Leon Jefferson Rather Jr.

Leon Rather went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2017. Mr. Rather was a native of Vicksburg, MS. Born on January 2, 1925 and lived in Chickasaw, AL., for 74 years; He was a dedicated member of First Baptist North Mobile/Redemption Church. Mr. Rather retired from International Paper Company after 43 years of service. Unable to serve in the Armed Forces, he served in the State Guard during WWII.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Georgia Dee Wolfe Rather, parents Leon and Theo Rather of Chickasaw, Al. Infant daughter Carolyn Leann Rather, sisters Florence Griffin and Mary Lou Farnell, both of Mobile and infant granddaughter Rachael Morgan Rather of Bay Minette, AL. He is survived by one daughter, Janice Smith of Saraland, AL., sons James (Veronica) Rather of Mobile and John Rather of Bay Minette, AL., 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also dedicated caregivers, especially Ann Odom.

For many years, Mr. Rather was interim song leader in various Baptist Churches in the Mobile area. He loved to sing and played the guitar, banjo and mouth harp anytime he could. He and his wife Georgia were avid campers and travelers. Mr. Rather was a member of the “Sons of Confederate Veterans” and believed in heritage not hate.

The family will receive friends at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, AL., and Friday, August 25, 2017 from 1:00p.m. Until time of services at 2:00p.m. Officiating will be Will Dorminy and Mark Messick. Serving as Pallbearers will be his grandsons Ben Rather, Michael Rather, Matt Spicer, Vincent Jackson, John Mark Rather and granddaughter Alice Frey. Honorary Pallbearers are great grandsons Paul DeVillier, grandsons August Rather, James Rather, Gabriel Rather and :Serving Our Savior” Sunday school class of Redemption Church in Saraland, AL,