Walter Thurman Leadford's Obituary
Walter Thurman (W.T.) Leadford, 96, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away on November 9, 2025, after a stroke.
Walter was born on September 25, 1929, to Grover Leadford and Fannie (Floyd) Leadford in Saulsbury, TN. He had an older sister, Willie Leadford Wray and a younger brother, Paul Leadford. When the family moved to Memphis, Walter went to Humes High School.
When Walter was eighteen years old, he joined the army. As soon as the Korean War began, he was called to active duty where he served for thirty-three months.
In 1955 Walter met a girl named Norma Ann Cotton while attending Central Avenue Baptist Church. Their first date was going to a Valentine banquet at their church. They were engaged May 14, 1955, and married August 19, 1955. They went on to have three children, Linda Har-din (Farragut, TN), Cathy Burns (Olive Branch, MS) and Becky Wilkins (Collierville, TN).
Walter worked as a cable repairman with South Central Bell for 26 years. Then, in 1982, Walter and Norma moved to the family farm they had purchased in 1978 in Saulsbury, Tennessee. Walter worked the farm for 26 years. In 2008, they sold the farm and moved to Olive Branch, Mississippi. They attended LaBelle Haven Baptist Church together and enjoyed every opportunity they had to spend time with their friends, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, his sister, brother and his wife Norma. He is survived by his three daughters, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Services for Walter will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family will receive family and friends for visitation an hour prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be given to LaBelle Haven Baptist Church's Mission Fund in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
How did Walter make you smile?
