Ruel “James” Browder, III
Ruel “James” Browder, III, peacefully passed away on March 18, 2024. A private family service will be held at a later date to remember James’s life with Kirk Funeral Homes, Greensboro Chapel directing.
He is survived by his parents, Ruel James Browder, Jr. and Sheree McGraw Browder; his sister RaSarah Browder Johnson (Jeremy); his niece Emery James Johnson, his nephew Bryson Johnson; Brooke Seale and her son David Hezekial McCory; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by Ruel James Browder, Sr., Della Elizabeth Browder, Ruella Melinda Browder, Ray Rushton McGraw, and Sara Boutwell McGraw.
James, a longtime resident of Camden and most recently Greensboro, was born on March 8, 1981. He pursued his education at Auburn University, where he obtained a degree in Civil Engineering and was an active member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Over the span of 15 years, he dedicated himself to a career as a Civil Engineer in and around the Black Belt area. Outdoorsmanship was James’s passion, evident in his love for nature and hands-on activities. Whether he was navigating the waters, crafting contraptions from leftover wood, or tending to the farm, James found solace in the great outdoors. He generously shared his enthusiasm with both young and old, fostering their appreciation for nature. Despite his brief time on earth, he made a significant impact by guiding children in outdoor activities such as waterskiing, tubing, hunting, fishing and farming. In honor of James’s lifelong dedication to the outdoors, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Trail Life Troop AL-0094 of Camden, AL. This nonprofit scouting organization provides mentorship and character development to boys across the United States. Contributions can be made to BBF Trail Life Troop AL-0094 at Town-Country United Bank, Account #476424, or sent to Bible Baptist Fellowship, P.O. Box 1252, Camden, AL 36726.
Jack Carlton Hazelrig, Sr.
Jack Carlton Hazelrig, Sr., 87, of Marion, passed away March 21, 2024, at Grandview Medical Center. Services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Vernon officiating, and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.
He is preceded in death by: his wife of 56 years Nancy Kessler Hazelrig; parents Elige and Maebell Hazelrig; granddaughter Allyson McCugh; son-in-law Scott McCugh.
He is survived by: his wife Freda Morris Hazelrig; daughters Phyllis McCugh, Carla Mayfield (Bennie); son Jack Hazelrig, Jr., (Marcia); sister Linda Hazelrig Cabiness, Judy Hazelrig Smith; grandchildren Jack C. Hazelrig III (Jamie), Elizabeth Hazelrig Ethridge (Jason), Jon McCugh (Madison), Drew Mayfield (Danielle), Aleia M. Hyche (Ivy), Cara M. Moore (Cody); 12 great grandchildren Sawyer, Lucas, and Lige Hazelrig, Wyatt, Haze and Jacob Etheridge, Eva and James McCugh, Josey, Livie and Jacob Hyche and Cooper Moore.
Jack Hazelrig was born on March 17, 1937, in Spunky Holler, Blount County, Ala., to Elige and Maebell Hazelrig. He moved to Tarrant City where he attended Tarrant High School. He was a pitcher for the Tarrant baseball team and in school is where he met his future Bride Nancy Kessler. After marrying on September 1, 1956, he attended Howard College and was a pitcher for their Baseball team. He received his Bachelor degree in education from Howard and went on to University of Alabama and received his Masters degree in education Administration. He attended University of Alabama Birmingham and received his DoubleA degree in education Administration. He was the principal of Fultondale High school from its inception until 1993. After retiring from Jefferson County Schools he moved to Greensboro, and did a little farming, hunting, card playing, cat raising, and going to see grandkids and great grandkids play baseball. After his wife Nancy passed away, he courted and married Alfreda Morris. His life was full to the end and he loved his family deeply.
Pallbearers will be Jack Hazelrig, III, Jason Etheridge, John McCugh, Drew Mayfield, Ivy Hyche, and Cody Moore. Honorary pallbearers are Pete Barnette, Grey Madison, Johnny Morris, Joe Johnson, Tony Moore, Thomas Moore, Jerry Bolton, Richard Moore, Lonnie Clay, Jerry Brown, and Tommy Pate.
Clell Laverne Hobson, Sr.
We are sad to announce the passing of Clell Laverne Hobson, Sr., a native of Tuscaloosa. To honor his memory, the family is holding a celebration of life on Friday, March 29, 2024, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa. The family is happy for any memories to be shared as he was loved by all who knew him. He never met a stranger and he loved everyone he met. The family says to all, come as you are. Bright clothes welcome!
He was 93 years old, born November 28, 1930. Mr. Hobson had a very accomplished athletic career, starting in his youth, then at Tuscaloosa High School, followed by playing football and baseball at the University of Alabama. After college, he played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians, then back home to Alabama to raise his family with his beloved Polly and their 3 children. He carried on as a football coach and athletic director spanning over 15 years, then on to serve as an assistant principal at Jess Lanier High School and James A. Davis Middle School. After retirement, he and Polly moved back to their hometown of Tuscaloosa, years later serving as a City Councilman.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Polly Orr Hobson and his loving companion of 23 years, Ann Vereen Patton.
He is survived by: his daughter Linka Hobson Feenker; his sons, Clell “Butch” Hobson, Dennis Michael Hobson; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud. For those interested, in place of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in his honor to the Clell Hobson Sr Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama. Please visit: give.ua.edu and in the search bar, type Clell Hobson and then follow prompts. The family greatly appreciates your support of this endowment that supports education at the university.
Gerald Jackson House
Gerald Jackson House, 80, of Tuscaloosa, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2024. He was born in Moundville, Alabama on July 26, 1943. Gerald graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1961 where he played football and baseball.
He was preceded in death by: his wife of 42 years Sue Warner House; father Ernest Donald House; stepmother Christine House; mother Robbie Beatrice Wedgworth; sisters Judy Holst, sister Brenda Wedgworth.
He is survived by: his wife Vicki House; son Tim House (Erin); daughter Debbie Hayes (Dennis); granddaughter Samantha Hayes, grandsons Warner House (Alex), Jackson House, Camden House, Deacon House; great granddaughter Millie House; brothers Lex Wedgworth, Bobby Wedgworth, Will Wedgworth; stepsons Christian Bucholz, Joe Bucholz; step-granddaughter Addie Bucholz.
He enjoyed gunsmithing, duck hunting, and deer hunting. He was so proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports as they were growing up. Gerald loved just hanging out with family on Saturdays watching Alabama football. He will be dearly missed by all. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The American Heart Association or The National MS Society.
Larry Oneal Skelton
Larry Oneal Skelton was born on July 3, 1952, in Buhl. He was a medical doctor in Moundville, for almost 44 years. He studied at UAB Medical School. He lived his life serving others before himself. His humility was a testament to his character. Through his helping hands and compassionate soul, he brought comfort and hope to countless lives, earning the love of all who had the privilege of being under his care. His proudest moment was the birth of his daughter, Cristina, whom he loved with all his heart. His presence will be deeply missed but his legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us every day. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life was a beacon of hope and love to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Larry is survived by his wife, Marta Coleman Skelton, and his brother Billy Wayne Skelton.
Larry was preceded in death by: his daughter Cristina Skelton; his brothers W. B. Skelton, Tom Skelton, David Skelton, Roy Skelton, and Donald Skelton; his sisters Myrtle Rice; Louis Hitt, Shirley Falls; his parents Robert and Maddie Skelton; his grandparents Woodie and Lily Booth, and Baxter and Rachel Skelton.
A visitation for Larry will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa. A committal service will occur following the service at Cornelius Chapel Cemetery, 16251 Cornelius Church Rd., Buhl, where Larry will then be laid to rest.
Serving as pallbearers are Miguel Eduardo Padilla, Micheal Wayne Skelton, Timothy Skelton, David Skelton, Terry Hitt, Jeff Jones, Pablo Eduardo Coleman, and Jeremy Jones. Serving Honorary Pallbearers are the Staff of Hospice of West Alabama, his girls from the former Moundville Medical Clinic, James Southern, Sonny Jones, and Tommy Hewitt. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of West Alabama.
Lee Jearl Wood
Lee Jearl Wood, 86 died March 13, 2024, at his home after an extended illness. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9-10 a.m. at Magnolia South Funeral Home South with Bro. Ray Hallman officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Services were held at 10 a.m. at Magnolia Chapel South with burial to follow in their cemetery.
He was born in Crane Hill, January 13, 1938. He is preceded in death by: his parents J. D. and Arvie Wood; his older sister Frances Neal. He is survived by: his wife and caregiver of 62 years Joan Abrams Wood,; his children David Wood, Dannielle Hixson (Daniel), Bryan Wood (Sarah), Evan Wood (Sandra) and Shannon Taormina (Stuart); his grandchildren Darren Strong, Stephanie Wood (Kallie), Justen Wood (Lauren Prescott), Courtney Wood (Hunter Watson), Tristen Wood, Jamie Hixson, Anna Wood, John Evan Wood (Abby), Ridge Wood (Kylie), AJ Alexander (Connor), Gabrielle James (Tommy Coode), Isabella James; great grandchildren Jude Alexander, Maverick Coode and baby boy Alexander; sisters Denise Plaia and Xan Simmons; brother in law Jim Neal; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jearl worked for the State of Alabama Highway Survey Department and B. F. Goodrich Tire & Rubber Plant. He served 27 years in the Air National Guard 232 Mobile Communications Squadron. He was known by many names “Wood,” “One Stick,” “Jerky,” “Coach,” “Granddaddy” and most importantly “Daddy.” During his younger years he coached Little League Baseball at Duncanville where he was also instrumental in developing the Duncanville Ball Park and later coached with PARA. He cherished those days, the youth and families he worked with. He was a faithful member of Duncanville Baptist Church, a Sunday School Teacher and enjoyed his time in choir. He was always ready to help neighbors or anyone in need. He never met a stranger and would talk to anybody, anywhere about anything. He was always busy with his hands, working on cars, building and repairing the house.
Pallbearers were grandsons and Josh Boatner. Honorary pallbearers are members of Duncanville Baptist Church, Dr. Brian Wilhite, precious neighbors Don and Peggy Williams, and Beth Simon, Jenny Martin and Kenny Brown of West Alabama Home Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Duncanville Baptist Church Building Fund.