Leonard Lee York

Leonard Lee York, 66, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. Born May 11, 1945 in Lincolnton, NC, he was a son of the late Ray Willard York and Cora Bell Berry York. Leonard was a member and deacon of Celebration Family Worship Center. He loved his Lord and was a "prayer warrior?. An avid hunter and fisherman, Leonard retired from Drexel Heritage as a master upholsterer. He and his wife owned and operated York Enterprises Corporation, and they considered the employees part of their family. Known as "Paw Paw?, Leonard was a father and hero to many people. He lived with outstretched arms to all, and opened his home to everyone.A devoted family man, Leonard is survived by his wife, Dianne Branch York of the home; children, Wendy York Kelley and husband, Ralph, and Jeremy Bryan York and wife, April, all of Valdese; grandchildren, Wesley Ryan Kelley and wife, Alyssa of Morganton, Alex Kelley, Jesslynne Kelley Lillard and husband, Matt, Annabelle York, and Makayla York, all of Valdese; a great-granddaughter, Abby Lillard of Valdese; brothers, Willard Eugene "Sam" York, Clifford Ray "Jerry" York, Jimmy Wayne York, and Danny Allen York and wife, Vickie, all of Morganton; and a sister, Barbara York Hildebran of Morganton.In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by a son, Nicky Lynn York; and a sister, Judy Kay.Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Celebration Family Worship Center with Pastor Rocky McLendon and Rev. Ray Clemmons officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm Thursday at Celebration Family Worship Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Celebration Family Worship Center, PO Box 2058, Morganton, NC 28680, or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.