Obituaries: Saturday, December 28, 2019

John Randal “Raymond” Strickland

Guntersville

On Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, only one day shy of their 60th wedding anniversary, John Randal Strickland (also “J.R.” to some, “Raymond” to others) died at the age of 81 at Marshall Medical Center North from a cardiac-related event shortly after arriving in Guntersville with his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Sue Jones Strickland. He was determined not to allow his declining health to prevent them from attending regular informal reunions of their high school friends back in their hometown where they had celebrated their 50th anniversary 10 years earlier amongst a large gathering of family and friends.

John was born in Marshall County on Nov. 18, 1938, and was the youngest child of Barney Bedford and Ollie Belle Peters Strickland. His siblings included his brother, Alton Strickland, and his sisters, Eloise Brown (currently of Arab), Ila V. Hard, Ester Strickland and Junita Strickland.

One of the highlights of John’s youth was his time as co-captain of the Marshall County High School’s championship football team. He remained an avid football fan throughout his life, especially when he was following the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide.

After high school, John served in the US Army Reserves. He started his “suit & tie” career at Household Finance Corporation in 1960, and in 1985 moved to Fleet Finance, Inc., where he was President & CEO. During his career, he also served as the President of the Georgia Financial Services Association and as President of the National Consumer Finance Association.

John retired from Fleet in 1993. Shortly thereafter, he and Sue moved back to Guntersville where they spent the majority of his retirement years.

In addition to his stellar career, John was first and foremost a true and loyal family man. He and Sue have three children who all live nearby in the metropolitan Atlanta area: Mitchell Strickland (Lynn), Carmen Strickland and Misha Boswell.

In 1994, John was proud to add one more title to his resume – that of “Papaw” – when he first became a grandfather to his four granddaughters: Emily Strickland, 2016 graduate of Georgia Tech; Annie Strickland, soon to be 2020 graduate of Georgia Tech; Aubrey Boswell, soon to be 2020 graduate of Georgia College; and Payton Boswell, soon to be 2020 Harrison High School graduate, with a nice list of college acceptances from which to choose. Several years ago, John and Sue moved to Acworth, Georgia, to be near their children and grandchildren. All four granddaughters learned early on what a generous and kind-hearted man he was behind his sometimes gruff-sounding voice and demeanor, which never had them fooled for a minute.

While it was rare that he shared the stories, throughout his lifetime there were a number of people whose paths crossed John’s, family and friends alike, whom he would quietly help out behind the scenes in numerous ways. Those stories speak volumes about the man he was, but they are no surprise to those who knew and loved him.

John’s funeral was held on Friday, Dec. 27th, in Guntersville at Carr Funeral Home; visitation was beforehand from 11am to 2pm; burial followed in Marshall Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers were Adam Brown, Glenn Brown, Jason Brown, Terry Brown, Doyle Hard and Hoyle Hard. Honorary pallbearers were Brody Brown, Jesse Brown, Trevor Daycock, Richard Hard, Spencer Lesley and Jacob Underwood.

Any donations in memory of John can be sent to the American Kidney Fund at kidneyfund.org.

Imogene Gilbreath

Sardis City

Imogene Gilbreath, 97, of Sardis City who went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec 24, 2019.

She was a native and resident of Etowah County and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Imogene was a talented lady doing various jobs including Hammers, Ambersons, Sardis Hardware and also was an excellent seamstress. Her favorite job was representing Deeya Cosmetics. She was active in community affairs throughout her life and was a part of the local Homemakers Club.

Mother loved her family, she entertained her children and grandchildren with cooking, sewing, gardening and digging worms with the boys. Her yard was filled with daylilies and butter cups and Gene’s stir fry made with okra, potatoes, onions and squash were to die for!

She and her husband were named FHA Farm Family of the Year in 1972.

She is survived by daughters, Wondal (Ed) Perry, Ann (Mike) Carr; sons, Kenny (Nina) Gilbreath, Kyle (Vickey) Gilbreath; sister, Peggy Brock; 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Warren Gilbreath; an infant son, Dwight; her parents Otway and Ora Leeth.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 27, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. The family received friends from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Interment followed at Whitesboro Cemetery. Rev. Wayne White and Jason Gilbreath officiated. Pallbearers were Blake Gilbreath, Jon Carr, Jason Holland, McKane Holland, Dr. Jed Howington and Whitt Rutland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing.

Marnes J. Golden

Boaz

Marnes J. Golden, 94, of Boaz, passed away Monday, Dec 23, 2019.

Her funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 27, at Etowah Memorial Chapel with burial following at Butler Cemetery. Rev. Roger Dale Igou officiated.

Mrs. Golden is survived by her children, Freda Oliver (Gary), Buddy Golden (Gail), Timmie Golden (Angela), Rita Graves (Kerry), John Earl Golden (Glinda), Kevin Golden (Donna); 14 grandchildren, a host of great and great-great grandchildren.

Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing

Jeanette Parker Parton

Crossville

Jeanette Parker Parton, 73, of Crossville, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019.

Funeral series will be today, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the McRae Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff Underwood and Bro. Lawayne Levans officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 28, from 11:00 am until service time at the McRae Funeral Home Chapel.

She is survived by her husband, Glennis Parton of Crossville; daughter & son-in-law, Marsha and Chris Talton of Boaz; step-daughters & sons-in-Law, Sharon and Brad Bridges, of Guntersville; Shirley and Jamie Pankey, of Boaz; Shalynn and Peanut Kilpatrick, of Boaz; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren.

Patricia “Kay” Yencer

Albertville

Patricia “Kay” Yencer, 75, of Albertville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019.

There are no formal arrangements as the family has chosen cremation.

She is survived by her husband, Kerry Yencer; daughters, Kimberly Mayfield, Kristin Warden; son, Kyle Yencer; five grandchildren; sister, Barbara Hines-Beeson; brother, Robert Beam.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Brown Service Funeral Home.

Billy Wayne Beaird

Albertville

Billy Wayne Beaird, 71, of Albertville, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.

No formal services are planned as family has chosen cremation.

He is survived by his sister, Peggy Kilpatrick.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Brown Service Funeral Home.

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Obituaries are printed as a public service by The Reporter. Customized obituaries may be printed for a charge. Family members should have the funeral home contact The Reporter at 256-840-3000.