LEIGHTON KERSEY's Obituary
HENDERSON –
Leighton Harmon Kersey, Sr., 77, passed away peacefully at Pine Pointe Hospice on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Everyone is invited to participate in a safe-distance visitation by remaining in the comfort of your vehicle as you drive through the circle driveway at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home to express love and support for his family on Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon. A Graveside Service will be held at Henderson Cemetery on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. Considering the current Covid pandemic, please wear a mask for the protection of everyone there. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Henderson Cemetery Fund, c/o Leigh Kersey, 120 GA Hwy 26 East, Elko, GA 31025 or Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210.
Leighton was born at the home of his parents, the late Charlie and Clifford Sullivan Kersey, in Henderson, Georgia, where he grew up and lived his entire life. Growing up on the family farm, farming was what he knew, and he knew every aspect of it very well. He married the love of his life, Pam Strong, in 1963. Fifteen years later, Leighton joined the American Agriculture Movement and went on strike with thousands of other farmers across the country. Eventually, he drove his tractor and led an extensive group of passionate farmers from Georgia all the way to Washington, D.C., up the steps of the U. S. Capitol in the nation’s most famous “Tractorcade”. They were determined for lawmakers to give “100% Parity” to farmers, and just a few short months later, the government agreed to some of their demands, and the farmers began working again. All of his life, Leighton was a hard-working, generous man who took pride in providing for his family and, often, others in need. As he upgraded and replaced items in and around his own home, Leighton taught his children the value of giving those older items to people who actually needed and would use them. Providing a strong example for his children and grandchildren was at the top of his list of things to do daily, with hard work usually being included as his hobby. After he retired from farming, he started Leighton Kersey Homes, building custom designs for friends and customers for nearly fifteen years. Leighton loved his church, where he had been a member all of his life. His passion in life, though, was his family. His beloved wife spoiled him every day, taking care of him, their family, and their home. They were always together, doing something, for someone in need, and supporting others. It was rare that Leighton missed an extracurricular activity in which his grandchildren participated. He was a huge supporter of The Westfield School, from where his children and grandchildren all attended and graduated. From helping to install the original wood floors in the Gym when the school got started to building the softball field in the early 2000’s, Leighton Kersey was a standard, well-known name around Westfield. He was such a kind and generous man, and he will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him, especially his family.
Left to cherish the memories they made with Leighton are his loving and devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Pam Strong Kersey; his son and daughter-in-law, Leigh and Teresa Kersey of Henderson; his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Phil Gilliam of Macon; his grandchildren, Kelsey Gilliam (Brandon Renfroe) of Macon, Haileigh Kersey Cooley (Justin) of Henderson, Kinsley Gilliam of Macon, and Leighton H. “Trey” Kersey, III; his bonus grandchildren, Braxton and Everly Grace Somers; his brother and sister-in-law, Wendell and Judy Kersey; his sister-in-law, Joan Kersey; his brothers-in-law, Dozier Blackstock and Carl Hammock; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his cousin, Nelson Kersey (Elsie), and many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tommy Kersey; and his sisters, Vivian Blackstock and Betty Kersey Hammock.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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