CHARLES WILEY WHATLEY
Charles Wiley Whatley, 81, died on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Opelika.
Yeah, we know. It’s not what he would’ve wanted either. But do you wanna hear about a life well-lived?
Charles was the sixth generation of his family to operate a farm in the Beauregard community. At its largest, Willow Run Farm consisted of 1,100 head of dairy cattle on 2,000 acres of land along the banks of Chewacla Creek and was the largest dairy farm in the southern United States.
He continued farming at his home in Beauregard in his three acre “garden” where he had something growing no matter the season — and if you’re reading this, he probably gave you smoked pork shoulder at some point.
He served for six years in the United States Army Reserves and was a proud member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club for more than 50 years, serving as president for one year.
In 1973, Charles was selected by the Rotary Club to travel to India as part of an agricultural outreach delegation to the Andhra Pradesh region.
He was elected to and proud to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982, representing Lee, Barbour and Russell counties.
In 2012, 2016 and 2020, he reignited his political activity when he served as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions.
He could regularly be found in erudite circles like the Opelika Cowboys, the Thinking Man’s Book Club and the ROMEO group.
His body is on its way to Mobile as an anatomical gift to the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, so you don’t get to come to a funeral and cry over it — our sincerest apologies if that is something you were looking forward to doing. But, if you want to join us in celebrating his life, please come to Community Self Storage at 5008 Highway 51, in Beauregard from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29. All those who want to remember him are welcome.
His legacy will live on in his wife, Ann McKee Whatley; his children, Thomas McKee Whatley, Andrew Terry Whatley and Virginia Whatley Uhlig; their spouses, Lauren Cross Whatley, Allison Mary Deneen and Daniel Vincent Uhlig; his grandchildren, Henry Charles Uhlig, Peter Edward Uhlig and Laurel Addyson Whatley; and in every two dollar bill, balloon or coin he gave to a stranger or a friend.
By the way, none of the people listed above really need flowers. If you’d like to remember Charles, here are some organizations that were important to him that could use your support:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
The Auburn Salvation Army
The Auburn University Water Polo Club
EDWIN PHILLIPS WHEALDON JR.
Edwin Phillips Whealdon, Jr. was born on Aug. 7, 1946, in Midland, Texas, to Edwin Phillips Whealdon, Sr. and Florence Moe Whealdon. He arrived five years after his sister Mary and six years ahead of his brother Tom. He grew up in Midland, but his family made annual summer trips back to Superior, Wisconsin, to visit his grandfather, A.D. Whealdon, as well as to the Whealdon family farm in Caldwell, Ohio. Ed’s mother was a first-generation American from Norway, and his father was descended from Isaac Whealdon, who came to America from Wales in 1682. Ed was very proud both of his Norwegian heritage and of his “just let me spell it for you” last name with the “H” and “A” thrown in for no good reason other than it being the Welsh spelling.
Ed participated in lots of sports growing up — baseball, track and field, football and swimming. A claim to fame was he played Little League baseball with George W. Bush before the Bush family moved to Houston. He had a circle of close friends in Midland with whom he remained close throughout his adult life.
He graduated from Midland High School in 1965 and enrolled in Texas Christian University. Having really enjoyed social life at TCU, he was invited to take a semester off. Uncle Sam came quickly calling, and he was drafted into the Marine Corps on Dec. 1, 1968. He completed basic training at Camp Pendleton and was assigned to Camp Lejeune as a clerk/typist. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on Sept. 1, 1970, having achieved the rank of corporal, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
He enrolled at Texas Tech in Jan. 1971, and there he met the love of his life, Jana Copeland, on a blind date. By March, he had proposed, and they married on Jan. 8, 1972. Following graduation from Texas Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in chemistry, they moved to Nacogdoches for him to pursue master’s-level work in psychology at Stephen F. Austin State University. Their first daughter, Jennifer, was born while he was in graduate school at SFA. They moved to Irving, Texas, in March 1976 and then to Carrollton, Texas, in Jan. 1978, where they would live for the next 35 years. They added two more daughters to their family, Whitney in 1979 and Leslie in 1982. Ed initially worked for the Garland Assistance Program and then for 28 years as the Social Services director for the Garland branch of The Salvation Army until his early retirement in 2006. He was very committed to his work at The Salvation Army, where he received the Second Mile Award. He also was an active participant in the North Central Texas Council of Governments. He went back to school and earned a degree in math and computer science from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1984. He also trained as a basketball referee and officiated both boys and girls basketball at the high school level for many years. In the mid-1990s, he began to work the “north gate” at CFBISD athletic events, which he continued to do until he and Jana moved to Auburn in late 2013.
In Texas, he was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, where he served as an usher for many years and chaired the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee in the early 1990s. Throughout his daughters’ growing-up years, he was the consummate “girl dad.” He definitely loved his daughters. He cried his way down the aisle at their weddings. He welcomed his first grandchild, Reagan, in Aug. 2004, and soon became “the best Poppie ever” not only to Reagan but also to Harper, Denton, Gracen and Asher.
After moving to Auburn in 2013, he joined the Auburn Lions Club, where he served in leadership roles, including president for two years. He received the Dewey Turner Award each year for committed service to the Lions Club and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow. As part of his Lions Club service, he worked at Auburn football, track and field, softball and equestrian events. He was a member of the Marine Corps League and participated in the AUMC Veteran Ministry. He was an active member of Auburn UMC, where he served as an usher for over 10 years and was a member of the Heart Mind and Soul Sunday School class. He participated in Jubilee Ministry activities at AUMC, and he and Jana made many trips with the Jubilee “On the Road Again” group.
He and Jana were also able to make a number of amazing international trips as well as trips throughout the U.S., but the best trips to him were the many trips back to Texas to visit family, going to the beach with the whole family and traipsing all over the Southeast to watch their granddaughters play volleyball. He proudly wore his “Best Volleyball Poppie Ever” T-shirt. The most special trip was a whole-family trip to Belize in 2022 to celebrate Ed and Jana’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Ed had major health problems beginning in 2024, which he faced with courage, resilience and determination. He always had the best smile. He began participating in the REACH Community Respite Ministry in late 2024 and kept everyone entertained. No matter how poorly he was doing, he always responded, “I feel fine” and “I am doing great,” even when he clearly did not feel fine and was not doing great. But he did so want to “go home,” and at 6:55 a.m. on Aug. 15, with Jana by his side, he was able to find his way home.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jana; his daughters, Jennifer Gamble (Dallas), Whitney Whealdon (John Cox) and Leslie Loyd (Aaron); his five grandchildren, Reagan, Harper and Denton Gamble and Gracen and Asher Loyd; his sister, Mary Brown (Don); his brother, Thomas Whealdon (Kristy Myers); and six nieces, many great-nieces and great-nephews.
His service will be held in the main sanctuary at Auburn United Methodist Church, 137 S. Gay St., Auburn at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ed Whealdon for REACH Memorials at Auburn United Methodist Church. You can mail a check or give online at www.aumc.onlinegiving.org/donate/customform/1317#!/.
Ed’s ashes will be taken to Texas at a later date to be placed in the columbarium at Christ United Methodist Church.
EMILIE TUCKER
Emilie Ruth Tucker Klein, 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2026, in Opelika.
Emilie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of many. She cherished her family deeply and took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A woman of many talents and interests, Emilie loved cooking, sewing, gardening, birds and animals. She found happiness in the simple beauty of nature and in creating a warm and loving home for those around her.
Emilie was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cullman, Alabama, and was a longtime member of First Methodist Church. Her faith and love for her family were important parts of her life.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Alva Gene Tucker; sons Rodney Tucker and John Tucker.
She is survived by her children Gary Tucker, Shirley Harrington (Aaron), Loretta Lowery and Alisa McDonald (John).
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jason Harrington (JoAnn), Ana Doughty (Benjamin), Derek Harrington (Mary Katherine), Hannah McDonald, Tucker Eiland (Hannah), Karley Tucker (Hunter), Kolten Tucker (Kaylee) and Kaylen Tucker.
Her great-grandchildren include Emery Harrington, Cooper Harrington, Levi Harrington, Holly Doughty and Emilie Harrington.
Emilie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, faith and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life in Cullman, Alabama, at a later date. The family appreciates your love, prayers and support during this difficult time.
RONALD “RON” GIVENS
Ronald Edward Givens (Ron) passed away on Aug. 21, 2026 in Auburn. A beloved son, brother, father, uncle and grandfather was born on June 3, 1959, in Troy, Alabama. Ron had a full life as a PGA Professional and later worked with his father in Norcross, Georgia. He graduated from Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas in 1977 where he found his passion on the school golf team. He later played on the University of Texas golf team before beginning his career as a PGA professional where he worked and organized golf tournaments in Texas, Florida and Georgia. He joined his dad’s automotive business before retiring in Auburn. He was active with Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle Scout rank and most recently awarded the Silver Beaver award for his dedication to the Northeast Georgia Boy Scout Chapter and hard work on Scout Day with the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his parents Thomas and Marian Givens; sisters Deedee Johnson (Tony) and Laurie Moore (John); his children Emily, John and Katherine Givens; granddaughters Laura and Leia; nieces and nephews Madison Johnson, Chandler Johnson (Kaci), Sam Moore (Alyssa) and Lily Moore.
The family thanks Trinity Methodist Church for their support and the doctors and medical staff at the Spencer Cancer Center for their excellent care.
There was a service for Ron on Monday, Aug. 24 at Mount Olive Church in Opelika, with burial immediately following. Always a Texas Longhorn…”Hook ‘em Horns!”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Georgia Council at www.nega-bsa.org/donate.
PHILIPP ARTHUR BYERS II
Philipp Arthur Byers II, 50, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Notasulga, Alabama, on Aug. 18, 2026.
Born on Nov. 1, 1975, in Hillsdale, Michigan, Philipp was the beloved son of Philipp and Sue Byers. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and cherished friend. Philipp could light up a room simply by being there, and his infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him. His presence touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A talented artist, Philipp enjoyed working on projects with his wife and spending time with his family, including his five beloved fur babies. He was a simple man who took tremendous pride in everything he did. A dedicated and hardworking person, Philipp put his heart and soul into all that he undertook.
Philipp met his wife, Stephenie, in 2006 on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. It was love at first sight. After dating for 10 years, they were married on Sept. 23, 2016, in Destin, Florida, their favorite place. They returned to Destin for every anniversary because it held so many happy memories for them.
Philipp and Stephenie shared 20 wonderful years together, along with their five fur babies: TJ, Ophelia, Koal, Maizey Blue and Zeus. Each brought immeasurable love, life and joy into their family, and Philipp loved them with all his heart. Although their years together were an extraordinary gift, they were not nearly enough. Their love will always be treasured. Until they meet again, Philipp will remain deeply loved, forever remembered and always missed.
Philipp is survived by his wife, Stephenie; their three fur babies, Ophelia, Koal and Zeus; his mother, Sue Byers; his sister, Lori (Ronald) Risher; and many other beloved family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Philipp Byers; his grandparents, Arthur and Lore Byers and Ray and Frances Randall; and his beloved fur babies, TJ and Maizey Blue.
A celebration of Philipp’s life will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon Central Time.
MICHAEL “MIKE” WILLIAMS
Michael “Mike” Williams, 82, of Notasulga passed peacefully on Aug. 20, 2026.
Mike was a remarkable scientist and entomologist whose dedication to his work, generosity in sharing his knowledge and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to entomology and Auburn University will be remembered with great respect and appreciation.
Mike was born in Paragould, Arkansas, to Myron and Lois Williams.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Arkansas State University before continuing his studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he earned a master’s degree in entomology and biology and, in 1972, a Ph.D. in entomology.
From 1971 to 1973, he served as the assistant state entomologist for the Maryland State Department of Agriculture.
Mike devoted the bulk of his professional life to Auburn University, where he was a longtime professor of entomology and served for many years as department chair. A dedicated scholar and researcher, his research took him around the world. He spoke Spanish, one of the many ways his curiosity and learning extended beyond his own field.
During his career, he was selected for inclusion in Personalities of the South, American Men and Women of Science, Who’s Who in America and International Directory of Distinguished Leadership. In 2019, Mike was named a Distinguished Alumnus in Academia by Virginia Tech’s Alumni Organization.
He was a quiet, gentle and loving man with multiple talents who left a lasting impression through his scientific career. He will be missed and remembered by countless students and colleagues whose careers were inspired and encouraged by him.
Mike found happiness in a simple and full life—spending time with his family, working on his land, hunting and fishing, woodcarving and sharing lunch and conversation with friends at the senior center and his men’s group at church. He carried a lifelong curiosity about the natural world, especially insects and his family and friends sent countless pictures of bugs for him to identify.
He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was actively involved for many years and served as an elder.
He had a hard time throwing things away and was known for keeping nearly everything and occasionally for collecting things other people had discarded.
Above all, Mike will be remembered for his goodness, his quiet nature and the steady affection he gave to his family and the people around him.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Lois Williams; and his brother, Ronnie Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Williams; his children, Greg (Sandi) Williams of Auburn and Katie (Kyle) Lindsey of Auburn; his grandchildren, Toni (Jim) Patrick, Erica (Alex) Farrell, Stewart (Micaela) Kaye, Spencer Kaye and Grace Kaye; and his great-grandchildren, Cassidy and William Patrick and Graeme and Conor Farrell. He is also survived by his sister, Janine Morrow; and nephew, Adam Morrow.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the church.
Following cremation, his family will gather privately to scatter his ashes in a beloved place on his land.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Mike’s memory to make a donation to the Presbyterian Community Ministry at pcm-al.org.
DR. DWIGHT FOSTER WOLFE
A Life of Dedication and Grace
Dr. Dwight Foster Wolfe, a master surgeon and teacher whose four-decade career shaped generations of veterinarians, passed away on Aug. 20, 2026. He was 81.
A native of Tennessee, Dr. Wolfe earned his B.S. from the University of Tennessee (1973) and his D.V.M. from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (1977). After three years in mixed practice, he returned to Auburn, completing his Master’s in large animal surgery and medicine (1982) and his residency in Theriogenology (1983). He joined the faculty as assistant professor and rose to professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, becoming one of the nation’s most influential farm animal veterinarians. He was board-certified by the American College of Theriogenologists and served as president of both that organization and the Society for Theriogenology — a distinction earned by only four diplomates. Auburn honored him by naming the Wolfe Barn in the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital in 2006.
But what mattered most was the teaching. When he retired, his students and colleagues honored him with four words: legend, teacher, mentor and friend. He was known for his patience, his clinical excellence and his ability to make difficult work meaningful. Those who studied under him carried his influence throughout their careers.
He was deeply devoted to his wife Karen — his best friend and partner. He was a loving father to Bill, Jesse and Josh. His sister Dianne was central to his life. He was a craftsman in everything he touched.
His honors include Alabama Veterinarian of the Year (2004), Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame (2006), Auburn’s Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010), the Bartlett Award for Lifetime Achievement (2011), and Distinguished Alumnus Award (2012). His legacy lives in the countless students and colleagues shaped by his example.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Will; and a beloved nephew, David.
Dr. Wolfe is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons Bill, Jesse and Josh; six grandchildren; his sister Dianne; his two nephews; the eight children of his nephews; and Dianne’s four great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be posted shortly.
Flowers may be sent to the service location, or those wishing to honor Dr. Wolfe’s legacy may make a donation to Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
A Life Celebrated
YVONNE CAPPS
Yvonne Capps, born on July 6, 1959, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.
She was a rare combination of pure kindness and spicy attitude. She loved fiercely, defended her people passionately and never hesitated to speak her mind. She was the ultimate loyal friend and the heart of her family.
To know her was to know the true definition of unconditional love. She gave the best hugs, told the absolute truth, protected and loved her family above all else. We will miss her warmth, her fire and her unforgettable laugh.
Yvonne is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 50 years, Danny Capps, of Opelika, Alabama; her daughters, Lindy Bengtson (Kyle Bengtson), Crystal Sumner (Chuck Sumner) and Erica Capps Burrows; her brothers, Willie Sheppard (Linda), Roy Sheppard and Tony Sheppard (Cyndi); sister-in-law, Gina Sheppard; her grandchildren, Chase Sumner (Kaylie), Caleb Sumner (Makenzie), Peyton Burrows, Madisyn Sumner, Bailee (Austin) Bengtson, Abby Bengtson and Jamison Burrows; her great-grandchildren, Brayleigh Sumner, Mary Collins Sumner and Bradley Sumner.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her father, John Melton “Pete” Sheppard; her mother, Jean “Big Momma” Sheppard; her brother Melton Sheppard; her niece Lindsey Sheppard; her grandson, Carson Sumner; her sister-in-law, Betty Sheppard; her father-in-law, William “Bill” Capps and mother-in-law Hazel Capps.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at Providence Baptist Church beginning at 1 p.m. CT. A visitation was held one hour prior. Yvonne will be laid to rest in the Watoola Methodist Church Cemetery.
