John Lewis Bolding, 95, of Halltown, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025 at Southern Magnolia. He was born in Red Bay, Alabama on February 1, 1930. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose strength, warmth, and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
John Lewis was married to the love of his life, Annie Sue Barksdale Bolding, for sixty-one wonderful years. Together, they raised three children: Judy Isom (Jackie) Hamilton, AL, Peggy Hagood (Jerry) Vina, AL and Joel Bolding (Sharon) Vina, AL. He was a proud grandfather to Anna Petree (Nathan) Corinth, MS, and John Ross Bolding, Red Bay, AL and a beloved great-grandfather to John Bryant Petree and Lily Jaymes Petree, Corinth, MS. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who loved and admired him deeply.
John Lewis dedicated thirty years of service to the Alabama Department of Transportation and after retirement, he remained active in the poultry industry for an additional twenty-five years. His work ethic, humility, and dedication were unwavering throughout his life.
He found great joy in the simple things: spending time with his family, sharing a quiet moment with his loyal dog Buddy, taking rides on his golf cart and relaxing in his favorite “ridey” chair. His gentle humor, kind eyes and deep love for his home and community will be missed beyond measure.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Andy Bolding & Nancy L. Bolding, his wife, Annie Sue Barksdale Bolding and his daughter, Judy Isom and her husband, Jackie Isom.
Services to honor and celebrate John Lewis’s life will be held at New Union Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, August 17, 2025, 4 p.m. with interment to follow at Halltown Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
John Lewis’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served and the countless lives he touched with quiet grace. He was deeply loved and will be forever remembered.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Barksdale, Wade Barksdale, Tony Barksdale, Jimmy Hardin, Mark Massey and Nathan Petree. Honorary pallbearers will be John Ross Bolding, John Bryant Petree, Jerry Hagood, Billy Joe Williams and Ken Williams.
