Obituary
Leon Walter Tyler Jr.

Leon Walter Tyler, Jr, known to his friends as Lee, passed away peacefully on September 6th, after a brief but dignified fight with pulmonary fibrosis. While he had plenty left to do on earth, he had a great love for the Lord and was ready to see his heavenly home. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Kate Michau (Kenny); grandsons, Jake and Will Scarlett; and nephew, Michael.   Lee grew up in a small fishing town, Hoopers Island, MD. He lived with his parents, Leon Sr. (known as Tim), Mother Elsie, and younger brother, Mike. They lived a simple life with love and lots of laughter. He always admired his parents' love and devotion to one another. Lee's love of sports began at a young age, and he played baseball, football, and track & field at Cambridge High School. He stayed active as an athlete throughout his life: He played rugby for the Raleigh Vipers as well as softball and racquetball on city and church leagues. When his health would no longer allow most sports, he converted his neighborhood tennis court to pickleball. Lee was also a talented pianist and organist and received a double scholarship to the Peabody Institute for both. However, he enlisted in the Air Force instead and served as a communications specialist during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Thailand. After he returned stateside, Lee met his beloved wife, Linda, while he was stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. They were married on August 29, 1970, and moved to Salisbury, MD, where Lee worked as a real estate agent, draftsman for the city and planning commission, and as a credit officer in the poultry industry. During his time there, he also graduated from Salisbury State College. Lee and Linda moved their family to Raleigh in 1980 after the birth of their daughter, Kate, and Lee began working with Southern Bell. He continued his career in telecommunications and consulting until retirement. Lee was vibrant and multifaceted both in work and in leisure. He loved photography and enjoyed taking team photos for youth sports. He also made stained glass windows, home brewed beer, and sold home brewing supplies at the flea market. Thanks to his gift of gab and storytelling, Lee became a distinguished Toastmaster and even started a new local group. He found great joy in helping new members develop their skills, and he built many of his closest friendships through Toastmasters.   Lee never met a stranger. Whether you were a shop owner, a medical professional, a server, or someone he met in passing, Lee wanted to get to know you and hear your stories. Many of his friendships began as mentorships, as he helped people write resumes, made introductions for job opportunities, offered compassionate advice, or just listened when anyone needed a friendly ear. He was a sincere and kind man and a wonderful friend to all he knew. Lee served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Bay Leaf Baptist Church. He truly had a servant’s heart. He established a youth speakers’ group, coached youth basketball, and served on multiple church committees. With the help of his Sunday School class, he initiated and sponsored four refugees from Vietnam who became like family to him. He also performed mission work in China, Turkey, and Nicaragua.   Lee loved God and his family above all else. He loved spending time together enjoying great meals, shooting pool, playing board games, and telling stories. He loved watching his grandsons play music and soccer. Recently, Lee began writing a book about his father’s time as a bombardier in WW II and his escape from prison camp as a POW. Telling his father's story became his most important work, and it kept Lee going during his illness. In his final Toastmasters speech, he shared his father's story. From the time he received his diagnosis in March, Lee had gratitude every single day. Despite requiring high levels of oxygen at home, experiencing shortness of breath with activity, and needing new and complicated medications, he was thankful. He would shrug and say, "This is my new normal,” as he found ways to continue enjoying his life. Every single day of his illness, before bed at night, he thanked Linda for a wonderful day. He loved her so deeply and always wanted to do more for her. He was a wonderful father and husband, a beautiful inspiration for us all.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to show kindness or gratitude to a stranger. Call a friend or loved one you’ve lost touch with. Sign up for a class or try new hobby. Take time today to look for the moments in your life when you feel grateful, just as Lee was grateful for you.    Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 15th, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m. at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bay Leaf Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614   Donations in Lee’s honor can be made to:   Bay Leaf Missions https://bayleaf.onlinegiving.org/donate/customform/298#!/   National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force https://www.mightyeighth.org/support/