Frederick-Dean Funeral Home

11/19/2025

11/19/2025

Tara Lei Tucker
07/26/1979 - 11/09/2025

Tara Lei Tucker passed away Sunday, November 9th, 2025. She was born July 26th, 1979 in Greer, S.C. Tara's early years were spent in Greenville, S.C. She moved to Decatur, AL. when she was nine years old and made that her home until a few months ago when she moved to Opelika, AL. to be close to her mother and stepfather. She also wanted to be close to her brother and his family.

Tara was a bright light and anyone that met her saw her joy and brightness shine. After many years of struggling to become the person that she was meant to be, she found herself with God's love and mercy at Life Church and LifeSource. Tara would tell anyone who would listen about what God did for her. Tara broke free of her demons and shined her light bright for anyone who was lost and needed to see the path back to God.

Tara is survived by a daughter, Madison Tucker; her mother Lybia Covington; stepfather, Clay Covington; three brothers, Dr. Michael Covington (Dr. Elizabeth Covington), Scott Covington, and Christopher Tucker; two uncles, Roy Tucker, Randy Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

Tara was preceded in death by her father, Don Tucker; her maternal grandparents, James Laylon and Eva Lou Lee; and paternal grandparents, Thomas and Pauline Tucker.

Fly High our sweet girl until we meet again

11/19/2025

William Oliver (Billy) DeLoach
12/11/1959 - 11/13/2025

William Oliver (Billy) DeLoach, 65, of Opelika, Alabama passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 13, 2025 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas.

Billy was born in Opelika, Alabama December 11, 1959 to Eugene and Joan DeLoach. He grew up living in Pepperell Village where he attended school and Church.

He was employed at Sides Drywall, Inc. as the Safety Manager where he took pride in trying to make sure the job site was a safe working environment. His previous employment included Cook’s Pest Control and Ampex Corporation. More than anything, Billy loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Over the years, he served as a Deacon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Salem and Union Grove Baptist Church in Opelika. Billy was an active member at Providence Baptist Church where he loved attending the Traveling Light Sunday School Class. Billy loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them including weekends at the swimming pool with his five grandchildren and trips to the mountains with his wife, Joni.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Joan DeLoach and Father-in-law, Bobby Sherrer.

Billy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joni Sherrer DeLoach; sons, Christopher (Stacy) and Brandon (Kristin) DeLoach; grandchildren, Bailey, Cullen, Madison, Kyrie and Carter DeLoach. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy (Patsy) DeLoach and Russell (Lesa) DeLoach; brothers-in-law, Robert (Briana) Sherrer, Steven Sherrer and Scott (Susan) Sherrer along with several nieces and nephews.

A Visitation Service will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 12:00pm at Providence Baptist Church (West Campus) followed by a Graveside Service at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Providence Baptist Church at www.Providencealive.com
or
In memory of William (Billy) DeLoach,
MD Anderson Cancer Center at
http://www.mdanderson.org/Gifts

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

11/19/2025

Visit Our Funeral Planning Guide
When it comes to planning a funeral for the first time, or anytime really, it can seem a bit overwhelming. There are many things to keep in mind when planning the service, from the obituary all the way to what kind of flowers you want. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, we’re here for you every step of the way. Call (334) 745-4667 or visit us today.
https://www.frederickdean.com/resources/funeral-planning-guide

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home has been serving East Alabama & West Georgia with quality funeral, burial, cremation, & memorial services for over 120 years.

11/18/2025

Driving in a funeral procession. It's important to follow certain etiquette and rules to ensure the safety and respect of the procession. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Turn on your headlights and emergency flashers: This helps identify your vehicle as part of the funeral procession to other drivers on the road.

Maintain a safe but close distance to the car in front of you: Keep a reasonable gap to avoid crowding but stay close enough to maintain the procession's integrity.

NEVER let any car pass in front of your car through the procession at ANYTIME: It's essential to maintain the order and integrity of the procession. Do not allow other vehicles to cut in.

Always allow the immediate family to be closest to the funeral car: Immediate family members typically follow the hearse, so be sure to yield this position to them.

Obey all instructions from the police escorts and funeral home staff: Follow the directions of law enforcement or funeral professionals who may be guiding the procession through intersections or traffic.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and respectful procession, allowing family and friends to mourn their loved one without unnecessary disruptions.

11/18/2025

Patricia Ann Murphy
June 18, 1943 – November 14, 2025

In Loving Memory and with great sadness, we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Murphy.
Patricia was born June 18, 1943, and left to live with our Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, November 14, 2025.

Patricia was married to William J. Farnsworth and Arthur Rene Murphy having (2) children, William (Jimmy) Murphy and Shannon Rene Manley.

Patricia was preceded in death by her mother, Pauline Hall and her father, George W. Hall; her brother, Paul Hall; her granddaughter Lindsey Murphy and her Grandson, Daniel Foster.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Victoria Miracle and her brother, George Hall, her daughter, Shannon Manley and her son William (Jimmy) Murphy, (6) Grandchildren, (7) Great Grandchildren and (2) Great-Great Grandchildren.

Patricia graduated from Opelika High School, Class of 1963 and received a degree from Southern Union State College.

She was a hairdresser in the area, for many years and a partner with her Husband, Rene Murphy in Cherokee Bonding Company, in Opelika, Alabama.

Patricia was a longtime member of Providence Baptist Church in the Beauregard Community and had many close friends within the church family.

Patricia loved her Family and her many Grandchildren, her Great- Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.

The family is particularly grateful to the many Nurse's and Nurse's Aides at Ivy Creek Home Health and Ivy Creek Hospice.

Patricia will be remembered for her warm smile, love for her Family and Friends and her love for Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Her Family and Friends deeply loved her, and she will be missed by All.

Patricia's CELEBRATION of LIFE will be at Providence Baptist Church. West Campus Building,
2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika, Alabama, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Rusty Sowell, officiating. Luncheon will follow Patricia's service for Family and Friends.

Frederick Dean Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia Ann Murphy.

11/18/2025

Kathleen Burns Wattenbarger
02/21/1953 - 11/09/2025

Kathleen Burns Wattenbarger, age 72, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025. She resided in Auburn, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Marshall Burns and Jean Dillon Burns and husband, Duff Wattenbarger.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Lynn Hall (Owen Cortner), and sister, Barbara Merrill.

Interment will follow in a private ceremony.

11/17/2025

Patrice Calhoun Reed
03/07/1947 - 11/10/2025

Patrice Calhoun Reed, 78, passed away at UAB Hospital on Monday, November 10, 2025. She resided in Opelika, Alabama and was a member of Wallace Chapel Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Walter Calhoun and Mary Agnes Teel; brother, Tony Calhoun; and beloved nephew, Robert Martin Andrews II.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Richard W Reed; sister, Betty Robertson (Joe) Gold Hill, AL; brother, Dr. James W Calhoun (Dr. Caroline) Vestavia Hills; niece, Jennifer Pittman; nephew, John Mark Calhoun; grand-nephew, Robert Andrews and grand-niece, Elizabeth Andrews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 1:30PM - 2:15PM in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with a service to follow at 2:30PM in the Chapel. Reverend Jodie Robinson will be officiating the service. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or East Alabama Food Bank.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.

11/15/2025

At Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, we're proud to do our part in honoring our country's veterans. Our duty is to provide you and your family with professional and dignified assistance during your time of need, and we promise to support you in honoring your loved one for their dedication and selfless service.

Our veteran funeral services include anything your family needs to properly honor your loved one’s life.
https://www.frederickdean.com/services/honoring-veterans

We're proud to do our part in honoring our country's veterans. Learn more about military honors for veterans and obtaining veteran death benefits here.

11/15/2025

Phillip Ernest Thompson was born on February 18, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Malcolm Ernest Thompson and Clara Fuller Thompson; he passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. He was 85 years old.

He married the love of his life Virginia Ann Brown in 1970; they were married 55 years. Preceded in death by Phil’s first son, Phillip Ernest Thompson Jr., they raised four wonderful children, Tracy Ray (Craig), Tiffany Thompson Popma (Martin), Tammy Chapman (Kevin), and Terry Boyd (John). Phil and Virginia have eight grandsons: Brandon Ray; Zachary Popma; Taylor, Tanner, Benjamin, William, and Jack Chapman; and Logan Boyd.

Phillip’s commitment to hard work started at a very young age leading him to joining his father’s, Malcom Thompson, plumbing supply business, along with his brother Dennis. In 1962, Phillip moved to Opelika to open another branch of Thompson Supply, which is still going strong today. Phil had a passion for snow skiing, hiking, and camping and had spent quality time with his family on such activities. He taught many of his grandsons, and even a son-in-law, how to snow ski and hiked many miles with them as well.

Phillip had created a legacy through his unwavering dedication, kindness, and love for his community. He had been a source of inspiration to his family and friends, touching the lives of countless people throughout his life.

Preceded in death by his brother Dennis Thompson, sisters Susan Gardner, and Dee Prestridge. Surviving siblings, Patsy Armstead and Angel Thompson.

A special thanks to the love and care given to Dad by Anthony Wilson, Trina Reed, Zan Harrison, Wanda Coley, Marquez “Coop” Cooper, and Carolyn Wilson.

Our deepest gratitude to Sharon Lee for going above and beyond, for Holly Eaton’s care, and for the incredible staff at The Harbor at Opelika.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Visitation will be at 9:00AM in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home followed by a service at 11:00AM in the chapel. Interment will be at 2:00PM in Greenwood Serenity Memorial Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama.

You may send flowers, or contributions can be made in his honor to the Bethany House (Compassus Living Foundation).
https://www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations/

11/14/2025

Phillip Ernest Thompson
02/18/1940 - 11/14/2025

Services for Phillip Ernest Thompson will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Visitation will be 9:00AM-11:00AM in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home followed by a service at 11:00AM in the Chapel. Interment will be at 2:00PM in Greenwood Serenity Memorial Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.