Funeral service for James Leo Slayton, age 87, of the Hot Rock Community in Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Thomas Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM on Monday July 6, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home.

Leo was born on May 3, 1939, in Lincoln County, TN to the late Howard Slayton and Trudell Holland Slayton. A dedicated worker and family man, Leo spent 35 years driving truck for Lincoln Paving. Outside of his career, his greatest passions were working his farm and tending to his beef cattle. Above all, he cherished being a beloved ‘Grandaddy’ and ‘Papa,’ never missing a chance to attend his grandkids’ sporting events. He passed away on July 4, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Survivors include his daughter, Teresa (Dale) Gentry of Fayetteville; son, Ricky (Penny) Slayton of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Brileigh Gentry (Josh) Barnes, Heath (Kim) Slayton, and Briona (Chris) Brewer; great-grandchildren, Ellasyn Slayton, Lynnix Slayton, Natalie Brewer, Ethan Brewer, Andie Faith Barnes, and Statler Barnes; and a brother, Dale (Wanda) Slayton. In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Cunningham Slayton; grandson, Christopher Ryan Gentry; brothers, Calvin Slayton, Dock Slayton, and Will Thomas Slayton; and his sisters, Pauline Rogers, Betty Forrester, Barbara Harwell, and Katherine Slayton.

Memorials may be made to the Shiloh Cemetery Association, c/o Teresa Gentry, 12 Cunningham Hollow Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of James Leo Slayton.