Michael Douglas Lemay

ARITON…Mr. Douglas Michael Lemay, a resident of Ariton, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 55.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Lemay was born on June 2, 1970, in the quiet town of Natick, Massachusetts, where he spent his early years surrounded by the love of family and the charm of New England life. Though life would eventually take him far from his birthplace, he always carried a bit of that Massachusetts spirit with him—steady, hardworking, and full of heart.

About thirty years ago, Mr. Lemay made the move to Enterprise, Alabama, and later settled in Ariton in 1998. It was in these southern towns that he built a life filled with meaningful work, simple pleasures, and lasting friendships. He worked as an electrician, specializing in servicing air conditioning systems for Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country. It wasn’t just a job to him—it was a craft. He took pride in doing things right, making sure every wire was secure and every system ran smoothly. He traveled far and wide for his work, and no matter where he went, he left behind a reputation for being dependable, skilled, and kind-hearted.

Outside of work, Mr. Lemay found joy in the little things that made life sweet. He loved fishing—whether it was a quiet morning by the water or an afternoon spent casting lines with friends, it brought him peace. Music was another passion of his, and he had an ear for all kinds—from classic rock to country, blues to pop. If it had soul, he’d listen. Music was his companion through life’s ups and downs, and he often shared his favorite tunes with those around him.

One of his most cherished hobbies was collecting Hot Wheel Cars. It wasn’t just a pastime—it was a labor of love. His collection was vast and carefully curated, each tiny car a reminder of childhood wonder and the joy of holding onto something special. He could talk for hours about

rare finds, favorite models, and the stories behind each piece. It was a collection that brought him pride and happiness, and he loved showing it off to anyone who asked.

Mr. Lemay was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jacquline Dorothy Perry Truman. Her memory lived on in him—in the way he treated others, in the values he held close, and in the quiet strength he carried through life.

Those who knew Mr. Lemay will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found beauty in the everyday. He had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a heart that welcomed everyone. His life was a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to make an impact—you just have to be genuine.

Surviving relatives include his life partner, Wanda Virag, Ariton; two daughters, Chelsea Lemay and Cassandra Lemay; three step-children, Emily Cobb, David Virag, and Erik Virag; three sisters, Robin LeMay Williams, Melissa Lemay Roberts, and Linda Lemay Rutledge; brother, Richard Lemay; four grandchildren, Connor White, Logan Bennett-Whitehead, Rowan Virag, and Waylon Virag; nieces and nephews.