R. Leon Treece, 82, died February 1, 2009. He was born July 10, 1926, on a farm West of Piedmont to Ralph and Iva (Stout) Treece. Leon graduated from Piedmont High School in 1944 and married Doris Knox on May 25, 1947. They farmed and raised their children in the Piedmont area. During these years Leon was also employed by Massey Ferguson Industries and Aero Commander. Leon and Doris ranched at Wetumka, Oklahoma for 20 years from 1975 to 1995 when they retired to Piedmont. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Patricia Diane, and son-in-law David Gruntmeir, he is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris; daughters Pam Gruntmeir and Diana Hill; son Mike Treece and wife Sue; brother Mason Treece; 5 grandchildren, Jon Gruntmeir and wife Cheryl, Jeff Gruntmeir and wife Kaylynn, Lindsay and Matt Treece, and Frank Yerby; and great-grandchildren Camber, Carly, Corbin and Cassidy Gruntmeir. Services will be Thursday, February 5, 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Piedmont with interment in Chapel Hill. Memorials may be made to the Childrens Center or St. Judes Hospital.