Mr. James Curtis Benton's Obituary
Memorial service for Mr. James Curtis Benton, 70, of Kellyton, will be Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Sammy Teel will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 1, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Benton passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on October 5, 1944 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to James Benton and Mittice Brown Benton. Curtis was a very loving husband, daddy and granddaddy (Papaw). His family was his life. He spent numerous hours with his son as he grew up and they were best friends. He adored his two grandchildren, Kennedy and Denver. They were his pride and joy.
He was a friend to everyone he knew and never met a stranger. He never had anything bad to say about anyone and always saw the good in a person. He always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His quiet manner was noticed by all who knew him. He always put others before himself.
A courageous, strong willed person he overcame many medical problems. His determination to live was obvious on several occasions. His never complaining attitude was amazing as he overcame major medical problems. He never expected anyone to feel sorrow for him, but instead set a wonderful example for others to know you can overcome what life deals you.
Curtis retired from Russell Corporation as supervisor of the steam plant (boiler room). He was a sportsman from an early age. He played football, baseball and basketball during his four years at Benjamin Russell High School. He also played on several independent baseball teams. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching many how to hunt and fish. He loved spending time at Lake Martin, especially at the family cabin on the lake. Many lifelong memories were made there with family and friends. He loved growing a garden each year and sharing his homegrown vegetables with family and friends.
He was a charter member of the Kellyton Civitan Club, served in the National Guard, and was a charter member of the Kellyton Volunteer Fire Department, serving as fire chief until loosing an arm in a work related accident. He was currently serving on the Kellyton Water System Board of Directors.
Remember Curtis as the kind, loving, quiet, compassionate, caring person he was and remember those memories he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rose Hayes Benton of Kellyton; son, Brent Hayes Benton (Leigh Ellen), of Kellyton; granddaughter, Kennedy Elizabeth Benton; and grandson, Denver Curtis Benton. Mr. Benton leaves behind beloved family members and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Gladys Hayes; and father-in-law, Denver Hayes.
The family request no flowers and donations be made to the Kellyton Volunteer Fire & Rescue, PO Box 208, Kellyton, AL 35089.
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