Leon Earl Schaffer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leon Earl Schaffer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Leon passed away peacefully in his home on August 19, 2024 at 68 years old.

Leon was born on May 12, 1956 in Jacksonville, North Carolina to Earl and Jessie Schaffer. As the son of a United States Marine, Leon experienced many places growing up and even spent some of his childhood living in Japan with his father, mother, and two sisters, Debbie and Cathy. Following graduation from White Oak High School in his hometown, Leon furthered his education at East Carolina University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional Services and the Administration of Justice.

Leon’s law enforcement career began as a uniformed patrolman for the City of Washington Police Department. He advanced through the ranks as Evidence Custodian, Crime Scene Technician, Detective, Detective Sergeant, and ultimately Captain of Investigations and Support Services. Following his service at the City of Washington Police Department, Leon served as Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He served his initial years of service in Buffalo, New York investigating White Collar Crimes, with a focus on White Collar Crime, Government Program Fraud, and Public Corruption. Following a transfer to Washington, D.C., his final years of service were dedicated to investigating Soviet Foreign Counterintelligence.

After his service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Leon opened his own investigations and security firm called Vèritè International, Inc. in Greenville, North Carolina. Leon was passionate about his work and loved to spread his wisdom and knowledge. During his time in Greenville, North Carolina, Leon served as an instructor for the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies at East Carolina University, where he developed and instructed courses teaching the Fundamentals of Criminal Investigations and the Investigation of White-Collar Crime.

After serving the community in Greenville, North Carolina, Leon and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served as a Discrimination Investigator for the North Carolina Department of Labor. In addition to his law enforcement career, Leon served his community as an advocate through his work with NC Department of Health & Human Services Division of Social Services and Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. Leon’s passion for serving and protecting his community persisted throughout his life as he continued his law enforcement career as a Financial Crimes Specialist and served his retirement years as a Security Officer and Supervisor.

Leon always put others before himself, and his compassion and dedication transcended his extensive career. Upon meeting the love of his life, Sherri, he became wholeheartedly committed to supporting her and her children. A few years later, he and Sherri welcomed their own child, Madison, into the world. Leon devoted his life to his family and worked hard to provide them with a life filled with love, security, and support. He was a loving husband to Sherri; a proud father to Madison, Taylor, Tara, Troy, and Trey; and a caring grandfather to Corban, Corah, Isaac, and Savannah.

Leon was preceded in death by his father, Earl Schaffer; his mother, Jessie Schaffer; his daughter, Tara Brock; and his son, Troy Brock.

Leon is survived by his wife, Sherri; his children, Madison Schaffer, Taylor Brock, and Trey Brock; his grandchildren, Corban Edwards, Corah Edwards, Isaac Brock, and Savannah Brock; his sisters, Debbie Davis and Cathy Bramlett; and many nieces and nephews.

Leon’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered as a man with deep compassion for people and strong patriotism for his country, which were the driving forces of his impactful life and career. Leon’s kindness, selflessness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

A celebration of Leon’s life will be held on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at 2pm in the Pineville Chapel of McEwen Funeral Service located at 10500 Park Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com