Merle M. Leight, Jr.

Merle M. Leight, Jr., 91, of Owings Mills, MD, passed peacefully Monday, November 22, 2016, at his residence. Born September 1, 1925 in Maryland, he was the son of the late Merle Martinet Leight, Sr. and Lillian May Wortham. He was the husband of Ada Ruth Leight who died in 2006.
He worked tirelessly for many years as an auto mechanic, refrigeration and air-conditioning service technician. Among the many companies of employment were Park Circle Chevrolet, Cloverland Dairy and Rosewood State Hospital. As a young man, he served in the US Army during the Korean War, and proudly represented the country while stationed in France. In his free time, he enjoyed radio communication with people all over the country, obtaining a Ham Radio license in his retirement years. He was known to friends on the radio waves as Guitar Man, a nod to the days when he sang music and played the guitar in a local country music band. He also enjoyed regular fishing trips, and making his own wine to gift to friends and family.
Surviving him are his children: Sandy Ridgely and husband George of Fairfield, PA, Beth Rollinger and husband Jerry of Mount Airy, MD, grandchildren: Mark, David and Jen, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, sisters: Priscilla Rose and Joan Schmidt of Pennsylvania.
He was predeceased by 2 sisters: Lila Alchin and Helen Schmidt.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 26, at 1 pm at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 11605 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117, officiated by Pastor Mathew McCabe. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Easter Seals as a tribute to the love and passion Merle had for the children he came across at Rosewood State Hospital. http://www.easterseals.com/DCMDVA/