Akins Funeral Home

05/29/2026

On May 28, 2026, Dr. Gene Balding ended his earthly service to his Savior and began his eternal service in Heaven. He leaves behind the other love of his life, his wife Jeanie. They were happily married for 62 years.

Dr. Balding faithfully served the Lord as pastor of Russellville First Baptist Church from 1993 until 2007, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Nineteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Lakeview Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Arkansas, along with brief tenures at churches in Texas while completing his degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary.

He also leaves behind his sons, Gene (Monica) and David (Dana); grandchildren, Rachel, Austin, Daniel, and Kaitlyn.

He loved traveling the world with his wife, especially visiting Israel. He also enjoyed reading books, serving the Lord as an interim pastor following his retirement from full-time service, and going on mission trips to Costa Rica, Moldova, Ukraine, and Transnistria.

A visitation will be held Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Russellville First Baptist Church, where funeral services will follow beginning at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow at Colbert Memorial Gardens in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Brother Chase Dowdy will officiate the services.

Howard was born on June 8th, 1941 and passed away on May 28th, 2026 at the age of 84

05/27/2026

Wendy Jane Gandy, age 71, of Russellville, Alabama, went to her eternal home in Heaven on May 25, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brave and courageous fight with cancer.

Wendy was born on July 3, 1954, in Dearborn, Michigan. She was a hard-working, Jesus-loving lady who cared deeply for her family and friends. Wendy was a wonderful cook and loved bringing people together. She especially loved the holidays, particularly Christmas, which she always made exciting and special for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her family finds comfort in knowing she is saving them all a seat in Heaven.

A memorial service to celebrate Wendy’s life will be held at a later date with family and close friends.

Wendy is survived by her husband of 19 years, Ricky Gandy; daughters, Peggy (David) Lowery and Amy (Michael) Arrington; sons, Derek (Sherry) Gann and Robert (Beth) Gann; stepsons, Derek and Brandon Gandy; grandchildren, Destiny (Kyle) Parrish, Kaitlyn Lowery, Taylor (Elijah) Arrington, Brayden Gann, Brantley Gann, Karley Beth Gann, Carter Gandy, and Grant Gandy; great-grandchildren, Ben, Isaac, and Emma; siblings, Alfred Howard and Terry Swantek; and special nephew, Steven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Theresa Howard; sister, Susan Howard; and son-in-law, Daniel Lowery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Alabama Hospice and her nurses, Candice and Mary, for their gracious care, love, and support during this difficult time.

“‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.’
— Revelation 21:4”

Wendy was born on July 3rd, 1954 and passed away on May 26th, 2026 at the age of 71

05/27/2026

Kelvin “Nater” Benford, age 62, of Phil Campbell, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 22, 1963, to Jerry and Hester Geneva Trapp Benford. Nater was a graduate of Phil Campbell High School and a lifelong resident of the “Trapptown” community. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. Nater especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He and his wife, Karrie, shared a wonderful marriage of 32 years, always caring deeply for one another. He also had several close friends with whom he enjoyed spending time with.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM, at Union Hill First Congregational Methodist Church in Phil Campbell, Alabama. Burial will follow at Union Hill Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Todd Carter and Harlon Hutcheson.

Nater is survived by his wife, Karrie Hutcheson Benford; sons, Skeeter Benford, Rhett Benford, and Trey Benford; daughter, Elizabeth (Tyler) Joyner; grandchildren, Lacey Benford, Stetson Joyner, and Baylor Joyner; brothers, Randy Benford, Bill Benford, and Jed Benford; and sister, Shalain Benford. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Benford, and his mother, Geneva Benford.

Kelvin was born on August 22nd, 1963 and passed away on May 25th, 2026 at the age of 62

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

05/24/2026

James Ray Salters "Hobo", age 75, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born on September 2, 1950, to Cecil and Nora Salters. He drove a diesel truck for many years, traveling across the country on long-haul trips. James would often say that he had “seen the world twice” through his years on the road. When he was not driving his truck, he could usually be found under the hood of a vehicle working on motors and transmissions. His family often joked that he was “not bigger than a minute, but stronger than an ox.” Many times, he would even bring transmissions into the middle of the kitchen so he could continue working on them. James was a hardworking man who loved his family deeply and enjoyed helping others whenever he could.

James is survived by his daughters, Daphne Poague and Cassandra Salters; grandson, Justin Bradley; sister, Barbara Howard; and a host of friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Ann Baker Salters; parents, Cecil Salters and Nora Baker Salters; daughter, Carol Salters; and sisters, Linda Salters and Betty Brackans.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Russellville Hospital, along with Hospice of North Alabama, for the compassionate care and kindness shown to James and their family during this time.

James was born on September 2nd, 1950 and passed away on May 22nd, 2026 at the age of 75

05/21/2026

Elvera Charlotte Baldwin, age 67, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence.

She was born on December 22, 1958, to Victor Harry Don Rice and Edna Jean Ullrich Caster. Elvera was a kind and loving woman who found joy in the simple things in life. She loved crocheting and creating beautiful pieces of plastic canvas art, often sharing her creations with those she loved. She also enjoyed spending quiet time watching movies and making memories with her family. More than anything, Elvera cherished her family. She had a warm and welcoming heart and never met a stranger. Friends of the family were always treated like one of her own, and her love, kindness, and caring spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

The family will hold a memorial service to honor Elvera at a later date that will be announced.

Elvera is survived by her husband, John Baldwin; mother, Edna Ullrich son, Dominic Griffith; daughter, Katrina Griffith; sisters, Tina Rice and Vctoria Baldwin; brothers, Victor Griffith, Corey Rice, Jeremy Rice, and David Rice.

She is preceded in death by her father, Victor Harry Don Rice; son, John Kevin Griffith; sisters, Anna Rice and Carrie Rice; niece, Violet Hood; and mother-in-law, Violet Baldwin.

Elvera was born on December 22nd, 1958 and passed away on May 14th, 2026 at the age of 67

05/06/2026

Sharon Patricia Bolden, age 67, of Russellville, Alabama, passed away on May 5, 2026, at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, Alabama.

She was born on June 3, 1958, to Bernard and Deloris Armstrong. Sharon was a fun-loving, carefree person who could always light up a room. Known for her sense of humor, she was often the comedian among family and friends. She brought joy to those around her and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Calvin Bolden; daughters, Tina Fuller and Michelle Duboise; stepsons, Buck (Wendy) Bolden, Richard (Connie) Bolden, Terry Bolden, Mark Duboise, Dale Duboise, and Jason Duboise; stepdaughter, Diana Duboise; grandchildren, Felicia Thompson, Nicole Thompson, Bentley Damron, Melina Bolden, Sonya Vaden Meagan Spalding, and Madison Hagood; seven great-grandchildren; brother, David (Aleida) Armstrong; Niece, Krystal Armstrong; nephew, David Armstrong Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Deloris Armstrong, and her brother, Michael Armstrong.

Sharon was born on June 3rd, 1958 and passed away on May 5th, 2026 at the age of 67

05/05/2026

On April 16th, 2026 Robert Allen Saint, Age 67, passed away at his home.

He proudly served over 16 years under the Army National Guard. Serving tours in Panama and twice in Korea as Sgt. in Radio Communications.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at Akins Funeral Home on Friday May 8, 2026 between 4:00 - 6:30 PM with a short service to be held at starting at 4:30.

He is survived by his Father, Bobby T Saint; his sisters, Tammy Lynn Saint, Dina Johnson, (Ken); Uncle, Mike Hegel (Barb); Nieces, Mellisa Fish, (Michael), Ariel Johnson; Nephews, David Gargus, Michael Gargus, Skylor Bouwmans (Ashley); along with a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Patricia Saint; brother, Jimmy Saint; Nephews, Anthony Fletcher, Joey Fletcher.

Robert was born on March 16th, 1959 and passed away on April 16th, 2026 at the age of 67

04/24/2026

Bernice Lee Weeks of Russellville Alabama passed away on April 23rd at the age of 87.

Bernice was born on August 1, 1938 to Carlton and Mattie Louzennie Jackson Dye. She was a member of Blue Springs Freewill Baptist Church. She married Alton Weeks on May 14th, 1977 and shared an ever lasting love.

Visitation will be Friday April 24, 2026, 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Services will be Saturday April 25, 2026 at Akins funeral home where she will lie in state from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with services to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Blue Springs Cemetery in Phil Campbell, Alabama. Bro. Todd Carter and Bro. William Borden to officiate. Pallbearers will be Jarriod Baker, Curtis Baker, Ty Black, Tyler Baker, Carson Mele, and Cory Cummings. Honorary Pallbearers: The remainder of Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren.

Bernice is survived by her husband Alton Weeks; children, Tony Baker, Rickey Baker (Pam), Larry Baker (Margaret), Sandra Clark (Harold), Gene Weeks (Shona); Grandchildren, Jarriod Baker (Tonya), Andrea Arguedas, (Johnny), Curtis Baker (Tiffany), Josh Baker, Tyler Baker (Jessie), Dana Hargett (Randall) Valerie Hood (Nicholas), Joseph Clark, Jessica Cummings (Cory) Brianna Hovater (Cody), Kaitlin Galloway (Casey), Lucas Weeks (Allie), Carson Mele, Samantha Black (Ty); Nineteen Great Grandchildren; ten Great-Great Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Unice Jackson; her first husband Curtis Baker, her oldest son Jerry Baker; and a host of Aunts and Uncles

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Hospice of North Alabama staff, Dr. Luis Pineda and the Bowling Family Medical Clinic. Special Thank you to Kendra England, Debra Heath, Judy Kinard, Rodney Alexander, and Blake Hamby.

Bernice was born on August 1st, 1938 and passed away on April 23rd, 2026 at the age of 87

04/19/2026

Charles A. Warren Jr., age 42, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama.

He was born October 17, 1983, to Charles Arthur Warren Sr. and Sarah Warren. He enjoyed preaching door to door, sharing messages about a better future to come. Charles loved people and joking with others. He was an avid fan of Auburn football. Charles also enjoyed working alongside his Tiffin’s work family. Above all, he was a devoted family man who loved his children, his wife of 22 years, and his mother, Sarah. Most importantly, he loved his heavenly Father, Jehovah.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russellville, Alabama. Michael Williams will speak and officiate the service.

He is survived by his wife, Dinah Warren; his son, Diamond Warren; his daughter, Destiny Warren; his mother, Sarah Warren; mother-in-Law, Sophia Tate; father-in-law, Early Tate; sister-in-law Deandrea (Sadonna) Tate; Nephews, Jordan, Josiah and host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Arthur Warren Sr.

Charles was born on October 17th, 1983 and passed away on April 16th, 2026 at the age of 42