Leslie Williams Walton

On the afternoon of January 17, 2021, Les passed peacefully at Hope Hospice following an unexpected and acute illness. He was surrounded by his family. Les was 73 years old.

Les was born in Aiken County, South Carolina on June 20, 1947. He was the fourth child and second son born to Herbert and Lila Williams.

He was a hard-working family man who loved nothing more than to be outdoors and to spend time with his family. Les moved to southwest Florida when he was nine, grew up on Pine Island and attended North Fort Myers High School.

After graduation, Les enlisted in the United States Army and eventually became a part of the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1968, Les was deployed to Vietnam, and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart, as a combat wounded Veteran.

Following his enlistment, Les began working at Lee County Cooperative as a Lineman’s Apprentice and later became one of their most respected linemen. After 45 years of service, Les retired from LCEC, was nominated by his former co-workers and was inducted into the National Lineman’s Hall of Fame.

Les enjoyed boating with family and friends as well as canoeing the Suwannee River. Two years ago, Les and his friends went over 200 miles down-river from Southern Georgia to the Florida Gulf Coast by way of canoe. The trip took just over two weeks. Les enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, tending his garden, exploring the great outdoors and adventuring on exciting trips.

Les is preceded in death by: brothers, Lyman Williams and Lloyd Williams; and parents Herbert and Lila Williams, and Curry and Marie Walton.

Les is survived by: wife, Janet Neighbors Walton; sisters, Betty Barr (widow of Tom Barr) and Edie Celec (married to Harry Celec); children, Joanna Walton Nagy (married to Joseph Nagy) and Lloyd Walton (married to Tracey Walton); grandchildren, Levi Walton, Lane Walton, Savannah Nagy and Jemma Nagy; and great-grandson, Landon Walton (son of Levi and Thalia Cavazos).

Les was a wonderful caring man who loved his family, friends, and country. One of his closest friends said, “No man loved his country more. He fought for it and was proud that he did!”

Les will truly be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorial Service to be held at a later date.