
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Naomi Smith and his grandson Dean Austin Gunter.
Mac had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and intellectual pursuits. He found joy in reading mystery novels and expressing himself through poetry. A loyal fan of Duke basketball, he rarely missed a game. His spirituality was an important part of who he was, grounding him throughout life’s journey. Whether enjoying a quiet moment with a good book or raising a glass of Guinness in celebration, Mac approached life with curiosity and warmth.
Above all else, Mac loved his family deeply. His grandchildren, Emma and Chloe Brush, held a special place in his heart, bringing him immense pride and happiness.
May the memory of Walter McDade “Mac” Smith Jr. bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Valley Rescue Mission (valleyrescuemission.org) or Star Gospel Mission (stargospelmission.org).
EDWARD M. JONES JR.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward (Ebbie) M. Jones Jr., a man whose life was a testament to hard work, resilience, joy and generosity. He was a man that believed life was too short to not stop and smell the roses. Ebbie passed away on, May 3, 2025, at Bethany House at the age of 95.
Ebbie was born in Opelika, to Edward M. Jones Sr. and Emma George Capps Jones on Aug. 27, 1929.
Preceded in death by his first wife Mary Jon (Teeny) Jones; second wife Joyce Windham Jones; his son Lee Windham; and sister Emalyn Jones Allen.
Ebbie has one sister, Susie Jones Goss, still living and was blessed with many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as follows. Edward Jones III, Cylle Jones Rowell (Roth), Johnny Jones (Meghan), Georgeanne Jones; Kay Windham Draper (Tom), Mike Windham (Alesia); grandchildren Katie Rowell Brock (Cornel), Wes Jones (Amanda) Hunter Rowell (Katrina), Morgan Jones, Emma Jones, Katie Ehlers (Brian), Kate Dempsey (Nick), Jake King (Anne), Courtney Windham, Madison Jacobson (Ryne) and Savanah Windham; great-grandchildren Karabella, Evelynn, and Rex Rowell. Roth Brock, Lilly Ehlers, Hunter Ehlers, Marshall Dempsey, Elizabeth Dempsey and Parker King.
Ebbie was a graduate of the University of Alabama. Afterwards he served four years in the US Air Force. Became a banker in Opelika where he began First Federal S&L and later became President of Farmers National Bank. He had a wide interest in civic affairs, organizing the very first United Appeal drive held in Opelika. He also served two terms as City Commissioner for Opelika
He moved to Birmingham in 1980 where he met his wife Joyce of 40 years. He attended church at Highlands Methodist Church in Birmingham. He adored traveling all over the world.
There will be a small celebration of life for family and friends in the Chapel at Highlands Methodist Church in Birmingham at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to The Bethany House in Alabama, in honor of him.
