Walter Cullars Dorsey
Walter Cullars Dorsey of Opelika, Alabama, 98, passed away on Jan. 25, 2026, at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 25, 1927, to John Thornton Dorsey and Dorothy Kate Cullars Dorsey, and was the younger of two brothers. He attended Opelika City Schools and, upon graduating from Clift High School, now Opelika High School, in 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served at P.T. Boat Base 17, Bobon Bay in the Philippine Islands until the end of World War II. After his discharge from the Navy, he served in the United States Naval Reserve for eight years.
Mr. Dorsey was a 1950 graduate of Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, with a B. S. degree in Industrial Management. While at API, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. Upon graduating from API, he began his work career in the Bleachery Business Office at the Pepperell Manufacturing Company in Opelika. In 1957, he and his father founded John Dorsey and Son Farm Supply in Opelika, where he worked until his retirement in 1993. After his work retirement, he remained active in genealogical research, bird watching and entertaining his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Dorsey was an active member of First Baptist Church, Opelika, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and Adult Choir member. He was a longtime member of the Opelika Rotary Club and a charter member of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He also held memberships in the Society of the Cincinnati, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Opelika Arts Association, the Opelika Historical Preservation Society, as well as numerous other civic and historical organizations. Mr. Dorsey was an Eagle Scout and served as an appointed legal guardian for Disabled Veterans for 46 years.
Mr. Dorsey is survived by his two children Walter Cullars Dorsey Jr. (Amy) and Lou Thames Dorsey Hamlet (Dennis), all of Opelika; four grandchildren, Mary Turner Barron Pigg (Tyler) of College Station, Texas, Dorsey Kate Barron of Opelika, John Thornton Barron (Alysa) of Opelika and Cole Richardson Dorsey (Amberli) of Auburn; five great-grandchildren, John Ellis Pigg, Caroline Louise Pigg, Charlotte Jane Barron, Jack Hollis Barron and Bo Layne Dorsey; a special niece Frances Waller Dorsey Burrows (John) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and a special cousin Dorothy Cullars Waugh of Canton, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Turner Dorsey; his parents; and his older brother John Thornton Dorsey Jr.
A celebration of life service for Mr. Dorsey was held Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church Opelika. The Revs. Cade Farris and Dr. Larry Williams officiated. Pall bearers were John Thornton Barron, Cole Richardson Dorsey, Dallas Dorsey, Bill Poe, Ron McCollum and Steve Ward. A family visitation preceded the funeral service at 9 a.m. in the Worship Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests memorial gifts to the BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose through the Auburn University Foundation or your favorite charity.
Lt. Colonel Orrin “Boody” Brown, Jr.
Orrin “Boody” Brown Jr., 105, a lifelong resident of Opelika, passed away on Jan. 27, 2026.
Affectionally known as “Boody” to everyone who knew him, Orrin was born on Easter Sunday, 1920, the only child of Orrin and Mary Charles Brown. The Browns lived on South 4th Avenue, but when Orrin was 15 years old, the family moved to North Eighth Street. Orrin and Barbara Saunders were married on Oct. 18, 1947, and shortly after, the couple built a home on the property behind Orrin’s childhood home, where they raised their three daughters and where Orrin lived until his death.
He was a proud 1941 graduate of Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, where he earned his degree in aeronautical administration and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and API R.O.T.C.
In January 1942, he answered the call to defend his country. He enlisted in the United States Army Aviation Cadet Program to serve in World War II. Throughout his military career, he advanced and was celebrated as a distinguished hero. He served as a bombardier navigator with the 801st/492nd Bombardment Group, famously known as the ‘‘Carpetbaggers.’’ Operating under the OSS (Office of Strategic Services — the precursor to the CIA) — his unit flew top-secret, low-altitude missions under the cover of darkness to drop agents, supplies and leaflets to resistance forces in Nazi-occupied Europe. Though he flew 30 successful combat missions — including one on D-Day — he often remarked with pride that he was “a bombardier who never had to drop a bomb” instead, his mission was to deliver life-saving supplies to those fighting for freedom. During his years of service, Orrin received The Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars. Following active duty, he remained in the Air Force Reserves for 20 years, retiring in 1962 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Many years after his heroic military service, Orrin’s courage and technical skills were again recognized and highly honored. In 2018, he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal as part of the OSS, and in 2019, he was honored with Norway’s Defense Medal for his role in the Norwegian resistance.
In his civilian life, Orrin was a successful businessman and community leader. He worked for Alabama Gas Company and later enjoyed a long career at Botsford Knight Insurance Agency. He was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church of Opelika, where he served on numerous committees and boards, sang in the choir for decades and was an active and dedicated member of his beloved Sunday School class. He was also a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club for more than 60 years.
Following retirement from Botsford-Knight, Orrin and Barbara enjoyed traveling, returning to places where he was stationed in England during the war and sightseeing in Europe. He attended his World War II Carpetbagger reunions for many years. He loved fishing with his friends, cheering for his Auburn Tigers, and golfing with his buddies at Saugahatchee Country Club, well into his 90s. In later years, he also enjoyed spending time at the lake with family.
Orrin will be remembered for his loyalty, patriotism, his “clear mind,” being a virtual walking history of Opelika and his daily walks to his mailbox well into his 100s, accompanied by one of his adored schnauzers.
Orrin was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished wife. He is survived by his three daughters Deborah (Steve) Czerski of Oakland, Oregon, Stephanie (Dave) Harle of Dadeville, Alabama, and Barbara (Terry) Jones of Helena, Alabama; grandchildren Dorinda (Chris) Yelverton of Anchorage, Alaska, Christopher (Barclay) Harle of Mobile, Alabama, Stephen (Erica) Harle of Germantown, Tennessee, Cristen (Mike) Courtemanche and Megan Czerski of Bremerton, Washington, Russell Orrin (Anna) Jones of Opelika, Michael (Laura) Czerski of Seattle, Washington, Katie (Paul) Talley of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, John (Melissa) Czerski of Denver, Colorado, Barbara Ann (Kyle) Flannery of Augusta, Georgia; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was blessed with wonderful caregivers Angela, Donna, Doris, Jasmine, Kim, Melanie, Punky and Mary.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Methodist Church of Opelika, located at 702 Ave. A at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 8, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall at the church.
For those who would like to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests Harvest Evangelism (www.harvestevangelism.org or 1750 Opelika Road, Suite C, Auburn, AL 36830) or First Methodist Church (firstopelika.churchcenter.com or 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801).
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
George Thomas McFarland
George Thomas McFarland, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 30, 2026.
Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Olin McFarland.
He is survived by his daughters, Tami (Ron) Askelson and Shanna (Andy) Grubbs; his close friend and caregiver Faye McFarland; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.
A visitation was held at Little Texas Community Church on Monday Feb. 2. Funeral services followed at 2 p.m., with burial at Little Texas Cemetery.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the many devoted caregivers who so lovingly cared for Thomas throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Little Texas Cemetery Fund.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
THOMAS HUGH BUFFORD SR.
A graveside service for Thomas Hugh Bufford, Sr. was held Tues, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at Little Texas Cemetery.
Linda Kay Bearden Day
Linda Kay Bearden Day passed away on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Ash Flat, Arkansas, to Bill and Estie Bearden, she moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, as a child, where she graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965. In Hutchinson, she met and married her husband of 52 years, Benjamin Herschel Day (affectionately known as Bud or Buddy) in 1965. They had two children, Jennifer and Jonathan, that she adored beyond measure. After moving around for Bud’s military service, in 1986 the family moved to Opelika, the place she called home.
The youngest of seven children, Linda is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Estie Bearden; sisters Tommie Richardson, Elwanda Curley, and Elaine Collins; brothers Bill Bearden, Don Bearden, and Dennis Bearden; and her former husband Bud Day. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Chris) Brown; son Jonathan (Anne) Day; her sister and brothers-in-law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Linda genuinely loved people, had a sweet and gentle disposition and was generous and giving (at times, to her own detriment). She was witty and smart, could talk to anyone and she truly cared about others. She had a strong faith, knowing that God was her provider and that He continued watching over her. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and could be a lot of fun. She wanted to help people, and she truly embodied love in her tiny frame. For this and so many other reasons, she is and will be loved and missed so very dearly.
The family thanks the caring staff of Summer Village Camellia Place and at the East Alabama Medical Center Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, as well as her long-time doctor Justin Campbell, for the kind and compassionate care they provided to Linda and her family.
A graveside memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Montevallo Cemetery located at County Road 73, Montevallo, Alabama.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Maria Luisa Handzus
Maria Luisa Handzus, born Nov. 25, 1964, passed away on Jan. 27, 2026. She was a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, and formerly of Opelika. She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Nellie Henderson; and her brothers, James and Johnny Dawson. A graveside service was held Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika.
Charlotte DeWeese
Charlotte Lovelace DeWeese, 85, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Jan. 18, 2026. Charlotte was born and raised in LaFayette, Alabama. She was a graduate of LaFayette High School and Howard College (Samford University). Charlotte was an avid reader and writer and enjoyed attending live theater productions. Literature, history, trivia and current events were some of her passions. She loved traveling and wanted to see the world. Later in life, she was able to enjoy a very special trip to Ireland with her sister.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Ted DeWeese Jr.; her parents, Henry and Marie Lovelace Sr.; her brother, Henry Lovelace Jr.; and one infant granddaughter, Madeline Taylor. She is survived by: her sister, Sandy (Frank) Bonham; her children, Nicole (Jamie) Taylor, Nick (DeAnne) DeWeese and Chris (Amy) DeWeese; six grandchildren, Brent (Heather) Taylor, Hannah DeWeese, Clay (Maddie) DeWeese, Lauren (Harrison) Arnold, Mitchell DeWeese and Sloan DeWeese; and two great-grandchildren, Magnolia Taylor and Henry DeWeese; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Charlotte was known for her kind nature and beautiful smile. She will be affectionately remembered as ¨Mimi¨ by her beloved grandchildren and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Per Charlotte´s wishes, no burial service will take place at this time. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.
THOMAS HUGH BUFFORD SR.
Thomas Hugh Bufford, Sr., 81, of Little Texas, Alabama, passed away on Jan. 29, 2026 in Little Texas.
Born on April 5, 1944, in Macon County, Alabama, to Thomas Bragg Bufford and Louise Kelly Bufford. Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and community member of the Little Texas Community Church and Tabernacle.
Thomas graduated from Tuskegee High School and retired from Uniroyal. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Little Texas Fire Department. He enjoyed farming, deer hunting, University of Alabama football and spending time with his family and church family and discussing the Bible. He was known for his storytelling and enjoyed researching his family history. He was a member the Sons of the American Revolution.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Barbara Toney Bufford; his daughter, Christy Francis; and his sons, Thomas Hugh Bufford Jr. and Calvin Westley Bufford (Kimberly Nunes-Bufford); and his grandchildren, Victoria Bufford and Gavin Bufford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Bragg Bufford and Louise Kelly Bufford; and his sisters Evelyn Luda Bufford Kelly (Luther Kelly) and Rebecca Bufford Wilkinson (Frank Wilkinson); and his brother Mathew Hale Bufford (Glenda Allen Bufford).
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Little Texas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Texas Community Church and Tabernacle.
Mildred Lois Sharpe Alford
Mildred was born Nov. 3, 1930, in Andalusia, Alabama, to Ray and Cora Mae Taylor. She passed away in Alexander City, Alabama, at Brown Nursing Home on Feb. 1, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She leaves behind four children Kenneth Sharpe (Vicky), Larry Sharpe (Valerie), Vicki White (Jim) and Joy Deloney (David); seven grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Monroe H. Sharpe; as well as her second husband, whom she met later in life, Robert Alford.
Mrs. Alford lived her adult life in Opelika, where she was employed with Gayfers Department Store for more than 30 years.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Opelika.
Visitation will be Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. until noon at Frederick Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. A private graveside service will be held at Lebanon Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, Alabama, on Feb. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
Mrs. Alford lived a full life with her family, co-workers and church friends. She will be greatly missed.
Frederick Dean Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mildred Lois Sharpe Alford.
William E. Morris Jr.
William (Bill) Ernest Morris Jr., 93, of Opelika, died Feb. 2, 2026.
He was born June 27, 1932, in Blountsville, Alabama, to William Ernest Morris Sr. and Agnes Palmer Morris. After serving in the Air Force and Army during the Korean War, he returned home and attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University), where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
His career included positions with Republic Steel, Jones Sheet Metal, Diversified Products and Ampex. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika.
Survivors include three children, Terri Schaub (Roy), David Morris (Barbara) and Susan Bolt (Rick); five grandchildren, Aubry Gray, Houston Bolt, Madison Bolt, Kristin Bolt and Ashley Crane (Mark); three great-grandchildren, Blaise Crowson, Tucker Crowson (Annarose) and Hayden Murray; one great-great-grandchild, Roy Crowson; and one brother, Kenneth Morris (Harvey).
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine “Jerri” Kilpatrick Morris; his parents; one brother, Glenn Morris; and one sister, Sylvia Morris Allen.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at First Baptist Church of Opelika, with burial to follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Alabama Food Bank or a charity of the donor’s choice.
