Rev. Joe Franklin Leach

Rev. Joe Franklin Leach, age 85, widower of the late Cammie Ray Leach, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021. 

Born in Guilford County, he was a son of the late Banner and Ethel Brewer Leach. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. Rev. Leach was a graduate of Fruitland Bible College and was the Pastor of Silver Valley Baptist Church, the Assistant Pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, and retired as the Pastor of Hillsville Baptist Church. Joe also worked at various hosiery mills like his father fixing machines. He was a member of Green Street Baptist Church and enjoyed hearing other local pastors. He loved reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family. Joe was known throughout his life for his sense of humor and love of singing. He never faltered with the humor and singing and enjoyed serenading many of the hospice team members that he was so blessed to have caring for him until the end. 

Rev. Leach is survived by four children, Elizabeth Brown (Boyd), Suzanna Creasman, John Leach (Traci), and Rebekah Dobbins (Brad); nine grandchildren, Graham Brown (Deanna), Emily Fordree (Jon Ross), Elayna Brown, Pierson Creasman, Noah Leach, Levi Leach, Harrison Dobbins, Sawyer Dobbins, and Nolan Dobbins; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Hubert Leach, Fred Leach, and Roy Leach; and four sisters, Julia Cochran, Frances Kestler, Margaret Owen, and Mary Kestler. 

The family of Joe Leach would like to express a special thank you on behalf of Joe, to Lori Moffitt, (the tall girl), and LeChele Miller who both spent time with Joe and provided care for the past few months. Lori, your stories, summaries of the adventures we sometimes missed, and videos will be cherished. We also want to thank Hospice of the Piedmont for their constant and compassionate support.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Abbott’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church conducted by Pastor Josh Jacobs with burial to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the church prior to the service. 

Memorials may be made to Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, 204 Idol Street, Thomasville, NC 27360 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262. 

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