James Erastus Revis

James (Sarge) Erastus Revis, proud veteran of the United States Army went to his eternal home on April 26, 2024. Raised on Barkers Creek he was the fourth of eleven children born to Jewel and Gertie Revis on June 2nd, 1933. He grew up in the family logging business, logging their land at Big Laurel. At the young age of 19, James enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the Korean war and Vietnam, serving time in Germany and Japan. He was awarded the Vietnam service metal with four bronze service stars, 3 o/s bars good conduct medal, bronze star metal, and expert badge (rifle). He was honorably discharged after 21 years of service. 

He retired from both Norfolk Southern and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, working his way from laying rail to supervising a crew as rail foreman. He was happy to be a vital part of the startup years at GSMR. He was proud to build a family legacy at GSMR that goes on to this day. 

After a stint of helping raise grandchildren and great grandchildren he started Sarge and Betty Revis Hauling with another family legacy that continues on. 

He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Jean Carnes Revis; and his seven amazing (his words) children; Debra Bryson (Tim) of Salem, SC. Jimmy Revis (Jan) of Sylva, Tommy Sutton (Sally) of Dillsboro, Tim Sutton (Lisa) of Whittier, Tammy Shuler (Jody) of Sylva, Teresa Brooks (Brandt) of Whittier, and Tina Young (Darrell) of Whittier. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren, one great great grandchild and dozens of nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind siblings; GW Revis, Sara Parker, Nancy Sherrill, and a continued blessing to the family, Dianne Cauley. 

He is preceded in death by sisters; Stella Dowis, Mary Branson, Carolyn Middleton, Peggy Rigdon and Cindy Rigdon, brothers; Claude Revis and Bobby Joe Revis. 

Funeral Services for James will be held on Thursday May 2nd at 2:00 at Scotts Creek Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 prior to the service at the church. Rev. JD Grant will be officiating the service. interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Brandon Revis, Jeremiah Moore, Jesse Brooks, Trevor Sutton, Joey Brooks, Spencer Sutton, Carson Shuler, Triston Sutton.  

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Special Olympics.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Appalachian Funeral Services.