With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Wilford Bookout Sr., age 85, who peacefully entered into the presence the Lord and Savior on August 2, 2026. Born on December 27, 1940, in Madisonville, Tennessee, Wilford lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and unconditional love for his family. As a young boy, he worked alongside his family in their sawmill, where he learned the value of perseverance and developed the skills that would stay with him throughout his life. Largely self-taught, he became exceptionally talented with his hands and loved crafting wooden toys for his younger siblings. Wilford faithfully dedicated 45 years of service to Vulcan Materials, where he operated heavy equipment until his retirement. Though he took great pride in his work, his greatest accomplishments were found in the family he cherished and the life he built alongside those he loved. He was blessed to share 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Quincetta Bookout, building a home centered on faith, love, and devotion. Wilford found joy in the simple things—hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and spending time in the mountains. He especially enjoyed riding with his Jeep club through the Mountains during the 1970s and 1980s and treasured the many memories made at Rocky Branch with family and friends. Above all, Wilford loved the Lord with all his heart. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He and Quincetta faithfully attended the Rocky Branch Community Mountain Music Group, where they enjoyed worship, fellowship, and many cherished Friday evenings together. Wilford will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, and faithful friend. His quiet strength, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. He is survived by his children, Wrevonda (Dennis) Redmon, Violet Johnson, and James Wilford Bookout Jr.;

his brothers, Jim Bookout, Dwight Bookout, and Eddie Bookout and Dalford Bookout Jr; his sister, Anna Ruth French; his grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew) Fletcher, Chelse (Tanner) Moore, Elijah (Anna) Johnson, Ethan (Emily) Johnson, Dennis Jr. (Jill) Redmon, Bill (Joann) Redmon, Cassidy Bookout and Levi Bookout; 12 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Quincetta Bookout; his daughter, Lois Bookout; his son-in-law, Lee Johnson; his daughter-in-law, Shelly Bookout; his parents, Paul Dalford Bookout and Nannie Sue Regan Bookout; his brothers, Clifford, Winston, Jack, Donnie and Billy Bookout ; sisters; Betty Hickman, Charlotte Harris, and Nancy Birchfield. Wilford’s life was a beautiful example of faith, humility, kindness, and dedication. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the generations of family he loved so deeply. “His hands built many things throughout his life, but his greatest work was the family he loved, the faith he lived, and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home Magnolia Chapel, Rev. Jerry Little officiating. Interment will follow at Williamson Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.