For 94 years, Leon loved people.  And people, all over the world, loved him.  He lived a life of service for others because of his love for God and people.

Leon was born on December 5, 1929 to Rev. J.W. and Susie Stewart in the small community of Pineville FL.  In his late teens he began to lose his vision and by age 20 was declared legally blind.

He was saved in 1947 and called to the ministry in 1949.  That fall he entered Holmes Bible College.  In 1952 he graduated, was ordained and married Donna Dooley.  He had an active ministry as follows:

1952-1969                   IPHC Pastor and Alabama Conference Superintendent

1969-1981                   IPHC Assistant General Superintendent

1981-1989                   IPHC General Superintendent

1989-1991                   Southwestern College President

1991-2003                   Pineview AL Pastor

2003-2018                   Speaker at many community churches, mentor to pastors and an active telephone ministry.

An author, Leon published Too Late in 1958, followed by The Preacher in 2001 and The Betrayal in 2006.

From the sixties thru the eighties Leon traveled extensively.  He and Donna visited over 60 countries around the world.

One of the major blessings in Leon's life was pastoring Pineview.  In his words, it was the "most meaningful and fulfilling ministry" in his career.

Leon is survived by two daughters, Dianne and Denise; two granddaughters, Lara and Karen; three great-grandsons, Benjamin, Elijah and Ashton; and many nephews/nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Tommy McGhee officiating.  A private interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Bethany Children's Health Center (www.bethanychildrens.org).

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.