Pastor Leonard Grady Younce, age 81, of Lenoir entered his Heavenly home on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Amorem Hospice surrounded by his family. He was born November 11, 1943 in Wilkes County to the late Robert Grady Younce and Rose White Younce. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Lovins Younce; one daughter, Tammy Greene; and two sisters, Ada "Eller" Hamby and Veora Greer.

Pastor Younce was a man of strong faith and was dedicated to helping others. He was the founder of House of Prayer Baptist Church, retired from Crossroads Baptist Church, and was a current member of Laytown Baptist Church. He enjoyed classic cars, dirt track racing, and later in life drag racing. He will be remembered for the unwavering love and devotion he had for his family, friends, and most of all his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Those left to cherish his memory include one son, Barry Younce (Linda) of Lenoir; two daughters, Lisa Greene (Jeff) of Lenoir, and Windy Holsclaw (Steve) of Morganton; four sisters, Faye Eller of Ferguson, Arizona "Dawn" Hodge of Ferguson, Reonna "Rea" Hodge of Ferguson, and Joyce McGuire of Lenoir; eight beloved grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; his Laytown Baptist Church family; his close neighbors he thought of as family; and his faithful companion his dog, Rose Ann.

Memorial services to honor the life of Pastor Younce will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Pritchard and Rev. James Wilfong officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Younce family.