Family First Funeral Care

08/07/2024

Ruby Nell Porter

Ruby Porter of Dothan, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, 11 a.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home (965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, AL) with Pastor Eugene Leonard, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be Friday, August 9, 2024 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Porter was born August 20, 1956 in Dothan, Alabama to the late Mr. Robert Malone and Jeanette White Brown. Ruby was the sweetest person you could ever know and a heart of gold. She enjoyed cooking and helping others. She would take anyone into her home to get them off the street. She gave her life to Christ at a very early age.

Ruby was preceded in death by father Robert Malone; Mother Jeanette Brown and her husband Jimmie Porter.

She leaves to cherish her memories six children Eric “Man” Brown, Camella Johnson, Jammie Rich (James), Keshia Hall, Kenneth Brown (Dianna), Breanna Porter; sister Linda Curry all of Dothan. Grandchildren Whitnee Brown, KaiJana Potter, Anthony Potter, Jonathan Brown, Titianna McClain, Kennedy Brown, Janyah Brown, Jodie Brown, Ivy Anna Chambers, Ma’Ziyah Gatewood, Ja’Layah Gatewood, Jay Carter Rich, Brelyn Brown; great grandchildren Azariyah Hutcherson, Kingstyn Saffold, Bryson Peterson, Jannon White, Emerie Holston. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

07/10/2024

Joseph Woodrow Kennedy

Joseph Kennedy age 45 of Panama City, Florida passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 following an illness.

Joseph was born October 10, 1978 in Niceville, Florida to Cecil Woodrow Kennedy and Karen Melton. Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Florida Gator Football, cooking and eating, talking on the phone, playing racing video games and fishing.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip Kennedy.

Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of 19 years, Shannon Stephens; brother David Bray and sister-in-law Jessica Bray, brother Adam Kennedy; step daughter Mackenzie Stephens; nieces Tiffany Ramirez, Jasmine Bray, Kira Bray, Jada Bray; great nieces and nephews Hunter, River, Avery, Lorenzo, Lukey and Beleanor; best friends Kim Reeves and Lisa Davis.

06/13/2024

Larry Timothy Ard

Larry Ard age 73 of Dothan passed away at Flowers Hospital, Monday, June 10, 2024 following a brief illness. A Memorial Service will be held, Friday, June 14, 2024, 11 a.m. at Pinckard Methodist Church (196 Old Campbelton Highway, Pinckard, AL) with Pastor Brian Turner officiating.

Larry was born March 14, 1951 in Dothan, Alabama to Timothy Cephus Ard and Claudia Pearl “Jackie” Johnson Ard. After graduating High School, he began his career as an Electrician. He was taught the trade by his father and brothers. Larry was good-hearted and loved everyone he met. He was artistic and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles and building hot rods.

Preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Anna Oyler; brothers Ted Ard and Bobby Mauldin; sister Annette Fulford.

Survivors include his daughter, Amy Oyler; son Timothy Ard (Raven), step daughters Ashley Gustin (James), Mariah DeFleron and their families; grandchildren Eli Oyler, Olivia Oyler and Stormy Ard; brother Rex Ard (Suzanna); sisters Linda Johnson, Patricia Pippin, Margie Phillips, Janice Starling (Homer), Gina Peacock (Ray).

Flowers will be accepted and will need to be taken to the church the day of the service.

06/10/2024

Tonja Duckett Kelley

Tonja Kelley age 70 of Newville passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at her home. A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Crestlawn Cemetery in Cowarts, Al. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Tonja was born January 14, 1954 to Preston Duckett and Mary Ellen Kirkland Duckett. She had a love for animals and devoted her life to rescuing them. She enjoyed cooking, crafting and sewing.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Greg Duckett.

Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Shelby Kelley; sons Jimmy Kelley, Kirby Kelley, Joshua Jones (Stacey Tarnowski-Jones); daughters Denise Lennicx (Dr. Paul Lennicx), Carie Peeples (Matthew), Shelby Courtney Hobgood (Kyle); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes anyone moved by her story would please send their condolences as a donation to the “Best Friends” animal rescue charity .

06/01/2024

Michael “Mike” Thomas Megivern

Mike Megivern age 69 of Dothan, passed away at his home, Monday, May 27, 2024 under the care of Enhabit Hospice.

He was born January 2, 1955 in New York to John Megivern and Shirley Owen Megivern. He enjoyed camping, going to the lake and Vortex Springs. Mike liked to fish and sing. He was known to tell stories of his life to anyone that would listen. He also liked to watch the New York Yankees baseball and Alabama football.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Denise Borden; brothers Daniel Megivern, Johnny Megivern, Steven Megivern, Bryan Megivern; sister Patty Lewis.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Donna Terry Megivern; sons Zachary Borden (Cassie), Stanley R. Borden (Robin); grandchildren Shai Locke, Allie Bearden, Joshua Bearden, Haley House (Michael), Hanna Massey (Jacob), Hunter Borden, Evan Borden, Joseph Borden, Gracie Borden, Trey Borden, Dylan Borden, Wade Borden, Devon Borden, Billy Borden; great-grandchildren Evie Massey, Kaydin Locke, Landon Locke, Haystin House, Liam House, Rowan House; brothers Timothy Megivern, David Megivern; sisters Mary Megivern, Paloma Cor, best friends Terri DeRamus, Whitney Dean, L.B. Downing (Abbi Amyx) and Fawn Buckmaster.

05/27/2024

Grady Wayne McBride

Grady McBride age 79 of Midland City passed away at his home, Friday, May 24, 2024.

Grady was born January 31, 1945 to Leonard Eugene McBride and Nannie Mae Crowl McBride. He was employed with Kroger 46 years. He enjoyed watching Alabama football, working crossword puzzles and taking walks and doing the grocery shopping. He was known to be good with numbers.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Angelia Michelle McBride; grandson Richard Jones; granddaughter Heather Walker; brothers Gary McBride, Gene McBride; Kenneth McBride; sister Doris McBride.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Linda Lee Meeks McBride; sons Roger D. McBride (Angelia), Stephen W. Walker; daughters Mona Lee Jones, Pamela Denise Mittel; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers Glen McBride, Jerry McBride; sisters Pat Sexton (Harold), Sherry Dueul, Cathy McBride.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to American Cancer Society.

05/27/2024

05/15/2024

Robert Leroy Reich

Robert Reich age 89 of Cottonwood passed away at his home Sunday, May 12, 2024. Memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 a.m. at Enon Church of Christ with Minister Samuel Walker officiating.

Robert was born May 4, 1935 in Pontiac, Michigan to Cameron Reich and Mary Lou Wallace Reich. He proudly served in the Marines, Army and National Guard. Robert also served during the Korean War. He retired after more than 20 years of service.

In his spare time, he enjoyed acting, writing, poems, journalism, being outdoors gardening, home remodeling and watching Detroit Tigers baseball.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dick Reich and Bud Reich; sister Sue Reich.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Marvel J. Paul Reich; sons Robert Reich, Douglas Reich (Debra), Danny Reich (Olga); daughter Vonda Murany; grandchildren Mackenzie (Charlie), Brandon (Melissa), Eric (Nicole), Meghan, Chelsea, Melanie, Danny; great grandchildren Delaney, Avery, Cameron, Cory and Ciera.

In lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Cottonwood Rescue.

If sending flowers, please send directly to the church the day of the service.

05/11/2024

Joseph Earl Harvard

Joesph Harvard age 70 of Dothan passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday, May 13, 2024, 10 a.m. at Family First Funeral Care Chapel.

Joseph was born November 10, 1953 in Dothan, Alabama to John Ellis Harvard and Betty Ruth Dawkins Harvard. He enjoyed painting, watching Westerns, NCIS and horror movies. He also liked to watch Alabama Football. Listening to rock n roll music was another favorite pastime.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents.

Survivors include his sons Joseph B. Harvard (Jennifer) of Woodstock, Georgia and Johnathan A. Harvard; grandchildren McKinna and Julian of Woodstock, Georgia; brother Eddie Ray Harvard (Ruby) of Webb; sister Ann Buie (Wayne) of Slocomb; a host of nieces and nephews.

05/09/2024

Arlene Mona Sulliban Kaplan

Arlene Kaplan age 70 of Daleville passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024.

A private memorial service will be held at a later time.

Arlene was born March 23, 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Bernard Sulliban and Leoncia Claridad Sulliban. She worked as a stenographer for the Honolulu Department of Transportation. She enjoyed spending time with her family and puppy. She lied to cook Filipino cuisine, read books and go to the beach.

She is preceded in death by her parents: husband Eric Kaplan; daughter Sheron Fields Weaver.

Survivors include her son Thomas Fields, Jr (TJ); daughter Linda Fields Coleman (Dee); brothers Bernard Sulliban, Richard Sulliban, Jeffrey Sulliban; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.

05/07/2024

Melton Eugene “EJ” West, Jr

“EJ” West age 50 of Dothan passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024.

He was born January 7, 1974 in Texas to Melton Eugene “Red” West, Sr. And Linda Tupper Maidens. He attended Mineral Wells Christian School in Texas and later Dothan High School. He obtained his Electrician Certification while working at Alabama Power. He previously worked at Golden Peanut for 25 years. “EJ” enjoyed watching Alabama Football, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved fur babies Kingston and Dixie.

“EJ” is preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife, Tanya Kirkland West; daughter Summer Nelson; mother and step father Linda Maidens (Danny); sister and brother in law Kerry Deal (Roger); mother in law Phyllis Kirkland; sister in law Chasity Causey (Guy); brother in law Joshua Kirkland (Maggie); nephews and nieces Justin Brownlee (Haleigh), Jordon Adkison (Steven), Jackson Sanders, Kaylee Ann Deal, Emma Seay (Eli), Gabbie Causey, Alli Kate Causey, Olivia Kirkland, Spencer Kirkland, Zoey Hicks, Kaide Whittaker; great nephews and nieces Marleigh Adkison, Peighton Adkison, Slade Doseck, Stetson Doseck, Tyler Brownlee, Matthew Turner; close friends Mel and Amanda Cooper.