Emmett Leon Brickhouse

1933 - 2025

Emmett Leon Brickhouse Elizabeth City - Emmett "Leon" Brickhouse, age 92, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away at his residence on Friday, July 11, 2025. Born in Pasquotank County on July 8, 1933, to the late Emmett Brickhouse and Gertie Scott Brickhouse, he was the widower of Kathleen Ownley Brickhouse, having been happily married for 61 years.

After graduating from Elizabeth City High School, Leon was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. There he was attached to an engineering battalion, attaining the rank of sergeant. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned home, becoming a millwright, and co-founded Albemarle Grain Equipment Company. Retiring after 30 years as a millwright, he began his second career, farming with his son and founding K & L Farms, Inc.

Leon was a lifelong supporter of 4-H Youth Livestock Projects because that's where he met Kathleen, the love of his life. He was affectionately called "Mr. Leon" by so many, helping numerous kids that didn't have facilities to raise animals. Leon continued this tradition until 2017, when he stopped due to health reasons. Because of his continuing support of livestock and youth, he was inducted in the NC Livestock Hall of Fame in 2009 and received numerous other 4-H and FFA recognitions over the years. Leon also received the state's highest civilian honor, Order of the Long Leaf Pine, in 2017. He was a lifelong member of Blackwell Memorial Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and was on the Board of Deacons for many years.

Leon is survived by his daughter, Julie Brickhouse Fearing; son, Kevin Leon Brickhouse (Wendy); and grandchildren, Christopher Ross Fearing, Katie Fearing Woodhouse (Tyler), Colin Leon Brickhouse, and Connor Scott Brickhouse. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys Brumback, Virginia White, Audrey Nash, and Clara Brickhouse, and brothers, Harold Brickhouse, Norman Brickhouse and Marvin Brickhouse.

The family would like to thank his friends and loved ones for the support they have shown through their visits and acts of kindness.

A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Blackwell Memorial Baptist Church, with Reverend Don Morris officiating. Burial will took place at West Lawn Cemetery. The family greeted friends and family for a visitation at Twiford Memorial Chapel on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Blackwell Memorial Baptist Church, 700 N. Road St., Elizabeth City, NC.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Brickhouse Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.