Leyman Howard Jernigan

Leyman Howard Jernigan, a man of many talents and a deep love for his family, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, at the Tift Regional Medical Center. Born on January 26, 1932, in Enigma, Georgia, to his parents Claude Jernigan and Mirriam McMillan Jernigan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert Lee Jernigan and Drefus Jernigan, and his sisters, Juanita Soloman, Zelda French, and Pauline Brown.  Leyman lived a rich and fulfilling life that touched the hearts of those around him.

His funeral services will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Jerry Greer officiating and Kevin Ray delivering the eulogy.  The interment will follow in the Brushy Creek Cemetery in Irwin County.  The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Mr. Jernigan’s journey began when he met the love of his life, Danielle Membrives Jernigan, in North Miami Beach. They embarked on a beautiful journey together and were blessed with fifty-six wonderful years of marriage before Danielle's passing on April 11, 2020. Together, they discovered joy in their shared passion for collecting shells and embraced the beach life as they moved from one sandy shore to another while he worked on the dredge boats in Florida. They both enjoyed participating in the Woodmen of the World chapter meetings and community help projects for the betterment of their community.

After deciding to settle down, Leyman and Danielle returned to Berrien County Georgia to raise their family. It was here that Mr. Jernigan found employment at Amoco Fabrics, also known as Nashville Mills in Nashville. For twenty-eight dedicated years, he poured his heart into his work there.

Never one to stay idle, he sought new adventures to keep himself engaged. He found solace in the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton when he took on the role of engineer for their steam train. For eleven years, he enjoyed meeting visitors from all corners of the globe as they flocked to experience the wonders of the museum.

Throughout his life journey, Mr. Jernigan remained deeply connected to his roots and cherished reminiscing about old times. He found comfort in listening to music from his childhood and had an unwavering passion for farming. Even as he juggled multiple jobs, he managed to raise his family on the very same farm where he spent his own youth in Berrien County. As a devoted father, he lovingly taught his children the fundamental skills of tending cows and the art of shooting guns.

Mr. Jernigan's adventurous spirit was truly remarkable. He continued to embrace the thrill of life, even well into his senior years. Fond memories encompass his unwavering joy while riding motorcycles, a passion he pursued past his seventieth birthday. 

Family played an essential role in his life, and he held a deep sense of nostalgia for precious moments spent together. His surviving family, includes his two daughters and a son-in-law: Lisa Jernigan of Tifton, Robin and Scott Phillips of Enigma, his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Karen Jernigan of Nashville, his grandchildren, Garrett Phillips and his wife, Allison, Nicole Byers and her husband Cameron, Connor Jernigan, Carson Jernigan and Cooper Jernigan, his only surviving sibling, his sister, Odessa Copeland and he was excited about becoming a great granddaddy in February 

 Mr. Jernigan served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. His unwavering commitment earned him accolades including the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. These honors illustrate Mr. Jernigan's willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of society and country.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be  the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews  online at https://help.ifcj.org/donate or mail to Jews, 303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60601-5224 

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.