Obituary of Leon Queen

Leon Queen, 73, of the Alarka Community went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 18, 2016. A native of Swain County, he was raised by his grandparents, “Stump” and Minnie Smith of Old #4 Rd. on the Qualla Boundary. He was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and an active member of Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist Church. A self-employed mechanic for most of his life, Leon retired from Swain County East Elementary School. He had a passion for classic cars and won numerous “Best in Show” trophies touring in his ’68 Ford F100 with his beloved wife of 48 years, Judy. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his wife, and his son, Randy Queen. Leon is survived by his loving daughter, Jill Thompson and husband Darrel (more like a son) of Bryson City; grandson, Jake Styles of Bryson City; granddaughters, Meredith, Stephanie, and Allison Queen; great-granddaughter, Blakely of Morganton; brother, Donald Riggins and sister, Mona Riggins of Raleigh; brother, Charles Riggins, and baby sister, Janice Crow of Winston-Salem; his special nephew and valued friend, Steve Howell of Bryson City; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 21, 2016, in the chapel. Reverend Jeff Waldroup and Reverend Jim Frady will officiate. Interment will follow at Swain Memorial Park. Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.