WILLIAM AUBREY ‘DOC’ SELLARS

William Aubrey “Doc” Sellars, 86, of Opp, died Thurs., June 2, 2011, in a Montgomery hospital.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Sat., June 4, from Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel in Opp. A private graveside will be held in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Although most will remember him as the chief of hospital pharmacy at Eglin AFB for more than 36 years, he was also an avid golfer, quarterback of his high school football team, lover of Vaudeville and Dixieland jazz, announcer of the Florala High School football games and a fabulous dancer.

He attended high school in Florala and the Marion Military Institute. After receiving his diploma, he volunteered and served his country with pride and distinction in the Army Air Corps as the navigator of a B25 in the Pacific.

Following his service in WWII, he attended Auburn University, where he earned his pharmaceutical degree and began his long and successful career at Eglin AFB.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, with whom he was happily married to for 61 years; sons, William (Anne) Sellars and Lee Sellars; sisters-in-law, the Rainer twins; grandchildren, Rachel and Ethan; niece, Diane; nephews, Robert and Kevin; and the many friends he made and cherished throughout his extraordinary life.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather; an excellent, hard-working provider and an incredibly good friend to many. He will be sorely missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.

ROGER STARLING YATES

Roger Starling Yates, 55, passed away at his residence in Panama City, Fla., on Thurs., June 2, 2011.

He was born in Henderson County, Ky., the son of the late Basil Morgan Yates and Nora Mae Byrd. He was first employed with the carnival business, where he traveled all over the United States. He liked Harley Davidson motorcycles and eagles. He lived life to the fullest and loved his family – especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his friend and companion, Lynn W. Smith; former wife, Debbie Yates; two daughters, Wendy Williams, all of Panama City, Fla., and Amber Danielle Yates (Brandon) of Bayou George, Fla.; son, Roger S. (Tracey) Yates of Panama City, Fla.; two sisters, Margaret Cook and Brenda (Bill) Lucas; brother, Ron (Rowena) Yates; six grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Blip.

The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care they gave Roger. In lieu of flowers, donations to the hospice of one’s choice would be appreciated.

As per his wishes, a private family interment will be held at a later time.

LARUE PURSELL THOMASSON

Larue Pursell Thomasson, 86, of the Sanford Community, died Mon., June 6, 2011, in a local nursing home.

Funeral services will be held on Wed., June 8, at 1 p.m., from the Foreman Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ed Ganus officiating. Interment will be in the Sanford Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. Wednesday at Foreman’s.

Survivors include six daughters, Wylene Kelley of Florahome, Fla., Dianne Shaw of Andalusia, Kathy (Garry) Hanson of Trussville, Rebecca (Moda) Daughtry of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Harriet (Malcomb) Peevy of Andalusia and Yvonne (Johnny) Bryars of Clanton; two sons, John P. “Sonny” (Nancy) Thomasson and Steve (Karen) Thomasson, all of Andalusia; 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Brad Kelley, John Bryars, Chris Thomasson, Mitch Shaw, Josh Hilburn and Tim Thomasson.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Sanford Baptist Church.

Those unable to attend may sign the online registry at foremanfuneralhome.com.

BETTY LAWSON NELSON

Betty Lawson Nelson, 62, of Fletcher Road, Andalusia, passed away Sat., June 4, 2011, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tues., June 7, at Keahey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ray Miles and the Rev. Ed Ganus officiating. Special music will be provided by the family. Burial will follow in Adellum Baptist Church Cemetery with Keahey Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include her daughters, Lee Nelson of Andalusia and Joni Nelson Thompson of Frankfort, Ky.; three grandchildren, Aidan Thompson, Aaron Watkins and Abigail Thompson; niece, Crystal Cooper; nephew, Kenneth Wayne Gunnels; and several cousins,

She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Nelson.