Obituaries – Feb. 6, 2026
Jamella “Sue” Fuller
Graveside Service for Ms. Jamella “Sue” Fuller, 70, of Goodwater, was Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Hillview Memorial Park. Randy Anderson officiated.
Ms. Fuller passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1955, in Alexander City to Edwin Dewayne Price and Mary Jo Roberts Mason.
She is survived by her aunt, Ellie Anne Price; her friend, Sherry Tremelling (Jim); cousins, Kerry Sellers, Kenneth Price Jr., Karl Price, and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Dewayne Price; mother, Mary Jo Mason; grandfather, Edwin J. Price; grandmother, Jewel Baker Jones; uncle, Kenneth W. Price; and son, Jackey D. McWhorter.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Jamella “Sue” Fuller.
Louie Gallops
Louie Gallops, age 77, of Goodwater, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by service, compassion, and deep love for his family and community.
Louie lived a life devoted to others. He retired from the paper mill after 39 years of faithful work, but his true calling was service. He was one of the original organizing members of the Hollins Volunteer Fire and Rescue, where he served his community with courage and commitment. His dedication extended further as a paramedic and deputy coroner for Clay County, roles he fulfilled with professionalism, care, and respect for every life he touched.
Louie played a vital role in shaping the community of Hollins. He served on the committee that brought a park to the area, spearheaded the installation of the storm shelter, and helped lead the effort to establish a public water system. His life was a testament to quiet leadership and selfless service.
Above all, Louie was known for loving on everyone around him. He had a kind heart, a steady presence, and a willingness to help wherever there was a need. This devotion spread to the men and women of Hollins Volunteer Fire and Rescue, where he inspired generations of volunteers to serve the community he leaves behind.
His greatest joy was his family. Louie dearly loved his wife, Pat, the love of his life. He was a devoted father to his three children, Becky (Lynn), Chris (Donna), and Janet (Jason); a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. His family was truly the light of his life, and his love for them was evident in all he did.
Louie Gallops will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Hollins community, but his legacy of service and love will live on in the lives he touched.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, located at 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, 35150, on February 6, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The funeral service will take place in the Chapel of Radney-Smith Funeral Home, at the same address, on February 7, 2026, starting at 2 p.m. with Bro. Roy Johnson officiating.
Charles Louie Gallops will be laid to rest at Hollins Cemetery, located on Valley Grove Road, Hollins.
The family will accept flowers or donations can be made to the Hollins Community Center; 430 Chapman Road; Goodwater, AL 35072.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Ronnie Dell Joiner
Ronnie Dell Joiner, age 71, of Rockford, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 2, 2026.
Born in Tallapoosa County, Ala., Ronnie lived a life defined by service, hard work, and devotion to family and community. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves and National Guard for 34 years, including deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous medals and honors and retired with distinction as a First Sergeant.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Johnson Joiner; his mother, Janet Sue Nolen; sister, Linda Andrews; daughters, Misty Joiner (Lee) Macon, Jenny Leigh Joiner, Mallory Whitley, and Molly Joiner (Alex) Eason; granddaughters, Caroline Macon, Mary Katherine Macon, and Morgan Reese Whitley; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Kelley Johnson and Linda Law Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his father, O’Dell Joiner; sister, Janelle Dillard; and brother, Benny Joiner.
For more than fifty years, Ronnie built an impressive career in construction and home building, earning a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and dedication. His passion for restoring old homes and log cabins reflected both his deep respect for history and his love of masonry artistry.
Ronnie’s life was marked by selfless service to others. He was a founding member of the Kellyton Town Council, served on the Town of Rockford Water and Gas Board, was a member of Rockford Masonic Lodge #137, served on the Rockford Cemetery Board, and held the position of Vice President of the Coosa County Historical Society. He was also a proud member of the Executive Committee of the Coosa County Republican Party and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Ronnie served eight years as Coosa County Commissioner for District 4, during which time he played a vital role in establishing the county’s first-ever countywide ambulance service and extending water services to the Richville community, efforts that continue to benefit countless families.
Ronnie worked tirelessly throughout his life and believed deeply in earning everything through honest labor. Known for his strong work ethic and selfless heart, he was always willing to help anyone in need, whether through his craftsmanship, leadership, or quiet acts of kindness. He never sought recognition for his good deeds; serving others simply came naturally to him.
A devoted history buff, Ronnie had a deep appreciation for the past and often shared stories and knowledge with those around him. He enjoyed participating in historical reenactments and could frequently be found restoring antique homes, preserving log cabins, or admiring unique finds while antiquing with his wife – moments they cherished together. His love of history was matched only by his love of family and community.
Ronnie also found peace in gardening and took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In the kitchen, he was famous for baking the very best tea cakes, a simple joy that became a treasured tradition for many.
Above all else, Ronnie cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. Some of his happiest moments were spent playing with his granddaughter, Morgan Reese, whose laughter brought him immense joy.
Ronnie Dell Joiner was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to faith, family, country, and community. His legacy of hard work, selflessness, and true patriotism will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Church. Rev. Matthew Reams and Rev. Jeff Hardy will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 6, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Bennie Frank Smith
Visitation for Mr. Bennie Frank Smith, 78, of Alexander City, was Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Smith passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home (Alexander City). He was born on August 17, 1947, in Tallapoosa County to James Edward Smith and Mattie Lou Lipham Smith.
Ben’s life was one marked by service and dedication. After serving his country with honor and courage in the United States Air Force for five years, he found a new battleground in the arena of commerce. With the same drive and determination that guided him in uniform, Ben launched into entrepreneurship. Coosa Kitchen and Bath in Kellyton was not just a business to Ben; it was a passion project that he nurtured with every ounce of his skillful hands and keen mind. His hardworking ethos wasn’t confined to any single locality; throughout his life, Ben lived in various parts of the United States, embracing each experience and leaving a trail of friendships and successful endeavors wherever he went.
Family was the cornerstone of Ben’s world. His love for his family was unequivocal and relentless. The love stories that unfolded thanks to his devotion will continue to warm the hearts of those he touched. His dedication to those he cherished knew no bounds, and the legacy of his love will remain a constant, comforting embrace for his family. Ben’s presence was a source of strength and happiness, and his absence will be a void that can never be filled. His laughter, kindness, and irreplaceable guidance will be missed at every family gathering, at every turn of life’s challenging paths.
Moreover, Ben’s warm nature extended beyond the confines of his home and family life. His community felt the impact of his generosity and community spirit. Friends and neighbors knew they could count on Ben’s help, advice, or even just a listening ear when needed. He was not just a pillar in his family, but also in the broader community, earning respect and affection from all walks of life.
As we bid farewell to Ben, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey replete with meaningful work, heartfelt relationships, and a sense of duty that inspired, uplifted, and will continue to guide us. Ben’s memory will forever remain a beacon of integrity and love, and though he has departed from our sight, his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. Mr. Bennie “Ben” Frank Smith has achieved a peaceful rest, yet his legacy will resonate for generations to come.
He is survived by his son, Keith (April) Smith of Holden, Mo.; grandchildren, Eric Smith of Tuscaloosa, Zachary Smith of Auburn, and Matthew (Rachel) Smith of Liberty, Mo.; and his former wife, Peggy Sue Smith of Daviston.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann Caldwell.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Bennie Frank Smith.
Truman Myron Thornton
Funeral Service for Mr. Truman Myron Thornton, 90, of Camp Hill, was Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Dadeville Church of Christ. Minister Chris Tidwell officiated. Burial followed in the Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens.
Mr. Truman Myron Thornton, a cherished soul known for his wit and handiness, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Camp Hill, Ala. Born on December 24, 1935, in Coosa County, Truman was a beacon of joy and laughter throughout his 90 years of life.
He is survived by his son, Myron (Deborah) Thornton; daughter, Demeta Williams; son, Kenneth Thornton; daughter, Jennifer Brown; daughter, Sandra (Charles) Capps; grandchildren, Rebecca “Bekki,” Tabatha, Elizabeth “Nikki,” Kaitlin, Taylor, Brianna, Brendon “Buck,” Mendell, Christian “Taylor,” Cassie, James “Luke,” Charles “Tre,” and Hunter; great-grandchildren, Leesa, Troy, Hannah, Asia, Ian, Eli, Caden, Alana, Ty, Cameron, Miles, Haylee, Greyson, Cali, Oliver, Oakleigh, Lainey, Sarah Kate, Aleksandr, Anastasia, Braxton, Carter, Awbriee, Wyatt, and Sebastian; and great-great-grandchild, Blakelyn.
He was preceded in death by his father, Claude L. Thornton “Pappa;” mother, Ethel Jewel Thornton “Big Momma;” wife, Helen Lamar Thornton; daughter-in-law, Theresa Thornton; grandson, Steven Thornton; sisters, Maxine Penton and Mondine Foshee; and brother, Marshall Thornton.
Truman’s early years were spent in the heart of Alabama, where he demonstrated a keen intellect and a passion for learning. He proudly graduated from Lee County High School in 1955, a member of the last class before the school’s closure. Furthering his education, Truman attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
For many years, the flicker of the silver screen in Auburn was in part thanks to Truman, who served as the projectionist at both the War Eagle and Tiger Theatre. His love for the arts was only surpassed by his mastery of technology and entrepreneurship. Truman went on to own and operate Thornton Engineering, which later evolved into Thornton Communications. As Auburn’s sole TV repairman for an era, he became a household name, merging his technical prowess with his innate ability to connect with people.
Truman’s interests were as vast as the Alabama sky. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and excitement in the embrace of nature. Whether it was casting a line into a serene lake, tracking game in the woods, or competing in archery competitions, he was in his element. His love for photography allowed him to capture the beauty of the world through his lens, preserving moments of awe and wonder.
The wood shop was Truman’s sanctuary, a place where his hands crafted not just objects, but stories and memories. Each carving, each piece of furniture, bore the mark of his dedication and skill. And yet, his talent for creation was matched by his spirit of playfulness. Truman was a comedian at heart, a jokester who brought smiles and laughter to all who had the pleasure of his company.
Described by those who knew him as funny and handy, Truman leaves behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and a community enriched by his contributions. He was a man who could fix a television set as deftly as he could mend a broken spirit with his humor. Truman Myron Thornton’s memory will be treasured, his stories retold, and his laughter will echo in the hearts of those he touched for generations to come.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.langleyfuneralhome.com.
Langley Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Truman Myron Thornton.
