John P. Franklin Funeral Home

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Jimmy Jerome "Runt" Blake, age 63, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on August 21, 2026. Born in Chattanooga on February 22,1963, Jimmy was a lifelong resident who deeply touched the hearts of everyone in his community throughout his 63 years.

Jimmy dedicated many years of hard work as a heat treat operator at Columbus McKinnon. Beyond his professional career, he was widely known and admired as the best handyman in the city—a man who was good with his hands and could fix virtually anything. A proud member of Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Eric K. Jones, Jimmy’s faith, work ethic, and devotion to his family defined his daily life. To know Jimmy was to know a loving husband, father, son, brother, and loyal friend. He was truly blessed, widely loved, and leaves behind a legacy of generosity, skill, and warmth that will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Blake, and his brother, Leslie Blake.

Jimmy is survived by his loving mother, Betty Ridley; his devoted wife of 5 years, Arnetta Blake; his children, Marcus Blake, Cortney Blake, Kimberly Blake, and Bridgette Hightower; his stepsons, Pierce Green and Adrian White; his brother, Samuel (Kesha) Caffey; and his sister, Karen Nelson. His memory will also be cherished by his 25 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, his uncles, Raymond, Leon, and Joe Blake, as well as a large host of extended family members and close friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time of grieving.

Public viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 12 noon in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

08/29/2026

Charley “Bernard” Footman, a devoted husband, loving father, son and brother, departed this life on Friday, August 21, 2026, leaving behind a family and circle of friends who will forever cherish his life, love, and memory.

Bernard was a faithful and devoted member of Stanley United Methodist Church, where he worshiped, served, and shared fellowship with his church family. Bernard was actively involved in the church’s Lay Ministry, faithfully giving of his time and service to support the ministry and the congregation. His commitment to serving God and his church family was an important part of his life and a reflection of his caring spirit. He will be deeply missed by the congregation and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Bernard leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cheryl Footman; his beloved son, Christian Footman; his father, Eugene Kilpatrick Sr.; his siblings, Frank Kilpatrick, Raymond Kilpatrick, Shannon Kilpatrick (Sharon) and Morris Kilpatrick (Vanetta); along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and his Stanley United Methodist Church family.

Bernard was preceded in death by his mother, Charles Evelyn Kilpatrick, and his beloved aunt, Lorraine Barnes, affectionately known as “Aunt Precious.”

Public viewing will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at 1:00 p.m. at Stanley United Methodist Church located at 501 Dodson Avenu in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The service will be streamed live via the Stanley United Methodist Church page:

https://www.facebook.com/share/14pN87aTeLS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/27/2026

Gracie Mae McIntosh Guerry, a beloved educator, devoted wife, faithful Christian, and cherished family matriarch, peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on December 19, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama, Gracie was the daughter of Aubrey Owen McIntosh Jr. and Ruby Galloway McIntosh. She was the third of nine children and was raised in a loving family that instilled in her the values of faith, education, service, and perseverance.

Gracie received her education through the Birmingham Public School System and graduated from Parker High School. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Miles College, a Master of Arts in Education, and an A.A. degree from the University of Montevallo.

For many years, Gracie faithfully served the children of Birmingham as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. Her career included service at Lincoln Elementary School, Powell Elementary School, and Huffman Middle School. While teaching at Powell Elementary School, she was honored as Alabama Teacher of the Year, a testament to her exceptional dedication, excellence in education, and lasting impact on her students and colleagues. Through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence, she touched countless lives before retiring from a distinguished career in education after more than 40 years of devoted service.

Gracie met and married the love of her life, Perry Josphesus Guerry. Together they shared 53½ wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their union was blessed with many treasured memories, including raising her younger sister, Gwendolyn McIntosh Williams, from the age of seven as their own daughter. Gracie and Perry built a home rooted in faith, family, and love.

She enjoyed traveling the world with her beloved “PJ,” cultivating a beautiful yard that earned a beautification award for the City of Fairfield, and indulging in one of her favorite pastimes—shopping at Parisian stores across the country. Wherever she went, Gracie carried her elegance, warmth, and joyful spirit.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Gracie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age while growing up at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Ensley, Alabama. She later became a devoted member of First Baptist Church Fairfield, where she faithfully worshipped and served for many years. Even as her health declined, her commitment to God remained steadfast, and she continued attending services until she was physically unable to do so.

Gracie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Perry J. Guerry; her parents, Aubrey and Ruby McIntosh, Sr.; her siblings, Lillian “Lois” McIntosh Miller (Maxie, Sr.), Aubrey McIntosh, Jr. (Bernice), Gloria McIntosh Harville (Charles), Bobbie Jean McIntosh Cunningham (Rev. William), William McIntosh, and Shirley McIntosh Williams; and her beloved nephews and niece, Michael McIntosh, Frederick McIntosh, Roderick McIntosh, and Sharon Kaye Underwood.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving siblings, Ronald McIntosh, Sr. (Patricia) and Gwendolyn McIntosh Williams (Judge Walter F.*); her devoted nieces and nephews, Dr. Maxie Miller, Jr. (Brenda), Linda Faye Bates (Tom), Terry Miller, Cass R.Miller, Cedric Harville, Sr. (Patricia), William Underwood, Rosalyn Williams (Christopher), Erika Williams Wiggins, Edric Williams (Erica),Ronald McIntosh, Jr. (Sharonda), Shawntee

McIntosh, Hillary Williams-Joiner (Dana), and Heather Williams; along with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, church family, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love, wisdom, and grace.

Gracie Mae McIntosh Guerry leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, service, and unconditional love. Her life was a testimony to devotion—to God, to family, and to the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026 from 12 noon to 6:00 pm at Smith and Gaston Funeral Home, 106 6th Ave. SW. in Birmingham Alabama. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 29 at the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Alabama.

08/27/2026

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