Obituaries

Ruby Jean Burton

Funeral service for Mrs. Ruby Jean Burton, 90, of Alexander City, was Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Faith Temple. Pastor Dick Stark officiated. Burial followed in the Alexander City Cemetery.
Mrs. Ruby Jean Hayes Burton, known to many simply as Ruby, was born on December 14, 1935, in Tallapoosa County to Charlie Gid Hayes and Zula Bell Watkins Hayes, and she passed away on September 4, 2026, in Alexander City, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and steadfast love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was an active member of Faith Temple.
Ruby lived a life that spoke loudly without ever needing to raise its voice. She was a Christian woman whose steps were guided by prayer, whose heart was strengthened by scripture, and whose daily example reminded others that a life rooted in God can shine with purpose through every season. She carried herself with a friendly spirit, an optimistic outlook, and a faith-filled heart, and these qualities were evident in the way she welcomed people, encouraged her family, and served those around her. Ruby understood that life is not measured only by the years we are given, but by the love we pour into those years, and she poured hers generously.
She found joy in the simple and meaningful things that make a life rich. Ruby loved cooking, sewing, reading her Bible, going to church, and helping others. She also loved to paint, work in her garden, and tend to her flowers, finding peace and satisfaction in creating beauty and caring for what had been placed in her hands. These interests were more than hobbies, because they reflected the spirit of a woman who knew how to nurture, build, and bless. Ruby did not merely pass through life. She added warmth to it, color to it, and comfort to it.
Above all, Ruby treasured her family. She loved spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, and her presence brought reassurance, laughter, and strength to those gathered around her. She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Brown and her husband Roger of Kellyton; her daughter, Reshanda Griffin and her husband Jimmy; her daughter, Erica Nelson; eleven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

To her family, she was more than a beloved relative, because she was a source of wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love. Her life reminded them that family is not only about shared blood, but about shared faith, shared memories, and shared devotion.
Ruby was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Gid Hayes; her mother, Zula Bell Hayes; her sons, Dwight Burton and Dewayne Burton, and Charles Thomas; and her husband, Tommy Lawrence Burton. Though these loved ones went before her, the bonds of love remain, and the memory of their lives together continues to live in the hearts of those who remain. Ruby now rests in the peace of the Lord she served so faithfully, reunited with those who welcomed her home.
Those who knew Ruby will remember a woman who was dependable in spirit, steady in faith, and rich in compassion. She was the kind of person who reminded others that goodness still matters, that prayer still works, and that a gentle heart can make a powerful difference. Her life was a testimony that optimism is not denial of hardship, but the decision to believe that God is still present in every circumstance. Her faith was not only spoken, but lived. Her kindness was not occasional, but consistent. Her love was not reserved, but freely given.
Today, we honor Ruby not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for a life well lived and a witness well kept. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and a community blessed by her presence. Her journey on earth has ended, but the influence of her life continues. May her memory encourage all who loved her to live with the same grace, the same courage, and the same unwavering trust in God that she displayed each day. Ruby Jean Hayes Burton lived with purpose, served with joy, and loved with a full heart, and her light will not be forgotten.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Willie James Fleetion

Mr. Willie James Fleetion, affectionately known as Willie James, was born on November 12, 1944, in Lowndes County, Ala., to Jack Fleetion Sr. and Josephine Lowery Fleetion and departed this life on September 8, 2026, in Alexander City. He was a Christian man whose life reflected faith, strength, and devotion to the people he loved. He will be remembered as a funny, courageous, and passionate soul whose presence brought warmth and laughter to those around him.
Willie James lived a life marked by kindness and connection. He loved to talk with everyone, and he had a gift for making people feel welcome in his company. Whether he was sharing a story, offering a joke, or simply enjoying the moment, he carried himself with a spirit that drew others in. His family and friends will remember him as a man who valued togetherness and who found joy in the simple blessings of everyday life. He was an active member of Cottage Grove Church of Christ.
He also enjoyed the comforts that made him smile, especially watching “In the Heat of the Night” and “Sanford and Son.” These familiar favorites brought him entertainment and comfort, and they were among the many small pleasures he appreciated. He loved his sweets, and he enjoyed the laughter and energy that came from being surrounded by the people he cherished most. His beloved grandchildren, whom he lovingly called his rabbits, held a special place in his heart, as did his host of nieces and nephews.
Willie James leaves behind a large and loving family who will continue to honor his memory. He is survived by his grandson, Richard Jackson of Kellyton; his sons, Corey Fleetion, Winfred Fleetion and his wife, Krystal, and Milo Belyue; his daughters, Pamela Fleetion, Donya Fleetion, and Tara Riggins; his grandsons, Artavious McNeal, Jerrid Fleetion and his wife, Keisha, Latravion Odem, Tymon Belyue, Jumon Belyue, and Ashton Belyue; his granddaughters, Krishna Bowe, Dontrea McKinney, Jakayla Wolgemuth and her husband, Danny, Carmin Anderson, Adrianna McNeal, Olivia Belyue, and Kenya Whitfield and her husband, Richard; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Leonard; his brothers, Steven Fleeting, and James Fleetion; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Quincy Powell; his father, Jack Fleetion Sr.; his mother, Josephine Fleetion; his sisters, Eula Lowery and Carrie Taylor; and his brothers, Walter Lowery, Jack Fleetion Jr., L.C. Fleetion, L.D. Fleetion, and Michael Fleetion. Though their absence was deeply felt, Willie James carried their memory with him throughout his life, and his family now takes comfort in knowing that he is reunited with those who went before him.
The life of Willie James Fleetion was one of love, humor, and enduring courage. He faced life with a spirited heart and a passion for the people and pleasures that meant the most to him. His memory will live on in the laughter he inspired, the conversations he shared, and the family bonds he helped strengthen. Those who knew him will remember not only his words and his smile, but also the steadfast love he gave so freely.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Willie James Fleetion.