Gray Funeral Home

03/31/2026

William “Bill” Hopson, 79, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Hopson, Sr.; his in-laws, Wiltshire and Irene Mote; and his extended family members Wayne and Myrtie Roughton, Clinton Baggott, Bill Mote, and niece Amber Mote.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara Mote Hopson; his daughter, Kelli Hopson Till (Pat); and his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Till (Becca) and Grant Till (Brittany). Bill was a proud great-grandfather to Hutch and Mattie Till, and Rutledge and Rawlings Till, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brother, Ben Hopson; his sisters, Diane Atherton and Dale Leonard (Randy); and many beloved in-laws, including Judy Baggott, Sandra Green (Troy), Wanda Mote, Tommy Mote (Cindy), Charles Mote (Lynn), and John Mote (Karen), along with a host of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A proud Army veteran, Bill honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. He had a deep love for bass fishing, a pastime that brought him peace and happiness throughout his life.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will follow in Hardaway, Alabama.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Till, Grant Till, Joey Mote, Lee Baggott, Hunter Mote, and Phil Roughton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Heritage Baptist Church Legacy Fund or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Bill will be remembered for his love of family, his service to his country, and the quiet joy he found in the simple things in life. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply.

03/27/2026

Margaret Stephens Herring, 82, a resident of Troy, Alabama but currently living with her daughter and son-in-law in Smuteye, passed away on March 26, 2026. She passed away at home with her daughters: Debbie and Cassandra at her side. She was born July 12, 1943.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenhills Cemetery in Troy, Alabama with Brad Arrington officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Gray Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Foster and Gladys Stephens; her husband, Lewie Ray Herring and her brother-in-law, Jimmy Lunsford.
Margaret was a loving mother and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. What mattered most to her on earth was family.
She worked for Rutland Law Firm for 30+ years and was custodian for over 30 U.S. veterans. Margaret was very dedicated to her veterans. She also made sure all books were in order for her daddy’s business, her brother’s business, and her nephew Darren’s business.
She is survived by her brother: Steve (Thelma) Stephens; sister: Fay Lunsford; her children: Debbie (Brad) Arrington and Cassandra (William) Atkins; grandsons: Seth (Kirstyn) Arrington and Hayden Arrington and Al Atkins, Ras Atkins and Will Atkins; twin great-grandbabies: Raylee and Walker Arrington; five very dear nieces and nephews; and her most beloved Buster, her fur baby.
Margaret had four very dear friends whom she loved and appreciated more than anything. Thank you Elaine Rich and Clara Davis for always being there for her and ready for her next adventure. Bobbie Jean Perry (sitter) we will never be able to thank you enough for all you did for her. God sent you to us at the perfect time. We could not have made it through the last two years without you. “I want my Bobbie”, as she would say. Jordan Alcorn (nurse) wow! She knew when you got to the house you would always make things better. You are amazing at what you do and we will never be able to thank you enough.
The last seven months she asked every day, “Are the babies coming today?” She loved so much to hear them yell, squeal and scream, especially Raylee. Oh the conversations she and Walker would have every day.
Pallbearers will be Seth Arrington, Hayden Arrington, Al Atkins, Ras Atkins, Will Atkins, Darren Stephens and Jim Lunsford.
Donations maye be made to Compassus Hospice of Troy, P. O. Box 965, Troy, Alabama 36081 or New Hope Rescue, Jenny Palmer Rogers, P. O. Box 1052, Opelika, Alabama 36803.

03/26/2026

Sherlene Hubbard Sims, 75, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The funeral service will be private.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie R. Hubbard, parents, Ralph and Delia Cannon, brothers, Johnny and Eugene Cannon.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Sims; her sister, Delia McDonald; her son, Jeffrey Hubbard (Amy); her daughter, Lisa Carter (Rusty); her precious grandchildren: Darby Evans (Ethan), Hub Roy, Ty Hubbard (Kenzie), Wyatt Hubbard, Judd Hubbard, Hanna Ray Hubbard, Annali and Cary Carter; Great Grans: Newt Evans, Georgia Hubbard.
Memorials may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation,
1420 K Street, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 or online

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is leading the melanoma community to transform melanoma from one of the deadliest cancers to one of the most treatable through research, education and advocacy.

03/24/2026

Charles “Chuck” Thomas Meredith Jr., 71, passed peacefully March 22, 2026, at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA with his devoted wife at his side after a battle with Hep-C and liver failure. Charles was a resident of the Pintlala Community in Montgomery County, AL. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be conducted by Mr. Mark Yarbrough on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00p.m. at Gray Funeral Home in Union Springs, AL. Visitation with the family will be from 1-2:00p.m. Charles will be cremated and his ashes buried later at a private ceremony at Prattville Memorial.
Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Bess Meredith; his brother, William Meredith; and brother-in-law, Jeff Meredith.
He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Susan Meredith; daughter Lauren Meredith (Jase) Munroe; daughter Kathryn Meredith (Andrew) Hilton; and son Christopher Meredith. His life was also greatly enriched by his grandson, Liam Carr. Charles is survived by his father, Charles “Tommy” Thomas Meredith, Sr.; his sister, Linda Meredith; and sister Wanda Meredith (Terry) Motes. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, cousins, and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be sent to the American Liver Foundation or your local humane shelter.

03/21/2026

Roger Carroll Renfroe, 80, resident of Stills Crossroads, passed away at his home on March 21, 2026. He was born July 3, 1945. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Gray Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Curtis Rich officiating. Burial will follow in Enon Cemetery with Gray Funeral Home officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Gray Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bessie Renfroe; and his siblings, Clonez Brooks, Elvin Renfroe, Thomas Renfroe, James Albert Renfroe, Jaunita Windham, Jean Jordan, Lamar Renfroe, and Ramona Head.

Roger was a loving husband to his wife, Brenda Woodruff Renfroe, of 60 years, whom he cherished deeply. He was also a devoted father and proud grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He will be remembered for his love, strength, and the time he spent with those he held dear.

He worked at Columbus Mills for 10 years, Bullock Hardware for several years and then retired from Steris in Montgomery after 23 years.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Woodall; his children, Chris (Steven) Finlayson, Tim (Sherry) Renfroe, and Gabe (Karla) Renfroe; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Caleb) Wentland, Lauren (Billy) Kerr, Jaimie (Cash) McWaters, Kristen (Brandon) Richburg, Bailey (Patsy Ann) Renfroe, Amanda Finlayson, Murphy (Stanton) Renfroe, and Braden Renfroe; and his great-grandchildren, Hayes Kerr, Harper Richburg, Brett Renfroe, Tate and Renleigh Mae Kerr, Brad Renfroe, Hudson Richburg, Walker Wentland, and Casey Wentland and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bailey Renfroe, Murphy Renfroe, Braden Renfroe, Brandon Richburg, Billy Kerr, Caleb Wentland, and Cash McWaters

03/11/2026

Jeffrey Brant Houston, 53, passed away at his home on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Brant was preceded in death by his father, Larry Houston.
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Houston and sister, Leigh Ann Houston.
Memorial plans will be announced at a later date.

02/27/2026

Lester John “Junior” Culpepper, Jr., 70, a resident Headland, Alabama, formerly of Union Springs, passed away at Southeast Medical Center in Dothan, AL on February 25, 2026. The family will receive friends at Gray Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. and then travel in a possession to Perpetual Care Cemetery for a graveside service with Rev. Norman Simmons officiating.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Allyson L. Culpepper; parents: Lester and Myrtice Culpepper; sister: Louise Coffield; two brothers: James E. Culpepper and Bobby G. Culpepper.
Junior is survived by his wife of 46 years: Ann Culpepper; son: Scott (Janet Armstrong) Culpepper of Headland, Alabama; daughter: Hope Culpepper (Kody) Macko of Newville, Alabama; two grandchildren: Stacie and Tyler Armstrong; sister: Judy Singleton of Powder Springs, Georgia; brother: Earl Culpepper, Wicksburg, Alabama; three sisters-in-law: Betty (Bo) Woodfill, AL, Holly Hill, Florida, Debbie (Lamar) Rotton of Troy, Alabama, Mary (Rendy) Taylor of Troy, Alabama; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Scott Culpepper, Kody Macko, Rendy Taylor, Lamar Rotton, Jake Andrews, and Bryan Strickland.

02/23/2026

Betty Jean Arrington, lovingly known as Jean, passed away at the age of 92, having just celebrated her birthday on February 12. Born in Pike County on February 12, 1934, she was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Henry Ingram and her siblings Conley Ingram, Mary Ann Dunn, Ivan Ingram, Lila Botts, Ed Ingram, Katie B. Dunn, Ruby Armstrong, Jack Ingram and survived by her brother Charles Ingram.
Jean was a devoted wife to her late husband, Charles Arrington, whom she loved deeply and faithfully. Their marriage of 64 years was a beautiful example of commitment and enduring love. She now joins him again, along with her parents and siblings, in eternal rest.
She was a loving and steadfast mother to Randy Arrington (Anita), Barbara Phillips (Michael), and Suzanne Owens (Ron). Her family was the joy of her life, and she poured herself into loving and supporting them in every way she could.
Jean’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Nonnie Garrett (Roger), Carla Arrington, Kristen Johnson (Brad), Reid Owens (Taylor), and Caitlin Newsom (Patrick). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Collins Johnson, Graham Johnson, Walter Johnson, Luke Johnson, Mila Owens, Luca Owens, and Lucy Newsom. Each of them brought her immense pride, happiness, and delight.
Jean was a hard worker who believed in doing everything well. She always wanted to look her best and carried herself with grace and dignity. She loved to travel, enjoyed caring for plants and flowers, and found beauty in the simple joys of life.
Her faith was the foundation of her strength. Jean loved the Lord deeply and spent faithful time reading her Bible and devotionals. Her quiet but steadfast faith shaped her life and influenced generations of her family. She lived with resilience, determination, and a servant’s heart.
Above all, Jean loved her family. That love was evident in her prayers, her encouragement, her work ethic, and her constant desire to give and serve. Her life was marked by devotion — to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that her love, faith, and strength will continue to live on in each of them.
Visitation will be held at Gray Funeral Home, 110 Martin Luther King Blvd., Union Springs, Alabama 36089, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, followed by a graveside service officiated by Reverend Bill Cannon at 3:00 p.m. at Perpetual Care Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sozo Children, 4 41st Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

02/21/2026

Marion Guthrie Allison, 96, of Montgomery, Alabama, died peacefully on February 17, 2026. She was born August 1, 1929 in Union Springs, Alabama, the daughter of Thomas Marvin and Bernice Ailene Marler.
She attended Bullock County schools, Judson College and Auburn University where she studied elementary education.
Marion is survived by her sister, Peggy Guthrie Barnes and brother, Tommy Marler Guthrie (Renee). She is also survived by her four children and their spouses: William Gregory Pappas, Jr. (Zan); Stacia Pappas Bailey (Dennis); Emily Pappas Williams and Thomas Guthrie Pappas (Beth). She is also survived by ten grandchildren and by fifteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law John Bonner Williams and grandson, John Hunter Pappas.
She was a loving mother who always put her family first.
She worked many years with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with friends, family and following the activities of her many grandchildren. Her Celebration of Life will be conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Church of the Ascension in Montgomery.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. in Ascension Hall with the service at 11 a.m. in the Nave. Rev. Candice B. Frazer officiating. Graveside will be conducted at Mt. Hilliard Church Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. at 2856 Bullock County Road 14, Union Springs, Alabama 36089.
Pallbearers will be Will Pappas, Lee Hassell, Taylor Dobson, Barrett Manning, Bonner Williams, Thomas Williams, Kyle Macy and McLean Allen. Crucifer will be Evans Bailey.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Mt. Hilliard Church Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 447, Union Springs, Alabama 36089.

02/18/2026

Marion Smith Feaser went to be with her Lord on Feb. 15, 2026. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. CST at Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Union Springs, Alabama with Rev. Keith Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Pittsview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Feaser was born Nov. 28, 1933 in Rutherford, Alabama to the late Nathan A. Smith, Jr. and Byrdie Harden Smith. She worked in banking for 43 years. She was a member of Pittsview Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by two husbands: Sam P. Russell and Robert G. Feaser; two brothers: Lamar Smith and William H. Smith and three sisters: Natalie Lynch, Catherine Murphree and Jean Terry.
She is survived by her brother: Nathan Smith, III.
Mrs. Feaser’s nephews will serve as pallbearers: David Smith, Paul Murphree, Howard Smith, Dale Smith, Nathan (Joey) Smith, IV and Russell Terry. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Dyson, Larry Kite and Sam Streetman.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Pittsview Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 127, Pittsview, Alabama 36871.

02/16/2026

Jerry Cleveland Holifield, 66, a resident of Fitzpatrick, Alabama, passed away at his home on Feb. 14, 2026. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. from the Fitzpatrick Cemetery. There will be a viewing at the cemetery from 1:30 p.m. until the service time.
He is survived by his wife, Melanie Smith Holifield; son: Jason Perry Bryant (Heather); grandchildren: Braydon, Ivannah, Ellie and Madi Bryant; brothers: Gary Holifield and Darin Holifield; sister: Sheila Keelan; a host of nephews and nieces; and his beloved cat, Elvis.
Pallbearers will be D. J. Holifield, Jason Bryant, Braydon Craik, Jeremiah Keelan, Wesley Keelan, Gray Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Reed Ingram, Darron Hendley, Billy Gholston, David Garrett and Glenn Price.

01/22/2026

Sara Key Livingston, 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12 p.m. from Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Curtis Rich and Rev. Rusty Earles officiating. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery with Gray Funeral Home directing.
Sara was a wonderful mother who adored her grandchildren and proudly served as her family’s biggest cheerleader. She had a deep love for cooking and found great joy in sharing meals with those she loved. Sara never met a stranger and cherished catching up with friends. Her family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Annette Green and Noel Scott, for providing such wonderful care.
Sara was preceded in death by her husband, James “Bucky’ Livingston; her parents, Bernice and Otis Sheppard; brother, Jackson Sheppard; sister, Faye Sheppard.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Daryl Calhoun and grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth Calhoun and Jace Calhoun.
Pallbearers will be Jace Calhoun, Lee Culpepper, Robbie Singleton, Randolph Hall, Rex Arrington
and Chuck Davis.
The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday.