EUGENE R. SMITH III

Eugene R. Smith III, 75, left this life, May 25, 2010, in Destin, Fla., surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Oct. 23, 1934, in Tampa, Fla., to Eugene Russell Smith II and Elizabeth Lorraine Smith. He was a longtime resident of Destin, Fla., but grew up in Andalusia, where he met the love of his life, JoAnne Pless, whom he later married.

He is survived by his son, Sloan Eugene Smith; his daughter-in-law, Marcelle Smith; his two grandchildren, Savannah and Haden Smith; his brother, Ernest Smith and wife Joy; nephew, Michael Gene Smith; and his two sisters, Gail Smith and Carol Lally.

He attended Marion Military Institute in Marion and earned his bachelor degree in architecture from Auburn University. He served as a first lieutenant, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as an executive officer.

He was an experienced designer and city planner, who started his practice in 1960 in Tampa, Fla. He had offices in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Destin, Fla. Among his many accomplishments, he was past president of the student chapter of “The American Institute of Architects at Auburn University,” where he was named to the National Architectural Honorary Society SCARAB. He was past president of the Tampa Bay Auburn Alumni Club and was a corporate member of the American Institute of Architects. He received several Aurora Awards in outstanding residential design and was selected by the National Association of Home Builders as the builder’s choice, “Grand Award” for St. Andrews Common located in Palmetto Dunes Resort, Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Hidden Dunes Beach Cottages in Destin, Fla.

Family and friend may sign the online quest registry at heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services will be announced at a future date with Heritage Gardens Funeral Home of Niceville, Fla., directing.

ALLENE SASSER

Allene Sasser, 71, born in Dozier on Nov. 17, 1938, the daughter of the late I. John Sasser and Myrtle Sasser, passed away Wed., May 26, 2010, in Pensacola Beach, Fla.

Funeral services were held Fri., May 28, at Keahey Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Vinson Jones officiating and special music arranged by the family.

Burial followed in the Weed Cemetery with Keahey Funeral Home directing.

Having cerebral palsy since birth, she always was one that would never give up. She always tried to do with her disability; the impossible and she did.

She never complained even in the midst of horrible disabilities. She was greatly loved and spoken well of by all who knew her. Her favorite gesture, even just before she passed away, was to give “two thumbs up.” She always smiled when read to from the Bible, especially the verses, Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 33:24 which speaks of “no resident will say I am sick.” Of all her exemplary qualities, she loved Jehovah and loved to hear about Him and His son, Jesus Christ. She had great love for all and was always positive even when faced with many reasons to be negative. She was always very encouraging to others by her effort to always try and do the impossible. She was truly a remarkable lady.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Cheryl Sasser; two nephews, Ron (Rachel) Sasser and Kevin (Jenifer) Sasser; aunts, Marie Kidd, Francis Patrick and Readie Hornsby; uncles, Glen Duncan, Eual Duncan, Farrel Duncan and Manuel Patrick.

DAVID RAY POWELL

David Ray Powell, 47, of Houma, La., passed away unexpectedly Mon., May 24, 2010, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., today, Sat., May 29, at the Keahey Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Fred Karthaus officiating and burial following in the Andalusia Memorial cemetery. Keahey Funeral Home is directing.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Survivors include his father, Ray Powell of Houma, La.; sister and brother-in-law, Lillie Anne and Scott Salsberry of Franklin, Tenn.; fiancé, Lisa Parker of Houma, La.; nieces and nephews, Christopher Authement, Abigail Salsberry and John Salsberry.

A memorial service will be held in Houma, La. by the Mardi Gras Crew Selucrey Sophistocats at a later date.

Those unable to attend may sign the online guest book at keaheyfuneralhome.com.

JUDITH DIANE COOK BLACKWELL

Judith Diane Cook Blackwell, 71, of Andalusia, died Thurs., May 27, 2010, at her home in the Carolina Community.

Funeral services will be held on Sun., May 30, at 1 p.m. from the Carolina Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Boles officiating, and interment in the Carolina Cemetery.

She is survived by her two sons, Mark Blackwell and wife Stephanie of Columbus, Ga., and Bo Blackwell and wife Patsy of Andalusia; two daughters, Carol Salter and husband Ronnie of Stockbridge, Ga., and Sandy Smith and husband Tim of Anniston; four grandsons, Kevin and Tyler Blackwell and Austin and Grayson Smith; two sisters, Susan Mayhew and Nancy McGee, both of Columbus, Ga.; and special friend and caregiver, Susan Chappell.

Visitation will be tonight at 6 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home and at the church 30 minutes prior to services.

Family and friends unable to attend may sign the online guest registry at foremanfuneralhome.com.

HAROLD HARVEY HOOD

Harold Harvey Hood, 77, of Andalusia, died Wed., May 26, 2010, in an Opp hospital.

Private graveside services will be held today, May 29, at the Andalusia Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Trent officiating.

Survivors include his wife, Runette Hood of Andalusia; two daughters, Claire Price and husband Dirk of Andalusia and Aletha O’Quinn and husband Dave of Baton Rouge, La.; two sons, Harvey Hood of Plant City, Fla., and Emmett Hood and wife Laurie of Denham Springs, La.; and three grandchildren, Blake Hood, Ben Hood and Emily O’Quinn.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Family and friend may sign the online quest registry at foremanfuneralhome.com.