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William Leighty Obituary

LEIGHTY, William Guy Sr. of Bentley Commons in Zephyrhills, passed away on Aug. 12, 2010 under the loving care of his family and the wonderful staff of HPH Hospice Care Center in Dade City. He was born on June 8, 1923 in St. Francisville, IL to William Carson Leighty and Myrtle Ann Gher Leighty. William graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in Illinois in 1942 and served as a U.S. Navy Pilot during WWII. He was co-owner and manager of Leighty Brother's Wholesale Grocery and Hudson Grocery in Lawrenceville, IL for over 30 years. William retired to Oldsmar, in 1981 and was a member of BPOE in Lawrenceville, American Legion in Lawrenceville, Lawrence County Country Club, former president of Lawrence County Red Cross, former president of the Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church and of Methodist's Men. He and his wife Betty were among the original members of the George Young United Methodist Church (now East Lake United Methodist Church) in Palm Harbor. William is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty Ruth White, who he married on Oct. 6, 1944 at the Navy Pier in Chicago, IL.; his sister, Elizabeth Jayne David of Olney, IL; son, William G Leighty, Jr. (Jean) of Kimberling City, MO and Oldsmar; daughter, Sue Ellen Leighty Tillmann of Sebring; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a niece, and many nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger Leighty. Memorial Services will take place later in Aug. in Oldsmar. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to HPH Hospice, 37439 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525, in Mr. Leighty's name. Hodges Funeral Home handled funeral arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Aug. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Nancy Miranda

August 23, 2010

Dear Mrs. Leighty,GG and Sue Ellen, I am very sad that Mr. Leighty has passed away. I remember him as kind, gentle with a quick sense of humor. He was a big part of what made growing up in Lawrenceville so important and so easily fun. As kids, we knew that we had people like Mr. Leighty running things in town and our best interests were always in the forefront. That gave us great confidence to go out and make something of our own lives. There is not a day that goes by that I don't reflect on my memories of home and of the wonderful people that were gathered there in that little southern Illinois town for so many generations. I am grateful to call your family our friends. Take care. Sincerely, Nancy, Marcelo and Alejandro Miranda (Mr. Leighty was the first person in Lawrenceville to pronounce Alejandro's name correctly)!

Joanne Dufloth Ellis

August 21, 2010

Betty, GG, Sue Ellen,
I have only fond memories of a lovely man who along with his wife allowed multitudes of teenagers to take over their upstairs with nary a grumble.
Also, the knowledge that you both continue to pray for my health is extremely comforting.
I know that our earthly grief will someday turn into eternal joy, and I will be with you to celebrate Upstairs.

August 20, 2010

Aunt Betty, Its been a sad year for both of us and I cant tell you how much uncle Bill was always bigger than life to me and kind in all memories,you, Sue Ellen, GG and all those closest to him have my sincere feelings of loss . Im hoping Dad can attend the memorial, I dont think I can make it.
Kent Jr.

James and Ruth Hanks

August 20, 2010

What a GREAT person that Bill! James and I have many special Memories of Bill .We are very saddened but with Bill's absence here is Heaven's gain.
Betty you are special and we Love you. James and Ruth Hanks(Anderson SC)

Olga Fincher

August 20, 2010

Dear Betty and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your Bill's passing, we too shall miss him and his great sense of humor....may God bless you and give you strength at this time of sorrow. Our love, Olga and Bob Fincher (Palm Harbor, Fl)

Martha & J.W. Dollahan

August 19, 2010

Betty & family: So sorry to hear of Bill
passing. I've known him since I was a child and he will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. You have our deepest sympathy.

Ellen McCarthy

August 16, 2010

Betty, So sorry for your lose...Bill was a good buy and I know you will miss him.
Take care - Love, Ellen

Janet Lurker

August 16, 2010

My condolences to the beloved family of William Leighty. He is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus. My thoughts are with you. Janet Lurker Tierra Verde Florida

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