CASTALIA, NC-- Staley Leonard, 97, of Castalia and the Red Bud community, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was born on January 26, 1925 in Franklin County, to the late Bennie and Eva Andrews Leonard. In addition to his parents, Staley was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Corinne Leonard; and his siblings, Mozelle Smith, Wilton Leonard, Daphine Murphy, J.B. Leonard, Kelly Murray, Alfred Leonard and Malcolm Leonard.

Staley is survived by his children: Elwood E. Leonard, and his wife, Becky, Cora L. Mozingo and her husband, Mike, and Beverly L. Jeffreys and her husband, Vann; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and his Red Bud Baptist Church family.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Red Bud Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery and the family will receive friends following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Red Bud Baptist Church, c/o Sandra Murphy, 92 Red Bud Church Rd., Castalia, NC 27816. Arrangements by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.