Alabama Funeral Directors Association

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

Remember the Corbin and Stewart families in your thoughts and prayers. Visit https://www.adamsbrownservicefuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/gerry-corbin/Memories for the complete obituary and to sign the online guestbook.

08/31/2026

Remember the Dismukes family and our colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. Visit https://www.frederickdean.com/obituaries/shirley-dismukes for the complete obituary and to sign the online guestbook.

08/28/2026

UPDATE: MULTI-STATE THEFT RING TARGETING FUNERAL HOMES UNCOVERED - A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of essential equipment from two Ozark funeral homes, according to the Ozark Police Department.

DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the thefts of essential equipment at two Ozark funeral homes, according to the Ozark Police Department. The two thefts are …

08/27/2026

AFDA encourages our members and friends across Alabama to support 30 Days of Real Taps at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

There are still dates available in September for trumpet and bugle players willing to give a few minutes of their time to honor our veterans with the dignity of live Taps.

If you can play, please consider claiming a day. If you can’t, help spread the word to a musician who can.

Twenty-four notes. A few moments of your time. A lasting tribute to those who served.

Learn more and sign up at realtapsforrealheroes.com/30-days-of-taps.

— Alabama Funeral Directors Association

30 Days of Real Taps starts next week — and there are still days open.

Every day in September, a live bugler will sound Taps at 4:30 p.m. at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Not a recording. Twenty-four notes, played by a real person, for every veteran at rest on those grounds.

Alabama’s volunteer bugler ranks have fallen from more than 80 to about 26. Too many families still hear Taps from a speaker. This campaign is how we start to change that — one day, one player, one closing hour at a time.
Who we need

High school and college trumpet players, band members, music majors, church musicians, retirees — anyone who can play Taps clearly and with respect. No professional resume required. We will help you get ready.
The details

• September 1–30, 2026

• 4:30 p.m. sharp (be in place by 4:20)

• Alabama National Cemetery

3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115

• Conservative funeral attire

• One day or several — claim an open date
This is not a concert. Play clearly. Play quietly enough for the place. Hold the last note. Then stand in silence.
Claim a day: realtapsforrealheroes.com/30-days-of-taps

Questions: [email protected] | 256-979-3097
If you play, take a day. If you don’t, share this with a band director, a church trumpeter, or a student who would understand what those 24 notes mean.
Real Taps for Real Heroes

realtapsforrealheroes.com

08/26/2026

The Alabama Funeral Directors Association is honored to receive two historic portraits commemorating individuals who helped shape funeral service in Montgomery and across our state.

Tim Ellison, of AFDA Sustainer Member firm Ellison Memorial Funeral Home in Clanton, recently acquired portraits of AFDA Past President T.F. Leak (former owner of Leak Memory Chapel) who served as President in 1944-1945, and Sam Durden (former owner of White Chapel and Leak Memory Chapel). The portraits were acquired from Bob Brooks and the estate of AFDA Past President William “Bill” Brooks ’59, of Leak Memory Chapel of Montgomery.

Recognizing their significance to the history of funeral service in Alabama, Tim generously donated the portraits to the Alabama Funeral Directors Association so they may be preserved for future generations.

Pictured are Tim Ellison, holding the portrait of Mr. Leak, alongside AFDA Executive Director Ken Hammock and AFDA President J. Aaron Ellison, holding the portrait of Mr. Durden, as the historic portraits are formally presented to the Association.

AFDA extends its sincere appreciation to Bob Brooks and the Brooks family, as well as Tim Ellison, for their generosity and commitment to preserving the history and heritage of our noble profession.

Our history matters and we are proud to preserve the legacy of those who came before us.

08/26/2026

AFDA MEMBER FIRM ENTRUSTED TO SERVE THE DRINKARD FAMILY

The Alabama Funeral Directors Association recognizes AFDA member firm Moss Service Funeral Home of Cullman, which has been selected to conduct the funeral services for Mr. Roy Drinkard, a true Alabama icon.

We commend the dedicated professionals at Moss Service Funeral Home for being entrusted with the sacred responsibility of honoring Mr. Drinkard’s remarkable life and legacy.

To read the complete obituary, view service information, or sign the online guest book, visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cullman-al/roy-drinkard-13012996