Larry Leonard of Sun City Hilton Head went to be with the Lord on February 14th after enduring a leg amputation and head injuries. He is survived by his wife Lois Elaine of 69 years, one son, Steven Mark Leonard (Mary Bea) of Raleigh, NC; two daughters, Melissa Longo (Lawrence) of Savannah, GA and Kim Elaine Friend of Celina, Ohio; grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, Alex, Tyler, Kyle, Britney and Joshua; and great grandchildren, Miyla, Everette and Vincent. He was predeceased by two brothers.
Larry was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. Larry and Elaine met at the age of 14 in ballroom dancing class. Little did they know they were dancing with the love of their lives for the next 76 years. Larry and Elaine became husband and wife, in 1951 during Larry's senior year at Rose Hulman Engineering College in Terre Haute. Upon graduation he served 4 years in the U.S. Army and later served in the Army reserves for many years.
After graduating from Rose Hulman in 1952, Larry began a 32-year successful career with Union Carbide. He was first assigned to the corporate headquarters in New York City. Larry then completed his career with Union Carbide as Director of International Distribution in their corporate office in Danbury Connecticut before taking early retirement in 1986. During Larry and Elaine’s 69-year marriage, they enjoyed traveling throughout the world with their lifelong friends Eldridge and Dorothy Fritzsche. Although Larry achieved many successful accomplishments in the business world and experienced many wonders of the world, his most shining moment was in 1973 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. This began an incredible 48-year journey serving in and financially supporting many ministries and churches throughout the world spreading the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ. His greatest passion was in serving as Area Director for Lay Renewal Ministries for over 40 years. Despite suffering a loss of eyesight, Larry continued his faithful service with the Kairos prison ministry where he was graciously received by the prisoners as a loving and caring grandfather figure. Next to serving Christ, Larry had a passion for wood working, reading, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Tragically, Larry suffered a head injury and the loss of his left leg in October 2020. Looking back, his family might see this as God’s desire to spend precious one-on-one time with His faithful servant, Larry during his final days on earth. Larry, who had spent most of his adult life serving others, was now being served and comforted by his wife and dedicated family members who provided in home care until he passed from this life of trouble to the eternal kingdom of His Savior. Larry’s final hour was spent in his home surrounded by his 4 girls who prayed for him, played gospel songs, and held his hand until God's perfect timing took Larry to his new eternal home. Although we lost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, we can rejoice knowing he touched many lives while he was on this earth and now, he resides with his Savior for all eternity free of pain and suffering with renewed sight and a brand-new left leg!
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT. Proverbs 3:5-6
In honor of Larry, his family requests those who attend his memorial please not wear black; but wear colorful clothing in celebration of Larry’s new life!
The memorial will be held on Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 am at:
Red Dam Baptist Church
488 Red Dam Church Road
Hardeeville, SC 29927ocated at on Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 am.
**Church Covid guidelines: 150 people allowed in church; space between seating; per the Leonard family - - mask use is optional at the service
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation ( 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; phone: 718-987-1931) found at tunnel2towers.org
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Larry Frank Leonard, please visit our Tree Store.