Leon Baty of Arkadelphia entered Heaven’s Gates singing praises to the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. He was born on June 13, 1934, in Arkadelphia, Alabama to Albert and Exie Hunt Baty and was one of twelve children they raised. Leon loved the Lord and always took the time to tell someone about the blessings that he received and always asked if they knew the Lord. If they didn’t, they would before he left; he never met a stranger. He was an avid outdoors man who loved hunting and fishing; was a talented musician that was able to play any instrument; he was a member and deacon at Valley View Baptist Church for many years. Leon also served in the United States Army. Above all his favorite pastimes, Leon loved to be with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Mr. Baty was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children: Barbara Ann Ayers Baty; his parents: Albert and Exie Baty; his siblings: Howard, Herril, Willis, Malcom, Earline, Kay, Mildred and Cora. He is survived by his wife: Gail King Baty; children: Kathy (Ron) Tyra, Sandra (Raymond) Nichols, Albert (Linda) Baty and Ginger (Greg) White; grandchildren: Chris (Ashlynn) Tyra, BM-2 Matthew Nichols, Ben Nichols, Bradley Baty, Caitlan (Madison) Goodwin, Kerrigan Baty, Auston Ricks, Lexus White, Jagger White, Zack Loyd and Austin (Anna) White; great grandchildren: Beckett and Baker Goodwin; sisters: Emogene Wisener, Teresa Baruch and Sharon (Kenneth) Way.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Valley View Baptist Church with Brother Harce Swann and Brother Marvin Clemons officiating. Visitation will be held at Hanceville Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Mr. Baty will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow services in the Valley View Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Tyra, Bradley Baty, Auston Ricks, Ben Nichols, Jagger White and Zack Loyd. Honorary pallbearers will be United States Coast Guard BM-2 Matthew Nichols, Austin White and Tim Baty.
Hanceville Funeral Home is honored to serve the Baty Family.
