Leon was born on October 14, 1950 to Mariah and R.C. Kelly in Tyler, Alabama. He was raised
in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and attended Taconic High School. Leon was a talented and skilled
basketball player in high school and received numerous college scholarships. He attended North Adams State College where he began a lifetime romance with his sweetheart Anita Johnson whom he affectionately called “BAE BAE”.
After college, Leon joined the United States Air Force and married Anita in 1973. Again, his outstanding athletic ability earned him a spot on the Air Force national basketball team. He toured the United States and abroad competing in Armed Forces and National championship tournaments as Anita cheered him to victory. After his tour, he returned to his military duty as a Computer Analyst Specialist. While serving in the military, Leon earned an Associate degree in Electronics from the Community College of the Air Force; an Associate degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from Park University. During his many years of military service, Leon was assigned both stateside and abroad to include tours in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Leon received numerous Awards and Medals. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and multiple Good Conduct Medals.
After 24 years of honorable service, Leon retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant and began a new chapter in civilian life as a Computer Engineer for multiple Austin-based fortune five hundred companies as well as the State of Texas.
Leon was a member of East 19th Street Missionary Baptist Church. He was an avid bowler, loved to sing and was a member of the Randolph Air Force Base Bingo Squad. He played in the over 50 basketball leagues and never gave up his dream of becoming a member of his beloved Los Angeles Lakers.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Mariah and R.C. Kelly, his brothers Robert and Richard, and sister Hester Kelly.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Anita Kelly of Austin TX, son Ricky (Ivory) Dozier of Austin TX, grandson, Marcelle King of Pittsfield Massachusetts; granddaughter Ti’Yanna (Ahmad Muhammad) Dozier; grandson Rashaad Dozier; and great-grandson Jalil Thomas; all of Austin TX; 2 brothers, Lee (Kim) Kelly of Houston TX and Henry Kelly and sister, Eula (Jim) Moorer both from Pittsfield Massachusetts; Uncle Kit (Louisa) Kelly and Cousin Ruthie (Eric) Hinkle from Birmingham Alabama; his loving nieces, Julia, Mariah, Cassandra, Anna and DeAnna; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A Homegoing Celebration will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 14, 2018 at East 19th Street Missionary Baptist Church, 3401 Rogge Lane.
Graveside Services will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
