Choya Glenn “Gator” Babineaux, age 70, of Dozier, Alabama passed away Friday, October 16, 2026 at home surrounded by family.

Gator is survived by his brothers, Steve Babineaux & wife, Nancy, and Percy Straughan; sisters, Susan Harrison, Stormie Straughan, Misty Phillips, and Dusty Walker; nieces, Brandy Dyess, Devan Beck, Hollie Ham, Ariel Gonzalez, Chelsey Maloy, Allie Garcia, Abby Morgan and Alysa Bloecher; nephews, Davy Ham, Chad Straughan, Scott Phillips, Michael Bozeman, Jeff Musgrove and Parker Straughan; and numerous great-nieces & great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.P. and Katherine Straughan, and Stephen Ivey Babineaux; twin sister, Thoya Lynn Bozeman; great-nephew, Gabriel Maloy; and great-niece, Reighn Guerrero.

Gator proudly served in the United States Army from 1979 to 1982, including a tour in Germany that he enjoyed. He embraced what he called a “Tom Sawyer life”, finding happiness in life’s simple pleasures – fishing, working in his shop, playing pool, watching football and UFO documentaries, and enjoying a good cigar. He loved sitting on his front porch, feeding pecans to the squirrels and calling the birds with his special whistle. These quiet moments reflected his appreciation for the simple beauty of life.

Family was at the heart of everything Gator did. He cherished his nieces and nephews, sharing his beloved “Gator life lessons” and making each one feel special. He looked forward to family gatherings, where his famous chicken and dumplings were always requested and enjoyed. Above all, Gator considered himself a blessed man, grateful to have taken the scenic route in his final days. He will be remembered for his wisdom, generous spirit, deep love of family, and the simple life he so treasured – a lasting reminder to slow down, cherish our loved ones, and find joy in the journey.

Funeral services for Choya Glenn “Gator” Babineaux will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, October 22, 2026 from Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Jay Driver and Josh Kyser will be officiating with Steve Babineaux, Davy Ham, Scott Phillips, Jeff Musgrove, Thomas Dyess and Robby Beck serving as pallbearers. Percy Straughan and Parker Straughan will be serving as honorary pallbearers.