Obituary

Christopher Robert McCrain

october 10, 1973 ~ june 6, 2021 (age 47)

Christopher (Chris) Robert McCrain,47, of Rainbow City Alabama gained his Angel Wings on June 6th, 2021. He was raised in Trussville, Alabama and is a Hewitt-Titusville High School. Alumni, Class of 1992. Chris felt the calling to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 8 years as an Air Crew Life Support Journeyman with the 96th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also is the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon his release from the Air Force he called Panama City Beach, Florida home for several years before returning back home to Alabama. Chris never knew a stranger and was loved by those that knew him best. His infectious personality and will to help anyone that he could is what made him a true hero and friend. Chris had a passion for the arts, where he found joy in drawing and designing. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, and spending quality time with his close friends and family. Chris was an avid fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team. Chris is preceded in death by his Mother Debra McCrain, his Grand-Parents Vernon McCrain and Dorothy Baldwin, Mary Jo and Wallace Walden. He is survived by his daughter Mackenzie Renee McCrain, his Father Jim McCrain, his Step-Mother Susan McCrain, his Sister Angela (McCrain) Mabry, his Brother-in-Law Keith Mabry, two Nieces Nicole and Kerri Mabry, two Step-Brothers Butch and Jonathan Crowley. Chris also leaves behind numerous Cousins and Friends.

Dorothy R. (Reese) Vines

january 12, 1934 ~ june 5, 2021 (age 87)

Dorothy Reese (Dot) Vines joined her beloved husband, Jack in their heavenly home on Saturday, June 5, 2021. She was born to Dewey and Maude Reese on January 12, 1934 and spent most of her life in Birmingham, graduating from Phillips High School and attending Montevallo College. Dot and Jack served with the Bible Memory Association and as youth ministers at Norwood Baptist Church early in their marriage and had two sons, Jay and Rick. Dot worked for Birmingham City Schools as a teacher and school administrator, retiring after many years as registrar at Wright Elementary School. She loved sports; beginning with her time as a cheerleader at Phillips High School and continuing as she, along with Jack, supported her sons in many different sports, traveling everywhere from basketball tournaments in Detroit to the little league world series to Alabama football games, organizing, working camps, concession stands, ticket booths and anywhere she was needed. She acquired a special love of baseball from her father, and was a huge fan of the Braves, and the Crimson Tide. Dot loved her Lord and served him faithfully as a member of Huffman Baptist Church from 1967 until her death. She had a heart for working with children and youth and was always the life of the party! She cherished all the ladies in her Welcome Sunday school class who were like sisters to her. After Jack’s death in 2018, Dot spent her last years in the loving care of the staff at Legacy Ridge Assisted Living in Trussville. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her Aunt and Uncle, Bertha and Addison McCombs, who helped raise her after her mother’s death; and her brother, Charles McCombs. Dot is survived by her sons, Jay Vines (Toni), and Rick Vines (Anne); her grandchildren, Kadee Vines Patterson (Brett), Erin Vines Ryser (Joe), Reese Vines (Emily), Sarah Vines, and Claire Vines; and her great-grandchildren, Jack Ryser, Emilia Ryser and Sam Ryser. To know her was to love her. The impact she had on thousands of Birmingham school children as well as all those around her is immeasurable. We are all better for having known and been loved by Dot Vines. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please send donations to Save A Life.

AJefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and sk Eddie Eddie Seal, Funeral Director perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion. We Make it Personal® , one family at a time.

5 Ways to Honor Your Father’s Memory on Father’s Day

The passing of a parent is hard, especially each year as holidays roll around. With June comes Father’s Day, which can make you miss your father a little more than usual. However, there are plenty of ways that you can honor his memory and make the day meaningful even though he’s gone.

1. Visit his grave or ashes. Make a trip to his gravesite, or spend some time with his ashes. Talk to him as though he were there, and leave flowers or a small memento. You can also have a moment of silence in his honor.

2. Spend time at his favorite place. Did he have a favorite restaurant or spot in the park or place he liked to visit? Feel his presence with you as you spend time there this year. You could also do one of his favorite activities or make his favorite meal to feel a little closer to him.

3. Reminisce with others. Talk to family and friends and share the wonderful memories you have together. Look at pictures or keepsakes and remember times past. You can connect with others who knew him and miss him as well and keep his memory alive through your stories.

4. Donate in his memory. Donate to your late father’s favorite charitable organization or one that supports a cause that affected him. You can honor his memory be making a donation and making a difference.

5. Write him a letter. Sit down and write a letter telling your father about everything that has been happening in your life. Let him know you miss him. Write down whatever is on your mind. Store all of your letters in a keepsake box or somewhere safe.

Missing your father after he passes is normal, but it is possible to keep his memory alive and honor him through the way you live your life.

Jefferson Memorial

FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS

205-322-0543 Goldie D. (Daniel) Kirkpatrick

june 28, 1926 ~ june 12, 2021 (age 94)

Goldie Iris Daniel Kirkpatrick, 94, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 12, 2021. She was born on June 28, 1926 in Marion County, Alabama, but she and her husband have lived with their daughter and son-in-law in Trussville, Alabama for the past few years. Goldie loved the Lord, and she continuously shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even when she was in the hospital after suffering from a stroke a few weeks ago, she was asking the nurses and caregivers if they were Christians and telling them about her Savior, Jesus Christ. She wouldn’t stop with a simple yes or no from them. She’d say, “Tell me about it.” She also exemplified Christ in her actions. She was a member of Central Baptist Church. Although she became unable to attend church in person, she “attended” services from home and enjoyed “visiting” other churches. Despite her health issues, she continued to be full of joy, and grandmother to all. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 73 years, Paul Kirkpatrick, brother, Lee Daniel (Margaret); children, Paula Hall (Jon), Bill Kirkpatrick (Kathy), John Kirkpatrick (Gale); grandchildren Sonya Sherer (Tim), Shelley O’Brien (Tim), Billy Kirkpatrick (Monica), Jennifer Canfield, Heather Dowling (Ian), David Kirkpatrick (Hanna) and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parent, Sidney and Arie Daniel; brother, Seaburn Daniel; sisters, Frances Hearn and Susan Loftis. In lieu of flowers, it was her wish for donations to be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports international missions. Donations may be sent to Central Baptist Church, 8762 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Alabama, 35173, or through the International Mission Board at www.imb.org.

John Thomas Eason

june 5, 2021

John Thomas Eason, age 34, of Moody, AL passed away on June 5, 2021. John graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School. He was employed with Fleming Roofing and attended The Healing Place in Moody. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the yard and loved Auburn Football. Most cherished was the time he spent with his girls, wife, and family. John is survived by his wife, Stacy Eason; daughters, Kinsley and Brinley Eason; parents David and Deborah Eason; sister, Brandi James (Patrick); brother, Michael Eason (Ashley); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Craig and Donna Armstrong; along with uncle, niece, and four nephews.

Austin Leon Hayes, Jr.

july 17, 1944 ~ june 9, 2021 (age 76)

Hayes, Austin Leon, Jr (Buddy), age 76, of Moody, AL passed away June 9, 2021. He was a member of The Faith Riders and Cedar Grove Baptist Church of Leeds, AL. He was a Vietnam Veteran where he served in the US Army and was a former member and DJ for Beach Shaggers of Bham, AL. He was the son of late Ruth Sellers and Austin L. Hayes, Sr, step-son of the late Mason Sellers. He is survived by his daughter Bianca Hayes of TN, sister Linda Henderson, brother Phillip R. Sellers (Randy), step-sister Linda Ann Sellers, step-brother Bill Sellers of Selma, cousin John D. Reid and several nieces and nephews. Jefferson Memorial of Trussville will be directing the services.

Francis E Hodge

june 5, 1930 ~ june 9, 2021 (age 91)

Francis Eugene “Gene” Hodge, age 91, of Pinson, AL passed away June 9, 2021. He was born in Fancy Farm, KY to James Elvis and Lulu Elizabeth Hodge on June 5, 1930. He served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1954. He attended Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville. Gene enjoyed keeping busy and working with his hands. His hobbies included gardening and making rosaries for the church. When he was younger, he enjoyed camping. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Betty Joyce Hodge and his second wife of nine years, Annie Marie Hodge; a daughter, Lou Martin and his six siblings. He is survived by his five children, Phillip (Evelyn) Hodge, Jeff (Leigh Anne) Hodge, Susan (Tim) Hackett, Matt (Mela) Hodge and Scott (Gail) Hodge; son-in-law, Elwin Martin, Jr; sixteen grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; he also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Holy Infant of Prague Building Fund or you may send flowers.