Leonard was born on August 17,1936 to Leonard D Watson and Jessie Watson in Macon, GA where he was the only child. Leonard later moved to Kansas City, MO where he grew up. Leonard enjoyed being a daredevil riding down the huge hills in Kansas City on his sled in the wintertime as well as playing basketball in school.
When Leonard was 18 he married his former wife Effie Davis (deceased) and they had 3 beautiful daughters.
After High school Leonard joined the United States Air Force. He had wonderful travels all around the world. He also served in the Vietnam War where he had lots of tales to tell. In 1966 Leonard married the love of his life Edna Watson in Los Angeles, CA and they moved to Sacramento and started a life there together. Leonard later retired from the Air Force in 1974 and went on to be a manager of the Sky Caps in Sacramento, CA where he retired again in 2000.
Leonard was friendly and could make friends easily. Many times, just wearing his Vietnam cap attracted a lot of attention and friendly conversation with strangers. Leonard lived by “it’s so nice to be nice”. Leonard helped many young men who were recently out of the military or who were struggling to find their footing.
Leonard enjoyed all types of activities. He was on a Bowling team, he loved to fish, roller skate and dance. Once he retired, he was very active in a golf club where they traveled in and out of state to golf.
Leonard was an active member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church and was on the Usher board, a Trustee and would sell dinners to everyone he knew or didn’t know. He helped the Southern Baptist build the sanctuary as well.
In 2005, Leonard and Edna moved to Alpharetta, GA and started a new life there. Leonard joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church once they were settled in and was a faithful member and enjoyed Bible Study as long as he was able to drive.
He is survived by his wife Edna Watson; Children Rev. Linda Stancil Dowden (Darrell), Lovie J Watson, Pamela Whiting, Terri Pringle (Norman), son in law Robert Gilbert; grandchildren, Erica Buie, Myra Wells, Marcus Thomas (Isabel), Dase Davis (Torese), Damon Stancil (Kate), Marvin Stancil II, Micah Stancil (Lindsey), Melissa Gilbert, Daniel Gilbert and David Gilbert, Sydney Williams, Kayla Johnson and 15 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents Leonard D Watson and Jessie Webster; his sons Charles Wells, Rickie Johnson and daughter Mary L Gilbert, grandson Matthew Stancil.
A viewing and visitation for Leonard will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 888 Zion Circle, Roswell, GA 30075, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Leonard will be laid to rest in Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114.
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