Leon Harding Christopher III, "Chris", died of a tragic snow skiing accident on Sunday, February 25 doing what he loved skiing--in a place he loved--Colorado, with the people he loved most-- his family and girlfriend.
Chris was born on September 9, 1985 in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a Raleigh native, he graduated from Athens Drive High School in 2004 and Lees-McRae College in 2008 where he studied business management. While at Lees-McRae he was a member of the ski team and was president of the team his senior year. At the time of his death Chris was employed as a Service Advisor at MHC Kenworth Truck dealer.
Chris’ love of music was apparent at an early age. He was selected as a member of the Raleigh Boys Choir as a young child and sang in the choir for a number of years. He was in the Athens Drive High School Marching Band where he was a member of the drum line and served as captain his senior year.
Chris loved the outdoors, camping, hiking and working on his car. He was full of life and always ready for an adventure. He greeted you with a warm smile on his face that made you smile back in return and helped you feel at ease. He could talk to anyone and sell anything; he just had that type of personality.
The joy with which Chris embraced life and the joy he gave his family and friends will be greatly missed. Recently his latest passion was derby racing. He loved to participate in the Kirby Derby in Raleigh, NC. He helped design, build award-winning cars, and served as the driver. His team won 1st place in 2016 with his Dream Weaver team with a car design inspired from Vincent Van Goghs "Starry Night". He also won 1st place in 2017 with a Not So Sweet Sixteen car design.
Chris is survived by his parents, Leon Harding Christopher, II and Angela Vernon Christopher of Raleigh, North Carolina; his brother, John Christopher of Wilmington, his sister, Alexis Christopher and her fiance Andrew Buchanan of Raleigh, and his girlfriend who was his best friend and soulmate Julie Delaporte of Vironvay, France; his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Christopher of Wake Forest; one aunt Marylaura C. McKoon; two uncles Ralph Christopher and Stephen Christopher and wife Lisa Christopher and several cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Leon H. Christopher, Sr.; maternal grandparents, John E. Vernon and Betty T. Vernon, who were all of Henderson, North Carolina.
A graveside service will be held Saturday March 3, 2018 at 11 am at Elmwood Cemetery in Henderson followed by a Celebration of Life for Chris at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church located at 200 High Meadow Drive in Cary on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1 pm by Dr. Jody Welker. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall. The family will receive friends Friday night March 2, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. At other times they will be at the home of Lee and Angie Christopher, 4008 Dutch Harbor Ct. Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the SPCA of Wake County 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh NC 27603.
Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home of Henderson and Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary.
