Leonard Edwin Stratton

“My heart is my family…” ~ L. Edwin Stratton

Mr. Leonard ‘Edwin’ Stratton, age 82, of William Smith Road, Elberton, GA, husband of Linda Brown Stratton, finished his course in faith on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in Athens, GA.

Edwin was born at home in the Rock Branch Community of Elbert County, GA on December 23, 1940, the youngest child and only son of the late Leonard Mashburn Stratton and Lena Beatrice McMullan Stratton. He graduated from Elbert County High School with the class of 1958 and was a life long member of Rock Branch Baptist Church.

The day after high school graduation, Mr. Stratton joined the United States Marine Corps where he served for nine months. Although he served only a brief stint, Edwin applied the many lifelong lessons he learned throughout his every day life, and was forever a Marine at heart. He would go on to join the Georgia Army National Guard, and served faithfully for five years.

Mr. Stratton worked his entire life in the granite industry. He began working as a stone polisher, and retired as foreman of Eagle Granite Company. Edwin was an avid outdoorsman and a dedicated farmer. He took great pride in keeping his yard in immaculate condition and looked forward to gardening - especially growing his grandchildren’s favorites - corn and tomatoes. Just two weeks ago, although struggling and having to take many breaks, Mr. Stratton began planting this year’s crop.

Edwin was a simple, hardworking man who lived every day for his family. They were his pride and joy, and his only regret is having to leave them behind. He was the devoted husband of 62 1/2 years to Margaret ‘Linda’ Brown Stratton; the dedicated dad to Michael Edwin (Barbara) Stratton of Orlando, FL and Rita Gail Stratton Moore of Charlottesville, VA; the doting “Grangy” to his grandchildren: Michael Andrew (Katherine) Stratton of Atlanta, GA, Kathleen Elizabeth Stratton of Brevard, NC, Lela Stratton Dizon (Chad) of Orlando, FL, William Max Moore of Arlington, VA, and Beatrice Grace Moore of Charlottesville, VA and great-grandchildren: Finley Oliver Dizon and Owen Riley Dizon; and the loyal brother of the late Martha Evelyn Stratton (Ralph) Hunt. Running a close second to his love for his family are his faithful canine companions: Turbo and Sissy.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Tuesday, May 9, from 12:00-1:30p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Edwin’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 9, at 2:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. Interment will follow in the Cemetery at Rock Branch Baptist Church with Andrew Stratton, Will Moore, Chad Dizon, David Hunt, Russell Hunt, Evan Alexander, and Steve Gaines honored as pallbearers. Elliott Paul and James Walters will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the Elbert County Humane Society, PO Box 267, Elberton, GA 30635 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 53 Perimeter Center E, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Leonard ‘Edwin’ Stratton.