Deacon Leon “Jack” Nolley Sr. was born Jan. 21, 1925, to Mr. Irvin Brown Nolley and Mrs. Clara Mae Benton Nolley in Jasper County. He later moved to Newton County.

Leon joined Sims Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and he served for many years under Pastor G.W. Clark. He served as a ward member in the Home Mission Lodge for a short term.

He later joined the deacon board under the leadership of Pastor Calvin English and he was a faithful servant for many years.

In 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force during World War II, at the age of 18. His service ended in 1946 at the age of 21. He came home to his civilian life and pursued a job at Bibb Manufacturing Co. in Porterdale, where he was employed for 17 years. Within those years, Leon met the love of his life, Mrs. Willie Mae Johnson Nolley.

He later worked at Hanover Wire and worked for several months until Mobil Chemical was built. That’s where he retired, after 23 years.  Leon married his wife in 1952 and united, they had eight children.

On Friday, July 6, 2018, at Riverside Health Care, God came and rescued Leon and carried him to be at rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Willie Mae Johnson Nolley, and son Landes Conrad Nolley.

Mr. Leon Nolley Sr. will be missed by surviving sons, Mr. Stanley L. Nolley, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie E. (Georgie) Nolley, Mr. and Mrs. Leon (Michelle) Nolley Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Dexter (Tammy) Nolley; daughters, Mrs. Janet F. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Dariel (Charlenn) Brinson and Ms. Jennifer Pratt; beloved, adopted grandson, Mr. Demario M. Nolley; three stepchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Lenoria Williams and Ms. Merdith Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A homegoing service began at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Sims Chapel Baptist Church in Covington with the Rev. Cecil J. Rozier as pastor and eulogist, assisted by others. Burial followed in the church’s cemetery, and a meal followed in the church fellowship hall.

Pallbearers were Brandon Nolley, Travis Nolley, Johnathan Brinson, Reginald Kelly Sr., Lonnie Hudson and Rinvi Thomas. Granddaughters and nieces served as floral bearers.

The family of the late Deacon Leon “Jack” Nolley Sr. extends their greatest appreciation for each act of kindness, prayers and expressions of love shown during this time of bereavement. May God bless each of you.