Johnny "Benny" Nathan Leigh

Johnny “Benny” Nathan Leigh passed away on October 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 20, 1949, in Paris, Texas, to William Leigh and Della Mae Young.

Benny was raised by his mother and his grandmother, whom he lovingly called “Mama Young.” He graduated from Hereford High School before serving in the United States Army for 3 years. He mostly served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He later met the love of his life, Kathy Ritter, in Hereford, Texas, in April 1970. They were married 4 months later, on August 6th, 1970, and spent the next 56 years building a life and family together. They had two sons, Jason and Ryan, who—along with his wife and granddaughters—were the people Benny was most proud of. Being a dad and Pa was one of his greatest joys. He loved watching his granddaughters grow up, cheering them on, and making sure they knew how proud he was of them. Whether he was coaching his boys in baseball or bragging about his granddaughters, Benny never missed a chance to talk about his family.

Benny was known for his strong work ethic and business sense. He ran an insurance agency for many years before becoming a consultant to others seeking business advice. People could turn to him for an honest opinion, practical advice, or help figuring things out. He took pride in his work and was always willing to share what he had learned.

Family was always at the center of Benny’s life. He was proud of his wife, sons, and granddaughters, and he made sure they knew it. He showed his love by being there, offering advice, and taking an interest in what was going on in their lives. His family will miss calling him for guidance, hearing his opinions, and sharing the everyday conversations that meant so much over the years.

Benny also showed up for the people he cared about. When his father-in-law, Henry Ritter, who was like a father to him, was staying at the veterans’ hospital in Amarillo, Benny visited him daily. He made sure Henry had opportunities to get out and enjoy himself and even started a weekly domino game for the veterans. It reflected the way Benny cared for others: he found ways to help and make the most of the time he spent with them.

Benny enjoyed baseball and football throughout his life. He worked with the Amarillo Dillas during their time in Amarillo and was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. In the 80’s, Benny and Kathy played on an Amarillo softball league as well as on a co-ed softball league together. Whether coaching his sons, following a game, or cheering on his favorite team, sports were another way Benny spent time doing what he enjoyed.

Those who knew Benny will remember his work ethic, laid-back humor, strong opinions, and willingness to help others. His family will miss his advice, guidance, his humor, and the many everyday moments they shared with him. Above all, they will remember how proud he was of his family and how much he loved being part of their lives.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents, William Leigh and Della Mae Young; his grandmother, May Dell Young “Mama Young”; his mother-in-law, Anita Ritter; his father-in-law, Henry Ritter; his sister, Tina Kirkpatrick; his sister-in-law, Sheila Muno, and her husband, Burl Muno; and two siblings, sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy Ritter Leigh; his son, Jason Leigh; his son, Ryan Leigh, and wife, Lindsay; his granddaughters, Kaitlyn Nuckols and husband Nathan, Kamryn Leigh, and Conner Stepien; a great-grandson, Caleb Nuckols; his sister-in-law, Fawn Miller and husband Mark Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Leigh family thanks the staff at the Amarillo VA Health Care System for the care and support they provided to Benny and his family. We are grateful for the time, kindness, and attention you gave him, and for the support you showed our family throughout this time.

We will schedule a celebration of life for a later date.