Obituaries | Week of April 6,2026
THE HONORABLE CARY BALDWIN
Former Probate Judge of Chambers County, Alabama
The Honorable Cary Baldwin, 64, of Daphne, Alabama, formerly of Valley, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama, following a courageous six-year battle with cancer. His strength, faith and unwavering love for his family carried him through each day with grace and determination.
Cary was born on Aug. 16, 1961, in Rome, Georgia. From an early age, he embodied the values that would define his life — hard work, integrity, kindness and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He graduated from Americus High School in Americus, Georgia, and continued his education at Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University, where he studied accounting.
For 35 years, Cary proudly owned and operated Baldwin ACE Home Center in Lanett, Alabama, where he built more than a business — he built lifelong relationships. Known for his honesty, generosity and willingness to help anyone in need, Cary became a trusted and familiar presence in the community. His dedication to service extended beyond his business when he answered the call to public office, serving as Probate Judge of Chambers County, Alabama. In that role, he served with fairness, humility and a genuine care for the people he represented.
In 2019, Cary and his wife Marla made the decision to move to Daphne, Alabama, to be closer to their children and growing families. There, Cary found joy in working alongside his son Andrew at Super Roofers, cherishing not only the work but the time spent together. Yet it was in his role as “Dad” and especially “Grandaddy” where Cary’s heart truly lived. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and constant source of joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Cary attended Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne and was a longtime member of Langdale Methodist Church in Valley. His faith guided his life and his actions, shaping the compassion and generosity he showed to everyone he met. He was a pillar in his community, serving as longtime chairman of the Chambers County Republican Party, a member of the Chambers County Industrial Development Board and a member of Valley Kiwanis Club and the local Masonic Lodge. Whether through leadership roles or quiet acts of kindness, Cary was always ready to step in, lend a hand and make a difference.
Cary’s life was defined by love — love for his family, his friends and his community. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 40 years, Marla Goodwin Baldwin, whose love and support were his constant strength; his children, Elizabeth (Cole) Smith and Andrew (Peyton) Baldwin; and his cherished grandchildren, Stella, Layla and Emma Smith, and Reese, Colton and Beau Baldwin (due in Sept. 2026). He is also survived by his siblings: Butch (Donna) Baldwin, Phil (Libby) Baldwin, Mark (Nina) Padgett, Ann Fields, Marie (Tom) Erwin and Laura (Lee) Pitts; his brother-in-law Jeff (Jenny) Goodwin and sister-in-law Melinda Edwards; and two special nephews, Chuck and Keith Fields, who were like brothers to him, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter L. Baldwin, Sr.; his mother, Mildred P. Baldwin; his twin brother, Gary Baldwin; and his granddaughter, Brinley Baldwin.
Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Cary’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered as a man of honor, quiet strength and a servant’s heart: A man who always put others before himself and lived a life that truly mattered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 1 p.m. EST at Langdale Methodist Church in Valley, Alabama, with visitation from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. The service will be officiated by Reverend Todd Owen and Reverend Chuck Goodwin.
Flowers may be sent to the church. But in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Langdale Methodist Church.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Hughes Funeral Home, Daphne, Alabama, is assisting the family. To leave online condolences for the family, please go to www.hughesfh.com.
WALTER “GARY” BLACKMON
Walter “Gary” Blackmon, 68, of LaFayette, Alabama, passed away on April 4, 2026, at East Alabama Lanier in Valley. He was born in LaFayette on July 14, 1957, to the late Walter “Junior” and Frances Cadenhead Blackmon.
Gary was a member of Community Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and die-hard Alabama football fan.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Faye Blackmon, three children; Mark Blackmon of Newnan, Georiga, Michelle (Bobby) Moore of LaFayette, Gregg (Shelley) Blackmon of Wadley. Seven grandchildren; Chaz Harmon, Hunter (Kala) Moore, Gracie (Eli) Kirby, Autumn Moore, Emily Blackmon, Greggory Blackmon and Fisher Moore.
He was preceded by his loving parents, and son-in-law, Christopher Walworth.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST at Milltown Baptist Church, 1225 Al Hwy 77 LaFayette, Al 36862, with Reverands Claude Bennett and Mike Petrey officiating. Interment will be at Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. CST at Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette.
JAMES DENNIS “JIM” HAZEL
James Dennis “Jim” Hazel, 72, of LaFayette, passed away on April 2, 2026. A man of the land and a skilled craftsman, he lived a life defined by hard work, adventure and the simple joys of a Southern afternoon on a porch swing or sharing stories by the fire.
The Life of “Bullrider”
Born on Sept. 30, 1953, to James Elbert Hazel and Betty Velna Hazel, Jim earned his iconic nickname, “Bullrider,” in his youth, testing his mettle on the backs of bucking bulls. He carried that same fearlessness into every chapter of his life.
A 1972 graduate of Ocoee High School, Jim was an active member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and shared his rhythm and energy as a drummer for the Ocoee Cardinals Marching Band. He spent his adult years as a true “jack-of-all-trades.” He was exceptionally gifted with his hands — whether he was building a barn from the ground up, adding a porch to a home or tinkering on a project, he was never one to sit idle.
Before his retirement, Jim and his life partner of 11.5 years, Debra Anne Jacoby, turned their shared love for travel and livestock into a career, founding J&D Livestock. Together, they crisscrossed the United States, hauling horses coast-to-coast and enjoying the open road as a team.
Passions and Community
Jim was a man who lived off the land. He was an avid deer hunter and was just as comfortable fishing a local catfish pond as he was on the waters of the Gulf. On Saturdays and Sundays, you could find him cheering passionately for his favorite football teams, including the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators and the NFL.
He was perhaps best known by his neighbors and friends as a master of the pit. Jim loved hosting large cookouts, where he would smoke a whole pig for hours, ensuring no one left hungry. When he wasn’t working or hunting, he enjoyed the thrill of the slot machines and frequent trips to the bright lights of Biloxi.
Family
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Elbert Hazel and Betty Velna Hazel.
He is survived by his life partner, Debra Anne Jacoby of LaFayette; his son, Scott Hammon Hazel of Redondo Beach, California; and his sister, Cathy Jean Pluchel of Maitland, Florida. He is also survived by his cousin, Dorothy “Dinky” Hall, who was like a sister to him. He is also remembered by his niece, Rachael Vel Pluchel, and his great-niece, Hazel Rayne Cremen, both of Maitland, along with a close-knit circle of cousins and lifelong friends who will miss his capable hands and generous spirit.
Memorial
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private memorial display and celebration of his life will be held at his home in LaFayette, where family and friends can gather to share stories and honor his memory.
