William Irvin Coker

William Irvin Coker, III, 15, of Red Level, passed away Fri., Feb. 24, 2017, at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tues., Feb. 28, at Midway Community Church (40 Shamrock Lane, Honoraville, AL) with Minister Shari Miniard officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Monday at Foreman Funeral Home.

Family members include his parents, William and Jessie Coker of Red Level; five brothers, Louis Coker, Jessie Ray Coker, Zachary Coker, Dylan Coker, and Lucas Coker, all of Red Level; maternal grandmother, Janie Howard and the late Donald Ray Howard of Stevenson, Ala.; paternal grandmother, Betty Sue Coker and the late William Irvin Coker, Sr., of Greenville; maternal great-grandparents, Charles Dawson and late Billie Jean Dawson of Stevenson, Ala., and George W. Howard; paternal great-grandparents, Buddy and Sue Parker of Greenville, Ala., the late Irvin and Virginia Coker of Mt. Willon, Ala., and Thelma Wasden of Greenville, Ala.; and numerous extended family and friends.

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

 

Billy Williamson

Mr. Billy Williamson, age 84, of Andalusia, passed away on Fri., Feb. 24, 2017, at Andalusia Manor.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 26, 2017, at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Williamson of Andalusia; sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Kathryn Williamson of Andalusia and Terry and Ella Williamson of Gordo, Ala.; grandchildren, Josh Williamson, Terrence Williamson, and Courtney Williamson; six great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Williamson of Andalusia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mandy Williamson Bradley.

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

 

V.C. Sasser

Mr. V.C. Sasser, age 86, of Andalusia, passed away Sun., Feb. 26, 2017, at Andalusia Manor.

Graveside services for Mr. Sasser will be 2 p.m. Tues., Feb. 28, at Judson Cemetery with the Rev. Jay Driver officiating and Keahey Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include his son, Buddy Sasser of Andalusia; daughters, Sherry (Gary) Worley of Florala, Janice Sasser of Opp, Sandra Jackson of Andalusia, and Kim Sasser of Andalusia; son-in-law, Arthur Ballard of Andalusia; one brother, Bill (Genece) Sasser of Bonifay, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great;grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Lattie Dubose Sasser; wife, Ruthie James Sasser; daughter, Janet Ballard; brothers, A.C. Sasser, K.C. Sasser, and M.C. Sasser; and sisters, Daisy Owens and Ruthie Sasser.

 

Dr. Christopher

Jerrod Lewis

Born in a small part of South Alabama on June 28, 1979, Dr. Christopher Jerrod Lewis began his journey. It was here that he learned, loved and honored his Southern roots. No matter the mountains he climbed, his soul was steadfastly anchored in Wing, Ala. And as all who knew him can attest, he was ever the Southern gentleman. With a twang in his drawl and a twinkle in his eye, he conquered the world around him.

Dr. Lewis, more lovingly referred to as Rod, unwaveringly approached life. His stubborn charm and immeasurable generosity forged the way for not only himself, but also for all those he loved. He was the sundial that dared the sun to move his shadow and the dragon fighter that fought for the sheer joy of the fight. His strength made us, changed us and will ever live in us.

Rod began his education at Pleasant Home School. It would be common place to say of a student that he learned with fervor, but in reality, he taught more than he learned. His character, his tenacity and his wit endeared him to students and staff alike, and it was those individuals who learned from him.

With many awards and scholarships, he attended the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history in 2000. He traded his crimson and white for gold and garnet as he attended Florida State University and earned his master of science in political science in 2003. One of his hardest and greatest achievements also came there as he received his doctorate in political science and econometrics in 2006.

After college, Rod joined the Haas Center, a research division of the University of West Florida. He was later named director of the Center and led the charge to enlarge and improve the Center’s reach. His skills were in much demand as he continued on to become the vice president of Career Source Florida.

Recently, Rod began his latest and greatest accomplishment. He founded his own company, Hexad Analytics, which provides statistical research projects nationwide for private corporations, as well as government agencies. He loved his work and not only thought of it as his job, but also his hobby. He excelled in this field, and both colleagues and clients soon realized that the word impressive paled in comparison to Rod.

Wherever he placed himself, Rod always rose to the top. He was an accomplished public speaker, speaking to audiences all the way from his local small town to the nation’s capital. He received many awards and honors throughout his career, one of which was his selection to The Rising Stars. This prestigious honor is bestowed only to a select few in the country who are up and coming leaders of the business world.

Even with those acclaimed tributes and successes, Rod remained, as ever, the Southern gentleman. He was beyond modest about the things he accomplished. Along with this modesty, some of his finest qualities will always be his integrity, loyalty and generosity. Countless times he quietly and willingly loved on and cared for those around him. Whether financially or physically, Rod was always looking for ways to lend a hand to his family and friends. He never expected or wanted any recognition for his generosity and will always be dearly remembered by so many for that attribute.

To say Rod was his own person would be an understatement and one of the things he was loved for the most. The old saying holds remarkably true for this dear heart. When God made Christopher Jerrod Lewis, He took a hammer and promptly broke the mold into a million pieces because this world could not contain that much brilliance in one lifetime. Rod was, and will ever be, more than a friend to all of us. He was a part of our soul – the beautiful part.

Funeral services for Rod will be 2 p.m. Wed., March 1, 2017, at the Keahey Funeral Chapel in Andalusia with Rev. Fred Kelley and Pastor David Roy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Lewis Cemetery on Union Road in Florala, with Keahey Funeral Home directing.