Memorial service for Leaton Ely, age 81, of Emory, will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 2:00 pm, at Emory Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at 1:00 pm. Bro. Mark Garrett will officiate. Mr. Ely died peacefully at his residence on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2015.
He was born July 25, 1934, to Otto and Alma Shipley Ely. He went to school and graduated from Rains High School. He was a basketball star player, and received a basketball scholarship from Paris Junior College. Leaton worked and retired from Raytheon in Greenville, where he worked as a machinist. He raised horses, bought and sold horses, and trained horses, even during his Raytheon years. He also owned a dairy during those years. After retiring from Raytheon, he devoted all his attention to training horses, in the field of cutting, roping, barrel, and whatever was needed to correct or train a horse, he did it. Horses were his passion. Leaton was a devout Christian. He attended Emory Baptist Church for years, and, later at Bright Star Baptist Church.
Survived by:
2 Sons: William Bryan Ely (Angie) of Paris, and, Barry Leon Ely (Christy) of Emory
2 Sisters, Vernelle Rodgers of Quitman, and, Edie Carter of Grand Prairie
Grandchildren: Callie Marie, Ryon, Garret, Logan, Lyle, Courtney, and Nikki
Many other loving family, and, numerous, ,numerous loving friends. Also, his horse, of almost 30 years, “Ole Yeller”
Preceded in death by: Parents; 1 son, James Lennon Ely; 1 brother, Otto Ely, Jr.; and, 5 sisters: Vetta, Vena, Beatrice, Reba, and Vadean
Cremation and service arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home of Emory.
