Leon Dorsey, passed peacefully into the waiting arms of his beloved Wilda on June 8, 2019 at Nacogdoches Medical Center, just shy of his 87th birthday. The eldest of six children, Charlie Leon Dorsey, Jr. was born June 12, 1932 in Hearne, TX to Charlie Leon Dorsey, Sr. and Julia Rhea Guynes. He was preceded in death by his parents of Hearne, TX; wife Wilda Dorsey of Nacogdoches, TX; brother Kenneth Dorsey of Kearney, NB; brother-in-law Lee Soileau of Lumberton, TX and sisters Evelyn Sheffield of Lumberton, TX and Julia Reid of Houston, TX. Leon is survived by his daughters Melanie Lockhart (Steve Schott) of Albuquerque, NM; Amy Vohs (Darrell) of Plano, TX and Leah Dorsey of Nacogdoches, TX; grandsons Jacob Vohs (Debbie) of Plano, TX and Joshua Vohs of Dallas, TX; great granddaughters Isabel and Violet Vohs of Plano, TX; brother Cecil Dorsey (Linda) of Pearland, TX; sister Nita Soileau of Lumberton, TX; brother-in-law Howard Sheffield of Lumberton, TX; sister-in-law Marsha Dorsey of Kearney, NB and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A proud native Texan, Leon spent many years roaming the state's vast and varied regions before settling in Nacogdoches. His warm wit and keen sense of humor were never lost on an audience, as he delighted in recounting stories of his life's adventure with Wilda Priddy, high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, their fortunate addition of three darling daughters and subsequent moves throughout the state. A proud father, grandfather and adoring great grandfather, Leon excelled as a devoted husband and caregiver, loyal friend, trusted businessman and quiet pillar of strength and character within his family and community.
A TCU graduate and history major, Leon worked as a banking officer most of his career, retiring as Vice President of Fredonia State Bank in 1996. He realized a pinnacle dream by opening a new Savings & Loan Association, Timberland Savings, in 1977, so chances are high Leon Dorsey serviced the mortgage loan on most homesteads in town. An avid reader, Leon reveled in Civil War novels and planning vacations with historical significance. He and Wilda toured American national parks, capitals, monuments, battlegrounds and birthplaces, as well as, Austria and Alaska via cruise. Leon adored playing, watching and discussing sports, whether Huntsville Hornet, TCU Horned Frog or Dallas Cowboy football, North Carolina vs. Duke basketball, 18 holes with friends or Amen Corner at the Masters. A genuine friend, eager learner and listener, Leon appreciated thoughtful conversation, magnificent harmonies and rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy. Leon treasured his marriage, family, time spent singing in church choirs and lifelong friendships. He loved the Lord and served Him well.
A service is scheduled for Saturday June 15, 2019 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church 201 E. Hospital Street, Dr. Jeff McDonald officiating, assisted by Terry Smith. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to visitation Friday June 14, 2019 6:00- 8:00 pm at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street. Memorial donations may be made to the First Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
