Leo Dale Staley

Leo Dale Staley, 81, of Asheboro, died Thursday, December 10, 2020, at his home. A typical obituary includes the birthdate and deathdate of a person, but the life they lived is found in the dash between those dates. In the case of Leo, his dash was long with laughter, thick with friends and full of memories. There are no regrets at the end of the dash on Dec. 10, 2020. Born to Esten & Sula Staley, the baby of 4 that included Barbara, Junior & Norma who affectionately called him "eeo". Taught a strong work ethic on a tobacco farm, he worked tirelessly except when he had 'sick' lungs as a little boy. Forced to stay inside that winter, he learned to sew with his momma, grandmas, and aunts in a quilting circle. The handmade quilt covering his casket he helped sew as an 8 year old boy that winter. A thin and quick runner, Leo excelled at baseball in his youth. He graduated Asheboro High and soon married the love of his life, Nancy Lee Nance on the hottest date in NC history, June 27, 1959. Leo later came to own Staley's Garage and Body Shop where he worked hard and saved to build the home he and Nancy shared for 61 years. They were blessed with meeting new neighbors upon moving into their home, Tommy & Myrle Walker, who invited them to church at Back Creek Friends and to spend Thanksgiving meal with them. Leo & Nancy and their families celebrated every Thanksgiving together for over 40 years. The tradition continues in the home of their daughter Laura. Leo and Nancy became active at Back Creek Friends where Leo was one of the creators of "The Good Neighbor Fund Barbeque" to raise money for those in need in the community. Leo and Nancy welcomed their first daughter Laura in 1965. A second daughter Lynette was born in July 1966. Leo was an incredible daddy to his girls and the many friends they brought home over the years. As the daughters grew, there were countless pool parties, 4th of July gatherings with his beloved nieces and nephews, music sessions, swimming lessons all around the pool he built himself in 1970. Leo had many friends from Oakwood Homes where he worked for 20 years. He spent his active years volunteering with the Friends Disaster Relief, hosting pony league baseball teams and players for the Asheboro Copperheads. Leo supported local schools and sports with the births of his earthly crowns; his grandchildren Christopher, Casey and Faith. Many trips out west were treasured by Leo and Nancy with family and special friends. Leo leaves behind his dear friends Lindsey Caison, Tim Hill, Robert Crutchfield, and son-in-law Jim. He thanked God for allowing him to see 2 great-grandchildren born; Callie Grace Lamb and his namesake Benaiah Leo Lamb, both he adored till his last breath. Leo leaves at the end of his dash a life of joy, friends, God, music, laughter and love. SO. MUCH. LOVE. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Back Creek Friends Meeting, with Rev. Brandon Dockery and Rev. Ray Lambe officiating. Leo is survived by his wife, Nancy Nance Staley of the home; daughters, Laura Staley Lamb of Trinity, Lynette Staley Garner (Jim) of Asheboro; sisters, Barbara Taylor (Jerome) of Rocky Mount, Norma Jean Ford (Lynn) of Greensboro; brother, William E. Staley Jr. of Cary; grandchildren, Christopher Lamb (Celina), Casey Lamb (Meka), Faith Garner (Jeremiah Showalter), Julie Craven, Tommy Garner (Jenny), James T. Garner; great grandchildren, Carlissa Sisson, Callie Grace Lamb, Benaiah Leo Lamb, Lacey Stevens, Brett Craven, Ethan Garner, Bristol Garner; and beloved dog, Gabby. Memorials may be made to Back Creek Friends Good Neighbor Fund, 147 Back Creek Church Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.