Homer Lee Leonard Jr.

Homer Lee Leonard Jr. BRISTOL Homer Lee Leonard Jr., 61, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 26. Born Nov. 19, 1948, in Bristol Virginia, he was the son of the late Homer Lee Leonard Sr. and Herma Irene (Deel) Leonard. He was a graduate of Holston Valley High School. He was a member of the Christian faith and considered the Reverend Gary Montgomery of Parkway Baptist Church to be his pastor. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Duffy Leonard; and a nephew, Steven Scott Sneed. He is survived by his mother, Herma Irene Leonard; his former wife of 23 years, Diana Leonard; daughters, Denise Poole and her husband Greg, Rachel Leonard, Rebecca Johnston and her husband Jody; sons, Daniel Leonard, David Leonard, Aaron Michael Leonard and his mother, Teri Johnson; granddaughter, Kailey Grace Leonard; and good friend, Eric Hainsel. He is also survived by brothers, Gary Leonard, Dennis Leonard, Joseph Leonard and his wife Beth; sisters, Carolyn Malone, Donna Sneed and her husband David, Darlene Messenger, Karen Kurtz and her husband Loren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mr. Leonard was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably from 1973 to 1977. He lived much of his adult life in Egegik, Alaska, where he was the owner and general manager of Egegik Light & Power Company, along with other enterprises. He was a self-taught electrical engineer, power lineman, and diesel mechanic. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and private pilot during his time in Alaska. Mr. Leonard loved his family and sacrificed many years of his life by continuing to live and work alone in the harsh Alaskan wilderness to provide for his family. He was very proud of his part in making it possible for his wife and children to obtain college and post-graduate degrees. He was a very generous and loving father, son and brother. Mr. Leonard loved to share his faith in God with others. During his lifetime, he led many souls to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and witnessed to many others. A funeral service will be held 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Gary Montgomery officiating.The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 6 to 7:45 p.m. The burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in Sunrise Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be James "Jimmy" Nunn, Mike Deel, Jody Johnston, Apurv Jain, Bobby David, Shamel Lee, Loren Kurtz and Christopher Zblewski. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkway Baptist Worship Center, 1253 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home.