Roll Call Tribute

Timothy Paul "Tim" Leightner 

December 24, 1955 - December 24, 2024 

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, NC. 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).