William (Bill) Augustus Cumbie

William (Bill) Augustus Cumbie passed away peacefully on May 8, 2017, in San Marcos, Texas. He had been in declining health for some time. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Thelma Leland Cumbie, and first grandchild, Rachelle Walters Gould.

Bill was born Sept. 18, 1924, to Carroll Sanders Cumbie and Nell Robinson Cumbie in Conecuh County, Ala. Known as “Bumpy” to many, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He is survived by his five daughters, Pam Walters, Sandy Stirling (husband Bruce), Kathie Cumbie, Mary Beach (husband Brad), and Carol Virden (husband Shel). Additionally, he leaves 15 grandchildren and their seven spouses, 21 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

Reared in rural Alabama with his two brothers (Carroll and Marcus) and two sisters (Irene and Mary Nell), he attended Red Level High School. Bill excelled in sports, particularly baseball where he was an outstanding pitcher. Throughout his entire life he was a dedicated Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Following graduation from high school, Bill joined the Navy and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. While in port following a war injury, he met Thelma, and they were married six weeks later in Clarkston, Wash., on Dec. 26, 1945. Shortly after he was discharged from the Navy, he became a TV repairman, and began working for Montgomery Wards. Blessed with a clever mind and a strong work ethic, he quickly began rising through the ranks. When he retired nearly 35 years later, he had become Western Regional Vice President for Wards. Bill and his beloved Thelma were approaching their 63rd wedding anniversary when she passed away in 2008.

A devoted Christian, Bill was always active in his local church. He loved to teach Sunday school and lead Bible studies. Even when he could no longer physically get to church, he would lead a study at his assisted living facility. He loved to tell people about Jesus.

He was also fond of many other activities. A top priority was frequently returning to Alabama for vacations and family visits. For years golf, fishing and deer hunting were enjoyable diversions. He loved being with his grandchildren and foster babies cared for by daughter Mary. As his mobility became limited, he looked forward to a steady stream of pictures of these children so he could follow their development. Few were more gifted at telling stories than Bill. He could entertain a room full of eager listeners for hours with (only slightly embellished) tales of childhood mischief with his brothers or distant Navy adventures.

Family and friends will gather this September in Alabama for a celebration of Bill’s life.

 

Brenda Fay Rea

Mrs. Brenda Fay Rea, age 66, of Wing, died on Tues., May 16, 2017, in Pensacola.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thurs., May 18, 2017, from Beda Cemetery with Brother Ashley McKathan officiating the service. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Foreman Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rea is survived daughter and son-in-law, Jaqueline and Marion Watson of Wing; grandchildren, Chris Watson and fiancé Carol Schmitt of Camp LeJuene, N.C., Nick Watson and girlfriend Layla Wood of Wing, and Brendan Watson of Wing; niece, Sandy (Rodney) Batesel of Kearney, Mo.; nephew, Pete Odegaard and daughter Myia of Mo.; non-biological daughter and son-in-law, Kristy Aughtman and Dustin Neal of Wing; and non-biological grandchildren, Kaylee Aughtman of Wing, Hana and Trace Morill of Wing, Tanas Mallon of Camp LeJuene, N.C., Kristin Smith of Mobile, Jake Cox of Pensacola, Savannah Smith of Andalusia, and Gage Hall of Pensacola.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Christine Allred Cowart; father, Jack Cowart; sister, Sue Goodwin; and grandson, Jonathan Watson.

Family and friends who are unable to attend may sign the online registry at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

Bobby Jerome

Stanley

Mr. Bobby Jerome Stanley of Andalusia died in his home surrounded by family on May 17, 2017. He was 46 years old.

Mr. Stanley was a faithful member of Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle where he also worked as custodian.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Sat., May 20, 2017, at Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle. The Rev. John Hunt and the Rev. Travis Day will officiate, with burial following in the River Falls Cemetery with Keahey Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Teresa Stanley of Andalusia; son, Rodney Chad Stanley of Andalusia; daughter, Kat Engberg of Petrey; stepson, Travis Garrett of Castleberry; stepdaughter, Nickie Graham of Rose Hill, Ala.; brothers, Kenneth (Rhonda) Stanley of Opp; Dean (Wanda) Stanley of Andalusia; Glennie (Shelia) Stanley of Opp; sisters, Jeanice Stanley and Jerry Messick of Greenville, S.C.; four grandchildren, Gabriel, Katie, Emily and Remyngton; and his little bud, Carver Jude Day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Wera Stanley; and a brother, Wayne Stanley.