M. A. Lightman, who as president of the family-operated Malco Theatres Inc. saw neighborhood motion-picture theaters evolve into multiscreen suburban cinemas, died of cancer Wednesday afternoon at his home. He was 81. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Born in Nashville and a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Mr. Lightman moved to Memphis in 1930. His father, M. A. Lightman, founded Malco Theatres Inc. Mr. Lightman became president of Malco, which stands for M. A. Lightman Co., and now operates 35 theaters with 190 screens in the Mid-South, in 1959. He and his brother, Richard Lightman, became co-chairmen of the company's board in 1981. "I still consider his leadership now," said his son, Stephen Lightman of Memphis, the current president of Malco. An outdoors enthusiast, Mr. Lightman and his wife of 55 years, Jean Sands Lightman, moved to a lakefront home about 20 years ago, Stephen Lightman said. There the couple entertained their eight grandchildren and their friends on summer nights and weekends. "His family was everything to him," Stephen Lightman said. Mr. and Mrs. Lightman were 'soulmates,' said their daughter, Nancy Tashie. They enjoyed playing golf together and fishing for bass under a setting sun near their lake home. Mr. Lightman could play the piano by ear and often wrote 'philosophical treatises' on life and other matters, said his son Stephen. He picked up tennis in his late 60s and played bridge and backgammon. Whatever he did, said his other son, Michael Lightman, he most enjoyed having his children and grandchildren, who called him 'Poppy,' join in. "He just set a great example for all of us," he said. Mr. Lightman was a member of the executive committee and vice president of the National Association of Theatre Owners. He was a member of the Motion Picture Pioneers. He was past president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Mr. Lightman also was a member and past president of the Variety Club Tent 20; past president of the Variety Children's Heart Institute; and past president of Ridgeway Country Club. He also had been active in Shelby United Neighbors, United Jewish Appeal, Future Memphis, 100 Club, Rotary Club, Runaway House and other civic and charity organizations. He was a member of Temple Israel. The family asks that memorials be sent to the charity of the donor's choice. (Obituary published February 6, 1997, in The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN)