James "Stag" Lea

James Walter "Stagger" Lea, aged 80, of Higdon, AL, passed away on April 12, 2024, surrounded by his family.

A funeral service to honor James' life will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET in the Bryant Chapel of Moore Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Brother Brad Bridges, Jimmy Lea, and Kevin Smith. He will be laid to rest at Brown Gap Cemetery.

Those who wish to pay their respects can visit the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 PM ET - 8:00 PM ET and on Tuesday from 11:00 AM ET until the service.

James was born on August 6, 1943, to the late James Medford and Dimple Heard Lea. He was known as James, Walter, or Stagger depending on when you became friends with him. He was an avid outdoorsman and a dedicated Alabama fan. James spent over 35 years working at Rock Tenn before retiring. His greatest love was his family. He took immense pride in his role as a father and enjoyed chauffeuring his grandchildren to their various activities.

He is survived by his wife, Erthelene Lea; son, Jimmy (Gina) Lea; daughters, Joy (Roger) Talley, Pam (Dennis) Busby, and Janie Wright; brothers, Crawford Lea and Joe (Wanda) Lea; sister, Elizabeth Guffey; as well as 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. James is also remembered fondly by several extended family members and friends.

James was preceded in death by his son Melvin Tucker; sister Ester Rievely; grandchildren Jonathan McDowell, Caleb Wright, Cody Busby, and Amber Talley; and sister-in-law, Kay Lea.

In memory of James Walter "Stagger" Lea's life well-lived and the love he shared with those around him.