Two-year old Taylor Ellison woke up early Monday morning asking about how her Grandpa was doing.
However, nearly half an hour before Ellison woke up, her Grandpa, D.L. Head, had passed away.
Head, a native of Geneva for over 50 years, suffered an angina attack at 6:30 a.m. Monday at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. He was 78 years old.
Chanda Ellison, Head's granddaughter-in-law and Taylor's mother, said she will miss him dearly.
You couldn't help but love him, Ellison said.
However, what Ellison holds onto the most is how last week, she and her daughter got to spend the whole day with Head.
I'm glad we were able to spend that one day with him, Ellison said.
Throughout his life, Head had worked a myriad of jobs, from a fuel liner in Fort Rucker, to a city driver, to probably one of his more memorable jobs as Santa Claus, donning the famous red suit and hat for more than 55 years before retiring last December.
In an interview he gave with the Reaper in December, Head said there was only one reason he continued to put on the suit.
I love the youngins, Head said. I love seeing the look on their face when they tell you what they want for Christmas. And I always hope the parents are listening and help Santa grant each childs Christmas wish.
In fact, Bill Ammons Sr., Head's longtime friend for nearly 50 years, said he was so good with children that his own children would refer to Head as their second Dad when he lived next door to Ammons in the 1950s.
He was an all-around top-notch person, Ammons said. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. He'd always cheer you up whenever he walked into the room.
Robbie Owens, director of the Geneva Senior Activity Center, said that like St. Nick, Head was very much the epitome of the legend, with a round potbelly, rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. He always came into the center loving everybody, Owens said. He'd always hug everyones neck and call the girls Sweetie.Likewise, Ellison said Head gave her daughter a nickname of her own "Cutie Pie".
He wouldn't call her anything but Cutie Pie, Ellison said. He loved her to death. Despite Head's colorful life, friends and family agree that going on without him is the hardest thing to do. One of the worst things about working here (Geneva Senior Activity Center) is seeing people here, and then one day, not seeing them again, Owens said.
Head is survived by his wife of 16 years, Estelle, one daughter, three stepsons, three sisters, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Head's family will receive friends today at Sorrells Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. The burial will take place at the Hartford City Cemetery following the ceremony.
Obit
Mr. D. L. Head of Geneva, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 28, 2010. He was 78.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Murray Kelley and Pastor Mike and Janet German officiating. Burial will follow in the Hartford City cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 30, from 6 until 8 p.m.
The family asked that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Times of Refreshing Worship Center, 322 E. Smith Ave., Geneva, AL 36340.
Head was born August 3, 1931 in Coffee County, Alabama to the late James Grover and Jewel Pearl Hudson Head. He was a very active member of the Geneva Senior Center where he was recently honored for 55 years of service as Santa Claus. He was always ready and very willing to help Robbie with anything she asked him to do. He thoroughly enjoyed the center and he also enjoyed fishing. After 18 years of service, he retired from Ft. Rucker where he fueled and defueled helicopters. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Times of Refreshing Worship Center.
In addition to his parents, his first wife, Floy Lee Head, a daughter, Patty Moon, as well as one sister, Linda Gail Harcus, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Estelle Ellison Head, Geneva, AL; one daughter, Kathy Dispain, McDonough, GA; three stepsons: Gary Ellison, Pensacola, FL, Bobby Joe (Leann) Ellison, Geneva, AL, Douglas (Patty) Ellison, Samson, AL; three sisters: Martha Dewberry, Huntsville, AL, Frances (Al) Lindsay, Westville, FL, Mary Jane (Ronnie) Owens, Enterprise, AL; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends.
However, nearly half an hour before Ellison woke up, her Grandpa, D.L. Head, had passed away.
Head, a native of Geneva for over 50 years, suffered an angina attack at 6:30 a.m. Monday at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. He was 78 years old.
Chanda Ellison, Head's granddaughter-in-law and Taylor's mother, said she will miss him dearly.
You couldn't help but love him, Ellison said.
However, what Ellison holds onto the most is how last week, she and her daughter got to spend the whole day with Head.
I'm glad we were able to spend that one day with him, Ellison said.
Throughout his life, Head had worked a myriad of jobs, from a fuel liner in Fort Rucker, to a city driver, to probably one of his more memorable jobs as Santa Claus, donning the famous red suit and hat for more than 55 years before retiring last December.
In an interview he gave with the Reaper in December, Head said there was only one reason he continued to put on the suit.
I love the youngins, Head said. I love seeing the look on their face when they tell you what they want for Christmas. And I always hope the parents are listening and help Santa grant each childs Christmas wish.
In fact, Bill Ammons Sr., Head's longtime friend for nearly 50 years, said he was so good with children that his own children would refer to Head as their second Dad when he lived next door to Ammons in the 1950s.
He was an all-around top-notch person, Ammons said. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. He'd always cheer you up whenever he walked into the room.
Robbie Owens, director of the Geneva Senior Activity Center, said that like St. Nick, Head was very much the epitome of the legend, with a round potbelly, rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. He always came into the center loving everybody, Owens said. He'd always hug everyones neck and call the girls Sweetie.Likewise, Ellison said Head gave her daughter a nickname of her own "Cutie Pie".
He wouldn't call her anything but Cutie Pie, Ellison said. He loved her to death. Despite Head's colorful life, friends and family agree that going on without him is the hardest thing to do. One of the worst things about working here (Geneva Senior Activity Center) is seeing people here, and then one day, not seeing them again, Owens said.
Head is survived by his wife of 16 years, Estelle, one daughter, three stepsons, three sisters, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Head's family will receive friends today at Sorrells Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. The burial will take place at the Hartford City Cemetery following the ceremony.
Obit
Mr. D. L. Head of Geneva, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 28, 2010. He was 78.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Murray Kelley and Pastor Mike and Janet German officiating. Burial will follow in the Hartford City cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 30, from 6 until 8 p.m.
The family asked that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Times of Refreshing Worship Center, 322 E. Smith Ave., Geneva, AL 36340.
Head was born August 3, 1931 in Coffee County, Alabama to the late James Grover and Jewel Pearl Hudson Head. He was a very active member of the Geneva Senior Center where he was recently honored for 55 years of service as Santa Claus. He was always ready and very willing to help Robbie with anything she asked him to do. He thoroughly enjoyed the center and he also enjoyed fishing. After 18 years of service, he retired from Ft. Rucker where he fueled and defueled helicopters. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Times of Refreshing Worship Center.
In addition to his parents, his first wife, Floy Lee Head, a daughter, Patty Moon, as well as one sister, Linda Gail Harcus, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Estelle Ellison Head, Geneva, AL; one daughter, Kathy Dispain, McDonough, GA; three stepsons: Gary Ellison, Pensacola, FL, Bobby Joe (Leann) Ellison, Geneva, AL, Douglas (Patty) Ellison, Samson, AL; three sisters: Martha Dewberry, Huntsville, AL, Frances (Al) Lindsay, Westville, FL, Mary Jane (Ronnie) Owens, Enterprise, AL; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends.
Two-year old Taylor Ellison woke up early Monday morning asking about how her Grandpa was doing.
However, nearly half an hour before Ellison woke up, her Grandpa, D.L. Head, had passed away.
Head, a native of Geneva for over 50 years, suffered an angina attack at 6:30 a.m. Monday at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. He was 78 years old.
Chanda Ellison, Head's granddaughter-in-law and Taylor's mother, said she will miss him dearly.
You couldn't help but love him, Ellison said.
However, what Ellison holds onto the most is how last week, she and her daughter got to spend the whole day with Head.
I'm glad we were able to spend that one day with him, Ellison said.
Throughout his life, Head had worked a myriad of jobs, from a fuel liner in Fort Rucker, to a city driver, to probably one of his more memorable jobs as Santa Claus, donning the famous red suit and hat for more than 55 years before retiring last December.
In an interview he gave with the Reaper in December, Head said there was only one reason he continued to put on the suit.
I love the youngins, Head said. I love seeing the look on their face when they tell you what they want for Christmas. And I always hope the parents are listening and help Santa grant each childs Christmas wish.
In fact, Bill Ammons Sr., Head's longtime friend for nearly 50 years, said he was so good with children that his own children would refer to Head as their second Dad when he lived next door to Ammons in the 1950s.
He was an all-around top-notch person, Ammons said. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. He'd always cheer you up whenever he walked into the room.
Robbie Owens, director of the Geneva Senior Activity Center, said that like St. Nick, Head was very much the epitome of the legend, with a round potbelly, rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. He always came into the center loving everybody, Owens said. He'd always hug everyones neck and call the girls Sweetie.Likewise, Ellison said Head gave her daughter a nickname of her own "Cutie Pie".
He wouldn't call her anything but Cutie Pie, Ellison said. He loved her to death. Despite Head's colorful life, friends and family agree that going on without him is the hardest thing to do. One of the worst things about working here (Geneva Senior Activity Center) is seeing people here, and then one day, not seeing them again, Owens said.
Head is survived by his wife of 16 years, Estelle, one daughter, three stepsons, three sisters, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Head's family will receive friends today at Sorrells Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. The burial will take place at the Hartford City Cemetery following the ceremony.
Obit
Mr. D. L. Head of Geneva, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 28, 2010. He was 78.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Murray Kelley and Pastor Mike and Janet German officiating. Burial will follow in the Hartford City cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 30, from 6 until 8 p.m.
The family asked that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Times of Refreshing Worship Center, 322 E. Smith Ave., Geneva, AL 36340.
Head was born August 3, 1931 in Coffee County, Alabama to the late James Grover and Jewel Pearl Hudson Head. He was a very active member of the Geneva Senior Center where he was recently honored for 55 years of service as Santa Claus. He was always ready and very willing to help Robbie with anything she asked him to do. He thoroughly enjoyed the center and he also enjoyed fishing. After 18 years of service, he retired from Ft. Rucker where he fueled and defueled helicopters. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Times of Refreshing Worship Center.
In addition to his parents, his first wife, Floy Lee Head, a daughter, Patty Moon, as well as one sister, Linda Gail Harcus, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Estelle Ellison Head, Geneva, AL; one daughter, Kathy Dispain, McDonough, GA; three stepsons: Gary Ellison, Pensacola, FL, Bobby Joe (Leann) Ellison, Geneva, AL, Douglas (Patty) Ellison, Samson, AL; three sisters: Martha Dewberry, Huntsville, AL, Frances (Al) Lindsay, Westville, FL, Mary Jane (Ronnie) Owens, Enterprise, AL; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends.
However, nearly half an hour before Ellison woke up, her Grandpa, D.L. Head, had passed away.
Head, a native of Geneva for over 50 years, suffered an angina attack at 6:30 a.m. Monday at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. He was 78 years old.
Chanda Ellison, Head's granddaughter-in-law and Taylor's mother, said she will miss him dearly.
You couldn't help but love him, Ellison said.
However, what Ellison holds onto the most is how last week, she and her daughter got to spend the whole day with Head.
I'm glad we were able to spend that one day with him, Ellison said.
Throughout his life, Head had worked a myriad of jobs, from a fuel liner in Fort Rucker, to a city driver, to probably one of his more memorable jobs as Santa Claus, donning the famous red suit and hat for more than 55 years before retiring last December.
In an interview he gave with the Reaper in December, Head said there was only one reason he continued to put on the suit.
I love the youngins, Head said. I love seeing the look on their face when they tell you what they want for Christmas. And I always hope the parents are listening and help Santa grant each childs Christmas wish.
In fact, Bill Ammons Sr., Head's longtime friend for nearly 50 years, said he was so good with children that his own children would refer to Head as their second Dad when he lived next door to Ammons in the 1950s.
He was an all-around top-notch person, Ammons said. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. He'd always cheer you up whenever he walked into the room.
Robbie Owens, director of the Geneva Senior Activity Center, said that like St. Nick, Head was very much the epitome of the legend, with a round potbelly, rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. He always came into the center loving everybody, Owens said. He'd always hug everyones neck and call the girls Sweetie.Likewise, Ellison said Head gave her daughter a nickname of her own "Cutie Pie".
He wouldn't call her anything but Cutie Pie, Ellison said. He loved her to death. Despite Head's colorful life, friends and family agree that going on without him is the hardest thing to do. One of the worst things about working here (Geneva Senior Activity Center) is seeing people here, and then one day, not seeing them again, Owens said.
Head is survived by his wife of 16 years, Estelle, one daughter, three stepsons, three sisters, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Head's family will receive friends today at Sorrells Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. The burial will take place at the Hartford City Cemetery following the ceremony.
Obit
Mr. D. L. Head of Geneva, Alabama went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 28, 2010. He was 78.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Murray Kelley and Pastor Mike and Janet German officiating. Burial will follow in the Hartford City cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 30, from 6 until 8 p.m.
The family asked that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Times of Refreshing Worship Center, 322 E. Smith Ave., Geneva, AL 36340.
Head was born August 3, 1931 in Coffee County, Alabama to the late James Grover and Jewel Pearl Hudson Head. He was a very active member of the Geneva Senior Center where he was recently honored for 55 years of service as Santa Claus. He was always ready and very willing to help Robbie with anything she asked him to do. He thoroughly enjoyed the center and he also enjoyed fishing. After 18 years of service, he retired from Ft. Rucker where he fueled and defueled helicopters. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Times of Refreshing Worship Center.
In addition to his parents, his first wife, Floy Lee Head, a daughter, Patty Moon, as well as one sister, Linda Gail Harcus, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Estelle Ellison Head, Geneva, AL; one daughter, Kathy Dispain, McDonough, GA; three stepsons: Gary Ellison, Pensacola, FL, Bobby Joe (Leann) Ellison, Geneva, AL, Douglas (Patty) Ellison, Samson, AL; three sisters: Martha Dewberry, Huntsville, AL, Frances (Al) Lindsay, Westville, FL, Mary Jane (Ronnie) Owens, Enterprise, AL; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends.
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