Obituaries
Marion “Frank” Kelly
Funeral service for Mr. Marion “Frank” Kelly, 77, of Ashland, was Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Alex City Church of Christ. Minister Brendan Chance and Minister James Cullins officiated. Burial followed in the Hillview Memorial Park.
Mr. Kelly was born on November 21, 1947, in Harvest to James Earl Kelly and Willa Dean Whitt Kelly. A proud 1966 graduate of Central High School in Phenix City, Frank’s journey of service began with a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a respected Master Sergeant. His post-military path saw him share his analytical skills as a Real Estate Appraiser and contribute his work ethic at Russell Corp in their distribution center.
Beyond his professional life, Frank was a devoted member of the Alex City Church of Christ. His leisure time was marked by the shuffling of Rook cards, the creation of woodwork masterpieces, the transformation of houses through his expert flipping, and the turning of countless pages as an avid reader. Frank’s legacy is one of honor, patriotism, and a life zestfully lived. He will be profoundly missed.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Kelly-Hill (Bo) of Alexander City; son, Lee Kelly (Tanya) of Clayton, N.C.; grandchildren, Amanda Kelly, Jay Hill, Leanne Kelly, and Payton Powell; great-grandchild, Karson Kelly; sisters, Tanya Schindler of Alexander City and Brenda Dunham (Tim) of Goodwater; and brother, Charles Kelly (Nell) of Alexander City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda Kelly; son, Daniel Kelly; sisters, Mary Strickland and Avis Barker.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Marion “Frank” Kelly.
Brenda Joyce Phillips
Funeral service for Mrs. Brenda Joyce Phillips, 77, of Alexander City, was Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Dr. Albert Pike and Bro. Claude Bennett officiated. Burial followed in the Kellyton Memory Garden.
Brenda passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025. She was born on October 24, 1947, in Dadeville to Harvey and Delores Berry. Brenda was a loving, generous, and compassionate woman. She was a devoted wife and mother. Everyone else was always “first” in her life. She had a servant’s heart that was genuine. Her love for her Savior was exemplified in her daily life. She met the love of her life, “Tonk,” 61 years ago. As they were dating, she told him that she wanted three things in life…a boy, a girl, and a swimming pool. She got all three! Her love and devotion to her family were exceptional.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Phillips; daughter, Rhonda Phillips; son, Timothy T. Phillips; grandchildren, Zack (Alanna) Phillips, Zane Phillips, Spencer Forbes, Lauren Childs; great-grandchildren, Gibson Forbes, Elliot Childs; and brother, Tony Berry.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kenneth Berry.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Brenda Joyce Phillips.
Linda Hancock Sanford
Funeral service for Mrs. Linda Hancock Sanford, 65, of Goodwater, will be Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Hackneyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Born into the loving arms of Wilton and Ethelene Hancock, Linda’s early years were filled with the joys of a close-knit family in Hackneyville, where she graduated from Hackneyville High School. Her educational pursuits laid the foundation for a career marked by dedication and excellence. Linda’s professional journey began at Russell Corporation, where she excelled as a corporate trainer, inspiring countless individuals with her knowledge and enthusiasm.
In the early 90s, Linda’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to Sho’Nuff BBQ, where she started humbly but quickly ascended to management. Her acumen and hard work culminated in taking over ownership in 2018, where she was recognized as a top-notch businesswoman. Linda’s remarkable ability to lead with both firmness and warmth earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and associates.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda’s world revolved around her family, who were her pride and joy. She is survived by her children, Adam (Samantha) Sanford and Hayley (Anthony) Sanford; her cherished grandchildren, Addison and Bailey Sanford; her devoted siblings, Bonnie (Paul) Hancock-Bishop, Wendy Hancock, and Johnny (Christine) Hancock; and her beloved nephews and niece, Cody (Madison) Hancock-Flournoy, Alex (Morgan) Hancock, Shelley Hancock, and John (Kim) Hancock.
Linda’s zest for life extended well into her personal passions. An artist at heart, she found solace and expression in painting, a hobby where she could translate her innermost feelings onto canvas. Her hands were rarely still, as she delighted in baking, a testament to her ability to create warmth and sweetness in both her kitchen and her relationships. Woodworking showcased her strength and precision, while her love for her dogs; Toby Wan, Lucy (loose wheels), and Chloe; reflected her nurturing soul.
An avid gardener, Linda’s canning skills preserved the essence of the seasons, much like the way she preserved the best of memories with those she loved. Yet, above all her interests, being a mother remained her most cherished role. Linda’s unwavering dedication to her children and grandchildren was the hallmark of her life, and her legacy of love will continue to flourish in them.
Linda’s life was one of vibrancy and passion, and those who knew her would describe her as nothing less than loving and spirited. Her laughter was infectious, her advice invaluable, and her presence comfort to all fortunate enough to be in her orbit.
As we say goodbye to Linda Hancock Sanford, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a life rich with love, creativity, and an unstoppable spirit. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she touched, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations. Linda’s journey on earth may have concluded, but her story – told through the lives she shaped and the love she gave – will never end.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda H. Sanford.
Verna Sue Wadkins
Funeral service for Ms. Verna Sue Wadkins, 98, of Alexander City, will be Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Coleman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Ms. Wadkins, lovingly known by all as “Granny,” passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Russell Medical. She was born on April 1, 1926, in Coosa County to William Jesse West and Charlsie Davis West. She was a member of Orr Street Baptist Church for over 50 years before moving her membership to New Providence Baptist Church. Granny worked for many years at Russell Mills. She was a strong woman of faith who could always be found reading her Bible. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol (Mike) Knox of Alexander City; son, Rickey (Judy) Wadkins of Scottsboro; grandchildren, Misty (Roger) Myers, Andy Wadkins, Chris (Jennifer) Knox, and Kelli (Chuck) Riddle; great-grandchildren, Ragan Myers, John Hollis Myers, Danielle (Auston) Bryson, Kaleigh Wadkins, Shila Grace Wadkins, Bailey Knox, Macie Knox, Parker Knox, and Charlee Ann Riddle; great-great-grandchildren, Oakley Bryson and Brinlee Bryson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Lou Smith and Mildred Richardson; brothers, Willard West and J.T. West.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Verna Sue Wadkins.
