Frankie Lee Leeper

When Frankie Lee "Boss Man” was born on May 13, 1939, he was blessed with God fearing parents; Rev. Willie Lee and Estella Meeks Leeper who, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and caring family environment. His parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in “Meeks Settlement”. They taught him “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Being raised as a preacher’s kid and the youngest of ten; he confessed his faith in Christ at a tender age. Frankie grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a trustee until his demise. He met Charlene Thomas and after a brief courtship they married and their union was blessed with three healthy children, Debra, Diana and Timothy. Frankie was also the father of Lindsey and Linda. He took his role as father seriously. He worked hard and made many sacrifices to take care of his family. His children were his pride and joy. He taught them to follow the golden rule --" treat others as they would want to be treated”. Frankie possessed a strong work ethic and modeled the scripture 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." Early in his life he worked in the pulpwood business and soon started Leeper Logging Company which has been in operation for over fifty years. He created numerous jobs and taught a lot of “young men” how to be a man. There was always room on his crew. Frankie’s heart was so big, that if he didn’t have a position open he would “make up one” just to put the next man to work. He taught kindness, respect of self and others. Frankie Lee was not only a father to his children but he was a father to all. He would offer words of encouragement if he felt the person was in need. He gave his all to helping others by feeding the hungry, loving his neighbors, or providing shelter to those in a time of need. He not only “talked the talk”, he “walked the walk.” His legacy of family togetherness, church and community will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. Frankie Lee possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. His natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. He was preceded in transition by his doting parents, Rev. and Mrs. Willie Lee Leeper; his beloved daughter, Debra; two sisters, Tennie Faye Brooks and Mattie Mae Leeper; five brothers, Londell Leeper, Henry Leeper, Joe Willie Leeper, Freddie Leeper and Vernon Leeper. On Friday, May 31, 2013; in his 74th season of life he began his eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. He leaves to forever remember his legacy: his wife Charlene; four children, Diana Leeper, Timothy Leeper, Lindsey (Lorraine) Richardson and Linda Gillard; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Esther (John) Hunter; one brother, Sammie (Zeola) Leeper; sisters-in-law, Elnora Leeper, Aline Carthan, Maxine Adams and Lois Johnson; one brother-in-law, Charles Thomas; a nephew Keith Leeper, whom he loved as a son; special “cousin-friends” Paul Brooks and Roy Lee Reed; several nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, countless friends, the Leeper Logging Crew and the Pleasant Grove Church family. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8th at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 304 Meeks Road, Okolona. Rev. Rufus Hatley will officate and the burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Public viewing will be Friday from 12 - 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Okolona, Arkansas.