Leon Newman Sr.

Leon Newman Sr., 87 of Mount Airy, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024. He was born on April 24, 1937, in Patrick County, Virginia. Leon was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whom his family and friends will deeply miss. Leon had a rich and fulfilling life. He was a jack of all trades, starting his career at Pike Electric before transitioning to the Electrical Union in Ohio. Leon also ventured into the restaurant business in New Jersey and later returned to line work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Leon's hard work and dedication earned him a 60-year service plaque from the Electrical Union. In 1986, he moved back to North Carolina and established Leon's Burger Express in Mount Airy, a business he took great pride in. Leon retired from Pike Electric. Leon was a member of the Granite City Lodge #322 A.F and A.M. In addition, Leon was a previous member of the Flat Rock Fire Department Board of Directors and a previous member of the Mount Airy Elks Lodge. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Leon was known for his love of gardening and other outdoor projects, playing golf, and he loved going to horse races. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his wife of 66 years, Eileen, whom he loved very much. Leon's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought immense joy to his life, and he was affectionately known as "POPPOP" to them. Leon is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Newman; his children, Vickie Riekehof (Paul) of Mount Airy, Leon Newman Jr. (Patty) of Rahway, New Jersey, Carol Cockerline (Dean) of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and Susan Smith (David) of Pilot Mountain; ten grandchildren, Lee Ann, Phillip, Laurie, Kelsey, Sharon, Patrick, Ashley, Brian, Tyler, and Kevin; seven great-grandchildren, Robby, Caleb, Carter, Henry, Ellie, Grayson, and Heath. He was preceded in death by his parents, Novie and Earlie Newman; brothers, James and Glenn Newman; and a special daughter, Patricia Colucci. A funeral service will be held at Moody's Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. with Jon Cawley officiating. The interment will be at Red Bank Primitive Baptist Church in Claudville Virginia. The family will receive friends at Moody's Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Mark Dodd and Dr. Jon Hudson for their care over the years. The family would also thank the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice, especially Leon's nurse, Ashley, for their care and compassion. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.