Billy Jack Leonard

Graveside services for Billy Jack Leonard, 88, of Joshua will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in Rosehill Cemetery. The Rev. Charles E. Payne, the Rev. Dan Burt and Pastor Johnny Love will officiate. Visitations will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday and from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Kyle Nabors, Keith Nabors, Jeff Nabors, John Gray, Jeremy Gray, Matt Gilbert, Shaun Gray and Chase Gray. Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Williams, Hunter Nabors, Kyler Gilbert, Hunter Gray, Stephen Hoodie Jr., Cody Faught, Devon Williams and Jordan Williams.Billy Jack Leonard passed away Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Cleburne. He was born May 11, 1920, in Bosque County, the eldest son of Walter and Ruth Gilbreath Leonard.

Mr. Leonard owned Leonard's Flowers since 1952. He was an Army veteran of World War II in the South Pacific, receiving the Purple Heart. He served the City of Cleburne as a city council member in the 1950's and also served on the Civil Service Board for the city. He served as a member of the Military Selective Service Board.

In 2002, he received his 50 year pin from the Cleburne Masonic Lodge No. 315. He also was a member of the Dallas and the Fort Worth Scottish Rite, the Moslah Shrine Temple, the Cleburne Elks Lodge and First Baptist Church.

On Dec. 3, 1938, he married Willie Cowan, who preceded him in death on Feb. 15, 1969. On Feb. 11, 1972, he married Gladys Gray, who survives him.

Mr. Leonard started his florist career with Mr. and Mrs. John Joiner and in 1952 purchased the Blossom Shop from Stella Mae Barr. In 1968, he and his wife, Willie, moved their flower shop to the current location and changed the name to Leonard's Flowers.

Bill was a very humble person and a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.

He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, crossword puzzles, reading and watching any type of sports, especially football, and was an avid University of Texas fan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgeview Rehabilitation, Alpha Omega Hospice and special family friend Rick Wright for the love and care given to Bill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie; his parents; two sisters, Pauline Webb and Alene Burns; and one brother, Cliff Leonard.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys of Joshua; daughter, Rosanne and husband, J.B. Nabors, of Cleburne; daughter, Cindy and husband, Cary Ernest, of Granbury; sons, Dennis Gray of Austin and Philip Gray of Joshua; brothers, Joe and wife, Jeanne Leonard, of Liberty and Claude and wife, Billie Leonard, of Arlington; grandsons, Kyle Nabors, Keith Nabors, Jeff Nabors, John Gray, Jeremy Gray, Matt Gilbert, Shaun Gray and Chase Gray; granddaughters, Blake Gray and Sherri Williams; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; and nieces and nephews.

You may sign guest book, view photo and obituary at www.cpcleburne.com.

Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home
512 N. Ridgeway Drive
Cleburne, TX 76033
817-648-0522