Leonard Ernest Whitehead

Leonard Whitehead, beloved husband of Audrey; admired and adored father of Connie Whitehead and Victoria Knight; and doting grandfather of Colin Knight, passed away on January 10, 2022, at the age of 95 years. Leonard was born in Hopson, Tennessee, on December 10, 1926, to Jennie and Oscar Whitehead. The youngest of five children, Leonard graduated from Cloudland High in 1945 and 6 days later was inducted into the U.S. Army. With WWII ending shortly after he completed basic training, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone until he was honorably discharged in November 1946. Following his military service, he returned to Tennessee and attended East Tennessee State College. It was also during this time that he began to court Audrey, a relationship that continued long distance when Leonard moved to Detroit, Michigan, to work in the automobile industry. Leonard and Audrey were wed October 14, 1950, in Bowling Green, Ohio, honeymooned in Canada, and were together for more than 60 years until Audrey’s death in 2014. In December 1951, they welcomed Connie and Victoria in November 1958.

In 1952, they moved to Pensacola where Leonard worked for Gulf Power. In 1953, he accepted a position with the federal government, a job that turned into a career that spanned the next three decades. During his tenure with the Department of the Navy, he worked at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) as an aerospace engineering technician. During that time, he assisted in drawing plans for the floatation collar for NASA’s Gemini spacecraft and the accelerometer mounting employed on NASA’s sled ride. In 1986, Leonard retired from his position as Supervisory Aerospace Engineering Technician of NARF’s Drafting and Design Branch.

Leonard was a lifelong and faithful Christian. As a member of the Disciples of Christ denomination, he was an active member of Westwood Christian Church, where―during a more than 50-year membership―he served as a deacon, an elder, chair of various committees, and chairman of the administrative board.

Leonard also was involved in a broad spectrum of Masonic organizations in the Blue Lodge and York Rite bodies over the course of more than 50 years. He served as Past Master of East Hill Masonic Lodge #310 F&AM; Past High Priest of Mount Horeb Chapter No. 6 Royal Arch Masons; District Deputy Grand High Priest for the State of Florida, 1977, 1989; Past Illustrious Master of Union Council No. 7; Past Eminent Commander of Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 1; Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida, 1992; Past Governor of Joseph P. LeSuer York Rite College #80; Past Puissant Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine; and Past Eminent Prior of the Knight York Cross of Honour, Panama City, Prior #72. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland; Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Tabernacle #71; Knight Crusaders of the Cross; Space Coast Council, Knight Masons #32; Zelica Grotto, Pensacola, Florida; Florida College Masonic Societas Rosicruciania in Civitatibus Foederatis; and Allied Masonic Degrees.

Among the Masonic honors he received were the Order of the Purple Cross, 1992; Knight York Grand Cross of Honour, 1994; and Knight Commander of the Temple Award, 1998, from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.

Despite all of these worthy endeavors, undoubtedly the highlight of his long and distinguished life was becoming a grandfather. In 1993, Colin James Knight was born and quickly became the center of Leonard’s world. Along with Audrey, he provided care and a nurturing environment. Leonard viewed Colin not just as the “apple of his eye”, but as the whole orchard! And it was a love that was returned in equal measure by his adored grandson. Grandfather and grandson were faithful companions and best buddies until Leonard’s passing.

Leonard was admired and loved dearly, and will be missed by those who were privileged to have known him. He is survived by his daughter Connie Whitehead of Kennesaw, Georgia; his daughter Victoria Knight and grandson Colin Knight of Pensacola; and his cherished poodle, Chestnut. Leonard also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who remember him with respect and fondness. We all feel his loss tremendously and know how fortunate we were to have had him in our lives.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 17, 2022, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel (3351 Scenic Hwy). Viewing will be from 1-2 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m.

The Bridge Builders

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,

“You are wasting your time with building here.

You never again will pass this way

Your journey will end with the closing day.

You have crossed the chasm deep and wide:

Why build you this bridge at eventide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head,

“Good friend, in the way that I’ve come,” he said

“There followeth after me today,

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This stream that has been as naught to me

To the fair-haired youth might a pitfall be,

He too must cross in the twilight dim:

Good friend, I’m building the bridge for him.”

W.A. Dromgoole