Richard (Buck) Louis Leighton, age 86, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, 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; 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; granddaughters, Paige Woods (Dustin) of Madison, Ala., and Lauren Clarke of Colonial Heights; grandsons, Eric (Katy) of Chesterfield and Austin Leighton and Garret Leighton of Chester; great-grandchildren, Greyson Woods, Mason, Cameron and Norah Clarke; brothers, Phillip Leighton (Pat) of Natural Bridge, and Robin Leighton of Lynchburg; and several nieces and a nephew.

Buck was born in Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, 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 were held on Saturday, March 13 at his church, Highland United Methodist. Interment followed 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 were handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.