James Alton Revels

   On Saturday, September 16, 2023, our Father called James Revels (Buddy) home. James was a strong, loving, caring, hardworking Christian man who never met a stranger. He loved all people and most of all, he loved his children.

   James Alton Revels was born into the Lumbee Indian Tribe on May 24, 1939, to Maggie Revels (deceased) and Marvin Maynor (deceased) both of Red Springs NC. James lived in Red Springs during his childhood and graduated from Prospect High School in 1958. He was President of the senior class, a member of the Beta club, a member of the annual staff, a member of the FFA club, a bus driver and star Basketball player. After high school, he became a Police officer in Pembroke for a brief period until he left home.

   In 1959, he moved to Greensboro and worked for Dolly Madison Bakery, Pilot Life Insurance, and Pfizer Chemical. In January 1961, James married Justine Hundley and they had three children (Rene, Tammy, and Bryan).

   James was proud of his Indian heritage and supported the Lumbee Indian tribe as he was President of Guilford Native American Indian Association in Greensboro. There, he worked to help other Native Americans find jobs with various companies in the triad. Schlitz Brewery was one of those and James himself went to work there as a supervisor. He later retired from Schlitz.

   James is survived by his children Rene Revels Smith (Mike) of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, and Tammy Revels Lawson (Dale) of Reidsville, NC. He was preceded in death by his son David Bryan Revels (Carlina) of Archdale, NC. James has two grandchildren Ashley Lynn English (Ashley) and Kristin Smith Carrera (Adam). He also has two great grandchildren (Aniken and Camden). 

  Growing up, James lived with his mother Maggie Revels, his Aunt Mozella Revels, and his uncle Titus Revels. These three siblings raised fourteen children in the home, including James. James has five surviving siblings: Louise Revels Jones, Grace Revels Locklear, Carol-Jean Revels Locklear, Linda Revels Blevins, and Don Revels. He has eight siblings that preceded him in death: Margaret (Dook) Revels Locklear, Flora Ella Revels Jacobs, Ella Mae Revels Lowery, Johnny Revels, Ruthie Revels Lowery, Annie Pearl Revels Cummings, Dorothy Revels Locklear, and Billy Dean Revels. 

Committal graveside service will follow at 

Prospect Methodist Church Cemetery

3929 Missouri Road Maxton, NC 28364

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