Obituaries

Earl Caldwell

 

Funeral service for Mr. Earl Caldwell, 67, of Equality, was Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Jimmy Brown officiated.

Earl Caldwell; a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; passed away surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life richly lived. Earl was a resident of Equality, where he shared many joyful years with his beloved wife, Chris Elizabeth Caldwell.

Born to the late Bob Caldwell and Pauline “Polly” Epperson, Earl was a beacon of light in his community and an example of steadfast commitment to his family. He is survived by his wife, Chris, and their blended family that was the heart of his world: sons, William Cory (Tammy) Ozment, William Evan (Tommie) Caldwell, Michael (Benny) McGill, Mark (Sarah) McGill, Josh (Stephanie) McAlister; daughter, Crystal McAlister; grandchildren, Alex Ozment, Chloe Ozment, Brian (Tammy) Foshee, Alyson (Steven) Brasher, Brandon Foshee, and Caden Sharpe; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Lockwood, Maci Lockwood, and Annie Brasher. Earl also leaves behind his loving siblings, sister, Ann (Roger) Pinkston; sister, Teresa (Doyle) Coker; brother, James Robert (Karen) Caldwell; and sister-in-law, Lynn Benson; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

For over four decades, Earl was a dedicated truck driver for Russell Corporation, where his strong work ethic and amiable nature were well known. Following his long service there, he continued to contribute to his community through his work with the Alabama Department of Transportation for an additional five years. His involvement in these roles showcased his reliability and the pride he took in his work.

Outside of his professional life, Earl was an avid gardener, finding peace and contentment in the nurturing of his plants. His love for nature extended to raising various birds, including quail, pheasant, turkeys, chickens, and peacocks. His garden and aviary were places of wonder for his family and friends, embodying his nurturing spirit.

An outdoorsman at heart, Earl cherished the times he spent hunting, embracing the tranquility and excitement of the natural world. His love for the outdoors was a passion he enjoyed sharing with his loved ones, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Those who knew Earl will remember him as a loving, funny, and thoughtful man. His sense of humor brought smiles to many, and his thoughtful gestures never went unnoticed. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome and valued, touching the lives of many with his kindness and warmth.

Earl’s love for his family was unparalleled. He was a pillar of strength, offering guidance and support while celebrating each of their successes. His legacy will live on in the stories told, the lessons learned, and the love he gave so freely.

Earl Caldwell lived a life that exemplified the values of dedication, love, and humor. His presence will be profoundly missed, but the impact he made on those around him will endure. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to guide us in the days to come.

As we mourn the loss of Earl, we also celebrate the life he lived and the joy he brought to so many. His spirit remains with us, in the beauty of a well-tended garden, the song of a bird at dawn, and the laughter shared among family and friends. Earl Caldwell’s memory will be cherished forever by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Gateway Garlic Farms, Venmo @gatewaygarlic, for a memorial fig tree to be planted in Earl’s honor or to Rockford Baptist Church MANNA Ministry; 9575 U.S. Highway 231; Rockford, AL, 35136.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of William Earl Caldwell.

 

Nellie Culberson

 

On July 16, 2024, Nellie Culberson of Sylacauga passed away at the age of 90 at the Coosa Valley Medical Center Nursing Home.

Nellie Mae Lane Culberson (Nanny) was born on February 16, 1934, in Sylacauga to William and Carrie Lane. She was happily married to her loving husband, Clarence E. Culberson, for 62 years. Together they had five children.

Everyone called her Nanny… she was everybody’s Nanny. You never met her without her claiming you as “one of hers.” She always provided support and love to her family and friends. She never met a stranger, and you could always count on a big hug and a hot cup of coffee. Her heart and home were always open to everyone. She is known from West Coosa to West Texas for her homemade biscuits, gravy, fried chicken, and deer meat.

She loved to fish, watch the Atlanta Braves, yell Roll Tide Go Bammer, and she especially enjoyed family gatherings because she could try a new recipe.

As we move forward, we carry the love and good times she brought into our lives. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will forever be in our hearts, reminding us to cherish each moment and hold tight to the bonds of family.

She was preceded in death by husband, Clarence Culberson; parents, William and Carrie Lane; daughter, Barbara Nell Culberson; sister, Inez Henderson; brothers, Albert Lane, Bob Lane and Bub Lane; grandson, Justin Coleman; and great-granddaughter, Savannah Blake Gaither.

Survived by sons, Charles (Lynn) Culberson of Prattville; Jerald (Susan) Culberson of Sylacauga; daughters, Sheila (Jimmy) Sparkman of Sylacauga; Regina (Rudy) Chavez of Sylacauga; bonus son, Carlos Lara of Pecos, Texas; and bonus daughter, Denise Clements of Pecos, Texas.

She had 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Jeremy Sparkman, James Sparkman, Gavin Sparkman, Ryan Gaither, Austin Culberson, and Greg Porter.

Honorary pallbearers were Caleb Sparkman, Corgan Sparkman, and Judah Sparkman.

We would like to give a very special thank you to the staff at Coosa Valley Medical Center Nursing Home for all the kindness, loving care and friendship shown to Nanny.

A funeral service occurred Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Radney-Smith Funeral Home.

Nellie was laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery; 1501 Talladega Highway; Sylacauga.

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.

 

James Wayne Woodfin

 

Funeral service for Mr. James Wayne Woodfin, 82, of Alexander City, was Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Hillabee Baptist Church. Rev. Chase Clower and Rev. Jerry Wheeles officiated. Burial followed in the Rehobeth United Methodist Church Cemetery.

James Wayne Woodfin, affectionately known as Wayne, left this world on July 17, 2024, at the age of 82. Born in Elmore County on January 4, 1942, Wayne was a beacon of love and kindness throughout his life. He passed away peacefully in Alexander City, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and compassion.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Helen Marie Woodfin, who was his partner in both life and faith. Together, they cultivated a home filled with love and spirituality, reading the Bible and praying together daily, truly embodying their shared theme, “Believe.” Wayne’s memory will be cherished by his beloved family, including his sisters-in-law, Elea Peppers, Nell Flournoy, Barbara Brown, and Lillian Stephens; brothers-in-law, Edward Brown and Neil Reddish; godchild, Geri Reddish-Druash; special niece, Monica Allen; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and close friends will also hold Wayne’s memory dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Elia and Cora Mae Woodfin; sister, Edna Earl Norwood; like a second mom, Betty Daugherty; sisters-in-law, Maydelle Autrey, Adelle Reddish, Faye Brown, Mary Brown, and Melinda Brown; and brothers-in-law, Billy Brown and Earl Brown.
Wayne was renowned for his extraordinary talents as an automobile mechanic, a craft he honed throughout his life with passion and dedication. His work was more than a profession; it was a testament to his ability to understand, connect with, and solve complex problems. His colleagues and those he served through his work will remember him as a master of his trade.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Wayne’s interests painted the picture of a man who embraced life’s joys with open arms. His beautiful voice and guitar-playing skills once found a home in the band Randy and the Road Runners, where he shared his musical gifts with others. Wayne was also a consummate handyman, capable of fixing anything that came his way, a trait that spoke to his resourcefulness and skill.
A man of deep faith, Wayne was a longtime member of Hillabee Baptist Church, where he found solace and community. His love for life extended to the simple pleasures, like being an excellent grill master, a testament to his love of good food and fellowship. An avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Wayne’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious, and game days were always a special occasion.
Despite being involved in a hunting accident 52 years ago, which left him with a handicap, Wayne’s indomitable spirit ensured that he never let his physical challenges define him or hinder his zest for life. This perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew him, demonstrating that the human spirit is capable of overcoming great adversity.
Wayne’s life was characterized by his loving nature, gentle demeanor, and kindness that touched the hearts of everyone he met. He lived by the principle that love was not just a feeling but an action, consistently showing care and compassion to his family, friends, and even strangers.
To say that Wayne loved everyone was not an exaggeration; he genuinely did, and he never had an enemy. His presence was a source of comfort and joy, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Wayne’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he enriched with his love and kindness.
As we bid farewell to James Wayne Woodfin, we celebrate a life well lived, a life filled with love, music, faith, and a spirit that could not be dampened. Wayne’s journey on earth has ended, but his story will continue to be told by those who loved him, and his memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to Enhabit Hospice for the wonderful love and care that was given to Wayne and the family. Thank you, also, to Brown Nursing Home for the care that was given.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of James Wayne Woodfin.