Farrise Leonard Shade

Farrise Leonard Shade was born on December 10th, 1982 in Shelby, North Carolina to Nancy Louise Whiteside, and The Late Daniel Shade, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his Grandparents, William and Mary Whiteside;  Uncle- William “Butch” Whiteside;  Aunt- Deborah Miller;  and Uncle/Godfather-  David Miller. 

Leon, as he was affectionately known by everyone, spent his early years reared with the love, care, and protection of the Morton Community. You would always see him spending time with his cousins at his grandparents’ house on Baker Street and Morton Ave, playing sports at Jacobs Park, and just hanging with all of his friends in the neighborhood. 

Leon was a determined young man. In fact, one of his family's fondest memories was when he wanted to make weight for The Bert Bell League in order to play on the Springfield Youth Club Football Team. Leon told his mom his goal, and she promised him that they would make it happen! Nancy wrapped him in trash bags and saran wrap, as Leon ran all around Morton, up and down the Hills of Jacob’s Park. In fact, he was so determined, that The Daily Times wrote an entire story on his endeavor. Coach Bill Carroll, and Coach Al Stubbs were so proud to show him off when he finally succeeded.

Leon was educated in the Springfield School District, before moving to North Carolina. In 2001, Leon graduated from East Rutherfordton High School in Bostic, North Carolina. After High School, Leon attended Lincoln Technical Institute where he received an electrician certificate.

 Leon worked various jobs throughout his life, however, his longest and most recent tenure was at Kelsey’s Restaurant in Atlantic City. 

Leon was a protector, he was a fighter, but most importantly he loved his family and friends. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for any member of his family. He showed up when others wouldn’t, and made sure that business was handled. 

On January 4, 2025, Leon took his final rest in one of his favorite places, Atlantic City, New Jersey after a long day of work. His memory will forever live on, and he will always be remembered by all of the lives that he touched along the way. 

Farrise Leonard “Leon” Shade leaves to cherish his memory: His Loving Mother Nancy Whiteside; Four Wonderful Children,- Jakyas Hart, Jade Shade, Farrin Shade, and Kameron Jackson-Shade; Siblings-  Stacey Shade, and Travis Shade;  Uncle- Robert Whiteside (Leslie); Aunts-  Rosemary King, Diane Whiteside, and Lisa “Godmother” Goldwire (William); Great Aunt-  Shirley Myers (Liston);  Special Brother-  Kareem Whiteside; Close Friend Klassic Jackson a Host of Cousins, Friends, and the Supportive Community of Morton.

Lovingly Submitted,

    The Family

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