Fowler Family Funeral Home

05/04/2026

Obituary

Guillermo “Wally” Guajardo, age 70, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home. He was born May 3, 1955, in Mercedes, Texas, to Jose Guajardo and Victoria DeLeon Guajardo.

Wally was a dedicated farmhand who spent his life working in agriculture. He took great pride in his work and had a natural gift for growing just about anything. Outside of work, he enjoyed playing bingo, making his famous salsa, visiting flea markets, and finding treasures to fix up and give them away to others. He also loved fishing and watching boxing. Known for his generous heart, Wally loved everyone he met. He always kept candy on hand for his grandchildren and cherished his time with his nieces and nephews, as well as his many bingo friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nine years, Michelle Clark Guajardo; his daughter, Virginia Sams (Matthew) of England; grandchildren, Charlie Sams, Joseph Borden, Evan Borden, and Gracie Borden; his mother-in-law, Sandra Clark; brothers-in-law, Charles Clark, Frank Clark (Shannon), and Richard Clark (Tiffany); sister-in-law, Ehrike Weiss (George); a special nephew, Jason DeMartin; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dayspring Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

04/28/2026

Vivian Marie Lord, age 73, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home.

Ms. Lord was born on August 5, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Carlis W. Lord and Lois Juanita Lashley. She was a woman who truly cherished life’s simple joys and the people she loved most.

Vivian enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether working in her yard, fishing, or taking trips to the beach. She also loved shopping and relaxing with her favorite shows, including Bonanza and Gunsmoke. A devoted fan of Alabama football, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. She also found great joy in visiting the racetrack and playing bingo.

Above all, Vivian loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she was always someone who made things happen for those she loved. Her caring and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Terry Lord.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Makesha Kimbro; grandchildren, Freehunter Kimbro and Dakota Kirkland; great-grandchildren, Althea Kimbro, Philip Kimbro, Isadora Kirkland, and Indigo Kirkland; brother, Larry Lord; sister, Ann Lord Blount; sister-in-law, Pam Lord; nieces, Julie Nunez and Amy Lord Jones; and special friends, Vicki Grammer and Carol Miller.

Vivian’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and strength, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

04/24/2026

04/16/2026

Charles “Emanuel” Griffin, Jr., “aka” Man, Grip, & Lil Charles, transitioned on April 6, 2026, at Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Center in Panama City, Florida. He was born on November 30, 1970, in Dothan, Alabama to Charles and Hattie Griffin. He was preceded in death by his mother Hattie Griffin, sister, Shanna (Nana) Griffin, and his son Charles (CJ) Emanuel Griffin, III.

Charles was raised in church with his mother and attended Patterson Street Freewill Baptist Church, in Dothan AL. As an adult, he attended Faith Victory Christian Center, where he served in the Media Room for several years.

Charles graduated from Dothan High School in 1988. He attended J.F. Ingram State Technical College, Deatsville, AL and completed studies in the Masonry Program. He received a Certificate in “A Country Called Heaven” from Light Ministries International; a Certificate in a course titled “New Man of God” from Peniel Chapel Ministries; Certificates in Christian Doctrine Volumes 1and 2, The Gospel of John, and The Book of Acts, Volume 1, from the American Bible Academy, Joplin, MO.

He served as a devoted supervisor at Super-Lube in Dothan, AL for many years. He worked at the Bistro Café as a BBQ griller in Panama City, FL. He was a construction worker at BGN Construction. He obtained his Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate an 18-wheeler on January 12, 2001. Charles also assisted his father who was the Forman at Tri-State Paving in laying asphalt in Dothan, AL. His father taught him to fix cars, making him an excellent mechanic. There was hardly anything that Charles couldn't accomplish.

Charles enjoyed dancing. He was the center of attention whenever he danced. He was the life of the party! He loved every genre of music. He learned to play the guitar and drums on his own. Charles also enjoyed building things. He successfully built a BBQ pit, and a four wheel go cart, just to name a few.

He is survived by his loving wife, Catrenia Williams of Panama City, FL; his father, Charles Griffin, Sr. (Peggy); sisters, Tracey Haynes (Allen), Tanya Turner (Nakia); brother, Brandon Griffin of Dothan, AL.

Children: Courtney Brackins, Charles Snell, Jeremy Covington, Brandon Snell, Chassitie Adams all of Dothan, AL; Brittney Wilson (Thomas), Scott Holmes, Tiesha Anthony (Kedar). Grandchildren: Tysheria Snell, Kaedence, Tyreese, Maci, Kai Covington, Destiny, Janiya, Ja’Liyah, Ja’Dayia Snell; Justin, Jace Adams; Issac Dixon of Panama City, FL, Jalonni McMillion; Saniyah and Breighton Holmes; MyShawn, MyKynnah, MyKynlee Fleming. He cherished his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Special sister in-law, Tina Douglas. Special brother in-law, Nakia Turner who gave him the name “Grip” which he honored. Best friend, Parrish Bighems; three special friends, Nathan Rogers, Calvin Jackson, and William Jarvis, Jr. Charles will be deeply missed by his aunts, uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Special Thanks: Primary Care Physician, Dr. Keith Banton, Gulf Coast Wound Care, Dr. Adam Peaden, Dr. Shayne Jensen, and nurses.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 17,2026, 5:00-6:00 pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home Chapel Funeral service will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 am at Patterson Street Free Will Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Pansey, Al

04/09/2026

Nick Allen Ussery, age 69, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026.

He was born August 23, 1956, in Mississippi, to Kyle Ussery and Betty Jean Heafner Paxton.

Nick worked as a master plumber and was known as an amazing father and grandfather. He was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He enjoyed Ole Miss football and Alabama football, spending time with his friends, hunting, fishing, and attending Harvest Church, where he faithfully served on the parking lot crew.

Nick also enjoyed horror movies, The Andy Griffith Show, Star Trek, Unsolved Mysteries, and The Rifleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Kenny Ussery and Kyle Ussery.

He is survived by his daughter, Amber Nicole Ussery; his grandchildren, Oktober Shay Matthews and Belladonna Winter Matthews; his brother, Randy Ussery; and a special niece, Monica Ussery.

04/03/2026

Ricky Ladale Phillips died March 29, 2026 at Flowers Hospital after an extended illness. A Dothan resident of 10 years, he was born June 3, 1964 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Earnest Calvin Phillips and Faye Bruner. He later became a devoted long haul truck driver, driving to places like Texas, California and Iowa.

Rick married Gretchen Phillips in 2015 and moved to the Dothan area after retiring from the trucking business. He loved building scaled military models, spending time with his grandchildren, wife and sisters, and spoiling his dogs.

He will be fondly remembered by his wife Gretchen, his grandchildren Noel, Bailey and Curtis, his mother Faye, his sisters Tammy, Misty and Gigi, his brother Slade, his stepfather Jim (Sharon) his stepchildren Caitlin (Dalton) and Justin, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his father Calvin, and his stepson Matthew.

In lieu of a traditional memorial and viewing, Ricks wishes were to be cremated, and the family will have a memorial for friends and family at their home in Dothan on Friday, April 3.

03/27/2026

Rita Joyce Minton Wammock passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Wesley Place Nursing Home. She was 62 years old.

Rita was born on October 1, 1963, in Arkansas to Jackie Minton and Sylvia Joyce Higgs Allen. She earned an associate degree in drafting and worked for many years as an administrative assistant.

Rita’s family was her greatest accomplishment in life. She dearly loved being a grandmother and treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time in nature. Rita loved Jesus and lived with a strong faith. In her free time, she enjoyed cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs, going to the beach, and watching HGTV and The Weather Channel.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jackie Minton.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Aaron Wammock, Dylan Wammock (Celeste Guerra), and Jessica Walker (Areon); her mother, Sylvia Allen; her grandchildren, Adrian Walker and Amelia Wammock; her brother, Randall Minton; and her beloved friends, Cindy Byron and Leah Lutz.

03/23/2026

Bennie Allen Sumlin
Bennie Sumlin born February 21, 1954 – passed away March 20, 2026 at the age of 72.

Bennie Allen Sumlin, a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and Uncle passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and a lifelong love of the open road.

Bennie spent 44 years as a long-haul truck driver — a career he didn't just work, but truly loved. He was a man most at home with miles of highway stretching out before him, unbothered by the passing of time, content in the freedom that only the road could give. To Bennie, there was no better place to be.

Off the road, he was a diehard fan of the New York Yankees and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and there was never any doubt where his loyalties stood on game day.

Bennie is survived by his two daughters, Lisa and Sarah, and his four grandchildren, Lacy, Shay, Tyler, and Holly, who were among his greatest joys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtie Sumlin; his sister, Nancy Bartholomew; and his brother, Richard Sumlin.

Bennie will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and in every mile of open highway.

03/23/2026

Antonio Fitzgerald Finn, age 41, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away following a lengthy illness.

Antonio was born on June 12, 1984, in Dothan, Alabama, to Gary Chambers and Sharon Finn Kelley. He was employed as a DC Shipper at WestPoint Home Manufacturing. In addition to his career, Antonio was a talented tattoo artist who expressed his creativity through his art.

A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Antonio ran track and was known for his exceptional endurance, earning him the nickname “Mr. No Lungs.” He was also a respected lifeguard throughout all of his high school years and “swam like a fish.” He remained a sports enthusiast throughout his life and especially enjoyed watching his son play basketball for the Wolves and local travel ball/AAU teams.

Antonio loved spending quality time with his son, Kamryn, particularly playing video games such as Resident Evil. He also enjoyed swimming and fishing. Known for his quick wit and warm personality, he was truly a jokester who could light up any room with laughter.

He cherished his family deeply and leaves behind precious memories to be treasured by his loving son, Kamryn Finn; his parents, Gary Chambers (Lisa) and Sharon Finn Kelley; his maternal grandmother, Bobbie Darrisaw; his sister, Sherry Finn; nephews Jaylynn May, Javon May; uncles, Odell Chambers (Mary), Rodell Chambers (Priscilla), Willie Finn, and Chris Finn; aunts, Cynthia Vinson (Carlton), Geraldine Potter, and Ella Chambers (Fred); and his best friends, Thomas Wilson and Roland Valentine Schlect, along with many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:30 am at New Beginning Ministries INT, INC., 1000 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.