Joe Richard Russell, Sr.

RUSSELL Sr., Mr. Joe Richard, 86, a resident of Luverne died Friday, July 31, 2009 after an extended illness. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday. August 3, 2009 at the Luverne First Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Burns officiating. Interment followed in the Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turner Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Joe Richard was a lifetime resident of Crenshaw County; a member of Luverne Masonic Lodge F & AM No. 630 for 58 years; a member of Crenshaw County Shrine Club; and a member of First Baptist Church of Luverne. He was a World War II veteran serving in the US Army with the First Calvary Division in the South Pacific. Mr. Russell was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sue Horn Russell; parents, W.I. and Ida Lou Moore Russell; brother, Billy Ray Russell; and two sisters, Hilda Tranum and Wilma Cook.

Survivors include four children, Joy Lowery, Susan (Joe) Reeves, Joe (Rena) Russell and Lynn Martin; six grandchildren, Edward (Terrie) Lowery, Melissa (David) Best, Melinda (Barry) Wright, Jessica (Derek) Pence, Jodie Russell and Chase Ellis; six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Daniel and Sydney Best, Connor and Emma Lowery, and Anna Claire Wright; and two sisters, Betty Speed and Nonie (Sam) Taylor. Active pallbearers were Irvin Russell, Hamp Russell, Rusty Taylor, Jason Taylor, George Tranum, Jim Tranum, Edward Speed and Butch Speed. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of First Baptist Church of Luverne. The family would like to extend special thanks to Southern Care Hospice, the staff of Crenshaw Community Hospital and to T.L. Washington and the Luverne Rescue Squad.

William H. Stringer

STRINGER, Mr. William H., 82, a resident of Roswell, GA died Monday, August 3, 2009. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the Chapel of Turner Funeral Home. Mr. Stringer’s body was cremated following the service with Turner Funeral Home of Luverne in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Stringer is survived by six children, Mike Stringer, Ronald Stringer, Darryl Stringer, Dianne (David) Wilhelm, Patricia (David) Sanders and Brad (Judy) Lear; fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Frances (Billy) Jordan.

Donnie Beck

BECK, Mr. Donnie, 65, a resident of Brantley, AL died Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009 from Turner Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Barry Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow in Bullock Cemetery with Turner Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mr. Beck was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Callaway and Audrey Cook. He is survived by two sons, Jeff (Beverly) Beck and Brock (Meredith) Beck; five grandchildren, Laura Ashley Beck, Katie Beck, Justin Beck, Adam Carlisle, and Blake Carlisle; and three brothers, Buddy (Rena) Beck, A.L. (Marilyn) Beck, and Scotty (Elly) Beck. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brantley High School Athletic Department.