William Clifton Leonard

Cliff was born in Franklinton, NC to Josephine Dement Leonard and Hermus Gilbert Leonard on January 15, 1935. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1957. In the mid 1960’s he moved to Atlanta and worked in the photographic business. In 1967, he married Martha Winn Leonard, the love of his life, and they made their home in Brookhaven, GA where they have lived for the past 56 years.

In subsequent years, he worked in insurance sales and was a faithful member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He enjoyed using his God-given talents and lifelong love of music by singing in the Chancel Choir and, later with the “Pops” senior choir. In his later years, he and some friends created a quartet called the Master’s Men who performed around the Atlanta area.

During his retirement, he drove a school bus for the Dekalb County School System for 10 years.

He was known and loved by many for his quick wit, sense of humor and devotion to his family.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents Josephine Dement Leonard and Hermus Gilbert Leonard. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha Leonard, and his two children Marla Stracner (Doug) of Suwanee, GA and Jennifer Baxter (Bryan) of Grayson, GA. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, and Rebecca McReynolds and three step-grandchildren Jack, Katherine, and Benjamin Stracner. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Betty Leonard.

A memorial service will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta) on Sunday November 19, 2023, at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Hospitality Suite.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude for the care provided by the late Marlene Walters, Andrea Freeman, Bridgett Carrington, Marlyn Walters, and Jackie Wheeler as well as Melissa Adamson, Deb Finch and Amanda Robinson of Weinstein Hospice over the past several years.