His "ship came sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning." A faithful husband, father, hero, and friend, Walter H. Leake, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Christmas morning, 8 days short of his 82nd Birthday. To ponder Walter's life, one must confess that "it's a wonderful life." If questioned, he was quick to minimize the impact of his life. Dare we ask, "What if Walter had never been born?" The meritorious valor that resulted in two Purple Hearts in Korea would not have occurred; 50 years of Christmas memories with a devoted and cherished companion would vanish; 40 years of faithful pastoral care would not have been performed; the embrace of his unconditional love would never have been felt by his children and grandchildren; and many of the glowing embers of love for God and country in his city, state and nation may not have been fanned into flame. Yes, we are glad you were born Walter because the magnitude of your impact will never be forgotten.
We thought we would share the secret of Walter's success. After committing his life to Christ in April of 1957, Walter consistently immersed himself in the Word of God; diligently studied the lives of honorable men; patiently devoted himself to the memorization of insightful verses and quotes; and allowed his strength to be formed in the heat of the fight as he courageously struggled to see the moral reformation of his culture. Those touched by his life will readily proclaim that Walter Leake was a Champion for Christ.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Ray and wife Carla of Florida, Sabrina and husband Scott of Wisconsin, Jonathan and wife Vickie of New Bern, David and wife Angela of Wilmington; and adopted son, Dr. Richard Lynch of New Bern; ten adored grandchildren; seven brothers and one sister of Oklahoma; and one sister of California.
We invite you to come and join us as we celebrate the life of our beloved "hero of the faith." A Memorial Celebration will be held at Pleasant Acres Church in New Bern at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2012. The family will receive family and friends at Praise Assembly d/b/a e-Church (2790 Hwy 70 East, New Bern, NC) on Friday, December 28, 2012, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Memorial Fund established in Walter's honor by Praise Assembly/e-Church, PO Box 3122, New Bern, NC 28564.
As a parting thought, we will leave you with two of Walter's most often quoted remarks: "Only one life, twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last" and "He knows, He loves, He cares. Nothing this truth can dim. He gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him."
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brother Leake
truly a man's man and one of the greatest Christians I have ever known. He was my pastor at one point in time in my life truly a blessing. May God continue to bless his family even though he is no longer on earth with us I can say with all my heart that day will come when I will see brother Leake again. He is already in glory and I am glory bound. Thank you brother Leake
David Brown
January 9, 2013
I met Mr. Leake through his involvement in the Pro-Life Chain of Life on Martin Luther King Blvd every October. He was dedicated to Life from conception to natural death. He was a devoted man to his family and community. I know that our Lord has welcomed Walter as a "good and honored soul" to, and through, the Heavely Gates of life ever lasting. My condolences to his beautiful family. Joan Bottcher
Joan Bottcher
January 6, 2013
May God Bless the family and comfort you during this difficult time. Walter was such a blessing to so many people and I thank the Lord that our paths crossed in this lifetime.
Bill and Sandra Baldree
January 3, 2013
My dearest friends,
I will never forget the day that Pastor Leake stood before me and pretty much told me God has big plans for me in my life. As a child I didn't really get it. As an adult, I thank Pastor & Sister Leake for all their prayers and leadership in my life. I know that without them in my younger days I would not be here today.
I thank God for Pastor Leake, a man that never changed on his faith or his dedication to public awareness in politics. I thank him for all he did in my life and all he has done for me.
Today, I am a Pentecostal, spirit filled woman and I know that one day, we will meet again on the streets of glory, worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ.
My prayers are with the entire Leake family. Since you guys have grown so large I'm not going to name all of you but know, I love you and am praying that Jesus will hold your hands and your hearts during this time..
Senona Thomas
January 1, 2013
Thank you for your service to the Lord and His people.
Connie Cook
December 31, 2012
A Hero of the faith; the patriach of his family and a great man of principle that served with honor and distinction both in the military and in the Craven County area. God has truly said well done to this great father, minister of the gospel, friend and our brother in Christ Jesus. We feel your loss but we also rejoice with you for a life well lived in the Lord. What an honor and privilege to have met such a man. Thank you for a legacy of faith. Our prayers are with you. Pastors Jimmie & Tharesa Lee
Tharesa Lee
December 28, 2012
Carol, Ray, Sabrina, Jon, and David, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. What memories we all have of your Dad! Our family has been blessed to have known him.
Elwood & Ann Groves
December 27, 2012
was a good friend we will be praying for his family but one day we will see him again William & Kathy Fordham Fordham electrical
December 27, 2012
Walter was a real soldier in the Lord. He has received his well done my good & faithful servant. I will miss him now but I know I shall see him with my Lord.
Keith Boulware
December 27, 2012
Ray, I was very sorry to hear about your dads passing. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Ronnie Lee
Ronnie Lee
December 27, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lonnie and Shirley Pridgen
December 27, 2012
Farewell in this life, my Brother in Christ and confidant. I look forward to our reunion in paradise!
Carol and family, God bless you and keep you in this temporal day of mourning, but rejoice in Walter's reunion with his Lord!
Jerry & Pam Schill
December 26, 2012
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