John Wilson Leagon

Born May 20, 1939 in Iredell County, he was the son of the late Frank Miller Leagon and Sadie Aileen Somers Leagon. He grew up in Newton, graduating from NCHS with the class of 1957. John served in the Army National Guard for 10 years. He enjoyed a 40 year career in furniture fabric sales beginning as a manufacturer’s rep, and later forming his own company, John Leagon and Associates. John made many long-lasting friendships along the way. He was a member of Conover Masonic Lodge #709, Scottish Rite, and Oasis Shrine Temple, a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, he served on several mission trips to Mexico and the gulf shore after Katrina.

Always a fitness enthusiast, John was a charter member of the YMCA, serving as chairman of the Board of Managers at Adrian Shuford YMCA. He was a UNC Tarheel fan, an avid golfer, a member of Catawba Country Club and had the opportunity to play many courses with a lot of good friends.

John lived life to the fullest, touched a lot of lives, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed swapping stories with his buddies. A deep love of his family was evident. John especially adored his grandchildren and was always present at their activities. He showed an uncommon amount of strength and determination throughout his lengthy illness and continued to have a positive attitude.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Vance Leagon and Frank Miller Leagon, Jr. and sister, Carolyn Somers Leagon.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years, Johnnie Hallman Leagon of the home; sons, Mark Leagon and wife, Tina of Hickory, Jeff Leagon and wife, Jackie of Conover; brother, George Raymond Leagon of Conover; sister, Sarah Louise “Sally” Sigmon and husband, Frankie “Trigger”, of Newton; five grandchildren, Emily Leagon, Amanda Leagon, Audrey Leagon, Evan Merrill and Ethan Merrill and wife, Amber; two great grandchildren, Peyton Merrill and Avery Merrill; sister-in-law, Evelyn Hallman of Conover; and three nieces and a nephew.

A service of remembrance will be conducted on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Newton with Rev. Steven Barnes and Rev. Wallace Johnson officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Catawba Memorial Park prior to the service.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29604 or Adrian L. Shuford, YMCA, 1104 Conover Blvd. East, Conover, NC 28613.