Obituaries
Sammie Gallman Franklin
Funeral service for Sammie Gallman Franklin, 80, of Sylacauga, was Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Radney-Smith Chapel with Bro. Harold Meherg officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga.
Sammie was born in Goodwater on May 30, 1942, and lived in Sylacauga the duration of her life. She passed away on July 16, 2022, after a lengthy illness.
She is survived by husband, Carlton Franklin, the love of her life for 43 years. Together they shared 5 children, Debbie Dupree Murray (Eddie), Marsha Dupree Barnett (Thomas), Cindy Franklin (Mark Braswell), Amy Dupree Giddens (Tony), and Jamie Franklin (Tina); and one surviving sister, Bessie Gallman Bivin.
She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Stephen Bates (Amber), Rachel Bates Freeman (Mark), Frankie Hamilton, Jonathan Norred (Heather), Ryan Lovett (Danielle), Brandon Lovett (Stacey), Anna Barnes, Jarried Giddens (Adrian), Haley Giddens McGinnis (Blaise), Tyler Giddens (Ashley), Caitlyn Giddens, Josh Franklin (Samantha), Lauren Franklin (Brandon Krueger), Kristen Franklin (Wynn Campbell), Loren Richardson, Allison Pugh, and Bronson Franklin; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a numerous number of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father, William Harvey Gallman; mother, Lucille Bates Gallman; grandson Joseph “Joey” Norred; brothers, Curtis Gallman, Otis Gallman, Joseph Ira Gallman; sisters, Myrtice Gallman Weathers, Eunice Gallman Bassett, Betty Lou Gallman Kane, Linda Gallman Weathers; also one godson, Eric Cashman.
She was loved by so many people. Most especially her family. She loved her grandchildren the best. Her grandchildren all knew her as Mamaw Sammie and she was so very proud of each and every one of them.
She was a member of Overbrook Assembly of God. She loved to sing for the Lord. She played the piano and sang for many years. Her love for music inspired several children and grandchildren to sing and play music. She was known by so many young people for Vacation Bible School many years ago and her faithful work in the church before her illness. She also loved to cook and everyone loved her cooking especially her chicken and dressing and green beans and red velvet cake.
She was always loving and always encouraged others to do the right thing and live for the Lord.
Sammie and Carlton’s love was like the movie “Note Book;” they loved each other so much and never wanted to be apart. Their love was unconditional and never ending. His promise to her and love they had for each other never wavered. Theirs was a storybook love.
The family would like to thank Coosa Valley Medical Center, Enhabit Hospice, and also Howard and Brenda Barnett, along with Jerry Wayne Gay, who have been wonderful neighbors and always there when we needed them.
Pallbearers were Stephen Bates, Jonathan Norred, Ryan Lovett, Brandon Lovett, Josh Franklin, Jarried Giddens, and Tyler Giddens. Honorary pallbearer was Bronson Franklin.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the services.
Dorothy Griffin
Funeral service for Mrs. Dorothy Griffin, 91, of Goodwater, was Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Matthew Reames officiated. Burial followed in the Smyrna Cemetery.
Mrs. Griffin passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at her residence. She was born on February 13, 1931, in Goodwater to Fredrick Bliss Dunham and Eula Mae Phillips Dunham. She was a member of Kellyton Baptist Church. Dorothy enjoyed sewing and gardening. She liked spending time at the Goodwater Senior Center. She loved spending time with her family, cooking, and watching westerns.
She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Griffin (Darryl) Ingram of Goodwater; sons, Calvin H. Neighbors Jr. (Ann) of Kellyton, Johnny Wayne Neighbors, Fredrick Jack Griffin, both of Goodwater; grandchildren, Christy Culp, Pamela Lankford, Trista Maceda, Josh Neighbors, Hollie Letcher, and Lexie Griffin; great-grandchildren, Zack, Tyler, Alex, Annabelle, Holland, Sophie, Vinton, Judson (Little Jack), Joey, and Elijah.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Calvin H. Neighbors Sr.; husband, Jack H. Griffin; brothers, Wilber Dunham, Louis Dunham and Harold Dunham.
A special thanks to EnHabit Hospice for the wonderful care she received. She truly loved every one of you.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Dranon Steve Smith
Mr. Dranon Steve Smith, 68, of Goodwater, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Russell Medical Center. He was born on July 15, 1954, in Alexander City to Marion Floyd Smith and Yvonne Jones Smith. Steve was a skilled mechanic. He enjoyed reading. He loved his family and friends and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his mother, Yvonne Smith of Goodwater; sister, Brenda Simmons (Timothy) of Columbia, Tennessee; brothers, Michael Smith (Shafonda) of Alexander City and Gregory Smith (Peggy) of Hackneyville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Floyd Smith; and wife, Tequila Smith.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lucille Thompson
Funeral service for Ms. Lucille Thompson, 75, of Alexander City, was Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Bobby Anderson officiated.
Ms. Thompson passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Russell Medical Center. She was born on April 11, 1947, in Chambers County to Grady McManus and Bernice Causey McManus. She enjoyed reading and cooking. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Paige Adams (Larry) of Alexander City; son, Chris Thompson of Alexander City; daughter, Kimberly Thompson of Tuscaloosa; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hendrix (Timmy), Brooklyn Adams, Tiffany Allen (Ben), Lauren White, Hayden Thompson (Shelby); 10 great -grandchildren; sisters, Bessie Parrish of Alexander City, Polly Anderson (Bobby) of Dothan, and Ann Ficquette of Equality; and a bonus sister, Sara Jacobs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles McManus; and sister, June Sanford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.