Maurice "Mike" Leonard

Maurice “Mike” Mitchell Leonard, 94, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully on Friday September 17, 2021. Mike was straightforward and he would speak his mind. He was a Baptist Christian and a member of Hills Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Mike went on many mission trips building church in other countries. He traveled to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Puerto Rico and other locations to serve others. Mike was part of America’s greatest generation serving in the United States Army Airborne as a paratrooper in WWII. Professionally, Mike was a metal technician and welder. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and bowling when he was younger and he was always an avid angler. He once caught a champion carp winning $485 for catching a record-breaking 63-pound carp. He had a secret recipe for his bait and he made all his own bait. Mike was good at everything he did. He touched many lives and all that knew and love him will dearly miss him.

His parents, Carrie (Facto) Leonard and William Leonard, precede Mike in death. His wife of 36 years, Nina (Thornburg) Leonard, also precedes him in death. Mike was one of 13 brothers and sisters.

Mike leaves behind his two children, Molly and Mike, as well as two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family plans a private memorial service at a later date.

Fond memories of Mike and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersstanley.com.

The family suggests that donations be made in Mike’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western North Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 or www.alz.org.

Carothers Funeral Home in Stanley is honored to serve the Leonard family.