Leighton Johnson Foss, 77 of Lake Wales, Florida passed away on Saturday, August 13th in Winter Haven with his cherished family by his side.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Rogers) Foss; son Daniel L. Foss (Ashley Wilock) of Bennington, Vermont; daughter Beth Cameron (Vince) of Fort Myers, Florida; grandchildren Jaimie and Kyle Cameron; sister Claire F. Smith (Edwin) of Weston, Massachusetts and several nieces and nephews.
Leighton was born on May 2, 1939 in Exeter, NH to Harold L. Foss and Emma Jane Foss (nee Johnson). He was a 1957 graduate of Exeter High School. He graduated from Alderson Broaddus University in 1962 and graduated from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in 1965 where after he became an ordained minister and dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He pastored churches in New York, Maine and throughout Massachusetts before retiring to Florida in 2005.
For the past eleven years he has been employed with Publix Super Markets in Lake Wales where he worked in the deli. He considered this a ministry as well. He was a member of First Christian Church in Winter Haven where he enjoyed preaching on occasion. His devotion to his family was evident and his gentle spirit blessed all who knew him. He was a confidant, an encourager, and a loyal friend. He always looked for the good in all people. Friends have described him as compassionate, generous, loving, cheerful, patient and godly. He will be greatly missed.
He enjoyed reading, movies, gardening, watching the sunset and trips to the ocean. He loved baseball and was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox.
His memorial service will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven on Thursday, August 18th at 4:30pm. Please consider wearing blue, as this was his favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia or to the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida.