Obituary: Leon L. Isom Jr.
Leon L. Isom Jr. ~ June 25, 1931 – October 28, 2023 (age 92)
Leon L. Isom Jr. passed from this life at his home in Middleton on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 92 years, four months, and three days, surrounded by family.
Services were held at the Pocahontas church of Christ on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. with burial in the Essary Springs Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar was in charge of professional arrangements.
Mr. Isom was born on Thursday, June 25, 1931, to Girneal Mills and Leon Loyd Isom, Sr. in Corinth, Mississippi. He was drafted into the United States Army on July 10, 1951. Mr. Isom went through basic training and leadership school in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division – Heavy Weapons Group. He left for Korea on February 22, 1952. Shortly after arriving in Korea, he was promoted to sergeant of the motor pool. Mr. Isom was honorably discharged and returned home on March 22, 1953.
He worked at Nelms Body Shop (had his own for a while) and Reichold Chemicals (five years) prior to working for 35 years at Harmon Automotive. Mr. Isom enjoyed many hobbies during his lifetime which included hunting, camping, collecting antiques, woodworking, gardening, and especially restoring old cars, and sewing machines.
Mr. Isom was a member of the New Hope church of Christ. Prior to that, he served as an elder of the Pocahontas church of Christ and was a long-time member of the Bolivar church of Christ where he served as a deacon.
Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Thompson and husband Gary of Beech Bluff, Tennessee and Jannie Griffin and husband David of Bells, Tennessee; a son, Jimmy Isom and wife Becky of Cleveland, Tennessee; a brother, Billy Isom and wife Ann of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; seven sisters, Mary Smith of Pocahontas, Lillie Ann Pierce and husband Joel of Jackson, Tennessee, Helen Carlile and husband Rex of South Bend, Indiana, Marth Francis Yopp of Middleton, Judy Hughes, of Selmer, Patricia Maxwell and husband Jim of Middleton, and Wanda Pulse and husband David of Middleton; three grandchildren, Autumn Renee Kelly (Adam), Rachael Isom (John Butler), and Morgan Key (Max); two great grandchildren, Austin and Addison Kelly; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost 71 years, Mary Bernice Isom; three brothers-in-law, Billy Smith, Ruble Yopp, and Larry Hughes; and one sister-in-law, Thelma Isom.
The family would like to thank Candi Vaughan of Ramer and Mary Smith of Pocahontas, his indispensable caregivers, for their love and attention the last three years, and also Bonnie Veech and Tammy Edney. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to New Hope Church of Christ or Pocahontas Church of Christ.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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