Leo Daniel Corder, Sr.

Leo Daniel Corder, Sr. of Grays Chapel NC community, died November 28, 2013, in Randolph Hospital after a courageous ten-month battle with liver cancer. The youngest of six children, he was born September 19, 1932 to Giles Milbert and Verdie Elizabeth Gibson Corder, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his brother Dorsey, and sisters, Kathryn Meredith, Geneva Corder, Christine Martin, and an infant brother. Funeral Services will be held Monday December 2, 2013 at Grays Chapel United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm with burial in the church cemetery. Ministers will be Rev. Nathan Snider, Rev. Alanda Harris, and Dr. Bart Milleson. Visitation will be held at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman, NC on Sunday December 1, 2013 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Leo spent his childhood and teenage years in Radford, VA, and the Central Falls, NC area. He attended both Asheboro and Grays Chapel High Schools, joined the Air Force in 1950, at age 17, and served in the 95th Fighter Squadron. He was discharged in 1953, returned to Grays Chapel High School and graduated with the class of 1954, being voted as "Most Likely to Succeed". He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Catawba College, a Master's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a School Administrator's Degree from North Carolina University at A&T. He taught chemistry, math, physics, science, and photography for several years, and later became the assistant Principal at Randleman High School. During his tenure, he was named Randolph County Assistant Principal of the Year. He was a Summer Instructor of Driver's Education for Randolph County Schools for many years. He retired from the school system after thirty-two years of service, after his retirement, was a bus driver for Eastern Randolph High School and Northeastern Randolph Middle School for several years. Leo married Louise Pugh Corder before his senior year at Catawba College, and they celebrated their fifty-fifth anniversary on August 16, 2013. Out of this happy union, three sons and five grandchildren were born. He cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He absolutely enjoyed spending time with all of his family and had a legendary sly, sense of humor; which cheered them through all stages of life. Leo was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing at Belews' Lake and creating unique fishing lures. He was a professional photographer for several years and loved to take pictures for proms, church functions, weddings, and also for personal pleasure. He was a long-time and active member of Grays Chapel United Methodist Church; also a 35 year member of the Grays Chapel Lion's Club, where he served as an officer. Leo was a devoted supporter of Native American and Veteran charities and organizations. Surviving in addition to his wife, are sons: Leo Daniel Corder, Jr, wife Lori, of King, NC; George Gregory Corder, wife Patricia, of Franklinville, NC; and their children Wesley, Kerri, and Daniel; Roderick Gibson Corder, wife Vickie, of Franklinville, NC; and their daughters Bayley and Lexie. Also surviving are sisters-in-law: Emma Routh, husband Jimmie of Franklinville; Gloria Lee Corder of Carthage; numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends are Thomas Routh, Jr, Archie Williams, and Herman Allred. Memorials may be made to Grays Chapel UMW Sally Pugh Hodgin Scholarship Fund, Grays Chapel Cemetery Fund, Grays Chapel Lions Club, or to a charity of the donor's choice.