Leon Holley

Leon “Big Lee” Holley of Hobbsville, NC was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin, uncle, and friend. Leon answered the Master’s call on August 6, 2023, after a long health battle.

Leon was born on July 2, 1943 to the late Mary Cherry Holley and the late Howard Jordan in Chowan County, NC.

Leon met Clarine Brinkley and joined her in holy matrimony of forty-nine years. God allowed three children to be added to this union; Andrea, Bobbi, and Anthony.

Leon attended Ashland Baptist Church as a child. He later joined Joppa Missionary Baptist Church after marrying the love of his life, Clarine. Leon quickly participated in the church’s ministry as a gleeful choir member for years. He accepted the responsibility as a member of Joppa’s Trustee Board. He also added to the ministry by taking on the role of a Sunday School teacher and an avid Bible Study teacher. Leon enjoyed reading, studying, listening, and talking about the word of God. He was always ready to talk about God’s Word whenever the opportunity was offered. In fact, TALKING was his favorite past time. He knew no stranger, as talking to everyone brighten his day and showed his compassion for mankind.

Leon also participated as a strong baritone/tenor in the Belvidere Male Chorus for a good number of years. He thoroughly enjoyed ministering in song with this group of men up and down the East Coast in a variety of churches and event halls.

Leon participated in church ministry until his health declined.

Leon spent his younger years as a farm hand, tractor driver, and construction worker. He assisted in building homes and developments in various states on the East Coast. Upon starting his family, he became employed at J. W. Jones Lumber Company, Elizabeth City, NC where he remained employed for 30+ years until his health would no longer allow him.

Leon was preceded in death by brothers; James Holley and Walter Holley; sisters, Loretta Holley and Shirley Holley.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 49 years, Clarine Brinkley Holley, two daughters, Andrea H. Roach of Gatesville, NC, Bobbi J. Holley of Eure, NC, and one son, Anthony T. Holley of Hobbsville, NC. A son-in-love, Samuel D. Roach, three loving grandchildren, Gabrielle “Lil’ Roach” Roach, Alexis “Lulabell” Holley, and Gavin “Man” Roach. One great grandchild, the joy of his life, Kinsley “Ms. K.” Roach.  Three brothers, William Joseph Holley (Edenton, NC), Theodore Holley (Edessa), and Howard Holley. Two sisters, Marie White, Pauline Wilson , a stepmother, Mrs. Louise Jordan (Merry Hill, NC), two sisters-in-law, Rosetta Brinkley and Barbara Stanley(Matthew); one brother-in-law, Geney Brinkley (Connie), and a good friend, his riding partner, Fentress Walton (Gatesville, NC). A host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing and visitation will take place on Friday August 11, 2023, at the funeral home from 4pm to 7pm.

A Celebration of a wonderful life well lived will take place on Saturday August 12, 2023, 12 noon at Joppa Missionary Baptist Church in Hobbsville.

Final resting place will be at the Kee-Brinkley family cemetery.

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