Leonard Philemon

Leonard Philemon, beloved husband, father, granddaddy, great-granddaddy, uncle, and brother, went home to be

with the Lord on a snowy morning, February 2, 2026. Born in Charlotte on April 1, 1947, he always joked that

"at least he had an excuse" – being an April Fool's baby.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army in Germany, Leonard returned home and soon married his next door

neighbor, Phyllis Troutman, whom he had known since elementary school. Their lifelong friendship blossomed

into a love story blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage – one day short of their anniversary at the time of his

passing.

Following the birth of their two daughters, Leonard enrolled at Belmont Abbey College, graduating cum laude in

three years. He went on to build a successful 37-year career in the computer industry, receiving numerous

awards for excellence.

Leonard's greatest life-changing moment came in October 1973 when, kneeling on a concrete floor, he accepted

Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. An avid softball player, he credited the witness of fellow teammates on his

church team for pointing him toward Christ. From that moment forward, he became a faithful supporter of

church sports and a lifelong ambassador of the Gospel. In 1982, Leonard, Phyllis, and their daughters joined

Calvary Church where he faithfully taught Adult Life Groups and served as an elder for many years.

For the past seven years, dementia gently began to take its toll, and over the last eight months, Leonard received

exceptional, loving care from the Memory Care staff at The Charlotte and VIA Hospice, who supported him with

dignity, tenderness, and respect.

Above all, Leonard's family knew him as the one who would always answer the phone, day or night, no matter

the need. His steady presence, wise counsel, and open-armed love made him the family's anchor. His

grandchildren who lovingly interspersed calling him "Granddaddy" and "Lenny" adored him not only because

he invested in their lives and made each one feel uniquely seen, but also because he was always up for a good

time in the best possible way. He kept them laughing, created joyful memories, and infused family life with

warmth, humor, and adventure. His love for his family ran wide and deep and their love for him was just as

profound.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters Shelley (Mark) Smith of Auburn, AL and Ashley (Alberto)

Mangione of Waxhaw; grandchildren Greyson (Emily Claire) Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Graziana Mangione of

NYC, Alessandra Mangione of Scottsdale, AZ, Katherine (Sam) Smith Perry of Monroe, Luca Mangione of

Scottsdale, AZ, and Landon Smith of Auburn, AL; and great-granddaughter Rylie Perry. He is also survived by

his niece – who was like a third daughter – Kim (Hal) Howard of Waxhaw and their family; his brother Clay

(Teresa) Philemon of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard's service will be held in the chapel of Calvary Church at 12:30pm on Friday, February 6, with visitation

beginning at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Southern Evangelical Seminary, 1965

Cinema Dr., Rock Hill, SC 29730 and Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226.