Lonnie Hester

By Staff
October 12, 2008
Lonnie Hester, 89 of Vina, died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 at his residence.
He was born July 9, 1919 in Franklin County to Robert and Molly Belle Peters Hester. He was a farmer and was a member and deacon of Friendship Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Artense Hester; three daughters, Norma Ann Watkins (Hubert), of Gallatin, Tenn., Patsy Burrows, of Vina and Jean Holt (Hal) of Tishomingo, Miss.; two sisters, Bessie Storey and Peggy Baggett; six grandchildren, Lseia Kaye Mann (James), of Gallatin, Tenn., Michele Lynn Hester, of Cullman, Jason Allen Pendegraph (April), of Decatur, Amanda Nicole Cleveland (Dereck), of Halltown, Tracie Holt and Jeffery Hal Holt (Blair), all of Tishomingo, Miss.; 12 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Russell, William Russell, Jayden Pendegraph, Maddox Pendedgraph, Tyler Pendegraph, Sebastin Pendegraph, Makayli Cleveland, Luaren Pacetti, Cody Cleveland, Brandon Pruitt, Maylie Holt and Sadie Holt and a special son-in-law, Gary Liles, of Vina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Naomi Brooks, Jessie Warren and Jean Orange; three brothers, Archie Hester, Travis Hester and Raymond Hester and many half-brothers.
He was buried in Old Burleson Cemetery in Vina.
Pallbearers were Gary Liles, Jason Pendegraph, Jeffery Holt, Junior Entrekin, Glen Hardin and Carl Lewey. Honorary pallbearers were Hubert Watkins, James Mann and Hal Holt.
Deaton Funeral Home in Red Bay assisted the family.
Harlie "Papa" Murray
October 22, 2008
Harlie Edgar "Papa" Murray, 83, of Russellville passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008.
The visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at Akins Funeral Home. He will lie in state prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Bethsaida Baptist Church with Bro. Jeremy Murray, Bro. Brandon Gann and Bro. Stanley Hargett officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brian Murray, Chad Murray, Chris Murray, Corey Murray, Frankie Murray and Darren Grissom. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Thomas, Robert Freemon, Andy McDowell, Joey Burks, Kirk Arthur and Jimmy Garrett.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Isbell Murray; son, Galen Palmer Murray; grandson, Billy Wayne Smith; parents, Arie Moman Murray and Vina Ann Kimbrough Murray; brothers, Wayne Murray and Johnie Murray; and sisters, Reba Montgomery, Methel Dorsett, Leona Carlisle and Mavis Vandiver.
He is survived by his sons, Daniel Glenn Murray and wife Martha and Walton Darrell Murray and wife Lorine; sister, Marceil Waldrep; grandchildren, Sherry Arthur, Brian Murray, Luree Freemon, Stacy Grissom, Tammy Thomas, Dennis Smith, Chad Murray, Chris Murray, Frankie Murray and Jeremy Murray; 26 great grandchildren; twi great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of Vandiver Hollow Baptist Church. He retired from Reynolds Metals Company after working 41 1/2 years. He dearly loved gospel singing and was frequently heard quoting, "I'm a winner either way." Papa, you're truly a winner either way.
Akins Funeral Home assisted the family.
L.G. Pierce
October 22, 2008
Mrs. L.G. Pierce, 81, of Russellville passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008.
The visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at Akins Funeral Home. The 11 a.m. funeral service will be Saturday, Oct. 25 at Union Hill Methodist Church with Bro. Coy Morgan, Bro. Warren Frost and Bro. Dewayne Woodall officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Pierce; parents, Fred and Etta Frost Trapp; brothers, Veto Trapp, Dud Trapp, Elton Trapp, infant brother; sisters, Agnes Gibson and Mae Morgan; son-in-law, Bud Cummings; and grandchildren, Donna and Darron Cummings.
She is survived by her daughters, June Cummings, Floie Gandy and Debbie (Glenn) Rambo; niece, Wonette (Glenn) Welton; grandchildren, Ted Williams, Robby (Deborah) Williams, Dana (Jeremy) Nix, Donnie (Amanda) Cummings, Elisha (Shane) Mansell and Brandon (Jennifer) Rambo; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Ron McDonald and his wonderful staff at Huntsville Hospital NCIU Stroke Unit, Union Hill Methodist Church and the community for all your prayers and support.
Akins Funeral Home assisted the family.