Obituary for
D Leon Pippin
Dr. D. Leon Pippin, a man who loved God and people, went to be with his Savior on February 17, 2017, in Palm Bay, Florida, at the age of 83. Leon had an extraordinary passion to serve his Lord and extreme love for his family. He touched so many lives with his charismatic personality. His desire was to exalt Christ and not himself. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time in the nursing home ministry sharing Bible studies and friendship with lonely people there.
Leon, a sharecropper’s son, was born in Oran, MO, on January 30, 1934. He later moved with his parents to Nashville MI, where he graduated from high school in 1951. He attended King’s College in Wilmington, DE, where he met his amazing Godly wife Emily, who has enriched his life for over 61 years. The two were married 1955, moved to Silver Spring, MD, then to Newton, MA. He taught high school English and obtained his M.Ed. from the University of MA in Boston. In 1966 he moved his family to Fort Wayne, IN, where he taught at Fort Wayne Bible College, Ball State University, Blackhawk Christian school and Huntington College. After obtaining a Ph.D. from Bob Jones University in SC, he and Emily moved to Palm Bay, Florida.
Leon was a retired professor, who rose from his humble beginnings to earn four college degrees. He was a masterful storyteller and had written a full-length play, dramatic monologues, haiku, and devotional articles for CBN. His most recent work included a weekly blog at Guardedhearts.net as well as his published memoir entitled “Naked With Clothes On.” He and Emily enjoyed the times they spent together directing and producing plays and musicals in churches and schools. Leon challenged his students to excellence, not only in their academic pursuits but in their relationship with Jesus as well.
Leon’s goal was to bring glory to God in all he said and did. He had the privilege to know and serve the Lord for 69 years.
His heart’s verse was "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10)
Leon will be greatly missed by his wife Emily, his four children, Jeanne, Don, Greg, and Brett, his eight grandchildren, his six great grandchildren, and all who were touched by his faithfulness to Christ.
Family will receive friends on Friday from 10am-11am followed by funeral services at 11:30 at Davis Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel.
The family requests live plants or donations to Samaritan's Purse.
