The Southern Torch — Vol. 6, No. 24

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020 / VOL. 6, NO. 24 / $1.00 THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS • Collinsville H&R Adds Visitation Booth • RTI Reports Case of COVID-19

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS

• Inside The Statehouse with Steve Flowers: It's a Twitter War between Trump & Sessions

Welcome Home

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

LIKE

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

• Benefield Named All-Star Coach • Cattleman's Association Awards Scholarships

FOLLOW

TWEET

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY • Alabama's Response to Elder Abuse • CRIME: 22 Arrested for Narcotics

Happy Birthday, Doc!

marla@southerntorch.com HENAGAR, Ala. — Henagar Baptist Church recently named Roger Graham as their new pastor.

Graham began his preaching career at the age of 16. After graduating from Sylvania High School, he received his B.S. in Music Education at the University of Alabama. He received his Masters of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Roger is married to Ginger Graham. They have five children and one grandson.

Bro. Graham served as the Minister of Music and Youth for 2 ½ years at Carroll’s Creek Baptist in Northport, Alabama. In 1987, he served as the Music and Youth Minister at Broadway Baptist for three years.

In 1980, Roger Graham was named as the pastor of Nazareth Baptist Church. He served there for almost 25 years.

In 2015, Graham took the position as Pastor at

Roger Graham (Submitted Photo)

Bellevue Baptist Church in Gadsden, where he served for 4 ½ years. “I was blessed to make some lifetime and precious friends in Gadsden but I am thrilled and grateful beyond words that the Lord had it in his plan to allow me to serve as pastor again around the great people on Sand Mountain and in the DeKalb/Jackson county area,â€? said Roger Graham. “These are the folks who invested in me from the time I was a child. This is family, and it is an honor to give my life to preach the Word of God to you and to have you at my side as together we share the gospel with a lost and dying world. Ginger and I along with our family love you with all of our heartsâ€?

Graham concluded.

PICTURED (L to R): Dr. Lelon "Doc" Thompson, Southern Torch Managing Editor Marla Jones, and Distribution Manager Marshall Stiefel.

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- On June 12, 2020, a long-time Rainsville resident, Dr. Lelon “Doc� Thompson will celebrate his 95th birthday.

Born in 1925 in the home he now resides in, Doc Thompson has always shown potential. He graduated from the DeKalb High School at the

age of 17. He is a graduate of Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. He then went on to serve our country in both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force.

Doc Thompson was married to the late Johnnie Richey Thompson, for sixty-five years. They raised four children. Their charming home is wonderfully decorated with family photos, quilts,

and beautiful artwork painted by Johnnie and their children.

Doc has many life experiences that he loves to talk about and offer advice to those in need. He is a long Rotarian and lives up to their motto of “Service above Self�.

Recently, Doc Thompson researched and helped develop a dog ordinance in the City of Rainsville.

Doctor Thompson is a

member of Robertson Chapel Church where he actively participates in the monthly men’s breakfast.

Most mornings, you can find Doc working out at Body Vision in Rainsville. He starts his workout doing fifty setups and then cardio. He attributes his daily routine to his longevity of life.

Southern Torch would like to wish Dr. T a Happy Birthday. We love you!

Wigley & Seals Named New SROs

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full video at southerntorch.com) At Tuesday’s meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, Josh Wigley and John Seals were

named as DeKalb County’s newest School Resource Officers (SRO).

Wigley, a police officer at Rainsville Police Department, will be placed as the SRO at DeKalb County Technical School.

Seals, a Sylvania Police Officer, will be the

SRO at Sylvania School.

In the meeting, Deputy Director of the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Michael Posey gave an update on the current COVID-19 cases in DeKalb County.

At the time of press, DeKalb had 276 confirmed cases and five

deaths. In the last 14 days, there have been 40 new cases reported. In the State of Alabama, there have been 13,508 cases that have made a full recovery.

Posey asked the Commission for prayers

> SRO, P3

• LISTEN TO 98-3 WILD COUNTRY & 101-7 THE TORCH

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•

Josh Wigley (Submitted Photo)

John Seals (Submitted Photo)

SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY — JUNE 12, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT TWIN CITY! 1411 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967

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Big Bass Splash to be Held This Weekend

By Jackson Blaze Staff SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The 2020 McDonald's Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash will be held on Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14.

The event was previously postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hourly updates will be broadcasted live on 98-3 Wild Country throughout the day.

For more information, please visit sealyoutdoors. com or contact the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

Demonstrators hold Peaceful Protest at Courthouse

By Dylan Smith JB Managing Editor dylan@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Last Saturday, demonstrators took to the courthouse square to protest a number of issues facing the black community.

County and city law enforcement were positioned strategically around the square to protect protestors, as well as property, against potential out of town agitators. The demonstration remained peaceful as a diverse crowd of concerned citizens gathered in protest. “I owe my life to a black man and my soul to a Jewish carpenter,� said Iraq War Veteran and Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Kenny Bryant, who narrowly avoided stepping on a land mine

Protestors march in downtown Scottsboro. (Dylan Smith | Southern Torch)

when a black man tackled him, thus saving his life. “I’m here today because of a man that looks like him, he saved my life,� proclaimed Sgt. Bryant while pointing to a fellow black protester. “I was this close to stepping on a land mine. You know what he did? He didn’t give a damn about his own body, he jumped in front of it and tackled me.�

Sgt. Bryant noted the significance of the date the protest was being

held, which was D-Day. He mentioned the brotherhood of black and white men who valiantly stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate France from Nazi occupation.

This was one of many impassioned speeches given to rally the crowd.

Demonstrators joined hands in prayer before marching the courthouse square. Protesters held signs displaying anti-racism slogans.

Marchers chanted popular

rallying cries such as “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot� and “Black Lives Matter.�

Protesters displayed great appreciation to present law enforcement officers. As they passed the police while marching, many protesters were seen giving a ‘thumbs up’ to the officers.

Sheriff Chuck Phillips took to social media to thank protesters and law enforcement. “The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone involved in yesterday’s effort,� said Phillips. “We are thankful for a community where we proved we can all come together peacefully with the same goal in mind.

Unity. We thank everyone for protesting peacefully and not taking that right for granted. You did a wonderful job.�

Jackson Blaze spoke with protest organizer Joh

Ellison prior to the demonstration’s conclusion. “I think here, people just want to make a big difference, to make a stand,� said Ellison. “I made a few posts and people said ‘I’m with you, I may not understand but I’m with you.’�

Ellison continued, “We’re trying to let people know not to let the media separate you, don’t let social media separate you.

Come together. Together we’re stronger.�

Ellison expressed optimism for the future of Jackson County in terms of race relations. “There’s a lot of people from different areas. The fact that people have come down from the Mountain really speaks volumes. That shows that there’s hope, there’s a chance for change.�

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Alabama's Response to Elder Abuse CRIME

22 Arrested for Narcotics

By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Narcotics and Interdiction Unit made and assisted with 22 drug cases in the last several weeks. Two stolen vehicles have also been recovered in suspected drug-related crimes.

The following arrests were made: • Melvin Christopher Moss (30 of Valley Head): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Kenneth Knight (32 of Sylvania): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Scotty Hodge (29 of Rainsville) and Brian Hodge (47 of Rainsville): possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana 2nd • Octavius Nash (40 of Gadsden): possession of a . controlled substance (2x), possession of marijuana 1st, possession of drug paraphernalia • Danny Betz (50 of Collinsville): possession of a controlled substance (2x), possession of drug paraphernalia • Gregory Hamby (26 of Section): possession of marijuana 2nd, possession of drug paraphernalia • Cody Crowe (27 of Ider) and Brooklyn Combs (22 of Ider): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Kenneth Hutchinson (38 of Grant): receiving stolen property 1st • Randall Castleberry (63 of Rising Fawn, Ga.): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • James Howard (23 of Valley Head): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Christopher Wayne Tarvin (34 of Geraldine): possession of a controlled substance (2x), possession of drug paraphernalia • Mildred Thompson (44 of Fort Payne): possession of a controlled substance (2x), possession of drug paraphernalia • Brandon Kyle Johnson (32 of Scottsboro), Jason Lee Oyler (36 of Rainsville), Roger Dale Lynch (26 of Scottsboro), and Holly Daniel Turner (25 of Pisgah): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • Bradley Shane White (46 of Rainsville) and Crystal Gail Pope (42 of Rainsville): possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia • William Jeffery Fleisher (26 of Geraldine): possession of a controlled substance (2x), possession of marijuana 2nd, possession of drug paraphernalia • Demacio Sanchez (49 of Collinsville): controlled substance (2x), possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prescription medication "As the temperature rises, so does the drug activity on our highways and roads. We've been improving our patrol and interdiction capabilities to ensure that we are prepared to keep our roadways safe," said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. "We also appreciate the great job our local police department are doing in policing their towns. Our narcotics units and deputies are always prepared to back them up and support them in making these cases."

By Southern Torch Staff

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The elderly population and disabled adults in our state and communities have the right to feel safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for every elderly individual and disabled adult in our state. Based upon reports from the previous years, thousands of elderly individuals and disabled adults have been and are being abused, neglected and exploited in Alabama every year.

In an effort to promote elder abuse awareness, agencies, organizations, communities and professionals around the world will unite on June 15th to observe World Elder

SRO

FROM PAGE 1 for EMA Director Anthony Clifton, who was absent due to health reasons.

County Administrator Matt Sharp presented the following retirements and transfers for the Revenue Office: • The retirement of Deb Stewart • Brittany Crowe to move from Mapper 2 to Chief Mapper • Jaycee Palmer to move from Tags to Reappraisal • A vacant position to be posted for Tag Clerk Sharp presented the following for the Road Department: • Promote Danny Norris to District 3 Crew Leader effective June 1 • Promote William Childress to District 2 Crew Leader effective June 1 • Hire Drake Casey to fill a vacancy in the unit crew • Hire Christopher Williams to fill a vacancy in District 3 Sharp requested the following hires for the Sherrif’s Office: • Carl White as a transport deputy to replace Stephen Berry retroactive to June 1 • Josh Wigley as a full-time SRO effective July 27

SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Staff:

Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614.

Eloise Smith, General Manager Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Jodi Skinner, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Dylan Smith, Jackson Blaze Managing Editor Lindsey Jones, Accounting Marshall Stiefel, Distribution Manager

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Abuse Awareness Day. The national theme for this year’s observance is “Using the Past to Re-Write the Future.� The nationally recognized color to represent elder abuse awareness is purple. We are asking each community member to please wear purple throughout the month of June, particularly on the 15th.

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation regarding the elderly and disabled adults.

In FY 2019, DHR investigated approximately 10,827 reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults statewide, which included elderly individuals and disabled

• John Seals as a full-time SRO, effective July 27, to replace Billy Jack Blackwell who retired • Steven Jackson to replace Lyndell Elkins • Samuel McAlpin to replace Corrections Officer position vacated due to Sara Slaton’s promotion • Anthony Ciganek to replace Wrett Tyson • Sharp asked the Commission for the Resignation of Lyndell Elkins and the termination of Wrett Tyson.

In other business the Commission approved the following: • Awarded CR-51 Bid as part of the Rebuild Annual Grant to Wiregrass • Approved the Sylvania Industrial Road Project • Speed Limit Resolution on CR 676 to 25 mph • Speed Limit Resolution on CR 613 to 25 mph • Vacated portions of CR 628 (corner of CR 628/ CR 625) • Garbage Exceptions • 2020 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on July 14, 2020.

adults.

DHR is requesting the assistance of all community members to help with protecting our vulnerable citizens as they have contributed so much to society. If you suspect an elderly person or an adult with disabilities is being mistreated please contact DeKalb County DHR at 256-844-2700 to make a report.

Reports may also be made, toll free, to the Adult Abuse Hotline, 1-800-458-7214, and via online at aps@dhr. alabama.gov. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously. “In some cases, elderly and disabled adults are dependent on relatives and others for their care and at times they are isolated.

Hence, they are a greater risk for abuse, neglect and exploitation�, said DeKalb County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Denise Raines. “Unfortunately, victims are most often abused, neglected and exploited by persons who are known and trusted by the elderly person or disabled adult. Community partners can help by reporting suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation and by assisting DHR with arranging services to protect those individuals that cannot protect themselves. Our community partners are essential to assisting DHR in providing for the safety of the elderly population and disabled adults", Raines concluded.

Polymer Celebrates Ocean Day 2020

Corporate office employees at Polymer Industries in Henagar celebrating Ocean Day 2020. All Polymer Industries locations across the US are helping the environment with their recycling and sustainability programs.

SERVE Day at Crowne Health Care

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Saturday, June 6, members of the Church of the Highlands Gadsden branch participated in SERVE Day by holding an outdoor visitation at Crowne Health Care.

Jerry Clifton stated he was "super excited to honor on-call Dr. Tim Decker's request for the group to serve at their facility."

Crowne Health Care has 120 current patients and the Church of the Highlands, along with Bobby Ledbetter of Twin City Used Car Sales and Miles Smith of Western Sizzlin' provided lunch for the staff of 35 and gave bags to the seniors that contained books, puzzles, hygiene products, and snacks.

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LEGALS

COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: 2020-124

Case No.: 2020-113

ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF IMOGENE GEORGIA VAUGHN LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the Estate of IMOGENE GEORGIA VAUGHN, having been granted unto the underdesigned on the 5th day of May, 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

To be published: May 29, June 5, June 12

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of MYLES CONNER SMITH, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 21st day of May, 2020 by the Hon. Ronnie Osborn, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF J.P. NATION, deceased NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to DAVID TUCKER and MARCIA TUCKER, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of J.P. NATION, deceased, on the 4th day of June 2020, by the Honorable Ronnie E. Osborn, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MYLES RANDALL SMITH, Personal Representative

To be published: June 12, June 19, June 26

To be published: June 5, June 12, June 19

LEGALS

LEGALS

NOTICE OF VEHICLE POSSESSION

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will proceed to take possession of the following described abandoned vehicle(s) on 7/17/20:

Case No.: 2020-33

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Collinsville Healthcare & Rehab Adds Visitation Booth

(Photo by TARCOG)

By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many nursing homes have been forced to close their doors to visitors; however, Collinsville Healthcare and Rehab may have found a temporary

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solution.

On Monday, the facility introduced its visitation booth, an enclosed area where residents can see and speak with their loved ones without actually coming into physical contact with them.

To coordinate an appointment in the visiting booth, please call the Collinsville Healthcare and Rehab social service or activity department at (256) 524-2117.

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RTI Reports Associate Positive for COVID-19

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — According to a statement made by Shane Gilliland, Vice President of Rainsville Technology Inc. (RTI), an associate at the facility has tested positive for COVID-19.

Gilliland stated that all associates working in or around the associate have made aware of the current situation. In response, RTI provided a thorough cleaning of the area where the associate worked and conducted additional cleaning of common areas.

RTI is actively following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Out of respect for the privacy of the employee, no further information will be provided at this time.

Southern Torch will continue to follow this story as it develops.

FRIDAY — JUNE 12, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Senate Runoff Resumes with Trump & Sessions in a Twitter Battle

By Steve Flowers Political Columnist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The U.S. Senate runoff between former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was put on hold by the coronavirus. The original primary on March 3 had Tuberville and Sessions in a dead heat.

The runoff was scheduled for March 31. However, the pandemic shutdown placed a freeze on everything politically. The runoff is now set for July 14.

The epidemic hiatus shutdown began to melt a little around Memorial Day, and it started with a meltdown between President Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions. Trump, our tweeting President, blasted Sessions for the umpteenth time for recusing himself from the Russian politically based probe while he was Attorney General.

Sessions, being the honest person that he is, refused to do Trump’s bidding which would have been illegal.

Legality, honesty, truthfulness, and integrity are not Trumps forte. He thinks his tenure as President is an extension of his TV Reality show, The Apprentice, where he was famously known for the phrase “You’re fired!� He fires anyone associated with him who will not concede to this egocentric bullying, the same way he fired Sessions for not breaking the law.

Trump’s tirade of tweets on Memorial Day weekend were vitriolic and juvenile, as is customary for the king of late-night tweeting. Much to folks’ surprise, Sessions tweeted back. The mild mannered, choir boy, Eagle Scout Sessions fought back for the first time. He and Trump exchanged tweeting volleys all weekend. It was quite amusing.

It remains to be seen what effect this war of words between Trump and Sessions will have on the Senate campaign and Sessions’ hopes to reclaim his seat. Sessions may not have been the most effective U.S. Senator during his 20-year tenure, but he probably was the most honest. If it were midnight in the smallest ltown in Alabama and there were no cars in sight, Jeff Sessions would not jaywalk.

In every tweet, Trump endorses Coach Tuberville over Sessions for obvious reasons. Historically, in Alabama politics, one

s

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

politician endorsing someone in another race has been the kiss of death.

It has consistently backfired. However, my guess is that Trump is so popular among hardcore Republican voters in the Heart of Dixie that this endorsement of Tuberville will propel him to victory.

Tuberville’s entire campaign calling card has been, “I’m a Trump man.�

Trump applauds total allegiance and loyalty.

Therefore, the Trump endorsement of the Coach is quite understandable.

Whichever one wins will take back the seat for the GOP in the Fall.

However, they are going to face some devastating financial problems when they arrive as a freshman U.S. Senator in January.

The coronavirus epidemic has crippled our nation economically for decades.

Either Tuberville or Sessions will be irrelevant, freshman Senators who will be saddled with a government that is facing a staggering national debt.

The U.S. government has written $3 trillion in bad checks with no money in the bank to pay the insurmountable debt back.

We had an enormous deficit even before the trillions of dollars added by printing of red ink federal dollars for the pandemic bailout. A trillion dollars is a lot of money. That is trillion with a capital “T.� It reminds me of one of the great quotes of all time.

The late, great Republican, U.S. Senator from Illinois, Senator Everett Dirkson, was attributed with saying after the passage of a pork filled Democratic budget, “A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you are talking real money.�

Henry Kissinger in a “Wall Street Journal� article called this unprecedented, unimaginable U.S. national debt a fundamental realignment where we are so weakened by this debt that we lose influence and power in the world. I am optimistic that we can persevere for three reasons: our farming, our military, and our technological superiority.

See you next week.

5

DEATH NOTICES CORNER STONE Sonny Lancaster - 75 of Ider, passed away on Thursday, June 4 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 7 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with burial in Beulah Chapel Cemetery.

RAINSVILLE Jerry Wayne “Frosty�

Forrester - 71 of Albertville, passed away on Friday, June 5 at his residence. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 9 at Rainsville Memorial Park.

Judy Andrews Pendergrass - 69 of Powell, passed away on Tuesday, June 2 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at Old Sardis Holiness Church with Bros. Oron Whitley and McCoy Wooten officiating. Burial followed in Old Sardis Cemetery with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing, www. rainsvillefuneralhome. com.

Visitation was held on Thursday, June 5 from 5 p.m. to 8p.m., Friday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rainsville Funeral Home.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana LaShaye Pendergrass of Powell; stepson, Greg Pendergrass (Susie) of Rainsville; stepdaughter, Shirlene Moore (Richard) of Rainsville; two brothers, Aaron Andrews (Martha) of Rainsville, and Gary Andrews (Kim) of Rainsville; two sisters, Janice Trotman (Stanley) of Rainsville and Carol King (David) of Rainsville; and stepgrandchildren: Rachel, Riley, Tiffany, and Brittany.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clydell Pendergrass; parents, Ronald and Dorothy Andrews; and nephew, Christopher Andrews.

Francis Judd Rice Bible, Jr. - 90 of Rainsville, passed away on Sunday, June 7. Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 13 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Millie Pruitt - 89 of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, June 9. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12 at Crossville First Baptist

Church.

Burma Fay Thomas 80 of Scottsboro, passed away on Monday, June 8.

The family will hold a private funeral service with Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing.

Burma retired as a computer operator at the Revere Copper & Brass Company and Norandal Aluminum Company in Scottsboro, Ala. Burma owned and operated the Sand Mountain Sorghum Company, founded by her father in 1950. She successfully expanded the company across the southeast United States. If you ever met her, she would say, “these are the best products, I’ll give you a sample�. There was no order too small, she loved her customers and would deliver no matter how far.

Burma Thomas was an accomplished professional bass fisherman with a true love of fishing. She fished bass tournaments across the United States from New York to New Mexico.

Burma started fishing professionally in 1976 when there were only men’s tournaments. The first men’s professional bass tournament that Burma fished was in August 1976, finishing in 6th place. Burma fished women’s professional circuits from 1981 to 1997.

During this time, she achieved many accomplishments: won 17 titles across the United States yielding her 17 fully rigged Ranger Bass Boats; was named Angler of the Year three times; won 2 Classic World Championships; she was highlighted in several magazines and newspapers; published in the 1983 Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook; she was the only female on the Evinrude Team, Fish Formula Team, and GNB Battery Team; and had published Pro-League Bass Fishing Cards. Burma loved sharing fishing with others - she was a presenter at Special Olympics, guest speaker at Boys & Girls Ranch, and taught fishing techniques at seminars and special events. Her peers gave her the nickname “Burning Burma� because she was an unstoppable force on the fishing trail.

Burma loved living on the Tennessee River where she enjoyed watching osprey, eagles, finches, hummingbirds, and most

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Now she can fish again with her favorite partner “Sonny�.

She is survived by her children Shelia Ann Thomas, Gerry Lee (Kathy) Thomas Jr., Debra Lynn Barnett; and husband, Rick. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerry Lee Thomas Sr. “Sonny�; her parents, Louis and Jeannette Farmer; sisters, Louise O’tinger, Irma Farmer, and Lois Farmer; and brothers, J.L. Farmer, Rayford Farmer, Vondell Farmer, Kenneth Farmer, Marlon Farmer, and Arlon Farmer.

GERALDINE Richard Eugene Grubbs - 77 of Geraldine, passed away on Tuesday, June 2 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 6 at Geraldine First Baptist Cemetery.

Janice Kirkley Allen - 76 of Boaz, passed away on Thursday, June 4 at her residence. Cremation services were provided by Geraldine Funeral Home.

W.T. WILSON Jace Paul Davidson 22 of Geraldine, passed away on Tuesday, June 2.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 8 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Nelson Izell - 73 of Sylvania, passed away on Wednesday, June 3. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 7 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial at Unity Cemetery with military honors.

Sharon Lanell Little - 57 of Sylvania, passed away on Thursday, June 4.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 7 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Chaney’s Chapel Cemetery.

Imogene Heard Ridgeway - 93 of Fyffe, passed away on Thursday, June 4. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 6 at Antioch Baptist Church with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Debra Lynn Hurt - 61 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, June 5. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 7 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Glenwood Cemetery.

Darra Jean Walker - 78 of Rainsville, passed away on Saturday, June 6.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 8 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Antioch Cemetery.

Viola Day Garner - 83, passed away on Sunday, June 7 at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 9, at New Hope Primitive Baptist Church.

Elizabeth Haston - 79 of Sylvania, passed away on Sunday, June 7. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 9 at New Home Baptist Church in Pisgah with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

KERBY J.L. Kirby - 63 of Pisgah, passed away on Monday, June 8. No services will be held.

Mary Anne Poulin - 67 of Sylvania, passed away on Wednesday, June 3.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 5 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

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6

FRIDAY — JUNE 12, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Cattlemen Association Benefield Named All-Star Coach Announces Scholarship Winners

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County

marla@southerntorch.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama All-Star football coaching staff for next December’s 34th annual AlabamaMississippi All-Star Classic football game has been completed, announced Jamie Lee, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA). The game will be played at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield will coach the

Geraldine • Avery Payton — Fort Payne • Grace Powell — Albertville College Attendees: • Jaysa Bloodworth — Northeast Alabama Community College • Makenzie Bloodworth — Northeast Alabama Community College • Logan Charles — Auburn • Gracie Foster — Jacksonville State University

• Mason McKinney — Gadsden State Community College • Madeline McPherson — Gadsden State Community College • Mary Patton — University of Alabama • Sarah Patton — University of Alabama • Ethan Payton — Northeast Alabama Community College • Jessie Payton — Auburn Unversity

INSIDE THE HUDDLE RETURNS NEXT WEEK!

Fyffe Head Football Coach Paul Benefield has been selected as a coach for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star classic. (Submitted Photo)

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

Cattleman's Association recently announced its 2020 scholarship winners.

High School Graduates • Sadie Durham — Valley Head • Hanna Glenn — Collinsville • Amanda Hamilton — Collinsville •Kaleb Jones — Collinsville • Kalee Kuykendall — Geraldine • Kylee Kuykendall —

All-Star defensive line.

Benefield has a 297-53 coaching record in 29 seasons. Benefield has been at Fyffe for 25 seasons. During his time at Fyffe, he has led the Red Devils to four state titles, including three Class 2A championships in the last three years.

Alabama, which holds a 22-11 lead in the series, lost to Mississippi 17-16 in overtime last year at Hattiesburg (MS). Alabama also holds a 4-1 edge in overtime games and is 22-8 in games played in Alabama. The last Alabama victory came in 2016 at Cramton Bowl 25-14.

The 2020 Season of "Inside The Huddle" will debut in next week's edition. Stay tuned for updates on football schedules, individual teams, and a spotlight on our great coaches across DeKalb County!

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YOUR HINT: Y = D The Southern Torch Cryptogram is a new part of our game section. Quotes are selected from famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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FRIDAY — JUNE 12, 2020

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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