Richard Leighton

Richard (Buck) Louis Leighton, age 86, of Colonial Heights, VA passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.  He was the son of the late Franklin and Sally Hickman Leighton.  He was also predeceased by his brother, William Leighton, and sister, Ruby Higgins, and grandson, Andrew Clarke.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Reynolds Leighton, daughters Linda Coleman (Mike) and Vickie Clarke, both of Colonial Heights; son Ronnie of N. Chesterfield, VA; granddaughters Paige Woods (Dustin) of Madison, AL and Lauren Clarke of Colonial Heights; grandsons Eric (Katy) of Chesterfield, VA, Austin Leighton and Garret Leighton of Chester, VA; great grandchildren Greyson Woods, and Mason, Cameron, and Norah Clarke; brothers Phillip Leighton (Pat) of Natural Bridge, VA and Robin Leighton of Lynchburg, VA; and several nieces and a nephew. Buck was born in Natural Bridge Station, VA, graduated from Natural Bridge High School in 1953, and served in the United States Army.  He was a long-time, active member of Highland United Methodist Church.  He retired from the Federal Reformatory Petersburg, continued to keep himself busy working around the church and helping others, and was known for his love for animals. Funeral services will be held on 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his church, Highland United Methodist, with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. masks required, social distancing observed, and temperatures taken.   Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Chester.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Highland United Methodist Church, 125 E. Westover Ave., Colonial Heights, VA  23834, or www.highlandumchurch.net.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com