Obituaries for Tues., Sept. 25, 2018

Published 12:35 am Tuesday, September 25, 2018

GEORGE PATTON GANTT

George Patton Gantt, a lifelong resident of Andalusia, went to be with his heavenly Father on Sept. 23, 2018, at the age of 72.

George is survived by his wife of 50 years, and the woman he loved like no other, Brenda Ann Hicks Gantt; his son, Dallas Gantt and his wife, Anna, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and their two children, Isabella and William; his daughter Hannah Gantt Merrell and her husband, Walt, of Andalusia, and their three daughters, Bay, Cape and Banks; and, his siblings, Caton Gantt of North Carolina, Mary Ann Carter Gantt, and Kyle Gantt, both of Andalusia.  He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Sheriff Pollard “Pap” Revenel Gantt and Edra May Worley Gantt, and his brother, Joe Gantt, all of the Straughn Community.

George was born on April 6, 1946, in Andalusia. He graduated from Andalusia High School in 1964, and then went on to Livingston University, where he earned a degree in business. After a courtship through college, he and Brenda married in 1968, where after, George entered into service in the United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, George began his career in law enforcement as an agent for the Alabama Beverage Control Board. After 25 years of faithful and dedicated service to the people of the State of Alabama, George retired as the chief and director of the law enforcement division of the ABC Board.

Aside from running Hickory Ridge Lodge and Sweetgum Bottom Antiques, George found plenty to do outside of his profession, and in retirement. Not only did he serve as a deacon and deacon chairman, he taught the same Sunday School class at Bethany Baptist Church in Heath, for 30 years. George loved to walk the aisles of the church on Sunday morning, hugging folks and telling them how much he loved them. He had a servant’s heart, having served in most every capacity one could within the church – from teaching the youth to taking out the trash… George’s heart was to give of himself to others.  To say that he lived what he preached would be an understatement.  He loved people, strangers and friends alike, because that is what Jesus asked of him.

George had many talents. An accomplished antiquarian, people often sought his expertise from far and wide. He was also an exceptional athlete in his day, recently having been inducted into the Andalusia High School Sports Hall of Fame. He was a great storyteller, captivating his audiences with fictional facts and factual fiction on a regular basis. George was certainly a great husband, father and grandfather. Famous for his foot rubs and back scratches, there was no safer place to be than in his arms. He taught his family what it meant to live for Jesus and to sacrifice himself for others. He was a kind and loving man who, despite his many great accomplishments in life, was quick to tell anyone who asked that he was simply a sinner saved by the grace of his Lord and Savior, and who made it clear to even the most casual of observers that his faith and his family were the two most important things that he had.

The family will receive visitors from 6 until 8 p.m., today, Tue., Sept. 25, 2018, at Foreman Brown Funeral Home. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m, on Wed., Sept. 26, 2018, at Bethany Baptist Church in Heath.

Visitors will also be received at Bethany Baptist Church for one hour immediately preceding the funeral.

Brother Lawrence Phipps will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate George’s triumphant entry into his heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Crossover Ministries at 508 Hwy 52 East, Opp, Alabama, 36467.

JOHN MICHAEL MOSELEY

Mr. John Michael Moseley was born on Dec. 12, 1972, and passed away on Sept. 13, 2018. He was born in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., living most of his childhood in the area. He moved to Crestview, Fla., for a short time then lived and worked in Andalusia until his death.

He is preceded in death by his father, John R. Moseley.

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Ogle, his brother, David Moseley, and his two beautiful young daughters, Allie and Aubree Moseley.

John Michael enjoyed hunting when he could and family gatherings, but most of all he enjoyed being with his two daughters that he had so much love for.

A visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m., today, Tues., Sept. 25, from Foreman Funeral Home Chapel. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m., with a eulogy by his oldest daughter and brother, followed by a song from a young lady who had an upbringing by John Michael.

The family asks for donations to be sent to the Heart Association.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

DIANE HESTER

Mrs. Diane Hester, age 58, of Red Level, passed away on Thurs., Sept. 20, 2018, at Baptist South in Montgomery.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Sun., Sept. 23, 2018, at Foreman Funeral Home Chapel with Brother John Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in Oakey Ridge Cemetery. Visitation was at Foreman’s.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Ashley Cravey of Andalusia; mother and step-father, Joyce and Bobby Smith of Andalusia; grandchildren, Samantha Lawson, Olivia Cravey, and Riley Cravey; and step-sisters and brothers-in-law, Debra and Carlton Killingsworth and Cathy and Jeffrey Martin.

Preceding her in death are her father, Hillary “Junior” Hester, Jr., and son, Tyler Lawson.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.