William Clifford "Papaw" Leeper departed this life on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home. He was born in Church Hill, Tennessee on January 2, 1938.
Over the years, Papaw wore many hats, working in many different trades. He worked at a glass plant, Barley Construction, and Leeper Construction. Through Leeper Concrete, Dad worked on places you may have walked, stood, sat, or drove. His brickwork stretches across Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He was also a supervisor at the TVA and Fluor Daniels. For many years, Dad had his own eatery on Eastman Road. He served up Broaster chicken, his specialty, chicken and dumplings, and much more.
Papaw was an active member of his community. He loved watching the Kingsport Mets and any football games. He served as a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church and worked with the Manna Meals at Central Baptist. He was known for his peach cobbler and biscuits and gravy. Papaw never met a stranger, and he loved to serve his food and being of service to the community. If you needed a job, he was there for you. If you needed someone to listen, Papaw was there for you. When you asked him not to tell anybody what was said, best believe he didn't share it. We will miss being greeted by Papaw's "Hey young man" or "Baby girl" and his tough handshake crafted from his years of working.
Clifford was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lillian Leeper; parents, Albert F. and Myrtle Leeper; brother, James Leeper; and sisters, Estella Leeper and Cecil Leeper.
To cherish his memory, Clifford leaves behind his children, Billy (Edith) Leeper, Reggie Leeper, and Tonia (O'Nile) Johnson; grandchildren, Kris (Tierra) Leeper, Blake Leeper, and Sadie Trammell; great-grandchildren, Thea Leeper and another grandbaby is on the way; best friend, Zeloa Leeper; special son, Robbie Cox; special daughter, Sonya Clark; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The visitation is Friday, January 19, 2024 from 12 Noon to 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN. The Celebration of Life will follow at 1 PM at the church on that day. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport.
Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service is serving the Leeper family.
