Linville Memorial Funeral Home

05/28/2026

Suellen Kirsch

Suellen Robinson Kirsch, 84, passed away May 22, 2026, in Tallassee, Alabama, at the home of her sister, Patsy Grant. She was born July 7, 1941 and grew up in Fairfax, Alabama (later Valley) and graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1963. At Valley High, she was head majorette of the Valley High School Marching Band, a member of multiple honor societies, and a popular all-around student.

Suellen was passionate about Auburn! She was a member of the Phi Mu sorority and a beauty queen from day one. She was named Miss Auburn in her senior year. She was an excellent student. Her many honors at Auburn included selection for membership in Mortar Board and other honorary societies. She was named Miss Alabama in the 1961 Miss Universe competition, and was one of five finalists in that contest. Her musical talents with the piano were legend. She loved music as a consumer of others' performances and she also played her Baby Grand for her own satisfaction. An accomplished musician, she supported the establishment of the Hayes Hall Performing Arts Center where the Naples (Florida) Philharmonic performs today. When famous soloists performed in Hayes Hall, Suellen was often asked to turn manuscript pages for the pianist. While residing in Naples, she also worked to help establish the first hospice care organization in Collier County. In recent years, she taught piano to both youth and adults. Suellen regularly drove to the home of an elderly woman who was no longer able to come to her. Additionally, she was ever-ready to play a mini concert for friends and guests (and cats), featuring work by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Mozart, among others.

After graduating from Auburn, Suellen went to New York to work as a model and in television advertising. There she met Walter Kirsch Jr., whom she later married. They lived in Connecticut before moving to Naples, Florida, where Suellen obtained a real estate license and worked with Walter on development projects. They later moved to Pine Mountain, Georgia, purchased land near Calloway Gardens, and developed the property by building homes in an area called Mountain Shadows.

Suellen had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh; in fact, she was capable of becoming so 'tickled' she could hardly breathe. In the last decade or so, Suellen organized lunches with former classmates and friends as well as reunions for her 1959 Valley High School graduating class. Suellen loved Callaway Gardens and regularly frequented the Country Store for breakfast. She was fascinated by the complexities of our planet and universe and she embraced natural healing. She was skilled at helping others (and herself) thrive without reliance on drugs or other external stimulants. She was a first-rate cook and gardener.

Suellen was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Robinson; and husband, Walter Kirsch. She is survived by her sister, Patsy Grant and many cousins, aunts and uncles. She is survived also by Fred and Mary (Flax) Kirsch and their daughters, Susan, Anna and Emily; and her cats. Suellen was a cat lover which the cats seemed to understand. The family expresses their unwavering gratitude to Faye Sorrell, Bart Sorrell, and Andy Sorrell for their love and help over many years; Suellen would not have survived her many challenges without them. Yet, Suellen's most faithful supporter (and best friend) was her "baby sister" Patsy. Suellen loved Patsy for her essential goodness, calm demeanor, work ethic, and ability to manage a farm full of dogs, cats, chickens, cows and horses while also nursing her husband whose health declined in recent years. Without Patsy's support, Suellen would have been lost.

A private burial by the family will be held at a later date. Given Suellen's love of animals of all shapes and sizes, anyone who wishes to memorialize her might consider donating to a Humane Society of their choice.

Memories and messages of condolences for the family may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory

Eclectic, Alabama

View Suellen Kirsch's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

Jackie Lee Gregory

Jackie Lee Gregory, age 83, of Tallassee, Alabama, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born March 20, 1943, in Tallassee, AL to Joe and Montez Gregory.

Jack was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and brother. He was known for his big smile, warm hugs, and kindness to all. The stories he shared will live on forever.

He attended Tallassee High School, the University of Alabama, and worked in the aero-space industry for many years.

He is survived by daughter, Lauren Gregory Gantt (Angus); grandchildren, Natalie Sullivan, AJ Gantt, and Greenlee Gantt; great-grandchildren, Grayson Cruze Askew and Memphis Rae Askew; sister, JoAnn Redden; nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joe and Montez Gregory; and sister Judy Gayle Wall.

First Baptist Church of Tallassee will host a memorial service on Friday May 29, 2026. Visitation will be held at 5:00 pm with service following at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or March of Dimes Foundation. Both held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to thank Ivy Creek Hospice for their love and support. He loved seeing each one of them.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

View Jackie Lee Gregory's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Hunter Jerald Waites

Hunter Jerald Waites, of Reeltown, Alabama, passed away May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born April 1, 1998.

Hunter was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Kristin Waites, and their children, Bailey, Liam, Koltan, and Emma, who were the center of his world. He also leaves behind his parents, Wayne and Crystal Waites; his brother, Levi Waites; his grandmother, Sue Price; his great-grandmother, Margarett Bunn; and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his unborn child, Noah Reign; his grandfather, Floyd Stodghill; grandfather, Jerry Waites; and grandmother, Dorothy Waites.

Beulah Baptist Church, 5891 Lovelady Rd, Dadeville, AL 36853 will be hosting visitation with the family beginning at 10 am, followed by a memorial service at 11 am, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The family requests that attendees wear pink in honor of Hunter.

Hunter was truly the life of the party. No matter the situation, he could make people laugh and bring light into the room with his sense of humor and larger-than-life personality. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. His kindness, loyalty, and heart for others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Above all else, Hunter loved his family deeply. He was a proud father, a dedicated husband, and someone his loved ones could always count on. He found peace and happiness outdoors, spending his time hunting, fishing, cooking for those he loved, and enjoying God's creation. Hunter also had a deep love for animals and cared for them with the same kindness and compassion he showed to everyone around him.

Though his time here was far too short, Hunter's memory will live on through the laughter he shared, the love he gave so freely, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to: AFSP Alabama in memory of Hunter Jerald Waites. Contributions will help AFSP Alabama move its mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by su***de in our community. Contributions can be mailed to: AFSP Alabama at 1034 Main Street #319 Gardendale, AL 35071 OR to Beulah Baptist Church, 5891 Lovelady Road, Dadeville, AL 36853.

Online condolences may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

View Hunter Jerald Waites's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

Ray Hugh Wallace

Ray "Hugh" Wallace, age 87, went to be with the Lord on May 24, 2026. Hugh was born September 11, 1938, in Tallassee, AL, where he resided his entire life and worked for Elmore County for approximately 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Dawson Wallace and Maggie Pauline Owens; siblings, Lovie Kenney, Louise Griffith, Annie Hodnett, Ethel Knapp, Wayne Wallace, and Bobby Wallace.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda G. Wallace; two sons, Tom Wallace (Rachelle) and Rodney McAninch (Tina); and one daughter, JoAnne W. Stiff (Dwayne). He has six grandchildren, Brittni Morris (Brandon), Noelle Wallace, Michaela Fish (Jack), Matthew Wallace, Bradley McAninch (Samantha), Sean Stiff; and blessed with seven great-grandchildren; two siblings, Tommy Wallace and Duff Wallace, along with a bushel and a peck of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Friendship Baptist Church in Tallassee, AL on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with visitation starting at 1:00 PM and services at 2:00 PM officiated by Pastor Ronnie Knight. Hugh will be laid to rest at Friendship Cemetery.

The family would like to give a huge thank you to the doctors and nurses at Baptist East Hospital and Baptist Hospice for the wonderful care provided.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

View Ray Hugh Wallace's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

Dave Daniel Byrd, 58, of Wetumpka, passed away May 14, 2026. He was born in Montgomery, AL on October 5, 1967.

Dave was a 1986 graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army with the First Calvary.

Dave leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Melissa Reid Byrd. Dave and Melissa were married 24 years, high school sweethearts who drifted apart and then found each other again. They have three children, April (Brian) Barlow, Lance (Kayla) Stanfield and Justin Stanfield.

The title Dave was most proud to hold was that of Pop Pop. He beamed with pride anytime he spoke of Geoffrey, Michael, Maddy, Ryleigh, Jaxon, Ana or Isla Jo.

Dave is also survived by his parents, Preston and Glennie Byrd; his mother-in-law, Sandra Sellers; his brothers, Jerome (Paige) Byrd and Kevin (Deanna) Byrd and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was an organ donor. His generosity makes sure that three people will be able to live because of him.

The family will receive friends at Linville Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, starting at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 pm with Tommy Graham officiating.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory

Eclectic, Alabama

View Dave Daniel Byrd's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/14/2026

Joshua Daniel Ledbetter, 42, passed away May 12, 2026. He was born June 3, 1983.

Josh was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter to those who knew him.

Josh enjoyed spending time outdoors, working on projects, painting, and making memories with family and friends. He had a caring spirit and valued the people closest to him deeply. In recent years, Josh renewed his faith, which became an important part of his life.

He is survived by his mother, Debra McCormick Haynes (Ricky); his father, Robbie D. Ledbetter (Angela); his sisters, Jessika Price, Kimberly Royster (Patrick), Megan Gray (Justin), and Brittney Ledbetter (Charles); his brothers, Robin Ledbetter, Jeremy Ledbetter; daughter, Kaileigh Ledbetter; fur buddy, Molly; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his "granny" Barbara Waldrep, and his grandparents, Oscar and Hazel Ledbetter.

Josh will be remembered for his kind heart, love for family, and the impact he made on those around him. His memory will live forever in the hearts of all who loved him.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory

Eclectic, Alabama

View Joshua Daniel Ledbetter's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/14/2026

Anyone wanting to know more about AHERO or to contribute, please go to www.aherousa.org

05/14/2026

June Marie (Crandall) Demick, 85, of Wetumpka, Alabama, passed away in the company of her devoted son on Mother's Day, May 10, 2026.

June was born in Berlin, New York to David Oscar Crandall and Evaline Crandall on June 19, 1940. She was the middle child of eight children and the last to meet the Lord. She led a life of generosity and kindness. She and her beloved husband Walter (deceased in 2023) were married on March 12, 1961, and forged a successful marriage of over 62 years. They raised five children, and June was grandmother and role model to nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

June graduated with an associate’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill in New York. She worked for the New York State Department of Correctional Services and retired from their state offices. She was a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wetumpka, Alabama. She enjoyed a number of hobbies like square dancing, crocheting, knitting, and plastic canvas. She loved playing Rummy, doing puzzles, and watching old TV series with her family and three cats. She also loved to listen to gospel hymns like Amazing Grace and Old Rugged Cross, especially when played by family at our little concerts.

June was preceded in death by her parents, David and Evelyn Crandall, as well as all her siblings (Leonard, Oscar, Sandra, Phyllis, David, Stephen and Joseph). She is survived by her children Susan, Anita, Walter, Scott, Jaime and their families.

Visitation will begin at 9 am with funeral service to follow at 10 am on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wetumpka, AL. Father James Dean will be officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Eclectic, AL.

June made a valiant effort to fight breast cancer, which reoccurred three times. She maintained a positive attitude throughout this difficult battle, and she was an inspiration to us all. She would want everyone to know that early detection is key to surviving cancer. We are all thankful and blessed to have known her. We know she is with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and that we will see her again in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers please donate in her memory to St. Joseph's Indian School in South Dakota.

Memories and messages of condolences for the family may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

View June Marie Demick's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/14/2026