Obituaries | Week of Jan. 26, 2026
TERRI RAY WALTON
Terri Ray Walton, 67, of LaFayette passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 — just in time for church with Jesus — with her loving husband and youngest daughter by her side.
Born Nov. 1, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Helen Ray. On Feb. 28,1981 she married Alexander “Lex” Gunn Walton Jr. They shared nearly 45 years of marriage together. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and a most joyful Nonna.
Terri is survived by her husband, Lex Walton; three children, Ollie Walton (Dusty), Chad Walton (Vivian) and Crystal Gatlin (Trent); five beautiful grand girls Makenzie (Caleb), Madeline, Reese, Piper and Hayden; her brother Vincent (Chip) Ray (Dee), brother-in-law Clay Walton (Lisa), sister-in-law Becky Mcpherson (Chuck), sister-in-law Debbie Moore (John) and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Terri was a faithful member of Church of the Highlands Opelika campus where she and her loving husband led many small groups — with the last several years focusing on the beauty, power, love and relationship with the Holy Spirit with many of their closest and most dear friends. Terri spent her entire adult life sharing the love of Jesus with those around her. Whether it be working with the youth alongside her husband, playing the piano and singing in church, counseling and mentoring many or traveling for 16 years accompanying her dear friend as they ministered at women’s conferences all over the Southeast through their beautiful musical talents. Terri has played countless weddings and funerals for her friends and family.
Terri predominantly spent her professional career alongside her loving husband building his CPA practice in LaFayette. She retired for several years to take on her most joyous role as Nonna and later owned and operated a custom closet company out of Auburn.
Terri was well known for her beautiful voice and for being an extremely accomplished pianist. She attended grade school in Birmingham at EB Erwin Elementary and High School and later went to the University of Montevallo on a music scholarship.
Terri lived a life of love and wisdom that can only be birthed in someone through the love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a rich and robust legacy of love and servitude with a dash of sass, humor, fabulous fashion and possessing a black belt in shopping. Her daughters and grand girls had the absolute best shopping buddy. Her family and friends will glean from her legacy for the rest of their lives.
Terri had a brief 44-day illness after diagnosis with a brain tumor. She knew instantly that she wanted to return to her “Cabin in the Woods” to spend the rest of her days with her most treasured family and friends. Her nature shined through the adversity she was facing, and she glowed with all the grace, love, dignity, wisdom, sass and humor that was loved so dearly. Her family and friends rallied around her to the very end.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Jan. 24, at Church of the Highlands Opelika Campus (3300 Anderson Rd. Opelika) by Pastor Kevin Haefner. Visitation and a service followed. Flowers may be sent to Church of the Highlands Opelika or in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Church of the Highlands Opelika in Terri’s honor.
Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette assisted the family with the arrangements.
CHARLIE WILL ROSS
Mr. Charlie Will Ross, 80, of LaFayette died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Dadeville Health Care Center. Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at St. John United Methodist Church, 4509 County Road 28, LaFayette with Rev. Clifford Spradley and Rev. Vincent T. Ellison, Jr. officiating. The remains laid in state at the church from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour. The interment was in the church cemetery. Public viewing was held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Vines Funeral Home.
Mr. Ross is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joann Ross; four children: Tyrone Ross, Shuna Ross Floyd, Rodney Ross and Vandrell Ross, all of LaFayette, and one bonus son, Eddie B. Fields of LaFayette; five grandchildren: Calvinicia J. Floyd of Camp Hill, Ebony L. Fields of Birmingham, Nyirah M. Ross, Montgomery, Rodrigous D. Thomas of LaFayette; and Zyuna Mariah Ross of Opelika; and one great-grandson, Calvin S. Floyd; three sisters: Lillian Stevens of Elyria, OH; Emma Ross and Bessie (Tony) Madden, both of LaFayette; and a special friend, like a sister, Lera Finley of LaFayette; two brothers: Walter Lewis (Mae Doris) Ross of Camp Hill and Walter James Ross of LaFayette; one special niece, Cynthia (Rickey) Wilson of Opelika; a longtime friend, Robert James (Bay Hall); special caregivers and neighbors, Tracy “Toot” Thomas and James Tolbert; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
To share your online condolences, please visit www.vinesfuneralhome.com.
Vines Funeral Home Inc., handled the arrangements.
DANNY SHAVER
Danny Shaver, 58, of LaFayette, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026. Born on Sept. 18, 1967, Danny lived a life rooted in family, faith and the great outdoors.
Danny was a devoted husband to Beth Hill Shaver and a proud father to his four daughters: Samantha Jordan Shaver (Bradley Melton), Danlee Shaver Frailey (Shannon Frailey), Elexis Paige Shaver and Emily McDonald Horne (Jason Horne). His love for his daughters was unwavering and well known to all who knew him. He found immense joy in being “Pawpaw” to his granddaughters Khloe Melton, Kolbie Frailey and Emma Horne.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters Vickie Adams (Eddie Adams), Gina Kirkley and Hope Howard (John Howard). Danny’s extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who were all touched by his warmth and generosity.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Peggy Shaver; his grandparents Papa and Granny Shaver and Killit and Bannyhen Ragsdale; his brother-in-law Mark Kirkley; and his great-nephew John Holt Howard.
A man of deep faith, Danny cherished the Gospel and was a member of Milltown Baptist Church and lived with a spirit of kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Whether he was casting a line into the water or tracking game through the woods, Danny felt most at peace surrounded by nature. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers and simply being outdoors — activities that brought him both joy and serenity.
To know Danny was truly to love him. His presence brought comfort, laughter and strength to those around him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and the memories shared by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Visitation will be held on Jan. 31, 2026, at 1 p.m. CST at Milltown Baptist Church at 12251 Al Hwy 77 in LaFayette. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. Flowers can be sent to The Shaver Residence at 8267 Hwy 77 LaFayette, AL 36862.
Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette assisted the family with the arrangements.
