Leonard Jerome Highsmith

Leonard J Highsmith was born to Bradley and Gladys Highsmith on April 22, 1948, in Jacksonville, FL and passed away on February 7, 2023 in Gainesville, Georgia. Leonard was happily married to Annette Highsmith who passed away 16 years ago, and who he will be laid to rest beside in Tallahassee, FL. Leonard is survived by his daughters, Anne Marie Perine and Angela Roland; sons-in-law Justin, Bryan and Vincent; his grandchildren, Jakob, Nathan, Amelia, Abigail, Eloisa and Mila who lovingly called him "Papa". He is also survived by his siblings, Henon, Carolyn, Molly, Joe, and Margie and preceded in death by his brother Norman. Leonard also is lovingly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews. Leonard worked for and retired from Flowers Industries for nearly thirty years. After moving to the North Georgia mountains with Annette he worked and retired from Rabun County 911 Mapping and Zoning. He came to know every road and found joy moving from the corporate world to the outdoors. At the time of his passing, he owned and operated A & L Shave Ice and Pretzels, which he had created with his wife over twenty years ago, working fairs and festivals and loved by so many there. Leonard loved being with his family and was known for his witty sense of humor. He made the best fires, cheese grits, fresh bread, and shaved ice/pretzels. He loved fishing, hunting, animals, music, especially classic country, working hard, traveling, history, laughing and sharing a good story. His grandkids will miss his smile, his hugs, making marshmallows in his fire, Papa cooking breakfast for them, being out on the water with him on his boat, working festivals by his side and his jokes. He was the happiest being outdoors, living in the mountains, fishing on his boat, woodworking in his shed and sharing the best shaved ice and pretzels with his customers. He was our “Old GOAT” and will be missed by his family and friends.