James Robert Leighton, 83, a lifetime resident of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed away in Maury Regional Hospital Hospice Care on January 21, 2024. He was a member of the Ethridge Church of Christ where he led singing and worked as deacon over education before serving over 25 years as an elder.
James worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years, the last 25 as Postmaster in Loretto, TN. After training with the U. S Armed Forces, he also served as a member of the Tennessee National Guard. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing as well as hunting, both locally and in Wyoming.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Foster B. Leighton and Marie Gunnell Leighton, and brother, Frank Leighton. Surviving him are his wife of 57 years, Sara (Dolly) Leighton and two sons, Brian Leighton (Sandy) of Athens AL and Robert Leighton (Lori) of Kimberly AL; grandchildren Allie Marie Leighton, Luke Robert Leighton, and Haylee Roberts; Drew Merrell, and Derek Merrell (Griffin) and great-granddaughter Theo. He is also survived by one sister, Jane Carolyn Hardee of Alabaster AL, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will host a memorial service for James at the Ethridge Church of Christ on Sunday, January 28, at 2 pm. Immediately following the service, a period of visitation will commence in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in James’ honor be made to the ECOC building fund or the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.