BARBARA HOLLEY HAMBY
Barbara Holley Hamby, born Aug. 17, 1940, in Lee County, Alabama, passed away Aug. 10, 2026.
She was hard working all her life. She worked at West Point Pepperell Stevens until they closed the plant down. She worked at Sams Club and the bowling alley in Auburn. Barbara was well liked by everyone she worked with, and she always had gifts for everyone. She loved bowling, crocheting and visiting family in the Smoky Mountains. She attended Mount of Transfiguration Church in Opelika.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Lois Holley; sister, Gloria Long; and her brother, Billy Holley.
She is survived by her children, Angie Hill (Connie) and Jim Godfrey (Lynn); grandchildren, Matthew Godfrey (Jennifer), Amber Godfrey (Josh) and Nathan Godfrey; great-grandchildren, Skyler Godfrey, Chelsea Godfrey and Aubrey Godfrey; and step great-grandchildren, Kelsie Majors, Kade Harris and Memphis Harris, along with numerous cousins.
A celebration of life was held on Friday, Aug. 14, at Mount of Transfiguration in Opelika.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.stjude.org, which Barbara contributed to regularly.
RALPH ALEXANDER
HUDNALL
Ralph Alexander Hudnall passed away on Aug. 9, 2026, at Compassus Bethany House in Auburn at the age of 69. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, the youngest of five children of Herman Hudnall and Violet Hudnall (Bell). Ralph joined the U.S. Army in 1977 and, following his discharge in 1981, later served in the National Guard. While stationed in El Paso, Texas, he met Laura Leigh Niehans. They married on Feb. 7, 1981, and remained devoted to one another throughout their 45 years together. Ralph and Laura had two children, Matthew and Jessica. His career as a laboratory manager took him and his family across the country, from Texas to Mississippi, Alabama and Maryland, before returning to Opelika, Alabama, where he made his home for more than 20 years. Ralph had a deep appreciation for music, sports — particularly rugby, his favorite sport — nature and animals. He was an avid reader with wide-ranging interests and had a wonderful sense of humor and a love of laughter. In retirement, he found joy in gardening and painting, creating both canvas paintings and painted ceramic figurines. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, David (Taffy) and Charlie (Celia). He is survived by his wife, Laura; their children, Matthew and Jessica; his sister, Carole Honig (Ed); his brother, Mike; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CARE Humane Society of Auburn, where Ralph spent many hours volunteering and caring for dogs. Donations may be made by check to: CARE Humane Society P.O. Box 290 Auburn, Alabama 36831-0290. Donations may also be made online through the organization’s donation page.
DIANE ESTES
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Mary Diane Estes, who departed this life on Aug. 9, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on Aug. 28, 1948, in Alexander City, Diane was a beacon of love and kindness whose legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.
Diane was the cherished daughter of Charles and Minnie Buchanan, who preceded her in death, along with her dear brothers, Wayne and Charles Buchanan; her sister, Peggy; brothers-in-law, Eddie Daniel and Freddie Brantley; her great-grandson, Hudson Hamby; and her beloved pet, Dixie. Though she has now joined them, her spirit remains in the hearts of those she loved.
Diane’s life was a testament to the power of family and community. She leaves behind her loving partner, Tenneson Estes, whose steadfast support was a source of great comfort and joy. Diane was a devoted mother to her daughters, Vicky Dykes (Bennie) of Opelika, Marcy Hinley (Tony) of Opelika and Margie Godfrey (Paul) of Salem. Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren: Candy Mackey (Josh), Joe Dykes, Angel Britt (Reid), Mallory Bode (CJ), Michael Veasey (Adrianna), Britney Hamby, Kayla Godfrey, Logan Davis (Hunter) and Brantley Godfrey. They remember her as a guiding light and an endless source of warmth.
Diane’s love and wisdom enriched the lives of her great-grandchildren: Minnie and Jonathan Mackey, Bentley Dykes, Paisley and Kash Britt, Anderson Bode, Riley Mae Veasey, Ayden, Easton, Landon, Hudson, Collin, Adalyn Hamby and Mallie and Brooks Davis. Her legacy continues to inspire them, and her stories and laughter will forever echo in their hearts.
She is also survived by her siblings Carolyn Brantley, Gaynell Daniel, Steve Buchanan and Jimmy Buchanan, who together shared a lifetime of memories and love. Diane also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were touched by her generosity and unwavering spirit.
Diane’s kindness extended beyond her family, touching her community and everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her love for others was only matched by her genuine smile, which could light up any room. Her presence was a gift to all who met her, and she will be dearly missed.
Mary Diane Estes’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience and faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, continuing to inspire and guide them. As we celebrate her life, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, embraced by the love of those who have gone before her.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 12. A visitation began one hour prior.
RICHARD OWENS COKER
Richard Owens Coker, 79, of Opelika passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2026, at Bethany House following a brief illness.
Born on June 22, 1947, in Langdale, Alabama, Richard was the cherished son of the late J.B. Coker and Vivian Monroe Coker. After graduating from Valley High School in 1965, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1966. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served with honor and distinction until his discharge in 1968. For extraordinary heroism in action during his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation — the highest unit-level honor bestowed by the U.S. Armed Forces — along with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with star and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon returning home, Richard pursued his higher education at Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University.
Richard’s strong work ethic was evident early on. He began his career with West Point Pepperell while still in high school and continued working second shift while putting himself through college, graduating from Auburn in 1976 with a degree in textile management. Over the years, his leadership and dedication led him through various roles, culminating in his eventual retirement as Executive Vice President of Human Resources with Johnston Industries.
On June 17, 1970, Richard married the love of his life, Shirley Key Coker, in a ceremony officiated by Rev. Dye at Midway Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, devotion, and a deep commitment to family, sharing 56 wonderful years of marriage.
Throughout his life, Richard’s faith and service were central. He was an active member of Trinity Church in Opelika and previously served at First United Methodist Church of Lanett, where he was honored with the Man of the Year award for his outstanding dedication to his church and community.
In his retirement, Richard embraced his passions for travel, golf and family with boundless enthusiasm. Golf became his “second career,” though he cherished the camaraderie of his playing partners far more than the game itself. An adventurous traveler who never met a stranger, he explored extensively — first alongside Shirley, and later introducing his grandchildren to the wonders of the world. Among his favorite adventures was a six-year journey across the country with his son and grandson to visit every Major League Baseball park, a quest that produced legendary stories he loved to recount. Above all else, Richard was a devoted family man who made every milestone, birthday and ballgame a priority.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Vivian Coker; his brothers, Lewis Coker, Elbert Coker and Jimmy Coker; and his sister, Mildred Knowles.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Shirley Coker; his son, Keith Coker, and daughter-in-law, Jeana; his cherished grandchildren, Mary-Elizabeth Coker Romoser (Joshua), Sarah Katherine Coker and Joseph Coker (and his fiancée, Sarah Bowman); his sister, Reba Hamer (Pete); as well as a loving extended family and a wide circle of friends.
GEORGIA ROOKS
GARDNER
Georgia Rooks Gardner, 89, of Auburn passed away on Aug. 12, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Georgia lived a life firmly grounded in her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Georgia was born on March 1, 1937, in Chattahoochee, Florida. She married Davis Lane Gardner of Chipley, Florida, in 1955.
Georgia and Dave resided in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for about 40 years, where they worked and raised their family until retirement. Georgia was an administrative assistant at First Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach for about 20 years during that time. In 1995, due to their love of Auburn and Lake Martin, they moved to Auburn, and enjoyed the community of friends they developed there. They were active members of First Baptist Church of Opelika for many years.
Georgia is survived her daughter, Cindy Golden (Bill) and her son, Doug (Karen); by her four grandchildren, Jessica Golden Corman (Clay), Andy Golden (Richelle), Will Golden (Brianna) and Lauren Gardner Steele (Matt); and by six great-grandchildren, William, Davis and Sam Corman; Emery and Elliot Golden; and Archie Golden. Georgia is also survived by her sister, Bobbie Rooks Kimrey, sister-in-law Janelle Gardner Gilbert and many nieces and nephews of her large family.
Georgia was preceded in death by her husband of almost 70 years, Davis Lane Gardner; her parents, Essie and Jesse Rooks; her sister, Juanita Rooks Gonsalves; and her brother, John Arthur Rooks.
Georgia taught her family by example to care for others. She was a great encourager, helped those less fortunate and remained faithful to her Christian values. In her final few years, she battled with progressive dementia and ultimately succumbed to this at the end. She was blessed to be cared for by family and several loving caretakers during this period.
Georgia will be deeply missed, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband and resting in the presence of her Lord. Her faith, compassion, encouragement and devotion to family will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Visitation is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial donation to First Baptist Church of Opelika — www.fbcopelika.com — or Women’s Hope Medical Clinic — www.womenshope.org.
DANIEL “BOONE” DAVIS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel “Boone” Lee Davis, who left us peacefully on Aug. 13, 2026, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on Aug. 26, 1948, in Opelika. Boone was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. His life was a tapestry of courage, kindness and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Boone was the cherished son of the late John Davis, Sr. and Annie Ruth Herring Cherry. He grew up in a nurturing home, where he learned the values of integrity and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. Boone bravely served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Infantry during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped his character and deepened his appreciation for life.
Following his military service, Boone returned to Alabama, where he married the love of his life, Vickie Pinckard Davis. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising their daughter, Leslie Davis Smith. Boone’s family was his pride and joy, and he adored his granddaughter, Evie Lee Smith Barkley, cherishing every moment spent with her and her husband, Christian.
Boone was known for his adventurous spirit and his love for the great outdoors. An avid fisherman, he found peace and solace on the water, often sharing this passion with family and friends. His stories of the ones that got away and the ones he reeled in were legendary, filled with humor and warmth.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Vickie; his daughter Leslie and her husband Glenn; his granddaughter Evie and her husband Christian; his sister Jan Davis Roller and her husband Thomas; along with numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Boone was predeceased by his loving parents, John Davis, Sr. and Annie Ruth Herring Cherry, brother Johnny Davis and his wife Sara Davis.
A celebration of Boone’s life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home for a visitation on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. and share their memories, honoring a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Boone’s generous spirit and his lifelong commitment to helping others.
Daniel “Boone” Lee Davis will be remembered for his warmth, his courage and his unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
JAMES WILKES, SR.
James Dorsey “J.D.” Wilkes Sr., 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of Aug. 7, 2026, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.
J.D. was born on Feb. 24, 1932, in Olanta, South Carolina, and was the son of the late Herman Allen Wilkes and the late Florence Windham Wilkes. He was a graduate of Sumter High School and later joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War, attaining the rank of master sergeant.
He retired from Life of Georgia after 37 years as a top insurance agent in Sumter, South Carolina.
After retirement, he enjoyed being the captain of his 75-foot-by-16-foot houseboat and living aboard for 15 years with his wife and two daughters, traveling around the Southern and some Midwestern states. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling the country for 15 years in his fifth wheel with his wife.
J.D.’s faith in God and his love and devotion to his family sustained him. He will be remembered for his passion of traveling, fishing and storytelling.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wanda Wilkes; his two daughters, Crystle (Tyler) Cooper of Fort Payne, Alabama, and Kristina (Zach) Taylor of Auburn, Alabama; his three grandchildren, Evy Cooper, Jack Cooper and Elliot Taylor; his sister-in-law, Amy (Jeff) Hansen; three nephews, Britton (Erin) Hansen, Brandon (Lauren) Hansen and Bradley (Erica) Hansen; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews, Nora, Jack, McClain, Scottie, Cole, Lottie and Ford, all of Sumter, South Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Allen Wilkes and Florence Windham Wilkes.
The family would like to thank his devoted nurses and doctors at EAMC.
His celebration of life service will be arranged for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children.
JUSTIN REX MOSLEY
Justin Rex Mosley, 48, of Auburn, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. He was born on Jan. 12, 1978, in Cullman to Rex and Benita Mosley.
Justin was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was a loving husband to his wife of 22 years, Summer Jackson Mosley, and a proud father to their two sons, Jackson and Maddox. His family was the most important part of his life, and above all else, Justin made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved.
Justin graduated from Old Springs High School in 1996 as valedictorian. He continued his education at Auburn University, where he graduated from the Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2002 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Justin was known for his adventurous spirit, wonderful sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. He loved being silly when posing for pictures and never missed an opportunity to create a good memory with his family. He especially enjoyed watching his sons play sports, with basketball holding a special place in his heart. Being a dad was one of Justin’s greatest joys.
Justin was an avid Auburn football fan and enjoyed all things Auburn. He also loved watching WWE wrestling, spending time at the lake, listening to music, playing Angry Birds and Swoosh Eagle and spending time with his beloved dogs, Mac and Opie.
Justin is survived by his loving wife, Summer Jackson Mosley; sons, Jackson and Maddox; parents, Rex and Benita Mosley; sister, Tiffany (Chad) Gambril; nephews, Calvin and Cade; nieces, Ansley and Ava; sister-in-law, Heather Jackson Nelms; nephew, Trae Nelms; and his in-laws, Billy and Ann Jackson.
Justin’s greatest legacy will be the love he gave to his family and the countless memories he created with them. His laughter, adventurous spirit, kindness and unwavering love for his wife and sons will be treasured forever. Though he is no longer with those he loved, the memories he made and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
A funeral was held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at Frederick Dean Funeral Homes, with Stephan King officiating. Family received friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Internment followed in Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn.
Flowers will be accepted, memorial contributions may be made in Justin’s memory to Woof Ave, the Child Advocacy Center or a charity of your choice.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
BETTY ARLENE GOAD GREGORY
Betty Arlene Goad Gregory, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, missionary, musician, educator and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on Nov. 23, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, Betty lived a remarkable life of faith and service, dedicating more than four decades to Christian missions and ministry.
Betty was the daughter of Roy Lee Goad and Shirilda Mae Mincher Goad. She grew up in St. Louis in a close-knit family where faith, church, music and caring for others were central to her life. From an early age, Betty developed a deep love for music. She studied piano, viola and clarinet and became actively involved in church activities and ministry.
Betty graduated from Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She later earned a Master of Arts degree from the same institution and a Master of Religious Education degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She also attended Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas.
While in college, Betty became active in the Baptist Student Union and served as a summer missionary in Washington and Oregon. During those formative years, she sensed God’s call to devote her life to missions — a calling that would guide her for decades to come.
It was also during her college years that Betty’s friendship with a young preacher, Lester Laverne Gregory, blossomed into a lifelong love. Their first date was on Oct. 31, 1953. They married on May 28, 1955, at First Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri. The Gregory’s celebrated their honeymoon attending the Baptist World Alliance meeting in London, United Kingdom, visiting several other European countries and traveling to countries in the Holy Land. Together, they built a marriage centered on their faith and a shared commitment to Christian service.
In June 1958, Betty and Laverne were appointed as Southern Baptist foreign missionaries to Costa Rica. There, they studied Spanish, and the couple began what would become a lifetime of international ministry. They remained in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years, serving through teaching and the distribution of Christian literature. Their ministry included establishing warehouses throughout Central and South America, traveling extensively, coordinating radio and television programs, administering mission work, planting churches and sharing their gifts with the communities they served. Betty taught music and crafts and used those talents as another way to share her faith and connect with others.
During their missionary years, Betty and Laverne welcomed two sons, Mark Leroy Gregory and David Edward Gregory. Mark traveled to Costa Rica as an infant, and David was born there. Their sons grew up immersed in the family’s missionary life.
In 1974, they transferred to Mexico, where she taught piano and religious education courses at the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary in Mexico City. She also served as a National Young Woman’s promoter. Later in 1979, Betty and Laverne were reassigned to the Baptist Spanish Publishing House in El Paso, Texas. Betty served as assistant to the director of sales and field services, helping make Spanish-language Christian literature available to churches and communities throughout Central and South America, Canada, and Spain. During their years of service in El Paso, they assisted the Baptist Sunday School Board, Nashville, Tennessee (Lifeway Resources), to begin the distribution of Spanish literature product. This took them to many states and the provinces of Canada.
In 1998, after approximately 40 years of missionary service, they retired to the Baptist Retirement Community, San Angelo, Texas. They were involved in many activities such as the Auxiliary and Tuesday night prayer meeting. She and Laverne then spent two years with the Christian Service Corps, continuing much of the work to which they had devoted their lives, making it a total of 42 years of service. In 2021, they moved to Opelika, to be closer to their family, primarily their grandchildren.
Betty’s life was marked not simply by the places she traveled or the work she accomplished, but by an unwavering trust in God. Through changing countries, assignments and seasons of life, she believed the Lord faithfully directed each step of her journey. As Betty reflected on her years of ministry, she expressed that the Lord had been an excellent leader and that she and Laverne never had to doubt they were where He wanted them to be.
Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Lester Laverne Gregory; her son, David Gregory and his wife, Merri Lynn Gregory; her grandchildren, Brighton Gregory, Brylee Gregory and Braden Gregory; Brylee’s fiancé, Keshav Laul and Braden’s wife, Ilyssa Gregory. She is survived by other extended family and loved ones living in their hometown of Kirksville, including several nieces and nephews, Melodie (husband David) Sevits, Marilyn Gregory, Kevin Gregory and Brad Gregory. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Sorenson. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Leroy Gregory.
Betty leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, love, music, education, missions and service. Her influence reaches far beyond her family and friends to the countless people, churches, missionaries and communities touched by her ministry across several nations. Missions was more than an occupation — it was the calling of her life. She answered that calling faithfully and spent her years serving others alongside the husband she loved. Her life was a testament to a simple and enduring faith: trusting God, following His leading and using the gifts He had given her to bless others.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Dadeville Healthcare Center for their compassionate, unwavering care and support of Betty where she was a resident since 2023. The family is forever grateful for each of you and for the kindness you showed Betty throughout her time in your care. Betty’s journey of service has come to an end, but the legacy of her faith and love will continue through the lives of those she touched. She faithfully answered God’s call, loved her family deeply and spent her life serving others. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
