Junior Leaphart

Junior Leaphart, 67, of Batesburg, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Gladys Whittle Kitchens and Wyman J. Leaphart. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed the simple things in life. Junior loved being outdoors, especially cutting grass and fishing, but what he loved most was spending time with his family. Nothing made him happier than having them all together.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sallie Watkins Leaphart; children, Christopher Leaphart (Amy), Emory Jones (Ryan Lee), Bailey Brady (Nathan), Whitney Compton (Adam), Ashley Jones, and Brooke Randall; and grandchildren, Jordan Jones, Caleb, Caslyn, and Connor Sellers, Ayden and Adyson Compton, and Nate and Natalee Leaphart. Also surviving are his step-mother, Joanne Leaphart; siblings, Terry Leaphart, Jackie Gantt (Tonya), Ollie Leaphart (Angie), and Peggy Hall; aunts and uncles, Lillian Coats (Billy), Guy Whittle (Lona), Billy Whittle (June), and Irene McCullough (Vernon); along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly. Junior was welcomed into heaven by his parents; brothers, Bobby “Bird” Leaphart and Timothy “Timbo” Leaphart; brother-in-law, Neal Hall; and his grandparents, Liller Jane and Clarendon J. Leaphart and Otis and Blanche Whittle.

The funeral service to celebrate Junior’s life will be held at 2:00 o'clock on Friday, October 3rd, at Mt. Ebal Baptist Church with burial following at Aiken Memorial Gardens, 1523 Edgefield Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801. Rev. Bill Pauling will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, starting at 1 o'clock at the church. Active pallbearers will be: Terry Leaphart, Andy Hall, Ryan Lee, Nathan Brady, Brian Wade, Rob Smart, Wade Holland, and Caleb Sellers. Honorary pallbearers include his work family: Jerry Holmes, Smith Holmes, Thomas Holmes, Grant Holcomb, Claude Burton, Willie Gartrell, Scotty Cleveland, Roy Cleveland, Melissa Hook, Jimmy Luquire, Barbara Roland, Karen Cato, Roxanne Maffett, Joel Long and Cliff Long.

Caring for Junior was truly a family effort. His children were devoted to him, always ready to step in and do whatever was needed throughout his illness. His sister, Peggy Hall; his niece, Missy Lewis; and his aunt, Lillian, are deeply appreciated for the love and care they gave in his final days.