Leon Julian Reynolds

 Leon Julian Reynolds, 93, affectionately known as Papa, went home to heaven on March 23, 2024.  Leon was surrounded by his children and grandchildren the night before and passed away peacefully with his beloved daughter Leah by his side.  A special thanks to the staff at the VA hospital in Salisbury for the exceptional care they gave to Leon while he stayed there for the past year.  To those that loved Leon, he was larger than life, and the joy that he brought into everyone’s lives will be missed tremendously. 

Leon was born on March 7, 1931, to Jacob Cantine Reynolds and Ethel Reynolds in Kingston, New York.  As a child Leon loved spending time with his dad and his brother “Smitty” engaging in outdoors activities.  On July 26, 1949 Leon Joined the United States Navy and served 2 tours of duty in the Korean War on the USS Marion as an Electrical Technician.  He received the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Korea Presidential Unit Citation. 

On May 28, 1955, Leon married the love of his life, Beverly Ann McElrath.  Leon was a loving, devoted husband to Beverly for 65 years until her passing on May 27, 2020.  After their marriage, they purchased a home on Parish Lane in Lake Katrine, New York.  There they made many friends and welcomed their children:  Wayne Andrew Reynolds of Charlotte, Mark Steven Reynolds of Concord, Glenn Michael Reynolds (Alice) of Advance, Leah Ester Weddington of Salisbury, and Kevin John Reynolds of Grand Lake, CO.  Leon was a proud and loving father to his children.  Leon was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 14 out of Lake Katrine, NY.  Leon enjoyed taking the family to “Camp” in the Catskill Mountains to ride snow mobiles and spend time with his lifelong friend Wayne Keller.  Leon also cherished the family vacation for 2 weeks every summer at the Jersey Shore. 

Leon worked for IBM as a program engineer and enjoyed talking about his travels abroad with the company.  In 1978 Leon moved the family to Concord, NC when he transferred to IBM’s Charlotte location.  Leon and Beverly purchased a home on Lindler Drive where they made many more great friends and memories. 

Leon had a talent for entertaining, hosting numerous fish fries, and parties.  The highlight of Leon’s year was hosting an annual Christmas Eve Party for his family and friends.  Leon was the life of the party and was quite the dancer as well.  Leon enjoyed swing dancing to big band music.  After his retirement Leon and Beverly enjoyed traveling together and looked forward to Caribbean cruises every year.  About the age of 75 Leon converted to Catholicism and attended Mass at St. James Catholic Church in Concord. 

Leon was an avid bass fisherman and bowhunter.  He loved his annual voyage to New York every November to hunt with his lifelong friend Wayne Keller in the Catskill Mountains.  Leon was the secretary for the Cabarrus Bowhunters organization and was passionate about helping others become archers.   Leon also enjoyed his time as a member of the Wadeville Hunt Club in Mt. Gilead, NC. 

Leon dearly loved his grandchildren, attending all their sporting events, dance recitals, plays, and graduations.  Leon’s grandchildren include Michael Reynolds (Jackie) of Concord, Jaron Reynolds (Virginia) of Washington DC, Haily Weddington of Charlotte, Sean Reynolds (Lisa) of Winston Salem, Jace Weddington of Charlotte, Joey Reynolds (Sarah) of Raleigh, and Karl Reynolds of Winston Salem.  Great-grandchildren include Mikayla Reynolds, Colton Reynolds, Worth Michael Reynolds, Henry Reynolds, and Ember Reynolds. 

Visitation will be Tuesday March 26, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Concord, NC at 2:00 PM Wednesday March 27, 2024, and the burial will follow at St. James Cemetery on Gold Hill Rd in Concord, with Military Honors.

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