Obituaries
John Robert Duke
John R. Duke; 86, of Brentwood, Tenn.; passed away with his devoted family by his side February 16, 2026.
On April 28, 1939, John Robert Duke was born in Weogufka, Ala. He was the oldest son of Kermit Lenzy Duke and Mary Lyle Duke.
John grew up helping raise corn and chickens on the family farm. In his teenage years, he raced stock cars in central Alabama, drove the high school bus, and helped his dad make moonshine.
In 1958, John married the love of his life, Tama Jeanne Jones. They shared 62 wonderful years and enjoyed many adventures together. They had two sons, Michael Robert Duke and Steven Dwyane Duke; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
In 1958, John joined the U.S. Navy as a jet engine mechanic. Later in his service, he became a P-3C Orion Flight Engineer, amassing over 7,500 flight hours. John served his nation for 22 years, including two deployments to Vietnam. John retired at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.
Following his naval career, John joined U.S. Customs and Border Patrol as a Flight Engineer and Aviation Maintenance Officer. John retired from the CBP in 2004.
Left to cherish John’s memory are his two sons; his brother, Harvey Duke and wife, Rose; his sister, Ann and husband, Bill; his brother, Lester Duke and wife, Karen; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers-in-law Mike Jones and wife, Terry, and Danny Jones and wife, Jane, of Aiken, S.C.
Preceding John in death were his younger brothers, Frank “Buster” Duke and David Duke; and parents, Kermit and Mary Duke.
A visitation for Mr. Duke will be held in Sylacauga on February 21, 2026, from 10 until 11 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Radney Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, nmcrs.org.
Gerald D. Parker
Graveside service for Mr. Gerald D. Parker, 85, of Alexander City, was Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. Faron Golden officiated.
Mr. Parker passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at his residence. He was born on November 8, 1940, in Sylacauga, Ala., to Oten Aldridge Parker and Agnes Pate Parker. He was an active member of Grace Pointe Baptist Church of Alexander City. Mr. Parker retired from Circuit Clerk of Coosa County in 1996.
He is survived by his wife, June M. Parker; daughter, Connie Mooney; son, Chris (Kaci) Sims; daughter, Gerita Meade; granddaughter, Abigale Sims; granddaughter, Daley Sims; grandson, Nathan (Courtney) Mooney; granddaughter, Malena (Nathan) Harmon; great-granddaughter, Issabell Mooney; great-grandson, Henry Mooney; and great-granddaughter, Piper Harmon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Therald Parker, Preston Parker, Ralph Parker, Grover Parker; grandson, Ashley Mooney; and son-in-law, Lewis Mooney.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Grace Pointe Baptist Church; 474 7th Way; Alexander City, AL 35010; or a charity of one’s choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Gerald Douglas Parker.
Melissa Jane Mann Peppers
Memorial service for Mrs. Melissa Jane Mann Peppers; 73, of Kellyton; will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Mrs. Peppers passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at the age of 73. Born on July 15, 1952, to Perry H. Mann and Adie Lee Forbus Mann, Melissa’s life was a tapestry of vibrant experiences and nurturing love, which she generously shared with all who knew her.
Melissa’s passion for life was evident in her many interests. She was an avid dancer, often found twirling with grace and joy at local dance halls, her laughter as infectious as the music she adored. Her love for the natural world shone brightly in her enthusiasm for bird watching, a hobby that allowed her to marvel at the beauty of winged creatures and the tranquility of the outdoors.
A true animal lover, Melissa’s compassion extended to all living beings. Her home was a sanctuary for many pets over the years, each one cherished and adored. Her gentle spirit and kind heart made her a mother figure to countless young people, guiding them with wisdom and an open heart.
Melissa’s creative soul found solace in the simple pleasures of life. She spent countless hours enjoying the heartfelt narratives of the Hallmark Channel and tapping her feet to the rhythm of country music videos. These moments of joy were the simple threads that wove the rich fabric of her life.
As we bid farewell to Melissa, we celebrate a life lived with boundless love and creativity. Her legacy is one of kindness, joy, and the nurturing of many hearts. Melissa’s memory will continue to dance in the lives of those she touched, a timeless melody of her spirit’s gentle tune. She will be deeply missed, yet her essence will forever remain a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth Wayne Peppers of Alexander City, Teresa Jane Peppers of Kellyton, and Christopher Lee Peppers of Niceville, Fla.; grandchild, Keanu Z. Peppers of Auburn; and brother, Perry Lee (Betty) Mann of Kellyton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Kenneth Roger Peppers.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melissa Jane Peppers.
Rev. Calvin Shaw
Rev. Calvin Shaw; born on June 21, 1925, in Stewartville, Ala.; passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 100. He was a resident of Childersburg, Ala.
Rev. Shaw is survived by his children, Marvin Shaw (Joyce), Alvin Shaw (Janet), Lamar Shaw (Myra), Tina Hughes (John), and Karen Maxwell (Joel). He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Shaw (Judy); 24 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carrie Shaw; his wife, Delores Monroe Shaw; his children, Pam O’Neal and Gay Shaw Tucker; and 10 siblings.
Visitation was held on February 18, 2026, at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga. The funeral service followed in the Chapel of Radney-Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Rodney Frost, Rev. Rick Rushton and Rev. Joel Maxwell officiating.
Pallbearers were Adam Maxwell, Nathan Maxwell, Anzley Hughes, Patrick Shaw, Jessie Tucker, and Jonathan Tucker.
Rev. Calvin Shaw was laid to rest at Greenhill Cemetery, located at 7447 Old Sylacauga Hwy., Childersburg.
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.
