James Ray Styles, of New Market, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the age of 61. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Brenda Martin Styles and his children, Christopher & Brandi Styles and William & Jennifer Locklear. He was preceded in death by his parents Ollie Ray and Louise Styles, brothers Eugene Styles and Hardy Lee Walker, Jr. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by sisters, Mary (Wayne) Reed, Kay (Larry) Shirley and numerous nieces and nephews.
James lived every day fully as though it was his last, and he touched more lives than he could have ever imagined during his time on this Earth. While spending many years as the Royal Ranger’s Senior Commander at Pulaski Pike Church of God, he worked with young boys, teaching them to be Godly men. His service to the Lord continues making an impact and will for years to come. He loved serving God and walking his Christian faith everywhere he went.
During his 32 years with Kroger Co., James was always known for his friendly smiles and words of encouragement. If you asked James, there was almost nothing greater than spending time in the great outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful landscape. He was an avid hiker, hiking numerous mountains including Big South Fork, Collins Gulf, Savage Gulf, and others. The culmination of his lifelong passion was to hike the Appalachian Trail. James also enjoyed travelling, camping, and anything adventurous. Yes, all he wanted for his sixtieth birthday was to skydive. He fulfilled that dream and loved every minute. However, those closest would tell you that the next greatest thing to serving his Savior was the amazing family he was blessed to call his own.
In his lifetime, James experienced a love from his wife of 42 years that could never be duplicated or even described by the most brilliant author. His devotion to his soul mate, Brenda, was felt by each and every person they encountered. James’ world got even grander when he was given a new title, PaPaw. Elizabeth, Lauren, and Alyssa were his pride and joy. He loved those little girls and was determined to make his princesses into four wheeling, rough and tumble outdoorsman, just like PaPaw. An early goal in life for James was to be a wonderful husband, a loving father and to have a beautiful home for his family. This he overwhelmingly accomplished. James’ legacy can be summed up in one phrase, “All Men Die, But Only a Few Truly Live.” He Lived.
Visitation will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home, Friday, July 17, 2015 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral will be Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home Chapel and internment at the Pleas Mount Cemetery, Gurley, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outreach Ministries of Alabama, Project Fort York/Royal Rangers, P.O. Box 98, Valhermoso Springs, Alabama 35775 or at http://www.omainc.org .
