CW3 John Royce Lightfoot, 79, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Thursday, July 4, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, July 8, 2013 at the Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Dan Hayes, the Rev. Raymond Dean, and the Rev. Dr. Roy Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Sunday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Rev. Lightfoot was born September 23, 1933, in Chula to the late John B. and Elby Henry Lightfoot. A 1952 graduate of Tift County High School, he served his country honorably as an aviator in the United States Army, retiring from a 22-year meritorious career. Following his service, he earned both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in education from Valdosta State College and an Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southern University. Rev. Lightfoot was a math educator in Liberty County for over 20 years. He also served as an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene serving congregations in Augusta, Nashville, and Hinesville. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, and quilting.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Harriette Thompson Lightfoot of Fitzgerald; his children: Dr. Peggy & David Carpenter of Nashville, TN and Pamela & Hubert Gills of Fitzgerald; his grandchildren: Matthew Carpenter, Will & Michelle Nash, Bailey Childs, John Nash, Cameron Nash, Daniel Gills, and Paige Sherman; his great-grandchildren: Grace Clements, Jayden Nash, Greyson Childs and Brilee Childs; and a sister: Virginia Van Gorder of Englewood, FL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son: Phillip Anthony Lighfoot; three brothers: Billy W. Lightfoot, Raleigh C. Lightfoot, his twin, and Ronald Lightfoot; and one sister: Edith Earlene Miller.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Children’s Department Education Fund, c/o Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 1007, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.