Leighton Jr., Alvah Theodore

Alvah “Al” Theodore Leighton Jr., 85, of Blacksburg, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Montgomery Regional Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family as he was lifted by Angels to meet the Lord. Al was born in Portland, Maine on April 17, 1929, son of Margaret Elizabeth Mogan and Alvah Theodore Leighton Sr.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William Scott Leighton of Roanoke, brother, Robert Leighton Sr. of New Gloucester, Maine, and brother, Raymond Leighton of Gray, Maine.

Al is survived by wife, Frances Blanchard Leighton; sons, Alvah Theodore “Ted” Leighton III, Thomas William Leighton of Blacksburg; daughter, Krista Lynn Leighton of Forest; and grandson, Matthew Thomas Leighton of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Al met his wife Fran while she was a dental assistant in Portland, Maine. He graduated from New Gloucester High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maine, his Masters of Science from the University of Massachusetts, and his PhD from the University of Minnesota. Upon completion of his PhD, he moved to Virginia where he worked for 30 years and retired as a tenured professor of Poultry Science from Virginia Tech. During his time at Virginia Tech, he was one of the top researchers and educators in the poultry science field. He also was involved in consulting and operating two personal businesses in Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

It was extremely important for Al to give back to the community. This was evident through the numerous committees that he took part in through the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and in serving over 30 years as a member and vice mayor of the Blacksburg Town Council. Through a group effort he was instrumental in initiating the Blacksburg Transit (BT).

Al had a love for life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, teaching, camping, fishing, boating, golfing, attending the Master’s in Augusta, Georgia, and taking care of stray or sick animals. His family cherished his kind heart, baby blue eyes and a smile that drew children to him his entire life. Friends of the family say his smile lit up the entire room. He was beloved by all who met him and was known as a gentleman and a scholar.

A memorial service to celebrate Al’s life will be held at the McCoy Funeral home in Blacksburg at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2015. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your local Humane Society, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg.