Obituaries

Leonard Francis Motley, 89, of Axton, Virginia, finally rested in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the peaceful comfort of his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, December 04, 2024.

He was born to his beloved parents, the late Clive Stultz Motley and Lucille Holland Motley in Henry County, Virginia, on June 23, 1935. He spent his majority of employment years at Bassett Furniture in Martinsville, Virginia. He was a member of Irisburg United Methodist Church. On December 23, 1955, Leonard married the love of his life, Mary Fern Grogan Motley. Over the course of almost sixty-nine years of marriage, their family would grow to include their five children; Gloria Motley of South Hill, Virginia, Elizabeth Self (John) of Axton, Virginia, Daniel Motley (Jennifer) of Axton, Virginia, Timothy Motley of Axton, Virginia, the late Joseph Motley, of Axton, Virginia, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Holland Motley, and his sister, June Motley Southerland.

Just like the many keys he used to carry about himself, he was a man of many wonderful talents. An outdoorsman, you would often find him in his vegetable garden where he easily grew the finest harvest. He also enjoyed music and loved to sing his heart out. He enjoyed flat foot dancing and encouraged his grandchildren to dance with him. He enjoyed fishing and helped his wife tend to the many flower beds that decorated their yard. An avid bird watcher, you would never find a bird feeder empty with him nearby. Leonard was a warm-hearted man who never met a stranger, and his laughter always filled the room. He was a man of wisdom, and great empathy to all who knew him. In addition to being embraced by his parents, he is now rejoicing in Heaven with his son, Joseph Price Motley. One of his favorite songs was The River of Jordan. Our hearts rest in the fact that while he never did make it to see that river, he is now seeing something even greater; a heavenly kingdom more beautiful than we can fathom where he walks in the presence of his loving heavenly Father. Until we all meet again, his name will be carried here earthside within our hearts.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel with John Self officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.