Curtis Buford Stapler, 91, of Baileyton passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Hospice of Chattanooga. He was born June 1, 1931 in Cullman County, Alabama. Curtis loved God, family and his country, including his church family at Lystra Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening, mowing, traveling and loved his cars. He loved his work and retired from the Army Missile Command in Huntsville after 32 years of service, then worked 5 more years for two private contractors. He served in the US Army for 2 years.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Stapler; children, Tommy (Cathy) Stapler, Mike (Jerri) Stapler, Jimmy (Gina Jacobsen) Stapler, Sherry Brannon (Johnny) Porter, Paula Brannon (Eddie) Johnson and Cindy Brannon (John) Bates; brothers, Duell (Irma) Stapler and Sam (Zona) Stapler; sister, Martha Guthrie; grandchildren, Brad (Emily) Stapler, Chrissy (Jamie) Bradshaw, LeeAnna (Daniel) Thomas, TeKola (John) Ashmore, Jerrica (Jeff) Johnson, Brooke Porter, Emily (Jake) Gilliland, Drew Johnson, Holly (Dallas) Thompson and Lance Blackwood; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy Stapler and Leeanna Phillips Stapler; his wife, Ogene “Jean” Stapler; sisters, Lurena McInerney and Velma Pitts and grandson, Justin “Judd” Stapler.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Lystra Baptist Church, where the service will begin at 3 p.m. Rev. John Garrison will officiate. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
