Shelton Funeral Home

James O. Putney, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother,
peacefully passed away on September 26, 2026. His life was one marked by quiet strength, deep
love for his family, and an unwavering commitment to those he held dear.
Born with a generous heart and a steady spirit, James shared 60 years of marriage with his
beloved wife, Freida M. Putney, who preceded him in death on July 2, 2024. Their partnership
was a foundation of love, resilience, and family devotion that continues to echo through the
generations they raised together.
James is survived by his five children: James Lee Putney, Jerry Putney (Tisa), Pennie Strickland
(Jonathan), David Putney, and Lisa Ford (Cory), fourteen grandchildren: Kirsten Hibner,
Brittany Cavicchioni, Jeri Brees (Jason), Bryon Putney, Kirkland Roberts (Kaylen), Connor
Putney, James Reid Putney, Braden Sanders, Anna Sanders, Addie Grace Sanders, Dylan Putney,
Blake James (Kaylee), Anthony James (Symoné) and Madison Ford, and by nine
greatgrandchildren: Liam Hibner, Everly Hibner, Bella Cavicchioni, Kaiwren Brees, Preston
James, Brynleigh James, Ka’liyah James, Kade Roberts, and Kenleigh Roberts, each carrying
forward pieces of his character, his work ethic, his gentleness, his curiosity, and his love of the
outdoors. Also survived by his brother, Stephen Putney (Brenda) and two sisters, Lavon Barnett
(Junoir) and Debra McCaig (Bobby) who remember him as a caring and steadfast presence...

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David Strahan Picou, 69, passed away in his home while surrounded by his family on September 24, 2026, after a brief illness with Glioblastoma. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Dave was born and raised in New Orleans, where he developed his love of fishing, LSU Football, and Cajun cuisine. Boy Scouts played an important role in his childhood and adolescence. He earned the Eagle Scout rank as a teenager. At the age of 16, Dave received a Certificate of Heroism after saving a young boy from drowning. While in Explorer Scouts, he served as an advisor for his post at Philmont. Scouting instilled a love for nature and serving others that carried throughout his lifetime.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University and served as the President of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Wanting to serve our country, he became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. His active duty was served aboard the USS CLEVELAND (LPD-7), USS STARK (FFG-31) and USS LUCE (DDG-38) from 1981-1992.

While stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, he met his wife, Cindy, at church. They shared over 41 years of love and laughter. Their children, Joshua and Catherine, were blessed with his selfless love for them. He shared with them his love of all things nature and they spent many days together hiking and fishing. His grandson “Pip” was his greatest joy and he...

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Kerry Lance “Lance” Warren, 66, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away on September 22, 2026.

Lance was born on February 17, 1960, and raised in Brewton, Alabama. He was a diligent and hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. One of his proudest accomplishments was putting both of his children through college and giving them opportunities through the life he worked hard to build.

For 30 years, Lance owned and operated Edwin Watts Golf Shop in Huntsville before retiring. A natural people person, Lance built relationships easily and genuinely enjoyed talking with others. He had a quick sense of humor, loved making people laugh, and was a gifted storyteller (even if those closest to him had heard some of his favorite stories more than once).

Outside of work, Lance loved golf, hunting, and Alabama football. He spent some of his favorite times on golf and hunting trips with friends. He was also a longtime member of Parkview Baptist Church in Decatur.

Above all, Lance loved his family. He and his wife, Lora Jane Warren, were married for 40 years. He was a proud father to Wesley Logan Warren and Keri Jane Sebesta. In recent years, one of his greatest joys was being “Pops” to his two grandsons, Owen Sebesta, 3, and Graham Sebesta, 1, and simply watching them play.

Lance is survived by his wife, Lora; his children, Wesley Warren (Danielle) and Keri Sebesta (Patrick); his grandsons, Owen and Graham Sebesta; his mother, Peggy Vildibil;...

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Joan (Kurtz) Sowell, 79, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at her
home surrounded by her family. Joan left this world on the eve of what would have been her sixty first
wedding anniversary.
Joan was born September 24, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Mr. Paul G. Kurtz and Mrs. Annis
(Partenheimer) Kurtz, and was the oldest of their six children. On September 20, 1965, she married,
Stephen A. Sowell. In 1970, Stephen’s work transferred him to a new plant in Decatur, Alabama, and the
young family relocated with their two small children. Decatur became home for good, and it was there
that Joan and Stephen raised their four children.
In Decatur, Joan’s life centered on her family and her faith. She was an active member of St. Ann’s
Catholic Church, now Annunciation of the Lord. With her two youngest children still at home, she
returned to college and earned her teaching degree from Athens State University. That degree took her
back to St. Ann’s, where she taught second and third grades for many years and, in time, retired from
the classroom. Retirement never slowed her devotion to her parish, and she remained a faithful and
familiar presence there for the rest of her life.
Joan is survived by her four children: Teresa (Teri) Adams of Madison; Stephen A. Sowell Jr. and his wife, Deborah, of Decatur; Karen A. Morland and her husband, Matthew, of Decatur; and Sarah E. Traylor
and her husband, Derek, of Decatur. She also leaves...

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Sandy Horton Waldrop, age 79, of Decatur passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 17, 1947 in Birmingham, AL to Lewis Horton and Dorothy Davis Horton. She graduated from Fairfield High School and later married the love of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Waldrop, daughter Melody Echols, and her parents.

She is survived by daughter, Celeste Cook and Son-in-law Jeff Cook; grandchildren, Reagan Echols, Emily Crouch, Dawson Echols, and Logan Crouch, Kelsey (Seth) Dement, Karly (Nick) Carothers, Kinley Cook, 3 Great children and a host of family and friends.

She was a Proverbs 31 woman. She was a servant member of Austinville First Baptist Church in Decatur.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Randy Berry and Bro. Eddie Awers officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service. A private family burial will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 in Columbiana.

Pallbearers will be Tom Lamb, Josheph Montgomery, Tony Weidman, John Horsley, Grady Shook, and Michael Moore.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Shelton Funeral Home had the Honor of assisting the family.

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Margaret Smith

Margaret Smith, age 91, of Moulton, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born March 8, 1935, in Winston County, Alabama, to Ernest Grady White and Nancy Etta Black White.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Darby Emmerson Smith; her parents; her brothers, Calvin White, Billy White, and Jack White; and her sister, Catherine Miller (Charlie).

She is survived by her daughter, Donna McLaughlin; son-in-law, Jeff McLaughlin; brother-in-law, Larry Smith; sister-in-laws, Shirley Jenkins and Willie May Shelton; eleven nieces; and fourteen nephews.

Margaret graduated from Danville High School in May 1954. She married Darby Smith in September 1955, and together they moved to Michigan. In 1995, they sold their home and returned to Alabama.

She worked for many years as a presser at a dry cleaners. Margaret enjoyed working in her yard and garden and took great pleasure in caring for her home and surroundings.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel, with Ray Milligan officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Johnson Chapel.

Shelton Funeral Home had the honor of assisting the family.

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Dallas Grady Southers I passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet Southers; his sons, Dallas Southers II (Cynthia), Joseph Southers (Sheree), and Jason Stutts (Vicky); his grandchildren, Dylan Southers, Trevor Southers, Reagan Bates (Curt), Emily Johnson, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson, Tyler Stutts (Victoria), and Anna Rencher (Josh); his great-grandchildren, Anderson Kay Bates, Riley Rencher, and Emerson Rencher; his sister-in-law Brenda Richardson and brother-in-law Roger Richardson (Jessica); his nieces Brittany Franks (Tyler) and Haley Brown (Matthew); his grand-nephew Tripp and his grand-niece Blair. Dallas was preceded in death by his father Grady Graden Southers, his mother Virginia Southers, six siblings, and his daughter Tammy Johnson Case.

Dallas served in the military and then worked for many years in the tire mold industry. He enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, and spending time with his family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 19, at 11:00am at River City Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dallas' memory to Hospice of the Valley or to a Veterans group.

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Kaynell Parker, age 88, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026 in Decatur, Alabama. A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Matt Haines officiating at Winston Memorial Cemetery in Haleyville, Alabama.

She was born November 15, 1937 in Winston County, Alabama to Ralph Frazier and Agnes Little Frazier.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Parker; her parents; and several siblings.

She is survived by her son, Johnny Ray Parker; her grandchildren, Max Parker (Megan), Natalie Daniels (Matt); her brother, Ronald Frazier (Cheryl); and her sister, Francis Wakefield (Roger).

She was a member of Central Park Baptist Church.

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In Loving Memory Of
Michael Rowe Strickland
April 25, 1949 - September 3, 2026
Michael Rowe Strickland, of Hartselle, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 25, 1949, in Falkville, Alabama.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Hartselle City Cemetery, with Dr. Jerome Ward and Shelton Funeral Home officiating.
Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pharmacist, pilot, and community servant. He was a third- generation pharmacist and dedicated his life to serving others through his profession. He was the President of Buy-Rite Drugs and BRDVETRX of Hartselle and was also a founding board member of Associated Pharmacies, Inc. of Scottsboro, Alabama.
Michael was a proud graduate of Auburn University, Class of 1971, where his lifelong love of Auburn began.
Michael had a deep love for his hometown and proudly served for ten years on the Hartselle City School Board, many of those years as chairman. As a pilot, he also spent many years serving on the Hartselle Airport Board.
His love of travel and adventure took him around the world twice. Michael had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and never met a stranger. His warm personality, generous spirit, and love for his...

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John L. “Jack” Beasley, age 89, of Decatur, passed away September 2, 2026, at NHC Healthcare surrounded by his family. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Scotty Hogan officiating. The family will receive friends on that day from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Interment afterwards at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Scott Ridgeway, Tim Beasley, Logan Beasley, David Beasley, Spencer Beasley, Adam Housley, and Woody Doran

Jack was born September 28, 1936, in San Diego, California, where his father was stationed with the Navy, to John and Mildred Beasley. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his beautiful wife of 56 years Mary Maylene Harris Beasley, son Michael Beasley, and brother Larry Beasley. He is survived by his sister Gloria Anne Beasley Faulkner, son Ron Beasley, daughter-in-law Karen Beasley, grandchildren, Spencer Beasley (Lauren), Maggie Beasley, Keller Beasley and Logan Beasley; great-grandchildren, Lawson Beasley and Ann Collins Beasley; nephews Max Beasley, Tim Beasley and David Beasley; niece Angela Griffis and special friend Bernice Bowling.

Raised in Limestone County, Jack graduated from Athens High School in 1954. In college, he won first place in the Third Army Area and placed third in the nation in a national ROTC rifle marksman competition. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1960 with a B.S. degree in engineering, he...

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