James Leon Bolton

February 21, 2012

James Leon Bolton, 77, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at his residence.

He was born May 8, 1934, in Alabama to Ernest and Lonie Bolton. When he was 16, he was diagnosed as being Number One Diabetic. The medical knowledge on diabetes was very lacking at that time. He was never a person to give up and his goal was to graduate from Belmont High School, and this goal was accomplished when he graduated in 1952.

Being a young person with diabetes, he always explained how life with diabetes is different every day. He would explain to young people the importance of a good education and job where they could be employed even though they were diabetic. He was a graduate of Keegan Electronic in Memphis, Tenn. He was a businessman for 40 years in sales and service of all types of electronics. He was owner of Bay Radio and Televison in Red Bay where he, his dad, Ernest Bolton, and his brother, Ed Bolton, all worked together. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Red Bay.

Services were Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, with Bro. Gene Cooley and Bro. A.G. Stepp officiating. Burial was in Red Bay City Cemetery.

Survivors are his wife of 58 years, Tumy Nix Bolton, Red Bay; one son, Ricky Wayne Bolton, Red Bay; one brother, Edward Bolton and wife, Barbara, Golden, Miss.; one sister, Brenda Bolton Stepp and husband, Dickie, of Moulton; one beloved aunt, Lois Tate, of Decatur, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers were Lewis Frederick, Dickie Stepp, Brad Stepp, Travis Wigginton, Johnnie Weatherford and Barney Nix.