Alabama, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1805-1967 - 1814-1935
Solomon Brown
TUSCALOOSA - Solomon Brown, of 1512 ½ Foster s Ferry Rd., died December 6, 2001 at Glen Haven Nursing Home. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Greater New Testament Church with Bishop L. Spencer Smith officiating. Burial will follow in West Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation is today from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service. Van Hoose and Steele Funeral Home in directing.
Survivors include his wife Frankie Lee Brown; daughters Evelyn Dent of Tuscaloosa; sons Alvin Brown (Valerie) of Tuscaloosa, Charles Wells (Brenda) of Tuscaloosa, David Brown (Barbara) of Tuscaloosa, Gerald Brown of Atlanta; sister, Annie Laura McDonald of Tuscaloosa; Jimmy Brown of Tuscaloosa; grandchildren, Quinchela Dent, Jordan Brown, Corinthian Wells, Selena Brown, LaQuim Brown and Gerrod Powell.
He is retired of Hunt Oil Co.
Pallbearers will be Alvin Brown, Charles Wells, David Brown, Gerald Brown, Corinthian Wells, Errick Wells. Honorary pallbearers are New Testament Church Ushers, Deacon Hayward Bishop Jr., Rev. Charles H. Williams, Glen Haven Station 2 workers, Hunt Oil Company, Leslie Ingram.
James Merrill Fannin
TUSCALOOSA - James Merrill Fannin, 65, of 311 Queen City Avenue, died December 8, 2001 at his residence. Services will be held at Sunset Chapel, Wednesday at 11 a.m. Father Dunmyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. tonight at Sunset Funeral Home. Sunset Funeral Home is directing.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Clinton Fannin; father, John W. Fannin; mother, Velma Cannon Fannin, and brother, Johnny Fannin.
Survivors include his daughter, Andrea Leigh Fannin; son, James Clinton Fannin; sister, Faye Smith, and husband Nolan; brothers, Hank Fannin, and wife Hilda, Carey Fannin, and wife Barbara; mother-in-law, Bernice Clinton, and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Fannin was born on November 16, 1936 in Gadsden, AL. He was the son of the late John W. Fannin and the late Velma C. Fannin. Mr. Fannin graduated from Talladega High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964, a Master of Arts degree in Education in 1968, and later an advanced degree as an Educational Specialist in Counseling and Guidance in 1975. During his teaching career, he taught in the Tuscaloosa City School System, the Decatur School System, and The American Schools in Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador, South America. Most notably, Mr. Fannin was a counselor at Tuscaloosa-Central High School from 1971 to 1998. He retired after a nearly 40-year career in education. Among the organizations he belonged to were the National Education Association, the Alabama Education Association, and the Professional Educators of Tuscaloosa.
Mr. Fannin was married to the late Eleanor Clinton Fannin on August 24, 1968. Together, they had two children, Andrea born in 1974 and Jim born in 1978. Andrea graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business from Louisiana State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University. She now practices law in New Orleans, LA. Jim is a senior at the University of Alabama and is majoring in business management.
The family expresses its deepest appreciation to the many friends and relatives who provided love, support, thoughts and prayers. The family also expresses special appreciation to Gary and Mary Kerr, Richard Rhone and Father Ray Dunmyer.
Pallbearers will be Gary Kerr, Bob Glass, Richard Rhone, Landon Miller, John Baird, Armond Thomas, Woody Bristow, and Bill McBride.
James D. Lancaster
NORTHPORT - James D. Lancaster, 74, died December 10, 2001 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Tuscaloosa Primitive Baptist Church with Elder James Powell and Elder Craig Blair officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation is tonight from 7-9 at the funeral home. Memory Chapel Funeral Home is directing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, David J. Lancaster and Minnie B. Lancaster; one daughter, Sylvia Lancaster Burroughs.
Survivors include his wife, Mary A. Lancaster, Northport; son, Dennis A. (Carole) Lancaster, Northport; grandchildren, Chris Burroughs, Jasper, Justin and Sarah Lancaster, Northport; other relatives is a brother, Doug Lancaster; sister, Ruth Junkin and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Donald, Jerry, Ricky and Reggie Lancaster, Kerry Lancaster and Mike Junkin.
Honorary pallbearers are Members of Tuscaloosa Primitive Baptist, University of Alabama Central Receiving and Property Control Department, members of Open Door Baptist Church and neighbors of Candlewood, Dr. Craig Buettner, Dr. Curtis Tucker, Dr. Anderson, nurses and aides in ACCU unit at DCH Regional Medical Center.
J. W. Wyatt, Sr.
TUSCALOOSA - J. W. Wyatt, Sr., 62, of 1330 Green wood Circle Lot 5, died December 9, 2001 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Graveside services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park. Bob Causey will officiate. Visitation is Friday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Sunset. Sunset Funeral Home is directing.
Survivors include his spouse, Elaine Wyatt, daughters, Diane Hoggle, Patricia Wyatt, Teresa Bearden, sons, Larry Wyatt, Terry Wyatt, J. W. Wyatt, Jr., John Wyatt, Jerry Wyatt, 3 brothers, parent, Louise Wyatt, 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be J. W. Wyatt, Jr., John Wyatt, Allen Smith, Robert Smith, Patrick Smith and Joe Morrison.
Nathaniel Bankhead, Sr.
SULLIGENT - Nathaniel Bankhead, Sr., age 74 passed away Saturday, December 8, 2001 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 14, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at Smith-Bizzell & Warren Chapel in Gary, Indiana with burial in Rigland Cemetery in Gary, Ind.
Mr. Charles Augustus Miller, Jr.
LINDEN - Mr. Charles Augustus Miller, Jr., age 82 a native of Miller, Ala. and a resident of Linden, Ala., passed away Thursday December 13, 2001 in Baptist Medical Center Montclair in Birmingham, Ala. Mr. Miller was a graduate of Linden High School and a graduate of Auburn University where he received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. He served as captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, in the 304th Field Artillery and saw action in the Pacific campaigns of Guam, The Philippines, Okinawa, and in the occupation of Japan. Mr. Miller returned home at the end of World War II and joined his father as a partner in Thomas and Miller Lumber Company, where he remained active in the business until it sold in 1987. He was a member of the Linden Presbyterian Church where he was elected deacon in 1946 and a ruling elder in 1965. He also has served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. Mr. Miller was elected as a member of the board of directors of First Bank of Linden in 1962. He was a charter member and past director of the Alabama Forestry Association, director and member of the executive committee of Southern Forest Products Association, a member of the Alabama Forestry Council, and was appointed to the Governor’s Regional Economic Advisory Board in 1987. He served two terms as a member of the Linden City Council and two year as chairman of the Linden Utilities Board. He was a member and past president of the Linden Chamber of Commerce and lifetime board member of the Marengo Academy Private School Association. Mr. Miller was a member and past president of the Linden Rotary Club where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Linden Industrial Board.
Funeral services will be held Sunday December 16, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. from the Linden Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Stanley Bamberg officiating. Entombment will follow in the Linden Memorial Park. O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Linden directing. Visitation will be held at O’Bryant Chapel in Linden tonight from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Survivors include, wife, Hazel Hanson Hall Miller, Linden;daughter Becky Miller Thornhill, Linden; son-in-law Bryant Thornhill, Linden; step-daughters, Sandra (Walter) Hollinger, Agawam, MA; Suzan (Larry) Windsor, Scottsboro, Ala.; step-sons, Alan (Pam) Hall, Livingston; Jimmy (Lisa) Hall, Lauderdale, Miss.; step-daughter Katy (Glenn) Basinger, Demopolis. Grandchildren Charleston D. Wilson, Birmingham; Dr. Keith Hollinger, East Long Meadow, Mass; Kimberly Hollinger, Salem, Mass.; Wendi Windsor, Los Angeles, Calif.; Jeremy Windsor, Scottsboro; Kristye Chastang, Bay Minette; Heather McLeod, Pensacola, Fla.; Jeffiere Hall, Half Acre, Ala.; Dawn Hall, Tuscaloosa; Shawn Hall, Demopolis; Savannah Hall, Lauderdale, Miss.; Cameron Hall, Lauderdale, Miss.; Ryan Basinger, Knoxville, Tenn.; Cole Basinger, Demopolis; Seth Basinger, Demopolis; and five great-grandchildren.
Stephen Noble “Buddy” Fitts, Sr.
TUSCALOOSA - Stephen Noble "Buddy" Fitts, Sr., 82, died Thursday, December 13, at his home at 17 Sherwood Drive after a long illness. A memorial service will be held today at 1 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.
Mr. Fitts was a descendant of one of the founding families of Tuscaloosa, the son of Frank and Everingham Noble Fitts. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration. As a member of the University’s ROTC rifle team he set records for marksmanship. During World War II he served the Army Air Corps as supply office, achieving the rank of captain.
Returning from military service, he began his career as farmer with diverse interests. He established Deep South Fisheries, becoming one of the first farmers to implement aquaculture in Alabama. He raised minnows, crickets and worms and sold them wholesale throughout the southeast to the retail fishing trade from his operations at Foster s, Alabama, and Summerton, South Carolina. One of the first producers of catfish in Alabama, he later began raising Chinese carp, which he harvested and shipped live to restaurants in Chicago and New York City. A Chinese customer once told him that he would never succeed doing business in a big city. When Mr. Fitts asked him why, the customer responded, "You’re too honest."
Mr. Fitts was active in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, crossing Brahma, Santa Gertrudis and Angus to develop beef cattle that could survive the hot climate of the south. He was one of the first cattlemen to use artificial breeding programs to develop the European Semmental and Limousin herds in Tuscaloosa County.
In 1977, he suffered an accident, which paralyzed his legs, confining him to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. After extensive rehabilitation he returned to farming until his retirement in 1986. He involved himself in various handicap programs and competitions, sailing in handicap regatta and shooting matches. He was committed to developing designs of simple systems for helping the handicapped to be able to board sailboats independently and operate them more effectively.
Mr. Fitts was a charter member of the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club and lifelong member of the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club, being awarded the "Rotary Rose for setting the example of quiet public service while inspiring others by representing the strength of the human spirit to achieve, when faced with adversity.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Tyler Fitts and nine children, Dr. Phil M. Phillips, Linda Phillips Pickens, Stephens Phillips, Tyler Phillips, Ann Fitts Russell, Lewis Ford Fitts, Cynthia Fitts Broughton and Franks Fitts, III and 25 grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers are Joe Searcy, Karl Elebash, M.T. Ormond, Jack Warner, Harlen Meredith and Judge George Wright.
The family wishes to give special thanks to those who so lovingly gave care-Robin Anderson and staff of Able Hands, Eliza Lewis, Cleveland Richardson, L. C. Stewart, Willie Reed, Clarence Cammack and Drs. Summerford, Hill, Howell, McGee, and staff of DCH.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial gift to Christ Episcopal Church, Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Merlene Ferguson Sullivan
LIVINGSTON - Merlene Ferguson Sullivan, 76, died December 14, 2001 at her residence. Services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. from Livingston First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Livingston Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Monday from 9-10 a.m. in the Family Life Center of Livingston First Baptist Church. Bumpers Funeral Home, York, AL is directing.
Survivors include her spouse, William H. Sullivan, Livingston; daughter, Pat (Frank) Neuhauser, York; son, Bob (Alice) Sullivan, Gulf Shores, Ala.; sister, Virginia (James) Gay, West Greene, Ala.; 3 grandsons, Edward (Linda) Neuhauser, Scott (Leann) Sullivan, Johnny Sullivan, 1 granddaughter, Lea Neuhauser, 3 great granddaughters, Lauren Sullivan, Amanda & Ashley Neuhauser, and 1 great grandson, Seth Sullivan.
Darrell Bruce Smith
TUSCALOOSA - Darrell Bruce Smith, 44, of 210 25th Avenue E, died December 15, 2001 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be held today at 1:00 p.m. from Heritage Chapel. Rev. Ervin Cook will officiate. Heritage Chapel Funeral Home is directing.
Survivors include his sons, Robert Smith and Darrell Smith, both of Rainbow City, Ala.; sisters, Kris Smith Kutz, Tuscaloosa; Suzanne Smith Flanagan, Hixson, Tenn.; mother, Vera Smith Pogue, Carrollton, Ala.; uncles, William T. Smith Jr., Tuscaloosa; Major General U.S.M.C. Retired Harold Glasgow (Carol), Brentwood, Tenn.; very special person, Nancy Hoyt and several nieces and nephews.
