Pastor Leon Townes, Sr.

Pastor Leon Townes Sr. was born on December 2, 1958, in Newport News, Virginia, to Ms. Florine Townes and Freddie Hardy. He was the youngest of six siblings: Jimmy, Charles, Joyce Anne, Debbie, and youngest sister Leslie.

Leon attended Newport News Public Schools and graduated with the Warwick High School Class of 1977. He was active in various sports, with football being his favorite.

After high school, Leon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He later pursued a career in welding, working at Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Industries) for 22 years. He then continued his trade at Wright’s Engineering until his retirement.

In January 1980, Leon met the love of his life, Catherine Uzzle of Windsor, Virginia (Isle of Wight County). They married on October 18, 1980. From their union, God blessed them with five children: Shunte’, Leon Jr., Darius, Dorcas, and Noel—the family Leon had prayed for.

Leon and Catherine gave their lives to Christ early in their relationship, prior to their marriage, at Faith Baptist Church. He later joined the ministry at St. Luke Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Loraine Morrison. The couple then became members of New Hope Baptist Church under Pastor Ivan Harris, where Leon was ordained and licensed to preach the Gospel.

He began evangelizing and eventually became pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Yorktown, Virginia, where he served faithfully for 11 years, delivering powerful sermons every Sunday. Following this, he and his wife founded The Word Tabernacle Ministries. Later, they returned to New Hope Baptist Church, now under the leadership of Pastor Chris Carter.

With his Noon Day Bible Study class flourishing, Leon was called to serve as Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia, where he ministered until his transition.

Leon was preceded in death by his grandparents Alice and Robert; parents Florine and Freddie; his aunt Ola Gathers; uncle Henry; brother Jimmy; and sister Joyce Anne.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his devoted wife of 44 years, Catherine; children Shunte’ (Rey), Leon Jr., Darius, Dorcas, and Noel; Zion, grandchildren Naa’rah and Rayelle—his cherished “Granddaddy’s little girls”; siblings Debbie, Charles, and Johnnie (Joyce); close cousins Yvette and Ronnie, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends.

Leon Townes Sr. was a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, a passionate preacher, and a beloved friend to many. His legacy of love, leadership, and unwavering faith will live on in all who knew him.

It is the desire of the Townes family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Pastor Leon Townes, Sr., has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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