Mr. William Earl Cherry (Retired Dothan Police Sergeant), a resident of Dothan, Alabama, departed this life at his home on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 81.

At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the warmth and love of his devoted family. Born March 15, 1945, in Geneva County, AL, to the late William Delmar and Willie Belle Bowden Cherry, he began his education at Hartford Elementary School and was a proud 1963 graduate of Geneva County High School. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Opal “Marie” Welch Cherry, and together they shared over 53 years of marriage before her passing in 2019. After moving to Dothan in 1967, he attended Wallace Community College and Troy University to study criminal justice so he could pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. William’s life was one of steadfast commitment which was displayed in his 40 years of service as a police officer. He was employed by the Dothan Police Department, where he served with honor and humility for over two and a half decades. While there, he was a specialized instructor for the Alabama Police Officers Standards and Training Commission. He was instrumental in creating the first-ever honor guard within the department—a testament to his pride in service and his dedication to honor and tradition. He retired from the Dothan Police Department in 1996 with the rank of sergeant. After retiring from the Dothan Police Department, he continued his service at the Dothan Regional Airport as a police officer and later as the police chief. In addition to his law enforcement career, he also retired from the Alabama National Guard after 20 years of service, earning the rank of staff sergeant. William was a pillar of strength, a guardian of peace, and a friend to all who knew him. William was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan and could be found glued to the television when Alabama football was on. At other times, he could be found fishing in the waters of Lake Eufaula on his pontoon boat or spending time with his family. He was of Baptist faith and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. While his health limited his ability to attend in person, he remained connected by reading his Bible, following Sunday morning services online, and held a deep and abiding love for the Lord.

Visitation will be held at Sorrells Funeral Home, Slocomb, Alabama, on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Cottonwood Highway, Dothan, Alabama, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Ricky Plummer officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Kinsey, Alabama, with full police honors provided by The Dothan Police Department Honor Guard. Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb is in charge of the arrangements.

He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Opal “Marie” Welch Cherry; two sisters, Bernell Knight, and Joyce Gilley; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Welch; five brothers-in-law, Ted Knight, Wayne Welch, Freddie Welch, Greg Welch, and Jimmy Rex Gilley; one niece, Martha Tharpe; and one nephew, Michael “Mike” Gilley.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamelia Evans (Paul Sr.), and his sons, David Cherry and Jeffrey Cherry; his one and only grandchild, Paul Evans, Jr.; his brother, Kenneth Cherry (Sandra), as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Jacki, his humongous Rottweiler fur baby, who brought him constant joy and companionship.

The family would like to sincerely thank the aides, nurses, pastor, and social worker from Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and the many ways they went above and beyond to keep him comfortable during his time in their care. Also, a special thanks to Sandra and Kenneth Cherry for their love and support during this difficult time.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the charity of your choice.