Joseph Eugene Leake II

LEAKE KING Joseph Eugene Leake, II, 19, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 26, 2024, On a warm fall evening on August 31, 2004, Joseph “Joey” Leake rushed Kimberly Leake to Forsyth Memorial Hospital as labor was near and their first child was soon to be born. After a long night and subtle contractions Joseph Eugene “Joe-Joe” Leake, II was born the next afternoon on September 1, 2004. As life for the Leake family had forever changed. Joseph was not only the first child to Joseph and Kimberly, who survive, he was the first grandchild to Sandra Renae-survivor (Michael, deceased) Farley, Paul Jackson “Jackie” Leake, Jr. – deceased and first great grandchild to Velmalene (Paul Jackson “PJ”) Leake- deceased. Joseph II showed early on in his young life how loving and caring he was toward all who surrounded him. He was a bundle of joy for anyone he crossed paths with. The large smile and laughter brightened every life he met. His love for bluegrass music and eating cherries, two of his daddy’s favorites, was found during his infant years. Continuing to grow into a young child he found singing and playing music to be one of his favorite things to do. His uncles Jason and Stephen had a love for music as well and would teach him how to play guitar as soon as he could hold one. Joseph’s love for sports and outdoor adventures would come shortly into his adolescent years. He played little league football for the Pfafftown Packers and became an absolute beast on the wrestling mat and football field at Chestnut Grove Middle School, King NC. One day at school Joseph was asked to join the football/wrestling team by fellow classmates and he accepted. During his 6th grade year Joseph gained the knowledge and strength to be an unbelievable wrestler. That year he was able to bring home 1st place at the conference championship. His 7th grade year was also an unbelievable season, he was top of his weight division in the county once again. The 8th grade year was the outstanding turning point in his middle school athletic career. He once again was challenged heavily and with perseverance and commitment was able to win the conference championship, once again bringing home the gold medal. What made that year so special was that on top of the 1st place finish in the tournament, the football team made unbelievable progress and was crowned the divisional champions. The first and to this day the only team to go undefeated 8-0, as well as bringing home the conference title in 8 years. Fishing and hunting were instilled in him from his second birthday. Even though he was too young to hunt, he was taught the ways to harvest and clean whitetail deer, squirrels, and many species of fish. His grandfather, Michael Lee Farley would take him by four-wheeler with a couple of poles and sit for hours on a close by stream teaching Joseph the art of fishing. Joe-Joe was also taught fishing from a boat from grandpa Robert William (Bob) Geisler- deceased. Trips to the lake to catch bass, blue gill and crappie were had over the years. Joseph became very proficient at it and truly loved fishing of any kind. As Joseph grew into a young man, he and his father would invest countless trips and time in many NC trout streams. He was able to harvest his first squirrel at 10, his first deer at 15, and first duck at 16. At 18 he became self-sufficient in the realm of fishing and hunting, harvesting mature deer and seeking out bigger opportunities outdoors. Joseph attended West Stokes High School where he developed and grew as a young man. Continuing to play football and spreading his love and smile to those that knew him. He loved to help others and did so by donating his time and labor in the community with small building projects. In the spring of 2023, he accomplished the honor of graduating High School. “Class of 2023.” On January 26, 2024, Heaven’s gates opened, and Joseph was called home. Joseph was survived by his loving parents, Joseph and Kimberly Geisler Leake; sister, Madyson Rose Leake; grandmother, Janet Geisler; uncles, Jason Paul Leake (Nicci), Stephen Jackson Leake (Candace), Robert Geisler (Janice), and Sean Geisler; great uncles, Mark and Clark Leake; great aunts, Jennie Hemrick, Pat Stanley and Lynn Murphy; and many cousins, Hailey, Wesley, Riley, Nate, Justin, Cole, Chandler, Kourtney, Christy, Clare, Candi, Toni, Bobby “Bobo”, and many others. There will be a 11:00 am funeral service held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Burroughs Chapel with Pastor Denny St. Clair officiating. Concluded with one last joy ride, he will be laid to rest beside his loving grandpa, Jackie at Danbury Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 6-8 pm, at Burroughs Funeral Home and other times at the home. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Floral tributes or memorials may be sent to Burroughs Funeral Home: 1382 NC HWY 65 West, Po Box 471, Walnut Cove, NC 27052. Online condolences may be made at www.burroughsfuneralhome.com. Burroughs Funeral Home, Walnut Cove is honored to be serving the Leake family.

Joseph Eugene Leake II

September 1, 2004 - January 26, 2024