James Albert Keyton

James Keyton a veteran truck driver of four decades and a devoted man of God, entered into eternal rest on May 9, 2026. “A man whose heart belonged to the highway and whose soul belonged to his faith.”

James Keyton, the beloved Head Deacon of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church and a cornerstone of the trucking community was born on June 28, 1947 to the late Mr. & Mrs. John L. Keyton in Newville, Alabama. He joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Abbeville, Alabama at an early age and later became a member of Sardis Baptist Church in Bay Springs, AL. There, he served as Head Deacon and a very active worker in the church.

James graduated from Henry County Training School in 1965. He then attended Washington Holmes Vocation Tech in 1986 and received his certification for Semi-Trailor Truck Driving in Chipley, Florida.

He began driving in 1986 with Pool Trucking Lines and retired from Summerford Trucking Company in 2018.

James Keyton began as a truck driving instructor with formerly known business SSTD and is currently known as Believe Truck Driving School in Cottonwood, Alabama. James Keyton spent his life leading by example, teaching the next generation of drivers and serving the congregation with unwavering devotion. James mentored many and was known for his reputation for safety and patience.

James was preceded in death by his parents: John L. and Mary Keyton; his daughter - Cochetta Keyton; his brother Frankie Keyton; his sisters: Nadine Lynn, Louise Kellough, Johnnie Mae Guildry. Bobbie Roach, and Ernestine Mills.

James Keyton is survived by his wife of 45 years - Cynthia Keyton; his daughter - Ericka Keyton, and son - James Anthony Keyton; his grandchildren: Kameron Williams, Keyton Cooper, Konner Cooper, Naaji Powell-Keyton, Brianna Scott, and Zakiya Thomas. His two sisters: Mary Adams, and Virginia Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; three sisters-in-law: Ila Allen, Glenda Ward, and Diane Cowley - all of Dothan, Alabama; along with one Brother-in-law - Bobby Ward; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

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