Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory

11/28/2025

Thomas Hinton Johns

Thomas Hinton Johns of Enterprise, AL passed away November 28, 2025 peacefully at home. He was 78.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 30, 2025 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Enterprise with Dr. Olivia Poole officiating. Burial will follow with a graveside service and burial at Peaceful Acres in Opp, Alabama. The family will receive friends at St. Luke United Methodist from 12:30 PM until service time.

He was a 1965 graduate of Opp High School and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Troy State University. Mr. Johns is best known for his 44 year long career in education, serving as a football coach at Opp, Elba, Americus, Georgia, T.R. Miller and Dale County. He was later a principal and district administrator for Enterprise City Schools.

“Mr. Johns” was best known by students and teachers for running a tight ship and having impeccable style. But away from work he was equally known for his humor, his quick wit and love of a good joke. He cherished time at the beach and spent many happy days on the golf course with his lifelong friends. Above all he was a family man, a devoted son and brother, a loving husband, a proud father, and a deeply loved “Papa Johns.” His greatest happiness came from the people he loved.

Hinton was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Annie Jo Johns, and a grandson, Joseph Hinton (Joe H.) Jacobs. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Hannah Johns of Enterprise, daughters Jodie Jacobs (Don) of Dothan, Kohen Brannon (John) of Samson, brother Rickey Johns (Keri) and nephew Nick Johns of Opp. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Alli Neitzke (Nick) of Houston, Texas, Reagan Brannon of Samson and Jackson Jacobs of Dothan.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rick Harrelson, April, Belinda, and all the nurses and staff at Dayspring Hospice, as well as Serina Edwards and Jae McKenzie, for the care and attention that they have provided.

In honor of Hinton’s many years of dedication to students and teachers, the family requests that donations be made to a scholarship fund of your choice in lieu of flowers.

View Thomas Hinton Johns's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/28/2025

The first year of the grief journey is difficult. It’s particularly hard to face the first time a special day passes, like a birthday or holiday. In this article, you will learn some ideas for navigating the “firsts” you will encounter on your path to healing. Click to learn more!

If this is your first year without a loved one, take a few moments to consider ways to navigate the "firsts" you will experience throughout this year.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! It's a day to stuff ourselves with delicious food and express how grateful we are for the past year. What's your favorite memory since last Thanksgiving?

11/26/2025

Spectacular marching bands are a staple of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade! Click the link below to learn how the West Virginia Mountaineers prepared for their performance. cutt.ly/MacysParade

11/26/2025

November is a time to think back and take notice of the good things. It’s a time to acknowledge that life is hard, but when we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, all of the good becomes visible. What’s an unexpected blessing you received this year?

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the good things in life, the blessings that came into our lives this past year. But did you know that gratitude after loss can build resilience and help you heal? Click the link to learn more!

Did you know gratitude practices can build resilience after loss? Check out this article to learn more and how you can cultivate gratitude.

11/19/2025

Granny squares can make a cozy cardigan, a colorful lampshade, or a beautiful blanket! Check out the article below for more fun projects you can create with your squares! 🧶

Hooked on the humble granny square? Discover over 40 Granny Square ideas for a range of projects using crochet squares.

11/18/2025

Dr. Robert Harold Wise Jr.

Dr. Robert Harold Wise Jr. (Rob), 71, of Birmingham, AL, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 17, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, 3159 Highway 87, Samson, AL, at 2:00 PM on November 22, 2025, preceded by a visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Rob’s memory to Compassion International (www.compassion.com) or to Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church (www.avpc.org).

Born April 23, 1954, in Valdosta, GA, Rob was the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Wise. He and his siblings grew up on the family’s cattle and tree farm in Dothan, AL. Rob’s love for the outdoors and work ethic began there, and his competitive spirit was evident as he ran track and excelled academically at Dothan High School. Rob went on to graduate summa cm laude from Samford University in Birmingham, where he met his wife, Heath Brantley. They married and moved to Nashville, where he attended Vanderbilt Medical School.

Following his medical education, Rob completed a radiology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his young family then relocated to Valdosta, GA, where Rob practiced medicine for over 30 years. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, serving as an elder. After retiring from medicine, Rob moved to Birmingham, AL, where he served as a deacon at Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church.

Rob was a man of great humility and generosity who loved his family, his country and Alabama football. He was known for his frugality when it came to himself, but he was exceptionally giving to others. Rob enjoyed singing, and shared his beautiful tenor voice with his church choir. He felt a deep connection to the Wise family farm in Elba, where he spent countless hours turkey hunting, fishing, and caring for the land and wildlife. It was one of his greatest joys. He had a soft spot for creatures in need, sometimes arriving home with an abandoned pet he found along the road. On occasion Rob’s compassion would override his good judgment, as evidenced by an interaction with a stray cat that earned him a round of rabies shots. Despite his exceptional intellect, Rob was never one to seek the spotlight, always humble and approachable.

Above all, Rob was a man of faith. His love for Jesus Christ and his service to the church were central to his life, and he considered his work for God to be his highest calling. That commitment to the Gospel led to many overseas missionary trips and generous support for charitable causes, especially those directed to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of children.

Rob is survived by his sons, Joseph Wise of Chattanooga, TN and Josh Wise of Asheville, NC; daughter, Mary Heath (Josh) Conner of Roanoke, VA; brother Steve (Barbara) Wise of Nashville, TN; sisters Mary Beth (Dan) McCrary and Melissa (Richie) Salem of Birmingham, AL; and four beloved grandchildren, Kenzie, Brantley, Penelope and Isley.

View Dr. Robert Harold Wise Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/17/2025

Steven Lewis Buratti

Steven Lewis Buratti died Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Enterprise Medical Center after a brief hospitalization. Born September 24, 1950 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Military Honors will be arranged at a later date.

Feel free to celebrate Steve’s life and share stories as you are able to get together. Oxnard, California’s Christmas Tree Lane, which he helped instigate, is planning something special during their up-coming annual event. Alabama’s Wiregrass area folks will plan a get-together after the holidays. In lieu of flowers, please support a cause you shared with Steve, from food to education, politics, music programs, or veterans’ organizations.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Buratti and Jeanne (nee Hoffman) Goudreax. Also preceding him in death were his first wife: Jane (nee Caton); his sister, Michelle Buratti; his brother, Lewis Buratti, Jr.; and his beloved grandson, James “Baby Jimmy” Lodovico Buratti.

Steve is survived by his wife: Cheryl Simmons-Buratti of Enterprise, his daughter: Christine Buratti of Chatsworth, IL; his son: Michael Buratti of Pinkneyville, IL; his sister: Cynthia (Wes) Wiese; his brothers: Roger (Carol) Goudreax and Grant (Monique) Caton; three grand-daughters: Paige, Caitlyn and Kylie; one great-granddaughter: Savannah; his “favorite Aunt”: Carole (nee Buratti) Beaton; and many cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, colleagues, students, and “adopted” family.

Steve was a lifelong musician whose love of music began in children’s choir and continued throughout his life. He performed in nearly every ensemble offered by the Foxboro High School Music Department and was simultaneously a proud member of the Swinging Muchachos in Foxboro, Massachusetts. His passion for performance later led him to become half of a professional duo and to take part in numerous musical productions while serving in the U.S. Army in Hawaii. After his military years, he continued to share his talents as a member of the Enterprise Community Choir in Enterprise, Alabama.

Steve’s military career was marked by dedication, versatility, and a deep commitment to service. Beginning as a “ditty bopper,” he volunteered three times and served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force (Air National Guard), ultimately attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant before retiring. Among his many honors, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.

Retirement in 1994 did little to slow his desire to serve others. Steve went on to become a Special Education Social Studies teacher at Camarillo High School in Camarillo, California. After relocating with his family to Valley Grande, Alabama, in 2006, he continued teaching History at Dallas County High School and later Southside High School. In late 2010, he began a new chapter as a Department of Defense Civilian Instructor Trainer with Fort Rucker’s Training and Doctrine team, a role he held with pride until mid-2020.

View Steven Lewis Buratti's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/17/2025

June Harrison Buxton

June Harrison Buxton of Enterprise, AL passed away, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Enterprise Health & Rehabilitation. She was 82.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Lee Street Baptist Church with Rev. Slade Stinson officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Enterprise State Community College, LPN Program, 600 Plaza Drive, Enterprise, AL 36330.

June was a faithful Christian woman who walked confidently with her Lord and Savior, always knowing the heavenly home that awaited her. As one of the two original members of Lee Street Baptist Church, she served with a steadfast heart and a spirit of devotion that touched everyone around her.

She was a dedicated LPN, spending her career at Humana and PrimeCare and working closely with several local physicians in Enterprise. June cared deeply for her patients and was known for her compassion, skill, and gentle presence.

Above all else, June cherished her family. She treasured every moment with her children and grandchildren, finding her greatest joy in their laughter, accomplishments, and time spent together. She also loved to travel, and her adventures brought her lasting memories and stories she enjoyed sharing.

June was preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Mattie Harrison, daughter Sheila Buxton and grandson Derrick Buxton.

Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Jackie Buxton Flowers, Muscle Shoals, AL; son, John Paul Buxton (Christy), Enterprise, AL; step-daughter, Brenda Buxton, Meridianville, AL; step-son, Terry Buxton (Donna), Oneonta, AL; four grandchildren, Jessica Buxton Kennedy (Chris), Oneonta, AL; Jason Buxton (Lisseth), Cullman, AL; Ella Hogan, Enterprise, AL; Hub Hogan, Enterprise, AL; two great-grandchildren, Jaden Hernandez and Elise Buxton; sister, Joanne Murphy, Donaldsonville, GA; brother, Paul Harrison (Emma Jean), Coffee Springs, AL.

Serving the family as pallbearers are Bob Wakefield, Mike Lawhorn, James Callen, Marty Gilley, Kevin Snell, and Austin Buxton.

View June Harrison Buxton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/17/2025

Step outside and hit the trails—it's National Take a Hike Day! Let nature inspire your journey!