Obituaries
Arthur “Dean” Blount
Arthur “Dean” Blount, 79, was born September 10, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, and passed away October 19, 2026. Dean made his home in Sylacauga and leaves behind a life marked by steady work, quiet courage, and a wit that revealed itself most warmly once you had the privilege of truly knowing him.
Dean served in Vietnam in the U.S. Air Force, proud of his service, and the kind of man who would have considered it an honor to serve again. He enjoyed being a strawberry farmer and a truck driver in Florida in his early career. That same sense of duty from his military service carried into the work he did as he made his home in Alabama: as a Reserve Deputy, in dispatch for the Sylacauga Police Department, and as Trustee Supervisor for the Talladega County Sheriff’s Department, where he served until retirement. In every role, Dean’s strength showed not in loud words, but in dependable presence and the way he looked out for others. He cared about the well-being of people in his charge, often bearing witness to those trustees under his supervision, hoping to plant a seed that might grow into something better in their hearts.
Above all, Dean cherished his wife of 26 years, whom he met in his tenure as a reserve deputy during a drug bust in Coosa County. He won Reida’s heart with his gentleman’s manners and kindness. He loved his family in Florida, treasuring visits with them and the regular phone calls they would share. He desperately wanted to spend more time with his Florida family, but as his health began to decline, he was heartbroken knowing he was unable to attend his grandchildren’s events and celebrations. He loved being together for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the simple gift of gathering meant everything. As an only child, he held close ties not only to family by birth, but also to his extended family and in-laws, valuing those bonds with a deep and faithful heart.
Dean enjoyed baseball, thrilled that his grandson, Bubba Blount, loved to play the sport. Dean so enjoyed the video clips shared of Bubba’s games via the phone. An enthusiastic football fan, he cheered for the Florida Gators and Alabama, so long as Alabama wasn’t up against the Gators, and he also followed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an avid reader, always content with a good book close at hand. He tried fishing, though it rarely rewarded him, and he could laugh at that with the dry humor so many came to love. He was re-introduced to camping in Alabama by Jon Hall and took to it wholeheartedly, often camping at Wind Creek with a group of friends, the Smiths, the Wells, and the Nix family. Around the campsite, Dean was in his element: grilling, sitting by the fire, and sharing stories.
Faith and fellowship were central to Dean’s life. He was a member of Marble City Baptist Church in Sylacauga and later Newsite Baptist Church in Rockford. He sang bass in a gospel quartet at Marble City Baptist Church and loved Christian music, especially the Gaither Vocal Band. He also enjoyed the Newsite Baptist Church men’s breakfast every second Wednesday of the month. Dean was a member of American Legion Post 45 in Sylacauga.
Those who cared for Dean came to know his spirit well; the nurses who looked after him lovingly called him “Mean Dean,” a nickname that carried affection more than anything else, an acknowledgment of his toughness, his humor, and the way he could make people smile even in hard moments. A big man with a gentle soft spot, Dean’s love for his small lap dogs, Nickers and Buddy, was a tender contrast that said so much about him. Their quiet companionship suited him, and he suited them.
Dean is survived by his wife, Reida Hodges Blount; his children, Jason Blount (Jennifer), Heather Riley (Billy), Deanna Brewer (Ryan), Krysta Figga, Skyler T. Blount (Gabby), and Riley T. Blount (Abby); and eight grandchildren, with one on the way; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Verna Blount.
Visitation will be held on October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at Newsite Baptist Church, Coosa County Road 56, Rockford, AL 35136, on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Dean’s honor and memory to Newsite Baptist Church, 3104 Coosa County Rd. 56, Rockford, Alabama 35136.
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.
John Cranford Speake
Mr. John Cranford Speake, 73, of Jacksons Gap, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at his home.
Born on September 1, 1953, in Alexander City to John D. Speake and Mattie Lee Strickland Speake, John lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady companionship, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures that made each day meaningful. He was a man who valued peace, routine, and the comfort of familiar places and faces. Those who knew him will remember his calm presence, his easy manner, and the genuine warmth he shared with others throughout his life.
John loved fishing, and it was one of the great joys of his life. He found happiness in the patience and stillness that fishing required, and he especially cherished the peaceful setting of the lake where he lived. The quiet surroundings suited him well and gave him a sense of contentment that he carried with him every day. The lake was more than just a home to John. It was a place of rest, reflection, and comfort, and he appreciated the serenity it offered.
He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, both at Russell Corp. and at Walmart, where he formed lasting connections and shared many good conversations over the years. John valued friendship and the fellowship that came from being around people he knew and trusted. He had a way of making others feel at ease, and his presence was appreciated by those who had the privilege of knowing him in those settings.
In his spare time, John devoted himself to making fly fishing lures, a craft at which he was especially skilled. He took pride in his work and approached it with patience and care. His talent for making lures reflected both his love of fishing and his appreciation for doing things well. It was a pastime that brought him satisfaction and allowed him to combine creativity with the outdoors in a way that suited him perfectly.
John will be remembered as a kind and steady man who lived life on his own terms and found joy in the things that mattered most to him. His love of the lake, his devotion to fishing, his friendships, and his quiet talents all formed part of the legacy he leaves behind. He will be missed by those who knew him and remembered with affection for the life he lived and the good company he kept.
He is survived by his sister, Janie Harris of Alexander City; brother, James Speake of Alexander City; nieces, Kelley Bohannan, Sandra Berry, Tanya Hawkins, Lisa (Scott) Watson, Jennifer Price, and Jessica Price, all of Alexander City; nephew, Barry (Regina) Hawkins of Coosa County; and his canine companion, Ethel Speake.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Speake; siblings, Jerry Speake, Barbara Hawkins, and Truman Speake.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Enhabit Hospice for their wonderful and loving care of John.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of John Cranford Speake.
Shirley Jean Ward Walker
Shirley Jean Ward Walker, 89, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Born on April 12, 1937, in Titus, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Robert E. Lee Ward and Ima Lazelle Kelley Ward. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Jackson Walker (Bob), who passed away in 2023.
Shirley was employed with RMWC, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Science Department for many years until her retirement. Throughout her life, Shirley was a very talented seamstress who greatly enjoyed making outfits for her family. Her textile talents extended to making draperies, pillows and many other items for her home and the homes of her children. In her younger years she was an accomplished bridge player, tennis player and excellent cook. She loved taking walks from her home on Locksview Road, down Peakland Place, and reading on her deck. She found peace and gratification in both activities. Shirley was a kind, thoughtful and generous wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will always be remembered for her acts of service to her family and willingness to help others.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ann Walker Helak and her husband, Matt, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; her son, Robert Kevin Walker and his wife, Beverly, of Greenville, North Carolina; her beloved sisters, Paulette Ward Watson of Rockford, Ala., and Tina Ward of Alabama; and by her cherished brother-in-law, Gary Walker and his wife, Doris, of Collinsville, Va.
She is also survived by four grandchildren, Annparke Sullivan Hill, Austin Walker, Walker Sullivan, and Carson Walker Yates; three great-grandchildren, Fallon Yates, Kennedy Hill and Merritt Yates; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews throughout the country.
In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Archie Lee Ward, Robert Kelley Ward, and sisters, Carolyn Ward Selman and Peggy Ward Heath.
A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, with the date and time to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Westminster Canterbury Foundation or the charity of their choosing.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
