Elder Thomas W. Leake, Jr. was born November 6, 1947 to Thomas and Evelyn Leake. He departed this life on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
Elder Thomas W. Leake, Jr. was baptized in Jesus name at an early age under the late Bishop Elijah Neal. Later he was reaffirmed under the late Bishop Walter J. Jackson.
Elder Thomas W. Leake, Jr. was a member of New Gospel Tabernacle Holy Church, where he served as an Associate Minister. He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and later entered the US Army, where he served in Vietnam and Germany. He was an advocate with the AIDS Care Services and was recognized for his dedication and support to Holly Haven Family Care Home in February 2007. He also was a Life Member of NC AMVETS Post 777.
He was preceded in death by his father; Thomas W. Leake; sister, Carolyn Elizabeth Leake; and brother, Tyrone Leake.
He leaves to cherish precious memories his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Sutton Leake; his wife, Patricia Wharton Leake; four sons, Thomas Leake, III, Samuel Leake, Leander (Courtney) Wharton, and Christopher Wharton; four daughters, Michelle Leake, Lorraine Leake, Starla Hoover, and Kelly Wharton; fifteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Paulette Diane Leake and Charlene Leake Gaddy; one sister-in-law, Joan Hughes; three brothers-in-law, Rufas Hoover, Joseph Hoover, and Harold Hoover; former wife, Carolyn McQueen Leake; best friend, Harold Porter; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at New Gospel Tabernacle Holy Church with Reverend Dr. Johnny D. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 11:30am on Wednesday at the Church.