CHARLTON MCLEOD

Henry Charlton McLeod, 96, widower of Ila Frierson McLeod, departed his earthly life on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia.

Born on Oct. 4, 1922, in the Privateer Township in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Frank M. and Augusta "Gussie" Griffin McLeod.

Mr. McLeod is survived by two sons, Larry (Lorena) of Florence and Stan (Debbie) of Sumter; a daughter, Janice Armstrong (Bo) of Lexington; stepsons, A.C. Browder of Sumter and Glen Browder (Becky) of Jacksonville, Alabama; 11 grandchildren, Michael McLeod (Allie) of Jacksonville, Florida, Mark McLeod (Audra) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Justin McLeod (Jessica) of Sumter, Henry Armstrong of Lexington, Christian McDermott of Lexington, Jenny Browder of Asheville, North Carolina, Jason Browder (Teresa) of Sumter, Chris Browder of Sumter, Wendy Browder, Sharon Dease, and Diana Owens of Johnsonville. He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. McLeod was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years; his parents; five sisters; a stepson, Billy Browder; and a grandson, Ardie Browder.

Mr. McLeod was a devoted member of Crosswell Baptist Church and was retired from Korn Industries. He was a decorated World War II veteran, having been drafted into the United States Army in 1943, where he served his country well in Germany during the war.

Mr. McLeod loved God and his church. He was a faithful attendee of Crosswell Baptist Church, until he was no longer able to attend. He ended every prayer with "I love you, Jesus," and shared his testimony through his words and actions. He was met on Saturday with outstretched arms and the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He is at peace with his heavenly father.

Mr. McLeod loved to fish and hunt and never turned down an opportunity to do either. He would return home, usually the winner in that day's friendly competition. He had a green thumb and always turned his yard to beauty with thriving plants and brilliant colors. Tomato plants would grow wherever he could manage a plant, and cuttings would line his kitchen window sill. He lived through the Great Depression and learned to never waste anything and to recycle all that he could.

He brought joy to everyone he met. He had a twinkle in his eye and a keen sense of humor. He extended a hand to everyone and was loved by all. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had an adventure up his sleeve for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was usually very simple, but it brought smiles and laughter to the lives that he touched. They loved his tight hugs and gentle kisses. He leaves a legacy of devotion, love and patriotism. He will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Crosswell Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Owens officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Michael McLeod, Mark McLeod, Justin McLeod, Henry Armstrong and Jason Browder, and friend of the family, Ken Evans.

Burial will be at Sumter Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and at other times at the home of his son, Stan McLeod, 3120 Springdale Way, Sumter.

The family asks that memorials be made to Crosswell Baptist Church, 604 Mathis St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.