Son of Spencer Leak Jr., late vice president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, speaks about his legacy

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In his first one-on-one interview, the son of Spencer Leak Jr. is opening up about his father's life and legacy.

Leak Jr. passed away suddenly last week. He was the vice president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes.

Leak Jr. recently led and planned the funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Jesse Jackson Jr. called Leak Jr.'s impact immeasurable. He said Leak Jr. brought a unique compassion to his work, regardless of where you came from or what you could afford.

ABC7 Chicago sat down with Spencer Leak III, who is determined to build upon his father's legacy.

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"My dad was my super hero. I grew up looking up to my dad," Leak III said. "I watched him go to work everyday and deal with people in their worst times and come back home the same man that he left. There's so much going through my head right now. The shoes that i have to fill. I'm ready for it but at the same time, I need my dad."

Trying to make sense of the sudden loss of his father, 22-year-old Spencer Leak III is remaining strong for his mom, sister and entire family.

Leak III says his dad didn't have any known health issues. He was taken to urgent care after becoming ill and came home the next day. But on Sunday, May 31, he passed away at 56 years old.

"It just feels like we're in a nightmare and I'm waiting to wake up, and then i realize that it is real," Leak III said. "It's just, I'm trying to get used to the new normal."

Leak III had just graduated from college last month. His father was beyond proud of his son's accomplishments.

A week before his father's passing, Leak III joined the family business full time. His dad recorded a video of his first day on the job.

"I thank God for you Tre. You're going to be an excellent, excellent employee," Leak Jr. said in the video.

"Can't even look at that video. It's extremely hard," Leak III said. "In that video, I am proud to be Spencer Leak III. I am proud to carry the same name as my dad."

He says his dad was a devoted husband and father. They loved about cars and watching the NBA Finals together.

"He loved each and every person that step foot in either one of our funeral homes," Leak III said. "My dad looked at you as a part of his family."

Leak III is now carrying his father's legacy with pride and strength.

"You prepared me to step into your shoes and to lead this family, and I'm ready for it dad," Leak III said. "I miss you dad. I love you so much, and I look forward to the next day I see you."

Spencer Leak Jr.'s cause of death has not yet been determined.

His son says his dad was full of life and loved being around a lot of people. He wants the upcoming services to be less of a funeral and more of a celebration of his life.

A public visitation for Leak Jr. is being held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the family's Leak and Sons Funeral Home at 78th and South Cottage Grove in Chicago.

A funeral service will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th, and it will be livestreamed by ABC7 Chicago. The wake begins at 10 a.m. that morning.