Leonard is survived by his wife, Patricia Sue Darden of Wetumpka, Al; his daughter, Lynn Arrington (Darryl) of Prattville, Al; his daughter, Michele Darden of Prattville, Al; his daughter, Tracy Green (Henry) of Land O’ Lakes, FL; his daughter, Paulette Pray of Rochester, NY; his daughter, Gloria Hoope of Riverhead, NY; his son, Donald Ray Suggs of Philadelphia, PA; his brother, Willie Jasper Darden of Bryan’s Road, MD; his sister, Mildred Hall of Goldsboro, NC; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Leonard is preceded in death by his son, Leonard Darden Jr (twin to Lynn); his mother, Estelle Suggs; his father, Alonzo Darden; his sister Margaret Washington; his sister, Fannie Lee Darden; his brother, Alonzo Darden Jr.
Leonard was born on July 7, 1940 in Snowhill, NC to Alonzo Darden and Estelle Suggs. He did not graduate from high school. In fact, he had to leave school in the 7th grade to help take care of his family like many others who were still plagued by the economic hardships caused by the Great Depression that ended in 1939. At a very young age Leonard had a gift of arithmetic that later proved to be very instrumental in developing his talents as a landscape architect and carpenter. These gifts provided him with many opportunities which included designing and overseeing landscape and building projects for more than 20 years on Long Island, NY.
Leonard was a great family man, friend and a loving father. He married Patricia Sue Myree on July 9, 1970 in Riverhead, NY and the couple had 4 children together, including Leonard Darden Jr., who died at birth.
Leonard, before he became ill was a very social and active man who loved farming, tending to his garden and fishing. His family and friends will always remember the funny stories, jokes and crazy talk he loved to engage in.
A funeral is scheduled for Leonard Gray Darden on June 13, 2020 at 3:30 pm with a reception to follow at Blount and Curry Funeral Home in Tampa, FL. Chaplain Ken Additon will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Leonard’s life. The family would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences, text messages, sympathy cards and phone calls.
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