Leon Tapplin

TAPPLIN, Mr. Leon - Age 55, died Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:30AM Tuesday, June 16, 2009 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM, Apostle Bobby Johnson officiating. Interment Lovedale Memorial Cemetery, G-5175 E. Bristol Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:30AM Tuesday. Mr. Tapplin will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 12Noon-8PM Monday. Mr. Leon Jewell Tapplin was born November 28, 1953 in Flint, Michigan to J.D. and Elizabeth Tapplin. Leon was one of six children. He loved his parents and siblings dearly. Leon accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at Divine Grace Ministries Church. He graduated from Flint Northern High School “Class of 1972”. Leon went on to pursue higher education at Charles Stewart Mott Community College. He decided to end his college studies early to go work. Leon was a very hard worker and embodied strong work ethics. He worked at Chevrolet Flint Manufacturing for a few years, Genesee County Animal Shelter for 12 years and RLM Industries for 16 years. Leon met his lifetime love, Fay Roper, and they spent over 30 years together. As a result of their relationship, two daughters were produced, Tonya and Melissa. Leon and Fay were married December 17, 1998. He overcame many trials and tribulations throughout his life. Leon was often reserved and seemed quiet, but had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. His favorite pastimes were listening to music, playing spades and tunk, watching basketball, football and enjoying Fay’s cooking of course. Leon was the type of person who loved unconditionally. He was a committed father, loving grandfather and excellent uncle. Mr. Leon Jewell Tapplin leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Fay Elizabeth Tapplin of Flint; 2 daughters, Tonya (Kameek) Grayson of Vista, CA and Melissa (Antwyne) Patton of Clarksville, TN; grandson, Kameek Grayson, Jr. of Vista, CA; 2 sisters, Imogene Manning of Coldwater, MI and Mattie Truss of Flint; brother, Ronald Tapplin of Clio, MI; a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces; cousins, Robert Hopson of Ypsilanti, MI and Eddie (Beverly) Jones of Detroit, MI; father-in-law, J.D. Roper of Detroit, MI; 2 sisters-in-law, Janet (Phillip) Matthews of Flint and Brenda Wright of Burton, MI; 6 brothers-in-law, Warren Crocket, Robert, David, Kenney, Gary and Eric Roper, all of Flint. Mr. Tapplin was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Elizabeth Tapplin; brothers, Willie Earl and John Tapplin; sister-in-law, Linda Harrelson; and mother-in-law, Harriet Roper. The family would like to express special thanks to Apostle and Prophetess Johnson and the Divine Grace Ministries Church, Inc. family, RLM Industries and co-workers, cousins, Robert Hopson and Eddie (Beverly) Jones and all of our family and friends.

Leon Tapplin

November 28, 1953 - June 6, 2009