Obituary of John McLeod, Jr.

John McLeod, Jr. was born in Franklinville New Jersey, on Feb. 17, 1930, to John and Parolle McLeod. On Thursday, July 7, 2022, he gently passed away at HCR- Manor Care in Deptford, New Jersey. John attended Franklinville and Woodstown Public School System. He worked several small jobs, until enlisting in the US Army on July 12, 1950. John completed Basic Training in Fort Knox Kentucky. After Basic Training, he was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, D.C. There he worked as a Medical Technician (Medic). John worked his way through the ranks to become a Ward Master. He was honorable discharged from the Army as a Corporal on July 11, 1953. He met Mable Earnestine Flood in Washington, D.C. and eventually married her on August 23, 1952. After his discharge they moved to Philadelphia for a few years and eventually moved to Franklinville, New Jersey. They had 5 children, Sylvia McLeod, Deborah McLeod, Carla Reaves, John McLeod III, and Shawn McLeod. John was a loving father and grandfather. He was active in the lives of his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed farming and taking care of several farm animals he raised from babies. He grew all types of vegetables and also canned them. John loved to share vegetables that he grew in his garden with his church family. John was a devoted member of the Ebenezer Seven Day Adventist Church in Philadelphia, PA. Even though he drove from New Jersey to South Philadelphia for many years, he was always on time for Sabbath School, which started at 9:30 a.m. John was baptized by Pastor Melvin Hayden, Jr. He was a great supporter of youth and adult events. He could be counted on attending all their endeavors. He was often one of the last to leave the church after evening events. For many years John participated in group of members who visited at least two nursing homes monthly and was their designated driver. John sang in The Men of Praise with William Kearney and John Poindexter. He also served as an usher on the Men’s Usher Board. John was also a descendent of the late great North Carolina Historian Mary McLeod Bartholomew. John retired from H.G. Enderlin Iron in Philadelphia P.A. and Glendora New Jersey in 1992. John was well respected, always had a word of advice for no you matter your age. He always had a life story to tell or a prank. He will surely be missed. John is preceded in death by all his parents and seven siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Sylvia McLeod, Deborah McLeod, Carla Reeves (Noah), John McLeod III, and Shawn McLeod, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, a sister-in law, a cousin, a host of nieces and nephews, and special friends, Bob Moore and Anthony Searight.