Leighton Caris Farley, Jr.

Leighton Caris Farley, Jr 80, of Midway, WV went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 30, 2017. Born on October 9, 1936 on Farley Hill in Winding Gulf, WV. He was the son of the late Leighton C. & Ethel Darnell Farley. Leighton was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mae McGraw Farley and daughter, Pamela Darlene Farley.
Junior as he liked to be called graduated from Sophia High School in 1954. He served honorably in the US Air Force. Upon returning from service Junior was employed as a route salesman for Sunbeam Bakery and later as a coal miner at Riffe’s Branch. Utilizing his GI Bill benefits Junior earned a Business Administration degree from Beckley College. Upon completing the necessary years of mining experience Junior embarked upon his career as a federal mine inspector for the Mine Safety & Health Administration. His passion and commitment as an inspector allowed him to find much success. Junior retired as MSHA’s Deputy Chief Special Investigator overseeing national cases and daily operations in Arlington, VA.
Junior enjoyed bowling, watching the WVU Mountaineers, and volunteering at several youth organizations. He coached many winning teams of children at Sophia Midget League Football & Sophia Little League. He led the Shrader’s Ladies Softball Team to local and national championships. Junior proudly served as a former President and Board Member of Sophia Little League & an Assistant Scout Master to Sophia’s Troup 75. He was an active member of the Winding Gulf UMWA & the Coal City Masonic Lodge.
Left to cherish his memories are children Kim (Doris) Farley, Pebbles Farley & Kevin Farley. Grandchildren Nicole (Ty) Harold, Jessica Farley, Travis (Alexandria) Farley, Ryan Ratcliff, & Courtney Ratcliff. Great Grandchildren Addison Rhodes, Jacob Farley, Phantasia George, Jayme George, and Kamron Gallaway. Siblings Phyllis (Jack) Hylton, Don (Helen) Farley, & Bill Farley. Sister In Laws Nelda (Sal) Sposaro, Sheila (Joe) Jones, Serena Hall, Mitzi (John) Bowyer. Brother In Laws Dewitt (Beulah) McGraw & James (Annie) McGraw. Junior had many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.
Services will be February 2, 2017 at Crab Orchard Baptist Church. Friends may call from 10-12. The service will begin at noon followed by burial at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Pall bearers will be family members Matt Jesse, Bill Wood, Marshall Wood, Travis Rhodes, Ty Harold, & Randy Hunt. In lieu of flowers the family requests you honor Junior by making a monetary donation in his name to Sophia Little League at PO Box 596 Midway, WV 25878.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, WV