03/29/08 - NNHS Newsletter - Bill Leighton

William G. Leighton
(d. 14 Mar 2008)

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   
   Belatedly, we have even more sad news tonight.  Bill Leighton, husband of    Ann Mabe Leighton ('58) of NC, passed away in Charlotte on Friday, March 14, 2008 at the age of 75.

  From Joe Drewry ('58) of VA - 03/29/08 - "Obituary for husband of our NNHS58 classmate,    Ann Mabe Leighton":

I believe that the death of Ann Mabe Leighton's husband was unexpected.  Contact information for Ann is (available from Joe upon request).

   Thank you Joe.  I'm so very sorry to learn this, but appreciate your telling me.

From the Charlotte Observer - 03/17/08:

            William G. "Bill" Leighton

Mr. Leighton, 75, of Charlotte, NC passed away March 14, 2008, after a recent illness.

A memorial service will be conducted at Weddington United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 3:00 pm with graveside services to follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.

Bill was a decorated Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) of the United States Air Force. He was attached to the Air Force Special Operations Pararescue Team. He was instrumental in field development at testing of the Apollo Space Suit and development and testing of the escape system for the B-1 Bomber. He was a rated Master Parachutist, Senior Sea Survival Instructor, Military trained scuba diver, a Combat Corpsman and a Korean and Vietnam Veteran. He was a Master Mason, Lodge # 100, Homestead Florida and a member of the Scottish Rite Oasis Temple, Charlotte, NC. He was a long time member of Weddington United Methodist Church.

After several years of service at Sunstates Corporation he retired to become involved in many military and charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity.

Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann; and 5 children, Jay and wife, Lisa; Jon and fiancé, Brenda; Lisa and husband, Skip; Kim and Jill. In addition, he is survived by 7 grandchildren, Billy, Lauren, Elizabeth, Reid, Julia, Louis and Jena.

Visitation will be held with family and friends at Heritage Funeral Home at 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC. From 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm March 17, 2008.

Arrangements for the family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel.

"At The Sunset Of Life, We Care.'

 Published in the Charlotte Observer on 3/17/2008.
 Guest Book
 
 
Uncle Bill, I know you are in a better place now but will miss your love and great sense of humor. Godspeed.

Love, Siobhan
Siobhan Dendy (Swansea, MA) - March 17, 2008
 
 
Bill,
We have missed you so much at Habitat Charlotte. Your warm smile early in the morning was a gift to me as a "fellow commuter". Your contribution as Safety Director continues both in the office and in the field.
Thank you.
Marge Wilkerson (Waxhaw, NC) - March 17, 2008
 
 
Dearest Bill,

We shall miss you terribly. Thanks for your friendship. It sure was a great 11 years of tailgaiting together. Panther games will never be the same without you.

Sleep tight and God bless, you were a good man.
Pat & Theodora Sexstone (Charlotte, NC) - March 17, 2008
 
 
Dearest Bill,

We miss you so much. Thank you for true friendship. 11 years of wonderful tailgating with you and Ann.

Panthers games will never ever be the same.

God bless, sleep tight. You are a good man.

Pat & Theodora
Pat & Theodora Sexstone (Charlotte, NC) - March 17, 2008
 
 
Dearest "Mr. Bill", we know you are in a better place now and you are not suffering anymore but we miss you so much.
We will treasure your friendship. May your memory be eternal.
Your friends
Sam and Sylvia
Sylvia Nikopoulos (Charlotte, NC) - March 17, 2008
 
 
Uncle Bill - one of the most down to earth people I ever met. Remember boating on Narragansett Bay with your grandkids like it was yesterday. Don't worry we all forgive you for being a Panthers fan. Only you could get away with calling me Francis! Rest in Peace!
Fran Kelly (Swansea, MA) - March 18, 2008
Contact me
 
Dear Uncle Billy...I know you are not alone....although you will be missed here....you join a great group in heaven....and I know they are there to welcome you....All my love to your family and friends...Love Lauren Keith and Family
Lauren Keith (South Boston, MA) - March 18, 2008 
Contact me
 
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Brian Keith (Houghs Neck, MA) - March 18, 2008  
Contact me
 
Aunt Ann & Family,
So very sorry to hear about Uncle Billy's passing. May you find comfort in your memories. You are all in our prayers.
David Keith & Family (South China, ME) - March 18, 2008   
Contact me
 
Ann,
I want to offer you and your family my sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband.

Class of "58" member,
Terry Elvington
Terry Elvington (Newport News, VA) - March 29, 2008     
 Contact me
 
Ann,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Loose Bustamante (Hampton, VA) - April 1, 2008    
 
 
Ann and family,
Thank you all so much for allowing me to take care of Bill during his last days. He was a very special person and he was very lucky to have a family that loved him so much. I know you will all miss him greatly! He is at peace now. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kassia Atnip, RN (Matthews, NC) - April 18, 2008
 Contact me
 
 
 

   We offer our sincerest condolences to Ann and her entire family at this most difficult of times.

  From Ann Mabe Leighton ('58) of NC - 05/15/08: - "Thank You":

Carol,

Please let everyone know who sent cards to me after my husband's death how much I appreciated them.  Most of them I had not seen or heard from for 50 years and so I was especially touched and overwhelmed at how many took the time to send cards of sympathy.

 
Thanks, again, it just goes to show what a great bunch of "kids" we all truly were.
 
Ann Mabe Leighton

   I'm honored to pass that along to them, Ann - just as I'm sure they were to be able to express their love and concern to you.

   Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!  We'll Always Have Buckroe!

                          Love to all, Carol

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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

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Carol Buckley Harty
219 Four Ply Lane
Fayetteville, NC 29311-9305
910-488-9408

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