Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers

12/29/2025

Honor a lifetime of wonderful memories with the services we offer.

https://www.alabamafuneralhomes.com/cremation/

Our cremations in Alabama start at $995, saving you $600. Learn more from our local team today and remember your loved one.

12/29/2025

James Keith Bassett
May 8, 1968 – December 28, 2025

James Keith Bassett, lovingly known as Keith, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 57. He was born on May 8, 1968, in Alabama.

Keith was a loving father, son, brother, and a proud Papaw. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Amanda Roblyer, Sarah Moncus, and Emily Gardner, as well as his cherished grandchildren, who knew and loved him as “Papaw.” He is also survived by his brother, David Bassett, and his sister, Lisa Bassett, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. He is preceded in death by his Mother Susan Bassett, his Father Ray Bassett, his brother Gregory Bassett, and Keith’s wife Lisa Bassett.

Keith was born in Alabama, later lived in Texas for many years, and eventually returned home to Alabama. No matter where life took him, his roots, values, and love for family remained constant.

Keith will be remembered for his love of family, his role as a devoted father and Papaw, and the presence he held in the lives of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, and family who loved him dearly.

His memorial service will he held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11 am CT at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers 1801 Frederick Rd Opelika, AL 36801.

12/29/2025

William Tommy Smith, born on May 13, 1951, in Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, in Elmore, Alabama. He was 74 years old.

William was a man of love and integrity who never met a stranger and always put family first. His warm presence and unwavering dedication to those around him left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Smith; his parents, James Hubert Smith and Estelle Smith; his brother, Danny Smith; and his granddaughter Amanda Smith. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

William is lovingly remembered by his sister, Veronica Luckie; his children: Scott Smith, Tracy Lee, James Smith, and Crystal Smith; and his daughter-in-law Misty Smith. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Brandi Smith, Alec Nix, Kaci Stettler, Zach Stettler, Thomas Smith, Loren Smith, Kollin Wochok, Jessica Smith, Hannah Smith and Madison Lee; as well as his great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Smith, Eveylnn Stettler, and Bryson Smith.

His life was a testament to kindness and strength. William’s enduring love for family shaped generations and created bonds that will carry forward in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

12/27/2025

12/27/2025

How to Talk to Your Child About the Loss of a Loved One

When faced with the difficult task of explaining a death to your child, it’s important to approach the conversation thoughtfully. These suggestions can help guide you through this sensitive discussion.

Use Simple and Clear Language

Choose words that are easy for your child to understand. Avoid overly complex terms or abstract ideas, as they can make an already challenging topic harder to process.

Speak gently and directly, pausing between phrases to check in on how your child is handling the news.
Using basic language can make the conversation feel less overwhelming for both you and your child.
Listen and Comfort Your Child

Pay close attention to how your child reacts. Some children may ask many questions, while others might seem unaffected. Both reactions are normal.

Provide comfort without overwhelming them.

Be honest in answering their questions, and if you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit it.
Let them know you’re there to support them and that they’re not alone in their grief.

Share Your Own Emotions

Talk about how you felt when you learned about the death. This can help your child feel more comfortable sharing their own emotions. Acknowledging your feelings shows that it’s okay to express sadness, which may encourage your child to open up as well. Expressing your emotions together can foster a sense of connection and emotional relief.

Prepare Your Child for Changes

Explain how life may look different after the loss, especially if it will impact their routine.
For example, if a grandparent passed, discuss how visits to their house or interactions with their other grandparent might change. Preparing your child for adjustments can help them feel more secure during an uncertain time.

Discuss Funeral Services and Ceremonies

Let your child know how you plan to honor the loved one’s life and explain what they can expect at a funeral, memorial, or other ceremony.

Share the significance of these events and reassure them that you’ll be by their side throughout.
Be prepared to answer their questions about the service and help them understand what they may experience emotionally.

Offer a Role in the Memorial

Giving your child a small task can help them process the event and feel included.
Depending on their age, they might help pick out photos, read a poem, or create a tribute for display.
Older children may want to assist with designing memorial items, such as programs or keepsakes.

Remember the Loved One Together

Look at old photos, share favorite memories, or create new traditions to honor your loved one.
Encourage your child to talk about their memories, which can help both of you work through your grief together.

Monitor Their Emotions Over Time

Grieving is a process, and emotions may surface in different ways. Be mindful of your child’s behavior to assess if they’re coping well or may need additional support.
Check in periodically with follow-up conversations to see how they’re feeling. Let them know it’s okay to grieve in their own time and way.

Engage in Positive Activities

While grieving, find time to engage in activities that bring joy or comfort. Drawing, baking, playing games, or going for a walk can help lift spirits. Doing these activities together can strengthen your bond and provide a healthy outlet for emotions.

Acknowledge Unique Grieving Processes

Understand that you and your child may express grief differently, and that’s okay.
Frequent and open communication about your emotions can build understanding and trust.
Reassure your child that their feelings are valid and encourage them to share openly by modeling this behavior yourself.

Death is a difficult topic to discuss, but speaking with your child in an age-appropriate way can alleviate their stress and confusion. By addressing the loss together, you can help each other process grief while fostering emotional connection and healing.

12/23/2025

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief
1. I am so sorry for your loss. 2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care. 3. I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can. 4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers. 5. My favorite memory of your loved one is… 6. I am always just a phone call away 7. Give a hug instead of saying something 8. We all need help at times like this, I am here for you 9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything 10. Saying nothing, just be with the person.

12/22/2025

TIME IS PRECIOUS!
"⏳ Don't hit snooze on life ⏳ Time is ticking and opportunities are passing by. It's time to seize the day and make every moment count. Are you ready to take charge of your life?" 🕰️🌟

12/20/2025

This holiday season might be particularly challenging if you’re mourning the loss of a loved one. Emotions are raw, and you might feel uncertain about how to navigate through them. Take a moment to reflect on the cherished memories – the laughter, the love, and the special times you shared. Light a candle in their honor, allow yourself to grieve, and find meaningful ways to celebrate their memory during this season of sorrow.

12/19/2025

Tom Ray Dudley
December 17, 1950 - December 18, 2025

Tom Ray Dudley went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2025, at EAMC Opelika. Tom was born on December 17, 1950, in Muncle, Indiana. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Betty Wilkinson Dudley, daughter Sarah Dudley Tincher (Jeff), son Thomas Browning Baker (lowa), stepsons Jon (Emily) Carder, Shane Carder, grandchildren Allie Jo, Caleb Owen Clay (Indiana), Morgan Carder (Tallahassee, FL), Breanna, Cory, and Conner Carder (Tennessee), and sister Peg Dudley Brown (Kentucky). He will also be missed by his in-laws, Derek and Ramona (Wilkinson), DeLamar, David and Meredith Wilkinson, Adam and Valerie Wilkinson, Mike and Carrie Wilkinson. Arrangements are pending. In leu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. If you would like to send a card you may send it to 2047 30th St, Valley, AL 36854.