Arturo M. Reyes
Arturo M. Reyes passed away on Nov. 1, 2025.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Road, Opelika. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1100 N. College St., in Auburn.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is directing.
BRANDON WAYNE STONE
Brandon Wayne Stone, 40, of Opelika, passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
He was born July 14, 1985, in Greensboro, North Carolina to parents Billy and Cindy Stone.
Brandon was a great dad to his two young daughters, Sorrell and Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Wayne Stone.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Stone; daughters: Sorrell and Georgia Stone; and his mother, Cindy Stone.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Nov. 2, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Pastor Richard Williams officiated.
BETTY JOYCE NOBLE
A graveside service for Mrs. Betty Joyce Noble, 83, of Opelika, was held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Garden Hills Cemetery. Dr. Jeff Myers officiated. Betty and her husband, Kenny Noble, were members of First Baptist Church of Opelika for many years before his passing and her move to Columbus after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Betty passed away on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 in Columbus, Georgia. Betty was born on Aug. 28, 1942, in Russelville, Alabama, to Robert and Ruby Williams.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Smith and son-in-law Jeff Smith as well and nieces and nephews.
PAUL MARSHALL JOHNSON
Paul Marshall Johnson passed away in Auburn at sunset on Oct. 1, 2025 at the age of 79, after sudden complications from a long illness. His wife Peggy and his children Charles and Laura were at his side holding his hands as the sun went down over the water.
Paul was born on March 14, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Charles Woodson Johnson and Frances (Ebbs) Johnson.
His earliest memories were of Boerne in the Texas Hill County where his father established his first medical practice, making house calls to farms and ranches throughout Kendall and Kerr Counties. He then spent most of his childhood and high school years in the city of San Antonio, graduating as valedictorian of Thomas Jefferson High School and making lifelong friendships. He enrolled in Rice University in 1963, where he studied political science and economics, graduating summa cum laude in 1967. He was selected for Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to pursue graduate study in political science at Stanford.
After completing his M.A., he was drafted into the Army in 1969. Paul served a year at Fort Bliss and a year overseas in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay, where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. In 1971 he returned to Stanford, where he married his college sweetheart Dr. Armanda “Peggy” Sittig in 1972.
The next year, Paul was appointed fellow and resident director of the Stanford-Warsaw University student exchange program. Paul and Peggy spent a year in Warsaw, a memorable experience that would furnish a wealth of stories over the years — including the time the censors for the University of Warsaw Library, out of an excess of caution, forbade Paul access to a copy of his own published work. After returning to the free world, Paul completed his graduate studies at Stanford in 1976 and was awarded a Ph.D. in political science in 1978.
The couple moved across the U.S. to New Haven in 1976, where Paul accepted a lectureship at Yale, and continued teaching as assistant professor of political science until 1981. He was a scholar of comparative political systems, political economy and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Between Yale and his new position at Florida State University, he and Peggy welcomed their first child, a son; during his seven years in Tallahassee, they welcomed their second child, a daughter, in 1986. Later he taught at the University of Houston, Rice University and UC Santa Cruz before joining the Department of Political Science at Auburn University in 1991, settling down permanently with his family in “the loveliest metropolitan statistical area on the plains.” He taught courses on Political Economy, Intelligence and Political Science Research Methods, helped to inaugurate Auburn’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 2001 and served as department chair from 2001-2006. He retired in 2012, returning to teach one course a semester as Professor Emeritus until 2016.
A proud Texan, a dedicated teacher and a thoroughgoing dad, Paul loved San Antonio and the Hill Country, gardening and doling out detailed investment advice to anyone who asked. He was curious about everything, an inveterate researcher and had warm opinions on Mexican food and barbecue. He was a font both of wry humor and the corniest jokes in the world — always seeking to make conversation easy. A highlight of each year was the annual fig harvest, when far-flung in-laws and cousins arrived to help pick ripe figs from his growing collection of Brown Turkey fig trees and turn them into homemade jam. An avid genealogist with contacts all over the country, he never tired of recounting the stories of his reputable and disreputable ancestors, including his father’s family in Mississippi and his mother’s family in western North Carolina.
He is survived by Armanda; his children Charles and Laura; their spouses; beloved nieces; nephews; in-laws and cousins in Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Washington D.C. and many friends and students in Auburn and throughout the country.
A memorial will take place at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation — Kerrville Rebuilding and Recovery Fund, 700 Sidney Baker Street Suite 100, Kerrville, Texas 78028, www.kerrtogether.com/donate-money; or Rebuild Hot Springs, PO Box 4 Hot Springs, NC 28743 or visit www.rebuildhotsprings.org.
JAMES RICHARD WALKER
James Richard Walker (Dickie), 82, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend passed away on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. He was born on Dec. 30, 1942, to William Moses Walker and Lois Gladys Brassell in Lee County, Alabama.
James was a devoted husband to the love of his life for 56 years, his wife, Alice Jenkins Walker and a loving father to his three daughters, Kimila Motley, Amy Coulter (Robert) and Jill Weldon (Eric). Dickie was a proud and loving grandfather to Chase Eastridge, Clay Brewer, Jade Motley, Jensen Motley, Cole Coulter and Lexie Coulter. He was also a great-grandfather to Isabella Johnson and Annaleigh Eastridge. He is survived by many loving sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Dickie was preceded in death by siblings, William Walker, Willodean Carrol and Peggy Butler.
A hard working and devoted man Dickie built a career that span 38 years at Bell South before his retirement. He was respected by his colleagues for his dedication, dependability and extensive knowledge of his job.
Dickie left a legacy of unconditional love and kindness. His calm and forgiving nature served as a constant example to his friends and family. A man who was quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger, he lived out the spirit of James 1:19 in his daily life. It was in these quiet moments that his immense love for his family and his simple passions like grilling, watching Nascar racing, the Alabama Crimson Tide Football and taking yearly family trips to the beach shone brightest.
The family held a celebration of life on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, where friends and love ones gathered to honor his memory. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
James (Dickie) Walker’s legacy of love, faith and resilience will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
EARNEST COOK SIKES
Earnest Cook Sikes, 78, of Cusseta, Alabama passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Cook was born in the Fairfax, Alabama, community on Aug. 27, 1947, to Earnest Pierce and Bernice Cook Sikes.
He graduated from Valley High School in 1965, and then attended Auburn University where he received a B.S. in Agricultural Science. After graduation he was employed by the Alabama Farmers Home Administration working in Alabama communities and providing loans and grants for rural housing, community development and farming operations to farmers across the state. He served in this capacity in county FHA offices in Camden, Troy, Luverne, Monroeville and Hartselle.
In 1975 he was employed by Pennington Seed as a wholesale seed distributor for several southern states. He assisted in opening new offices in various Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana towns. While living in Hartselle he was very active in civic affairs. He was president of the Morgan County Jaycees. Under his leadership the Jaycees completed and opened Sparkman Park in Hartselle in honor of the then U.S. Sen. John Sparkman.
In 1990, he moved back to the Lee County area and purchased his own farm supply store, Sikes Feed and Seed in Opelika. He opened additional stores for the Purina dealership in Auburn. He was an Alabama Master Gardener. He retired in 2014 after 24 years of owning and managing farm supply stores. His whole career of forty-four years was rooted in agriculture and was spent doing what he loved most — helping others grow quality plants, farm animals and pets.
He loved college football, particularly Auburn football. He was a member of the 50-year Auburn University Life Alumni Club.
He is survived by a son, Jason C. Sikes (Leann); daughter, Julie Sikes-Speir; three grandsons Laird Landers, Sikes Speir and James Pierce Speir; and two granddaughters Jessica Sikes and Jennifer Claire Sikes.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Nov. 1, at at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Steve Garnett officiated.
WAYNE NATHANIEL WHITE
Wayne Nathaniel White, age 89, of LaFayette, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2025, at his home.
He was born on Dec. 11, 1935, in the Ridge Grove community. He was brought up in the shadow of his father’s country mercantile alongside his loving siblings, Jerry and Sybil. Wayne always knew the value of hard work as a young boy. He spent many days at his grandparents’ farm nearby, a generational farm he would later in life own and cherish. He would often recall how he loved swimming in the fishing hole and hunting in the woods. These are memories he would carry for a lifetime.
After graduating high school in 1954, Wayne moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He attended auto diesel college and later worked for General Motors in Atlanta. After his father‘s untimely death, he returned to Ridge Grove to run the family mercantile. In 1965, after having married and starting a family, he cofounded Southern Sanitary Company. The business was a regional industrial corporation specializing in a wide assortment of products and equipment to service municipalities and industries. As the sole owner, he sold the business in 2000. He continued to work in the industry for another 23 years, servicing accounts he had called on for decades. After 58 years in the industry, Wayne reluctantly retired in 2023 at the age of 87. He loved his work, professional connections and being productive.
Wayne was also very civic and community-minded. He served five terms as a Chambers County commissioner, dedicating his time and efforts because he enjoyed doing so. He was instrumental in the construction of the James C. Morgan detention facility, the Chambers County courthouse annex and the establishment of Kia Corporation in Chambers County. He would often reflect on the trip to Korea and the cultural experience. Wayne was a dedicated member earlier in his life of the Alabama Jaycees. In 1970, he was recognized as a US Jaycee director for outstanding leadership, vision and ability. He was very instrumental in the formation of Chambers Academy Preparatory School, where he served on the original board of directors for many years.
After retiring, Wayne dedicated his time to caring for his farm and cattle. He cherished the moments he spent in his pastures, surrounded by his cow reflecting on the past. If the opportunity arose, he would never miss the chance to witness a deer or fish on his property. He always appreciated the satisfaction of a successful hunt or a good catch. His primary objective was to ensure that his land would be cherished and enjoyed by his family for generations to come. If anyone ever visited the “White Farm,” he would always hope that their experience had been enjoyable.
He was a member of Center Baptist Church in LaFayette, where he had the privilege of serving as the music director for many years. It was the church he attended as a child and where he raised his own children. It was a place of deep significance to him, and he has chosen it as the location for his funeral service and final resting place.
He was survived in life by his three children David (Diane) White of LaFayette, Lisa (David) Siggers of LaFayette and Rick White of Auburn; his granddaughter Ashley (Corey) Blair; a great-grandson Caden Blair; his sister Sybil White Gregory of Dadeville; three loving stepchildren Benny Andrews, Barry Andrews and Betty Lynn Walker; as well as many step-grandchildren.
Mr. Wayne White was a friend to many who knew him. He was always a great conversationalist and never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed.
MARTHA GAYLE MADDOX REAVES
Martha Gayle Maddox Reaves, 77, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2025. She was born in Russellville, Alabama, on Dec. 19, 1947, to Jay F. Maddox and Irene Bullington Maddox.
Martha graduated from Deshler High School in 1966 and married Wyatt Underwood Reaves the following year on June 17, 1967. After they married, Martha and Wyatt moved to Jackson, Alabama, where Wyatt began working for Ciba-Geigy. Martha and Wyatt lived in South Alabama for over 40 years where they raised their two boys. Martha worked in the banking industry for First National Bank of Mobile and eventually AmSouth Bank until her retirement in 1999. Anyone who knew Martha knew she absolutely loved her family, friends and neighbors. She did not meet a stranger. Martha moved to Auburn, in 2022 and enjoyed her time and special friends at Auburn Assisted Living.
Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Wyatt Reaves; her parents Jay and Irene Maddox; and their best family friend Bill Aycock. Martha is survived by her sons J. Todd Reaves (Whitney) of Lake Jackson, Texas; and David Reaves (Joanna) of Auburn; grandchildren Meredith Reaves, Prather Reaves, Anne Reynolds Reaves and Bradford Reaves; her niece Joy Stanley and family of Auburn; nephew Doug Tompkins and family of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; and her best friend Faye Aycock and family of Muscle Shoals; along with other extended family, friends and neighbors.
A celebration of Martha’s life was held in the Chapel at Auburn United Methodist Church on Nov. 4. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama or Christ Methodist Church of Auburn.
LARRY WINSTON WHITE
Larry Winston White passed away Oct. 30, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, Alabama, after an extended stay due to complications from surgery.
Larry was born on Oct. 4, 1948, to Bertha and Fannie Mae Lumpkin White. He spent his childhood in Lafayette, Alabama, and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1967. He attended Southern Union State Community College and received an associate degree. He also attended Auburn University.
He worked for many years at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company and retired from Michelin Tire Company. Larry also ran White Construction Company and built beautiful furniture and cabinets.
He built and repaired computers as a hobby and had many loyal customers. Larry was also an avid offshore saltwater fisherman and spent many happy hours at the helm of his boat with his wife and friends aboard.
Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Jean Donaldson White, of Opelika, and one daughter, Stacey Ann Hall of Tallassee, Alabama. Another daughter, Serena Lynn Thompson, predeceased him. He has four grandchildren Hannah Hall of Opelika, Harrison Hall of Tallassee, Ellie Hall of Spokane, Washington, Heaven Gullatte of Salem, Alabama; and one great-granddaughter, Maria Gullatte also of Salem.
The funeral service was held Nov. 2. followed by a grave side service at the LaFayette City Cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or in lieu thereof a donation to the Lee County Humane Society will be appreciated.
Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette assisted with the arrangements.
