Leon Alvin Waldron

Leon Alvin Waldron, Sr of Springwood, Virginia departed this life on January 8, 2021 at the age of 78. Born May 28, 1942, Leon was born and raised in Buchanan Virginia and attended schools in Botetourt County during his youth. Leon received a certificate in auto mechanics from Botetourt Vocational School and in 1974 enlisted in the Army. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves Salem Division up until he retired in 2002. He was recognized and esteemed for various awards throughout his military service. He was a faithful member of Cloverdale Baptist Church where he served on the deacon board and was a dedicated member of the male choir chorus. Leon was passionate about his faith and a man of God, never afraid to show it. He was a man with a big heart and lived by the words "if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all". Leon's smile was affectionate and his laughter was magnetic. Even when he didn't agree he usually smiled, laughed, and shook his head. He never met a stranger and was friendly with everyone. He enjoyed reading his Bible, was a longtime fan of the Washington Redskins, and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing. Leon loved to eat out and cherished his time spent with family and friends. He was a longtime resident of the Virginia Care Center, enjoyed walking the grounds of the facility, and actively participating in the activities there. Leon learned to use Facebook and anyone could clearly see his love of God and his sincere and affectionate nature when he responded to posts with "God bless you" or "Bless your heart". Leon will be missed by so many and his fulfilled life touched the hearts of anyone who had the blessing of knowing him. Proceeded in death was his son Leon Waldron, Jr; his mother Cecilia Waldron; grandmother Molly Waldron; sister Anna Waldron-Craighead; brother Robert "Bobby" Waldron; and two grandchildren Tremaine Davis and Rodney Craighead. He leaves to mourn his only daughter Tracey Waldron of Canton, Ohio; son Jermaine Bannister, of Roanoke, Virginia. He was a proud and inspiring grandfather to ten grandkids, Dana, Destani, and Daidrian Winn of Canton, OH; Bryant "BJ", Dajion, and Deaijah Bannister; Kartier "Lil Maine" Ervin; Tyrese Carper; David Briskey; Keyquina "KeKe"(Jordan) Sparks all of Roanoke VA. He has one half brother, Norvel(Vera)Anderson of Virginia. Leon has two nieces Latrice Jones and Bobbi Waldron, four nephews Derek Jones, James Craighead, Ramond and Desmond Waldron. Leon leaves to mourn a very special person Rachel Gravely and very dear friends Wade & Anna Minnis. He has a host of special beloved friends and family.