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Charles Leighton Obituary
Samuel Leighton
Dr. Leighton, 78, of Matthews, NC, passed away on December 30, 2008 at home after an extended illness. He was born on June 18, 1930 in NYC, NY, a son of the late Abraham and Rachel Lichterman.
Charles Leighton graduated from NYU-Uptown, and completed a Masters Degree in Optometry at Columbia University. Charles Leighton is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Optometry earning his Doctorate of Optometry. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Early in professional practice Dr. Charles Leighton was invited and attended the prestigious Gesell Institute of Child Development.
Dr. Leighton was active in the community and a member of Optimist International. He was awarded Optimist of the year for structuring child vision screenings in the North Carolina Schools; a precursor to the development of the Head Start Program. Dr. Leighton served as a vision consultant with the Charlotte Police Reserves, and was a member of Toast Masters International, Piedmont Optometric Society, NC State Optometric society, and American Optometric Association. Dr. Charles Leighton was one of the first therapeutically licensed Optometrists in the Nation. He served our communities vision needs for more than fifty years.
The father of four worked actively with both Temple Beth El and Temple Beth Shalom.
Dr. Leighton was a Brother of Excelsior Lodge # 261, Scottish Rite and the Oasis Shrine.
His greatest legacy is his love and devotion to his family, his beloved wife of 52 years, Edwina; his children, Michael, Deborah, Steven (Suzanne) and Richard (Leah); and his grandchildren, Ryan, Joshua, Alex, Derek and Rebecca.
A memorial service will be held noon on Friday, January 2, 2008 at Temple Beth-El, with Rabbi Judith Schindler officiating. Shiva will be held at the home of his daughter Deborah.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be sent to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565, or a charity of your choice.
Harry & Bryant Company is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Leighton
Carol Agner
February 15, 2009
Dear Leighton Family, I am truly sorry for your Father's passing. I was one of his child patient's back in 1960. Had a lazy eye. I loved the games he would play with me when I was at his office to make my eye stronger. He even sent me a postcard for Thanksgiving. It said Turkey good, ate too much. Please accept my Deepest Sympathy. Praying for all of your family.
Sincerely, Carol (Phifer) Agner
Marty Oxman & Family
January 20, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Marcia Taylor
January 7, 2009
Dr. Steven,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I just found out about your dad. I stopped by your office yesterday to pick up my contacts, and that's when I saw his obituary posted. I am so very saddened and sorry for your loss. I have been a patient for over 20 years, and I will always remember Dr. Charles. Words cannot adequately express my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. May God bless you, and keep you in His care, and give you His comfort and His peace.
Chuck Dobbins
January 6, 2009
Dr. Charles Leighton first put contact lenses on me when I was ten years old in 1964. Hardly anyone else had them at that time. I've worn them ever since, and Dr. Steve is my optometrist today. Dr. Charles was always a good doctor and willing to go the extra mile. I will greatly miss him and am sorry for your loss.
Debra Graham-McBride
January 5, 2009
Dear "family,"
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Leighton's death. I have so many wonderful memories of him, from the family trip to Atlanta when I was in 7th grade all the way to my wedding day. I can still feel his warmth as he hugged me and wished me shalom. He was larger than life, yet gentle and kind. I will truly miss him.
Kim Hartis Jackson
January 2, 2009
Michael,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Billy Hartis and
Margaret & Tom Blizard
January 1, 2009
Dr. Steven, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during these days. (Tammara's parents.)
Hugh Doherty
January 1, 2009
Dear Steve,Suzanne, and family. I was so sorry to hear about your dad, but glad he isn't suffering any more. I am glad to have known him even though I didn't see him often. he definately was an accomplished man. Know my thouhgts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Love,
Hugh
Joel Barman
December 31, 2008
Steve and Rick
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember he was always in a good mood and always very nice friendly. My thoughts are with both of you.
Sandra Dellinger
December 31, 2008
Eddie and Stephen, et al my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Dr. Leighton prescribed my first contact lens when I was 19 and took care of care of my eyes until Stephen began his practice. I was so excited to get my first contacts (I had really thick glasses) that I failed to adhere to Dr. Leighton's instructions. The result was a lot of pain and the loss of my lens until 'I could learn to follow instructions'. That only occured once. I admired Dr.Leighton's contributions to others and the devotion he gave to his patients. He was a great friend to me and will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Jody (Ellis) McCarley
December 31, 2008
Michael and Family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol Anoff (Jennings)
December 31, 2008
Even though I can not be there in person my thoughts and prayers are with you Eddie and the family. It is unfortunate that I was not able to see Charlie before his passing, but I will always think of him as a kind, funny guy who I enjoyed being around. Stay strong! Love always,
Archie L. Barringer II
December 31, 2008
Dr. Charles was a wonderful man. I had him, and later Steve, as my eye doctors untill 1999. Dr. Charles was very helpful to me and my Scout Troop in letting us camp at his place in Matthews. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time. May God bless.
Connie Brown
December 31, 2008
To the family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dr. Leighton took care of my eyes for many years until Stephen opened up his practice. I remember one time, very late at night, when I was wearing contacts, the contact shifted and I couldn't get it out. I called Dr. Leighton and he said to come by his house and he would help me. I did and he helped me get the contact out. He was my hero.
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