Dennis Edwin Leake

Dennis had a zest for life. His motto was, “Life was not meant to be lived in moderation.” He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for a stranger. He never let facts interfere with a good story. He was one of those guys everyone seemed to know and like.

The son of the late Clarence and Ellen Webster Leake, Dennis was born in Harrisonburg, VA. He grew up one of 12 children, and he cherished his childhood and all of the wonderful memories of 371 West Water St.

He was an Army veteran who served oversees in Thailand and later at the Pentagon. After his service, he began a career in the paper industry, which spanned over thirty years. Dennis retired in 1998 as Executive Vice President; Chief Operating Officer of Montreal based St Laurent Paperboard. For most of his adult life, he called Florence, SC home. His Latta group and the one-and-only CCSC posse held a special place in his heart.

Dennis cared deeply for his family and they for him. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Earlyn Beamer Leake, his daughter, Kathryn Leake Scott and son-in-law, Chris Scott; his sisters, Joan Grandle, Sandra Crippen and Andrea Rhodes; his brother, Donald Leake; his sister-in-law, Joyce Leake; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Furr and Ronald Rhodes. His nieces, nephews and their families, and many devoted friends also survive Dennis. He loved them all, and he knows they loved him. Dennis was preceded in death by three sisters, Constance Knupp, Annabel Fawley and Gwinnette Furr; and four brothers, Cornell Leake, James Leake, Aubrey Leake and Olin Leake.

While Dennis will be dearly missed, all who knew him can attest that he lived his life to the fullest. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Lindsey Funeral Home, 473 S. Main St, Harrisonburg, VA. A reception will immediately follow at the Elks Club. Dennis will be cremated. Burial at Woodbine Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Hospice of VA Foundation, 1700 Bayberry Court, Richmond, Virginia 23226, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.

Hey Willy…prepare, he’s on his way.