Charles Lynnwood Leavelle, Jr.

Obituary

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91:15–16 (KJV)

On Friday, June 19, 2026, God, in His calm and gentle manner, sent His angels to claim His faithful servant, Deacon Charles Lynnwood Leavelle, Jr. Charles was born on May 23, 1927, in Midland, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles Lynnwood Leavelle, Sr. and Gillie Holland Leavelle Little.

Charles attended the Franklin County Training School. While still a student, he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served in the European

Theater. His military service would later be transferred to the United States Army Air Forces in response to the needs of the nation during the war effort. After faithfully serving his country, he received an honorable discharge in 1947.

Upon his return home, Charles was united in holy matrimony to the late Carrie Lee Young of Rocky Mount, Virginia on May 24, 1947. Their union was blessed with four children: Charles Lynnwood Leavelle III, Michael Thomas Leavelle, Timothy Leavelle, Sr., and Reverend Alice Maria Leavelle.

A lover of music from an early age, Charles and his brothers formed a singing group known as the Tear Droppers while attending high school. Their passion for music and ministry would later lead to the formation of the Star Gospel Singers, a beloved gospel group that eventually included his oldest son, Charles Lynnwood Leavelle III. For more than three decades, the group ministered through song across local, regional, and national venues. They participated in live radio broadcasts for many years and shared their musical gifts at revivals, correctional facilities, churches, and community events throughout several states. So important was family to Charles that the group declined an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall because the engagement conflicted with Father’s Day.

At an early age, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, Virginia through baptism. His love for God and commitment to the church were evident throughout his life. He faithfully served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher. He later served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and was a devoted member of both the Inspirational Choir and Male Chorus.

Throughout his life, Deacon Leavelle was known for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, and steadfast commitment to God, family, and community. Whether through song, service, or simple acts of kindness, he touched countless lives and left an indelible mark upon all who knew him. His wisdom, humility, and gentle spirit inspired generations within First Baptist Church and beyond.

Deacon Leavelle was a devoted provider and hardworking man who believed in the value of honest labor and faithful stewardship. Following in the footsteps of his stepfather, Orange Thomas Little, who was recognized as the first Black butcher in Rocky Mount,

Charles built a distinguished career as a butcher.. Throughout the years, he faithfully served the community through his work at Simpson’s Super Market, Kelly’s Super Market, and Jones’ Produce.

His commitment to service extended far beyond his profession. A proud veteran and dedicated community leader, he was a member of the Zack Muse Post 111 of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Virginia Chapter 60. He also served as Chairman of the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Committee and as Scoutmaster of a local Boy Scout troop. He loved his community and took great pride in encouraging, supporting, and guiding those entrusted to his care.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Orange Thomas “O.T.“ Little; his brothers, John Leavelle, Ruben Leavelle, and Alvin Leavelle; his beloved wife, Carrie Lee Leavelle; his son, Michael Thomas Leavelle; and his granddaughter, Kiara Vance.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his sons, Charles Lynnwood (Adele) Leavelle III of Rocky Mount, Virginia and Timothy Lee Leavelle, Sr. of Roanoke, Virginia; his daughter, Reverend Alice Maria Leavelle of Rocky Mount, Virginia; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Louise Leavelle, Joan Leavelle, and Jean Leavelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory and celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and give thanks for the 99 years with which God blessed His servant. His labor on earth is complete, his race has been run, and his crown has been won. We find comfort in knowing that he has heard the Master’s voice declare, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”