Walter Marue ("Pop") Leeper, Jr.

Mr. Walter (Jackie) Marue Leeper, Jr., affectionately known as “Pop” was born on June 7, 1934, in Lowell, NC and departed this earthly realm on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his residence.  

Walter was the son of the late Walter Marue Leeper and the late Gertrude Rankin Leeper. Walter attended Gaston County Schools. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death  by the love of life and wife of 38 years, Minnie Lamon (Snookey) Leeper; son, John Fitzgerald Leeper; grandson, David Hedrick; brothers, Napolean, Garland, Nathen, and Jerome Valentine and sisters Willie Mae Carlton and Betty Fox. 

Walter was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in the Korean War.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1989 after serving 30 years. Walter was a long-time resident since 1972 of Cedar Heights, Maryland prior to relocating to Dublin, VA in 2019 and then to Gastonia, NC in October 2021.

It was his  desire to return to the state of Maryland so that he could be buried at Cheltenham Veteran’s Cemetery and share a resting place with his beloved wife Snookey. Therefore, his granddaughter, Katilyn Williamson, daughter-in-law, Angela Dreher and grandson, Daniel Cooper moved him to Bowie, Maryland in April 2023.  

Walter was a fun-loving person, who enjoyed playing his numbers, watching sports, and surfing the internet. Walter was a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, lover of music, gardening, and life. Walter had a sharp memory and was a great family historian.  

Walter is survived by son, Walter Williamson, Gastonia, NC; stepsons, Vernon Williams, Maryland; and Keith (Deborah) Williams, Florida; daughter-in-law, Angela Dreher, Gastonia, NC; grandchildren, Olandus Broadway, Kimberly Hedrick, Walter Williamson Jr., Katilyn Williamson, Austin Leeper, Cherie Williams, Vernon A. Williams, Carol Cooper, & Daniel Cooper ; 7 great grandchildren including his beloved Camille Cooper, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.  

Special thanks to Katilyn Williamson and Angela Dreher who cared for him diligently 

over the past 6 years; Deardre Gibson and Edwina Douglas who stood in the gap for us, his Enfield Chase Senior Living family, and Pridgen Funeral Service.

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Monday, December 8, 2025

Pridgen Funeral Home Chapel

Visitation:  9:15 - 10:00 AM

Interment:  Maryland Veterans Cemetery @ Cheltenham

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