Ernest "Leon" Crumpler Jr.

Farmville………Leon Crumpler, 80, of Farmville, NC passed May 26 at his home, just three days before his 81st birthday.  He was born May 29, 1945. 

Leon took his final bike ride on May 17.  The sport he dearly loved, ended in an accident, but not his fault.  He was a careful biker, taking the back roads, but was struck when the other driver ran a stoplight.

Leon was born and raised in Farmville, living there his entire life.  He traveled throughout the US but always wanted to come home.  A graduate of Farmville High School and retired from Wilson Community College.  

A professional photographer and teacher, Leon was best known as a nature lover, dog lover, and an avid hobbyist.  He never met a hobby that he couldn’t wait to master, including time as a Yellowstone horseback trail guide, a falconer with his own red-tailed hawk, a competitive pistol shooter, wood worker specializing in custom ink-pens, and motorcyclist.  He was multi-talented, could build anything (a talent he inherited from his father), and a perfectionist at anything he did.  Leon spent his life pursuing what he loved. 

Leon was also a good-will ambassador for Duke Medical Center.  He assisted many people needing medical care by referring them to Duke or transporting anyone needing assistance.  He loved the West, traveled with his hawk many years to do the annual hunt, and developed many friendships with fellow falconers.  His mother and sister were fortunate to have a personal guided tour of Yellowstone.  Leon was a caregiver for his mother and father in their later years.  

Son of the late Ernest Leon Crumpler and Rebecca Corbett Crumpler, Leon, Jr. is survived by his sister Sybil Owens, Browns Summit, NC; niece Penny Raulston, her husband Donny Lockaby, Simpsonville, SC; nephew Charles Best, his wife Kalei, their daughter Keala, Fairfax, VA; grandnephew Bryce Raulston, his wife Hannah, their son Noah; grandniece Hannah and her wife Amy, all of Simpsonville, SC.  He was predeceased by his sister Rebecca.

Leon will be interred with his parents in Hollywood Cemetery, Farmville, NC.  Since he was an avid reader, please consider memorial contributions to the Farmville Public Library or the Farmville Rescue Squad.

Without the help and support of friends and the Farmville Funeral Home, this tragedy would be impossible to navigate.  We are eternally grateful to everyone who has provided information about the accident.    

Farmville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

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