James Wilbur Majors

Majors, Rev. James Wilbur, retired minister, Veteran and Mason, died at home, Dec. 8, 2012. Oldest son (born 12/12/1929) of Jim and Katie Lane Majors, his family farmed throughout Butler, Elmore and Montgomery counties in post-depression Alabama. A 1949 Holtville High School graduate, Wilbur worked as a machinist in Montgomery, later joining the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He received his ministerial calling while stationed at Pine Castle, Florida. After 6 years of Air Force service, he graduated from Troy University where he met Betty Webb, wife of 52 years. He went to Seminary at Emory University (Atlanta).

Wilbur served churches at: Crawford, Dozier, Melvin, Marion Junction, Thorsby/Jemison, Seale, Mt. Carmel/Letohatchee, Jackson, Florala, Selma, Grove Hill, Geneva, Graceville (FL), Linden and Pine Hill. He retired in 2001 after serving churches over 40 years. Community service included MARC (Jackson, AL), Area Agency on Aging Congregate Meal Site (Pine Hill, AL), and Alabama-West Florida Methodist Federal Credit Union board member. In retirement, he was one of the “Wesley Heirs”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, toddler brother Vernon and wife Betty. He is survived by his children: Brenda McAllister (husband Phillip), James Majors and Rhonda Kimbrough (husband Jerry); Grand-children: Rick McAllister, Wesley McAllister, Jennifer Hendricks (husband Matt), Tiffany Kennedy (husband Kyle), Lloyd Kimbrough, Justin Kimbrough and Carrie Kimbrough; Great-grandchildren: Logan Hendricks and Charlotte Kennedy; brothers, Lawrence and Ron Majors.

Wilbur loved God, centered upon the Methodist Church. Always faithful, he remained active despite blindness his last nine years: listening to Bible tapes, TV sermons, attending church and keeping up with current events.

Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 from 5-7 PM at Leak Memory Chapel. Funeral Service will be at Dalraida United Methodist Church (Montgomery, AL) on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 at 1 PM, officiated by Dr. Phillip McVay and Rev. Ed Deabler, followed by graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to charities of donor choice, in honor of Wilbur. Online condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com