Obituaries
George “Big George” Richard Long
Funeral service for Mr. George Richard Long, 79, of Kellyton, will be Friday, October 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. James Long will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
George Richard Long; a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend; passed away surrounded by his loving family. Born into a large and close-knit family, George’s life was a testament to the values of love, generosity, and selflessness that he held dear.
George is survived by his devoted wife, Delorise McClendon Long of Kellyton, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was a proud father to his son, George R. Long Jr. (Michelle), and his daughter, April B. Rios (Alejandro). His grandchildren, Avery Madison Long, William R. Long, Meagan Hackler Allen, Lindsey Hackler, Madison Hackler, and Gavin Hackler brought immense joy to his life. George was also blessed to see the next generation grow with his great-grandchildren, Emma Allen, Carson Allen, and Wesley Brown. He leaves behind his caring sister, Delia Fay Chandler, and brother, James (Dian) Long, who will miss his guidance and companionship.
George was preceded in death by his father, Ocie Cornelius Long; mother, Eulia Inez Long; and his siblings, Vines Long, Eddie Mae Turner, Ann Fowler, Inellar Culver, Betty Jean Long, Veron Serrol Long, and Herman Hershal Long, as well as his sister, Heneretta Long Latta. His memory will be a beacon for all of them in the family that remains.
An alumnus of Goodwater High School, George furthered his education at Alexander City Junior College, where he earned an associate’s degree in business. This education laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to own and operate Longs Wild Bird Farm and Pine Wing Hunting Preserve. His skills as a bird dog trainer were unparalleled and brought him much recognition in his community.
George’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and comfort throughout his years. He lived his beliefs through his actions, always ready to lend a hand or offer support to those in need
An avid outdoorsman, George relished the time spent hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his enjoyment of cookouts with family and friends. These gatherings were often filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of George’s presence.
Those who knew George would describe him as loving, generous, and selfless. He never hesitated to put others before himself, and his legacy of kindness has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. George’s life was a journey of love, commitment, and service, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
As we bid farewell to George “Big George” Richard Long, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His spirit will forever dwell in the natural beauty of the world he cherished and in the lives of those he touched. George’s memory will be lovingly preserved within the stories passed down through generations and the countless moments of joy he created for his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the 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 George Richard Long.
Ruby Neal Newberry
Funeral service for Mrs. Ruby Neal Newberry, 85, of Alexander City, was Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Tim Harris, Rev. David Sherrell and Bro. Mikey Taylor officiated. Burial followed in the Hillview Memorial Park.
Ruby Neal Roberson Newberry, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away surrounded by the warmth of her family’s love. Her life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit and the joy she found in caring for those she held dear. Ruby’s legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, her work, and her community.
Born to Harmer David Roberson and Myrtle Lee Roberson, she was the cherished wife of the late James C. “Jimmy” Newberry and a loving sister to the late William David Roberson. Ruby’s life was a tapestry of love and dedication; woven through the many roles she embraced with grace and compassion.
Ruby’s professional journey was marked by over thirty years of dedicated service to the Coosa County school system, where she nurtured countless young minds with her wisdom and kindness. Her commitment to education was paralleled only by her tireless volunteer work with the Russell Hospital auxiliary, where she offered comfort and care to those in need.
A devout Christian, Ruby’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. It guided her through life’s challenges and inspired those around her. Her home was an extension of her heart, always open and filled with the fragrance of her beloved garden flowers. Ruby’s passion for gardening was matched by her love for cooking, and her kitchen was the heart of many family gatherings.
Ruby’s love story continued through her sons, Roger Lynn (Tracie) Newberry, and Jack Wayne (Tara) Newberry, both of Alexander City, and her niece, Karen Emfinger. Her grandchildren, Timothy Wayne Newberry, William Lynn Newberry, Gage Wayne Newberry, Taylor Nicole (Dylan) Keeble, Joseph Adam (Lindsey) Taylor, Joshua Aden Taylor, and Ruby E. McLendon, were the apples of her eye. The joy of her life multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, McKinley R. Keeble, Sadie Mae Keeble, Jocelyn A. Taylor. Friend and caregiver, Tina Norwood. Each of them carried a piece of her spirit and her teachings of love and kindness.
An avid reader, Ruby found solace and adventure within the pages of romance novels. Her love for literature was a reflection of her romantic heart and her belief in the enduring power of love. Her selfless nature was evident in the way she cared for her family, always putting their needs above her own.
Ruby Neal Roberson Newberry’s life was a beautiful example of a life well-lived. She was a woman of strength, kindness, and unwavering love. Her memory will continue to bloom like the flowers in her garden, a reminder of her nurturing soul. Ruby’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will forever be a guiding light for her family and all who knew her. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the cherished moments and the profound impact she made on each of our lives.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Comer Memorial Baptist Church; 341 East Church Street; Alexander City, AL, 35010 or Friendship Community Church; C/O Wanda Holman; 504 Paul Austin Road; Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Ruby Neal Newberry.
Rosalee Chapman Talton
Funeral service for Mrs. Rosalee Chapman Talton, 78, of Alexander City, was Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Goodwater Baptist Church. Rev. Joe Fain and Rev. Bill Morgan officiated. Burial followed in the Brownville Cemetery.
Rosalee Chapman Talton, affectionately known as Rosalee to her family and friends, departed this life on October 3, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on September 6, 1947, in Tallapoosa County, Rosalee was a beacon of love and kindness in the lives of all who knew her. Her gentle soul and friendly demeanor left an indelible mark on her community in Alexander City, where she passed away surrounded by the love of her family.
Rosalee’s life was one of devotion and service to her family. She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, James (and his wife, Julie) Talton, and John Talton; as well as her cherished granddaughters, Abbie and Audrey Talton. Rosalee’s life was further blessed by the companionship of her late husband, William H. Talton, with whom she shared many joyful years until his passing. She was the daughter of the late John Clay Chapman and Elizabeth Chapman, whose values and love shaped Rosalee into the extraordinary woman she was.
In her younger years, Rosalee’s adventurous spirit found joy in water skiing. As time went on, she found tranquility in quieter pursuits such as reading, cross-stitch, and needlework, through which she expressed her creativity.
Above all, Rosalee was an amazing caregiver, a role she embraced wholeheartedly throughout her life. She cared for everyone in her family with a selfless heart, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she took great pride in their every achievement and milestone.
A longtime member of Goodwater Baptist Church, Rosalee’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. She was very involved in church activities, and her commitment to her faith community was unwavering. Her contributions to various church programs and her willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed will be sorely missed.
Those who knew Rosalee would describe her as loving, gentle, and friendly. Her warm smile and kind words were a comfort to many, and her presence was a source of joy. Rosalee’s life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of faith.
As we bid farewell to Rosalee Elizabeth Chapman Talton, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire us. Her memory will be cherished in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all who were touched by her grace and kindness. Rosalee’s journey on earth has ended, but her spirit will live on forever in the many lives she so deeply affected.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Rosalee Chapman Talton.
