Leon Javelle Renfrow made his peaceful transition from Newport News, Virginia to his eternal home in Heaven on November 2, 2021. Even as he took his last breaths, he was teaching us about dignity, integrity, and most of all, love. Dad chose courage over comfort; what was right over what was fun, fast, or easy. He lived by faith and values. He didn’t just talk about those things. He lived them.
Dad was born on February 10, 1932, in Johnston County, N.C. to Leander and Sadie Renfrow. He had one older brother whom he affectionately called “Bud Tater.” They were raised on a small farm in a little area called Stancil’s Chapel.  He graduated from Glendale High School in 1950 and joined the Navy in 1951.  Dad spent time on a troopship during the Korean War. In 1953, he was honorably discharged in San Diego and caught the bus back to North Carolina.

Along that time, he met a young lady that would not only change his life but in many ways, save his life. Her name was Shirley Mae Narron.  They were married on September 26, 1955, and were married for 62 years.

They moved to Virginia in 1961 and a year later, Dad got a job at the Newport News Shipyard working in the fab shop until he retired in 1995.

Dad joined Denbigh Church of God in January of 1974. That was when he gave his heart to the Lord. From that day forward, he was a changed man.  He took care of our Mother, who had dementia until she passed in 2017. He watched over her and never once thought of letting her leave their home. We were all amazed that he could do it at his age. He never faltered in his care for her.

Dad was reunited with his wife Shirley, grandson Robert, his parents, brother Bud, and a host of other friends and loved ones.  He left behind to cherish his memory, his son Sherman Renfrow (Becky), daughter Debbie Brame (Tim), and son Rodney Renfrow (Tina). He also left a legacy of faith to his grandchildren Chatay, Christy, Chelseay, Malory, Meghan, and Wesley, along with great-grandchildren, Brianna, Caleb, Alexis, Ashlyn, Trenton, and Millie.

We love you Daddy, Grandaddy, Daddle. You have shown us all the way and for that we are grateful.

The family will receive friends at Peninsula Funeral Home from 2:30 – 4:30 pm on Sunday, November 7th. Funeral Services will be at 11:30 am on Monday, November 8th at World Outreach Worship Center located at 1233 Shields Road.   The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings.  Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.