Chris Leonard

Chris Leonard, age 61, was healed by our Father in heaven on July 27, after a 7-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

To know Chris was to love him. He could light up a room with his smile and brought so much joy everywhere he went. His life, though too short, was very full and impactful.

Chris was born in Frankfurt, Germany, while his parents were working for the CIA. When he was 7, his family relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland. He started his career as an HVAC tech at Gaithersburg Air Conditioning and Heating and later purchased the company. At age 43, he sold the company and moved to Seneca, SC. While he continued to do HVAC work, he was fond of saying he was "fortunate to have retired so young and had a good run."

Throughout his life, Chris made family his top priority. He was very involved in his children's school and activities, checking in with them regularly. He showed his love for family through supporting their hobbies and being there for them whenever needed.

Chris could fix almost anything. And, if you knew him, he probably fixed something for you. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding his tractor. His favorite place to worship was out in nature, and that is where he said he felt closest to God.

Chris will be greatly missed by his wife, Dora; son, Joshua (Lauren); daughter, Madison; mother, Gail Leonard; and siblings, Jimmy Leonard (Lesley), Laurie Leonard, Mark Leonard (Sarah), Kelly Knopf (John), and Kim Knopf (Kenny). He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, James F. Leonard.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Chris by living like he lived: Make someone smile, speak to strangers (even the person in the elevator), help a neighbor, work hard, treat people fairly, give generously of your time and talents, find the shy kid in the room and strike up a conversation. And at the end of the day, as he would always tell the kids, "Have fun and don't do anything stupid."