Leo Marion Headley

Ret. Lt. Col. Leo M. Headley, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on September 2, 2020. He was born in Chilton County on September 17, 1931 to Leo and Ethel Headley. He married Betty (Hilyer) on January 16, 1954 while he was finishing his degree from Auburn University. After graduating, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force and began his pilot career. During 20 years, he and his family lived at various bases in Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arizona, Greece, and Iran. He started training with the T-6 and flew and trained 7 different aircraft including the F-4. While deployed in Vietnam (67-68), he flew 186 combat missions. While he was in Iran he earned the Doctor Degree of Flight Instruction with almost 5800 hours of flying time. After retirement and earning a Master's Degree from Auburn University, Leo began another career in Christian service at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He worked there for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Betty, of 66 years, three daughters, Debbie (Les) Massey, Sherrell (Steve) Starr, Virginia Morrow and one son, Dennis, four grandchildren (and one predeceased grandson) and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Nina Burkhalter The memorial service will be September 8, 2020 at Frazer United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama at 10:00 a.m., Reverend Neil Epler officiating. Graveside services will be at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Cemetery, Clanton, Alabama at 2:00 p.m., Reverend Andrew Howell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to your favorite personal charity, in the name of Leo M. Headley, Jr. Martin Funeral Home directing.