AMERICUS — Mr. Howard Russell “Curly” Borders, age 83, of 322 Judy Lane, Americus, Ga., passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on Nov. 13, 2016, at his residence. A funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16_, 2016, in the chapel of Bethel Baptist Church, 840 Lane Store Road, Americus, Ga. The Revs. Steven Golden and Freddy Hogg will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at Aldridge Funeral Services. The family will also receive friends and family at the residence of Crystal and Mark Waddell, 818 S. Lee St., Americus, Ga. 

The following will serve as active pallbearers: Bill Kipp, Everett Bryd, Danny Etheridge, Bill Horne, Charles Drake, and Walt Wingard. Deacons of Bethel Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Howard Russell “Curly” Borders was born on Feb. 20, 1933, in Huntington, West Virginia. He graduated from Huntington High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force on Nov. 29, 1951. While in basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, he was in the same unit as Johnny Cash. Technical Sergeant Borders proudly continued serving his country in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. For his service in Korea, he earned the Korean Service Award and the United Nations Service Medal. During his service in active duty, he worked as a radio operator in communications. He spoke fondly of the locations where he was stationed and those comrades of whom he served. He also received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the National Defense Service Medal. In February 1972, he retired from active duty and worked in civilian service at Warner Robins Air Force Base in aircraft radar until his retirement in 1996. 

He was an active member and deacon of Bethel Baptist Church. He loved his family, church, antique cars, and watching NASCAR races. He enjoyed helping people in any way needed and was known for being a “jack-of-all-trades.” 

He was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Borders, and his mother, Estella Marie Adkins Borders. He was also preceded in death by one brother, John Borders and sisters, Doris Gustley and Phyllis Borders. Survivors include his beloved wife of over 45 years, Elaine Borders; daughter Crystal Waddell (Mark) of Americus, Ga.; son, Russell Borders (Cindi) of Perry, Ga.; father-in-law Harold Owens of Americus, Ga.; sister-in-law Trella (Danny) Ethridge of Unadilla, Ga.; and brothers-in law Joe (Wanda) Owens of Pinehurst, Ga., and Ves Owens of Unadilla, Ga. He is also survived by the grandchildren he adored, Gage and Mary-Margaret Waddell of Americus, Ga., and Justin Borders of Perry, Ga. Survivors also include several nieces and nephews. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, 126 E. Furlow St., Americus GA 31709 and Bethel Baptist Church, 840 Lane Store Road, Americus GA 31709. 

Aldridge Funeral Services, 612 Rees Park, is in charge of arrangements. To sign the online guest book and express your condolences to the family go to www.aldridgefuneralservices.com.