Rufus James Airington, age 64, a Lehigh resident, was born on October 18, 1956, to William Florence and Bessie Sever (Cochnauer) Airington, at Durant, OK. He overcame a lot of adversity and grew to be an honest, humble and kind man.

He met his wife Janet Elaine Knight at Roland's Bar in Lehigh, OK. They got married on February 7, 1986 at the Dayspring Church in Atoka, OK. They spent 39 wonderful years together.

James loved the country, his chickens, cows, kids and grandkids. He also loved having his nephews out at the shack where they all played moon. You could always hear him saying, "What does the barber say? NEXT!!"

He made a living for his family working for Cummings Construction paving roads all over the State of Oklahoma.

James was well known and loved by many. His friends knew him as "Rooster." His niece Bessie said, "He was the best uncle a girl could have."

He passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021, where he enjoyed working in the country on his farm doing what he loved. He will be dearly missed.

SURVIVED BY

Wife: Janet Elaine (Knight) Airington of the home in Lehigh, OK

Son: Joseph Airington of Tupelo, OK

Daughter: Jenna Phipps & husband Kurt of Ardmore, OK

Grandchildren: Gunner, Cody, Brody & Everly Airington

Knox & Jemma Phipps

Brothers: Johnny Marion Airington of Coalgate, OK

William Grady Airington & wife Virginia of Durant, OK

Sisters: Berthy Genette Nichols & husband James of Lehigh, OK

Effie Joy Bates & husband Massie D. of Little Rock, AR

Lillie Faye Roberts of Little Rock, AR

Vera Loretta Stevens & husband Bob of Lehigh, OK

Sue Ellen Watkins of Lehigh, OK

Brother-in-Law: Perry Williams and wife Linda of Coalgate, OK

And many nieces and nephews and dear friends

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY

Parents: William Florence & Bessie Sever (Cochnauer) Airington

Sisters: Juanita Airington & Rosie Coulter

Brothers: Billy Airington & Junior Airington

Special Niece: Jackie Cooksey

Brothers-in-Law: Gary "Hawkeye" Roberts, Melvin Coulter, Herb Watkins & Mike Knight

Sister-in-Law: Maudiene Airington & Julie Bowen

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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Friday, August 6th, 2021

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Coalgate, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Pastor Larry Beach

INTERMENT: Lehigh Cemetery

CASKETBEARERS: Aaron Airington, Dalton Airington, Chad Airington, Jason Airington, Bo Roberts, Erik Lynn

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Danny English, Louis Yarbrough, Ralph Wilson, Keith Horn, Willie Airington

Family Night Thursday 6-8PM

Dinner Friday after service @ Choctaw Community Center in Lehigh, OK

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNSFSCOALGATE@SBCGLOBAL.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN 'S FUNERAL SERVICE - COALGATE, OK