Leon Edgar Jennette, Jr., 45, of Buxton, NC died on Saturday, June 20, 2015. Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of Connie Basnett Fox of Southern Shores and the late Leon Edgar Jennette, Sr. Leon attended Fork Union Military Academy where he was the lacrosse captain and his senior year the captain of the football team. He was a true “Hatteras man” who loved fishing, his boat and the island people.
Along with his mother, Leon is survived by his wife, Nicole Gaulin Jennette; a son, Leon “Trey” Edgar Jennette, III; two sisters, Rossie J. Jackson and husband, Kevin of Buxton and LeAnne J. Woods and husband, Lonnie of Branson, MO; nieces and nephews, KD, Kristen, Hunter, Anna Faith, Sophie, Taylor, Dallas and Tripp; three great nieces and one great nephew.
A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 1:00pm with the Rev. Dr. John Tyson and Rev. David Stowe officiating. A reception will follow at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a college fund for Leon’s son, Trey, at Yadkin Bank, PO Box 770, Avon, NC 27915.
Twiford Funeral Home, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
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Bill Hale
Leon and I were class mates for several years at Fork Union Military Academy, and even roommates in the 7th grade. On behalf of our Facebook group, “FUMA Cadets 1980-1990”, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Leon’s family. Leon was the guy who was everyone’s friend. He made the seven years I spent at FUMA a little happier and brighter. God bless Leon and his family.
Bill Hale
Fork Union Military Academy Class of 1989
patricia peele
your family is in my thoughts, so sorry for your loss
Thomas Iezzi
Nicole and Trey- Please accept my family’s condolences with regard to your loss. I went to FUMA(87) and played lacrosse and football with Leon. He was always smiling and full of laughter. He always made us laugh but it was his huge smile that I always noticed about him. I have some old photographs that I will post on Facebook of our lacrosse days. May peace and love fill your souls in your loss.
Tom
Charles Mahaffey II
My wife’s and I thoughts and prayers and with the family during these tough times. I attended Fork Union Military Academy with Leon where he was a great classmate and friend. God speed Leon…
Patrick Hoffman
I’m so sorry for Loss I went to Fork Union with him He was a great person and friend. Prayers to your family for your loss
Patrick Hoffman
fuma brother
Allison Rucker
Thoughtss and prayers to you all! So sorry for your loss!
Robert Gomez
My sincere condolences. Prayers are with you. Leon was a great man, he was an outstanding cadet, and his smile, enthusiasm, and sincere care for others will be always carried in our hearts. Leon, a true FUMA brother who will always be remembered. RIP.
Tim Stewart
Leon was full of life at Fork Union Military Academy where we attended together. I will always remember our last day at FUMA in 1989 and have this quick clip of him- being his happy-go-lucky self.
The FUMA family is mourning your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i123bxca6dfgnrf/Leon-Jennette-FUMA-1989.mov?dl=0
Woody Woodrum
Its with heavy heart that me and my Fork Union brothers say bye to a great great friend. Thank you Leon for making our time at FUMA a better place with your presence and with a smile that lit up every room you entered. God Speed Leon and God bless your family, you touched more people then you will never know.
Rest well!
Wood
Lisa Brooks-Hill & Adam Hill
Nicole, Trey, Miss Connie, The Jennette Family:
So sorry to hear about Lil Leon, . When I worked at Conner’s and he would come in he always was smiling ad up beat. We don’t understand why God takes some of our loved ones at an early age, on he knows, and we just have to say it was his will; even though it seems so unfair. We do have hope that we will be together again with our loved ones. There will be no more sickness, no more tears we will be in a beautiful place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Beverly Austin Hanlin
I am so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing, I remember his so well as a cadet at Fork Union Military Academy. I especially remember his sweet smile. My prayers for peace and comfort to all the family.
CAROL Sue McCracken
Rossie, LeAnne, Connie, and Nicole and “Trey” my heart is heavy with sadness over the loss of your loved one. By now you know just how many people loved him and all of you with their sincere messages. He was a fine young man, father, brother, etc. We ALL will remember that beautiful smile of his. I don’t think I ever saw him without it. Your loss is DEVASTATING now but in time (and it takes times) you will start to remember and smile of him as you always did before. Love and prayers to ALL of YOU. Know that you are truly loved by many, many, friends.
Matthew Parks
God Bless Leon and his family. God broke the mold with him. I guess guess he was needed for a very special mission.
Deepest sympathy,
Matthew Parks and Family
FUMA Alumni and Friend
Alexandria, VA
Jacki , Robert Sr. Robert Jr and Madison keiser
Our deepest condolences to your family. We will have you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Douglas Price
So sorry to hear. Words are not enough. Peace be with the family and his friends.
Dougie
Apollo and Jeannie Williams
May God give you peace and shelter.I enjoyed working with Leon at Kellogg. I
will remember you forever “buddy”.
Love In Christ
Apollo
Andy Meyer
So sorry to hear of Leon’s passing . I went to Fork Union for 3 years with him. I’ll always remember his smile and being full of laughter. He was probably one of the post popular cadets in the Corps! Prayers and thoughts to the Family. Andrew Meyer FUMA class of 1988!
Kevin & Kim
We are very sad with you now but will always remember his sunny smile that will dry our tears.
Ollie & Ray Black
Our thoughts and Prayer’s are with you.
Ollie & Ray Black
Our thoughts and Prayers are with each of you. God is with you through this.
Jasper Williams
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry that you have suffered such a great loss.
Matthew Morrison
Condolences to the family of a great guy. Leon and I were class mates at FUMA from 1984 to 1989. We played Football and Lacrosse together and we were in the senior officer corps together. He was the one guy we all liked to be around. Our prayers and thoughts are with you,
Matthew Morrison and family
FUMA Class of 1989
Virginia Beach, Va.
Margaret Burrus Waldy and Family
Smiling Leon, always smiling no matter what. That memory we can keep in our hearts instead of the devastating blow of the loss. Nicole and Trey, life will move forward, it will not get easier, just manageable. Both of you are so blessed to have had not only Leon’s smile but the love that he had for both of you, no matter what, no matter when, no matter what else may have been going on. To be loved like that is a precious gift that will never fade. Our deepest sympathies.
Nola Gray
Prayers and thoughts are with you and Trey at this time. So sorry for all the family. God be with you.
Carroll and Dawn Midgett
Just wanting to express how much we love and care for all of you Leon will surly be missed. Psalms 46;1 God is our refuge and strength a very present help in times of need. Love and prayers
Diane Morgan
To all of Leon’s family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Leon thru work @ TNT Services, Inc. He was always smiling and in a happy mood. May God be with all of you.
CHRISTINE D. WINSLOW
As we live, we encounter so many problems that make us feel hopeless and distressed. The worst of our problems is death.Losing a loved one can be devastating because we have a built in desire to live and enjoy life with our family and friends. At these times we need encouragement and hope, so that we can cope with our loss. We can be encouraged by reflecting on the promises that God has given us through His Word the Bible, concerning the hope of seeing our loved ones again. Please read these comforting scriptures at (REVELATION 21:4,5) and (John 5:28,29)
Beth Williams
I did not know Leon, but I knew Connie and Leon Sr. from my high school days at Hatteras (loved Connie so much!). Years later, my daughter, Bonnie Beck (Anderson), went to school briefly with Rossie when we still lived in Hatteras. Leon Jr. sounds as if he was a wonderful friend to everybody and an all-around great guy. I’m so sorry for the heartache everyone in the family is going through right now. Prayers for peace.
John Galbraith
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in a time of sorrow.
FUMA Class of 1988
Derik Callaway
I send my condolences to your family. Leon was a FUMA brother, one I remember fondly as always being friendly to everyone, an ever present smile and a kind soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Derik Callaway & family
FUMA class of 1990
Robert Carter Ritchie (Kyle)
Leon and I were classmates, and friends at Fork Union Military Academy. I enjoyed serving on battalion staff especially because of the friendship shared amongst the brothers. Leon, of course was the leader amongst leaders. I knew him as a brother who always stood up for the littler guys. He was certainly the most popular in our class because of his warmth, kindness, amazing sense of humor, and general good energy. I’m deeply saddened, amongst with so many others. Just last month Leon’s name came up repeatedly at our Alumni Weekend. He is loved and will be missed dearly by his FUMA brothers.
My deepest condolences to Leon’s family. Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers.
RC Ritchie (Kyle), FUMA 89
Todd Gowdy
To the family of Leon Jennette- my deepest condolences. I am an addition to Leon’s extended FUMA family, who thought a lot of your son, husband, father.
Leon was a better man, who made all of us better men during our years at FUMA. What a joy it was to know him during that time.
May God’s countenance shine upon us as another great warrior has been added to his army to continue the mission and help watch over us.
Michael Hedrick
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jennette Family, I’m sorry for your loss
Misty Owens Young
Praying for The Family to find comfort and peace. .
Sara and Andy Scarborough
Mrs. Connie and Family
I’m very sorry for you loss, I am here for y’all if ever you need a shoulder to cry on. Leon was a very special person, Every time I saw him he always gave me a big hug he would ask how I and every one was doing. Leon was a friend to anyone who knew him and he will be deeply missed.
My prayers are with y’all
Stacey Jennette-Meiggs
I offer my sincerest condolences, my prayers are with all of you.
avis tolson butler
To all the family I am sorry . There is no words to say that will remove the emptiness that we feel at times like these but God is there with his Grace and he will see everyone through. LEON your smile and the kindness of your heart will stay a part of us forever. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again .
Lynn Gray
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. You are on my mind and in my prayers. With love…..
jeff gray
So very sorry.,May God give you peace .
Christina Newman
I was sad to hear this, at such a young age make it so hard, I am praying strength and healing for the family.
Twice Leon was at the right place at the right time in my life . Once when I was around 9 yrs old I was swimming at the beach next thing I know I was being pulled under and couldn’t catch my breath. I was in a rip current I thought I was going to drown but next thing I know a hand grabs me and pulls me it out, it was Leon. Til this day when ever I hear the words rip current I’m reminded of Leon. I saw a post the other day that explained what to do in rip current and less then a week ago, made me think of the day Leon saving me .Then years later at a party with friends a guy tried fight/hit me about that time Leon walked in the room when he seen what was going on he went over threaten the guy and after that the guy left. He was alway nice person and I way there for me several times in my life. He truely will be missed, I was blessed to know Leon.
Haley Nash
R. I. P Leon you always had such a happy vibe and smile. The Isalnd really lost someone special.
Jack e Quidley
i love you brother, travel in peace
Nicole and Trey, you are surrounded with love and everything’s gonna be alright
Lorraine Burrus
My love and prayers to each of you in your loss.
Amanda Hooper
My condolences to the family. Leon will be greatly missed . I will never forget his big bear hugs and the way he would smile and especially his laugh . Rest in peace my friend .
Brenda L. Jennette
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I’m sorry for your loss….
Noreen Reasor
i am so very sorry for you loss. Leon always had that special smile going on. He will be missed by many. God bless you and your family.
Larry Schaap
My prayers and condolences to the wife and family. I lost my father (he was 45) when I was eight, so I understand, and will keep you in prayer.
Phil and Randi Rollinson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. We are very sorry for your loss.
Patrick Montague
My heartfelt condolences to those who knew and loved Leon. We attended Fork Union Military Academy together. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit and a grin that light up the room. However, the trait I most admired was his kindness and compassion toward others. He treated everyone well. I recall several tense situations that were diffused by Leon – probably by cracking a joke and flashing a huge grin!
You occasionally meet a person that makes you feel better about yourself after spending time with them. Leon was definitely one of those people.
I pray that you find peace and comfort in this most difficult time.
Steve Whitley
My prayers and condolences go out to the whole family. Leon will be missef
Steve Whitley
My prayers and condolences go out to the whole family. Leon will be missed dearly.
Bonnie Clark
Thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
Michelle Pehrson
So very sorry for your loss!!He will be truly and deeply missed..wish I could hug your hurting hearts….
Al Sibi
To a fellow FUMA brother and friend,May God be with you and your family. Leon, thanks for the memories. The leadership and guidance. You will be sorely missed. Blue skies calm seas..and safe travels on your journey home!
Kerry Jr and Rebecca Hooper
“Lil’ Leon”,
You were an amazing friend and cousin. I will always remember the good times we had hanging out, and our talks while you were riding the ferry to Ocracoke. We are all gonna miss you deeply my friend. I love ya pal and hope to see you one day again!
To the rest of the family,
I am so sorry for the loss of such a great man. He was always willing to “give the shirt off his back” for someone if they needed it, always there to offer encouragement or just an ear to listen. He really knew no stranger, and will deeply be missed!
Our Condolences,
Kerry and Rebecca
bonnie woodley palomares
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME ON LEONS HOME GOING. MAY THE LORD HOLD YOU CLOSE AND CONFORT YOU
G.H.Carlin
So sorry for the loss . It will weigh heavy on our hearts. We were blessed to have known Leon
Ramon Gomez
Nicole I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences are extended to you and the entire family. Please take care of yourself.
George Devine
Leon was an inspiration. His personality was awesome and he smiled constantly. At FUMA I remember he lifted me up during difficult times with his positive influence. One can never forget his uplifting and positive attitude. I miss leon and wish I could have been with him more. My sincere sorrow and prayers for his family. We lost a freind but heaven awaits a one of a kind man.
Rauna Fuller
What a tragedy for your family. Leon was a special young man with a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers for your family at this sad time. May your good memories bring you comfort in the days to follow.
Bertie Midgett
I’m so sorry for your loss and pray God will give you peace & comfort
Doris, Dawson & Shane
so sad to hear about this. Shane went to school and grew up his whole life with lil Leon. I have known him my whole life and it sure has been a pleasure knowing such a great person. He used to always tell me how much he loved my dad and how greatly he was missed by him. Now we can say, Leon will be greatly missed by us. Very sad when people leave us at such a young age. My dad was same age as Leon when he left us. rest in peace my friend. Will see you again one day.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Jodi Fariss
My heart is breaking for all of U. Leon was a great guy it was always nice to see him. God Bless U all , U are in my prayers.
Ronnie Talmage
I worked with Leon at TNT and my prayers are with his family.
He had a contagious smile and hate he is gone.
Lane Hayden
I am sorry for your families loss, He will be missed, He is a FUMA brother and a long time friend. I attended Fork Union with Leon from 1984-1988 he was a great guy , an awesome athlete and someone I am proud to say I was friends with , he always was there to lend a helping hand when needed, his quick wit and positive attitude helped all of us. Words cannot express how sad I am to hear he is gone.
Lane Hayden and Family
Fork Union
Class of 1988
Clarke Staton
I am so sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know Leon well while at Fork Union, I do remember him as having an infectious smile and caring personality. I cannot know the depths of your loss but I do pray that it is buffered somewhat by happy memories of the man you knew and loved.
Coach Micky Sullivan
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Leon was one of my “boys” and will be missed. God bless you all.
Don & Tina meekins
may your family be at peace you’re always in our thoughts and prayers we love you guys
Dan & winona burroughs
Connie &
Connie & family, so very sorry for your loss! I know how your heart is hurting and what a big hole this loss has left in your heart! I will see you later! Love you,winona
Donna & Robert Penfield
May GOD give the family comfort and peace during this time, you’ll are in my prayers ((HUGS)).
Steve Magliano
Loved that guy’s big heart and smile…happy all the time ! Sorry to all who are left behind….
John Spigner
Lil Leon will be missed
I new your father better but had many times we were at the same functions. Go in peace my friend
Laura Peele Fulcher
My heart hurts for the entire family Nicole and your son I just dont know why god takes the good one’s Leon had the best heart always a smile RIP god bless
Garrett Robinson
I want to extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences for the Jennette Family. I knew Leon my entire stay at Fork Union. Leon was truly an unforgettable guy – sincere, charismatic and as genuine as a person can be.
John @ Jettie Miller
PLEASE FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING WE CARE. LEON WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE. I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER his beautiful sm
ile and personality. We will miss u.
Kelly Meredith
Dear Mrs. Fox, Nicole and Trey, there are no words to describe how heartbroken my two boys and I are. Leon was a good man, with a huge heart. I feel blessed to have known him the last six months. He was one of the smartest , funniest people ive ever met.Everything ive read on here , is so true of who he was. He talked often of how much he loved his mom, Nicole and Trey and The people of Hatteras.My heartfelt condolences to all his family . and friends. We are just beside ourselves with sadness. Love , the Meredith family
Kathryn Christian
I am praying for your family during this difficult time. May you find peace.
Sheila Gaskill
My heart goes out to the family. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Julia & Tessa Magliano
Hi Nicole, Just heard the tragic news and wanted to send our love to you at this sad time. We send hugs and thoughts to you and your family.xxx
Rick and Donnella Ward
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! God Bless You!
Tim Stewart
This clip is from our last day at Fork Union Military Academy. Classic Leon!
https://youtu.be/vTytRPpf9BM
Stephanie Doswell
Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Trey and Leon’s family.
Anna Sanders
Nicole & Trey-
We are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know how we can help you.. In any way.
We love and miss you both.
Brian, Anna, & Luke
suzette caldeira
Thinking of you all with deep sorrow. Sending hugs, prayers and love.
Cindy and Ed Wilkins
Nicole, Trey, Connie, and all the rest of the family members:
We were so sorry to hear about Leon. God must have had a special purpose for taking him away at this early time in his life. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all . Trust in HIM who takes care of all things . Love and prayers.
Andrew & Sheri Raynor
Connie, Rossie, & Family,
May the PEACE that passes ALL understanding be yours NOW, and in days ahead as Holy Spirit comforts and guides!
Andrew & Sheri Raynor
Raynor Ministries
Staci and Carter Edwards
We were so sad to hear about the passing of Leon. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mona Walters
To all the family- So sad & sorry for your loss-Our thoughts & prayers are with you all-
Cecilia Foster
Leon will be missed by all who knew him.The biggest smile , biggest hugs and big heart will go on in everyones memory. So sorry for the pain and loss his family is going thru. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Brown
Love. There is no greater emotion. I know how much Leon loved his family and friends. My heart is filled with sorrow for what you are going thru at this time. Hang on to the happy memories and share them. His smile lives on forever in your hearts. God bless and know you are loved.
Jodi Howard
Trey,
There are no words that can express my sorrow for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
John Taxiarchis
Very shocked and saddened to hear of Leon’s passing this morning. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I had the distinct pleasure of being Leon’s Buxton Brother at FUMA (me being from Maine) and played lacrosse with him as well. Simply put, he was one of the best people to have ever set foot on this earth. He will be truly missed and the world a lesser place without him.
Big love, Leon. Rest in peace. God’s speed.
Deanna McDaniel
So, so very sorry for your loss. The memory of his sunny disposition and welcoming smile will live on in our hearts.
God bless you all.
Michael Donahue
So sorry to hear Leon passed away, I had him in class and was one of his football coaches, he was such a fun loving enjoyable young man. God be with you.
Amy Rogers and Eileen Miller
My mom and our family send our condolences to your family. I had not seen Leon in many years but always had a special place in my heart. He was like a brother to me growing up and words can’t express my feelings. We live in Asheville NC now or we would’ve been there.
With all our love, The Miller Family
Lori Jennette Jonkers
Herrald and I are so sad to hear Leon has moved on. I know the memorial service was so special and meaningful. I’m sorry we could not attend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Love you, Lori
John Swift
My sincere condolences go out to Leon’s family. Like so many others, Leon and I attended FUMA together. I have nothing but fond memories of Leon and will always remember his laughter. Godspeed, Leon. You will be missed by many.
Beth Campbell
Rossi & LeAnne I am so sorry to here of Little Leons passing! Thoughts and prayers for you both and your families! Always remember his smile and his laid back ways.
Jerry Kelley
I just learned of Leon’s passing today,7/30/15.
I think he was the Kellogg’s delivery driver that brought me a load lumber to Ocracoke two years ago to build a shed for my daughter .He went out of his way to help this 70 year old move heavy plywood to the site where the truck could not fit. He was a very nice fellow,and I’m sure he will be missed by many. Jerry Kelley,Lancaster,Pa.