Jerry Leon Leonard
Jerry Leon Leonard, a family man who always put his family first, died on Monday, December 23, 2024. Jerry, 84, of Charlotte, was born on September 12, 1940, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the son of Herbert and Rheta (Frazier) Leonard. He was one of eight children. His childhood days were spent between Lansing and Pocahantas, because his father worked at Fisher Body in the winter and was a cotton farmer back home in Arkansas. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1959. He was very proud of this accomplishment because he was the first person from his family to graduate high school. Following graduation Jerry enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in active duty and later the reserves. On August 20, 1960, Jerry married Catherine Oakley and together they spent the next 56 years creating many lasting memories.
Jerry was known as a hardworking man that could do anything. His working career began selling newspapers for the Lansing State Journal. Later, bagging groceries at Wrigley Supermarket. In 1960, he began working at Oldsmobile, where he worked as a Machine Repairman until his retirement in 1990. While working for Oldsmobile, Jerry also ran his own ceramic tile business. Jerry was always working on something and after retirement he enjoyed woodworking in his shop. In his younger years Jerry enjoyed playing and managing softball teams, playing on bowling leagues, and was a part-owner of an open wheeled modified race car. For a short time, he enjoyed hunting, but decided to give it up because his family did not enjoy venison. Jerry enjoyed his annual fishing trip up north with the guys, where they would catch a lot of fish and enjoy their time away. He was a car enthusiast and over the years he had an impressive collection of cars. Jerry and Cathy enjoyed traveling the USA and their camping adventures. They were both avid NASCAR fans as well. Above all the biggest enjoyment in life for Jerry came from his family. He was always cheering from the stands at sporting events and never missed a game.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kellie (Kevin) Ellis; daughter-in-law, Debbie Leonard; grandchildren, Courtney (Chris) Munson, Michele (Charles) McMillan, Mason (Brandon) Leonard, and Erin Ellis (Justin Black); great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Skylar, and Colton; siblings, Kenneth, Connie, Donnie, and Dale Leonard. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cathy; son, Michael; siblings, Lonnie, Ron, and Doyle Leonard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held Spring of 2025. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.