Leslie Leon Grayson
Leslie Leon Grayson was the eldest son born to Leslie Willis Grayson and Bessie Louise Sandridge Grayson on July 20, 1945. He transitioned to be with our Heavenly Father on March 23, 2023.
Leon joined St. Elmo Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Ed Angel and attended Howard High School Class of 1963. He was a member of the Sanctuary Choir at St. Elmo before joining the U.S. Army. During his military career he was awarded the Purple Heart, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (awarded four times), the National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal.
While serving, he was also presented with an Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon, and a Korean Defense Service Medal. After retirement, he still served in the military as a volunteer for the Tennessee Valley VA Clinic where he was again awarded for his service. It was during this time that he created Veterans Day presentations for his church family to enjoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Rayford Clarence Grayson as well as a very special aunt, Thelma Sandridge Snodgrass.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Joe Ann Johnson Grayson as well as his daughters: Stephanie Chevette (Louis) Dixon of Desoto, Tx., Lovie Maria (Ronald) Rice of Huntsville, Al., and Janessa Charity Grayson of Kennesaw, Ga. He also leaves two sisters: Dorothy Grayson Jackson and Gwendolyn Grayson Gillard; his grandchildren, William D. Haynes, Arionna Y. Grayson, and Mylah N. Grayson-Thompson.
There are also a number of nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends that will miss him dearly and affectionately remember his life.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at the funeral home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, at St. Elmo Baptist Church, 3701 West Avenue, Chattanooga. Interment: Chattanooga National.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.