Justin A. Wortham

Justin Allen Wortham, a beloved father, son, brother, and partner, passed away on August 5, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 39. Born on May 4, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Debra and Glenn Carey and the late Sherwin Wortham. Justin's vibrant spirit and infectious laughter filled the lives of those around him from the very beginning.

Growing up in West Virginia, Justin attended Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where he graduated in 2003. Justin furthered his education at Glenville State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and became a proud member of the TKE Fraternity. It was here that Justin's love for camaraderie and community blossomed. Justin worked as a Sales Manager with Rent-A-Center most recently, and was a inventory specialist at Chick-fil-A. He enjoyed being a Commentator known as "The Most Athletic Voice in All of the South East" at Hybrid PRO, the voice at Combat Sport Pro, the voice at Alabama Wrestling Federation, and with Diamond Championship Wrestling. 

Justin's life was one marked by adventure and joy. He was a talker and a jokester, always ready with a quip to lighten the mood. His love for cooking was only matched by his love for wrestling. A devout member of Watermark Church, Justin's faith was as strong as his physique, often spending time working out at the gym. He shared a special bond with his son, Kayson Allen Wortham, as they enjoyed watching wrestling together. Justin was Kinley’s biggest fan, as he cheered her on during her basketball games, forging memories with both of his children that will be treasured forever.

Justin's family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving parents, Debra L. and Glenn Carey; the love of his life for the past 13 years, Kassie Boone; his adoring children, Kayson Allen Wortham and Kinley Melton; his caring sisters, Jade (Jacob) Hibbs and Angela Wortham Broussard; his aunts, Patricia Empoules, Terry Empoules, Felice Wortham, and Joyce Mancera; his nieces, Zaylee Hibbs and Erynn Broussard; his nephews, Waylon Hibbs and Alex Broussard; as well as many cousins and special friends who will miss him dearly. Justin was preceded in death by his father, Sherwin Allen Wortham, his son, William Melton, his maternal grandmother, Reva Empoules Davis, his paternal grandmother, Genevieve Wortham, his paternal grandfather, Frank Wortham, Sr., his aunt, Cindy Empoules, and his uncles, James Empoules and Frank Wortham, Jr.

Those who knew Justin would describe him as adventurous, funny, and spirited. His presence was a source of laughter and light, and his absence will be deeply felt. As Mark Twain once said, "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." Justin lived fully, embracing each moment with enthusiasm and courage.

In a final act of generosity, Justin chose to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. His healthy heart, a testament to his dedication to fitness, has already begun to beat in the chest of its first recipient, and many more lives will be touched by his decision.

A celebration of Justin's life will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Troy Hicks officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories of Justin from 4-5 pm on Saturday at the funeral home, to honor a life that, although cut short, was lived to the fullest. A second celebration of life service will be held in West Virginia at a later date.

Justin Allen Wortham's legacy is one of love, laughter, and selflessness. His story does not end with his passing, but lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and the lives he continues to impact. He will be remembered not just for the way he died, but for the remarkable way he lived.