Obituaries, Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Published 8:17 pm Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Christina Elaine Gulledge

Christina Elaine Gulledge of Luverne, AL passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024 at her residence. She was 45. Skeen Funeral Home will be assisting the Gulledge family with a simple cremation.  Christina was born December 7, 1978 in Abilene, TX to John Westberry and Cheryl Lynn Reid. She is survived by her husband, Rodney Gulledge; sons, Eric Lee (Caitlin), Cody Gulledge (Stachia) and Dakota Gulledge; father, John Westberry; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Vivian and Eli; brothers, Bobby Vincent and Matt Westberry; uncle, Kenneth Medders; aunt, Jan Lawson; and multiple cousins. The guest book may be signed and words of condolences expressed at www.skeenfuneralhome.com   

Hilda Grace Smith Thomas

Hilda Grace Smith Thomas departed this world on September 28, 2024 to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her loved ones who entered heaven before her. She was born the middle child to Flora Preston Smith and James Bernard Smith on December 14, 1938 near Midland City, Alabama. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Troy with Dr. Ross Lankford officiating and Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing. Interment will follow in Green Hills Memorial Park with Dillard Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 2 pm until 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Troy. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Hilda Grace Smith Thomas

After completing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Troy State University and a master’s degree in education from Auburn University, Hilda taught at the Troy Lab School and at Tyndall Air Force base in Panama City, Florida.

On March 14, 1964, she married Dr. William M. Thomas, a dentist in Troy. They proceeded to have a family, leaving her survived by four children, twelve grandchildren, and one great grandchild: Norma Pascuales, formerly married to Pedro Pascuales and mother of Jacob and Ethan Pascuales; William Thomas II, married to Ramona Clackler Thomas and father of Will, Abigail, and Wyatt Thomas, Will married to Haley Thomas and father of Cash Thomas; Dr. Kimberly Ward, married to Dr. Allen Ward and mother of Sydney Ward, married to Jordan Dragan, Collin Ward, and Ella Ward; James “Jim” Thomas, married to Angela Stump Thomas and father of Cade Thomas, Jackson Thomas, Hope Thomas, and Grace Thomas. Hilda is survived as well by a sister, Velinda Smith Wood, with a brother, Harry Smith, having already passed before them.

Hilda taught children’s Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Troy when her own children were small and began teaching at Shellhorn Elementary School in Pike County when her children were school age. She remained teaching there until she retired. She was an active Sunday School member and member of the Women’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church and an active member of Troy Garden Club. She loved growing plants and flowers and earned the nickname “the plant lady” She played the piano and enjoyed art lessons, painting, and traveling for a number of years. She faithfully took care of her husband the last years of his life until his death in 2022.

Hilda was known for her love and graciousness.  She always maintained a cheerful, upbeat personality, had a smile for everyone, and loved to share a laugh with her friends and family. She was most of all a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. May you rest in peace, Hilda Mom, the love of our lives.

William E. Davis

William E. Davis, 77, of Orange Beach, Alabama, formerly of Troy, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. He was a native of Troy, Alabama, and a graduate of Charles Henderson High School Class of 1965.   He is survived by his son, John Mark Davis (Merideth); a brother, Don Davis (Linda); and three sisters, Donna Kendrick (Russell), Deedie Carter, and Debra Davis (Lamar). He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Willie Mae Hobbs, father, Ed Davis; an infant daughter, Leah Michelle Davis; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Carter.

William E. Davis

Faith and family were the focus of William’s life. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine. He was an avid outdoorsman, who despite having Multiple Sclerosis, continued his adventures of hunting and fishing for many years.

 A graveside service with military honors will be at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Green Hills Memorial Cemetery in Troy.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Wounded Warrior Project.  The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family.