Rev. James Alton Anderton, 89, of Town Creek, Alabama passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Lawrence Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Lawrence Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Crumpton and Bro. Richard Riley officiating. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Hardshell Cemetery in Town Creek, AL.
Born on April 1, 1933, to Preston and Ida Gargis Anderton, James graduated valedictorian of the Hatton High School class of 1951. He began preaching at the age of 16. He pastored churches in Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and Mississippi, and was an evangelist for revivals and camp meetings across the south where he saw many souls saved through his 70+ years of ministry.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Jewel Anderton; four children, Merrell Anderton (Jane), Mark Anderton (Leanne), Karen Hargrove (Tim), Donna Sellers (Shawn); daughter-in-law, Izettia Anderton; eleven grandchildren, David Anderton (April), Crystal Leland (Greg), Leslie Hawkins (Evan), Natalie Phillips (Lauren), Erica Teske (Stephen), Lauren Benavides (Steven), Tyler Sellers (Margaret), Tucker Sellers, Austin Anderton, Chase Anderton (Shannon), and Conner Anderton; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Ida Anderton; three brothers, Austin Anderton, Lewis Anderton, and Lester Anderton; two sisters, Lillian Anderton and Lillie Jane Anderton Borden; one son, Joel Anderton.
Pallbearers will be David Anderton, Tyler Sellers, Tucker Sellers, Chase Anderton, Conner Anderton, and honorary pallbearer, Austin Anderton.
The family extends special thanks to Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for their kind care and professionalism.
