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.
7 Comments To "James Leo Slayton"
#1 Comment By Judy Stafford On July 5, 2026 @ 1:07 pm
To the family and friends of Mr.Leo. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God Bless you all 🙏
Love Judy
#2 Comment By Janice Moore Gregory On July 5, 2026 @ 1:22 pm
Prayers for the Slayton family.
#3 Comment By Janice kent Smith On July 5, 2026 @ 2:12 pm
Sorry to hear about Leo I known Leo since I was a kid when he work with my dad in the 60s
#4 Comment By Ronnie Thomas On July 5, 2026 @ 3:50 pm
Teresa, Dale, And The Entire Family,
You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers. Sorry to hear about the passing of your dear loved one. May God Continue to Be With, Bless, and Comfort, Each and Every One of You. Look to the Lord for the Strength and Comfort that He Will Give You. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
#5 Comment By Steve, Kim, Shane and Ryan Draginis On July 5, 2026 @ 5:55 pm
Sending our love, hugs and prayers.
#6 Comment By Joe and DeLois Thompson On July 5, 2026 @ 11:57 pm
Joe and I are saddened about the passing of Leo. We thought a lot of him. Leo was a great guy.
To the family, Hold his memories close to your heart and he will always be with you.
Praying for the family and his friends during this time.
#7 Comment By Don and Barbara Bland On July 6, 2026 @ 1:33 pm
Memories of Leo will always be a treasure. He was always willing to lend a helpful hand to anyone in need. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May GOD Bless 🙏❤️💗