Timothy Paul Leightner
December 24, 1955 ~ December 24, 2024
Born in:
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Resided in:
Brevard, North Carolina
“For the greater the love the greater the grief, and the stronger the faith the more savagely will Satan storm its fortress.” – C.S. Lewis
Timothy Paul Leightner died unexpectedly in Asheville, NC, with his family by his side, on December 24th, 2024 – his 69th Birthday.
Tim was a devoted and beloved husband to Janice Leightner for 37 years, and proud father to his three children – sons, Ian and Eric Leightner and, daughter, Sara Loudermilk. Tim was born on December 24th, 1955 in Fort Wayne Indiana, to Paul and Lois Leightner. He was the eldest brother to Jonathan and Daniel Leightner, loving grandfather to Lochlann, Cameron, and Stirling Leightner, Charlotte and Vivian Loudermilk, and cherished father-in-law to Holly Leightner, Rachelle Schwartz and Daniel Loudermilk. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lois Leightner, sister, Laura Jean Leightner, and granddaughter, Georgia Loudermilk.
Tim was a graduate of Texas A&M University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, and was a proud business owner for over 30 years. He was one of the last true renaissance men. A man who knew how to fix almost everything and, if he didn’t, would enthusiastically puzzle out the solution and share all of his discoveries. He was an avid lover of all things winter, true craftsmanship, reading, beekeeping, blacksmithing, Jan’s brisket, slushies, and his dogs Lucie, Lillie, Anna and Wyatt. Most importantly, Tim held an incomprehensible love for his family, faith, friends and everyone he touched. His joy in life was contagious and the sparkle seen in his eyes and smile will be irreplaceable.
A funeral service to celebrate Tim’s life, as he celebrates with his Lord, will start at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. The funeral service will be streamed live via the link just below the obituary text. Burial will be private, but all family and friends are invited to join in a gathering to reminisce, tell stories and continue to celebrate Tim, beginning at 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 4 at The Barn at Mills River Brewing Company (336 Banner Farm Road, Mills River, NC 28759).
Services
Funeral Service: January 4, 2025 1:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Gathering of Friends & Family: January 4, 2025 4:00 pm
The Barn at Mills River Brewing Company
336 Banner Farm Road
Mills River, NC 28759
828-483-0480
www.millsriverbrewingco.com
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He will be greatly missed in my life but always present in Spirit ✨Thank the Lord!
Much love and sympathy to Jan, the family, and all who were lifted up by this special man ✨
I am so saddened to learn of Tim’s passing. I enjoyed Tim and his stories, questions, and great personality. He asked great questions in order to gain an understanding of anything that interested him. Tim was a man of many talents and a strong rock to lean upon. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you.
Ricky and I would like to offer help in any way needed as you navigate forward from this tragic loss.
BLESSINGS to Jan and the Ian, Eric and Sara from all of the NEIMANS in Brevard, NC.
We are thinking of you and praying for you at this time.
Elizabeth Anne
Graham
Taylor
Dear Ian and Janice, Eric and Sara, and your family members, Tim encouraged me in mighty ways the few moments and days I interacted with him. I know how powerful an influence he was in Ian’s youth, and can only imagine his impact in the many other lives he touched. Please accept my condolences. -Esther
Thank you Uncle Tim for bringing more people into the Leightner family and amazing memories too; then, now, and forever.
Jan, Ian, Eric, and Sara you have been on my heart since I heard the news about Tim. Seeing your hearts so sorely broken and struggling with grief today I weep for you. I will continue to ask our Lord to comfort you each in a way that will let you know He loves you and will comfort you. As Colin said Jesus grieves too because sin is the enemy but He came to free us from it. For those left to miss loved ones the journey is hard. But for Tim – he is now free!!! I pray you can one day feel the joy in that fact. He’s probably right now exploring and contemplating all the wonders we can’t know yet. 💗
Lovingly, Robin Huckeba
I am so very sorry to hear the news of your father’s passing. I never had the opportunity to meet him but I understand he was a wonderful man that was loved by many.
Prayers for peace and strength in the days ahead.