James Leroy Nease

CARRBORO — James Leroy Nease, 94, of 222 Old Fayetteville Road, Carrboro, passed away at his home on July 13, 2010.

Born in Greensboro on January 1, 1916, he was one of nine children and the last of his brothers and sisters to slip his earthly bonds. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Flossie Kivett Nease, in 1971, and his wife of 29 years, Billie Nance Nease, in 2003.

Leroy fought for his country in World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy before being captured at Anzio. After 14 months of captivity in Italy and Germany as a prisoner of war, he was liberated near the end of the war and returned to the country he cherished.

Upon returning to civilian life, Leroy worked in the building trades and hardware business before becoming an auditor with the Internal Revenue Service in Greensboro, North Carolina. He served with distinction for over 20 years. Upon his retirement in 1976, the Department of the Treasury recognized and commended his service by bestowing upon him the Albert Gallatin award. In retirement, Leroy lived in Charlotte where he busied himself with carpentry and wood working projects. He was also an active member in the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 2003, he moved to Carrboro to be near his daughter. He always took great pleasure in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, LeAnn Nease Brown and son-in-law Gordon Brown of Chapel Hill, his grandsons, James Braxton (Brac) Webb and Edward Austin Webb of Arlington, VA, granddaughter, Hannah Stewart of Charlotte, NC, step-grandchildren Charles Mann Brown and wife, Alyssa Brown of Eugene, OR, Virginia Tilley Brown of Sanford, NC, James G. Brown of Chapel Hill, and great-granddaughter Sydney Terrell Brown of Eugene, OR. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Debbie Wilkinson of Charlotte, NC and by his dear nieces, nephews and cousins. The family especially acknowledges the extraordinary care and support given to Leroy by Charles Edward Webb.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday evening, July 15, 2010, from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., at Walker's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2010 at Walker's Funeral Home Chapel with graveside rites following at Lake View Memorial Park, 3600 North O'Henry Boulevard (U.S. Hwy. 29 North), Greensboro, NC at 2:00 p.m.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to UNC Hospice, P. O. Box 1077, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or Meals on Wheels, 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-2947 or the Dispute Settlement Center of Orange County, 302 West Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.walkersfuneralservice.com

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill, 120 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 is assisting the Nease family.