Leon Frederick

Mr. Leon Cephus Frederick, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2022 , at his home, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Albemarle at 1:00 p.m.. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall after the service.

Born on February 21, 1927 in Roxboro, North Carolina to the late John Nicholas and Lelia Whitt Frederick. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Marshall.

A graduate of Roxboro High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he began a 52-year career with Collins and Aikman Corp. Early in his career, he graduated from Philadelphia Textile Institute. Later, he was a graduate of the Executive Program at UNC Chapel Hill. In 1960, he moved to Albemarle, NC as Plant Superintendent with Collins and Aikman, followed by positions as Plant Manager and Vice President of Manufacturing, Automotive Division. Leon became President of the C&A Knit Division in 1980, then in 1983 was appointed President of the C&A Science and Services Division, with offices in Charlotte and New York. After retiring in 1998, he continued as a consultant for C&A.

Leon was devoted to his family, and enjoyed his friends, playing tennis and bridge, and being outdoors in the sunshine. Throughout his life, Leon served in both his community and his church. He was involved in the NC Transportation Committee, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, UNC Charlotte Board of Advisors, Stanly County Manufacturing Association President, Chairman of Board of Directors of the Textile Research Institute, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Stanly County Hospital, Stanly County Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Stanly County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. A longtime devoted member of First Baptist Church of Albemarle, Leon served as Chair of the Board of Deacons, Finance Committee, Endowment Trust Committee, and Financial Feasibility Study Committee. He especially enjoyed his many years of special friendships formed as a member of the Saints Sunday School Class.

Leon is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Barbara; sister Mary Ellen Lunsford of Durham; his three children, John Frederick of Greenville, SC, Charles Frederick (Sandy) of Asheville, and Laura Averette (Brad) of Cary; four grandchildren, Brooks Frederick (Stephanie) of Denver, CO, Anna Nichols (Christopher) of Raleigh, Marshall Dobbins (Jonny) of Winston-Salem, and Lydia Averette of Durham; and great-granddaughter, Julia Nichols.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers of Professional Home Care and the Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Albemarle or Hospice of Stanly the Uwharrie.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Frederick family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com