Obituaries
Jonathan Blake Bullard
Blake Bullard, age 35, of Childersburg, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Blake is survived by his mother, Paula Beckham (Matthew Clayburn); father, Greg Bullard (Mary Kay); brothers, Nickalous Lee Thomas (O’Brinka Echols Thomas) and Cameron Evan Beckham; and grandmother, Mary Frances Bullard.
Blake was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bobby Ray Thomas, Diane Elizabeth Cooper, and Benny Earl Bullard.
A visitation for Blake was held Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga. Following the visitation was a graveside service at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery, 14553 Coosa County Road 29, Weogufka.
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 directed the service.
Danny Stephen Bush
Graveside service for Mr. Danny Stephen Bush, 74, of Rockford, was Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Swamp Creek Cemetery. Pastor Tony Harris officiated.
Mr. Bush passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. He was born on August 18, 1951. Danny was a simple man and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved being outside, whether it was sitting on the tailgate of his truck, working in the shop or eating cornbread and milk. He enjoyed working with his hands and could fix anything. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the City of Wetumpka as a mechanic.
He is survived by his daughter, Zara Bush; son, William Bush; grandchildren, Lindsey Brown and Damien Brown; sisters, LaJean Guthrey, Nancy Heck and Betty Jo Hallaman; and brother, George Ferguson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Frances Ferguson.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Danny Stephen Bush.
Larry M. Carden
Funeral service for Larry M. Carden of Rockford was Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Curtis and Son North Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Fuller officiating. Burial followed at Sears Chapel Cemetery.
Mr. Carden passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jones and Brookie Carden; daughter, Nikki Johns; brothers, Joe Carden, Mack Carden and Ray Carden.
Mr. Carden was the owner of Cross Cut Logging, and he loved being outdoors hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Dot Carden; daughter, Kelley Carden Strength (James); son, Shane Carden (Michelle); grandchildren, Derek Nassick, Zachary Nassick, Olivia McGinnis, Jacoby Carden, Colton Hardy, Kyler Johns; and great-grandchildren, Alayiah McGinnis, Kree McGinnis, and Cash Nassick.
Pallbearers were Shane Carden, Jacoby Carden, Colton Hardy, Kyler Johns, Joseph Carden, and Kevin Carden.
Charles Todd Hayes Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. Charles Todd Hayes Sr., 95, of Kellyton, was Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Kellyton First Global Methodist. Rev. Mike Jackson officiated. Burial followed in the Kellyton Memory Garden. Veterans Honors were provided by the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard.
Charles T. Hayes Sr., a pillar of strength and a beacon of generosity in his community, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born to the late Madison Foster Hayes and Mabel Hayes, Charles was a man of faith and family, whose legacy is carried on by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Charles is survived by his devoted son, Todd (Lynn) Hayes of Alexander City; his loving daughters, Tracy (Sammy) Teel of Alexander City, and Teresa (Dale) Burns of Goodwater. His spirit will live on through his cherished grandchildren, Charles (Jane) Hayes III, Al (Elizabeth) Teel, Denver “Andy” (Kassey) Burns, Carter (Ric) Hayes, Austin (Casey) Teel, and Kristian (Joseph Wallace) Dean. His great-grandchildren, Rachel Hayes, Alison Hayes, Gabriel Burns, Bryce Burns, Hunter Burns, Parker Dean, James Teel, George Teel, Mazie Teel, and Lily Teel, will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandfather’s kindness and love for life.
A proud graduate of Goodwater High School where he played basketball, Charles went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years, an experience that shaped his character and instilled in him a sense of duty. After his service, he returned to the Hayes family wood business, later becoming a self-employed truck driver, a profession that allowed him to touch the lives of many.
Charles was a man of deep Christian faith and devoted member of the Kellyton First Global Methodist Church, which guided him throughout his life and was evident in his selfless actions. His interests were a reflection of his joyous spirit; he was an avid Atlanta Braves and Auburn Tigers fan, a passion he shared with his family and friends. Charles also found solace in nature as a quail hunter and enjoyed the camaraderie of pitching softball.
A lifetime member of the Alexander City Elks Club, Charles relished playing cards with fellow members and was known for his friendly banter and quick wit. His commitment to his community was further demonstrated through his roles as president of the Kellyton Civitan Club and Community Club. Even in his leisure time, Charles enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as watching Wheel of Fortune and spending time with his canine companions.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nelda Ward Hayes; his brothers, Denver “Dink” Hayes, Cecil Hayes, Marlin “Doc” Hayes, Clifford “Monk” Hayes; and his sisters, Ruth H. DuPriest and Emogene H. Sorrell.
Described as faith-filled, generous, and selfless, Charles T. Hayes Sr. was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and service in the community he loved so dearly. Charles’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, and his story will be told with pride and affection for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Kellyton First Global Methodist Church; P.O. Box 62; Kellyton, AL, 35089.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Charles Todd Hayes.
Barbara Nickolson
Funeral service for Mrs. Barbara Nickolson, 78, of Goodwater, will be Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Goodwater Baptist Church. Mrs. Nickolson will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Bro. Leonard Ray King will officiate. Burial will follow in the Greenview Cemetery.
Mrs. Barbara “Bobbie” Cumbie Nickolson, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 14, 1946, in Eatonton, Georgia, to Floyd Allen Cumbie and Onie Mae McGinnis Cumbie, Bobbie’s life was a testament to the power of joy, the strength of gentleness, and the enduring nature of faith. She was a woman whose Christian values guided her every action, inspiring those around her to embrace life with open hearts and open arms. She was an active member of Goodwater Baptist Church.
Bobbie’s legacy is carried on by her loving family: her devoted son, Rick Nickolson of Goodwater; her cherished daughter, Lynn N. (Matthew) Ethridge of Bay Minette; her adored granddaughter, Heather (Mike) Burns; her treasured grandson, Aaron Nickolson; and her precious great-granddaughter, McKenzie Vick. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Betty Futral; her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly (Gene) Cochran; and her brother, Jim (Terri) Cumbie and sister-in-law, Brenda Cumbie, along with numerous nieces and nephews who were all touched by her radiant spirit. Bobbie was reunited in eternity with her late father, Floyd Allen Cumbie; her mother, Onie Mae Cumbie; her beloved husband, Sherril “Coon” Nickolson; and her brother, Jack Cumbie.
Bobbie’s life was a beautiful mosaic of moments that reflected her loving nature, her funny wit, and her gentle soul. She had the remarkable ability to light up a room with her humor and to ease any burden with her kindness. Friends and family alike will remember her for the warmth of her smile, the sincerity of her laughter, and the depth of her compassion. She was a motivational force without even trying, encouraging all who knew her to find the silver lining in every cloud and to spread love as abundantly as she did.
Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence, which she expressed through her actions more than her words. Bobbie’s belief in love, forgiveness, and grace was evident in the way she lived her life and in the legacy she leaves behind. She encouraged everyone to walk a path of faith, to hold onto hope, and to practice charity, teaching by example that the greatest of these is love.
As we celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Barbara “Bobbie” Cumbie Nickolson, let us honor her memory by emulating her virtues. Let us share laughter in the face of sorrow, offer comfort to those in need, and cherish each day as a gift. Bobbie’s story does not end here; it continues in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless lives she touched with her extraordinary spirit.
In remembering Bobbie, let us not dwell on our loss, but rather be inspired by her life. She would want us to seize the day, to find joy in the small things, and to love with all our might. Let us take comfort in knowing that her journey was a remarkable one, and she now rests in the eternal love and peace of her Creator. Bobbie’s memory will forever be a guiding light, a gentle reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived, and the enduring power of a loving heart.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara Nickolson.
