James Curtis “J.C.” Akers, Sr., 82, passed away at his residence on Sunday, July 29, 2012.

“He fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.”

He was a native of Matoaka, W.Va. and had lived in Ooltewah for the past 23 years.

He was a son of the late Lindo and Lucille Franklin Akers.

He was retired from Olan Mills photography and had owned and operated Paramount Cleaners in Chattanooga for many years.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 63 years, Marillyn Akers, of Ooltewah; daughter, Linda Colquitt and her husband, Rusty, of Signal Mountain; sons: the Rev. Curtis Akers Jr. and his wife, Alice, of Clinton, Michael Akers of Ooltewah, and Vaughn Akers and his wife, Dianna, of Cleveland; sister, Betty Card Walker of Ooltewah; grandchildren: Christi Colquitt, Kellie Akers Hill and her husband, Chuck, Chad Akers, James Akers III, Greg Akers, John Colquitt, and Mary Kathrine Colquitt; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 2, 2012, at Mount Olive Ministries, 3522 Harrison Pike W., Cleveland, TN 37311 with Pastor Gary Sears, Pastor Paul Lee, and Charles White officiating.

The family and friends will assemble at 10:30 a.m. Friday Aug. 3, 2012, at Chattanooga National Cemetery for a committal service that will conclude with military honors. The grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends appreciation to the North Team of Hospice of Chattanooga and they ask that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Mount Olive Ministries at the address listed above or the Clinton Church of God, 635 Hillcrest St., Clinton TN 37716.

You are invited to share your memories of Mr. Akers and/or share your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial guest book at www.companionfunerals.com.

Companion Funeral and Cremation Service of Cleveland is honored to assist the Akers family with these arrangements.