Howard Colin “Preacher” Leighton, age 81, of Pulaski, TN passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at NHC Scott in Lawrenceburg, TN. He was a native of Lawrenceburg, TN, worked at Murray Ohio, Stephens Manufacturing, and retired from Maremont Gabriel where he received the nickname “Preacher”. He was a Church of Christ minister for 60 years – Mt. Zion, Minor Hill, Dellrose where he was the Director of VBS for 48 years, Flatwoods, Fall River, Booth’s Chapel, Puncheon, and County Line. He was also an Elder at East Hill and Fall River, a long-standing Diana singer, and a member of Anytime Singers. One of the many things he liked to do was visiting people at their homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. He would go where you were. He also volunteered at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Brother Leighton was a troop committee chairman for the Boy Scouts and received the Pulaski Citizen of the Week award. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching hummingbirds, the Atlanta Braves baseball games, and the Tennessee Vols, He loved card games especially Rook and Phase 10, singing, sermon writing, and was a great cornbread baker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruby Velma Edens Leighton; in-laws, W.O. And Vera Sundy Whattley.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon Whattley Leighton; daughter, Michele Burrus (Brian); son, Michael Leighton (Glenda); daughter-in-love, Sherry Belew; grandchildren, Tim, Katharyn, Andrea, and Karalyn; grandchildren-in-love, Marshall Jr, Hartley, and Cayce Belew; great-grandchildren, Braelynn and Aaron; brother, Mickey (Sue) Leighton; nephew, MJ (Eden) Leighton; niece, Amanda (Jeffery) Schisler; great-nieces, AnnaBeth and Jessie Schisler; aunts, Mary Frances Rau and Marie Edens; many cousins, and innumerable friends, Those serving as pallbearers are Casey Rogers, Jesse Bailey, Andrew Tomlin, Brandon Houchen, Brian Parker, Chris Harris, Austin Marler, and Matt McGinniss. Honorary pallbearers are Anytime Singers, Lawrence County High School alumni, and Freed-Hardeman University alumni.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, October 25, 2024, at East Hill Church of Christ, 509 E. Madison Street, Pulaski,TN. Funeral services will be conducted at East Hill Church of Christ at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, with Kase Britton officiating. The family suggests memorials be made to CW Hart Scholarship Fund.
