John Alvin Leon Sr.

John Alvin Leon Sr. 74, of Wheatley, passed away on Monday February 27 at his home.

John was born on October 29, 1948 in Wheatley, Arkansas to James Leon Sr. and Lorine Gadsen-Leon.

John was a lifelong member of Greater First Baptist Church in Wheatley, where he served on the Deacon Board, Sunday school teacher and was formerly on the church finance committee. He loved the Word, and he could quote countless scriptures verbatim without missing a word. He loved sharing his wisdom and knowledge of the Word with others. Wisdom and knowledge of the Word was truly his spiritual gift.

John attended school in Wheatley and Brinkley school Districts.

Over the years, John was employed with Eaton/Yale Corporation, Sanyo, City of Wheatley, Wheatley School District and Waste Management until he retired in 2009.

His parents: James "Bubba" Leon Sr. and Lorine Leon; a brother Patrick Leon and a sister Nellie Jean Haliburton; maternal and paternal grandparents: Henry Gadson, Nellie Gadson, John Willis Leon and Nellie Leon; father-In-Law and mother-in-Law: Wilborn Gist and Leola Westbrook Gist: Pete Gist, Leo Gist Sr., Sam Brown and Tyrone Martin; sisters in law: Lorean Gist, Annie M. Gist, Jessie M. Gist and Margaret Leon all preceded John in death.

Survivors are: his loving, devoted wife of 56 years. Emma L. Gist-Leon of Wheatley, AR; four sons: Arthur Leon and John Leon Jr. both of Dallas, TX; James (Lisa) Leon III of Garland, TX; and Mr. Michael Leon of Forrest City, AR; three daughters: Lois Leon of Jonesboro, AR; Francine Leon of Forrest City, AR; and Ms. Teresa Leon of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren: Kiara Phillips of Forrest City, AR; LaQuita (Kenneth) Hamilton of Jacksonville AR; Justin Leon of Conway, AR; Laylah Leon of Fayetteville, AR; Jayla Leon of Denton, TX; Gyjaun Leon of Conway, AR; and Mr. Stanton Leon of Garland, TX; six great grandchildren, three brothers: James Leon II of Brinkley, AR; Curtis (Mary) Leon Sr. of De Valls Bluff, AR; and Arnold (Joyce) Leon of Brinkley, AR; three sisters: Dorothy Brown of Jonesboro, AR; Pamela Leon Johnson of Wheatley, AR; and Penelope Leon-Martin of Little Rock, AR; three bonus brothers: Jesse (Joyce) Gist of Hughes, AR; James Halliburton of Wheatley, AR; and Sam Johnson of Vicksburg, MS; four bonus sisters: Izola Nichols of Chicago, IL; Rosalind Leon of Brinkley, AR; Charleszetta Jimmerson of Brinkley, AR; and Effie Bradley of Searcy, AR; aunts: Alma Kyle of Beebe, AR and Maxine Cobb of Springfield, MO; a host of special nieces, special nephews, cousins, other relatives, fellow church members, friends, neighbors, and former colleagues.

Viewing will be held on Saturday morning, March 11 from 10 AM until 11 AM at Mount of Olive Ministries, 1200 North Main Street Extended in Brinkley. Funeral services will begin promptly at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Wheatley by C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations, 124 South Main Avenue in Brinkley (870) 589-5036 email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gmail.com and Website: williamsfuneraldirectors.net.

Pallbearers: Trafton Leon, James Smith, Joseph Gist, Trevon Leon, Kenneth Leon and Keith Haliburton.