RALPH HENRY RILEY

Mr. Ralph Henry Riley, age 83, of Andalusia, passed away on Fri., March 16, 2018, at his residence.

Funeral services were held on Sun., March 18, 2018, from Carolina Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Tankersley officiating. Interment followed in Carolina Cemetery. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday evening at Foreman Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Barton Riley; sons and daughters-in-law, Rhett and Linda Riley of Andalusia, Dodd and Jan Riley of Andalusia, and Brinn and Ashley Riley of Melbourne, Fla.; daughter and son-in-law, Penney and Joey Watson of Andalusia; 11 grandchildren, Rhett Riley, Zach Riley, Melissa (Daniel Collins), Chris Riley, Josh Riley, Morgan (Tyler) Smith, Brigham (Annika) Watson, Dalton Watson, Chase Riley, Trent Riley, and Logan Riley; one great-grandchild, Camilla Smith; a sister, Jane Wiggins of Andalusia; and brother and sister-in-law, Rhett E. and Jeanette Riley of Auburn, AL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Jennings Bryan and Lillian Riley, and brothers, Reginald Abner “Pete” Riley and James Andrew Riley.

Pallbearers were Rhett Riley, Zach Riley, Daniel Collins, Chris Riley, Tyler Smith, Brigham Watson, Dalton Watson and Tim Riley.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the charity of one’s choice.

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

 

JIMMY CARTER

Jimmy Carter of Auburn, passed away peacefully at his home Thurs., March 15, 2018, following a brief illness after celebrating his 82nd birthday. Mr. Carter was born on March 12, 1936, to William Anderson Carter and Mattie Irene Dyess Carter in Tennille. He was raised on his family farm, Carter Farms, in Brundidge.

Upon graduating from high school in Pike County, Mr. Carter joined the U.S. Navy. Mr. Carter was honorably discharged on Jan. 12, 1962, after serving overseas as a Radioman 2nd Class (RM2). After serving his country, Mr. Carter received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from Auburn University. While attending Auburn University, he met his beautiful bride, Mrs. Martha Ann Humphrey Carter. They were married in Auburn, in 1965.

After graduating from Auburn University, Mr. Carter taught Agricultural Education at Hale County High School in Moundville, and Samson High School in Samson. He later owned his own company, Carter Cotton Consulting Service, where he spent the majority of his professional career as an Agricultural Consultant in Andalusia.

An avid Auburn University sports fan, Mr. Carter and Martha Ann returned to live in Auburn after their retirement.   This allowed them many years of enjoyment attending athletic events and supporting their favorite team at home games and traveling with their team as lifetime members of the Auburn Alumni Association.

Mr. Carter was preceded in death by his parents three brothers, five sisters; and two nephews, Johnny Thompson and Sammy Carter. Mr. Carter helped raise Sammy after his father passed away at a young age. One of 13 siblings, Mr. Carter was blessed with a long life of love and celebration along with the loss of his beloved family members.

Mr. Carter is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha Ann Carter, affectionately known as Bo. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister, Hilton Carter of Brundidge, Max Carter of Phenix City, Billy (Joan) Carter of Deatsville, Ala., and Meritta (Gerald) Findley of Gainesville, Fla. Remaining surviving family members include a host of nephews and nieces who he loved as his own children.

The family would like to offer a special acknowledgement of gratitude to their caregivers, Home Instead Senior Care, who have cared for them as extended family. A special thank you is also bestowed upon his breakfast family at Byron’s Smokehouse.

Services celebrating Mr. Carter’s life will be held on Tues., March 20, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 9 a.m.

The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers. For those choosing to donate, a gift of remembrance may be sent to Bright Beginnings Preschool and Family Life Center, 602 Seegers Street, Andalusia, AL 36420.

Having been instrumental in creating the preschool and family center for the Andalusia Housing Authority, the preschool and family center is dear to their hearts.