Rev. Leon Walton Castle

Leon Walton Castle, age 91, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, minister, Christian

educator, author, and servant of the church, passed away on August 18, 2026 surrounded by

the love and legacy of a life devoted to faith and service.

A native Virginian, Leon was born and reared in Lebanon, Virginia. At the age of nine, he made

his profession of faith, beginning a lifelong journey of Christian service that would touch

countless churches, families, children, educators, and communities. His faith was nurtured by

his Christian parents, a mentor, and the pastors and faithful members of his home church.

Leon shared 69 years of marriage with his beloved wife, the former Nancy Breeding. Together,

they raised three children and were blessed with eight grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren

who brought great pride and joy to their lives.

Leon dedicated his professional life to ministry and Christian education. He earned his Bachelor

of Arts degree from Carson-Newman College and his Master of Religious Education from The

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also certified by the Center for Congregational

Health in Church Consultation.

Throughout his ministry, Leon served churches in Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee,

primarily in the role of Minister of Education. His years of service included ministry at Wallace

Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville; Little Flock Baptist Church in Shepherdsville, Kentucky;

First Baptist Church in Galax, Virginia; Lynn Garden Baptist Church and Fort Robinson Baptist

Church in Kingsport, Tennessee; Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta; Hatcher

Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond; First Baptist Church in Charlottesville; and First Baptist

Church in Memphis. He also served with the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Baptist

Sunday School Board in Nashville.

Even after retirement, Leon continued to serve wherever he was needed. He worked with the

National Woman’s Missionary Union as an editor, writer, and researcher and helped develop

Children in Action mission education materials. He also served as Children’s Senior Editor for

Smyth-Helwys Publishing Company and Managing Editor of Missions Resources for the

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. His later years included serving as a church facilitator, interim

pastor, interim director of missions, and supply preacher.

Leon’s influence extended far beyond the churches he served. He led conferences on local,

state, and national levels and worked extensively in the development of children’s Sunday

School curriculum. He authored six books, numerous Bible-teaching and Vacation Bible School

resources, and mission education materials, and wrote the preface for the RA Bible as well as

numerous articles related to religious education. He also had a special heart for working with

senior adults.

His contributions to Christian education were formally recognized with the Distinguished

Christian Educator Award from the Virginia Baptist Religious Education Association in 1992 and

the Excellence in Christian Education Award from Smyth-Helwys Publishing Company in 2001.

Leon remained active in ministry throughout his retirement, supplying preaching as requested

and being a member of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Leon is preceded in death by his father Nathan Castle, mother Cora Castle, brothers Edward

Castle, June Castle, Don Castle, sisters Ella Mae Gilbert, Vera Olline Fletcher and son Leon

Walton Castle Jr. (Lonnie).

Survivors include his beloved wife of 69 years, Nancy Breeding Castle, daughter Karen Castle

Smith (Kerry); daughter Kristie Castle Wallis (Charlie); daughter-in-law Patti Castle;

grandchildren Josh Castle, Jonathan Smith (Hannah), Allie Smith Pitt (Austin), Zac Castle,

Becca Castle, Chad Castle, Karrington Wallis, Karaline Wallis; great grandchildren Nolan Pitt,

Burkleigh Franklin and soon to arrive Arden Smith as well as numerous relatives, countless

friends and the many people whose lives were forever touched by his ministry.

Leon leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the many positions he held or

the publications he produced. His greatest legacy is found in the people he taught, encouraged,

mentored, and served; in the churches he strengthened; and in the generations of children and

families who were introduced to the Christian faith through his work.

Above all, Leon was a man who lived what he believed. His life was a testament to faithful

service, lifelong learning, and an enduring love for Christ, the church, and the people God

placed in his path.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at First Baptist Church,

Gatlinburg, Tennessee at 2pm.

His work on earth is complete, but the legacy of his faith and service will continue through the

generations he influenced.

Family Note

Because of Nancy’s current health circumstances, the family kindly asks that Nancy not be

contacted directly at this time. She is receiving loving care, and the family appreciates

everyone’s understanding, prayers, and continued love and support for her during this difficult

time. Please direct any questions or messages to a member of the family rather than contacting

Nancy directly. Cards and condolences can be mailed to 1900 Longview Drive, Sevierville, TN

37876.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association or

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Frost Funeral Home & Crematory along with Castle Mortuary Services, is honored serve the family of Mr. Castle.