Mike Leonard

Michael K. Leonard Sr, “Big Mike” or “My Mike”, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle passed away peacefully at home Dec 31, 2011 surrounded by his loving family and special friends. His long valiant struggle with cancer which began Dec. 27, 1987 finally came to a peaceful end. He was born September 22, 1940 in Swainsboro, GA to P.D. Leonard, Sr. and Elizabeth Tyson Leonard. He was descended from the original settlers of both Emanuel County, GA and Lexington, NC. Growing up on Main St in Swainsboro provided many special memories of small town life in the 1940’s and 1950’s where his father ran the stockyard. Mike graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1958 where he had the distinction of perfect attendance and was a star athlete voted most athletic in his class. Mike then went into the US Army where he was first stationed at Ft Jackson and then Ft. Hood Texas. The stories about how he learned how to drive a tank in the army provided his grandchildren with much amusement! After his brief stint in the army, Mike then attended the Georgia Military College and Troy State University. While trying to figure out what to do with his life he decided to work for the railroad but that lasted only one trip from Macon, GA to Camak, Ga where the conductor told him he didn’t have a career on the railroad!

He then settled back in Swainsboro and married June Lovins, the love of his life. He and his brother Tyson started the Leonard Aluminum Utility Building company in the 1960’s which now operates 51 stores across the southeast. He moved to Charlotte in 1975 as the company was becoming more centralized in North Carolina. Charlotte became his home where he and June raised their family. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Swainsboro Country Club, Carmel Country Club, and Barefoot Country Club. The highlight of his golf career was at Jefferson Landing golf club on July 14, 1998 where he shot a “hole in one” while playing golf with his daughter and son in law! He was a great golfer and an expert card player having spent many hours in the men’s card room at Carmel Country Club! He loved giving all those around him golf lessons whether they wanted them or not.

The absolute highlight of his life was the time he spent with his three beloved grandchildren. He loved taking them to the family beach house “The Breathe Easy” at Cherry Grove, SC. He last played golf with all his family in February of 2011 in Myrtle Beach. His other favorite beach activity was eating out at Hoskins Restaurant where he had been dining since he was 10 years old. He loved boiled peanuts and Lexington style BBQ!

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dick, Jim, and Frosty Leonard. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years June Lovins Leonard, son Dr. Michael Leonard and wife Dr. Anitha Leonard, daughter April Leonard Tegeler and husband Sgt. John Tegeler, all of Charlotte. He also is survived by his three wonderful grandchildren that he adored: Jacob Tyson Leonard, Elizabeth Hall Tegeler and Leela Madhure Leonard. He is also survived by brother Tyson and wife Sandy Leonard of Galax, VA, brother P.D. “Pete” and wife Helen Leonard of Mt. Airy, NC, and sister Diana and husband Thomas Ramsey of Bradenton, FL, brother-in-law Dexter and wife Julianne Lovins of Dearing, GA and sister-in-law Mavis and husband Jack Flanders of Statesboro, GA and Jeddah, Saudia Arabia. He also has a special nephew that was like a brother to him, J.P. Leonard, of Pinckard, AL. He is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. We would like to also thank dad’s special friend and neighbor Jack Langley who has been a constant source of support and friendship.

We owe a special thank you to Dr. Dan Howard and his nurses Tammy and Mary. Mike was also cared for by Drs. Peter Justis, Gary Frenette, Bill Bobo, Ben Hippen and we thank all of them. We are grateful to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, especially Harold Hudson, Martha Gilbert and LaWanda Franklin for providing comfort to both Big Mike and his family. The Lung Transplant Team at Emory Hospital is very special to us as they gave Big Mike the gift of a new life with his lung transplant. He attended Calvary Church and we would like to thank Dr. Ross Rhoads for his ministry, especially in these last months.

A memorial service, officiated by Dr. John Munro and Rev. Harold Hudson will be held at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte on Wednesday Jan. 4, 2012 at 2 pm. The family will receive visitors at McEwen Pineville Chapel on Tuesday Jan 3, 2012 from 6-7pm. There will be a graveside service at the Swainsboro City Cemetery in Swainsboro, GA on Saturday Jan. 7, 2012 at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the Swainsboro Country Club. Pallbearers will be nephews Darren Lovins and Trey Leonard and special lifelong friends, Don Flanders, Billy Holder, Bob Youmans and Mike Youmans.

Memorials may be made to the McKelvey Lung Transplant Center at Emory University, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 or to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th St, Charlotte NC 28204.

Online condolences may be left at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.