Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home (2025)

27/08/2025

OBITUARY: Franklin "Frank" McGowan, Jr.

Franklin McGowan, Jr. “Frank” of Coffee Springs, AL passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was 68 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hartford City cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m.

Frank was born in Geneva, AL on September 07, 1956, to Franklin, Sr. and Mattie Lou Reeves McGowan. He served as a police officer in Geneva, AL and Montgomery, AL for a number of years. Following a career change, he attended college to pursue a registered nursing degree, at which he worked for 15 years. After retirement, he enjoyed watching the history channel, reading, sharing his knowledge he’d learned with family and friends, and was quite the gun enthusiast. He enjoyed learning about anything about guns. Most of all, Frank loved his family, especially his grandchildren and spending time with them.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Thomas McGowan.

Frank is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanie Wise McGowan of Coffee Springs, AL; one daughter, Erin Elenburg (Preston) of Daleville, AL; grandchildren, Jaden McGowan Howard, Alexandria Kirstie Broun and Simon James Broun, all of Geneva, AL, Preston Henry Elenburg, Jr., Ezra Ray Elenburg and Elijah Franklin Elenburg, all of Daleville, AL; four siblings, David McGowan (Shirley) of Black, AL, Mark McGowan of Geneva, AL, Nancy Hawthorne of Black, AL and Cindy Barnes (Brace) of Hartford, AL and a number of special nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Preston Elenburg, Brace Barnes, Brandon Barnes, Ross Hawthorne, Ben Hawthorne and Cody Willingham.

22/08/2025

OBITUARY: Noah Chamus "Bug" Johnson

Noah Chamus "Bug" Johnson, a cherished soul known affectionately as Bug to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Opp, Alabama. Born on November 19, 1938, in Coffee County, Alabama, Noah grew to embody the virtues of love, kindness, and gentleness throughout his 86 years of life.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Eddins and Rev. Donnie Earles officiating. Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Assembly of God Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Bug is preceded in death by his parents, Noah Arcus and Minnie Vester Hodge Johnson; one brother, Arcus Johnson; two nephews, Steven Johnson, and Donnie Johnson.

Bug spent his early years in the rich, verdant fields of Alabama, where he developed a profound connection with the land. His passion for farming was evident to all who knew him, as he dedicated his life to tending the soil and nurturing the crops that sustained his community.

In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Noah was an accomplished small engine repairman. His ability to breathe new life into seemingly lifeless machinery was nothing short of magical. He possessed an innate understanding of the mechanical world. It was not uncommon to find Bug, covered in grease, with a smile on his face.

He was an avid fisherman, with an uncanny ability to read the waters and the skies. His love for fishing was only matched by his enthusiasm for car racing. The roar of engines and the thrill of the race captivated him, and he spent many a weekend engrossed in the sport, whether as a spectator or a participant in local races.

He is survived by one daughter, Tracy Johnson Cooper (Melvin) of Enterprise, AL; two grandchildren, Cody Wang of Laurel Hill, FL, and Tyler Wang of Enterprise, AL; seven siblings, Pasteen Kilpatrick of Samson, AL, Catherine Wise of Bonifay, FL, Glennie Mullins of Snellville, GA, Ann Ellenburg of Bonifay, FL, Al Johnson (Tina) of Samson, AL, Gail Barton of Samson, AL, and Letty Jones of Samson, AL; and several special nieces and nephews.

16/08/2025

OBITUARY: Henry Earl Wilson

Henry Earl Wilson of Westville, FL passed away at his home on August 13, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Nate Castaneda officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wilson’s memory to the West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund 1603 Bradley Road, Westville, FL 32464.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Booth Wilson; daughter, Lisa Wilson Callahan; grandson, Ethan Callahan; two sisters, Ruby Nell Smith and Elizabeth Davis; one brother, Rudolph Wilson.

Mr. Earl was a farmer, worker, and servant by nature. These were his gifts and he used them to the fullest during his time on earth. He loved to tend the land, boasting in the success of a crop of peanuts sprouting or a garden overflowing with vegetables. Mr. Earl attended Chipola College briefly before going to work at Ft. Rucker. He would later work at Fleming foods, and Florida Department of Transportation briefly before beginning his career in the timber industry. During this time, he worked on multiple logging crews, operating heavy machinery and driving a log truck. Later, he began working at the paper mill in Panama City and ended his career working at the mill in Quincy, Florida.

After leaving the timber industry, Earl began working with Holmes County School Board in the county maintenance department. This job would lead him to Ponce de Leon Elementary School where he would forever be known as “Mr. Earl.” As the school maintenance supervisor, he would spend his day tending to the grounds, taking care of the needs of the staff, and ensuring that the school looked its best. It was not uncommon to see Mr. Earl tending to a crying little one with a scratched knee or helping the children in the lunchroom. In this role, he was able to work alongside friends and family, and spent countless days seeing and caring for several of his grandchildren, as well as countless children of his friends and neighbors. His humble nature and servant’s heart will always be remembered by those he took care of. Mr. Earl retired from the Holmes County School System in 2014 after 28 years of service.

Since retiring, Earl enjoyed going to equipment sales with fellow farmers and continuing to farm and tending to the land and property that he so dearly loved. He also found great joy in watching and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren in whatever sporting event, cow show, or beauty pageant he could go to. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and would take every opportunity to brag on them every chance he could. It is during these times that he will be missed the most.

Earl is survived by two daughters, Amy Somerset (Earnie) and Sonya Motley (Jason) all of Westville, FL; one son, Eric Wilson (Emily) of Lake Butler, FL; son-in-law, Chris Callahan (Rose); nine grandchildren, Hunter Somerset, Forrest Somerset (Chloe), Dalton Callahan (Dakota), Jonathan Owens (Brianna), Kyle Owens (Baylee), Lindy Motley, Ford Motley, Macie Wilson, and Miley Wilson; eight great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Terry Booth; three sisters-in-law, Laura Messer (Sammy), Betty Booth, and Juanita Wilson; several special nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

12/08/2025

OBITUARY: Norman David Haney

Norman David Haney of Geneva, AL passed to the top of his mountain on Monday, August 11, 2025. He was 69 years old.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cottondale, FL with Rev. Zach Dodson officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Norman was born in Las Vegas, NV on September 05, 1955 to the late Coy and Gwendolyn Cotton Haney. He worked along side his father in the bakery business while growing up. Later he was employed at the poultry processing plant prior to his retirement. After retirement, he relaxed and started to enjoy his life, simply going and doing things he enjoyed.

Norman was a special soul who touched everyone he knew in a very sweet way. He had a passion for playing drums at church and served the Lord in doing so. He was loved by many and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Gail Haney.

Norman is survived by three sisters, Brenda Rouse (Fred) of Daleville, AL, Ruth Jett (Owen) of Albany, GA, and Patricia Burns (Danny) of Geneva, AL and many nieces and nephews.

12/08/2025

OBITUARY: Bradley Charles Wolf, Jr. "Charlie"

Bradley Charles Wolf, Jr. “Charlie” of Geneva, AL passed away Thursday, August 07, 2025. He was 31.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, August 15, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral in Geneva, AL. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Line Brothers Keeper Organization at linebrotherskeeper.org.

Charlie was born in Somerset, KY on July 20, 1994 to Bradley Charles Wolf, Sr and Trina Jean Bowers Wolf. He was employed as a lineman with Power Grid and been a well-respected power lineman for 10 years. He was an avid naturist and collector of coins, an animal lover and just an overall gentle spirit. He loved his family, especially his nephew and his nieces. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

Charlie was preceded in death by a niece, Jasmine Berry.

Charlie is survived by his father and stepmother, Bradley Charles Wolf, Sr. (Shannon) of Geneva, AL; his mother, Trina Bowers Wolf of Milton, FL; two sisters, Scarlet Leanna Wolf of Milton, FL and Lauren Noel Keeney (Donny) of Pensacola, FL; one nephew, Tonio Mackall of Milton, FL; two nieces, Alivia Almendariz of Milton, FL and Aaliyah Keeney of Pensacola, FL.

09/08/2025

OBITUARY: Shelton LaVaughn Taylor

Shelton LaVaughn Taylor of Samson, AL passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Hospice Chaplain Joshua Kyser officiating. Burial will follow in Travelers Rest Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

LaVaughn was born in Opp, AL on November 01, 1950. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was known for his hard work in the floor covering industry, working tirelessly to meet the needs of his customers. With little spare time, he would occasionally enjoy a fishing trip with his family and working in his garden. LaVaughn faithfully served his country in the US Army from 1969-1972, during the Vietnam Era.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Wiggins “Nanny”; one brother, Donnie Taylor and his grandparents, Jody and Irene Wiggins, “PaPa” and “Granny”.

LaVaughn is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Brenda K. Holley Taylor of Samson, AL; two sons, Jody Taylor (Brenda) of Dothan, AL and Justin Taylor of Samson, AL; two grandchildren, C**t and Ally Kate Taylor of Dothan, AL; three sisters, Babara Harrison of Andalusia, AL, Deborah Meeks of Burleson, TX and Judy Tanner (Mark) of Tuscaloosa, AL; and a number of very special nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt “Thank You” to Aveanna Hospice for their care, compassion and love during this difficult time.

09/08/2025

OBITUARY: JOHNNY ROGERS RIALS

Johnny Rogers Rials of Samson, AL passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025. He was 81 years old.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Travelers Rest Cemetery in Samson, AL with Rev. Wade Rials officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Samson First Baptist Church in Johnny’s memory.

Johnny was born in Geneva County, AL on September 27, 1943 to the late Andrew Jackson and Ella Alford Rials. He was a hard worker who enjoyed driving a semi-truck all over the country. He was truly the happiest when he was behind the wheel of a “Big Rig”.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Michael Rogers Rials; one sister, Evelyn Curto; three brothers, Rev. Homer Rials, Bud Rials and Royce Rials.

Johnny is survived by his one sister, Sara Rials Quiller and husband, Roy of Prattville, AL and one brother, Tommy Rials and wife, Billie June of Samson, AL; one step-daughter, Pam Wise and husband, Murray of Samson, AL and a number of special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

04/08/2025

OBITUARY: Gerald Wayne "G.W." Burns

Gerald Wayne Burns, 87 of Geneva AL and formerly DeFuniak Springs, FL passed Friday August 1, 2025, peacefully at home.

A family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing.

Known as Jerry to some and GW to others, he was born to Robert and Pearl Burns in Brooklyn IA on 12/7/37. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955 and spent 2 years as an MP in the U.S. Army. He worked as a diesel truck mechanic in Camp Hill and Carlisle PA. Then switching careers to general maintenance for Christian ministries in Whiting, NJ and Murfreesboro, TN.

He knew how to love big, had an infectious smile and always had a strong work ethic. He had a huge heart for ministry and an unwavering faith for Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50-years Mary "Trilby" Hughes as well as his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He leaves behind his twin daughters Shannon Burns of Lemoyne, PA, Leah Burns of Raleigh, NC and Joyce Shelburne who was like a daughter of Roanoke, VA.

30/07/2025

OBITUARY: Mary Lou Thompson Smith

Mrs. Mary Lou Thompson Smith of Geneva, AL passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was 94 years old.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Providence Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Providence Cemetery Fund in her memory.

Mary Lou was born on December 07, 1930, in Geneva Co., AL to the late Solomon Perry and Ruby Clyde King Thompson. She was their first child. She attended school at Bullock School when she was not working in the field plowing a mule or picking cotton. She was standing on an apple crate cooking before she could even reach the stove. Mary Lou was an awesome cook and an accomplished seamstress, who loved children and was always looking out for their welfare. She was employed at Van Heusen Textile factory in Geneva for almost 45 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Leamon Smith “Dick”; three sisters, Abbie Watson Glenn, Ann Smith, Lula Webb Miller and one brother, Bennie Frank Thompson.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Solomon Thomas Smith and wife, Glenda T. of Geneva, AL; two granddaughters, Sabrina T. Smith of Geneva, AL and Gloria Smith Merriman (Derek) of Vestavia, AL; two great granddaughters, Reagan Kessler of Auburn, AL and Vivian Merriman of Vestavia, AL; siblings, Clyde Thompson and Geraldine Sellers, both of Geneva, AL, Don Thompson (Belinda) of Malvern, AL, Sue Cullifer (Bobby) of Westville, FL, Curtis Thompson (Paula) of Birmingham, AL, Sally Thompson of Bethel, AK, Solomon P. Thompson, Jr. of Geneva, AL; brother-in-law, R.C. Smith of Geneva, AL, sister-in-law, Clovette Thompson of Geneva, AL and a host of special nieces and nephews.

30/07/2025

OBITUARY: Jimmy Lamar Brock

Jimmy Lamar Brock passed away on July 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of courage, and an unsurpassed dedication to his family and country. Born on August 22, 1954, in the charming town of Geneva, AL, Jimmy's early life was as sweet and spirited as the festivals by the river he so adored.

Jimmy was a man of many hats, but none he wore as proudly as that of a United States Marine. His service as a Lance Corporal during the Vietnam War was a testament to his bravery and unwavering patriotism. He never missed a chance to regale his grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as "PawPaw" and "Pollywog."

After serving his country, Jimmy returned to his roots in Alabama, where his heart remained anchored. He was as passionate about his cooking as he was about his fishing. Those lucky enough to taste his culinary creations would agree that Jimmy's kitchen was where magic happened, and laughter was the main course.

An avid Alabama fan, Jimmy bled crimson and white. His infectious enthusiasm for his team was matched only by the joy he found in his grandchildren's company. Jimmy's playful spirit will forever be remembered in the echoes of their giggles and the warmth of their smiles. Jimmy's legacy is one of a life well-lived and well-loved.

Jimmy was born to the late J.D. and Eris Adell Graham Brock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Brock; son, Bradford Brock, and one brother, Johnny Brock.

Jimmy is survived by three children, Jessica Brock Day (Greg) of Andalusia, AL, Jeremy Brock (Chelsea) of Geneva, AL, and Kelly Young Werry of North Georgia; four grandchildren, Rylann Day, Alivia Day, Connor Brock, and Finley Brock; three siblings, Bobbie Jean Shiver (Eugene), Ricky Brock (Shanna), and Danny Brock (Carol) all of Geneva, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. John Boy Trim officiating. Burial will follow in the Hurricane Creek Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Lewis, Dale Willingham, Chad Brock, Dustin Ward, Lamar Yarbrough, and Mike Yarbrough.

The family would like to thank Southeast Health especially the nurses and doctors of the Critical Care Unit 4th floor for their devoted care.

30/07/2025

OBITUARY: JIMMIE MABEL GRIMES GILLIS

Jimmie Mabel Grimes Gillis of Samson, AL, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was 85 years old.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Rev. Sam Totten officiating. Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva will be directing.

Mabel was born on June 23, 1940 in Coffee Co., AL to the late Charlie B. and Mattie Mae Carter Grimes. She was a loving and devoted grandmother and great grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a dedicated member of Samson First Baptist Church where she attended regularly and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Mabel was retired from Fleming Foods and Dobbs Eye Clinic, where she was in the clerical field and served as secretary. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren and taking part in their sporting events. She was an avid sports fan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Gillis; son Mike Gillis and two sisters, JoAnn Pridgen and Annie Merle Grimes.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Shannon Gillis of Slocomb; one grandson, Chris Gillis (Jessi) of Coffee Springs; one granddaughter, Hannah Gillis of Slocomb; two great grandchildren, Maci and Wyatt Gillis of Coffee Springs; and a host of extended family, dear friends and church family.

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home

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