Alfred Leon Tennyson

A celebration took place in heaven on Thursday, January 15, 2026, when Alfred Leon Tennyson, 97, of Spartanburg, SC, met his Master face to face, and his bride of 77 years, Lula Mae Revels Tennyson. 

Leon loved sharing his testimony of when he first met the Master on March 4, 1956. Born on October 31, 1928, in Drayton, SC, he was the son of the late Fred Oliver and Willie Mae Foster Tennyson and the widower of the late Lula Mae Revels Tennyson, who passed on June 12, 2025. He has now been reunited with Lula Mae, and they will live with Jesus throughout eternity.

A devoted Christian husband, father, Papa, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather, Leon loved his family and prayed for each family member every day. He loved to read from his Holy Bible and several devotionals daily. He faithfully attended and supported Casey Creek Baptist Church for 48 years, continuously serving in numerous positions; Chairman of Deacons, Minister of Music, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher for several different age groups, Vacation Bible School Director, and Organizer/Developer of the cemetery. Leon is currently a member of Davis Memorial Baptist Church where he also was faithful to attend and support every service.

During his later years while his loving wife was not well, he stayed home and cared for her. His children asked to help with their mother so he could attend services some, but he gratefully explained that it was his duty to take care of her. Leon loved to play his guitar and sing at church, nursing homes and senior centers. One of the first groups of senior citizens with whom he sang and played guitar was The Southern Pioneers. 

Some other ways that he supported the community were serving as a Sr. Grand Deacon for The Grand Lodge AFM of South Carolina, Past Master and Treasurer of Drayton Lodge #360 and presently a lifetime member of Roebuck Lodge #357 and also a member of the Drayton volunteer fire department for 60 years as a volunteer fireman and later, one of the commissioners where he was honored for his hard work and devotion to the community.  

Leon enjoyed working around the house and mowing the lawn in which he took great pride. He worked in textiles at Drayton and Glendale Mills. He was later employed at the Spartanburg Post Office until he became Postmaster at Drayton Post Office where he retired.

Survivors include his children, Larry Leon Tennyson (Joyce) and Shirley Tennyson Nordine (Stanley) of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren Keith Tennyson, JoJo Bradley (Jamie), Jonathan Scruggs (LeAnn), David Lee Scruggs (Ashley), Kevin Nordine (Jenna), and Kerri Clayton (Kraig); 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Sam and Bob Tennyson, and sisters, Joyce Parris and Elizabeth Dover. In addition to his parents and wife, Leon was predeceased by his brothers, Harold, Boyce, Bill and Joe Tennyson, and sisters, Evelyn Taylor and Doris Revels.

The family will receive friends 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307, followed by the funeral at 1:00 pm at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Burial will be in Casey Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 1199 Casey Creek Rd., Chesnee, SC 29323. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Garold Thomas and Rev. Clifford Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center Hospice House, 686 Jeff Davis Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29303 or to Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 800 Archer Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29303.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center Major Care, The Oncology Center, Comfort Care, Sixth Floor Tower Comfort Care, Summit Hills Skilled Nursing Facility, and Hospice House for loving and caring for our precious loved one. Also, thank you to Leon's many friends, Davis Memorial Baptist Church and Gateway Baptist Church for your love, prayers and support.