Frederick-Dean Funeral Home

10/28/2025

David Brazeal, 68, passed away peacefully in his home on October 24, 2025. He was born in Valley, AL on March 1, 1957, and lived a life filled with music, laughter, and devotion to his family and friends. Visitation will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika on Wednesday, October 29, from 9-11 am, with graveside to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery at 11:30 am.

10/27/2025

10/27/2025

David Brazeal
03/01/1957 - 10/24/2025

David Brazeal, 68, passed away peacefully in his home on October 24, 2025. He was born in Valley, AL on March 1, 1957, and lived a life filled with music, laughter, and devotion to his family and friends.

David is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lisa Ward Brazeal, his son Patrick Shivers (Aubryn), stepdaughter April Henley (Scott), grandchildren Hanna, Halie, and Bryce Henley and John Patrick and Blade Shivers, and brother Charles Brazeal (Anita). He was preceded in death by his parents, H.C. and Beth Brazeal and his stepson Bert Jones.

David worked at Vision World as an optician for 30 years, where he was known for his skill and dedication to helping others. Outside of work, his true passion was music. He shared his talent as a drummer with various bands throughout his life, bringing joy and rhythm to countless performances. David will be remembered for his kind spirit, quick wit, and the steady beat he brought not only to his music, but to the lives of everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Frederick-Dean funeral home on Wednesday, October 29 from 9-11am with graveside to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery at 11:30am. Donations may be made in his memory to Shady Grove Christian Church, 2194 Lee Rd 177 Opelika, AL 36804.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

10/24/2025

Brenda Baker Keel (Mimi)
04/16/1946 - 10/20/2025

Brenda Baker Keel, lovingly known to her family as Mimi, passed away peacefully at her home in Orange Beach, AL, on October 20, 2025, at the age of 79.

Brenda was born on April 16, 1946, in Alexander City, Alabama, to the late Fred and Mozelle Baker. She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Linda McCollough and Glenda McSpadden, and her cherished grandson, Gage Keel.

Brenda was the heart of her family — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Rayford “Shot” Keel, and their three sons, Mark (Farrah) Keel of Orange Beach, AL, Mike Keel of Dadeville, AL, and Scott Keel of Gulf Shores, AL. She was a proud grandmother to Alex (Alex) Barger, Tatum (Brendon) Allen, Judson Keel, Ensley Keel, Peyton (Shelby) Keel, Fischer Keel, Nathan Keel, and Caleb Keel. She also leaves behind two precious great-grandchildren, Jameson Barger and Bryson Keel, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Mimi brought so much light, laughter, and love into our lives, and she will be forever missed. She had a light that could brighten any room, a smile that lifted spirits, words that comforted hearts, and a love that made people feel seen and cared for. She was truly a reflection of God’s grace, and her life was a beautiful example of what it means to walk with Christ. Brenda spent over twenty years as a real estate broker in Auburn, Alabama, where her warmth and honesty made lasting impressions on everyone she met. After earning her real estate broker’s license, she owned and operated Keel Real Estate in Auburn for many years. Brenda’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved going to church, singing hymns, and praising Jesus with all her heart. Her faith gave her strength, peace, and joy that she shared freely with everyone around her. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family — cooking big meals, sharing stories, and cheering on those she loved most.

To know Brenda was to love her. Her life was a testament to love, dedication, and grace. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing she’s now resting in the arms of her Savior.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, AL on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Visitation is 11am-12pm. The service will begin at 12pm, and the graveside service will follow at 1pm at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika, AL. Thank you for lifting Brenda and our family in prayers as we navigate this tragic loss. Please know we deeply appreciate your love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that monetary donations be made to Lifepoint Church in Alexander City, AL. A GoFundMe has been setup at

On Monday morning, October 20th, Brenda Baker Keel went to be with her … Scott Keel needs your support for Honor Brenda Baker Keel: Donate to Lifepoint Church

10/23/2025

Curtis Ray Sides
10/11/1954 - 10/21/2025

Curtis Ray Sides, age 71, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly, after a courageous battle with dementia.

Born on October 11, 1954, in Valley, Alabama, Curtis lived a life marked by laughter, loyalty, and an unwavering love for the people around him. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather whose presence filled every room with warmth and joy.
For 50 years, Curtis shared his life with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Teresa Meadows Sides. Together they built a marriage grounded in deep faith, friendship, and fun - a true partnership that weathered life’s highs and lows with grace and laughter.

Curtis is survived by his beloved wife Teresa; his children Benji Sides (Lee), Clay Sides (Kari), and Lindsey Sharpe (Dusty); and his adored grandchildren Morgan, Mallory, Lily, Cannon, Adleigh, Mary Clayton, and Elle, who were the absolute lights of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Paul East and Robert Sides. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Myrtle Sides, and his sister Glenda Miles.

Curtis had an energy and spirit that drew people in. He never met a stranger and made everyone feel like a lifelong friend. His smile could brighten the darkest day, and his laugh - rich, genuine, and infectious- lingers in the memories of all who knew him.

Family was the heartbeat of Curtis’s life. Whether he was cheering from the stands, sharing stories at the dinner table, or playing with his grandkids, he was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He also found great joy in the beach, traveling, and, of course, Auburn football. Saturdays in the fall were sacred - Curtis never missed a game, proudly celebrating his 500th consecutive Auburn game last season in Athens, Georgia. His passion for the Tigers was matched only by the friendships he and Teresa built through their community of friends who became like family and shared a lifetime of laughter, tailgates, and memories. Though the Saturdays ahead will never be quite the same, his Auburn “family” will continue to gather in his honor, carrying forward his love for the game and the people who made it special.

In his later years, as dementia became part of his story, Curtis and Teresa found hope, comfort, and belonging through REACH (Refresh, Encourage, Activities, Care, Hope) - the Community Respite Ministry at Auburn United Methodist Church. REACH became a joyful constant in their lives, offering purpose, laughter, and community.

A Celebration of Life for Curtis will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church on Friday, October 31st. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 with the service following at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the REACH program at Auburn United Methodist Church, a ministry that meant so much to Curtis and continues to bring light to others walking a similar path.

Curtis’s life was one of joy, generosity, and love - a reminder to all who knew him that the best legacy we leave is found not in what we have, but in how deeply we love.

A Toast and Tailgate in memory of Curtis will be held on Saturday, November 1st at the Sides/Knox Tailgate. The family welcomes anyone who would like to join in on the celebration of a life that will be dearly missed.

10/22/2025

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10/16/2025

John Farley Stewart, Jr.
August 1, 1944 – October 14, 2025

John Farley Stewart, Jr., 81 of Opelika, AL passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his residence.

He was born August 1, 1944, to John Farley Stewart, Sr. and Julia Dent Stewart.

Mr. Stewart is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth McCullers Stewart; and his niece, Summer Gleaton.

He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Wiggins (Carl), Susan Stewart; grandchildren, Tamra Wiggins, Josie Wiggins, Stewart Wiggins, Catherine Wiggins, Grace Moore (Chase), Annie Pecci, Lora Beth Childers (Wade); great-grandchildren, Chloe Wiggins, Conner Wiggins, Blakely Moore, Walker Moore; sibling, Julian Stewart (Debra); nieces and nephews, Alexander Stewart (Daniell), Jacqueline Girelli (Mattia), Jay Gleaton (Carol), Jeff Gleaton (Keri), Becky Guest (Bruce), Mary Ann Parsons (Mike), JoJo Healey (Brian), Beverly Byard (Jim), Meghan Willet (Asheley) and several great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus. The funeral service will be at 2:00pm at Providence Baptist Church with interment following the service at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Dr. Rusty Sowell will be officiating.

Pall bearers will be Chase Moore, Stewart Wiggins, Martin Pecci, Wade Childers, Robbie Alexander and Ison McAnally.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to many special nurses, doctors and friends who have loved and supported Farley, Elizabeth and the family over the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Baptist Church Building Fund or Compassus Hospice.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is honored to assist the John Farley Stewart family.