Thrift

Leon Green Thrift, 73, was born on Nov. 10, 1948, to Lester and Idell Thrift. Leon ran through the gates of heaven and into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Leon is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Wanda Thrift; his granddaughter, Amber Renee Morris; and his brother, Curtis Thrift. 

He is survived by his children, Renee Thrift of Kingsland, Travis (Jenell) Thrift of Hortense, Scott Thrift of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Taylor Morris, Wes, Gabe, Colt and Greyson Thrift; great-grandsons, Guy and Grady; two sisters, Elphy (Joey) Lanier and Vickie “Sinie” (Rudolph) Wainwright; his four-legged companion, Sandy; and multiple nephews and nieces, who will forever treasure the memories of hunting, fishing, singing and hanging with Uncle Leon.

As a decorated war veteran, Leon faithfully served his country during the Vietnam war and was awarded the Purple Heart. He joins other service members in receiving his just reward.

As a husband, 50 years with Wanda tells a story of tried and true love and devotion.

As a father, his love was steadfast. Renee recalls: “No matter what messes were made, he walked through them with us. No matter how uncertain the days ahead seemed, Daddy never gave up! We surely received an earful of fatherly wisdom and sometimes more, but we knew we were loved unconditionally. We knew Daddy would be there for us.”

As grandaddy, Leon and Wanda loved watching Wes, Gabe and Colt play ball. He looked forward to overnight visits with Greyson. He would ride the dirt roads with his girls — Amber and Taylor. Amber would stay awake and Taylor would fall asleep in Motel 6 (the back seat). Great-grandson Guy soon shared in the dirt road adventures and enjoyed shopping with Grandaddy at Walmart.

As in-laws or out-laws, he will be remembered as the one who sticks closer than a brother. Leon’s hunger and thirst for righteousness made him a student of scripture. He loved the Bible. Any conversation eventually led to God’s word and an amazing recall of the book, chapter and verse. He “studied to show himself approved unto God. A workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Leon was a self-taught guitar and piano player, singer and songwriter. His sons, Travis and Scott, were soon captured by his love of music and followed closely in his footsteps. Times spent around the piano, the tailgate, the fireside, church functions or at family gatherings will forever be memorialized by the echo of his voice, the Anniversary Song he wrote for Wanda or the 23rd Psalm. For his sons, grandsons and nephews who learned from the best, he will be ever present as they pick up the guitar or take a seat at the piano. For some it will be childhood memories, raising youngins, gardening and canning vegetables.

For others, it will be hunting stories or joining Leon in song that will keep him close in the coming days. Imagine the reunion. Leon, his “perty girl” Wanda, Amber and loved ones who have gone before him — together again!

“What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon his face, the one who saved me by his grace. And he takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land. What a day, a glorious day that will be."

Visitation were held 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 4 at Allison Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services were held at 10:45 a.m. Saturday March 5 at Southeast Community Church with Rev. Ray McMillan, associate pastor Martin Turner and Bill Miller officiating.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.