Obituaries
William Steve Butler
William Steve Butler, 80, passed away on March 1, 2026. Born on January 4, 1946, in Sylacauga, William was a resident of Goodwater.
William is survived by his daughters, Lisa Joy Darby and Christy Lightsey, and his son, Kelvin Steve Butler; as well as his grandchildren, Brittany Darby, Hallee Jayde, Lauren Grace, and Chasiti Claire Lightsey, Blade Butler, Braylei Butler and Sarah Tomlinson; and his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Cassandra Butler.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Bertha Butler; his wives, Janet Lee Butler, Glenda Sue McDonald; and his sisters, Peggy Butler and Jenny Butler.
William was an artillery sergeant and served in Vietnam with the Army.
He helped people all the time, and he was a wonderful father. He was deeply loved by many. He showed his family what hard was, what loyalty means, and what it was to love his family without condition.
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 handled the arrangements.
Ruby Delean Fuller
Funeral service for Mrs. Ruby Delean Fuller, 83, of Alexander City, was Monday, March 2, 2026, at Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson, Pastor Bruce Whitehill and Pastor Chris Crumbley officiated. Burial followed in the Hillview Memorial Park.
Ruby Delean Fuller, a beacon of love and compassion, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 22, 1942, in Tallapoosa County, Ruby was the cherished daughter of Walker Dexter MaGuire and Bertha Lillian Tate MaGuire. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the joy she found in simple pleasures.
Ruby’s journey through life was marked by her devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Rufus Lavelle Fuller, with whom she shared 55 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and enduring memories. Ruby’s legacy continues through her sons, James Edward (Norma) Fuller of Alexander City, and John Dennis (Elizabeth) Fuller of Kellyton. She was a proud grandmother to Richard Levell (Mariah) Fuller, Ryan Dalton (Blake) Fuller, Eric Dylan Fuller, Daniel Doler, and Robert Davis; and a doting great-grandmother to Cordy Doler, Steven Doler, William Doler, and Holden Fuller. Her life was enriched by the presence of her many nieces and nephews and dear friend, the daughter she never had, Susan Whatley.
Ruby’s heart was heavy with the loss of her son, Walker Levell Fuller; her brother, George Frank MaGuire; and her sisters, Loyette “Odie” Stallings, Mary Sue Fetner, and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Profitt. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Kathy Davis Fuller. Despite these losses, Ruby’s spirit remained resilient, and she continued to embody the Christian virtues of love, kindness, and generosity.
Ruby’s interests were a reflection of her nurturing soul. She found joy in tending to her garden, where her Yellow Bells and Snowballs bloomed as brightly as her smile. Her home was a haven of warmth and cleanliness, a place where she cooked wonderful meals for her family and where neighbors and friends were always welcome. Ruby was a gifted conversationalist, often found chatting on the phone, sharing stories and laughter. She was an avid reader, with a special love for the Bible, which guided her through life’s challenges and triumphs. Her diary, filled with over 40 years of thoughts and experiences, stands as a testament to her reflective nature and her commitment to preserving memories.
Ruby’s passion for life was evident in her care for others. She was a loving and attentive wife, caring for her husband, Rufus, during his illness with a grace and strength that inspired all who knew her. Her kindness extended beyond her home, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand to her neighbors and friends. Ruby never met a stranger; her open heart and warm embrace made everyone feel like family.
Her love for the community shone through in her enjoyment of local culture, including watching Kenny Dean on the Front Porch Show. Ruby’s life was a melody of faith, family, and friendship, and she danced to it with a loving and thoughtful heart.
Ruby Delean Fuller will be remembered as a passionate, loving, and thoughtful soul who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched. Her spirit will live on in the cherished memories of her family and friends, and in the beauty of the garden she so lovingly tended. As we bid farewell to Ruby, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey of faith, and the countless ways she made our world a brighter place.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Ruby Delean Fuller.
Lewis Michael Higgins Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. Lewis Michael Higgins Sr., 76, of Goodwater, was Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. David Grier and Bro. Lewis Michael Higgins Jr. officiated.
Lewis Michael Higgins Sr., a man of faith, humor, and boundless love, passed away surrounded by his cherished family. Born on October 31,1949, in Sylacauga to Herman Lewis Higgins and Lillian Estelle Powell Higgins, Lewis’s life was a testament to the values of dedication, family, and community.
A proud graduate of Sylacauga High School, Class of 1968, Lewis laid the foundation for a life of service and commitment. He went on to become a respected route manager for Golden Flake and later retired from Security Pest Control, where he was known for his reliability and friendly demeanor.
Lewis’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him through times of joy and sorrow. He lived his beliefs through his actions, always ready with a helping hand or a word of comfort for those in need.
As a devoted family man, Lewis’s legacy is carried on by his loving children, Donna (Chris) Milstead, Lewis Michael (Lea Ann) Higgins Jr., and April (Scott) Dunham. He was a pillar of strength and joy for his grandchildren, Brianna (Hunter) Vickers, Aaron Milstead, Chase Ray, Brody Milstead, Braxton Dunham, Brody Dunham, and Declyn Dunham, and his great- grandchildren, Houston and Hansen Vickers, who will miss his playful spirit and unwavering support. Lewis’s sister, Ginger Miller, and brother-in-law, Doug Whittenburg, along with numerous nieces and nephews, remember him fondly for his quick wit and generous heart. His special friend, Ron Hunter, shares in the loss of a truly remarkable individual.
Preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Angel Hope Ray; his sister, Tina Whittenburg; and brother-in-law, Mike Miller, Lewis’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him.
An active member of the Alexander City Bass Club, Lewis’s passion for fishing was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect with nature and with his fellow anglers. His love for coaching his children in softball demonstrated his commitment to nurturing not only their athletic skills, but also their character and teamwork.
An avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan, Lewis’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious, and his game-day gatherings were filled with laughter and camaraderie. His humor and loving nature made every occasion special, and his faith-filled approach to life was an inspiration to all.
Lewis Michael Higgins Sr. will be remembered as a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed often. His positive impact on his community and the lives he touched will be his lasting legacy. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on through the many lives he enriched with his presence. The family would like to express a heartfelt “Thank You” to the wonderful staff and nurses of Enhabit Home Health and Enhabit Hospice for the care given to their loved one. Donations for Down Syndrome of Alabama and The Bell Center are appreciated.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Lewis Michael Higgins Sr.
Karen Leigh Korb
Memorial service for Mrs. Karen Leigh Korb, 71, of Kellyton, was Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillview Memorial Park.
Mrs. Korb was called home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on April 15, 1954, in West Palm Beach, Fla., to Fred Douglas Sasser and Wilma Leigh Prophitt Sasser, Karen’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and her commitment to enriching the lives of others.
Karen’s journey led her to Alexander City, where she became a pillar of the community through her dedication to education and the arts. For over three decades, she enlightened the minds of students as a Spanish and English teacher within the Alexander City School system, as well as in Tallapoosa and Randolph County. Her passion for teaching and her exceptional ability to connect with her students earned her the Benjamin Russell Teacher of the Year award in 1997.
Beyond the classroom, Karen was a lifelong learner and an accomplished member of the National Education Association and the Alabama Education Association. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with the National Endowment for the Arts Grant, further highlighting her impact on the cultural fabric of her community.
Karen’s creative spirit shone brightly through her written words and melodies. As a published author and skilled songwriter, she touched the hearts of many. Her talent extended to the stage, where she performed with her band, Still Magnolias, once gracing the stage before the legendary George Jones. Her love for music was also expressed through her participation in countless church choirs across the country, lifting spirits with her melodious voice.
A gifted storyteller, Karen had the unique ability to weave tales that captivated her audience, always prioritizing the essence of the story over the mundane details. Her photography was another avenue through which she shared her perspective on the world, capturing moments of beauty and significance with her keen eye.
Karen’s love for travel took her on many adventures, yet no matter where she roamed, her heart remained steadfast in service to the Lord. She served in various ministries, from missions to teaching ladies’ Bible studies, from youth ministries to singing in choirs, and even stepping into the role of Lay Pastor. Her life was a living example of her faith in action.
To know Karen was to love her. Her legacy is etched in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness, her laughter, and her unwavering commitment to her faith. Her amazing voice will remain in our ears and our hearts forever. As we celebrate her life and mourn her passing, we take solace in knowing that Karen Leigh Korb now sings with the angels, her soul at peace in the eternal embrace of her Savior.
She is survived by her son, Eric (Roulain) Harrell of Kellyton; daughters, Kathryn (Brian) Jones of Moldova and Jenifer Roe of Jacksons Gap; grandchildren, Jasmine (Jared) York of Texas, Taylor Pemberton of Kellyton, Hayden Harrell of Kellyton, Hannah (Jayce) Lovelady of New Site, Austen Beverly of Pensacola, Fla., Katrina Hubbard of Clanton, Aliona Sleac, Olga (Vadim) Gutu, and Maria Gandrabur, all of Moldova; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Dassaro and Gracie Kate York, both of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Edmond Korb; and brother, Dougie Sasser.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Karen Leigh Korb.
