Obituaries
Robert Jerry Downs
Celebration of Life service for Mr. Robert Jerry Downs, 79, of Goodwater, will be Friday, August 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Wayne Cowhick and Bro. Ronnie Palmer will officiate. Burial will follow in Hackneyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Downs passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Grandview Medical Center (Birmingham). He was born on November 1, 1946, in Tallapoosa County to Robert Demose Downs and Annie Sue Porch Downs.
Jerry served in the United States Navy for several years and later joined the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard. Through his time with the guard, he made lasting friendships with fellow soldiers, and they were given the opportunity to be able to honor their fellow military. He retired from Norfork Southern/AmTrak where he worked as an engineer.
He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed the time he volunteered at the local hospital, attending numerous car shows and touring old estates.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Downs; children, Candace (Patrick) Eskew, Robert Jason (Patricia) Downs, Michael Jeremy Downs; sister, Donna Britton; grandchildren, Corey (Lindsey) Eskew, Heather (Justin) Davis, Rachel (Daniel) Nix, Mac Eskew, Brodie Eskew, Marie Downs, Stephanie Downs, Sonya Downs, Avyanna Heard, Kenna Kaviratna, August Kaviratna, Charlie Kimbrough; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Davis, Wade Davis, Samuel Nix, Abigail Davis; stepdaughter, Farrah (Lak) Kaviratna; stepson, Douglas (Katie) Kimbrough; and nine nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife and mother of the children, Myra Jean Downs.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Jerry Downs.
Fred Mac Forbus
Funeral service for Mr. Fred Mac Forbus, 86, of Kellyton, was Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Ronnie Palmer and Rev. Wayne Cowhick officiated. Burial followed at Socapatoy Cemetery.
Mr. Forbus passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him. Fred was born on May 24, 1940, in Tallapoosa County to Edward Cleveland Forbus and Lillie Mae Chastain Forbus, and he carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness throughout his life. He was a Christian man whose faith guided his steps and shaped the way he treated others. In both word and deed, he reflected a steady spirit and a gentle heart, and he was blessed to be part of a church family at Alex City Methodist Church, where he was an active and faithful member for many years.
Fred devoted many years of service to Kimberly Clark and Russell Lands, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature. He approached his work with integrity and took pride in doing his best each day. Beyond his career, he gave generously of his time and talents to his community, especially through his years as a little league baseball coach. He encouraged young players with patience and enthusiasm, and many children and families were touched by his guidance and example.
He found joy in the simple and meaningful blessings of life. Fred loved the Atlanta Braves and followed them with loyal enthusiasm. He was an avid bluegrass fan and appreciated the music that spoke to the heart and lifted the spirit. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors, where he could enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Watching hummingbirds brought him quiet delight, and these peaceful moments reflected the appreciation he had for the world around him.
Above all else, Fred was a devoted family man. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family was the center of his heart. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith that will continue to live on through the generations he helped shape. His family will remember his steady presence, his warm smile, and the many ways he showed his love through both his actions and his example.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Fred’s life stands as a testimony to a life well lived in service to God and others. Those who loved him take comfort in the promise of eternal life and in the hope of reunion through the grace of Jesus Christ. His memory will remain a blessing, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
Fred Mac Forbus will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by all who were privileged to know him. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of his Savior.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan Forbus of Kellyton; sons, Jamie Mark (Kara) Forbus of Alexander City and Daniel Patrick Forbus of Kellyton; grandchildren, Alyssa Forbus (Wendall) Wood of Wetumpka, Hayden Jay Forbus of Alexander City, Aubrey Forbus (Ryan) Reddish of Birmingham, and Paige Forbus of Alexander City; great-grandchildren, Landon Wood and Bryleigh Wood, both of Wetumpka.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles “Bo” Forbus; and sister, Nell Rapstine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Socopatoy Cemetery Fund; C/O Pat Minor; 18160 Hwy. 9; Goodwater, AL 35072.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Fred Mac Forbus.
Linda Marie Hatchett
Linda Marie Hatchett, 79, passed on August 20, 2026. Born January 29, 1947, in Sylacauga, Linda lived in Sylacauga.
Linda is survived by her son, Trentt Hatchett (Rachel); her granddaughter, Jordyn Sims; and her brothers, Wayne Fowler, Don Fowler, and Robert Fowler.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Hatchett; her son, Britt Hatchett; and her brother, George Fowler.
She enjoyed painting, flowers, decorating, cooking for family and friends, and entertaining. She was an active member of the Sylacauga community and Weogufka Family Worship Center.
Visitation was held at Weogufka Family Worship Center on August 25, 2026, with the funeral service following at Weogufka Family Worship Center with Pastor Tommy Thornton officiating. Linda was laid to rest at Weogufka Family Worship Center Cemetery, 20771 Coosa Co. Rd. 29, Weogufka.
Pallbearers were Mark Bice, Jason Hatchett, Charles Hatchett, Bobby Hatchett, Don Fowler, Robert Fowler, Clay Fowler, and Greg Fowler.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Samaritan’s Purse or charity of choice is preferred.
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.
David Brian Miller
Funeral service for Mr. David Brian Miller, 57, of Rockford, was Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Joe Camp officiated. Burial followed at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Rockford.
Mr. Miller passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 57. Born on April 22, 1969, to Clayton Bonard Miller Jr. and Melinda Fay Yates Brown, David lived a life marked by hard work, steady devotion, and a deep love for the people and pastimes that mattered most to him. He was a strong man of faith. He accepted Christ and was baptized on Dec. 26, 1999, at Concord Baptist Church. He was a man who believed in staying busy, and he carried that spirit with him throughout his life. For many years, he worked as an electrician, a trade that reflected both his skill and his dependable nature. He took pride in doing things the right way, and those who knew him understood that he was a man lovingly set in his ways.
David found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved to hunt and fish, and those interests gave him time to enjoy the outdoors and the quiet moments he valued. Whether he was spending time in the woods, out on the water, or working with his hands, he was most content when he was doing something useful and familiar. His strong work ethic and practical nature were part of who he was, and they left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
Above all else, David cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He adored them and took great joy in teaching them the things he loved. He was happiest when he could show them how to hunt, fish, drive a tractor, or learn anything else they asked him to teach. These moments were precious to him, and he embraced them with patience, pride, and love. To his grandchildren, he was more than a teacher. He was a steady presence, a source of encouragement, and a beloved Pop Pop whose influence will remain with them always.
David will be remembered as a hardworking man with a kind heart, a strong sense of purpose, and a deep devotion to his loved ones. His life was one of quiet strength, faithful routines, and lasting memories built through time spent with family and through the values he lived by each day. Those who knew him will remember his steadfast personality, his love of the outdoors, and the way he showed his care through action rather than words.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and treasured family memories. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he shared, the laughter he inspired, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Hamilton Miller of Rockford; son, Aaron (Samantha) Hamilton of Equality; daughter, Angel (Joey) Gettings of Alexander City; grandchildren, Bailee Hamilton and Eason Hamilton of Equality, and Willow Gettings, Salem Gettings, and Tatum Gettings of Alexander City; sister, Emily Miller of Kellyton.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of David Brian Miller.
Wanda Rogers Saffold
Wanda Rogers Saffold, 65, passed on August 24, 2026; she was born April 1, 1961, in Orlando, Florida, and was a resident of Goodwater, Ala.
Wanda is survived by her husband, James M. Saffold; her sister, Mary Dains (Joe); her children, Alison Smith (Justin Hill), Dustin Rogers (Page), and Hunter Saffold; her grandchildren, Chloie Smith, Alyssa Smith, Joseph Smith, Charleigh Rogers, Taytum Rogers, Kenzie Rogers, Paisley Rogers, Hayden Rogers, Kendal Rogers, Kyle Rogers, Peighton Rogers, Presley Rogers, Bristol Rogers, Logan Rogers, Zeek Rogers, and Maraesha “Maddie” Saffold; her nephews, Karson Saffold, James W. Saffold, Josh Saffold, Zachary Saffold, Joey Dains; her nieces, Kristin Hibner, Ashley Dize, Tabitha “Cookie” Hinkle; and her fur babies, Taco and Rocky.
Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Donald Powell; her brother, Ray Powell; her first husband with whom she shared two children, James “Jim” William Rogers; her son-in-law, Perry Smith; and her father-in-law, James L. Saffold “Paw-Paw.”
Wanda was a wonderful mother to two children who, to put it lovingly, gave her a run for her money. She loved her family with everything she had, but Wanda’s love wasn’t always the soft and easy kind. She had a way of giving the people she loved exactly the kind of love they needed, even when that meant a healthy dose of tough love. She was the glue that held so much of the family together and often the voice of reason in the middle of the chaos.
She was also wonderfully and unmistakably Wanda. She made what may have been the driest macaroni and cheese ever served at a family gathering, and somehow everyone kept eating it. She loved Alabama football with her whole heart, even if she couldn’t necessarily tell you what a first down was. She knew the important part: Roll Tide.
And Wanda loved Christmas, especially her Santa inflatable, despite one of them physically assaulting her…and won. It became one of those family stories that only got funnier with time, and we have no doubt Wanda would be laughing right along with us as we tell it now.
For all the tough love she handed out, Wanda was an absolute sucker for her grandchildren. She was wrapped around every one of their tiny fingers, and they knew it. Being their grandmother brought her tremendous joy, and there wasn’t much she wouldn’t have done for them.
Wanda loved her sister, Mary, dearly. They shared the kind of bond built over a lifetime of memories, laughter, love, and making sure the other stayed completely informed on all the important family business. We can only imagine Wanda has already made it through the pearly gates, gotten the lay of the land, and is currently trying to figure out how to call Mary because there is absolutely no chance she is keeping all the gossip she’s heard up there to herself.
Wanda was also blessed to know great love in her lifetime. She loved her first husband, with whom she built a family and welcomed her two children, Dustin and Nikki. Later, she was blessed to find love again with her second husband, who became her partner, her best friend, and remained by her side through the end.
Wanda was funny, stubborn, strong, loving, occasionally brutally honest, and completely herself. She loved fiercely, worried deeply, laughed often, and held her family together in more ways than they probably ever realized.
There will always be stories that begin with, “Do you remember when Wanda…” There will be Alabama games that aren’t quite as loud, Christmases where someone will inevitably bring up the year Santa won, and macaroni and cheese that is suspiciously moist.
Most of all, there will forever be a Wanda-shaped place in the family she loved so fiercely, a place no one else could ever quite fill.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home; 320 North Elm Avenue; Sylacauga, 35150; on August 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery; Goodwater, Ala., 35072; on August 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be James M. Saffold, Dustin Rogers, Justin Hill, Zach Saffold, Hunter Saffold, Josh Saffold, and James W. Saffold.
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 will direct the services.
