Leroy Stamey

Leroy Stamey, 89, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2008. After months of declining health, Leroy died at home with his family by his side.

He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for 53 years.

Leroy was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He touched many lives as a devout Christian, RA Leader, Sunday School Director, teacher, deacon, prayer warrior, and trustee of the church.Leroy was born April 21, 1919 in Burke County. He served his country in the 9th Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II. Serving under the command of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, his infantry won nine major battles throughout Europe and North Africa. During the 1944 invasion of Normandy, Leroy received the Normandy medal for his service.

Leroy married Sadie Murphy in 1942 and retired from Broughton Hospital after thirty years of service.

He will be remembered as a rabbit hunter and an avid fisherman. Leroy leaves his family with many wonderful memories of love, laughter, and devotion to God. He was a man who represents what a loving Christian father should be. He was a man who would lay down his life for his family and country.Leroy is survived by his son, Toney Stamey and wife, Malisa Coffey Stamey, of Morganton; a daughter, Jerroll Smith and husband, Richard, of Morganton; grandchildren, Wesley and Jennifer Smith and their children, Cassidy Lee Smith and Wesley Stephen Smith, II, Melaina and Jeremy Rhoney and their children, Katelyn Brooke Rhoney and Nicholas McRae Rhoney, and Teagan and Will Brown, IV and their children, W. F. Tristian Brown, V and Marley Sade Brown, all of Morganton; brothers, Bill, Jim, and Johnny; and sisters, Joann, Kay, and Clair.

In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Christine Murphy Stamey; a daughter, Michelle Stamey; brothers, Howard, Jack, and Tom; and sisters, Gladys and Barbara.The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 166 Oakdale Drive, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.