Obituaries
Joseph Aaron Harris
Joseph Aaron Harris, 30, was born on October 24, 1996, in Sylacauga, and passed away on November 6, 2026. He lived in Rockford, Ala.
Joseph attended Sylacauga City Schools and B.B. Comer High School, carrying with him the roots of the community that shaped his early years.
He later earned his CDL certification and worked in the construction industry. His work reflected steady determination and a willingness to do what needed to be done.
Above all else, Joseph cherished and loved his children, Carley and Wayne, holding close the everyday moments that make a family’s love feel safe and sure.
Joseph also found peace and joy outdoors. He loved the simple freedom of being outside, and those who knew him best will remember him as a “magician” when it came to fishing, as well as his love of hunting. These pastimes suited his patient focus and appreciation for the natural world.
Joseph is survived by his father, Jason Harris Sr. (Che); his mother, Paula Harris; his stepfather, Jerry Barnett; his spouse, Alaina Pinkston; his children, Carley Harris and Wayne Harris; his brothers, Jacob Harris (Brandy) and Jason Harris Jr.; his grandfathers, Michael Harris and William Morgan; his grandparents, Alice and Clark Morris; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia Morgan; his great-grandfather, Woody Harris; and his great-grandmother, India Stewart.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Trinity Assembly of God, located at 3010 Old Birmingham Hwy., Sylacauga, AL 35150.
Kenneth Paul Rayfield
Kenneth Paul Rayfield passed on November 10, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on December 15, 1948, in Alabama, Kenneth was a resident of Weogufka.
Kenneth is survived by Brian Rayfield (Marie), son; and Lex Livingston, grandchild. Kenneth was preceded in death by Barbara Rayfield, wife; A.W. Rayfield, father; Amanda Rayfield, mother; and Daniel Thomas Rayfield, son.
Final resting will be at Old Methodist Church Cemetery of Weogufka. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.
Donald Stephen “Donny” Sherum
Funeral service for Mr. Donald Stephen “Donny” Sherum, 73, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 14, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Sherum passed away on November 11, 2026, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and music that touched many lives. Born on December 9, 1952, in Tallapoosa County to Douglas Washington Sherum and Mary Ethel Spraggins Sherum, Donny lived a life marked by dedication, humility, and steadfast Christian values. He was a man who believed in doing his best in every task, and he carried that spirit throughout his years of service and in the way he conducted himself each day. Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, his dependable nature, and the quiet strength with which he met life’s responsibilities.
Donny retired after many years of faithful service with the City of Goodwater, where he gave of himself through years of honest labor and commitment. After retirement, he continued to serve the community by going to work for the Kellyton Water Authority before retiring again. His work history reflected not only his diligence, but also his willingness to keep serving others wherever he was needed. He took pride in his work and was respected for the dependable manner in which he carried out his duties.
In addition to his work, Donny was blessed with a remarkable gift for music. He was a skilled piano player whose ability to play any song by ear was always impressive to those around him. Music was not merely a pastime for him, but a gift he shared generously and joyfully. For many years, he performed in the gospel quartet The Faithfulaires, where his talent and love for sacred music brought encouragement and blessing to many. Through his music, he helped lift hearts and point others toward the hope and comfort found in the Lord.
He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who were blessed to know him. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, those who mourn his passing take comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May the Lord grant peace to all who grieve, and may Donny’s memory continue to inspire others to live with faith, humility, and devotion.
He is survived by his brother, Sonny “Buddy” Sherum of Dadeville; sister, Ethellena Polson of Alexander City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maurine Bramlett, Geneva Rainwater, and Frances Gray.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Chapman’s Nursing Home for their loving care of Donny.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Donald Stephen Sherum.
