Gerald T Sammons

ARITON…Mr. Gerald T. Sammons (Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, Retired), a resident of Ariton, died late Sunday evening, August 24, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 88.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Don McCall officiating. A eulogy will be given by his son, Jerry Sammons. Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Sammons was born and raised in the small town of Ariton, Alabama, the beloved son of Joseph Lowell Sammons and Lydia Clifford Chapman Sammons. From the beginning, he carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness that were deeply rooted in his family and community. He graduated from Ariton High School in 1955, proud to be part of a close-knit class that shared more than just schoolwork—they shared life, laughter, and the spirit of a small town.

After high school, Mr. Sammons answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force. He dedicated twenty years of his life to military service, traveling far from home but never forgetting where he came from. His time in the Air Force shaped him into a man of discipline, honor, and quiet strength. When he retired from the military, he didn’t slow down. He went back to school at Wallace College, where he studied Air Conditioning and Refrigeration—always eager to learn something new and build a better life for his family.

Later, he worked as a machinist for DynCorp at Fort Rucker, where he was known for his steady hands, sharp mind, and dependable nature. Whether it was fixing something or lending a helping hand, Mr. Sammons was the kind of man people could count on.

For over sixty years, he was a proud member of the Ariton Masonic Lodge #171, a brotherhood that meant a great deal to him. He also found deep spiritual roots at Rocky Head Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon in years past. His faith was quiet but strong, and he lived it out in the way he treated others—with compassion, patience, and grace.

Mr. Sammons shared fifty-four beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Agnes Whitehead Sammons. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and family. Her passing left a space in his heart that could never be filled, but her memory remained a guiding light in his life.

He was also preceded in death by his three brothers—James Lowell Sammons, Julius Marvin Sammons, and Earl Sammons—each of whom held a special place in his heart. Though they are gone, the bond they shared as brothers was strong and enduring.

Mr. Sammons lived a life marked by service, love, and quiet dignity. He will be remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was—a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a man of faith, and a true gentleman.

Survivng relatives include his two daughters, Shelia Johnson (Kevin) and Sonja Elmore (Paul); his son, Robert Gerald “Jerry” Sammons (Barbara), Ariton; his sister, Linda Faye Tucker, Dothan; his brother, Spurgeon Sammons (Chris), Jasper, Texas; grandchildren, Della Glover (John), Sabrina McGee (Adam), Shayne Sammons (Emily), Ben Johnson (Emily), Andrew Johnson (Meagan), Thomas Johnson (Stephanie), Samantha Elmore, Christopher Elmore (Rachel), Randall Browning, Daniel Browning (Raquel), and Michael Browning (Dawn); great-grandchildren, Bryce Johnson, Bailey Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Reece Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, Aria Johnson, Lydia Elmore, Ethan McGee, Abree McGee, Milly Sammons, Lowell Sammons, Tayah Glover, and Cameron Glover; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Shayne Sammons, Ben Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Christopher Elmore, and Adam McGee.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the wonderful staff at Providence Assisted Living in Ozark. Your kindness, compassion, and gentle care meant the world to Mr. Sammons and to all of us who loved him. During his time there, you didn’t just look after him—you made him feel at home. You treated him like family, and that gave us so much comfort and peace. We’ll never forget the way you showed up with smiles, patience, and genuine love, even on the hard days. Thank you for walking alongside us during this chapter of his life. Your support will always be remembered with gratitude in our hearts.