MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday rejected an elderly north Alabama man’s appeal to keep the grave of his late wife in the front yard of the home they shared for decades.

The justices, in an 8-3 decision that didn’t include a written opinion, issued a brief order, agreeing with other courts in saying that Patsy Davis’ body must be removed from the front yard in Stevenson where it had been since 2009. James Davis has said he buried his wife in front of their log home because it was her dying wish.

Parker Edmiston, an attorney representing the city, said work to remove the grave from Davis’ yard could begin as early as next week.

The 74-year-old Davis said he does not have the money to pursue the case any further and does not know what will happen next. He said the city has tried to get him to remove the body on his own, but he won’t do it.

Front Section, Pages 7 on 10/12/2013